TipResumen

WESTS TIGERS

The Tigers are on the charge into the finals and if luck goes their way may sneak into the playoffs. Wests are just two points outside the 8 on 24 points, the Broncos are only just ahead on 26. After this week the run home for the Tigers is tough, they will face a resurgent Manly next week at home followed by the Rabbits away, all of which are must win games. If the Tigers can win all 3 games and the Broncos win 2 of 3, it will come down to points differential, currently the Tigers are 24 points behind Brisbane. Last week, was a nail biter for the Tigers fans and coach. Leading 10-20 at the half and scoring 4 tries to 2 the Raiders looked to be well out of the match and Wests well in control. In the second half the Raiders rallied though and the difference in the end was just a lone penalty goal at the start of the second half, final score 20-22. The Tigers have a few changes with personnel returning from injury. Mahe Fonua returns, with Kevin Naiqama shifts to the wing and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak dropping out. Chris Lawrence returns with Matt Eisenhuth moving to the bench.



ST GEORGE DRAGONS

The big news for the Dragons is the absence of Gareth Widdop, he has a shoulder injury - their most consistent player this season and goal kicker is out injured. This is a big loss for St George and could be a defining moment for St George this season. The Dragons are on 28 points, just two wins ahead of the Tigers who can put a big dent in the Dragons finals hopes with a win here or the Dragons can secure a finals spot with a victory here. Last round, the Dragons fans will likely not want to recap. Facing the last placed Eels, the Dragons had a shocker, conceding 4 tries in the first half and a further 3 in the second resulting in a final score 40-4. This performance highlights not only how close this competition is but how poor this current run of form is for St George, they are in serious doubt, in my mind, to make the finals. With Widdop out the pressure on Hunt is immense, he has been a hot and cold player his whole career for me and at the moment he is cold, this needs to change this weekend or it is curtains for the once red hot Dragons. With Widdop out, Kurt Mann will start at five-eighth, Leeson Ah Mau is named to start with Luciano Leilua on the bench with Jacob Host returning from a shoulder injury on the interchange.



THE BETTING VERDICT

The Tigers played the Dragons just a mere 5 weeks ago and managed an away victory that was not at all expected. It was a you score, I score type of game with three tries scored a piece – the difference in the end was goal kicking from the Tigers who slotted home two more shots to win by 4, 16-20. The Tigers streak into contention for the finals is 4 wins from their past 5 matches, those wins against Dragons, Rabbits, Knights and Raiders. The sole loss was sandwiched in the middle of these 4 wins with a loss to Canterbury Bulldogs. In stark contrast, the Dragons are in a freefall, tumbling out of the top spot on the ladder all the way to 5th spot. Managing just 1 solitary win from their past 6 starts against the Cowboys at home their season is well in the balance. Current odds have the in-form Tigers favourites $1.73 to $2.15, the handicap line is 2.5 points and combined points 40.5. Given the form trends and that the Tigers are at home, I believe Wests Tigers should win so the lowest risk option is to look at the straight H2H offering at $1.73. However throwing a two combination bet will return good odds. As I write this there are no odds on these combos, I would look at tigers to win and unders in points as a guide.