NRL Finals – Week 1

By Stephen Gallagher

Thinking the Knights could win cost me a perfect round. 7/8. 126/190 for the season!

FRIDAY: Storm (1) V Sea Eagles (4) – Sunshine Coast Stadium – 21.50NZT

What an incredible game this is set to be.

While Melbourne hasn’t exactly been convincing over the last three weeks, they are deserved minor premiers and seem to grow bigger and stronger in the finals series.

Manly are just magic to watch right now, and their ability to flick a switch and turn a grinding game into a convincing win is something special.

This is definitely the best game of the finals series, there’s really nothing in this.

I’ve got full faith that either side can win this, but I’m looking at Manly as more of a complete unit and will win.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Roosters (5) V Titans (8) – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 19.40NZT

The Roosters are a real threat at this time of year.

While the Titans have a big task ahead of them, don’t write off what they can do. They showed just how easily they can put points on, even if it was only against the Warriors.

They deserve to be in the 8.

Sydney Roosters are going to be a tough side to beat. Even with thin numbers, they have plenty of experience and will be good enough to get the job done.

TIP: Roosters 13+

 

Panthers (2) V Rabbitohs (3) – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 21.50NZT

Penrith has got the wood over the Rabbitohs the last three years, but that win to make the grand final last year will definitely still sting for Souths.

The Panthers are a very well packaged team. They can deliver all over the park. They’re good when a game is in the grind too.

Souths will have their work cut out for them.

What the Rabbitohs can produce though is points. If they can score a couple of tries and apply pressure on Panthers, they will be in a good fight.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Eels (6) V Knights (7) – Browne Park, Rockhampton – 18.00NZT

It does feel like there’s a bit of difference between these two teams. The Knights, despite comfortably finishing 7th are going to find it really tough against Parramatta.

Newcastle’s hopes rely on this being a low scoring affair. They have shown they can’t really win high scoring matches, and they are still a little lost on attack.

This is a good chance for the Eels to get some confidence in the finals and play their own style of footy and try to work out a way to continue to get better.

TIP: Eels 1-12

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