Clive Churchill Medal betting tips for Broncos vs. Cowboys

The Clive Churchill Medal is awarded to the best player in Sunday’s NRL grand final between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys.

There has been relief for the Broncos, with captain Justin Hodges surviving the judiciary on Tuesday night, and considering he is playing his final NRL game, the $17 price on him being best on ground is very attractive.

There are three Clive Churchill Medal markets to bet on, giving punters a variety of ways to make money. Dally M Medal winner Johnathan Thurston has been installed the $3 favourite with Sportsbet.com.au, with Brisbane counterpart Ben Hunt on the second line of betting at $6.50.

Sportsbet are offering ‘Clive Churchill Double Chance’ odds where they pair two players together. It just so happens that JT and Hunt are paired together which has attracted plenty of money at a short price.

The unglamorous forwards aren’t without their chances at big odds. The likes of Broncos Kodi Nikorima could come off the bench to provide sudden impact, and his odds of $151 wouldn’t turn anyone off.

Look for big games from Adam Blair ($23), Gavin Cooper ($29) and James Tamou at $29. All three forwards have been in devastating form this season and the Medal wouldn’t go amiss with either player.

2015 Clive Churchill Medal winner market

Johnathan Thurston – $3
Ben Hunt – $6.50
Anthony Milford – $7
Michael Morgan – $10
Corey Parker – $10
Matthew Scott – $13
Justin Hodges – $17
Jake Granville – $17
Sam Thaiday – $21
Jason Taumalolo – $23
Matt Gillett – $23
Adam Blair – $23
Darius Boyd – $23
Lachlan Coote – $26
James Tamou – $29
Gavin Cooper – $29
Andrew McCullough – $34
Ethan Lowe – $51
Alex Glenn – $51
Jack Reed – $81
Corey Oates – $101
Kane Linnett – $101
Justin O’Neill – $101
Kyle Feldt – $151
Jordan Kahu – $151
Ben Hannant – $151
Antonio Winterstein – $151
Kodi Nikorima – $151
Mitchell Dodds – $251
John Asiata – $251
Jarrod Wallace – $251
Rory Kostjasyn – $251
Scott Bolton – $251
Jo Ofahengahue – $251

We have highlighted Brisbane Bronco Anthony Milford at $7 as that price provides great value. The dynamic player can turn a game on its head and he has provided the attacking flair for Brisbane this season.

Milford is a prime candidate to win the Clive Churchill Medal and his moments of brilliance could see him get the nod.

At longer odds, Lachlan Coote at $26 provides some outsider value. The North Queensland Cowboys fullback has battled his way back from injury his entire career and he has been very solid for the Cowboys this season.

He hasn’t had a break out game this season where he has showed his real ability, but Coote has always had the potential to score multiple tries in one game and if he does, just give him the Clive Churchill Medal now.

Clive Churchill Double Chance

If you can’t decide between two players, Sportsbet has done the hard work for you and paired off some of Sunday’s best grand final players.

The most popular option has been Hunt/Thurston at $2.10. The Clive Churchill Medal is often won by the playmakers and these two have been in sublime form throughout the finals this season.

On the second line of betting at $4.25 is the pairing of Michael Morgan and Anthony Milford. Both players are second in command for their offense and that usually gives them more freedom with the ball. If either player has a standout game, they could win the medal.

Double Chance market:

Hunt/Thurston – $2.10
Milford/Morgan – $4.25
Parker/Taumalolo – $6.50
McCullough/Granville – $12
Boyd/Coote – $13
Blair/Tamou – $13
Gillett/Lowe – $16
Hodges/Linnett – $19
Glenn/Cooper – $19
Reed/O’Neill – $41
Oates/Feldt – $61
Kahu/Winterstein – $61

Most multi-bet punters will like their chances of either Hunt or Thurston winning the Clive Churchill Medal. Adding $2.10 to your multi-bet increases the payout significantly and over the past few years there have been plenty of halves be the difference in a decider.

Scott Prince, Cooper Cronk and Daly-Cherry Evans have all won in recent years and that should give the punters confidence.

Two locks have won in the last four years so those including Corey Parker and Jason Taumalolo should also be confident and their odds are much more appealing at $6.50 with Sportsbet.