Favored Roosters hosting rival Eels in NRL Round 5

The all-Sydney battle is a great way to start Round 5 and settle the rivalry between the Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters.

Before we begin, let's take a closer look at the current odds. We've searched the top rugby betting sites and have provided all the information you could ever want to know about betting on rugby.

The opening leg of the 14th annual Jack Gibson Cup has the Roosters set to host the Eels for the first time in six years at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters are returning from their round 4 bye and are eager to win their third straight home game. From what we've seen this season, the Roosters are in for a close game.

Close games equal more fans

The games have never been closer in the 115-year history of the sport and fans are thrilled.

The NRL has 78 percent of their games decided by 12 points or less this season. This is the closest the games have been after four rounds since 1908!

Furthermore, the NRL has witnessed its highest attendance since 1998, with 612,093 fans attending the 32 games held in the first rounds, averaging 19,128 per match.

The Round 4 matches drew an average crowd of 20,336, with last Friday's Broncos-Dolphins game having the highest attendance ever recorded for an NRL match at Suncorp Stadium.

With 78 per cent of matches so far this season decided by 12 points or less, the NRL has more games within that range after four rounds of any premiership year since 1908.https://t.co/oqACdGH16z

— NRL (@NRL) March 27, 2023

Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters - March 30, 2023, 5 AM EST

The Eels will be looking to capitalize on the momentum they had last week when they upset the Penrith Panthers 17-16. The Eels will be underdogs against the Roosters once more.

The Roosters have not had the best start to their season. But have had back-to-back wins after starting the season with a loss to the St. George Illawarra Dolphins.

ROUND 5 TEAM IS IN 🚨

Full Details 👉 https://t.co/BKMpr4no58 #PARRAdise pic.twitter.com/Y3NKTeFR1I

— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) March 28, 2023

Defeating the New Zealand Warriors 20-12 and following that victory up with a 20-18 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs is presumably why they're favored in this matchup to the tune of -205 on the moneyline.

Eels vs Roosters Betting Pick

If history is any indication the Roosters are the best bet against the Eels. They own a 24-14-1 advantage over the Eels including the most recent meeting at Allianz Stadium, which the Roosters won 31-24.

The best bet for this matchup is the Roosters moneyline at -205 which is a bit pricy but will be worthwhile when the Roosters are once again victorious in this rivalry.

NLR Betting Rabbitohs vs Storm
Sydney Roosters	-205	-188	-182
Parramatta Eels	+155	+158	+152

Roosters (-5.5)	-120	-115	-115
Eels (+5.5)	-120	-115	-115

Sydney Roosters To beat the Parramatta Eels

-205

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Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs - March 31, 2023, 5 AM EST

Josh Aloiai is determined to make up for his knock on which led to the Rabbitohs kicking the game-winning field goal last week.https://t.co/lOn8DRyJVh

— NRL (@NRL) March 28, 2023

The Rabbitohs and Storm are both coming off wins to improve to 2-2 on the season. This matchup is sure to generate excitement on Friday night in Sydney.

The Storm has dominated this rivalry, with a 31-6 record, including seven in a row from 2018-2022. They split last year's meetings, with the Rabbitohs taking the last matchup 24-12.

The Storm are elevating Tom Eisenhuth to the bench but there aren't many changes for the Rabbitohs, with Hame Sele returning from his 11-day concussion stand down.

We can't forget to remind you to check out the best sportsbook reviews so you can ensure you're betting at the best one for you.

Storm vs Rabbitohs Betting Pick

After surprise defeats to Cantersbury-Bankstown and the Titans, it's clear Melbourne hasn't performed as well as they usually have. While the Rabbitohs have been in every game this season, even in close losses to Penrith and the Roosters.

The best bet for this match is Rabbitohs by six points. Both these teams seem to be headed in different directions and I like the consistency the Rabbitohs have started the season with.

NLR Betting Rabbitohs vs Storm
South Sydney Rabbitohs	-205	-178	-170
Melbourne Storm	+155	+148	+147

Rabbitohs (-5.5)	-120	-115	-115
Strom (+5.5)	-120	-115	-115

South Sydney Rabbitohs -5.5 To beat the Melbourne Storm

-120

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