Penrith v Souths, Friday August 20, 7.35pm CUA Stadium

This is a really interesting match, I see Penrith hitting back at home and being too classy for the Bunnies.  I still like the look of the South Sydney forward pack and with no Lachlan Coote for Penrith it does give the Rabbitohs a chance.  But I am tipping Penrith to cement a top 4 position with a win at home.

Newcastle v Brisbane, Friday August 20, 7.35pm Energy Australia Stadium
Still no Lockyer for Brisbane and this is the sole reason I have not made them a special.  The Knights season is now over after losing to the Warriors in New Zealand last week. They are always hard to beat at home and I see them giving the Broncos a really tough match.  I think it just means a bit more to the Broncos who are still not assured of a top 8 position, so I will tip them in a close one.

Manly v New Zealand, Saturday August 21, 5.30pm Brookvale Oval

Manly are coming off a tough game on Monday night against the competition’s benchmark the Dragons.  They played well although soundly beaten but can they match the Warriors who were really impressive in defeating Newcastle at home last sunday.  This match is way to close to call and at the odds, New Zealand just may be the value.

Melbourne v Cronulla, Saturday August 21, 7.30pm AAMI Park

As we discussed last week we will not be betting in Storm games until next year.  They will win this but at the short odds it is not a good risk.  I certainly do not trust them giving up a -10.5 line and will be happy to just watch this game.

Cowboys v Bulldogs, Saturday August 21, 7.30pm Dairy Farmers Stadium

The Bulldogs welcome back Luke Patten and Ben Barba into the team after both missed last week through injury.  The Cowboys will again play without skipper Thurston and with this game having no bearing on the finals race I will not be suggesting a bet, although the Dogs should be too good.

Canberra v St George Illawarra, Sunday August 22, 2pm, Canberra Stadium

The football starts here with this game and the next two being the serious games of the weekend.  Can the Raiders beat the high Flying Saints and keep the finals dream alive for the green machine.  I am not sure but I do give them an extremely good chance.  The Dragons are home in the race for the minor premiership and the Raiders could be really dangerous at home.  I think we need to stick with the Saints but no bet.

Parramatta v Wests Tigers, Sunday August 22, 3pm, Parramatta Stadium

What a game!! Can not wait to watch this it should be a fantastic free flowing game.  The Tigers bounced back last week with a devastating win over the Panthers and now look to be on track to finish in the top 4.  The Eels on the other hand are fighting hard to hang onto hope of a top 8 spot.  Parramatta can win their final three games and finish in 8th spot I am tipping them to do that and that means they will win this game.
Suggested bet:  5 units on Parramatta

Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast, Monday August 23, 7pm, SFS

This is the game I have pin pointed from when the opening markets were released.  The Roosters were average at best against the Sharks last weekend while the Titans again continued to impress.  The away form of the Gold Coast this year does not seem an issue having won in New Zealand and at Kogarah in recent weeks.  The Titans are a better team than the Roosters and I see them showing the competition how good they are this week with a big win away from home.
Suggested bet: 3 units on the Gold Coast

Best of luck

Chris Clunes.