Here is the betting and stats preview for the Round 17 opener between the best and worst teams in the competition right now.
Reproduced with permission from TheGurgler.com.
BRISBANE BRONCOS Vs PENRITH PANTHERS
Who can believe a Broncos versus Penrith at Suncorp Stadium had any side at odds of $10 to win, let alone that team being the Broncos? Their awful season will come to an end soon, but currently the Bulldogs are saving them from last, but you could argue that Brisbane deserves to finish last this season. We guess the most entertaining thing left at the Broncos for 2020 is the creative excuse they give Kevin Walters this time for not getting the vacant coaching job. All credit to Penrith though, who are deservedly first and with a side with about 1% of the hype of the Broncos. Talking of 1%, that about the chance of the Broncos winning this week.
QUICK MATCH FACTS
- Brisbane have won the only Thursday fixture between these sides.
- The Panthers have won their last four Thursday games and seven of their last eight.
- Penrith haven’t beaten Brisbane since 2016, but never been a better time.
- Broncos have lost 11 of their last 13 matches on a Thursday, and seven of their last eight versus Sydney sides. They are also averaging just 7.5 points per game in the last four Thursday games.
- Penrith have won just eight of their last 26 versus Queensland sides. But most of those losses was when Queensland sides were good.
- Penrith have conceded over 16 points just twice this season – both at Kogarah. Broncos have scored over 16 points just four times since the restart.
- Broncos scored 29% of their second half points in the two games before the Covid-19 lockdown.
- Penrith and South Sydney top the total first half points scored this season with 226. Exactly 100 points more than the Broncos.
- Penrith to win both halves then.
- Despite an inability to win at home, the Broncos have at least scored 24 points or more in three of their last four home games. Combine that with Penrith’s average of 28 points per away game this year, and the points line of 46.5 should be cleary-d.
- Interestingly, the total points figure has decreased from 48.5 to 46.5 over the past few days.
- The 22.5 margin line looks interesting, as Brisbane have lost by less than the 22.5 in four of the last five home games, and of Penrith’s six wins on the road this season, only two have been more than 22.5. But with their atom-size hearted second half performances, who could rely on the Broncos to lose by less than 22.5. Or 50. Can’t blame Seibold now.
- Penrith have scored the first try on 14 occasions this season, compared to the Broncos six.
- Brent Naden tops the first try scoring list with three, and wingers have done the job for Penrith six times this season.
- But given the crepe paper strength defense the Broncos show at times, look to a charging Viliame Kikau to open up the scoring again.
- Maybe double down with a Kikau scoring 2+ tries bet too.
- Given the Broncos have scored last just twice, look to Penrith players only, with interchange not a bad value option. Or big Bill. Although Nathan Cleary is another good choice to add a cherry for the Panthers.
THE FINAL SAY SAME GAME MULTI
Total Points Over 46.5
Viliame Kikau to score 2+ tries
Penrith to win both hlaves
Brent Naden to score anytime
Brian To’o to score anytime
@ $30
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https://nothingbutleague.com/2020/09/01/round-17-preview-brisbane-broncos-vs-penrith-panthers/
