NRL Magic Round. The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

FRIDAY: Bulldogs V Knights  – Suncorp Stadium – 20.00NZT

Kicking off Magic Round is 15 v 16 on the ladder….

Despite sitting in 15th, the Bulldogs have played with some heart this year but just haven’t been able to get the right result in close games.

Whereas the Knights are now 7 losses in a row and look like a shell of a team that started the season with two wins.

There are similarities between the two, but ultimately, the Bulldogs look more composed and more likely to win those key moments in a match.

While this isn’t the most attractive game of the round, there’s definitely potential for some tries to be scored and for it to be a good match.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

Sea Eagles V Broncos  – Suncorp Stadium – 22.05NZT

The Broncos are showing plenty of grit in 2022. Something that they haven’t been able to show off a whole lot of late.

Manly are showing plenty of attacking prowess, and have got some great straight runs around the ruck that unsettles their oppositions.

Manly and Brisbane get some big inclusions back which adds more to this game.

I feel like the Sea Eagles are in a better position to get this win, but with the way these Broncos have got the job done of late, they might just surprise Manly.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Warriors V Rabbitohs – Suncorp Stadium – 17.00NZT

After the club’s worst performance ever, the Warriors now have to try get up over a wounded and bitter Rabbitohs side who will be looking to make amends for a poor performance last week.

While the Warriors only make two changes to the side who were thrashed by 12 men, they are all very much under pressure to deliver.

A stale performance by their playmakers left them rudderless.

Souths just need to hold on to the ball, something that when they do, they do well.

On a random stats note, Kodi Nikorima made his Warriors debut in Magic Round in 2019, he will make his Rabbitohs debut in Magic Round against the Warriors.

TIP: Souths 1-12

 

Titans V Dragons – Suncorp Stadium – 19.30NZT

The Titans are in a bit of a hole and look to Jayden Campbell to provide some spark at fullback.

They definitely look flat on attack, so injecting some pace and talent should help.

Saint George Illawarra weren’t that bad on Sunday, but gifted Melbourne a couple of easy tries, and then fatigue set in at the end after spending a lot of the match tackling.

They are the same 17 as last week, and with a good record over Gold Coast, they will look to kick off another winning streak with three matches to go before the bye.

What the Titans lack in experience they make up with flair – and they’ll need to get some points scored because the Dragons have plenty of big-game players to get this job done.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Storm V Panthers – Suncorp Stadium – 21.45NZT

By far the two best teams this year.

Melbourne are just scoring points at will, and they are so good to watch when they are on. It’s almost like they are unstoppable.

Penrith had their winning bubble popped by Parra last week, which in reality might have been the best thing for them going into this crucial clash.

While the Storm miss Papenhuyzen through injury, they still have Nick Meaney in the 1 who is more than capable.

Melbourne also have a terrific record at Suncorp, so that plays into their favour also.

Penrith, despite the loss, were still good last week. Just out enthused in those little moments.

No doubt the desire to win will be back this week, and what better time to get that taste than against a brilliant Melbourne side.

This is the game of the round for sure.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Sharks V Raiders – Suncorp Stadium – 16.005.50NZT

After a stunning win with only 12 men, the Sharks now have to deal with a couple of suspensions and that means Nicho Hynes slots in at fullback.

That won’t dampen the Sharks attack too much, with Braydon Trindall more than capable of playing half.

Canberra looked better last week with a win at home, but there are still questions around their attack.

Only averaging 14 points a game in their last five starts, they will need to really work on their last tackle options against a Sharks side who are very resilient on defence.

Something is telling me Canberra will be up for this game, but I think there’s something special about this Sharks side.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

Roosters V Eels – Suncorp Stadium – 18.05NZT

While it was only a win over the Titans, the Roosters got the job done and played a few key players into form.

They now have the task of handling this Eels side who will be full of confidence after defeating Penrith at their home fortress.

It’s good to see the same 17 named for this Parramatta side.

Roosters have a big job on their hands. A little sloppy at times defensively, they can’t afford to lapse when this Eels side are on.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

Tigers V Cowboys – Suncorp Stadium – 20.25NZT

The Cowboys are looking very strong to start the season, but the Tigers, despite a couple of losses, do look better than their abysmal start.

With Brooks and Hastings in the halves, Wests do have the potential to win this game. They get Leilua back in the second row, and they have Ofahengaue playing well at 13.

Yet, the Cowboys are a side that has been ruthless when they win. They don’t take the foot off the throttle.

So if they get into gear early, the Tigers are going to have to find something within to turn it around or it could get messy.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

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