NRL Tips - Broncos v Bulldogs

Round 8 opens up with an absolute humdinger with pre-season hotpots the Brisbane Broncos hosting the unbeaten Canterbury Bulldogs in a game we may see again in September.

Best Bet

Bulldogs -3.5

Line

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$1.70

Canterbury are the real deal. We are just seven rounds into the NRL season but the Bulldogs have marked themselves as legitimate title contenders. Not only are they unbeaten through their first six games, they have thrived where it matters: defence. The Bulldogs are conceding fewer than 10 points per game and became just the seventh team to shut out two opponents before Round 8 since 2008. Four of the previous six have made it to the Grand Final.

It is a different story with Brisbane, who were hyped up all pre-season after hiring Origin coach Michael Maguire and signing Ben Hunt. That hype went through the roof when they put 40 on the Roosters in Round 1 but they have looked decidely average since, going 3-3 with just a single cover.

They now must tackle the Bulldogs without their star fullback Reece Walsh, while it is noteworthy that Ben Hunt was moved to hooker mid-game against the Warriors, so bad was his performance at five-eighth.

Typically home underdogs at this time of year are the play but Brisbane are the exception.

The Broncos are terribly overrated at home with just a single cover in their last 14 at Suncorp. They are 3-9 ATS off a loss and 4-8 ATS against Top 2 teams.

Teams off a shutout are 16-6 ATS the last four seasons while the Bulldogs have covered eight of 10 off a win.

The Bulldogs laying the points are a great bet.

Same Game Multi

Bronson Xerri Try/Jacob Preston Try

Same Game Multi

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$8.50

Bronson Xerri has 14 tries in 26 games since returning to the NRL and coach Cameron Ciraldo is encouraging him to show more in attack.

Jacob Preston is emerging as one of the best edge backrowers in the competition and he can sniff out a try with three in his last five.

Value Bet

Josh Curran

To Score A Try

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$5.50

Josh Curran has been sensational for Canterbury this year and it has resulted in three tries in his five appearances. He has topped 69 minutes in three of those five games. The Broncos are weak on their edges so are susceptible to forward tries. Great play.

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Editor in Chief

Frankie McDonald

Frankie has spent more than two decades working in the Australian wagering industry and is widely regarded for his expertise in AFL, NRL and horse racing tips.