NRL Round 8 Best Bets - Panthers and Warriors backed for NRL wins
- Best bets for the biggest matches from the eighth round of the NRL season
- Featured games include Warriors vs Dolphins and Knights vs Panthers
- Preview, stats & head to head
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The Panthers are tipped to win once again (Getty Images)
Warriors vs Dolphins
The New Zealand Warriors held their nerve against the Gold Coast Titans in their last game as they edged to a 28-20 win over their opponents. While they secured victory by eight points, this was a far closer home game than many thought it would be against a side currently sat in 16th on the ladder. This win saw the Warriors stretch their victorious run to two matches, with this helping them to further bounce back from a two-game losing run to the Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks. Currently sat in third with 10 points, the Warriors could move to the summit with a win in a season that is proving to be very impressive.
The Dolphins were within touching distance of a stunning win over the Penrith Panthers in their last match but they were beaten in extra time as they slumped to a 23-22 loss to the leaders. While there were positives to take from this defeat as they bounced back from losing the first-half 18-0 to winning the second 22-4, it was a third consecutive defeat nonetheless. The Dolphins find themselves sat in 12th on the ladder after just two wins from six in a frustrating start.
While the Dolphins have won their last two against the Warriors, the latter have won three of their last six against their opponents, and I back them to notch another important win.
Knights vs Panthers
The Newcastle Knights have been fairly solid across the season, winning four of their opening seven matches and losing the other three. With eight points in their pocket, the Knights sit just four points short of the Panthers at the summit. The main frustration for the Knights will be that their 42-22 loss to the Wests Tigers and their 38-24 defeat at the hands of the Sydney Roosters. These defeats mean they have missed the chance to battle at the summit. With defeats in eight of their last nine against the Panthers, I predict another tough afternoon for the Knights.
The Penrith Panthers needed extra-time to bounce back from their stunning 32-16 loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs as they edged to a 23-22 win over the Dolphins. Despite storming into an 18-0 lead at half-time, the Panthers were outscored 22-4 in the second-half as they threatened to slump to a second successive defeat. While they did triumph, they are clearly finding winning a lot more difficult than they were early in the season.
With a third consecutive away game to come this week, I am backing the Panthers to triumph, but I do not see it being a big win.
Verdict
I am backing both the Warriors and Panthers to battle to victories this weekend as they continue to go well in the league.
Warriors 1-12
Warriors vs Dolphins Winning Margin
@21/10 - 1 Unit
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Panthers 1-12
Knights vs Panthers Winning Margin
@9/4 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
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Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.
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