80 Minutes In 80 Words: NRL Round 26
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By Stephen Gallagher
North Queensland Cowboys V Brisbane Broncos – 1300 SMILES Stadium – 21.50NZT
The Cowboys have their season on the line right here. With a best finish of 5th, and a worst finish of 9th, all they need to do is win.
The Broncos were pantsed last week, and will not want to carry another loss in to the finals, especially with results going against them meaning they could finish 5th.
These two always do battle in the most tense fashion, and I can’t help but see another Broncos win here.
TIP: Broncos 13+
FRIDAY: Parramatta Eels V South Sydney Rabbitohs – ANZ Stadium – 21.50NZT
Souths were decimated last week, and with the Eels slipping up the table, they have their eyes on a second place finish.
They can’t let Souths upset them. The Eels have worked too hard all year to get to this point.
Souths could just through caution to the wind, and give it absolutely everything and get a win. I do reckon this game will pack a few twists and turns.
TIP: Eels 13+
SATURDAY: Sydney Roosters V Gold Coast Titans – Allianz Stadium – 17.00NZT
The Roosters haven’t had an amazing run of form in August, but have cemented a top four finish regardless.
The Titans are looking at their seventh straight loss, which will be a horrible way for this side to finish the year. They should have been top eight contenders.
Hopefully the Roosters don’t slip up on this match up. They need a big win.
TIP: Roosters 13+
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles V Penrith Panthers – Lottoland – 19.30NZT
This is probably the most interesting game of the round. They both need to win to make the finals, giving this match a do-or-die feel about it.
The Sea Eagles have dropped the ball over the last month, and can’t afford to drop it again.
Penrith unlucky last week, but with their massive run of form leading up to this match, they would definitely back themselves to win it.
There’ll be a big turnout I am sure. This game means everything to both sides.
TIP: Panthers 1-12
Melbourne Storm V Canberra Raiders – AAMI Park – 21.30NZT
Win or lose, the Storm will be favourites to win the competition. They don’t have to bring their best. They could rest all their big stars, it doesn’t matter.
The Raiders will be looking to finish the season on a high. They’ve fallen one win short of a finals berth. A disappointing season for the green machine I am sure.
They’re capable of winning this, and it’d be a good step for them if they did.
TIP: Raiders 1-12
SUNDAY: Newcastle Knights V Cronulla Sharks – McDonald Jones Stadium – 16.00NZT
The Knights should round out 2017 as the most consistent side over the last three years. Wooden Spoon winners.
Cronulla want a victory no matter what. They’d love to give themselves the best chance to defend their premiership.
Newcastle have been great to watch this year despite their results, and they’ll no doubt give it their all against a tough opposition.
TIP: Sharks 1-12
Saint George Illawarra Dragons V Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs – ANZ Stadium – 18.10NZT
Saint George have to win. They started the year red hot, and have slowly fizzled out.
The Bulldogs have found some points in themselves over the last two outings, and would love to back it up with another good performance here.
The Dragons need to leave it all out there. They’ve been guilty of falling away through games this season, and if there’s any slight lapse in concentration it might just cost them their season.
TIP: Dragons 1-12
Wests Tigers V New Zealand Warriors – Leichhardt Oval – 20.30NZT
The Tigers have been bad this year, but not as bad as the Warriors. Both sides I would say were top eight contenders, especially the Warriors, but once again showed just how gutless they are.
If anything, this game will be a try fest. No defence, and plenty of points.
The suffering fans of these clubs want to round out 2017 with a win.
TIP: Tigers 13+
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