Jason Di Lizio's Free NRL Game Previews, NRL Tips & Best Bets:
Each week on the PlanetSportsbet website you will be able to gain access to all of Jason Di Lizio's free NRL game previews, NRL tips & best bets. Most of you all know Jason as our horse racing tipster on our Horse Racing In Australia website and he certainly knows his business when it comes to horses and he also knows his business when it comes to betting on the NRL. Jason built up a huge fan base following last Rugby League season and he is back to do it all over again covering this years 2010 NRL season and you can gain access to all of his selections either here or on our Horse Racing In Australia site from each Thursday/Friday evening.
NRL Round 4 Preview:
Storm vs Dragons: Melbourne return to Melbourne for their first home game of the season but face stiff opposition in the Dragons. The Storm know how to win the tough games which is why they’re undefeated after 3 rounds. The Dragons are the form team of the comp so far, they don’t have many weaknesses across the park but they have a bad record in Melbourne. These teams are evenly matched but the Dragons look to have an advantage with more impact off their bench. Selection: Dragons by 4
Roosters vs Broncos: Both teams were terrible last week and will be out to redeem themselves here. The Roosters returned to earth with a thud last week after being belted by the Bulldogs last week, that loss would have woken them up and look for Pearce and Carney to return to their dynamic best. The Broncos have injury worries and have put together a makeshift backline, they had defensive deficiencies out wide before these injuries and they’ll struggle to contain Minichiello, Kenny-Dowell and Perrett. Selection: Roosters by 14
Sharks vs Eels: The Sharks couldn’t contain a scratchy Souths last week and look to be struggling, they will have a lot more attacking creativity with Tim Smith at halfback and Morris returning to hooker but will struggle to keep the Eels to below 30 points. The Eels haven’t been very impressive to date but have a very strong squad with plenty of depth and the flood gates could open here. Selection: Eels by 22
Cowboys vs Titans: The Cowboys were no match for the Dragons last week but the inclusion of youngsters Tupou and Thompson is a positive, they have plenty of impact coming off the bench and if they can get their defence in order, they’ll run in plenty of points. The Titans will miss Prince as he’s been the focal point of their attack in the first 3 rounds, Campbell is a very good back up halfback but will be targeted in defence but their forwards will have to repel wave after wave of big Cowboy forwards rolling forward which will be tough. Selection: Cowboys by 8
Warriors vs Manly: The Warriors belted the Broncos last week but that win came at a cost with Mannering and Vatuvei out injured, they’re building some good partnerships in their backline and will be hard to contain. Manly notched their first win of the season with a good win last week, they have a young halves combination which is always a concern but they have plenty of seasoned players around them. This one could go either way. Selection: Manly by 2
Raiders vs Tigers: The Raiders were woeful on the Gold Coast last week but are always much better at home, they have a monster forward pack that are hard top contain and if their backs get any room they’ll score plenty of points. The Tigers seemed to have ironed out any defensive weaknesses for this week, they can still be too inconsistent but if they keep the ball in hand they can score plenty of points. This will be an entertaining match either way. Selection: Tigers by 4
Knights vs Panthers: The Knights had no answers for Manly last week and this week doesn’t get any easier, they continue to punch above their weight and are always a tough team beat at home. The Panthers fought hard but were outclassed against the Storm last week, their forwards look too big and tough while their outside backs will have too much strikepower for the Knights. Selection: Panthers by 10
Souths vs Bulldogs: The Bunnies wore down the hapless Sharks last week but will need to improve, Sandow and Sutton are getting better but still do plenty wrong and they can’t afford that here. The Bulldogs bounced back in a big way last week, they have plenty of try scorers and their forwards aren’t afraid to do the hard work, Ben Barba’s impact off the bench provides a good back up for Roberts who is too hit and miss. Selection: Bulldogs by 14
Best Bet: Bulldogs (head to head) @ $1.50
Best Line Bet: Panthers (+3.5) @ $1.91
Best Value Bet: Dragons (1-12) @ $3.40
Best Longshot: Panthers (13+) @ $5.25
Multi: Roosters(-8.5)/Eels/Cowboys/Panthers/Bulldogs(-5.5) @ $15.82
All prices quoted are Sportsbet.com.au prices and are current at time of publication but are subject to change.
Good luck to all!
Jason Di Lizio.
NRL Round 3 Preview:
Dragons vs Cowboys: The Dragons look to have hit their stride early this season, their defence has been rock solid and if they can maintain that same attitude here, they’ll frustrate Thurston, Tonga and co. The Cowboys looked like a park football side in the first half last week but completely outclassed the Panthers in the second, they need to be more consistent for 80 minutes and if they can improve their defence and turn it into an arm wrestle, they could spring an upset. Selection: Dragons by 2
Tigers vs Eels: The Tigers are their own worst enemy at times and they were nothing short of disgraceful in defence last week, they can score points quickly but will need to improve their feeble defence if they wish to have a chance here. The Eels may have received a couple of lucky calls but managed to comeback from the dead against Manly last week, they have plenty of attacking weapons and will slowly suffocate the Tigers and force them into making defensive errors. Selection: Eels by 14
Panthers vs Storm: The Panthers will be disappointed they let a big lead go last week, moving Luke Lewis to five-eighth will give them more attacking potency but the loss of Frank Pritchard is a big one. The Storm continue to soldier on and are managing to win the tight games, Finch is playing as well as ever and unheralded forwards such as Cahill and Proctor are having a big impact. This will be a tough match and should go down to the wire but class should prevail. Selection: Storm by 4
Manly vs Knights: Manly were fuming at the referees after squandering a big lead last week but only have themselves to blame for getting into that position, they’re failing to finish off their opponents and the loss of Brett Stewart for the season will hurt them immensely. The Knights pushed Melbourne last week and continue to surprise, their backs are playing an entertaining brand of football and could prove too strong out wide where the Sea Eagles are susceptible. Selection: Knights by 7
Titans vs Raiders: The Titans were lucky to get a win against the Bunnies last week in a pretty poor game of football, it looks like Bird is going to play as an extra forward until he settles into the side properly but the inclusion of Campbell will help their attack. The Raiders youngsters stuck it out when the Broncos were coming back last week and the inclusion of McCrone at halfback for the unimaginative Herbert is a good move, but they struggle to win away from home and this will be no different. Selection: Titans by 8
Broncos vs Warriors: The Broncos have been very patchy in their first two games but their young guys are gaining valuable experience, the loss of Parker will hurt them but they’ll look to expose the big Warrior forwards around the ruck with McCullough and Norman. The Warriors have also been patchy but Maloney has stepped up to the plate in the halves and any side with attacking weapons such as Vatuvei, Locke, Tate and Hohaia must be treated with respect. Selection: Warriors by 4
Bulldogs vs Roosters: The Doggies have been very disappointing to date but will welcome back Michael Ennis with open arms, Ben Roberts makes ten mistakes before doing something good and going with both Green and Barba on the bench is a risk. The Roosters have been rejuvenated this year and gave the Tigers a touch up last week despite clocking off early, they’re attack is very good but have shown to have some deficiencies in defence which will need to be rectified. This game could go either way. Selection: Roosters by 1
Sharks vs Souths: The Sharks haven’t been disgraced in their first two matches but are still lacking creativity around the ruck and John Morris at halfback certainly isn’t the answer. The Bunnies have been nothing short of terrible in their first two games, Sandow and Sutton have done nothing in the halves and their forwards haven’t been much better. The error count in this match might be higher than the points scored. Selection: Souths by 6
Best Bet: Eels (head to head) @ $1.60
Best Line Bet: Warriors (+5.5) @ $1.91
Best Value Bet: Knights (head to head) @ $2.30
Best Longshot: Cowboys (1-12) @ $4.75
Multi: Eels/Knights(+3.5)/Titans/Warriors(+5.5)/Roosters @ $14.27
All prices quoted are Sportsbet.com.au prices and are current at time of publication but are subject to change.
Good luck to all!
Jason Di Lizio.
NRL Round 2 Preview:
Dragons vs Bulldogs: The Dragons weren’t completely convincing last week against the Eels but still managed to take away two points from Parramatta Stadium, their bench is a strength and the work rate they bring when they get on the field will ensure the pressure will be on the Doggies for the full 80 minutes. The Doggies were ambushed by the Knights last week but showed character to fight back, and although they still have a strong squad but they will miss Ennis around the ruck. Selection: Dragons by 8
Souths vs Titans: The Bunnies were disappointing last week after believing their own hype, but even if the forwards do get the hard work done, Sandow and Sutton are still learning how to play in the halves. The Titans took awhile to wake up last week but will be better for the run, Bird can only improve on his first-up effort and they will have too much fire power for the flimsy Souths defence. Selection: Titans by 10
Warriors vs Sharks: The Warriors showed some positive signs last week, their halves looked promising and they have some very exciting outside backs but they still look susceptible around the ruck area. The Sharks are playing with more purpose this year and toughed it out against the Storm last week, their forwards and their bench will more than hold their own but their outside backs may struggle to contain the speed and strength of the Warriors outside backs. Selection: Warriors by 7
Knights vs Storm: The Knights shocked many with a good win against the Bulldogs last week, their underrated forwards continue to work hard while their backs know how to finish off a try scoring opportunity. The Storm continue their road trip which must be taking its toll, their key players in key positions continue to deliver and along with a handy support cast, they should get the two points in Newcastle. Selection: Storm by 4
Cowboys vs Panthers: The Cowboys took 50 minutes to get out of first gear last week but look good when they clicked into gear, they’re a very good side with Payne scheming around the ruck area and will be fired up for their first home game of the season. The Panthers cruised past the Raiders last week but face a tougher opponent here, they have plenty of strike weapons out wide as well as plenty of depth on their bench. Selection: Cowboys by 6
Eels vs Manly: The Eels had to do a lot of defence last week against the Dragons and did well to hang in there for so long but with their fair share of possession here, they should be too strong for the Sea Eagles. Manly blew a big lead against the Tigers last week and have the added pain of losing Brett Stewart for 5 months, they still have a solid squad but showed last week that if they clock off, they don’t put up much of a fight. Selection: Eels by 10
Roosters vs Tigers: The Roosters surprised a few by belting the Bunnies last week, they looked a completely different outfit with Carney and Pearce running riot and their forwards were lean and fit and they’ll definitely trouble the Tigers defence for the full 80 minutes. The Tigers got out of jail last week but showed they can pile on the points quickly if given half a chance, they need to tighten up their defence but as long as Marshall plays straight in attack and Moltzen chimes in from the back, they’ll score plenty of points. Selection: Roosters by 8
Raiders vs Broncos: The Raiders would have taken a few positives out of last week and are a much better at home, they have a strong forward pack with some good young outside backs but Campese and Herbert need to be more creative and consistent. The Broncos nearly blew a big lead last week and would be keen to erase the memory of their trip to Canberra last year, their youngsters proved they could handle the big time but there’s still a query over most of their forwards and their centres. Selection: Raiders by 2
Best Bet: Eels (head to head) @ $1.38
Best Line Bet: Roosters (+2.5) @ $1.91
Best Value Bet: Titans (margin 1-12) @ $3.50
Best Longshot: Eels (halftime margin 5-8) @ $5.50
Multi: Dragons/Titans(+2.5)/Cowboys/Eels/Roosters(+2.5) @ $12.80
All prices quoted are Sportsbet.com.au prices and are current at time of publication but are subject to change.
Good luck to all!
Jason Di Lizio.
NRL Round 1 Preview:
Eels vs Dragons: The Eels return in 2010 as one of the teams to beat and will no longer ‘fly under the radar’, they have some of the best forwards in the game along with the best finishers in the game which will see them threaten the Dragons from anywhere on the field. The Dragons will be looking to erase the memory of last season as quickly as possible, they have a good team across the park and they all work hard for one another. This could go either and might even reach golden point. Selection: Dragons by 2
Broncos vs Cowboys: The Broncos are a new look outfit this year and might need time to gel, they can never be taken lightly but a lot will depend on Lockyer (who has failed to complete a half of football in his trials). The Cowboys have plenty of depth in the forwards and expect them to dominate the ruck area, Payne and Thurston will look to capitalise on this dominance while Tonga and his fellow outside should be able to account for the inexperienced Bronco outside backs. Selection: Cowboy by 10
Bulldogs vs Knights: The Doggies have a very strong team on paper, the forwards will lay a good platform early and should dominate the Knights’ forwards while Kimmorley and Ennis will steer them around the park and their outside backs will score plenty of points. The Knights are in disarray and with no Gidley in their lineup they’ll struggle, it’s hard to see how their forwards will contain the Bulldogs and they could be in for a long night. Selection: Bulldogs by 16
Sharks vs Storm: The Sharks will be looking to win some fans back with the first game of the season being at home, they have some exciting youngsters in the backs and if their forwards can give Barrett some room in the halves, they could make life uncomfortable for the Storm. Melbourne are coming off a big win in the World Club Challenge, they only returned home just over a week ago but will go to Shark Park expecting a win. This will be closer than people think. Selection: Storm by 2
Panthers vs Raiders: The Panthers have set high expectations for this season and will be fired up for a good start to the season, they have potentially the best backrow in the game along with some very speedy backs and will be hard for the Raiders to contain. The Raiders have got some tough nuts in their forward pack and some exciting youngsters in their backs but even if the forwards get on top early, they don’t have a halfback who can dominate on the back of that. Selection: Panthers by 12
Titans vs Warriors: The Titans look very good on paper and while they have some very hard working forwards, the Warriors will struggle to contain the attacking prowess of Prince, Campbell and Bird. The Warriors face a tough task first up on the Gold Coast, Hohaia will play a major role in attack as their halves aren’t matchwinners at this level. Selection: Titans by 14
Souths vs Roosters: The Bunnies have a big, powerful pack and will look to assert their authority early, Sandow and Sutton still have a lot to learn about making the right decisions at the right time but they should have too much firepower for the Roosters regardless. The Roosters may take awhile to adjust to Brian Smith’s coaching style but they have some good options with Pearce and Carney to play a big hand. Selection: Souths by 10
Tigers vs Manly: The Tigers will always be dangerous with Marshall in the side but Lui and Moltzen give them another dimension to their attack, they only need to keep Manly to below 20 points and they should win. The Sea Eagles have a strong side with plenty of depth, they’ll be looking to Lyon and the Stewart boys spearhead their attack while Watmough, King and Perry will look to dominate early. Selection: Manly by 4
Best Bet: Titans (head to head) @ $1.33
Best Line Bet: Souths (-5.5) @ $1.91
Best Value Bet: Manly (margin 1-12) @ $3.40
Best Longshot: Sharks (margin 1-12) @ $4.15
Multi: Cowboys/Bulldogs/Panthers/Titans/Souths(-5.5) @ $8.56
All prices quoted are Sportsbet prices and are current at time of publication but are subject to change.
Good luck to all.
Jason Di Lizio.
NRL Season 2010 – Preview.
My team by team preview of season 2010 including my prediction of where I think each team will finish at the end of the home and away season.
St George Dragons: They came within a whisker of winning the Minor Premiership last year before being bundled out in the finals. I think everyone involved would’ve learnt a lot from last season and they’ll be much better for the experience. They have plenty of try scorers in their backline while many of their forwards are underrated and expect them to be amongst the pacesetters for the majority of the season. Prediction: 1st
Gold Coast Titans: The Titans will be looking to make more of an impact come finals time this year and I think they’ll be a force come September. The addition of Greg Bird to their squad is a positive and they were able to cut loose some deadwood from their squad at the same time. Prince will be the maestro and I expect their outside backs to score plenty of points this season. Prediction: 2nd
Canterbury Bulldogs: Have a very good mix of youth and experience with some very exciting prospects. Their squad looks stronger overall than last year and if Kimmorley and Ennis can stay fit, they’ll sit towards the top of the table for the majority of the year. Prediction: 3rd
Parramatta Eels: Roared home at the back end of last season to just miss out on taking home the big prize. They were very astute with their purchases over the offseason and my early prediction for the buy of the year could be young forward Shane Shackleton. They are very solid across the park but there’s a lot of pressure on the young shoulders of Daniel Mortimer and a lot will depend on how he handles it this year. Prediction: 4th
North Qld Cowboys: After a disappointing 2009 that was full of injuries, they’ll be looking for a better season this year. The late purchase of Willie Mason is a good one and they have plenty of depth in their forwards. Thurston and Payne are the key men and if the likes of Graham, Tonga and O’Donnell can stay fit, they’ll be in for a good year. Prediction: 5th
Melbourne Storm: Have lost a host of players but still contain some of the most exciting players in the game. Opposition teams can never rest when coming up against Slater, Inglis, Cronk and Smith but their depth will be tested this year, they might struggle at times throughout the season. Prediction: 6th
South Sydney Rabbitohs: Much has been made in the offseason about the size of Souths’ forward pack and I must say I’m excited to see them play. They have plenty of speed out wide but the success of their season will hinge on Sandow and Sutton and whether they can make the right decisions at the right times. They’ll surprise some teams but I suspect they my just drop a couple of games their expected to win also. Prediction: 7th
Penrith Panthers: Have had a squad of hard workers for a couple of years and that hard work should start paying off this year. Petero will lead the forwards gallantly again while the likes of Coote, Jennings and Walsh will cause plenty of headaches for their opposition’s defence. The main concern will be lack of depth but they should win around 50% of their games this year. Prediction: 8th
Manly Seas Eagles: They have lost some key personnel in the off-season and gained some average players. Keiron Foran is a superstar in the making but takes on huge responsibility here so early in his career and will need support from the likes of Lyon, Ballin and the Stewart brothers if the Eagles are to be competitive come September. Prediction: 9th
Brisbane Broncos: Have lost some key players in the off-season including Karmichael Hunt and the injury to Justin Hodges hasn’t helped matters. They have a very young squad that are brimful of talent and any team with Lockyer and Wallace in it can’t be taken lightly but they will struggle this year especially around Origin time. Prediction: 10th
Wests Tigers: Have been very busy in the offseason and have recruited well. They have possibly the most exciting halves combination in the competition but will need to be consistent week-in week-out. Their forward pack will be a handful all season and I expect the Tigers to make life uncomfortable for many teams this season but they will struggle to match it with the top teams. Prediction: 11th
Canberra Raiders: They have lost a few players and only gained 1 player. This season is make or break for the Raiders’ youngsters, they’ve had a year or two experience in the NRL and it’s time they start to hold their own. Their forwards are solid but the pressure needs to be taken off Campese, this means the like of Dugan and Croker need to step up. Prediction: 12th
Cronulla Sharks: They were very active in releasing and gaining players in the offseason but much of this season will rely on the likes of Pomeroy and Millington who need to step up from solid first-graders to quality contributors. Their forwards will hold their own against any pack and should they want to improve on season 2009 while young guns Stapleton and Ferguson will provide them with the X-factor. Prediction: 13th
Sydney Roosters: Have had a clean out of sorts in the offseason and have gained some handy players. Their ‘big guns’ haven’t fired many shots in their last few season and I think they’ll struggle again this season unless the likes of Anasta and Pearce find another level. Prediction: 14th
New Zealand Warriors: They have lost some handy players in the offseason but will be happy to see Brent Tate fit and on the field. Their outside backs have plenty of points in them but will be relying on a halves pairing yet to prove themselves. They have some promising young forwards but I think will Warriors will struggle to hold teams under 30 points a game this year. Prediction: 15th
Newcastle Knights: They were unable to attract any big name signings over the offseason and have had some off-field drama in the past few months. The majority of their squad would be fringe players at most other clubs and I think the Knights are in for a very long season. Prediction: 16th
This should be one of the closest competitions for many years and I am very much looking forward to it.
Good luck to all teams this year.
Jason Di Lizio.
Bennett 'B.C.' Stratton's Sports Betting Tips Are Available Here 7 Day's A Week & 365 Day's A Year.
