THE LONG HARD LOOK WITH MIKE WILSON
SATURDAY
Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders
AAMI Park, 5:30pm
The Storm are the lock of the week, and possibly the lock of the year in tipping comps this round. It’s near impossible to see the Raiders pulling off a miracle victory with the way they have been performing. The Storm are posted as $1.15 favourites and many are calling that generous. It would be good to see the Raiders get back on the right track but it’s hard to do anything against a scintillating Storm side playing in front of the Melbourne faithful. Cameron Smith has played against the Raiders 15 times and won 14 of them.
Mike’s Best Bet: $52 on the Storm -13.5 @ $1.75 (Centrebet)
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers
ANZ Stadium, 7:30pm
Both Souths and Wests are coming off byes but one player who was kept busy was Chris Sandow. Sandow made a much publicised signing with the Parramatta Eels for the next three years. With his immediate future sorted I think Sandow can now play with a bit less stress on his shoulders and I’m looking forward to seeing him turn in another big performance. Unfortunately though for the Rabbitohs their injury list is rather long and Greg Inglis has been the latest addition with a hip problem. The Tigers demolished Souths by 24 points last time and I’m sticking with them this time around. There’s no value in the betting unfortunately and my cash will be staying firmly in my pocket.
Mike’s Best Bet: None
Nth Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels
Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7:30pm
The Cowboys are proving tough to beat at home this year only losing the one game to Newcastle in round 2. These two sides met in round 4 with Parramatta stealing a last minute win by 2 points. Parramatta are coming off the bye whereas the Cowboys will be looking for a bounce back after the Dragons mopped the floor with them last week. Johnathan Thurston’s form has been impeccable this year and once again he will provide the difference in this encounter. Dallas Johnson is the number one tackler in the game this season with 422 tackles at a massive average of 47 per game. Nathan Hindmarsh has made 360 for the Eels and sits 5th over all at an average of 45.
Mike’s Best Bet: $52 on North QLD -5.5 @ $1.84
