80 words in 80 minutes. NRL round eight

By Stephen Gallagher

Wednesday, April 25

Dragons v Roosters, Allianz Stadium, 18.10NZT

The classic ANZAC Day clash will no doubt excite. These two teams coming together always give the fans something to cheer about.

The Dragons slipping up last week means there’s only a short time frame to turn it around.

The Roosters should follow the Warriors example, and rush the Dragons. They looked terrible under pressure.

The Roosters are still not firing on all cylinders. Will be another close affair.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

Storm v Warriors, AAMI Park, 21.00NZT

The Storm have found plenty of points in the last two weeks. The Warriors defence has been solid all year, so that means the Storm have to really be at their best.

The Warriors haven’t had much luck on ANZAC Day of late, but this year, feel the winds of change.

I predict one of those games for the ages here. Two really competitive sides who do not want to lose.

The Warriors to upset the Storm here.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

Thursday, April 26

Rabbitohs v Broncos, ANZ Stadium, 21.50NZT

Not entirely convinced by the Broncos this year, and I don’t think they will be either.

I liked what I saw from the Rabbitohs last week, and it came down to being smarter on the field.

If they play the same controlled way, they should get on top of Brisbane early.

Broncos are getting better each week. They just need to be able to run hard and fast early and cause some problems for the Bunnies to try stir the pot.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

Friday, April 27

Sea Eagles v Knights, Lottoland, 18.00NZT

Manly have their backs against the wall. Two poor showings in a row means there’s undoubtedly pressure to perform.

They play the Knights who suffered a massive loss of Pearce for the majority of the year.

There’s obviously some unsettledness in the Manly ranks with the Jacko Hastings thing, and that’s not helping.

I believe they are a better side than what they’ve been showing. Same with the Knights, but I think the loss of Pearce will be the deciding factor.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

Panthers v Bulldogs, Panthers Stadium, 21.50NZT

Penrith suffered an upset loss last week, and will look to bounce back against the rocks and diamonds Bulldogs.

Canterbury-Bankstown, I just can’t put my finger on them. They’re all over the show. One week they’re winning, the next they’re butchering tries left, right, and centre.

The Panthers stability brings a bit more calm to this match, which is why I think they’ll win. Bulldogs have changed their spine five times in six weeks, and add to that, their forwards are out of form.

TIP: Panthers 13+

Saturday, April 28

Titans v Sharks, CBus Super Stadium, 19.30NZT

The Titans are quite skinny in depth, which has been their problem over the last couple of year. They have about 17 good players, and everyone else isn’t quite up to standard.

Cronulla will take a lot away from their win without 900+ first grade games playing last week.

That belief will go places for them. A sharper unit on attack, and pressure on defence will lead the Titans to make errors, and lose their way.

TIP: Sharks 13+

Cowboys v Raiders, 1300SMILES Stadium, 21.50NZT
Both sides are off the pace, there’s no doubting that – but the Cowboys are more on track.

Canberra just look lost. Their halves aren’t cutting it, and their forwards just aren’t the dominant force we’re used to seeing.

North Queensland are hard to stop close to the line. So many try scoring forwards create such an attacking force. If they start to get repeat sets, the Raiders will fold.

North Queensland will use this game to get back in the grove.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

Sunday, April 29

Eels v Wests Tigers, ANZ Stadium, 18.10NZT

I find this game very interesting. The Eels looked brand new last week, albeit playing against a poor Manly side.

If they can find their feet again, I believe they can unmask the Tigers.

However for Wests, they are best in a tight affair. If their defence which has been so good all year can keep the Eels out, they will go on to win it.

Low scoring, Tigers win. High scoring, Eels win.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

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