The National Rugby League in Australia is now only a few weeks out from the Finals Series and at this time of year I am always on the lookout for that team who can go all the way and is paying a value price. This year I’m backing the Sydney Roosters to do the job for a few reasons and I’m putting this tip here on the blockchain so that my prediction is immutable…

Firstly, I think the Sydney Roosters have the best team “On Paper”. This is a term pundits use with a built-in disclaimer. Often the best team on paper doesn’t win, not because of a lack of talent but a lack of cohesion, culture or desire...or something else. The Roosters have an experienced and intimidating Forward Pack with several representative stars in there. They have one experienced premiership winning Halfback and the other is a rising young star in great form. They have the Australian Captain at Fullback and a Backline stacked with X-Factor attacking weapons, plus good depth on the Interchange Bench.

Secondly, they are in great position on the Competition Ladder having just jumped into 2nd place they have 2 relatively easy regular season games left against the Canberra Raiders (12th) and South Sydney (15th). This means they are a great chance to hold 2nd place and earn a Home Final quite possibly against the wobbling Cronulla Sharks. An easier win at home would give them a week off and a great shot at getting to the Grand Final where anything can happen.

Thirdly, they are (surprisingly) underrated and in the betting markets they are behind both Penrith Panthers (reigning premiers) and Melbourne Storm (minor premiers). A lot has been made of the fact that the Roosters haven’t been able to beat the top sides all year, however that’s just a statistic and to me it means they are being discounted in price and represent good value for a punt.

I backed the Sydney Roosters through the week at 4.30 and they are already in to 3.90 after the weekend games where Penrith suffered a surprise upset loss. I can see the Roosters building some good momentum over the last 2 rounds of the regular season and going into the finals in hot form and with confidence running high. Keep an eye out because they should be good to watch as they make their run.