NRL Preview - Roosters v Rabbitohs, Broncos v Eels

Australia’s National Rugby League is the latest competition to return behind closed doors this week – but what should you be watching out for ahead of Thursday morning’s kick-off?

1. Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels – Broncos/Eels Points Supremacy, -1.5-1.5
In the first game since March 23rd – the league was less than 2 weeks into the 2020 season when play was halted – the Brisbane Broncos host the Parramatta Eels this Thursday, at 10.50am on Sky Sports Main Event.

At this very early stage the Eels find themselves atop the Ladder, narrowly beating the Bulldogs 8-2 in their opening game, before hammering the Titans 46-6.

The Broncs also sit on 4 points, but down in 5th place, with a 28-21 against the Cowboys and a 22-18 victory over the Rabbitohs.

These sides actually met in the Elimination finals last season, with the Eels shocking Brisbane 58-0. Yet with both teams in fine form Spreadex traders have found it tough to call, leading to a choice Broncos/Eels Points Supremacy spread of -1.5-1.5, alongside a Total Points spread of 39-42.

2. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs – Roosters/Rabbitohs Points Supremacy, 6-9
The pick of the weekend’s fixtures sees what is widely regarded as the fiercest rivalry in all of the NRL: the Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs. The pair meet at 10.55am this Friday, on Sky Sports Main Event.

The Roosters are defending champions, beating Canberra 14-8 in last season’s Grand Final, after finishing in 2nd place on the Ladder. The Rabbitohs were only 2 points behind in 3rd, but lost to the Raiders 16-10 in the preliminary finals.

Yet neither sides has been at their best in 2020. The Rabbitohs followed up a 22-18 win against the Sharks with a loss to the Broncos. Even worse, the Roosters suffered back-to-back defeats, 20-14 against the Panthers and 9-8 against the Sea Eagles.

Nevertheless, the hosts are fancied to have the edge, at a Roosters/Rabbitohs Points Supremacy spread of 6-9.

3. Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders – Storm/Raiders Points Supremacy, 4-7
Perhaps Saturday’s most interesting match-up, Melbourne Storm take on the Canberra Raiders at 10.35amon Sky Sports Main Event.

Both teams had success in 2019. The Storm were the minor premiers, topping the Ladder with 42 points, while the Raiders were the Grand Final runners-up.

And they’ve carried that form into 2020. Melbourne have picked up 18-4 and 12-10 wins over the Sea Eagles and Sharks respectively, with Canberra beating the Titans 24-6 and the Warriors 20-6.

Despite a slightly worse record, the home ‘advantage’ has led Spreadex to offer a Storm/Raiders Points Supremacy spread of 4-7.

Disclaimer: spread betting losses can exceed deposit.