NRL Round 10

By Stephen Gallagher

It’s Magic Round! After ticking off the NRL Grand Final last year, it’s up there with Origin for my rugby league bucket list. This will be a brilliant weekend, I just hope that the Suncorp Stadium turf will hold up and not cause any major injuries.

 

FRIDAY: Bulldogs V Raiders – 20.00NZT

While these two teams aren’t exactly setting the world on fire, this is a good grinding affair to kick off the weekend.

Canterbury Bankstown will have more confidence with some key returning players from injury.

This Raiders outfit has some momentum now, and look to be that team who will beat you down and bring you down to their level in order to win. Their execution is still a fraction off, and are leaving points out on the field.

I think this game will be better than what most people will give it credit for, and I think it’ll be a strong Raiders performance that’ll seal the deal.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Sea Eagles V Broncos – 22.10NZT

Manly were rubbish last week. They didn’t bring their attack with them, and some soft defence led to easy tries. Same can be said for Brisbane who were shown up easily by the Rabbitohs.

While the Sea Eagles miss Jake Trbojevic this week, the Broncos get Haas and Mam back which will help.

Manly seem to get up for big games, and they play their best footy against the best opposition. Brisbane sit on top of the table, which is enough to rile up the Sea Eagles.

Brisbane keep learning with that loss, and they know shear talent won’t get them the win. It’s got to be a game plan and it’s got to be work ethic. They’ll definitely focus on both during the week.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Warriors V Panthers  – 17.00NZT

Both looked alright in the wet last week but just couldn’t quite get over the line while.

The Warriors are looking at a third straight loss, which could be a bit of a dagger through the heart of their season.

Penrith still aren’t quite at that 2021-2022 level, showing they can lose games. It’s what they do in this week which will show their premiership qualities.

The Warriors look stronger with some returns from injury, as do Penrith in the front row with James Fisher-Harris.

I’m not sure just how many more games this Warriors team can continue to fight and grind. It’s so impressive. I just think that Penrith have a bit more in the tank.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

Sharks V Dolphins – 19.30NZT

We saw Cronulla near their absolute best last Thursday, and with a long turnaround, they’ll still have worked on their few deficiencies and look to sharpen up even more against their underwater foes the Dolphins.

Redcliffe were unlucky last week, but as we’ve seen already through nine weeks of footy – they don’t give a shit who they play – they’ll take them on.

So if I’m Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon, I am wary of that. Let the players know to control the game and focus on what’s in front of them.

The Dolphins will do their best to attack from long range, score some tries, and ruffle the Sharks’ feathers, I just don’t think it’ll be enough.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

Storm V Rabbitohs – 21.45NZT

This is going to be one helluva game. The Storm squad is looking ominous, as are Souths – so when we get two powerhouse teams who are close to full strength, we wish for fireworks!

Melbourne are starting to have more confidence in one another and it shows on the field. They know their roles and are looking really competitive and dangerous in the opponents’ red zone.

The Rabbitohs are all about repetition and consistency. When they build pressure, they really fly.

The Storm’s strength is their physicality, and South’s strength is their ability to offload. This should be a barnstormer to end Saturday night.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Tigers V Dragons 15.50NZT

The Tigers relieved some pressure last week, whereas the Dragons just added more on to themselves.

A win won’t have solved all of Wests problems, but it does put them one small step in the right direction.

It was exciting to see them play positive, and play strong footy in the wet, and will take that confidence and believe they can beat this Dragons side.

The Red V have dropped a few players in order to get a response. I just don’t know if it will work. They are close almost every week to winning, they just need some x factor. Hopefully there is some this week.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

 

Roosters V Cowboys – 18.05NZT

It’s a Roosters side who have started to string some performances together, which is important for their ability to win in 2023.

While the Cowboys are seemingly at rock bottom in comparison to last year, the only way is up.

This Roosters side are so close to putting a big score on an opponent. The Cowboys will be aware that if they get thrashed again, their confidence will be absolutely shot.

If the Cowboys concede a couple early, it will be a long night.

TIP: Roosters 13+

 

Titans V Eels – 20.25NZT

The last game of magic round, and I feel one of those classic high scoring, no defence games coming.

The Eels seem to be showing a lot more resolve and are looking more like a premiership threat that we thought they’d be. 

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get a read of the Gold Coast Titans.

Whatever I think they will do in this game, they’ll probably do the opposite. 

I do reckon though that Parra will be too good.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

BYE: Knights

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