Another Origin affected round and looking to bounce back on the best bet after an indifferent run of results.
FREE Bet of the Round
Record: 7-1-7 (55%)
BULLDOGS FH +4.5 ($1.88 LADS/NEDS)
I respect that the Roosters have the better talent and are highly rated by the media, but when I look at these two line-ups, the gap between these sides is narrower than many believe it to be on the surface. Burton’s inclusion for the Bulldogs is big and he is a handful of players whose club form would’ve warranted Origin selection. I acknowledge that the Dogs are down their two starting edge forwards in Kikau and Preston, but this is less of a factor given the Roosters are also playing their back-ups, with 4 forwards out.
For a side who has been down and out for so long, I don’t think there will be any complacency despite their 3-game winning run and regular season games around Origin would probably count a whole lot more for the Doggies than they would the tri colours. The confidence and energy around Belmore is super high right now and with a week off to rest and recharge, they’re going to be a tough opponent. We saw the Roosters struggle to adapt to their missing stars the first time round against the Cowboys and so prefer to take the Dogs in the first half as my stronger lean. I think this closes below 7.5.
We also get the added benefit of Kikau potentially being a late inclusion coming off the reserves list. If he gets through captains run and is named, this line will drop to 5.5.
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