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NRL Betting: Punters see four realistic premiership chances

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It's round 18 of the NRL, and club footy is back as the centrepiece. Jake Norton takes a look at the upcoming round of matches, and tries to find the best ways to capitalise on them on the punt...

As the NRL Premiership season approaches its business end, punters have narrowed the realistic chances down to four: Melbourne Storm (2.84), the Roosters (5.80), Manly (7.60) and Brisbane (8.60). And whilst many clubs - some of the aforementioned included - are suffering injury and suspension concerns, it's the Storm that have weathered the representative period and look very, very strong contenders to go back to back.

PANTHERS v KNIGHTS
Penrith is in winning touch, something they will be hoping their young list can continue. The same cannot be said for Newcastle, who miss important players. Still, a tight, even contest is expected, but if you can get a suitable price about the Panthers, they could be just too strong.

ROOSTERS v TITANS
Just weeks ago the Titans were flying on top of the ladder and looking invincible. They have since suffered a torrid run of injuries to key personnel, and look to be on the slide. Playing the firing Roosters on their deck certainly doesn't help their cause either. The home side should simply be too strong; look to the Roosters over 12.5 points market for some better value.

WARRIORS v COWBOYS
To have a playmaker of Thurston's ilk and still be at the foot of the ladder shows how ordinary the Cowboys have been this year. The loss of Webb doesn't help their cause, nor the return of Tate and Price for the Warriors, who should be too strong at home. If you're struggling to pinpoint the winner, it may pay to consider that both sides have been involved in high-scoring affairs of late so a look at the total match points market may prove profitable.

RABBITOHS v EELS
Souths are in winning form, but Parramatta is a much stronger outfit than their recent victims, cellar dwellers Nth Queensland and the Bulldogs. With this in mind, they should account for the Bunnies, who have haemorrhaged points lately, particularly early in matches; the winning margin and first scoring play markets could be the places to visit.

SHARKS v SEA EAGLES
On paper, this is the match that should present punters with the most difficulty. Not so in reality, however, with layers reluctant to take Manly on, offering no better than 1.50 at present. The Eagles do perhaps appear stronger in attack, but the Sharks have been surprising more fancied clubs all season. Ignore them at your peril...

DRAGONS v RAIDERS
St George have been on fire in recent times, winning seven on the trot with and without their Origin centres Gasnier and Cooper, who both return this week. With this in mind, and taking into account the Raiders' poor away record and palpable defence issues, the Dragons should win and win well. If you can't find the value you're after head-to-head, try the winning margin market.

BRONCOS v BULLDOGS
Facing a five day turnaround, poor form and an away tip to Brisbane, you couldn't seriously tip the Dogs with confidence. With halves Lockyer and Wallace back, the Broncos should win easily. Another to look for to win by over 12.5 points.

WESTS TIGERS v STORM
Wests struggled to contain the Warriors a fortnight ago, which does not augur well when facing a fully fit Melbourne. The Storm have overcome the difficult rep period with reasonable aplomb, and are yet another that should comfortably account for their opposition this week. Storm by over 12.5.