NRL Finals Week Three

By Stephen Gallagher

FRIDAY: Cowboys V Eels  – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 21.50NZT

A hot, humid Townsville doesn’t exactly sound like a place the Eels will flourish – but it’s now or never for their premiership window.

They come up against a well-rested and already fit and firing Cowboys side who have the confidence of home conditions and knowing they dusted the Eels earlier in the year.

What I like about the Cowboys is how mobile they are. They should be going in with a game plan around moving Parramatta’s big props around and making them tired early so they’re not as effective.

Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden will need to pepper Waqa Blake with bombs too. Something the Raiders never did last week.

Parramatta will rely on running the ball. Tip-ons and running in pairs will provide a better platform of success for them.

Controlling the tempo of the game also has to be something they think about.

It’s been a brilliant year for both sides, but I think that North Queensland will be too strong where it counts. Through the middle, and making fewer mistakes.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Panthers V Rabbitohs  – Accor Stadium – 21.50NZT

Last year’s grand final re-match just shows how well these two sides have backed up in 2022.

There are no excuses for Penrith. They’ve been near-perfect for three straight years and nothing short of a grand final birth will satisfy them. Having only played one game in three weeks – they have to be ready for what Souths will spring on them.

The Rabbitohs have momentum on their side. They haven’t batted an eyelid at their opponents this finals series and would love to spoil the Panthers’ run.

The involvement of Latrell Mitchell is key. Probably a dumb thing to say, but his fingerprints on this game will go a long way to dictating a result.

I believe the Panthers need to kick to Latrell. Make him get to work early. Make him have to return the ball. Make him work early. Suffocate him with their physical defence.

The other key man for Souths is Cameron Murray. If he can get a few quick play the balls away, it’s all on.

Penrith are so well disciplined and are excellent at executing their attack. The Rabbitohs, I believe, have to throw everything at them to disrupt their flow.

I just think the Panthers are too good at the one percenters. Making this one count is right in their wheelhouse.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

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