NRL Round 2
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By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: Broncos V Rabbitohs – Suncorp Stadium – 22.00NZT
Fresh from Vegas a fortnight ago – the two losers have a point to prove.
Lacking continuity, the Broncos need to put more emphasis on completions and turning possession into points.
Souths, it’s about staying in it for 80 minutes. They went off the boil at the 50th-minute mark in round one and never recovered.
Suncorp will be hissing. Brisbane fans anxious to see their boys after the heartache of 2023. This is the difference to me. That Suncorp crowd will be worth 12 points.
A few injury concerns for the Rabbits doesn’t help.
TIP: Broncos 1-12
FRIDAY: Sharks V Bulldogs – BlueBet Stadium – 18.00NZT
15 minutes into last week, we saw the eyes roll into the back of Sharks’ supporters’ heads as they were down 12-0. Then, something they’ve tried to pride themselves on for two seasons, their defense came to fruition.
While the Bulldogs were better than 2023, some obvious concerns remain. Defence leaking and passive attack need to be tidied up sooner rather than later. Yes, it’s only the second week – but they need wins.
Cronulla, if they have the same grit as last week – they will get the two points and sit pretty.
TIP: Sharks 13+
Panthers V Eels – PointsBet Stadium – 22.00NZT
Being kept scoreless last week will hurt this Penrith side no doubt. Then add in the fact the Eels have the wood over them over recent seasons – there will be some nerves and pressure in at training throughout the week.
Parramatta made light work of Canterbury-Bankstown last week, and will know the same won’t be said for Penrith.
Penrith’s gameplan needs to be more direct. They were way too sideways last week.
Parra – if they can complete like they did last week, they will well and truly have the confidence to take home a win.
TIP: Panthers 1-12
SATURDAY: Raiders V Tigers – GIO Stadium – 17.00NZT
The Raiders felt like the surprise package from the first week – a win, away from home, that was 13+ – unheard of!
This is the first chance we get to see the Tigers for the year, and there will be plenty of eyeballs on how they will go.
Canberra will follow up from round one with the recipe to kick the opposition to death. Keep turning them around.
The Tigers, with a new coach and roster – have to show up and compete. That’s what Benji Marshall will be asking from them. To compete.
TIP: Raiders 1-12
Cowboys V Knights – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 19.30NZT
I don’t think the Cowboys got out of second-gear last week against a woeful Redcliffe side. While the Knights looked to kick-on from 2023 and got too carried away with trying to win the game with every play. It didn’t bode well for them in the end.
North Queensland looked like they were the Cowboys of 2022 – but the Knights will be stinging after the shit-show they served up the week before.
Almost too many cooks in the kitchen for the Knights. They weren’t decisive enough in attack.
A simple game-plan will help – and that’s what the Cowboys will be doing to them.
TIP: Cowboys 1-12
Storm V Warriors – AAMI Park – 21.30NZT
You know what they say? You can’t beat Melbourne in Round 1. So of course, they won last week.
Much like Newcastle last week, the Wahs looked like they wanted to roll through the Sharks and win easy without having to put much effort in. It would have been a humbling loss at home.
And despite what you think, no, the Warriors record against the Storm is shit. It’s not good. The Storm love to beat them and beat them well.
If this Andrew Webster coached-side want to ride the highs of last year, they need to earn them this year. It won’t be easy in Melbourne.
TIP: Storm 1-12
SUNDAY: Sea Eagles V Roosters – 4 Pines Park – 18.05
The two Vegas winners get to play in the Vegas Grand Final on the Northern Beaches. A big game for both sides who are looking to remain undefeated.
The Sea Eagles looked deadly on attack. Seamless transition from defense into offense, and some great lines being run both sides of the park.
For the Roosters to win this, they will need to weather the storm and pace that the Sea Eagles have. They can’t be fatigued on D, and have to be committed. Manly look ready to take a mile when given an inch.
TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12
Dolphins V Dragons – Kayo Stadium – 20.15NZT
Eek – I did NOT like what I saw from the Dolphins last week. That was easily their worst performance in the history of the club. They lacked cohesion and were very slow on attack.
While the Dragons, if that was to be their best performance of the season – then that standard will get them far.
Under Shane Flannagan they looked to be showing plenty of unity – and enjoying their football. If they absorb pressure like they did last week, and then turn it into points – they will look great and win.
TIP: Dragons 1-12
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