NRL Round 2. The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Storm V Rabbitohs – AAMI Park – 22.05NZT

While both sides were in an arm wrestle last week, it was the Storm who proved their class despite mass injury concerns.

The Rabbitohs get Latrell Mitchell back, and they need him dearly.

Melbourne however, gets Munster and Grant back – which strengthens this side considerably and firms them as massive favourites.

Souths looked rudderless without Reynolds, so either Ilias or Walker need to take charge.

Melbourne at home and get the win.

TIP: Storm 13+

 

FRIDAY: Dragons V Panthers – Netstrata Jubilee Oval – 20.00NZT

The Dragons were ordinary in patches but got what they needed after 80 minutes.

Penrith looked sensational. Probably the best round one performance we’ve seen in a long time.

The Red V have a huge test on their hands trying to contain Penrith in this game.

One or two injuries each doesn’t hamper either side too much which is good, but this is Penrith’s game for sure.

They impressed me so much last week, and the Dragons have plenty of room to improve.

TIP: Panthers 13+

Roosters V Sea Eagles – SCG – 22.10NZT

Did anyone think these two teams would be sitting on the bottom of the table after round one?

Roosters looked as though they needed one more trial game to get their combinations right.

For Manly, they just got starved of any possession or territory, and never looked like getting going.

Round one will be in the bin for both sides, and it’s all about trying to get on the board against each other here.

I think this is going to be a really good game, both sides will be fired up after losing.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Titans V Warriors – CBus Super Stadium – 17.00NZT

Touted as the ‘Ash Taylor revenge game’, it’ll be great to see what he can offer up against his old club.

Warriors were pretty poor for most of the game, but the inclusion of Walsh and Lodge will help subside the loss of Johnson.

Titans will have no trouble scoring points, as we saw last week. The issue was massively around leaking points though. They’ll have to sure that up this week.

Warriors need all the help they can get.

TIP: Titans 13+

 

Sharks V Eels – PointsBet Stadium – 19.30NZT

Sharks keep the same 17 as last week, but three forced changes due to injury have the Eels bringing in new troops.

Despite the loss, the Sharks weren’t far off last week – and I expect them to be just as competitive this week – with more focus around their ruck D.

For Parramatta, they did their best through the middle, but leaked too many points for their liking.

They have the forwards to do the job, and they have to earn it.

Sharks will be a lot tougher this week after their round one outing.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

Cowboys V Raiders – QCB Stadium – 21.30NZT

North Queensland were flat out boring. I know it poured down, but they looked shy and cautious on attack.

I really enjoyed what the Raiders did last week. That typical gritty, grindy win would have been a bit boost of confidence for them.

Whatever’s going on with Jason Taumalolo – it’s affecting him and the team considerably. He looks locked up.

Cowboys HAVE to be better, but the Raiders will also be a tough side. Should be a low scoring affair.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

SUNDAY: Knights V Tigers – McDonald Jones Stadium – 18.05NZT

The surprise package after round one, Newcastle will look to go 2-0 to start the season.

Rolling into this clash with an unchanged line-up, they will be looking to give the home fans something to cheer about against Wests.

While they were competitive, it showed that the Tigers really lacked composure and the x-factor to win close games.

I think that a close loss against the Storm will be a big plus for them, and hopefully, they don’t shy away from a winnable game against the Knights.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Bulldogs V Broncos – Accor Stadium – 20.15NZT

The Bulldogs managed to hold on in a tight game last week, and so did the Broncos.

Brisbane threw their trial form in the bin and absolutely looked a lot more gelled and inspired.

Both sides will be happy with a win, but they each come into this game knowing they have what it takes to beat one another.

I think Brisbane will sneak home late here against the Doggies, but it will be a ripper of a game to round out week two.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

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