NRL Betting Tip: Bet ‘Under 40.5 Points’ in crucial clash between Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and Penrith Panthers

Recommended NRL bet: Total Points – Under 40.5 @ 10/11 (1.91) with bet365

It might be the final round of matches in the regular season, but the clash between the 8th placed Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and 6th placed Penrith Panthers at Brookvale Oval (Lottoland) on Saturday evening is effectively an early play-off match.

The winner of Saturday’s clash is guaranteed a playoff spot, whilst the loser will have to wait and hope that results elsewhere (the games featuring the North Queensland Cowboys and St. George-Illawarra Dragons to be precise) go their way to join them in the knock-out stage.

Although both teams have 13-10 records, Penrith have the superior points differential that sees them higher in the table and with a marginally better hope of progressing should they be defeated here.

Manly did manage to scrape home with a golden point win in seeing off 22-21 New Zealand Warriors on their travels last week, but that was only their second victory in their last six matches.  For their part, Penrith went down 16-14 at St. George Illawarra Dragons last week, a defeat that came on the back of seven consecutive wins.

There’s some positive team news for the Sea Eagles, with Curtis Sironen named to return from a pec injury, leading to Shaun Lane dropping out of the 17.

It’s not so good for the Panthers though, with their in-form full-back Dylan Edwards out with a knee injury.  Skipper Matt Moylan (hamstring) would be the logical replacement, but he’s been named on an extended bench, with Anthony Griffin opting for Dean Whare in the No.1 jersey.

Historically the Sea Eagles have had the upper hand over the Panthers, but that’s not been the case in recent years, with the Panthers having come out on top in seven of the last eight encounters.  Indeed, Penrith have won five straight against Manly including a 16-8 win in Game week 18.

There’s precious little between the teams in the NRL betting for this game and one would suspect this is likely to be tight and potentially relatively low-scoring as a consequence.

With it being difficult to pick a winner, betting on Under 40.5 Points at 10/11 (1.91) with bet365 could be the way to go if looking for a decent bet.