NRL 2021 Round 1 – Betting tips & Predictions

The Storm vs Rabbits & the Dragons vs Sharks local derby highlight NRL 2021 Round 1 action. We deliver all the tips and top betting markets from the best betting apps. (All odds subject to change).

Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

March 11 – AAMI Park – Melbourne – 8.05pm

The Storm begin the post-Cameron Smith as reigning Premiers and at home. Craig Bellamy will undoubtedly have his team as well-prepared as ever and the Storm should win.
Wayne Bennett has recruited well for the Rabbitohs for 2021 and Jai Arrow will toughen South Sydney’s forward momentum and line defence in 2021, however, it may not be enough to defeat Melbourne at home.

Bet on the Storm to Win – $1.61

Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs

March 12 – McDonald Jones Stadium – Newcastle – 6.00pm

The Bulldogs should be an improved unit in season 2021, but it may take a while for the team’s recruits to gel, particularly in the halves where Kyle Flanagan gets his chance to lead an NRL club in attack.
For their part, the Knights have been toughened up with Tyson Frizzell adding some serious punch to the Knights forward pack. At home, the Knights should be too strong.

Bet on the Knights to Win – $1.46

Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels

March 12 – Suncorp Stadium – Brisbane – 8.05pm

The Broncos begin the Kevin Walters-era with familiar problems to what they ended their disastrous 2020 with. Disrupted in their spine and still wondering where to get the best out of Anthony Milford, there may be more pain for the Broncos in 2021 before things get better.
The Eels have great quality across the park and will be looking to pace their run better in 2021 and not peak too soon. It will be interesting to see if new recruit Bryce Cartwright gets a start from coach Brad Arthur.

Bet on the Eels to Win – $1.36

New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans

March 13 – Central Coast Stadium – Gosford – 3.00pm

An intriguing match-up between 2 teams that finished 2021 strongly. The Warriors continue to be based in Australia and try to win against the odds piled against them.
For their part, the Titans won 5 straight to end 2020 as the players took on coach Holbrook’s message and have recruited better than any other side for 2021.
A close match is expected which makes Line bets with SportsBetting an attractive punting option with the Warriors at [email protected]$1.93 and the Titans [email protected]$1.85

Bet on the Titans to Win – $1.65

Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles

March 13 – Sydney Cricket Ground – 5.30pm

This match-up feels straightforward, with the Roosters expected to have the better of the Sea Eagles. However, don’t discount Manly.
The Sea Eagles welcome back Kieran Foran and are always well-led by Daly Cherry-Evans world-class kicking game. However, the Roosters boast the game’s best player in James Tedesco and should win.

Bet on the Roosters to Win – $1.42

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys

March 13 – Panthers Stadium – Penrith – 7.35pm

The Panthers were the team of 2020, and fell just one converted try short of pulling off an astonishing Grand Final comeback against the Storm.
The Cowboys should be better than they were in 2020, however, we expect that with Nathan Cleary pulling the strings and the stinging hits of the Panthers young and workaholic mobile forward pack, that Penrith should be too good.

Bet on the Panthers to Win – $1.31

Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers

March 14 – GIO Stadium – Canberra – 4.05pm

It will be interesting to see how the Raiders perform without the strong kick return metres and try-scoring power of Nick Cotric, who is now a Bulldog. The Raiders should welcome back Josh Hodgson from injury, but it will hard to leave Tom Starling out of the 17.

Wests Tigers will be toughened by the recruitment of Tamou and Ofahengaue but may be outclassed by Ricky Stuart’s Raiders who are always tough to beat in the nation’s capital.

Bet on the Raiders to Win – $1.32

St George-Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks

March 14 – Jubilee Stadium – Sydney – 6.15pm

Much will be expected of the toughness new coach Anthony ‘Hook’ Griffin brings to the Dragons. Recruiting Andrew McCullough from the Broncos was a coup and will add direction to a sometimes-misfiring attack.
The Sharks may suffer direction problems of their own without Shaun Johnson for the beginning of the season as a question mark hangs over Matt Moylan who has been drafted into the halves to replace Johnson.
The Dragons are your underdog ‘roughie’ tip of the weekend.

Bet on the Dragons to Win – $2.10