Parramatta v Canberra betting tips, prediction and odds; NRL Rd 19 preview

Welcome to our Parramatta v Canberra Raiders betting tips, prediction and odds update ahead of their NRL round 19 opener at Cbus Super Stadium on Thursday night. 

This is a crucial match for the Raiders, who have gathered momentum with two wins in a row against Manly and Cronulla, but all the money has been for the Eels, who are looking strong with the finals looming.

ALSO READ: NRL round 19 title odds update, schedule

Parramatta have really ramped up their defence since being thrashed 38-12 by South Sydney in round 12. In their five matches since they have conceded a total of 47 points at an average of 9.4, winning four of those matches.

The Eels have won the past three meetings between these side, including in round six this year when they went to Canberra and dished out a 35-10 thrashing.

Ricky Stuart’s Raiders have finally started to look like the good team of the past few seasons but have been dealt two cruel blows for this match, with star pivot Jack Wighton (sternum) and highly promising fullback Xavier Savage (shoulder) unavailable.

Stuart has called in Matt Frawley to play No.6, while Jordan Rapana switches to fullback.

Parramatta have one major worry themselves, with halfback Mitchell Moses suffering a back fracture while playing for NSW, with Jake Arthur deputising for the No.7.

Will Penisini makes his Eels debut at centre in place of Tom Opacic, while veteran flanker Blake Ferguson is also back in the team.

Continue reading for our free Parramatta v Canberra Raiders betting tips, predictions and odds analysis ahead of their NRL round 19 clash on Thursday, July 22. 

Start:	7:50pm AEST, July 22
Venue:	Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Head-to-head odds:	Parramatta ($1.21) v Canberra ($4.60)
Line betting:	Parramatta -15.5 ($1.85) v Canberra +15.5 ($1.95)
Premiership odds:	Parramatta $9.50; Canberra $51

Eels v Raiders tips

Our NRL betting expert has cast an eye over the odds and found value Parra-Canberra tips:

Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders prediction 22/7

The Raiders have been among the most disappointing teams all season and little has gone right for them. Even now after a couple of wins they head into this in disarray with the loss of Wighton and Savage, who looks an outstanding prospect. But they have also rediscovered a bit of dash around the ruck through Josh Hodgson and Tom Starling and if they can resist the powerful Parra pack for long enough, they can stay right in this contest. We expect the Eels to be slightly too powerful. Our final Parramatta v Canberra prediction? Eels by 4 points. 

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