NRL - Round Twenty Three Preview

Melbourne Storm showed that they are deserved NRL favourites by grinding out a stoic victory against Manly at Brookvale. Brookvale is a photograph from the past. One of those suburban grounds where the crowd is close, the atmosphere is loud and brutal and one that is nearly impossible to win at for a visiting side. The Storm played strong tough football and matched the Sea Eagles when it mattered and gave themselves a big chance of winning the minor premiership. They will be hard to beat again this season as they are bigger, stronger and more skilled than any other side out there. Injury seems the only chance for any of the other clubs.

Parramatta is the hardest team to catch in the NRL. Against average opposition they bumble around like a pack of headless chickens and then when all hope appears lost they band together and beat the Roosters, at home, who were playing to secure a top 4 finals birth. It leaves punters scratching their heads with bewilderment. The list at Parramatta should be good enough to finish in the top few of the competition. They played sensational football towards the end of last year and 2008 looked to be the season when they would push to win the competition. They need to win the rest of their games to make the eight and they just may be capable of doing it as their form is impossible to read.

Sportsbet.com.au is a great place to get on the NRL and this week my line bet selections include; Brisbane, Melbourne, New Zealand, North Queensland, Canberra, Souths and Parramatta. My bet of the round is for Penrith to annihilate the hapless Bulldogs that would struggle to beat a decent under 12's side at the moment. Good luck and good punting.

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