Tigers vs Bulldogs Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
NRL Round 3 in Sydney
The hapless Wests Tigers head to Sydney to face the Canterbury Bulldogs, who are the -11½-point favorites with NRL lines.
Canterbury produced the upset of the year when beating Melbourne last week, so the Tigers, who are winless, have a big challenge on their hands and that’s reflected at the sportsbook.
Tigers Not Roaring
The Tigers were expected to be near the bottom of the NRL ladder, and they have justified that with two losses.
They lost 22-10 to the Gold Coast Titans in Round 1 before losing 14-12 to the Newcastle Knights, in what can only be described as the worst game in recent history.
Online gambling markets aren’t giving the Tigers much respect at +275, which could be generous. They represent a club on the brink of being kicked out of the NRL, so winning games is needed.
Our concern is about their losing culture. They haven’t had any success for many years, so the fan base is getting frustrated and the managerial roles are up for grabs.
Beating the Bulldogs is made harder by their impressive win last week, so life doesn’t get any easier for the visitors.
They have also yet to play a game at Belmore, so that adds to the trickiness of this contest.
If bettors can find the positives needed to back the Tigers at +11½, then well done.
Bulldogs Come with Bark
When the Bulldogs win, it usually makes the NRL news. However, when they beat the Melbourne Storm, it becomes a national story.
After some dreadful years, the Bulldogs could have found the winning formula, so long as they stay consistent and don’t let things get out of hand.
Last week’s smashing of the Storm was a sight to behold. They threw the ball around with ease and the defense stood up, so the early signs are good for Bulldogs fans.
Having an in-form Kyle Flanagan helps. He has gone through the ringer in his career, but he might have found a permanent home.
“When you go through the rugby league roller coaster, you have those times, but it makes the good times that much sweeter,” Flanagan said. “That’s how I look at it. I just feel like I’m in a good place mentally. I’m really enjoying my football and it’s starting to show on the football field. I don’t want to get ahead of myself too early, but I’m really enjoying myself and I’m in a good space off the field as well.
“I’m enjoying coming into training, working under Cam and the combinations.”
Sport betting markets are right to have the Bulldogs at short odds. They are a much better team.
Tigers vs Bulldogs Head-to-Head
The Bulldogs have a 25-17 lifetime advantage over the Tigers, including a 36-12 victory in June last year.
They split their 2022 results, with the Tigers winning 36-22 at home. However, the Tigers are a much better team at home.
Tigers vs Bulldogs Game Information
- Game: Tigers (0-2) vs Bulldogs (2-0)
- Day/Time: Sunday, March 19, 1:05 a.m. ET
- Location: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney, NSW
- Tigers vs Bulldogs Live Stream: RugbyPass
Tigers vs Bulldogs Betting Lines
Tigers vs Bulldogs Picks and Prediction
Our NRL picks have the Bulldogs winning big, so the -11½ is being locked in before it moves.
They are a much better team, and we wouldn’t bet on the Tigers with stolen money at the moment.
Canterbury is listed at -450 in our Vegas NRL lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Bulldogs, there’s a chance to win $22. Wests is +275, offering a chance to win $275 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Canterbury an 81.82% chance to win, with the Tigers at 26.67%
