2020 NRL Odds & Picks - Round 20 Expert Analysis

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With the 2020 NRL Telestra Premiership regular season coming to a close and the ensuing postseason getting underway on Friday, October 2, it’s time to find out who’s in action and where the best rugby betting value lies this week. To that end, I’ve identified three Round 20 clashes that are all offering rugby betting enthusiasts plenty of value. Now, let’s find out which teams are looking like great picks this coming weekend, along with their NRL odds.

NRL Round 20 Events Preview – Highlights, Odds and Picks

South Sydney Rabbitohs (11-0-8) Vs Sydney Roosters (14-0-5)

The Rabbitohs are in seventh place in the NRL ladder with 22 points. South Sydney has scored 461 points this season while allowing 344 points defensively.

Dane Gagai has returned from suspension in place of Steven Marsters at center. Jed Cartwright will start for the suspended Jaydn Su’A in the back row while Pat Mago comes off the bench. Prop Junior Tatola (knee) has been included on the reserves.

The two-time defending champion Roosters are in third place in the standings with 28 points. Sydney has scored a league-leading 544 points while limiting the opposition to 262 points defensively. Superstar fullback James Tedesco, hooker Jake Friend, back-rower Boyd Cordner and prop Siosiua Taukeiaho all return. Joey Manu, Lindsay Collins and Isaac Liu will sit this affair out while Freddy Lussick has dropped to the reserves. Angus Crichton has moved to lock and Lachlan Lam is set to return from an ankle injury in place of Drew Hutchison on the bench.

When: Friday, Sept. 25, 2020 at 5:55 AM
Where: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Money Lines: Rabbitohs +250 / Roosters -400
Total: 44½

Prediction

Sydney has won seven of the last 10 in this rivalry including a 28-12 home win on May 29. If this meeting isn’t over by halftime, I’ll be completely stunned.

Pick: Roosters 32 Rabbitohs 10

Canterbury Bulldogs (3-0-16) Vs Penrith Panthers (17-1-1)

Canterbury is sitting in 15th place in the 16-team NRL ladder with a paltry six points. The Bulldogs have been limited to 282 points while allowing 462 points defensively. Halfback Lachlan Lewis is recovering from a head knock and could see action in this clash, although center Tim Lafai will sit this one out because of his suspension for a high tackle.

Penrith sits atop the NRL standings with 35 points. The Panthers have scored 495 points this season while allowing a league-low 238 points defensively. Dylan Edwards, Viliame Kikau and Stephen Crichton are all sitting this one out as they rest up for the postseason. Daine Laurie will play fullback, Tyrone May will suit up at center and Kurt Capewell moves to the second row.

James Tamou has returned at prop and Api Koroisau at hooker following their one-week breaks. Moses Leota has dropped to the bench and Mitch Kenny to the reserves. Matt Burton and Zane Tetevano earned call ups on the interchange with Jack Hetherington dropping out.

When: Saturday, Sept, 26, 2020 at 3:30 AM
Where: ANZStadium, Sydney
Money Lines: Bulldogs +372 / Panthers -714
Total: 44½

Prediction

The Bulldogs are aiming for consecutive wins for the first time this season after beating the Rabbitohs 26-16 last week, but it’s not happening against a Panthers team that has won 14 straight coming into this regular season finale!

Pick: Panthers 38 Bulldogs 12

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (10-0-9) Vs Canberra Raiders (13-0-6)

Cronulla is in eighth place in the ladder with 19 points. The Sharks have scored 452 points this season while allowing 442 points defensively. Wade Graham has swapped to the halves with Shaun Johnson out with an injury. Braydon Trindall moves to the reserves while Mawene Hiroti will replace Josh Dugan (knee) at center.

When: Saturday, Sept, 26, 2020 at 3:30 AM
Where: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Money Lines: Raiders +116 / Sharks -166

Canberra is in fifth place in the NRL standings with 26 points. The Raiders have scored 407 points while allowing 289 points defensively. They’ll rest a bunch of their stars for this one as they get set for the postseason. Adam Cook has replaced Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback. Harley Smith-Shields and Matt Timoko will form a new center pairing with Jarrod Croker and Jordan Rapana out. Matt Frawley and Sam Williams will make up a new halves pairing with Jack Wighton and George Williams also resting. John Bateman and Elliott Whitehead are out with Hudson Young and Corey Harawira-Naera the new back-row pairing. Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine are also rested with Sia Soliola returning from a facial fracture at prop. Siliva Havili will suit up at lock with Tom Starling starting at hooker.

The Raiders play their first game at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium since 2016, but it doesn’t matter where this one is played as Cronulla has lost all seven of their games this season against top-eight opponents.

Pick: Raiders 38 Sharks 14

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?