Uncool Dad’s Round 6 Preview

I’m not as big an admirer of chocolate as some but I’m a massive fan of Easter. The reason being we have holidays and footy from Thursday to Monday! Rest assured any chocolate eggs I do buy for my family will of course be Darrell Lea – famed sponsor of Bunnies TV and the mighty Rabbitohs! Let’s get into Uncool Dad’s Round 6 Preview.

We have some great contests on the cards this week as well as the traditional clashes of Bulldogs v Souths on Good Friday and Wests v Parra on Easter Monday. Two fantastic day time games that always bring a massive crowd. I’ll be there over in the cheap seats cheering my Bunnies on, hopeful of nailing win number 3 for the year.

It’s never a great week when Souths lose and it certainly didn’t help my tipping score for the round. I managed 4 from 8 last week, you could say it’s 4 and half though with the surprise draw. The bets fared a little better with 7 of my 12 recommended bets saluting which should have seen you make a small profit if you backed them all. Let’s see what we can land in Round 6…

The Games

Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tariq Sims 18. Jordan Grant 19. Grant Anderson 20. Tyran Wishart 21. Jack Howarth 22. Jonah Pezet

Roosters team: 1. Joseph Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Drew Hutchison 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Jake Turpin 15. Terrell May 16. Corey Allan 17. Fletcher Baker 18. Naufahu Whyte 19. Paul Momirovski 20. Sandon Smith 21. Siua Wong 22. Ben Thomas

Storm -1.5, Roosters +1.5

The Match

After the Storm’s tough win against Souths last week, this game has risen a bit in expectations. As much as I hate to say it, Melbourne were pretty brave against a flat Rabbitohs side and defended well all match. The Roosters also had a good win, beating Parramatta at Allianz. The Eels seemed a bit off but winning the game fairly easily without Tedesco was a solid result.

In team news, Melbourne are strengthened with the return of international half Jahrome Hughes. The Roosters look unchanged from last week apart from Manu coming in to replace Tedesco who has been stood down because of a head knock. The Roosters won’t lose too much here with Manu being probably a better fullback than he is a centre.

The Tip

This is a hard one to tip but I’m going to go with The Storm. Any team with Munster in it is always a chance. It’s amazing how one player can make such a difference to a team, you can add the bonus of Hughes too. The Roosters look strong too and could easily win but I like The Storm to grind out a win.

The Bet

I’m not keen enough on Melbourne to back them straight out but either side 1-12 looks a strong play. It should be a hard fought and close contest. The under 39.5 looks a decent bet too.

Bulldogs team: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Corey Waddell 12. Jacob Preston 13. Harrison Edwards 14. Josh Reynolds 15. Kurtis Morrin 16. Jayden Tanner 17. Jackson Topine 19. Karl Oloapu 20. Braidon Burns 21. Samuel Hughes 22. Reece Hoffman 23. Andrew Davey

Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Taane Milne 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jed Cartwright 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 16. Davvy Moale 17. Hame Sele 18. Michael Chee Kam 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Ben Lovett 21. Josiah Karapani 22. Dean Hawkins

Bulldogs +9.5, Rabbitohs -9.5

The Match

The Rabbitohs were disappointing last week and looked as if the hard draw and injuries had caught up with them. It was difficult to watch in the stands with the attack looking clunky and the Storm repelling the plays that did actually stick. They will be very keen to make amends here, a 2-4 win/loss ratio would not really be acceptable after 6 rounds. 

On the other hand, the Dogs were brave against the Cowboys. They suffered countless setbacks but still managed to grab a golden point win against last year’s semi-finalists. Burton, Ado-Carr and Mahoney really led the way. The forwards that were able to remain on the park were very impressive too for Canterbury.

In team news, Souths have a massive in with Junior Tatola returning from injury. This was a welcome surprise and will add a great deal. Hame Sele will also be better for the run after a strong first-up effort last week. The Bulldogs side, however, has been decimated by injury. Their backs look intact but their forward pack looks seriously damaged by injury.

The Tip

I always tip Souths but am hopeful of a decent win here. I’ve seen plenty of Good Friday clashes over the years though and they’re almost always close contests. The Dogs are weakened by injury but would be gaining in confidence from their consistent efforts in 2023.

The Bet

No bet.

Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Brendan Elliot 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Mitchell Dunn 9. Reece Robson 10. Reuben Cotter 11. Coen Hess 12. Griffin Neame 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Tomas Chester 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Riley Price 18. Ben Hampton 19. Jack Gosiewski 20. Taniela Sadrugu 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 22. Jake Bourke

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Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Euan Aitken 4. Brenko Lee 5. Edrick Lee 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Herman Ese’ese 11. Kenny Bromwich 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Poasa Faamausili 19. Mason Teague 20. JJ Collins 21. Jack Bostock 22. Robert Jennings

Cowboys -10.5, Dolphins +10.5

The Match

We have two last start losers here facing up for the Good Friday night game. The Cowboys, who were missing plenty of stars, went down in golden point to Canterbury. The Dolphins suffered a big loss to The Dragons in Wollongong and it looks like injuries are starting to catch up with them.

North Queensland benefit from two massive inclusions here. Two of their real superstars return in Drinkwater and Cotter. Both should make a big difference to their fortunes. The Dolphins, however, are starting to struggle a bit for troops. It still looks an ok side but probably far from their best 17. They’ve had a lot of upheaval in the halves especially with Katoa and Nikorima the pairing this week.

The Tip

I think you have to go with the Cowboys here. They’re starting to get a little desperate at 2-3 and will be keen to make it 3-3. Having Drinkwater and Cotter back as well as being back at home really enhances their prospects. I don’t expect the Dolphins to lie down here but a win for them would surprise me.

The Bet

I think the Cowboys get it done but not worth betting at $1.39. The line is set at 10.5 and I can’t be confident of a big NQ win or a big Dolphins effort so no bet for me.

Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Matt Eisenhuth 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Tyrone Peachey 19. Jack Cogger 20. Eddie Blacker 21. Kurt Falls 22. Thomas Jenkins

Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Jake Trbojevic 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Kaeo Weekes 15. Karl Lawton 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Sean Keppie 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Cooper Johns 20. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 21. Samuela Fainu 22. Aaron Woods

Panthers -9.5, Sea-Eagles +9.5

The Match

The Panthers really found their form last week and obliterated the hapless Raiders. It was an ominous sign for the rest of the comp to see Penrith rack up 50 points. Manly were probably a little disappointing even though they still got away with a draw against Newcastle. This was their second golden point game in a row and it must be taking its toll.

Liam Martin is still missing from the premiers but they are intact otherwise and look very strong. Two good inclusions for Manly with Saab playing his first game of the year and Schuster returning in the halves to partner DCE.

The Tip

Penrith look the winner here. Manly haven’t played badly yet this year but are coming off two super tough games in a row and face Penrith at home. I think they’ll put up more resistance than Canberra but I can’t see them winning.

The Bet

I may consider Penrith -9.5 but I’m not too confident so no bet for me.

Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Corey Jensen 17. Martin Taupau 18. Jordan Pereira 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Kobe Hetherington 21. Jock Madden 22. Xavier Willison

Raiders team: 1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Corey Harawira-Naera 18. James Schiller 19. Trey Mooney 20. Peter Hola 21. Harley Smith-Shields 22. Clay Webb

Broncos -14.5, Raiders +14.5

The Match

Brisbane went from strength to strength last week putting on a huge score on the woeful Tigers. They won by plenty but really it could have been much more. They are injury free and playing with stacks of confidence even if they can be guilty of overplaying their hand at times. Canberra suffered an embarrassing loss at home which would have been a shocking watch for their fans. Ricky Stuart would have been at them all week after that performance so we should expect improvement.

In team news, Brisbane look unchanged and will be big favourites to continue their awesome run of form. Raiders veteran Jarrod Croker returns to 1st grade for the Raiders and Schneider replaces the injured Frawley in the halves. Still one week away for Jack Wighton’s return from suspension and without him they don’t look anywhere near as scary. Like Munster for Melbourne, one player missing or being there makes a huge difference.

The Tip

Canberra will be a much better opposition for Brisbane than Wests were last week but the Broncos should still be too good at home. I’m looking for a big improvement from Canberra here but can’t see them winning without Wighton.

The Bet

Once again, I’m not feeling too much betting-wise about this game. The 14.5 start for Canberra doesn’t look too bad and I may take this if it blows out further by kick off.

Titans team: 1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Toby Sexton 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Erin Clark 15. Jo Vuna 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Klese Haas 18. Sam McIntyre 19. Kruise Leeming 20. Jojo Fifita 21. Keano Kini 22. Treymain Spry

Dragons team:1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Bird 14. Moses Mbye 15. Jack de Belin 16. Toby Couchman 17. Josh Kerr 18. Michael Molo 19. Tautau Moga 20. Zane Musgrove 21. Jayden Sullivan 22. Jaiyden Hunt

Titans -2.5, Dragons +2.5

The Match

In Round 5, the Titans got to rest with their first bye. The Dragons came out firing against the Dolphins and scored an impressive 38-12 win. The Dolphins were running on fumes but St George-Illawarra looked at their attacking best and scored some nice four pointers.

Despite having a bye last round, Foran and Brimson are still missing from the Gold Coast team. These two are possibly the most influential players at the Titans and will be missed. They are replaced by Campbell and Sexton which isn’t the worst swap but I’m sure they’d rather have the experience of the other two. The rest of the line-up is intact and is a good mix of exciting players but it’s hard to know what they’ll produce on the day.

The Dragons remain unchanged with Amone and de Belin making their 2nd appearances of the year. Both should be better for the run. 

The Tip

Gold Coast will be keen to avenge their Round 2 loss to the Dragons but I’m going to stick with the away team. If Brimson and Foran were there I might go the other way but I liked the look of St George-Illawarra in this game.

The Bet

I think Dragons straight out is a decent bet at the outsider’s odds of $2.06. No surprise if this price shortens by kick off if it hasn’t already. I expect plenty of points here so the over 46.5 is also a bet.

Knights team: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Phoenix Crossland 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Jack Johns 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Mathew Croker 17. Brodie Jones 18. Enari Tuala 19. Dylan Lucas 20. Thomas Cant 21. Hymel Hunt 22. Ryan Rivett

Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Viliami Vailea 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Jackson Ford 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Curran 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Tom Ale 18. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Freddy Lussick 22. Ronald Volkman 23. Demitric Sifakula

Knights +0.5, Warriors -0.5

The Match

I think this will be a great game to watch on Easter Sunday night. Probably the two most improved teams square up at Newcastle and it will be interesting to see what will happen. The Warriors had a famous come from behind win against Cronulla last week, being down 20-0 at one stage and eventually winning 32-30. Their form and resilience is irresistible and I’ve enjoyed watching them this year. The Knights had a 32 all draw against Manly but were probably unlucky not to get the win over Manly. I’ve been a harsh critic of coach O’Brien over the years but he really looks to have got his team going well this season. It’s great for the game to have these two loyal fan bases finally having something to cheer about.

In team news for NZ, Martin comes back into the team to partner the in form Johnson in the halves. For Newcastle, Gamble is missing due to a concussion and is replaced by Crossland. The solid Kurt Mann returns on the bench

The Tip

I think both sides have been great this year but I think the Warriors have been slightly better so I’m going to tip them. The Warriors keep finding a way so I’ll stick with them. There should be a massive crowd on hand and no doubt Newcastle will be keen to send their fans home smiling. They’re certainly capable and a win would not be a shock at all.

The Bet

Warriors straight out looks a bet to me at $1.88. I can’t see it being anything but close so either side 1-12 is also a good option to bring in the Knights. Over 42.5 also looks good as I can see a few points being put on.

Tigers team: 1. Charlie Staines 2. Asu Kepaoa 3. Brent Naden 4. Starford To’a 5. Junior Tupou 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Shawn Blore 18. Justin Matamua 19. Alex Seyfarth 20. Brandon Wakeham 21. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 22. Daine Laurie

Eels team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Haze Dunster 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson 14. J’maine Hopgood 15. Brendan Hands 16. Jack Murchie 17. Makahesi Makatoa 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Matt Doorey 20. Ofahiki Ogden 21. Ky Rodwell 22. Waqa Blake

Tigers +12.5, Eels -12.5

The Match

Another fantastic Easter clash for two of Sydney’s most popular sides. There should be a bumper crowd at Accor with both sets of fans desperate for the two points. 

The fullback and halves merry-go-round continues at Wests with Doueihi shifting back to five-eighth and Staines being the new option at fullback. Naden and Ofahengaue are also inclusions. The Eels are still missing star prop Paulo but have a massive bonus in the return of Shaun Lane. I think there’s also been a bit of a re-shuffle in the backs with Russel and Dunster being named.

The Tip

Wests will eventually improve you’d think but I can see anything but an Eels win here. Even though they only have one win (against Penrith!) to show for it, Parra have been quite good this year. Certainly much better than Wests. I have no faith in the halves at the Tigers and the team doesn’t look to have any structure or direction during games.

The Bet

Nothing is really jumping out at me here unfortunately. I like Parra but -12.5 seems a bit risky to tip. 

Another week of previews, tips and bets done and dusted. It looks like a great round of footy but I found it hard to find bets with some of the games. Have a fantastic Easter weekend all, it really is a top time of the year for footy so be sure to enjoy it! Watch out for Uncool Dad’s Round 6 Recap after the weekend’s footy concludes.

Match info from NRL.com

Team info from foxsports.com.au

Betting info from Sportsbet.com.au

Uncool Dad’s Round 6 Preview

 Uncool Dad’s Round 6 Preview.

By Greg Allan for Bunnies TV.

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