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Pembrokeshire Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
NRL betting tips for Irish bettors
Now that we're approaching the halfway point in the National Rugby League 2025 season, there's a few teams who are starting to stand out. At the top, the Bulldogs lead the way with an impressive 18 points from 9 games, but will they be able to hold on all the way to the finals? Their closest rivals, the Warriors, are hot on their heels just two points behind and the most recent performance of Melbourne Storm who decimated Wests Tigers, proves them a real threat. Let's look at some of the top performers that could be a good bet. Back the Bulldogs It will come as no surprise that our first betting tip comes straight from the top of the leaderboard with the Bulldogs. They've impressed so far this season winning eight of their nine games and sitting pretty on 18 points. There were signs of a resurgent Bulldogs at the end of the 2024 season with Toby Sexton and Kurt Mann putting in career-best performances. Overall, they finished in 6th place and suffered a narrow 22-24 defeat to the Sea Eagles in the quarter finals. However, it's been hard to overlook their rocky form over the earlier seasons, just two years earlier in 2023 they finished two off the bottom of the league and conceded a whopping 769 points, averaging 32 a game. Their 2023 season was an unfortunate representation of their recent poor form with similar results coming in the 22 and 21 seasons. At the start of the season, there wouldn't have been many who put them in their betting tips, but after capitalising on the return to form shown at the end of 2024, they're genuine contenders. The Bulldogs have shown a real improvement in defence conceding only 58 points across their first five matches, the lowest in the league. They also have an impressive points difference of 106, the second highest in the league. In the past, they've struggled in defence with bigger teams finding it easy to overcome their smaller pack size. Former NRL player Alex McKinnon said the difference this year had been using their heads, 'I saw a real conscious effort to carry the attacking players sideways'; he described it as a 'smart tactic' that would be 'frustrating to play against'¹. Their opponents have clearly been struggling to work out how to play against their new defensive tactic, and the likes of Stephen Crichton in attack so far this season. If the Bulldogs can continue to blaze along this path, they could be a threat for the title and a top betting selection. Caught in the storm Sitting in third place currently, Melbourne Storm have had an impressive start to the season winning six of their nine matches and with an incredible point difference of 140, the highest in the league. However, it's their recent performance on May 11th against the Wests Tigers where they won 64-0, that they really showed their potential even equalling their biggest winning margin. The only thing holding Storm back is consistency; they've lost two of their last five matches. Their next match against Sharks, just two places below them in the league, will be a true test. Storm can also expect a boost with Hooker Harry Grant set to make a return from a hamstring injury, after being named in Storm's reserves for their next match². Grant is a vital part of the team having been the captain since 2024; he also topped the league for tackle numbers in 2023 making 1065 tackles at a 91% efficiency. The team is stacked with talent having added NSW prop Stefano Utoikamanu to their roster along with other top quality players Tyran Wishart, Jack Howarth and Sualauvi Fa'alogo. Storm also have one of the top coaches in the history of the game, Craig Beallmy, who boasts a 70% win rate. He's been with the side since 2003, coaching them to two premiership wins and achieving seven coach of the year awards. Storm would be a good team to back in a bet which specifies winning by a high margin as they've already dealt some crushing, high scoring blows to teams this season. Overall, with many backing Storm to go all the way this year, they're a hard team to bet against³. The winning Warriors? Although not quite as emphatic in their wins as Storm or the Bulldogs, the New Zealand Warriors still pose a threat this season. They currently sit in second place with an impressive seven wins from nine matches. One of our top betting tips is backing the Warriors against the Dolphins in their upcoming match in the round of eleven. As the Dolphins sit in twelfth place, with only four wins from ten games, the Warriors look set to storm it. Another boost for the Warriors will come in the form of the return of their co-captain, James Fisher-Harris, who has been named in the starting team against the Dolphins after a month out for a pec strain. Fans will also be pleased to see winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck being named on the extended bench. Tuivasa-Sheck hasn't played since the third round after suffering a hamstring injury and his upcoming return will offer the team a much-needed attacking threat⁴. At the beginning of the season the Warriors were certainly outsiders to challenge, having lost important players like Addin Fonuna-Blake, Tohu Harris and Shaun Johnson. In particular, they seemed set to miss Fonuna-Blake, one of the league's top props who during his time at the club was the leading try scorer. While they've coped better than many had expected, they are missing some of the offensive potency, sitting at a point difference of only plus one. The majority of their games have been tight and low scoring, a testament to their defensive prowess, but one that leaves a question mark over the rest of their season. The Warriors are still one of our top betting tips after their strong start to the season, especially in their upcoming game against the Dolphins. The future of the NRL Whoever is victorious in this year's NRL, one thing is for certain, it's going to be an exciting second half to the season. The future of the NRL seems set to go from strength to strength with the tournament making waves overseas. In 2026, the league will make a third appearance in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium. More than three million fans tuned in to watch the two games where the Sharks faced the Panthers and the Warriors faced the Raiders in the 2024 Las Vegas games. The incredible viewing numbers represented a 600% increase on those achieved the year before. Crowd numbers were also impressive in the stadium itself with 45,209 watching the season opener, the biggest showing in fifteen years⁵. It's no surprise that companies are lining up to sponsor the NRL when they're seeing record numbers of viewers. Ireland's betting power Paddy Power is waiting to see whether they'll be awarded a $50 million deal which will give it significant advertising opportunities in the NRL⁶. They're not alone however, and Australia's CrownBet is also in the running for the deal which will grant the first rights to the successful wagering provider. What is the best bet on the NRL? The 2025 season is an incredibly open one so far, with five teams within just six points. While the teams we've already mentioned are leading the way, readers shouldn't rule out other teams like the Raiders or the Sharks. At the minute, we'd find it hard to bet against Melbourne's Storm after their incredible performance against Wests Tigers. A top tip would be to capitalise on bets that specify wins by a high margin when betting on the Storm. Backing the Warriors against the Dolphins also sounds like an opportunity that's hard to resist. Overall, as the NRL continues to rise in popularity across the globe, there's ample opportunity for fans to enhance their experience by placing a bet on one of the top contenders. 1: Worst to Best in 30 Games: Inside Ciraldo's Incredible Bulldogs Resurgence After Early Horror Show, Written by Daniel Ramus, Published by Fox News. 2: NRL Casualty Ward: Surgery for Nicholson; Hunt Out for Origin, Written by Published by 3:NRL 2025 Predicted Ladder Part Two: It's Melbourne Storm's Premiership to Lose, Written by Nick Tedeschi, Published by the Guardian. 4: Warriors V Dolphins: James Fisher-Harris Named to Start After Injury Layoff, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on Extended Bench, Written by NZ Herald, Published by NZ Herald. 5: Rugby Leagues Las Vegas: The Story So Far, Written by Published by 6: Ireland's Paddy Power Fighting for Australian NRL Deal, Written by Siobhan Aslett, Published by Irishluck.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘He'll be named in the 22': Cameron Ciraldo confirms Lachlan Galvin's spot for Eels clash, with Toby Sexton to remain halfback
Cameron Ciraldo has confirmed new recruit Lachlan Galvin will be in the Bulldogs squad to face the Eels next Monday, but he won't have the No.7 on his back with Toby Sexton set to keep his spot despite suggestions he was going to be dropped. Galvin has impressed the club after just two sessions and has been accepted by the playing group, with Ciraldo not ruling out a potential debut via NSW Cup amid suggestions Galvin's inclusion could disrupt the ladder leaders' success in 2025. 'He'll be named in the 22 today and we'll make those decisions later in the week,' the coach said. 'That (playing reserve grade) was a part of the conversation we had when we signed him. He was comfortable with it and understood that he had to come here and earn the right to be in the team. 'He had no qualms about that which was awesome, and it's a sign of his character that he's happy to come here and play reserve grade to bide his time. 'The first two training sessions he's had here, he's impressed us all with his attitude and his work ethic. If he continues that then he'll be in the team before long.' The worst-kept secret in the game was confirmed last week when the Bulldogs revealed that Galvin would be joining them until the end of the 2028 season after he was officially granted a release by the Wests Tigers. The question now is where he fits into a team that has Matt Burton at five-eighth, two quality centres and Sexton, who is off contract at the end of the year. 'We signed a lot of really good utility players over the last few years that no one could really understand why, and he's got that utility value,' Ciraldo said tongue in cheek. 'He can play in the halves, he's played fullback, back row and lock through his junior career. 'He's a quality player and a quality person that we think is going to make our team better.' Sexton will remain halfback for at least one more week, while Ciraldo also confirmed Reed Mahoney would play dummy-half for the King's Birthday blockbuster. What happens going forward with Sexton remains unclear, but his coach says the halfback can make the jersey his own if he owns the role. 'Toby know he's the master of his own destiny,' he said. 'If he's playing his best footy and he's the best option for us to win games then he'll be in that No.7 jersey, and that's the same for anyone else in our squad. 'If you want to play first grade, then be the best player in your position, do your job and there's a spot for you.' Ciraldo has been impressed with how Galvin, 19, has handled his messy exit from the Tigers and suggested it was 'shortsighted' for fans to question whether the club actually needed him. The Bulldogs coach also dispelled any theories that the club had handled this poorly, with Ciraldo confident that bringing a talented teenager into his high-flying squad will only be a good thing. 'If something like that disrupts the playing group then the culture wasn't as strong as we thought it was,' he said. 'I'm confident that our culture is strong enough for people to come into our group and be accepted with open arms. 'That's what I've seen over the past couple of days.'
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Secret document flips script on Lachlan Galvin salary drama as Bulldogs primed for NRL premiership
Lachlan Galvin's move to the Bulldogs has been clouded in controversy as many questioned where he fits into Canterbury's side, but a secret document shows it may be the final piece of their NRL premiership puzzle. The teenager's future was finally confirmed on Friday, with the Tigers releasing him and the Bulldogs later confirming they had signed him on a three-and-a-half-year deal worth around $750,000 a season. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. However, his arrival at Belmore means halfback Toby Sexton – who has been a revelation in 2025 – is expected to make way. Therefore many Bulldogs fans felt bringing the 19-year-old was not only unnecessary but could destabilise the club, who are first on the NRL ladder. But statistically, the Bulldogs' bid to end their 21-year premiership drought is only boosted by the arrival of Galvin, with their roster now ready for a serious title challenge, according to the NRL's confidential benchmarking documents. The salary cap documents, obtained by Code Sports, outline the average wage for each position and provide somewhat of a blueprint for building a premiership-winning roster. And they revealed that last year's top four spent 40 per cent of their salary cap on their top five players and 60 per cent on their top 10 players – meaning the top five paid players are paid $4.5 million. The teams also had an average spine age of 26. So the data says the way to build a premiership-winning team is to have at least three marquee players on $800,000 a season, a younger spine and a top-heavy roster. Incredibly the Bulldogs, with the arrival of Galvin, now tick every box except their overall spend on top players being below the $4.5m benchmark. That is because Canterbury is one of the only clubs without a $1m plus marquee player. Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau and Matt Burton are the only three at the club on more than $800,000 a season, with that number up to four when Leo Thompson joins the Belmore outfit. But many could argue Galvin is a $1m player himself, given he was offered more than that a season to stay at the Tigers, which means data-wise wise at least the Bulldogs are primed for a premiership. If you take a look at four-time premiers Penrith, the way their squad is structured is very similar to that of how the Bulldogs. The Panthers' spine had an average age of 26.75, they had three players believed to be earning more than $800,000 a year – Nathan Cleary, James Fisher-Harris and Isaah Yeo – and had other stars just under that mark, Dylan Edwards and Jarome Luai. Salary structures historically also showed those who didn't have several stars on at least $800,000 found themselves near the bottom of the table. Last year, for example, the bottom four teams had an average of 2.8 players in their roster on at least $800,000. So if data and history are anything to go by, the key to building a premiership-winning side is to have several stars on close to $1m a year and a handful of others around the $600,000 to $800,000 mark, and a spine that is reaching their prime and not beyond it.
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘I never said we weren't interested': Phil Gould's deception laid bare
Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has come under fire after his deception was laid bare as the Lachlan Galvin saga finally came to a close with Canterbury winning the signature of the prized youngster. On Sunday news emerged that Galvin was set to sign with the Bulldogs on around $750,000 a season after turning down a monster $6 million contract extension offer. The development confirmed rumours that Bulldogs' general manager of football Gould had been working behind the scenes to negotiate a deal to lure Galvin from the Tigers. The 67-year-old had batted his eyelids at Galvin for months, yet any time his club's interest was brought up he in no uncertain terms shut down any talks of bringing the teenager to the club. In April, Gould again denied the Bulldogs were in any way interested in Galvin after the young playmaker told the Tigers he would not be at the club long-term. And Gould even took the club out of the race for the talented playmaker, stating they have full faith in Toby Sexton and their youth stocks. However, one way or another the Bulldogs have now got the man they reportedly didn't want. And even still Gould dug his heels in and claimed he still had not spoken to Galvin and the move had nothing to do with him. Gould said the goalposts had moved in recent days and after the player met with coach Cameron Ciraldo, he was then brought in on the details and told to set up a deal. But rather than make any admission about how things unfolded and address the elephant in the room, Gould went on the offensive on 100% Footy. 'I haven't met Lachlan Galvin. What I do know is there is not another CEO, not another general manager or recruitment manager that has to sit on a panel and answer these questions,' Gould said. That response got the backup of respected NRL journalist Michael Chammas who barked back: 'But that's your decision (to be a media personality and general manager)'. You can watch his heated exchange with Michael Chammas in the player at the top of the page. Annoyed at being challenged, Gould then turned his attention to bagging Chammas and slamming the media in general. 'I'm just saying these are things we do internally, most of our issues are created by the jibber in the media and what you want to do and extend on it,' Gould continued. 'You say a lot of things that just aren't true. You say a lot of things that are exaggerated. You exaggerate what's going on and that makes it difficult for us. 'I'm not going to sit here and point out everything you (Chammas) have done wrong, it doesn't worry or interest me.' Gould also added: 'I misled no one. I mislead no one. Mind your words son'. It comes as Gould's dealings at the Bulldogs continue to be heavily scrutinised as time and time again he says one thing and does another. Late last year Gould denied the Bulldogs were interested in Knights forward Leo Thompson only for Kiwi international to pen a four-year deal with Canterbury in January. Gould also denied reports that he'd signed Sitili Tupouniua last year only for the club to confirm a four-year deal a week later. When pressed on why he deliberately misleads fans and the media on his or Canterbury's intentions, the Bulldogs supremo backflipped on his comments and again dug his heels in. 'I never said we weren't interested (in Galvin). What I said was we're on a different course because he wasn't off contract until 2027,' Gould said. 'We couldn't talk to him until November.' Chammas and Gould continued their back-end-forth for several more minutes, with the Bulldogs GM stating he was surprised by Galvin becoming available and denied any wrongdoing. However, as pointed out by veteran journalist Andrew Webster on Monday, the Galvin deal wreaks of Gould courting the player while still under contract, something that is against the NRL rules. 'Club bosses have been waiting two years for a rule to be formalised banning the likes of the Bulldogs general manager of football from using their media platform to openly court an under-contract player,' Webster wrote in The Australian on Monday. 'Under the old anti-tampering rules, rival clubs could negotiate with a player before the final year of his contract started on November 1 – they just couldn't sign him. That changed during never-ending collective bargaining agreement negotiations in 2023 when the NRL, RLPA and the clubs agreed there should be no discussions at all. 'The clubs pushed for the rule to go further, prohibiting officials from using the media to sell their club to players still under contract. They may as well have called it the 'Gus rule'. Whether it's on Nine's 100% Footy, his weekly podcast, or social media accounts, Gould is the game's loudest voice. ' … Each time Gould has addressed the topic (Galvin), the smirk on his face reminds us that we'll never understand the backroom deals between clubs and managers as they wrench a player from a rival.' When asked about Webster's statement Gould said: 'I don't give a damn about what Andrew Webster writes or any journalist in this town'. NRL journalist Phil Rothfield says the main issue is currently Gould is able to use his media platform to his advantage as the general manager of a football club and can get away with it. 'The difference is, Gus is not a club official,' Rothfield explained on NRL360 on Monday. 'He is being paid a substantial amount of money to sit on a panel like this, to Channel Nine viewers to keep them informed on rugby league matters and in my view he's misled them — the people who watch Channel Nine have been misled.' Galvin could play for the Bulldogs as soon as round 14 when Canterbury takes on Parramatta. Galvin signing to trigger Dogs reshuffle According to Code Sports, Galvin's signing is set to trigger a domino effect on the rest of Canterbury's roster. Fullback Connor Tracey is reportedly tipped to make way so Matt Burton can move from five-eighth. Sexton is without a contract beyond this year and Bailey Hayward, Josh Curran, Reed Mahoney, Sam Hughes and Viliame Kikau are free to negotiate with rival clubs from November. Penrith great Greg Alexander said on Fox League: 'It's no surprise to see him (Galvin) go to the Dogs. 'But I always thought it would be a better fit at Parramatta playing outside Mitch Moses. The Eels need a five-eighth and Dylan Brown's gone. But that's not how it's going to be.' Former Bulldog Mick Ennis said: 'I love the signing. The Bulldogs have an opportunity and they've had extreme growth. 'They will find room for him. My understanding is we're going to see a reshuffle to the Canterbury side.' Braith Anasta said: 'I hear Reed Mahoney has a chance of being moved on. That's not from any good source but I've heard that over the past 12 months,' Anasta said. Tigers legend on Galvin: 'See ya later' Balmain Tigers legend Roach, who urged Galvin to show 'loyalty' to the Tigers earlier this year, said it was time for the two parties to go their separate ways. 'You've got to want to play for your club,' Roach told 'I'm old school. If you don't want to be there, see ya later. Good luck to him. 'I think he does some good things and he's got potential but I don't think he's the type of player they're saying he is. He's not a Fittler or a Daley yet. Maybe it's a little bit of overhype. 'He's got ability, he's going to be good. But maybe they've pumped him up a bit too much too early.'
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Writing on the wall': Sexton was facing axe before quitting amid Dogs' Galvin saga
It has been revealed Toby Sexton was set to be dropped after the loss to the Dolphins as debate raged over the Bulldogs' decision to sign Lachlan Galvin. Sexton confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season on Tuesday, with Galvin set to join the club in the coming days. However, The Daily Telegraph's Brent Read revealed Sexton was set to be dropped and was never in the club's long-term plans. 'Toby Sexton didn't have an offer on the table from the club,' Read said on NRL 360. 'I think it was pretty clear the club was moving in another direction. In fact, it's my understanding, Toby probably wouldn't have been in first grade next week and Bailey Hayward would have been in halfback. 'So I think the writing was on the wall for Toby Sexton. Did you see them last week? 'There is every chance he was going to be in reserve grade next week.' However, veteran journalist Phil Rothfield believes dropping Sexton with the team on top of the ladder is too harsh. 'He did get him to the top of the ladder,' Rothfield said. 'They have won nine from 11. 'I saw him last week. Are you going to do that on one game and they were without three State of Origin players, and they're without how many players suspended and injured? 'If Canterbury were going to drop him it's unfair.' Regardless, Read believes Hayward or Galvin will be the Bulldogs' No.7 after the bye and revealed Reed Mahoney leaving the club is about freeing up money to get the Tigers playmaker. 'I'm just trying to tell you, there was every chance that Bailey Hayward would have been in the halfback in the next game against Parramatta,' Read said. 'That may still be the case. Lachlan Galvin may come off the bench in that game. 'And in terms of Reed Mahoney, he asked for permission in the off-season to explore his options. 'This isn't a Lachlan Galvin-related thing. He asked for it six months ago or so at the end of last year, to look around the comp if he could get a long-term extension, at the end of this year, would they consider letting him go? He just asked the same question again.' However, Rothfield revealed Mahoney wanted to look at his option for a long-term deal elsewhere after Galvin's reported release from the Tigers. 'I've spoken to Sam Ayoub about this and he asked the same question around the same time that the West Tigers gave Galvin permission to negotiate elsewhere, when it became likely he was heading to Belmore,' Rothfield said. 'That's when he asked for release. And he's on big money Reed Mahoney. It's over $600,000 and he wants to get a head start.' Braith Anasta asked if Mahoney's money will go to Galvin's long-term deal. 'Are you saying that that could be money freed up for Galvin?' Anasta asked. Rothfield believes Cameron Ciraldo is eyeing Hayward Mahoney's replacement at hooker next season and warned a number of players will need upgrades. 'Well they've got to free money up,' Rothfield said. 'I mentioned a couple of players who have been hopelessly underpaid. Jacob Preston and Max King. 'You're talking about Bailey Hayward playing halfback. I thought he might play Hayward at hooker next year for Reed Mahoney. 'But this is where I'm talking about unrest. Gus has confused, not only in the entire rugby league world, but the players who are inside those four wars at Belmore. No one knows what's going on.' However, Read believes the Bulldogs needed to improve their spine to match the elite teams like the Storm, which is why they went after Galvin. 'I think that's really unfair on Cameron Ciraldo,' Read said. 'We've sat here on this panel. I've said it since the day the season started. They do not have a spine to win this competition this year. 'And, OK, they look pretty good in recent weeks. They were really poor last week. So I am not going to have a go at them for going out and getting a young player who can give them the strike they need in the spine to compete with Melbourne.'
