The Warriors are the only team to be beaten as a favourite in Round 1 and start as a home underdog in Round 2, having them primed for a bounceback against Manly.
Best Bet
New Zealand look an outstanding bet to both win and cover the 8.5-point line when they host Manly on Friday night in front of a packed Mt Smart Stadium.
The Warriors certainly looked all over the shop in Las Vegas but they still have plenty of talent and few injury worries. The halves combination is a worry so the two weeks between games will certainly assist.
Manly were arguably the most impressive team of Round 1 but they are usually teams worth taking on in Round 2. Teams off scoring 40-plus in Rounds 1-4 cover at 40% while those off a win of 13-plus cover at just 44%.
This is a great ome underdog spot with home underdogs in the opening four rounds of four or more covering at 65%.
The Warriors have covered four of six as a home underdog while they are usually underrated at the start of the season, going 9-4 ATS in Round 1-4 games the last four years.
The Sea Eagles are a completely different at Brookvale than on the road – so their rating must be downgraded. They have covered just one of five as an interstate favourite and two of nine when favoured by six or more away from Brookvale.
Chips in the Warriors here.
Same Game Multi
Tom Trbojevic has been scoring tries at nearly one per game the last six seasons and must always be included.
Taine Tuaupiki is now on the wing and has a good tryscoring record in the lower grades.
Value Bet
Mitch Barnett continues to grow as a player and if the Sea Eagles have any weakness, it is through the middle. With four tries in his last 11 games he looks plenty of value.
Follow Betseeker for weekly expert NRL tips and predictions for the 2025 NRL season.
