NRL Round 15

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY – Titans V Tigers – CBus Super Stadium – 21.50NZT

It hasn’t been a splendid month for the Titans, but with the inclusion of AJ Brimson in the 1 jersey will definitely help their causes as they go up against a spirited Tigers side who have all of a sudden found their bite.

This has the potential to be a tennis match, just back and forth, end to end, open flowing footy and I am not mad about it.

Both the Titans and Tigers play a similar style of footy, but we’ve seen more from the Tigers of recent defensively which gives me the thought that if they can limit the Titans to 24, they will be good enough to outscore them and win.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

FRIDAY – Raiders V Warriors – GIO Stadium – 20.00NZT

Jarrod Croker becomes only the second Canberra Raiders to notch up 300 games. Funnily enough, the other one also had the same last name.

Not to make it all about him, but there was a period 12 months ago where it looked like we’d never see him in the NRL again due to other players getting the nod ahead of him, but I am so glad that he’s notching it up at home in front of the Raiders faithful.

This is such a massive occasion for the club, but they know they still have work to do. Their last two months has been their best footy they’ve played in years, and the Warriors will be well aware of the threat the Raiders possess and will try their best to spoil the party.

The visitors have had recent success in the Nation’s Capital too, which could give them a leg up.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Sea Eagles V Dolphins – 4 Pines Park – 22.00NZT

Manly find a good time to come up against the Dolphins who are missing a few key players through suspension and injury.

While we know what the Dolphins are capable of, this match has plenty riding on it for both sides.

A win for the Sea Eagles will more than likely see them crack the eight too.

What the Sea Eagles have been lacking is cohesion of late. A little clunky on offence, but this is their near best side and if for them to make a run, these players have to gel together and fast.

There’s no doubting that Redcliffe will be better than they were last week, but I don’t think they will be good enough.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Dragons V Rabbitohs – Netstrata Jubilee Oval – 17.00NZT

Yikes, poor Red V. Another close loss will really add to the frustration of their season, and to make matters worse – they come up against the Minor Premiership favourites who know how to notch up points easy.

Sitting in last place, but not without plenty of fight will really hurt this Dragons outfit. They’re not playing poorly, they are just not good enough to close out those tight games.

Souths are without a few key players, but they are being replaced by guys who have already played well in first grade this season.

The Dragons will have enough fight for forty, but expect the Rabbits to run riot by the end.

TIP: Rabbitohs 13+

 

Broncos V Knights – Suncorp Stadium – 19.30NZT

If you’ve been following my previews all year, you’d have seen me talk up and have a soft spot for the Knights all year. I do enjoy watching them play.

This, however, is a massive ask. Brisbane look genuinely threatening for a premiership, and they are getting their combinations and timings on attack firing on all cylinders. 

Back the fact that the Knights are always up for these sorts of matches, but really these Broncos are a class above and if they are to keep their seat in the number one spot, they have to win these games well.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

Roosters V Panthers – Allianz Stadium – 21.35NZT

What a massive clash. We all know the potential threat the Roosters pose, and yet they are not where they should be with this roster.

Penrith look to life without the best halfback in the world for the next six weeks – what an occasion for Jack Cogger to rise to.

Penrith certainly are better on paper. We’ve seen them unleash this year, and we’ve seen them do it to good sides. They will miss that smoothness of Cleary there, however.

So if I am the Roosters, I am putting pressure on Luai and Cogger. Lots of numbers in kick pressure and lots of traffic at them on defence.

Think this will be really close. 

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Storm V Sharks – AAMI Park – 18.05NZT

With the New South Wales halfback jersey in his sights, what a massive test for Nicho Hynes against his rival Queensland half.

The Storm, for the first time in 19 years were hapless in conceding 40 points. It was not on my radar, and they looked really shell-shocked too.

Cronulla just let themselves down last week with some missed opportunities, something they can’t afford to do this week.

When sides take it to Melbourne though the middle, they don’t do too well. The Sharks have to be quick through there.

The Storm can’t afford to be loose around the ruck, and really need that direction on the field. Too much individual stuff of late, and it shows.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

MONDAY: Bulldogs V Eels – Accor Stadium – 18.05NZT 

A huge in for the Eels is Reagan Campbell-Gillard who has been missing the last six weeks through injury. He won’t answer all of their problems, but will definitely add some spark and go-forward to their pack.

Canterbury-Bankstown are getting close every week, and those odd wins they have had add so much to this young and inexperienced side.

There’s definitely part of me that knows they can get up in this game, but with the Eels it’s hard to know which side will come out and play.

I don’t think either will be top eight contenders, but a win will go a long way for either side.

TIP: Eels 1-12

BYE – Cowboys

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