NRL Round 12. The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Storm V Sea Eagles  – AAMI Park – 21.50NZT

Being thrashed twice in a row is something that does not really ever happen to the Storm, so it’s a weird spot for them to be in.

Luckily, they’re playing Manly this week.

Jahrome Hughes making it back will really sure up the Storm attack, but they are still a little light in the forwards.

That’s where Manly have an opportunity to really take it to the Storm. Their ball playing edge forwards can cause some havoc.

After the heartbreak of last week, they’ll have to really focus in on this one.
I can’t see the Sea Eagles getting the win, but if they do, that’s a massive confidence boost for them post Tom Trbojevic.

TIP: Storm 13+

 

FRIDAY: Panthers V Cowboys  – BlueBet Stadium – 20.00NZT

It’s strange to think this is Round 12 and this is the first trip that the Cowboys have made to NSW.

But regardless of their favourable draw, they’ve really played some brilliant footy.

They come up against a Panthers side who have really clicked into gear when it counts over the last fortnight.

A few forced changes in the Cowboys this week has forced their hand, but I have full faith they will be able to compete against this Penrith team.

This is the fourth straight week the Panthers have kept the same 17, which is remarkable.

We both know these sides are capable of scoring points, but I think it’s the desperation on defence that’ll make the difference.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

Broncos V Titans  – Suncorp Stadium – 21.55NZT

This Titans team is learning some harsh lessons of footy, but that’s just part of it sometimes.

Having struggled recently with results, they go up against Brisbane who are on a very impressive win streak.

No Reynolds again for the Broncos, but they have Ezra Mam in his second game who is definitely raw but has the backing of a side high on winning at the moment that’ll contribute to keeping this momentum going.

Gold Coast surely have to bring a bit of heat to this one. They’re good at staying in the contest, but they need to turn pressure in o points.

TIP: Broncos 13+

SATURDAY: Warriors V Knights – Moreton Daily Stadium – 17.00NZT

The Warriors stink, and the Knights stink a little bit less.

It’s a tough ask for the Redcliffe-based side losing their two props within a week of each other for a considerable period of time. 

Yet another halves pairing for Newcastle doesn’t exactly fill their fans with confidence.

The Warriors are lacking upfront, the Knights will be set to capitalise on that with their big forward pack.

There is a lack of confidence in this Warriors outfit. You can see it the way they play. Down on confidence leads to errors, and lack of trust leads to errors.

I think the Knights are good enough to get this job done, but feel like it might be a bit of a bludger to watch.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Rabbitohs V Tigers – Accor Stadium – 19.30NZT

A win is a win and the Tigers will cherish those two points from last week. The Rabbitohs errors once again saw their completion rate drop and the game was taken away from them with 20 to go.

The return of Mark Nicholls and the potential return of Cameron Murray will boost the forward pack of Souths in a positive way.

Tigers also get Daine Laurie and Luke Brooks back, which provides more flair in attack, which they’re desperate for.

This is a game that you expect the Rabbitohs to win, but really that comes down to how much they want to look after the ball. They hold on to it, they win. That just seems to be it.

Tigers’ attitude has improved tenfold, and they will definitely stick it to Souths.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

Sharks V Roosters – PointsBet Stadium – 21.35NZT

Primetime football for these two powerhouse clubs will end Super Saturday on a high.

There is a bit of a question mark around how the Sharks perform against other top eight sides, so this is their shot to answer the critics.

The Roosters stayed with the Panthers for the first 30 minutes last week, but were eventually worn down. They’ll have looked back on that result and saw just how much they need to step up defensively to slow their opponents down.

The Sharks are a big momentum team. They play well when they’re attacking and getting it right. The Roosters are smart enough to apply some big pressure early on to turn this game into a bit of a grind.

Really excited at the prospect of this matchup. I think this’ll be a close one.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Bulldogs V Dragons – Belmore Sports Ground – 16.00NZT

The Bulldogs back at Belmore always makes me smile. These little suburban grounds pack plenty of spirit in them.

I expect that spirit to fire them up and give them some energy for a match they can win.

They have a few former Dragons in their side, and you’d expect them to get up for this occasion.

While the Dragons look to string two wins together, they do so with the addition of Andrew McCullough back from injury which solidifies them around the ruck.

Ben Hunt versus Matt Burton in the battle of the big boots. Both have a lot of influence on their sides and the potential outcome of this match.

Should be a good game.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

Raiders V Eels – GIO Stadium – 18.05NZT

The milk are three on the trot now and all seems to be good in Australia’s capital – especially with a much needed new Prime Minister.

Parramatta get a longer turnaround to prepare for this one, which will be good for them after a physical game last Friday.

Keep an eye on Jamal Fogarty who will play his first game for Canberra after a knee injury late in the pre-season.

Another one who is back is cult hero Maika Sivo for the Eels. Gamble responsibly, but you know he’s gonna get over the white stripe in his return.

I reckon this is the game of the round. Two sides that are quite even on paper rounding out week twelve. You beauty!

TIP: Raiders 1-12

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