NRL Round 18

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Sharks V Dragons – PointsBet 21.50NZT

After a well-deserved week off, the Sharks must continue to rack up big wins and put themselves into a good position for a top-four finish.

The Dragons linger at the bottom of the table, and things aren’t looking any better for the Red V.

Cronulla have St George Illawarra in every position on the field. They should absolutely steamroll them.

Another tough day at the office for Dragons fans (AKA me).

TIP: Sharks 13+

FRIDAY – Warriors V Rabbitohs – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 20.00NZT

This is the BEST time for the Warriors to take on the Rabbitohs. South Sydney have a solid record against the Warriors of late, but after dropping a few in a row – and coming across the ditch to a sold out Warriors home game, they will be up against it.

I like what the Warriors are doing in 2023 – They’re having fun every week. Their spine is in sensational form, and won’t worry about who they play – they’ll turn up to win.

Souths won’t be out of it at all, they always find a way to play well against the Wahs. I think this game will be fairly close.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

Storm V Panthers – Marvel Stadium – 22.00NZT

Both sides are making their way through the season as expected, which builds this one as a massive blockbuster affair.

Adding to it that it’s at the bigger Marvel Stadium, there’s going to be plenty of noise.

Melbourne’s success has been off the back of their lack of errors. Ball security has been superb.

Penrith just keep defying the odds, and no matter who plays for them – they get the result or close to it.

A brilliant match-up. Storm bringing the flair, and the Panthers bringing the muscle. It’s going to be a goodie.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Raiders V Titans – GIO Stadium – 17.00NZT

Both getting good wins in Round 17, the Raiders will look to secure yet another victory, their seventh in the last ten weeks at home. The Titans struggle away from home but it didn’t bother them last week when they went to Suncorp and got the W.

Canberra have been really strong in the middle-third of the field. They are great at kicking and turning teams around, and they also look dangerous long-range.

If sacking coach Holbrook was holding the Titans back, we will see them go very close here – especially getting their captain back.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Cowboys V Tigers – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 19.30NZT

I don’t know if North Queensland can pinpoint the turnaround in their season, but whatever it is has worked. 

They are flying, which makes it very hard to believe that this Tigers outfit put SIXTY on them only a month ago. What the!?

So yes, the Tigers have the formula to beat them – but they won’t. Don’t kid yourself.

The Cowboys will run at their edges all day, with Holmes, Hiku and Drinkwater having field days.

TIP: Cowboys 13+

 

Broncos V Dolphins – Suncorp Stadium – 21.35NZT

They’re missing a couple of key players, so the Broncos can’t just rock up and think they’ll get the job done.

It’s been a horrid five weeks for the ‘phins – and this is a really testing time for them. I’m sure they’ll be better than the smacking they got last week. Wayne Bennett will get them fired up.

This game earlier in the season was almost game of the season – I expect it to have some fireworks, but I know the Broncos will be too good.

TIP: Broncos 13+

 

SUNDAY: Bulldogs V Knights – Accor Stadium – 16.00NZT

I am excited at the prospect of this game because I feel like it’s got plenty of good tries lined up for it.

Yeah, we know both these two are having forgettable campaigns this season – but there’s plenty to like about the youth that’s coming through for the Bulldogs, and the way that the Knights are building combinations and still tinkering to get it right.

The Bulldogs look more dangerous down their right edge – so the Knights will have to be quick to react.

Newcastle’s forwards are more experienced but need to play better. The Bulldogs have been stronger in the effort area and that’s what will help get them over the line.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

Sea Eagles V Roosters – 4 Pines Park – 18.05NZT

It’s an ugly end to the round with these two teams playing against each other. Struggling for form, struggling for consistency, and just struggling to keep players on the paddock.

Garrick is such a good player in the fullback jersey, and has the ability to get one over the out-of-form Tedesco.

Manly play so much better when they’re shifting the ball early, which will help tire this Roosters forward pack out.

I don’t know how much longer the Roosters can continue to be rubbish, but if they don’t get a good win here – their season will be over in my books.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

BYE – Eels

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