NRL Round 23

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Rabbitohs V Storm – Accor Stadium – 21.50NZT

A tough ask for a floundering Rabbitohs. Playing against the Melbourne Storm who lost against the Dragons last week? My goodness, count me out.

The boys in cardinal and myrtle will face a barrage of torment at the hands of their opponents.

Too many injuries, the season is well and truly over – but I’m sure there’s still a bit of heart left in them.

The Storm to win and win well.

TIP: Storm 13+

 

FRIDAY: Titans V Sharks – Cbus Super Stadium – 20.00NZT

Jeez how exciting are the Gold Coast at the moment to watch!? A true joy. They’re firing after I criticised the shit out of them for the first ten weeks.

Cronulla have a bit of the wobbles at the moment with a few key injuries, but they still got the win last week and they still remain in the top four, for now.

The chance of the GC making the top eight is slim, but a win here will help.

The Sharks will have their hands full. Their inexperienced halves pairing will be their downfall, through no fault of their own.

TIP: Titans 1-12

 

Eels V Panthers – CommBank Stadium – 22.00NZT

A massive win last week for Parra as they are one win clear of the Wooden Spoon! How good!

What’s not good, though, is coming up against the Penrith Panthers.

In saying that, the Eels love to get up against the boys from the foot of the Blue Mountains.

Parra clearly are still a good side, despite not having performed to that level this season.

But let’s be real, we’re talking about Penrith here. They should still get the dub.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

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

A week off for Manly will be just what they need before they travel down to the nation’s capital against a very desperate Canberra side.

And I’m sure the thought of the Brookvale ambush that the Raiders sprung on them earlier this season will hurt.

That Sea Eagles backline has been flying all season long, the service from DCE and Brooks will get them humming early.

But of course, Canberra will be nuggety, they’ll be thorough, and they will be tough. It’s going to be a great game.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

Cowboys V Broncos – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 19.30NZT

Whatever’s happening at Red Hill is chronically wrong. It also doesn’t help they have plenty of injury concerns.

But that’s only good news for the Cowboys, who are looking to steal a top-four finish this season.

North Queensland’s performances in 2024 has generally mirrored their opponents. They play to that level. This needs to be a statement from the Cowboys, especially in their Carl Webb throwback jerseys.

TIP: Cowboys 13+

 

Dragons V Bulldogs – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 21.35NZT

All those daggers I threw at the Dragons in my preview last weekend must have fired them up to pull off that mammoth upset.

As for the Bulldogs, those scenes in Belmore were iconic. Hope to see more of that in the future!

Huge game. Dragons are just in the eight. Bulldogs can be a top four hope. 

I don’t trust the Dragons to back up and play two good games in a row, which has been the case all season.

Absolutely loving the Bulldogs this year. A joy to watch. They bring plenty of fun to their performances.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Dolphins V Warriors – Suncorp Stadium – 16.00NZT

Johnson’s last game at Suncorp. Does that mean he and the Warriors will show up and play with some spirit and mana? Because that’s what they’ve lacked all year. It’s been tough to watch.

And speaking of tough to watch, the Dolphins spiral continues downwards. They have the talent, much like the Wahs, just not the on-field performance.

Dolphins have the motivation with a finals berth at stake, but it is the Warriors and they are playing for their decorated half whose retirement is imminent. 

TIP: Dolphins 1-12

 

Knights V Tigers – McDonald Jones Stadium – 18.05NZT

I literally tipped the Knights to win the comp in 2024. What a dumbass.

I also tipped the Tigers to avoid the Wooden Spoon. Again, dumbass.

I back the Knights to get this done. Theyre better than what they’ve served up this season. And at home, on a Sunday, against the Tigers….The odds are definitely in their favour.

TIP: Knights 1-12

BYE: Roosters

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