80 Minutes In 80 Words: NRL Round 24

By Stephen Gallagher

THUSRDAY: Parramatta Eels V Gold Coast Titans – ANZ Stadium – 21.50NZT

With all the off-field bullshit the Titans are going through, it could be another humiliating loss.

The Eels have some redeeming to do, after a big loss last week also. With a top four spot on offer, the Eels have some work to do.

The Titans have to stop the rot somehow though, they’re been whipped over the last three weeks.

If they can stand up to the Eels, it might be interesting, but Parramatta have a bit more grit in their side to win it.

TIP: Eels 1-12

FRIDAY: South Sydney Rabbitohs V New Zealand Warriors – ANZ Stadium – 20.00NZT

These two once again play each other only once over the last four years – of that, the Rabbitohs have won all four. Can’t see that chain stopping either.

The Warriors are injury-plagued and are the worst team in the competition despite not sitting dead-last.

I can see the Rabbitohs running rings around them, and it could be an absolute hiding if the Warriors fail to turn up.

Both teams would really like a win though.

TIP: Rabbitohs 13+

 

Brisbane Broncos V Saint George Illawarra Dragons – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT

The Broncos are really looking strong with the finals in sight. The Dragons could bid farewell to their season with a loss here.

Brisbane are always strong performers against the Saints, and especially at home.

If the Dragons can manage an upset, then they’re more than in the hunt.

The Broncos are always strong starters. The Red V have to do their best to hold them out and stay in it.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Newcastle Knights V Melbourne Storm – McDonald Jones Stadium – 17.00NZT

Imagine if the Knights win this! Four in a row! It’d be sensational.

The Storm can wrap up the minor premiership with a win here, which I imagine is what will happen.

Highly commend the Knights this season, they’ve been awesome to watch despite their lack of results. They are undefeated in August though, so that’s a good stat!

I hope this is a good game. Rumours are some Storm players will be rested.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

Sydney Roosters V Wests Tigers – Allianz Stadium – 19.30NZT

The Roosters have not won a game this month, and will want to drastically change that against the Tigers.

Wests had a massive comeback last weekend, and the Roosters will be wary of the momentum which they may have gained from it.

Sydney just have to play smarter, more controlled football to frustrate Wests.

I can see this game being close in the first half, but the Roosters should be too good for them in the end.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

North Queensland Cowboys V Cronulla Sharks – 1300 SMILES Stadium – 21.30NZT

The Cowboys are in danger of missing the eight if they lose another match. The Sharks are sitting just in fourth spot, and would love to cement their spot with a win.

North Queensland need a big performance up front to match it with the Cronulla forwards.

There’s so much talent on the field when these two play, but I just feel that the Sharks have a more settled side which will help them get the two points.

 TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Canberra Raiders V Penrith Panthers – GIO Stadium – 16.00NZT

Now this is a good game! The Raiders season hangs by the thinnest of threads – and that’s enough for them to believe they can win it.

The Panthers are on the biggest of rolls. They’re looking like the most dangerous side in the finals if they can keep this up.

The Raiders have won 4 out of their last 5, and most definitely have the talent to play finals footy.

The Panthers will just be thinking about what they can do to win. They’ve got a really good squad.

Should be a close game.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs V Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles – ANZ Stadium – 18.10NZT

The Bulldogs have scored the least amount of points in the competition this year, and are playing the Sea Eagles who have scored 200 points more than they have.

The Dogs are in disarray, but you do know they have that hidden element to ruin other teams finals hopes.

Can’t see it going any other way than a Sea Eagles win however. They’ll be disappointed they coughed up a big lead last week and will want to make amends.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

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