Thursday NRL Broncos vs. Dragons exotics and player market tips

TWO teams sitting at opposite ends the NRL ladder meet on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium with the Brisbane Broncos hosting the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The Dragons have been lamentable so far this season.

Paul McGregor’s men have two wins to their name from five games this campaign but have only scored 40 points across 400 minutes of football – almost half the amount of the Parramata Eels who are 15th on the scoring ladder.

Dragons’ coach Paul McGregor believes the problem lies with his team of players.

“We have been tinkering with it (attack) for a while,” McGregor said.

“We have to start taking accountability and ownership of it.

“Not scoring points is not good. If it keeps going, we will look at personnel.”

McGregor’s comments came in the wake of his side’s 36-0 demolition at the hands of the reigning premiers the North Queensland Cowboys.

The Dragon’s head coach believes his side needs to improve their defensive accountability of they are to turn their season around.

“It was tough. The first 25 minutes there were good things and the right attitude but that dive over try and then another one on half time from a kick,” McGregor said.

“They came out after half time and scored another one.

“18-0 is too big of a lead against the premiers.

“I think once they scored that try and went to 18-0 our confidence went down.

“When you aren’t scoring points and then they score another one you look for an easy way out.”

At the opposite of end of the spectrum, the Brisbane Broncos are flying.

Wayne Bennett’s men sit at the top of the NRL ladder with the third best defence in the league and are unbeaten at home across the opening five weeks of football.

The only concern for the Broncos heading into Thursday is the availability of centre James Roberts.

Roberts has been battling a hip complaint through the opening month of season, but star teammate Darius Boyd thinks his teammate has the capacity to push through the pain and have a positive impact for the Broncos.

“He’s got a few niggling injuries at the moment. All the staff here have done a great job with him,” Boyd said.

“As long as he keeps getting out on the field and putting in the performances he has been we will be happy.”

The Broncos have also dominated their Thursday night opponents in recent times, winning 11 of the last 13 match ups between the two sides.

Match preview

Odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au

Winner: Brisbane Broncos – $1.15

First goal try scorer: Anthony Milford- $10.00

Line bet: Pick your own line -16.5 Brisbane Broncos – $2.17

An important Thursday night matchup between two old foes this week in the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos hosting the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

The Broncos have an excellent home record – having not lost a game in the Queensland capital – while the Dragons have not won a game away from Sydney in 2016.

We are expecting the Broncos to piece the Dragons’ defence at will, with the former Raider Anthony Milford the preferred option to score first at $10.00.

The Dragons have only scored two tries in a game once this season, a statistic that will need to be improved upon if they are to even attempt to defeat the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

It is hard to see how St George will be able to get the win against a formidable opponent away from home so we are suggesting taking the Broncos in a line bet against one of the wooden spoon favourites.

NRL bookmaker specials for Thursday night

Looking to place a multi across a huge weekend of NRL action? Look no further than William Hill.

Place a four or more legged multi and if you miss out by one leg – Money Back up to $50.

Additionally, get a tiered bonus up to 40% added to your winnings.

Winning bonuses are paid from 2.5% (4 leg multi) up to 40% of winnings (12+ leg multi).

Sportsbet have a first try scorer bet for Thursday night.

Place a bet on a player to cross the line first in the Broncos Dragons match, and if he fails to score the first try but scores the second or the third it is cash back – up to $50.

Along with the first try scorer bet, Sportsbet have a terrific multi insurance promo running across the weekend of NRL action.

Place a five or more leg multi and if all but one of your selections is successful you get cash back to the value of your stake, up to $50.00.

The prospect of waiting out multiple legs of a bet too daunting? Crownbet’s head-to-head special should be right up your alley.

Place a single bet on a result across round six of the NRL and if your team lose by 10 points or less you get your stake back in the form of a bonus bet up to $50.