NRL Round 11

By Stephen Gallagher

FRIDAY: Raiders V Bulldogs – Suncorp Stadium – 20.00NZT

Magic Round kicking off with a low-key interesting one.

Raiders, fresh off a win and a bye, against an upwards trending Bulldogs side keen to show what they’re made of.

The week off was timely for Canberra with a mixed-bag leading into it, but there’s no doubt they have had time to reassess their issues and work on them at training, which is all mainly defensive issues.

Bulldogs are showing some true competitive nature. They’re not in the business of being blown out, so the Raiders are going to have to stick to the plan or else the Bulldogs will come running.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Sea Eagles V Broncos – Suncorp Stadium – 22.00NZT

Ah, the “Brisbane are the away team once again against Manly for Magic Round which is held at their home ground” game.

Anyway, now I’ve got that out of my system, I have real concerns about Manly. They’re not an 80-minute team. They’re fading massively after strong starts.

The Broncos look at an opposition like this and know that they’re capable of winning in a space of twenty minutes.

A couple of injuries to worry about, but the Broncos are throwing caution at the wind in that aspect. They’re so good and have plenty of depth. 

The firepower out wide will be a concern for Manly Warringah. I don’t think they’re good enough to contain what the Broncos can offer.

TIP: Broncos 13+

 

SATURDAY: Titans V Knights – Suncorp Stadium – 17.00NZT

Some great news for the Titans amongst all their injury concerns, is that David Fifita, the gymnist, is ready to rock and roll for two more seasons.

I can’t tip the Titans this week, though. AJ Brimson isn’t playing. He is so clearly the best player in this side. Add to that Keiran Foran is out too and they’re really up against it.

Newcastle miss Tyson Gamble through injury, but this is a side that has found a rhythm that works for them sans Ponga.

They seem to have more time and more options in attack, and while their left edge is so damn dangerous, they’ve got threats on the right, too.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Sharks V Roosters – Suncorp Stadium – 19.30NZT

Another huge slash for Cronulla. Their second in as many weeks. If they can get through this, then they will absolutely cement their spot on the top of the table and be a huge genuine premiership threat.

The Roosters haven’t been challenged too much in the last three weeks, racking up 138 points with relative ease. How they perform against a high-quality side like this will go a long way to determining the outcome of their season.

I’m really enjoying what the Sharks back 5 are capable of at both ends of the field.

The Roosters will look to crack the Sharks defence early and work towards a flow-on effect.

Don’t think it will be that easy for them. Plenty to like about this match up.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

Rabbitohs V Cowboys – Suncorp Stadium – 21.45NZT

If this match was a Facebook group, it would be the Dull Men’s Club. 

Both teams winless in their last five starts. Both look awful. The Rabbitohs more so than the Cowboys.

In a prime slot for footy in Magic Round, I feel like we need to see a really good trick like pulling a Rabbit(oh) out of a (Cowboy) hat.

I’m not too jazzed about this one – but one thing is for sure, there is plenty of points on the cards because as we know, defence is optional for these two.

TIP: Draw

 

SUNDAY: Warriors V Panthers – Suncorp Stadium – 15.50NZT

With all these injury concerns the Warriors have, it’s lucky they’re only coming up against the Panthers!

The three-time reigning premiers, Penrith Panthers that is.

CNK named at 6 is a doozy, but there’s not doubt he’ll give it his all. The Panthers are without Cleary for two months which is going to be a genuine test of this side, however, once the flow of this one evens out, there’s no doubt in my mind Penrith win this one.

That Wahs movement looks to be falling off the bandwagon. The Warriors have to dig in deep.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

Storm V Eels – Suncorp Stadium – 18.05NZT

Wouldn’t wanna be the Eels in this one.

Storm have a phenomenal record at Suncorp Stadium, and after a loss at home they will be firing.

Think that Parramatta will have a dig, much like they did against Brisbane last week – but it still won’t be enough.

Expect a really dominant performance by Melbourne who will score plenty of points and will really keep this hurt going on for Parra fans.

TIP: Storm 13+

 

Tigers V Dolphins – Suncorp Stadium – 20.25NZT

Pretty entertaining one to round out the Magic of Magic Round. The Tigers, who have struggled to get themselves out of the lull against the high-flying Dolphins.

There will be plenty of twists and turns throughout the weekend, and one of them might be that the Tigers will come out all guns blazing and look terrific. I can feel it.

And then the Dolphins will reel them back in and come from behind to win. 

That’s a bold prediction, but the way the Dolphins are playing right now – there’s no way you can bet against them.

Plenty to like about their depth, the way that they create space around the ruck, and how they dominate the physicality and force their opposition into making mistakes.

Hope y’all enjoy Magic Round!

BYE: St George Illawarra Dragons

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