80 Minutes In 80 Words: NRL Round 20

By Stephen Gallagher

THUSRDAY: Brisbane Broncos V Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs – Suncorp Stadium 21.50NZT

As the Broncos look to cement their spot in the top four even more so, the Bulldogs are wanting to at least try finish the season on a high.

Without a doubt their season is over, as they linger in 13^th spot.

The Broncos will look to run riot over the hapless Doggies too. Their home record is superb, and this is a good test for them on a rare Thursday night outing for the Friday night only club.

Hope the Bulldogs turn up.

TIP: Broncos 13+

 

FRIDAY: Sydney Roosters V Newcastle Knights – Allianz Stadium – 20.00NZT

The Knights look set to finish last, again.

Can’t see them getting past a tough Roosters side who have been in some really good form this season.

What the Roosters have done consistently this season is exploit the area around the ruck, so the Knights have to be sharp retreating back from a completed tackle.

The Knights will compete, but the Roosters are just going to be better. Should be a high scoring affair.

TIP: Roosters 13+

 

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks V South Sydney Rabbitohs – Southern Cross Croup Stadium – 21.50NZT

If the Sharks are to go deep in the finals this season, they’re going to have to play their best from here on out. The Rabbitohs have been poor thus far, with a few random big wins throughout their campaign.

They’ll turn up to Shark Park and want to dismantle Cronulla, so they’ll have to be on their game from the outset.

Easy to find motivation for this one, with Luke Lewis playing his 300^th game in the NRL. That should do it for the Sharks.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Penrith Panthers V Gold Coast Titans – Pepper Stadium – 17.00NZT

This is going to be an interesting match for me. With a lot riding on the result.

If the Panthers can get another win here, they’re in a fantastic position to sneak in to the top eight at the seasons end.

The Titans however won’t be easy beats, especially with the confidence of a big win last week.

Penrith love knocking over other sides at this time of the year, with a team in great shape they could be deadly at home.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

Canberra Raiders V Melbourne Storm – GIO Stadium – 19.30NZT

The Raiders have been a disappointment to far, but if they get the right results they might just make the eight.

Their finals run starts against the side most likely to finish as Minor Premiers.

Melbourne will be seriously tough to beat – but Canberra know they have to be desperate to win.

This match has the potential to be a nail biter. Canberra really need to hit the ground running.

TIP: Storm 1-12

North Queensland Cowboys V New Zealand Warriors – 1300SMILES Stadium – 21.30NZT

This should be an easy one for the Cowboys. The Warriors have a poor record in Townsville, and the North Queenslanders know every win they can get from here on in will be a necessary one.

The Warriors look to Mason Lino to fill their Asian quota, with Shaun Johnson likely out for the season.

Cowboys will be hard to stop up front, and the Warriors will only be trying to play catch up.

TIP: Cowboys 13+

 

SUNDAY: Saint George Illawarra Dragons V Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles – WIN Stadium – 16.00NZT

Saint George are in real danger is slipping out of the top eight. They’ve been there the whole season, but their recent performances leave a lot to be desired.

The Sea Eagles showed some grit in a hard win last week, and want to stay in the top four.

Dragons fans will be nervous, there’s a lot on the line here. They have to compete for 80 minutes, otherwise Manly will swoop.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

Wests Tigers V Parramatta Eels – ANZ Stadium – 18.10NZT

A competitive match to end the weekend.

The Tigers and Eels have such similar playing styles. This year the Eels have been able to get the result a few more times than their West-Sydney companions.

At ANZ Stadium, both sets of fans will be there to see their two sides do battle.

The Tigers could sneak a victory here if they can get the better of the Eels.

Interesting to see how Mitchell Moses goes up against his former team.

TIP: Eels 1-12

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