Don\'t buck the whistle trend

So, the NRL's "thought" police are out in force - and we can look forward to another rule clampdown this weekend - starting with the most publicised tackle technique in the game's history - grapple!

Well, let's hope the pea isn't blown out of too many whistles - and let's not grapple with any teams that don't show discipline in what could become known as the referee's round!

Before placing your bets, look for sides that are strictly prepared under the more old-fashioned "discipline-before-flare" coaches - and make them your Centrebet bankers!

In my mind, those three are Manly, the Sharks and Melbourne - Hasler, Stuart and Bellamy - three of the more respected disciplinarians in the game, although Hasler is up against a quality rival this time in Wests Tigers' Tim Sheens. This one will be close, despite the early money being for the Sea Eagles! So don't be fancy with margins, just take the home side to WIN or HT/FT at best!

Whatever you do, include the Sharks and the Storm in your multi's - and on both occasions you can give some start! Cronulla is already in to $1.68 from $1.72 on Centrebet, and disregard any "hype" about a "Welcome Freddie" shock upset from the Roosters! The Sharks need two points right now! And of course, it's always hard to tip or bet against the Storm in Melbourne!

Punters have already taken a piece of $3.00 about the Dragons on the road to the NZ Warriors! Saints are in to $2.90, and the Warriors have eased to $1.42. But don't expect that to continue. When the big money arrives, it will be all for the Kiwi side!

The most rampant betting match of the round could well be the big Qld derby on Friday night! It's always one of the most anticipated battles of the season, and the Broncos have been 'hit' early from $1.87 to $1.79 - while the Cowboys are out to $2.03 from $1.95! There'll be all sorts of twists and turns in this one before the whistle goes, but don't be surprised if North Qld is right on Brisbane's heels in the Centrebet market when the last bets are taken! Our 'hold' will be big - so be part of it!

My 3-leg NRL multi of the week is:

Manly HT/FT @ $1.82 on to Cronulla (-3.5) @ $1.85 on to NZ Warriors (-7.5) @ $1.85!

Dividend is $6.23 for every buck invested!!!!

Good luck and good punting,