NRL Round 17 full betting preview & best bookmaker odds

ONLY the four NRL games this week with the third State of Origin clash being played next Wednesday, but there is still good value to be snapped up.

The first game of the week is the Panthers vs. Rabbitohs and WilliamHill.com.au are giving punters a massive deal to kickoff the week.

The Dragons vs. Cowboys clash has been dampened by the lack of star players, but it still promises to be an exciting game in which the Dragons desperately need to win.

The Sea Eagles host the Sharks and the week ends with the Tigers trying to rebound against the enigmatic Eels.

Panthers vs. Rabbitohs

Friday, July 3, 7:45pm, Pepper Stadium

Panthers – $2.25 (+3.5)
Rabbitohs – $2.00 (-3.5)

The Panthers easily dispatched the hapless West Tigers last week and they hope to continue their roll against the Rabbitohs that will be missing their stars.

The Rabbitohs scored an easy 20-8 victory over the Sea Eagles last Friday night, but without their Origin stars, it will be a much tougher task.

Playing without Greg Inglis is no easy feat and the Panthers have played much better after Jamie Soward’s return.

We’re backing the Bunnies.

Tip: Rabbitohs to win ($2.00) at WillimHill.com.au
Exotic: Rabbitohs 1-12 at $3.10

Dragons vs. Cowboys

Saturday, July 4, 7:30pm, WIN Stadium

Dragons – $1.42 (-7.5)
Cowboys – $2.85 (+7.5)

The Cowboys winning streak was ended last week by the Sharks, largely due to them resting their Origin players, but they led easily in that game and that won’t impress the coach.

The Dragons were also disappointing when losing to the Eels and their star halves pairing of Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop just didn’t show their usual class.

The Dragons should find life easier this week and the market reflects that. The Cowboys are missing Johanthan Thurston and a host of other Origin players, but the Dragons will be effected also.

Josh Dugan and Trent Merrin are big losses, but they do welcome back Jason Nightingale and Mitch Rein comes in to cover.

There looks to be more stability in the Dragons team with both Marshall and Widdop, so we expect them to take this game out.

Tip: Dragons to win at $1.42
Exotic: Nightingale to score first ($12) at Sportsbet.com.au

Sea Eagles vs. Sharks

Sunday, July 5, 4:05pm, Brookvale Oval

Sea Eagles – $1.48 (-6)
Sharks – $2.65 (+6)

The Sea Eagles will be happy that Queensland omitted Daly Cherry-Evans from their squad as it means he can partner Kieran Foran in the halves.

The Sea Eagles are all alone in last place and they need to basically win every game from here to make the playoffs.

It has been a season from hell for the Manly side, but Cherry-Evans’ decision to stay at the club has given them hope and they are well favoured to beat the Sharks in this game.

The Sharks broke the long winning streak of the Cowboys last weekend which gives them plenty of momentum for this game, but bookmakers aren’t respecting them.

They won’t have inspirational leader Paul Gallen and they are playing away from home, but Manly have done nothing to suggest they should be favoured by a converted try.

Tip: Sharks +6 ($1.90) at CrownBet.com.au
Exotic: Under 40.5 points at $1.90

Tigers vs. Eels

Monday, July 6, 7:00pm, ANZ Stadium

Tigers – $2.35 (+4)
Eels – $1.60 (-4)

This isn’t really a home game for the Tigers and many expected them to play much better last week, but it simply didn’t happen.

They have continually disappointed this year and punters have been burned on many occasions, but the bookmakers won’t allow them to start as favourites once again.

The Eels are favoured to win this game after a strong 16-12 win against the Dragons last time out and they only need to become more consistent to threaten the top teams in this league.

This could be the game where the Eels make their top eight run so include them in your multi-bets for the weekend.

Tip: Eels to win ($1.60) at WilliamHill.com.au

Exotic: Radradra to score first at $6