Finals footy at Allianz Stadium brought the intensity as the Cronulla Sharks hosted the North Queensland Cowboys in Finals Week 1 on Sat, 12 Sept, 7:50 pm AEST. When the dust settled, it was the Sharks who stamped their authority on the contest, securing a 26–16 victory to march deeper into the finals series.
Pre-match markets had the Cronulla Sharks installed as clear favourites in the head to head at 1.4, while the Cowboys sat out at 2.85. In the line market, the Cronulla Sharks -7.5 saw support leading into kick-off, moving 2→1.85 (firmed), whereas the North Queensland Cowboys drifted 1.8→1.95 (drifted). Punters eyeing the total points line of 48.5 saw the under 1.9→1.85 (firmed) draw money, while the over drifted 1.9→1.95 (drifted).
How the tips went
Looking back at our published selections for this Finals Week 1 showdown, it proved to be a successful outing for our head to head and line leans.
Head to Head: Cronulla Sharks (priced at 1.4) — WIN. The Sharks delivered on their favouritism, controlling the tempo and sealing a 26–16 win.
Line: Cronulla Sharks -7.5 (priced at 1.85) — WIN. Backed in from 2 to 1.85 (firmed) leading up to the bounce, the Sharks covered the 7.5-point handicap with room to spare thanks to their ten-point winning margin.