NRL Round 20 Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

FRIDAY: • Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans – Suncorp Stadium 21.45NZT
After this result, the Brisbane Broncos will still sit atop of the competition ladder.  The Titans will offer a fight for the first 20 minutes, but their weak side will run short of putting up any deceny. The Broncos have a side that’ll destroy any signs of weakness, they look unstoppable.
Broncos 13+

• Wests Tigers V Sydney Roosters – ANZ Stadium 21.45NZT
The Tigers are sitting at the bottom of the table for good reason. They have the worst halves combination in the comptition, and offer nothing up front other than one Kiwi enforcer. The Roosters have this game sewn up, but if they go in with that attitude the Tigers might surprise them. If the Chooks can remain level headed, I expect an aboslute flogging.
Roosters 13+

SATURDAY: • New Zealand Warriors V Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – Mount Smart Stadium 17.00NZT
This is a must win game for both sides, more so the Warriors who are in Top Eight contention.  The Sea Eagles have a brilliant record over the home side, and will use that to their advantage as a mental gain. Two teams naming understrength sides, but that makes it even. The Warriors will need to strike early and kill off the Sea Eagles if they want to get the win.
Warriors 1-12

• Melbourne Storm V Saint George Illawarra Dragons – McLean Park 19.30NZT
The first NRL game to be played at McLean Park in Napier. The Dragons have lost five in a row, while the Storm come off a big win after ending their losing streak. They’ll be wearing jerseys designed by Tohu Harris. The crowd should be big, and the game should be fierce. I think the Storm have a better squad prepared for this match.
Storm 1-12

• South Sydney Rabbitohs V Newcastle Knights – ANZ Stadium 21.30NZT
This should be a competitive game. These two teams put up good scores last weekend, and will be packing plenty of points in their bags. The Knights will try hard, but don’t think the Rabbitohs will let them steal the win. The Bunnies to bounce to victory.
Rabbitohs 1-12

SUNDAY: • Penrith Panthers V Canberra Raiders – Pepper Stadium 16.00NZT
The Panthers will be licking their wounds after a whopping last week. The Raiders bitter at a one-point home loss is inspiration for both sides this week. They need to win. Desperately, each loss means the finals slip away from their grasp. The Raiders will be tough to beat. The Panthers need to stem the flow of points.

Raiders 1-12

• Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs V Cronulla Sharks – Belmore Sports Ground 18.00NZT
Belmore Sports Ground is the venue for this gem of a clash. So great to see it used for a second time this season. The Sharks better beware, because the Bulldogs grow ten feet tall when they play there. It’s going to be a brilliant clash, and the crowd will be as vocal as ever.
Bulldogs 13+

MONDAY: • North Queensland Cowboys V Parramatta Eels – 1300 SMILES Stadium 21.00NZT
Last time these two clashed on Monday night, Eels fans don’t talk about the result. I doubt they’ll be 30-6 up as their side is crippled with injury. The Cowboys will walk through this match with deadset ease.

Cowboys 13+

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