NRL 2015, Round 25, full betting preview and free tips

THE NRL gods are giving everyone a Thursday night gift this week as the Broncos look to retake the lead for the premiership.

The Broncos square off against the Rabbitohs who are searching for some form heading into the finals, and the winner of this game could well decide the future of all top eight teams.

There are plenty of great games to bet on this week, including the Storm vs. Cowboys and Sea Eagles vs. Roosters this Friday night.

Rabbitohs vs. Broncos

Thursday, August 27, 7:45pm, Allianz Stadium

Rabbitohs – $2.30 (+3.5)
Broncos – $1.62 (-3.5)

Punters don’t really know what to make of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, after they lost 18-32 to the Bulldogs last week.

There is also an injury concern with fullback Greg Inglis so punters are leaning towards the Broncos who lost in a tight battle to the Roosters last week.

The Broncos didn’t do too much wrong in that defeat, so we’re expecting them to reclaim the top spot on the ladder and give the injury-troubled Roosters and Cowboys something to worry about.

Tip: Broncos to win ($1.62) at Sportsbet.com.au
Broncos: Broncos -3.5 at $1.90

Sea Eagles vs. Roosters

Friday, August 28, 7:45pm, Brookvale Oval

Sea Eagles – $1.90
Roosters – $1.90

Both teams suffered a blow last week, with the Sea Eagles losing to the Eels and the Roosters losing two star players when beating the Broncos.

For the Roosters, both Jared Warea-Hargreaves and Mitchell Pearce were injured in their 12-10 win over the Broncos and that puts them in a tough spot for the remainder of the season.

They are currently in first position with a superior for-and-against record and winning against the Sea Eagles will take them a long way to wrapping up the minor premiership.

The Sea Eagles were making a great run into the playoffs, but their hopes were significantly dashed when they lost to the Eels on Sunday.

This game could go either way, but we’ll lean towards Manly at Brookvale.

Tip: Sea Eagles to win ($1.90) at CrownBet.com.au
Exotic: Manly 1-12 at $3.25

Eels vs. Sharks

Saturday, August 29, 3:05pm, Pirtek Stadium

Eels – $2.50 (+4.5)
Sharks – $1.53 (-4.5)

The teams that can’t make the playoffs are certainly making it hard on those that can! The Eels have already caused Manly some problems and they will be looking to push the Sharks back down the ladder.

The Eels season is done, but they appear to be playing with more spirit and that inconsistency is what makes them tough to beat.

The Sharks have been rolling and have their best shot in years at winning their first premiership title. They dispatched the Tigers last week and on paper, they should do the same against the Eels.

We’re sticking with the Sharks, which look much more focused this season.

Tip: Sharks -4.5 ($1.90) at Sportsbet.com.au
Exotic: Feki to score at $1.91

Knights vs. Bulldogs

Saturday, August 29, 5:35pm, Hunter Stadium

Knights – $3.65 (+8.5)
Bulldogs – $1.28 (-8.5)

Much like the previous game, the Knights are out to cause the upset, much like they did on Monday night against the playoff-bound Melbourne Storm.

This game should and probably will be different, however, as the Bulldogs’ big forward pack should simply roll through the Knights.

The Bulldogs have firmed into $6 for the NRL premiership after some very good form and they welcome back Brett Morris for this clash.

They should be too big and too strong.

Tip: Bulldogs -8.5 ($1.90) at WilliamHill.com.au
Exotic: Brett Morris to score first at $11

Storm vs. Cowboys

Saturday, August 29, 7:35pm, AAMI Park

Storm – $1.65 (-3.5)
Cowboys – $2.25 (+3.5)

This strikes as one of the most interesting games of the round as the Storm are looking to survive the last two rounds and make the playoffs, whereas the Cowboys are vying to win the minor premiership.

The Storm suffered a big setback on Monday night when losing to the Knights and it really came out of nowhere. Throughout the season they did show some flat patches, but losing to the Knights is not a great confidence builder heading into September.

The Cowboys lost Michael Morgan in their 50-16 win over the Warriors and James Tamou is in serious doubt for the next few games.

The Storm rarely lose two straight, but we can’t find the confidence needed to suggest backing any team in this game.

Tip: Both teams 1-12 at CrownBet.com.au
Exotic: Draw ($23) at Sportsbet.com.au

Tigers vs. Warriors

Sunday, August 30, 2:05pm, Campbelltown Stadium

Tigers – $1.45 (-6.5)
Warriors – $2.75 (+6.5)

Not a whole lot to get excited about here, but we’ll try. The Tigers and the Warriors both look tired and their fans must be pulling their hair out.

The Tigers are coming off a 18-40 loss to the Sharks and the Warriors, which led by 16-0, suffered a 16-50 loss to the Cowboys.

We think the Warriors have slightly more upside than the Tigers, so the +6.5 looks appealing.

Tip: Warriors +6.5 ($1.90) at Sportsbet.com.au
Exotic: Allwood to score first at $12

Titans vs. Dragons

Sunday, August 30, 4:10pm, Cbus Super Stadium

Titans – $2.65 (+6.0)
Dragons – $1.48 (-6.0)

The Dragons are sitting in a precarious position in eighth and a loss could see their top eight hopes fall to the wayside.

Trying to upset them will be the Titans which can’t make the playoffs and they are coming off a strong 28-12 win against the Raiders.

This game is D-Day for the Dragons and we can see them putting their best foot forward and keeping themselves in playoff contention.

Tip: Dragons to win at $1.48
Exotic: Dragons -6.0 ($1.90) at Sportsbet.com.au

Raiders vs. Panthers

Monday, August 31, 7:00pm, GIO Stadium

Raiders – $1.55 (-4.5)
Panthers – $2.45 (+4.5)

Another dead-rubber here, but this game should at least provide some excitement for bettors.

Both teams can pile on the points so we’re expecting a high scoring game between two sides that couldn’t care less.

The Raiders looked poor against the Titans last week and the Panthers went down by seven points to the Dragons on Thursday night.

With such a big rest in between, we fancy the Penrith Panthers to be fresh and perform better on the day.

Tip: Panthers to win ($2.45) at Bet365.com
Exotic: Panthers HTFT at $3.90