2021 NRL Round 2 – Tips, Predictions & Odds

2021 NRL Round 2 – Tips, Predictions & Odds

We have expert betting tips for NRL Round 2, which starts with the Eels vs Storm on Thursday night.

Teams that were expected to win came up with the goods in Round 1. However, the NRL is one of the most even competitions in the world.

We analyse every Round 2 game and provide our best NRL tips.

Thursday 18/03/21

8:05pm Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm @ Bankwest Stadium

The Melbourne Storm got their title defense off to an incredible start when beating the South Sydney Rabbitohs 26-18.

It was a first-half barrage from the Storm, who looked slick with the ball in hand. They will need to be slick again this week as they face the Eels, who stormed back to beat Brisbane on Friday.

Parramatta was 16-0 down at the half but scored 24 unanswered points in the second half. A repeat of that would take them close on Thursday, but we’re sticking with Melbourne.

Betting tip: Melbourne Storm to win @ $1.45 

Storm by 6

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Friday 19/03/21

6:00pm New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights @ Central Coast Stadium

The Warriors got their 2021 campaign off to a winning start against the Titans and we expect them to go 2-0.

Bookmakers have the Knights favourites after beating the Bulldogs last week, but they picked up a few injuries that won’t do them any good this week.

New Zealand looked solid in trying conditions and they’re good enough to win at value odds.

Betting tip: New Zealand Warriors to win @ $2.15 

Warriors by 4

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8:05pm Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos @ Cbus Super Stadium

The Titans were hyped to start this season and they didn’t produce in Round 1. However, with that game under their belt, expect a better showing.

They suffered a 19-6 loss to the New Zealand Warriors in 30-degree heat. It took the zip out of their performance, but facing the Broncos should help.

Brisbane led 16-0 against the Eels, only to lose by eight points. They can’t close out games, which is why the wooden spoon is within their reach.

Betting tip: Gold Coast Titans –6.5 @ $1.90 

Titans by 10

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Saturday 20/03/21

3:00pm Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers @ Bankwest Stadium

Penrith started their 2021 season on fire with a 24-0 win over the North Queensland Cowboys.

It started off a bit slow for the Panthers, but they started to produce their brilliant best, which took them to the Grand Final last season.

Canterbury comes off a 32-16 loss to Newcastle, where they had a chance to keep it close. It was a solid Round 1 outing, but it should be a long season for the Bulldogs.

Penrith are the 16.5-point favourites and a big win is expected.

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers –16.5 @ $1.90 

Panthers by 22

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5:30pm Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Lottoland

South Sydney didn’t win last week, but they didn’t lose any admirers in the defeat to Melbourne.

They were ambushed in the first 15 minutes, but the Rabbitohs did well to bridge the gap over the rest of the game.

Manly were awful against the Roosters, losing 46-4. Coach Des Hasler’s job is now in question and a loss to South Sydney could seal his fate.

The Rabbitohs should score a comfortable win and the points start is only 9.5.

Betting tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs –9.5 @ $1.90 

Rabbitohs by 16

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7:35pm North Queensland Cowboys vs St George Dragons @ Country Bank Stadium

North Queensland is still looking to score its first points of the season and they should come this week.

The Cowboys lost 24-0 to the Penrith Panthers, but facing the Dragons is a much easier task and playing at home helps.

St George couldn’t muster much against Cronulla on Sunday and it could be another long season for the underachievers.

Betting tip: North Queensland Cowboys @ $1.53 

Cowboys by 6

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Sunday 21/03/21

4:05pm Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters @ Campbelltown Stadium

Sydney got off to a hot start against the Manly Sea Eagles and it could spell danger for opposing teams this season.

The well-oiled offense of the Roosters was in full display and we’re not sure the Tigers have the defense to cope with the pressure.

Wests come off a 30-12 drubbing at the hands of the Raiders and as expected, they should struggle to start the 2021 season.

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters –11.5 @ $1.90 

Roosters by 18

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6:15pm Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders @ Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Two Round 1-winning teams do battle on Sunday and it could be the game of the round.

Cronulla was too good for the Dragons last week and the Raiders put pay to the Wests Tigers. Both teams showed good offensive output and we’re expecting a high-quality contest.

The advantage goes to Canberra in this situation. They have a team that could make a playoff run later this year and the Sharks might not be able to back up their Round 1 win.

6.5 points is a sizable line to cover but the Raiders should get it done.

Betting tip: Canberra Raiders –6.5 @ $1.90 

Raiders by 10