NRL 80 words in 80 minutes: Round 8
0
By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: South Sydney Rabbitohs V Brisbane Broncos – ANZ Stadium, 22.05NZT
There’s a lot of talk about this clash. Bennett V Seibold, and Boyd’s 300th match have taken the headlines.
The Rabbitohs are very hot right now, and the Broncos are truly battling with only two wins on the board.
It’ll be the big forwards battle for Brisbane, who are lacking in consistency in that department. Souths have the biggest forward pack in the comp, so the battle lines will be drawn.
TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12
FRIDAY: North Queensland Cowboys V Gold Coast Titans – 1300SMILES Stadium, 20.05NZT
Unfortunate news is that Te Maire Matin is out indefinitely with a brain bleed.
This game will be a very tight one I reckon. There’s not too much between these cellar dwelling sides.
There’s little on offer on attack by both sides, so it might be the defence dictating the result in this match.
The Cowboys will also be sweating on the return of Jason Taumalolo. They need him.
Titans have a good bench though, and should make an impact.
TIP: Cowboys 1-12
Cronulla Sharks V Melbourne Storm – Pointsbet Stadium, 22.00NZT
There’s always a few fireworks when these teams meet.
Cronulla’s backline has been riddled with injury, so there’s a lack of experience there.
That means the forwards for the Sharks have to do their best to keep up with Melbourne – to open up those opportunities for their backs.
Melbourne are such a strong side however, so I don’t see the Sharks getting a win.
Storm are also 1-17 from their ANZAC Day game. Big, strong squad.
TIP: Storm 1-12
SATURDAY: Canberra Raiders V Penrith Panthers – McDonalds Park, 17.00NZT
There’s plenty of intrigue around this match. The high flying Raiders were grounded last week, and Penrith’s poor run must end soon.
The Panthers remain 1-17, while Canberra make three small changes.
Pressure mounts on the NSW halves pairing for Penrith, while their opposites in Wighton and Williams have been very strong.
Canberra’s mobile pack have been a revelation this season, while the Panthers are still looking for continuity amongst their ranks.
TIP: Raiders 1-12
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles V Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs – Lottoland, 19.30NZT
Manly stuck another blow with skipper Cherry-Evans out for a month.
The Bulldogs will be chomping at the bit after nailing their second win of the season, but I still haven’t seen enough from them when it comes to consistency.
The Sea Eagles have been very impressive to watch. A gritty side who have stuck in there, dug deep when needed, and taken some very important close wins this season.
Back at home again, I’d expect much of the same for them. Will be a nice tight game.
TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12
Sydney Roosters V Wests Tigers – Sydney Cricket Ground, 21.35NZT
The Roosters are currently in one of their best starts to a season in history, and it shows.
Sydney are blowing even the most competitive teams off the park with their sensational form.
Wests are back in the winners circle, and have Benji Marshall back too.
I sense the first half will be a tight contest, but the Roosters just have too many game winners amongst them.
For the Tigers to win, they’ll have to find the Roosters on an off day, and pounce.
TIP: Roosters 1-12
SUNDAY: New Zealand Warriors V Newcastle Knights, Mount Smart Stadium, 16.00NZT
The Warriors are happy to have three of their best players back in this week, but that’s not an excuse to slack off after a very tight loss last week.
Newcastle were rejuvenated and impressive in their Parramatta victory, and have to carry that same energy over the ditch.
If that same effort is there from last week, the Warriors will get the win.
There’s a lot of offensive prowess in both these teams. Great backlines. So hope there’s plenty of great action to witness.
TIP: Warriors 1-12
Parramatta Eels V St George Illawarra Dragons – Bankwest Stadium, 18.10NZT
The second NRL game at Bankwest Stadium, and Eels fans will be hoping it plays out similarly to the first.
They took a step back last week, but so did the Red V.
Parra’s game has been built off quick play the balls, and fast thinking forwards in action.
The Dragons have been electric when they build momentum, and pressure their opposition close to the red zone.
It’s almost a flip of a coin who can come away with this game.
TIP: Eels 1-12
Follow Stephen Gallagher on Twitter