Sydney Roosters Premiership ($6.50)
No team was more gutted by injury last year. The Roosters were just devastated by the loss of Luke Keary while Jake Friend, Brett Morris and Victor Radley all missed double digit games. The team rarely was able to field anywhere near its best side, particularly in the backs. They remain incredibly well coached and their ability to finish as high as they did last year was a testament to the organisation. Assuming a decent run on the injury front, the Roosters look excellent value to go all the way. Only the Storm boast a more talented roster, the coaching is elite and the Roosters again have a very fair draw.
Boom-o-meter: 60%
Melbourne Storm Top 4 ($1.65)
There is barely a better bet in sport than the Melbourne Storm to finish in the Top 4. Since 2006 the Storm have missed the Top 4 just twice – once when they were thrown out of the competition – and have finished in the top two in the last six seasons. The big names have gone but the Storm team last year showed that a new generation is available to guide them through another decade of dominance. Craig Bellamy does not miss the Top 4. The Storm have a host of stars including Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cam Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant. This team is a top four morale.
Boom-o-meter: 100%
Gold Coast Top 8 ($2.00)
There are a number of major indicators that suggest the Titans will improve this season and considering they snuck into the finals last year that makes them a very good bet to repeat. The Titans have one of the better coaches in the NRL – not elite but well ahead of most of the other very average mentors – while they have purchased well enough with Isaac Liu particularly astute. Notably though the Titans underachieved by nearly two wins last year and they lost all three close games. Expect the Titans to make the leap to at least 13 wins this year.
Boom-o-meter: 90%
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