Half-Backed punters special: NRL Round 1 tips

For the first time in season 2025, the Half-Backed punters podcast team will be sharing their plays on the website with exclusive bonus plays each round of the season.

Along with our regular lock, value and Hail Mary bets we’ll be sharing the extra plays that have caught our eye across the weekend.

For full analysis and reasoning behind each major play, tune into the Half-Backed podcast on the SC Playbook network each week.

Here’s what we like ahead of NRL Round 1.

Gamble responsibly, 18+ only. What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support, call 1800 858 858.

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NRL Round 1 punting plays

We scan across the bookmakers to find the best prices available.

Prices are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

Sam Williams

Former Canberra Raiders halfback

Lock

Reece Walsh anytime try

Jesse Arthars anytime try

Multi price: $3.83

Value

Moses Suli anytime try

Price: $4.25

Hail Mary

Junior Tupou try

Jye Gray try

Greg Marzhew try

Same-game multi price: $15.65

Additional plays

Moses Suli Dragons top try-scorer in 2025

Price: $23

Ben Trbojevic anytime try-scorer

Price: $3.75

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James Hughes

Former TAB data analyst

Lock

Bulldogs -2.5 line v Dragons

Price: $1.90

Value

Dolphins beat Rabbitohs

Sea Eagles -6.5 line v Cowboys

Eels +18.5 line v Storm

Multi price: $6.85

Hail Mary

Tigers win first half, Knights win game

Turuva anytime try

Ponga anytime try

Same-game multi price: $26

Additional plays

Starting next week.

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Tim Williams

SC Playbook

Lock

Tom Trbojevic anytime try-scorer

Price: $1.95

Value

Xavier Coates anytime try

Christian Tuipulotu anytime try

Multi price: $4.30

Hail Mary

Kalyn Ponga anytime try

Jye Gray anytime try

Shawn Blore anytime try

Multi price: $32.65

Additional plays

Manly -6.5 line

Jason Saab anytime try

Lehi Hopoate anytime try

Same-game multi price: $5.50

James Schiller anytime try

Heath Mason anytime try

Same-game multi price: $7

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Sam’s Round 1 tips

Raiders v Warriors

Panthers v Sharks

Roosters v Broncos

Tigers v Knights

Rabbitohs v Dolphins

Dragons v Bulldogs

Sea Eagles v Cowboys

Storm v Eels

Moral of the week

We’ll try find a sure thing each week, if it wins we roll the cash over into the following week. The goal is to hit $1000 with the cash to be donated to a country rugby league club.

This week: Sam

Play: Xavier Coates anytime try

Price: $1.80

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