If you're looking for an edge this long weekend for your footy tips then you have come to the right place. Leveraging stats is a sure way to elevate your results this round. Below, I will break down some key points that have significant relevance this weekend.
Broncos v Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have won their last two NRL games in Queensland and will be looking for a third straight this weekend.
The biggest point of difference in this matchup is what Brisbane has struggled with for the past few seasons, offloads. The Bulldogs currently average 12 offloads per game this season, which is the second-highest in the comp. On the other hand, no team has fewer per game than Brisbane, an issue that has hurt the club in recent years.
Brisbane have been quick to improve their kicking game, with the boot of Adam Reynolds averaging 538 kick meters per game this season. No other player has kicked for more than 500 meters per game this season and Adam will be looking to continue the kicking chronicles and lead the Broncos to their third win against the Bulldogs.
Cowboys v Titans
The Gold Coast Titans have won their last three NRL games against the Cowboys. This game could be hard for the Cowboys who have historically struggled against the Titans, not managing to score any points in the first half in their last three games. Playing at home doesn't seem to help the club with them only winning one of their last eight home games, and being held to just four points in two of their three games at home this season.
Will Issako be able to keep this defense up for the Titans? The FB currently has four try-saving tackles this season, twice as many as any other player in the comp, and a huge improvement from his form last season.
Tigers v Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs have won six of their last seven games against the Tigers. If the Rabbitohs manage to win this game it will equal the longest winning run by either side in the history of this fixture at 5 straight wins.
Although he has not scored a try in his last seven games in the competition, I will be looking for Daine Laurie (Gutho's Dad) to score a meat pie as he has crossed for a try in each of his two previous NRL appearances against the Rabbitohs.
Knights v Eels
The Knights have lost their last four games against the Eels, their longest ever losing run against them.
Mitchell Moses will be looking to lead the team to a bounce back win after a disappointing performance against the Tigers. He currently leads the league in try assists at 12, which is 3 more than any other player has managed to set up in the first 6 rounds of a season. He will be looking to add to this tally against a struggling Knights side that has seen a quick downturn in form over recent weeks.
Penrith v Raiders
The Raiders are performing terribly away from home, losing six of their last seven away games. A win for Penrith would make it their 21st straight win at home!
The battle for the raiders will be trying to keep the ball away from the Panthers and complete their sets. The Panthers have averaged 54% possession this season, the highest of any team, while the Raiders have the third-lowest at 49%.
Dragons v Roosters
Roosters have performed historically well against the Dragons winning their last seven games against them.
The Dragons will be looking to carry this pattern into the weekend, however they do struggle at the SCG, only averaging 11 points in their last seven games at the ground.
Storm v Warriors
Not much history in favour of the Warriors this week. The Storm have not only won their last 11 straight against the Warriors but have also been able to run the score up to at least 42 points against them in each of their last three meetings! The Warriors have only managed to win one of their last eight ANZAC Day games against the Storm, with the last being in 2014.
I will be sure to add as many storm players in my team for this matchup. Harry Grant being one of them, currently storm are running for 856 meters from hooker this season, the most of any team in the competition. He’s one player that would be a dream to pack in GameDay Squad and could be waiting in your starting packs. Follow the link below to discover a completely new way to play fantasy sports!
