First tryscorer odds & tips for NRL Friday, Eels vs. Roosters

THERE are many questions that need to be asked about this Friday night game between the Parramatta Eels and the Sydney Roosters.

We understand the Eels will be deducted 12 competition points sometime during the season, which will take them back to where the Roosters sit at 15th position, but that doesn’t mean this current team is playing like it.

The big question is why bookmakers are offering up such a great value price for the Eels at home against a Rooster side which has lost its last three games.

Admittedly, losing by two points to the Warriors and four points to the Bulldogs is a great improvement since being hammered by the Storm 46-0, but surely that doesn’t mean they can topple the Eels?

We all know that both teams will likely have to win the rest of their games to make the NRL finals, so we’ve looked at the schedule ahead.

The Eels face the Roosters, Panthers and the Titans in the coming weeks which means they could, and should, go 3-0. The Roosters come up against the three top-five teams in the Eels, Sharks and the Storm.

To put it frankly, the Roosters are no chance of making the finals. There is, however, still hope for the Eels, who are still playing like real contenders.

With the likes of Semi Radradra and the return of Corey Norman, we can see this game only going one way, and that’s an Eels victory.

Take the $1.72 at Sportsbet.com.au and now we’ll try find some exotic value for more excitement.

Eels vs. Roosters first tryscoring tips

Parramatta Eels:

1. Michael Gordon – $23
2. Semi Radradra – $6.50
3. Clinton Gutherson – $17
4. Brad Takairangi – $17
5. Bevan French – $7.50
6. Corey Norman – $26
7. Jeff Robson – $26
8. Danny Wicks – $46
9. Isaac De Gois – $34
10. Tim Mannah – $56
11. Manu Ma’u – $26
12. Tepai Moeroa – $34
13. Beat Scott – $31

The Eels have plenty of scoring threats, none more so than controversial start Semi Radradra. The Fijian winger was in exile this time last week and NRL fans weren’t sure if he was going to return to Australia, but he’s back and the bookmakers have him short.

The rampaging winger is the $6.50 favourite to score first with Sportsbet, which is justified given he’s score 10 tries from 15 games. He should be able to put his recent history behind him and come out strongly on Friday night.

Parramatta’s try-scoring threats don’t stop with big Semi. NRL Nines superstar Bevan French made a name for himself by scoring seven tries from only four games, showing that the Eels youngsters will be putting up points. French is currently on the second line of betting at $7.50 and he looks a good chance to cross the line at $1.80 with Crownbet.

A sneaky anytime try-scorer bet is big lock Beau Scott. He has scored twice from 15 games this season – the most for any Eels forward – and at odds of $6 he’s worth the risk for a bit of fun.

Sydney Roosters:

1. Latrell Mitchell – $11
2. Daniel Tupou – $11
3. Dale Copley – $20
4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall – $11
5. Joseph Manu – $12
6. Jackson Hastings – $23
7. Mitchell Pearce – $23
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves – $51
9. Jake Friend – $41
10. Dylan Napa – $51
11. Sio Siua Taukeiaho – $26
12. Mitchell Aubusson – not yet quoted
13. Isaac Liu – $46

The Roosters pose a more consistent attacking threat, but they do lose Aidan Guerra and Blake Ferguson to State of Origin duty. The team’s two highest scorers are Latrell Mitchell (nine tries) and Daniel Tupuo (six), with Shaun Kenny-Dowall scoring on four occasions.

Apart from those three players it has been slim pickings for an offensively inept Roosters outfit. Dale Copley and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves haven’t scored as of yet and there are a host of players who have scored only one throughout the entire season.

The Roosters’ best attacking threat is easily Tupuo, who can fly through the air with the best of them. He has scored six tries this season and he looked more at ease with Mitchell Pearce kicking across the field.

With Pearce back it gives Roosters more chances to score through the air, but they simply look confused when it comes to general rugby league play.

Eels vs. Roosters betting specials

Sportsbet is saying that an interchange player cannot score a try this Friday night. In its “Super Sub” market, the bookie is giving punters $2.15 for any interchange player (who starts the game on the bench) to score a try.

This includes Sam Moa, Kane Evans, Connor Watson and Chris Smith for the Roosters; Kenny Edwards, Peni Terepo, David Gower and Daniel Alvaro for the Eels.

Between them they have scored four tries this season, but it’s not the worst value in a game which should open up when the benches clear.

Most tries – Semi vs. Manu

Semi Radradra has scored 10 tries this season and Joseph Manu is having just his second NRL game here. Is Sportsbet giving punters another gift?

Don’t overthink this and take Radradra to score more tries at $2.02.

Most tries – Mannah vs. Warea-Hargreaves

We understand the likelihood of either player scoring a try, which is why the draw option is paying $1.07, but don’t forget about Tim Mannah. The hard-working prop has played in only five games this season, but he gets a chance here and could take advantage of the soft Roosters defence.

Mannah is paying $12.38 to score more tries than Waerea-Hargreaves and we’ve seen more ridiculous bets cash.