Storm struggled to cover the -12.5 spread
in last night's opener ... 64-0
Onto tonight...
Game 2) Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos, Marathon Stadium
Knights $1.95 ML/pick 'em
All eyes for this game will be on Newcastle halfback Andrew Johns on his return after 10 weeks out with a knee injury; especially with the Australian team to play NZ next weekend being named this weekend. What we have to consider is his impact on the spread and points total.
There are several factors to consider for this match. The line has come about from two key factors - Johns' return is expected to spark the Knights out of their recent slump which culminated in the 0-40 drubbing from the Eels in rd 17; and the Broncos (most of 'em) are backing up from playing in Origin 3.
Their record in backing up this season has not been good; 0-2 ATS (L v Eels 12-28 and D v Raiders 26-26). Hard to pick the Knights after recent showings even with Joey back though.
I believe the play here is on the Over. While Brisbane are one of the few sides to show up consistently on defence in the NRL, that Origin workload is taking its toll. We've already seen them concede 28 and 26 points respectively in their previous "backing-up" matches. Work in with that their Missed Tackle rate in the last three games - 31, 34 and 35 - with two of those matches v the lowly Panthers and Tigers.
There's no doubting their offensive prowess - avg 33.8 pts for in their last four outings - but the taxing programme may be taking its toll on tackling. The Knights have conceded 86 pts in their last 2 games.
With Johns back, their offensive capablilities increase nearly two-fold. The line for the over/under is 47.5 (NSW TAB), which still represents some value. I'll lay the chalk at Centrebet instead to win one unit.
PLAY OVER 44.5
GLTA
[This message has been edited by Anders (edited 07-06-2001).]
Onto tonight...
Game 2) Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos, Marathon Stadium
Knights $1.95 ML/pick 'em
All eyes for this game will be on Newcastle halfback Andrew Johns on his return after 10 weeks out with a knee injury; especially with the Australian team to play NZ next weekend being named this weekend. What we have to consider is his impact on the spread and points total.
There are several factors to consider for this match. The line has come about from two key factors - Johns' return is expected to spark the Knights out of their recent slump which culminated in the 0-40 drubbing from the Eels in rd 17; and the Broncos (most of 'em) are backing up from playing in Origin 3.
Their record in backing up this season has not been good; 0-2 ATS (L v Eels 12-28 and D v Raiders 26-26). Hard to pick the Knights after recent showings even with Joey back though.
I believe the play here is on the Over. While Brisbane are one of the few sides to show up consistently on defence in the NRL, that Origin workload is taking its toll. We've already seen them concede 28 and 26 points respectively in their previous "backing-up" matches. Work in with that their Missed Tackle rate in the last three games - 31, 34 and 35 - with two of those matches v the lowly Panthers and Tigers.
There's no doubting their offensive prowess - avg 33.8 pts for in their last four outings - but the taxing programme may be taking its toll on tackling. The Knights have conceded 86 pts in their last 2 games.
With Johns back, their offensive capablilities increase nearly two-fold. The line for the over/under is 47.5 (NSW TAB), which still represents some value. I'll lay the chalk at Centrebet instead to win one unit.
PLAY OVER 44.5
GLTA
[This message has been edited by Anders (edited 07-06-2001).]