The Odds

Luxbet – NRL Week 11 and State of Origin 1

Wednesday 16th May

State of Origin 1 – NSW Blues v Queensland Maroons

Friday 18th May

Wests Tigers v New Zealand

Saturday 19th May

North Queensland v Penrith

Sunday 20th May

Manly v Roosters

St George v South Sydney

Monday 21st May

Bulldogs v Cronulla

Wednesday night features State of Origin 1 between NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons at Etihad Stadium. Greg Inglis is bidding to pass Dale Shearer’s State of Origin try-scoring record of 12 tries, a feat he equalled last season. Inglis has scored doubles in the first game of an Origin series three times and has only failed to score in one of his six series.

Friday’s featured match is Wests Tigers versusNew Zealand. Two weeks ago both sides were in real danger of falling off the pace in the race for a top eight finish. However, by picking up a maximum four points apiece they’ve moved right back into semi-finals calculations.

The winner of Friday’s game could leapfrog as high as fifth in the table with the loser could falling possibly as low as 13th place. This could be a season defining match for both teams. The Wests Tigers just edged the Titans in Round 9, winning in golden point through opposition mistakes rather than their own good football. Their problem could be how they cover for the loss of skipper Robbie Farah who will suit up for the NSW Blues in State of Origin I. Tom Humble is likely to be given the job of filling in for Farah directing plays at the ruck. Benji Marshall will slot in at No.7, with Chris Lawrence retaining the No.6 jersey. Matt Utai and Pat Politoni are expected to be the new faces on their bench.

The Warriors have hit a superb run of form and came from behind to score a 30-20 win over the Broncos in Round 9, before out pointing the Roosters in an enthralling clash last Saturday. Jerome Ropati is out for at least six weeks through injury and fullback Kevin Locke is still sidelined. Warriors coach Brian McClennan has recalled Glenn Fisiiahi from the NSW Cup. He has been impressive for the Vulcans so far, notching 18 tries in eight games. The Warriors also welcome back Sam Rapira.

The head-to-head between these teams sits at ten wins apiece but the Warriors only victory in their past four meetings came in their last clash 22-20.

Luxbet makeQueenslandfavourites on the head-to-head at $1.45 with the NSW paying $2.80. Wests Tigers just shade New Zealand at $1.90 to $1.94 for Friday’s match.