The NRLW has reached its penultimate round and it opens with a ripper as the unbeaten Sydney Roosters host the resurgent Canberra Raiders while the Gold Coast-Newcastle clash is the only all-Top 6 clash of the week, one that could lock in the finals with a week still to play.
The Sydney Roosters’ remarkable season continues with not only nine straight wins to extend their winning streak to 15 but they have covered all nine matches this season. They have topped 30 points in six of their last seven. Losing skipper Isabelle Kelly is obviously a huge blow but even off three straight wins Canberra are going to be no match for the Chooks. The market is starting to get in the right areas but the minus is still the way to bet this one. Jasmin Strange has enjoyed her move to an edge with three tries in nine games. Jayme Fressard has scored in two of her three starts. Taina Naividi is the Roosters’ leading tryscorer this year with 10.
Recommended Bets
Best: Sydney Roosters -24.5 ($1.90)
Next: Sydney Roosters -35.5 ($3.20)
Tryscorer: Jasmin Strange ($15 First, $3.05 Anytime)
SGM: Jasmin Strange Try/Jayme Fressard Try/Taina Naividi Try ($9.02)
The Dragons kept their thin finals hopes alive when they ended a five-game losing streak at home to the Warriors last week, winning 26-18. It has been an injury-ravaged season for St George Illawarra but they get some good news this week with Hannah Southwell returning. It is the opposite for North Queensland, who were kept scoreless against the Roosters and lost star Jakiya Whitfeld. That loss is crippling for a Cowboys side who relies so much on her. Teagan Berry has 34 career tries in 39 games and is the second leading tryscorer all-time. Kasey Reh is emerging as a very nice player and has two tries this year.
Recommended Bets
Best: St George Win ($1.90)
Next: St George Illawarra 1-12 ($2.75)
Tryscorer: Teagan Berry ($7.50 First, $2.00 Anytime)
SGM: Teagan Berry Try/Kasey Reh Try ($9.59)
Canterbury’s season has completely cratered after opening the season with two straight wins, picking up just a single draw in their next seven games. They have not got within 16 in their last four while they have conceded 56 and 44 the last two weeks. The Bulldogs are a bet though against Cronulla, who have a poor record at night and are completely unreliable as a big favourite. Alexis Tauaneai is an underrated tryscoring threat with three tries in six games this year. Georgia Ravics is an elite finisher with 10 tries in nine matches.
Recommended Bets
Best: Canterbury +12.5 ($1.90)
Next: Canterbury Win ($4.60)
Tryscorer: Alexis Tauaneai ($41 First, $7.75 Anytime)
SGM: Alexis Tauaneai Try/Georgia Ravics Try ($12.44)
The Warriors go in massive home underdogs against the Broncos with Brisbane looking to continue their hot form heading into the finals. The Broncos are resting Julia Robinson and have lost Destiny Brill but still have this game at their mercy. Brisbane are the leading attacking team this season while they rank second in defence. The Broncos have scored at least 38 in each of their last four. Hayley Maddick has optimised her move to the win with eight tries in nine games. Payton Takimoana has been a revelation this year with 13 tries this season.
Recommended Bets
Best: Brisbane -19.5 ($1.90)
Next: Brisbane -29.5 ($3.15)
Tryscorer: Hayley Maddick ($7.75 First, $1.77 Anytime)
SGM: Hayley Maddick Try/Payton Takimoana Try ($5.05)
The Knights managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory last week with one of the great capitulations against the Sharks. Newcastle dominated the first 60 minutes and are clearly the third best team in the NRLW. Aside from a bad home loss to Brisbane, they have comfortably won their other three home games. This is a game they can run away with. Sheridan Gallagher is a beast with 23 tries in 28 games. Lily-Ann White has been a superb finisher when given an opportunity with six tries in nine games.
Recommended Bets
Best: Newcastle -7.5 ($1.90)
Next: Newcastle 13+ ($2.65)
Tryscorer: Sheridan Gallagher ($7.75 First, $1.92 Anytime)
SGM: Sheridan Gallagher Try/Lilly-Ann White ($4.15)
There was big news out of the Wests Tigers this week with head coach Brett Kimmorley announcing he would depart at the end of the season. While he has a poor record, he has had a squad bereft of talent and the team has generally tried. Parramatta have lost four straight with their last three by 16-plus. The Tigers could lift for this one. Caitlin Turnbull has been a revelation with eight tries in nine games. Emily Bass is a renowned finisher with 15 tries in 27 matches.
Recommended Bets
Best: Wests Tigers +7.5 ($1.90)
Next: Wests Tigers Win ($2.85)
Tryscorer: Caitlin Turnbull ($15 First, $3.60 Anytime)
SGM: Caitlin Turnbull Try/Emily Bass Try ($12.23)