NRL Round 24. The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Broncos V Eels  – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT

A huge game with massive implications for the Broncos. A win pretty much secures their top in the eight. A loss leaves them with the potential for the Raiders to sneak in and steal it with two games to go.

Parramatta’s finals run starts here. A win over the Broncos will help keep them in order. Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses have been brilliant this year and will need to lead this Parra side into the finals on a high.

Brisbane have backed their ability all year, but are lacking creativity on attack. A bit of a lull in form and it’s come at the wrong time. 

Playing at home might be the clincher.

TIP: Eels 1-12

FRIDAY: Panthers V Warriors  – BlueBet Stadium – 20.00NZT

With the Minor Premiership wrapped up, the Panthers haven’t even considered resting players. In fact, Jarome Luai is back from injury and will test out his knee against the Warriors.

As for the Warriors, expect another poor performance against a top tier outfit.

Penrith will run amuck and the Warriors won’t know how to deal with it.

TIP: Panthers 13+

 

Storm V Roosters  – AAMI Park – 21.55NZT

This has the potential to be a brilliant game. The Storm are seemingly timing their run into the finals perfectly, as are the Roosters who haven’t lost a game in six weeks.

Despite being named at 6 again, Munster will more than likely play in the 1.

For the Roosters to have any chance of a top four finish, they need to knock of the Storm in Melbourne.

The Storm are causing havoc around the ruck, and the Roosters smaller bench means they are more agile around the pitch and can speed things up. It’s worked well for them over the last month and a half.

This is going to be a war of attrition. Whoever can outlast the other will come away with a tight victory.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Raiders V Sea Eagles – GIO Stadium – 17.00NZT

The Green Machine just need to keep winning. That’s all.

Over the last month the Sea Eagles have not had any pride in their jersey, and are playing like weak-gutted dogs.

Canberra had a bit of a scare last week, but need to be better on the edges. Conceded plenty of points this year through that channel and need to sure up with the potential for finals in two weeks time.

Naming the same 17 will help Canberra, while Manly name a debutant in Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega on the wing.

Manly should really go for the upset, I just don’t think they have anything left to offer.

Raiders too strong through the middle.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Sharks V Bulldogs – PointsBet Stadium – 19.30NZT

A top two finish for the Sharks would be an incredible rise for them in 2022, and with a sure win here that will help.

The Bulldogs season is well and truly over. They played some good footy, played above their heads for a bit, but overall the season hasn’t been that great.

Cronulla’s backs are smooth. There’s plenty of connection and trust between the halves and the speedsters.

This Sharks pack will be too big for the Bulldogs to handle.

TIP: Sharks 13+

 

Rabbitohs V Cowboys – Accor Stadium – 21.35NZT

Ooooh juicy! Another finals-like game for the penultimate round of the season.

Rabbitohs didn’t do enough to win last week, and that’ll hurt. Scott Drinkwater jumps in the halves for North Queensland while Tom Dearden rests his ruptured nut.

A tough game for the Cowboys to travel to Sydney, but with a home final riding on this result, they’ll want to bring their best…much like they have all season.

For the Rabbitohs, they seem to rely on talent over process. If they bring a little more structure to this game it’ll give them a better platform for success.

The Cowboys are fit and fast, will be hard to contain.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Tigers V Dragons – CommBank Stadium – 16.00NZT

Both teams are missing some players through injury and suspension, but it could easily be a NSW Cup side for Wests.

The Dragons looked really good under pressure when they were down to 12 last week, and that’s a positive for them as they went hard to secure the win.

This Tigers team…..yeah….Not good.

Dragons should win this, but the defence will be left in the changing rooms I reckon.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Titans V Knights – Cbus Super Stadium – 18.05NZT

Much like the game before this, there are going to be a few tries scored.

Titans suck. Knights suck. At least entertain me for 80 minutes. I want to see some good tries and I want to see some long-distance efforts.

Give the people what they want and make it a high-scoring affair.

TIP: Titans 1-12

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