Round 3 kicks off with the Grand Final rematch between Melbourne and Penrith with the Storm fresh off a bye and the Panthers off being the shortest beaten favourite in two decades.
Best Bet
The Grand Final rematch looks an absolute belter but the betting market disagrees with Penrith being given an extraordinary 8 1/2 points on the road against Melbourne.
The four-time defending premiers have lost star custodian Dylan Edwards and come off a shock loss to the Roosters but both factors should hardly amount to a betting line like this. Edwards is a star but Daine Laurie is a capable replacement while there is little doubt that the Panthers lacked focus last week, no doubt looking forward to this game.
Penrith are actually in a remarkable spot as a big underdog coming off a loss where their defence let them down.
The Panthers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine as an underdog and 4-1 ATS off conceding at least 28 points. When off a defeat, the Panthers are a ridiculous 15-2 against the number.
The Storm look the better team. They are arguably more motivated. They are healthier. But the betting in this game is extraordinarily off. The Panthers must be the bet.
Same Game Multi
Brian To’o eats against Melbourne with nine tries in 12 matches against the Storm.
Paul Alamoti is scoring in 50 per cent of his games since joining the Panthers so looks over the odds.
Value Bet
Blayney product Liam Henry has come along in leaps and bounds since debuting in 2022, playing 24 games for the Panthers last year, crossing twice. He missed Vegas through injury but scored last week. His minutes will go up and he now knows his way to the tryline.
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