NRL - Round Nine Preview

If you took my advice and got on the Kiwi's last weekend at the +16.5 you would be feeling about as relieved as me. Plain and simple they could have lost the game by 30 and were more than lucky to sneak inside the spread with a last minute try. The test was a pretty one sided affair and unless New Zealand can get a play maker like Benji Marshall fit and on the paddock they are really going to struggle against the Kangaroos. They will get a good chance to smash each other to pieces again later this year in the World Cup and expect the Kiwis to be better by then.

Thankfully it's back to a full round of rugby league before the game is again turned on its side for the State of Origin. The one advantage is that some of the big names will be trying to turn it on to make sure they get selected for a Blue or Maroon Jersey.

Friday night will see Parramatta take on the Roosters. This could be a cracker but both teams are woefully inconsistent and renowned for heartless contributions from star players. Parramatta made very heavy work against the Dragons but to their credit held their nerve and got the win. The Roosters were quite disciplined against the Raiders and will make it hard for Parramatta if they bring this type of game. I for some reason think the Eels, at home, will come away with another win.

In many ways it's a pretty lack lustre weekend of League but the best might be the Cronulla verses Brisbane game in Sydney. The Sharks have been great this season as have the Broncos but the Sharks are on a roll and the Broncos have injury problems so expect the Sharks to keep the roll going.

Sportsbet.com.au has the entire rugby league covered every week and here are my line bet selections for the week. Parramatta, Sharks, Titans, Dragons, Manly, Warriors, Wests Tigers and the Rabbitohs. Good luck and good punting.

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