NRL Round 12
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By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: Bulldogs V Dragons – Accpr Stadium – 22.00NZT
Dragons fresh off the bye will be a big ask for a tired Doggies side who, other than a solid 20-minute period in the first half, struggled to win a game they could have last week.
Both sides are, I would say, are at full strength which is going to add another competitive element to this match.
We’ve seen a lot more consistent football from Canterbury-Bankstown this season than we have St. George Illawarra.
Dragons have a lot more direction, but the Bulldogs are more of a threat with their backs.
Gonna be a really good game.
TIP: Dragons 1-12
FRIDAY: Cowboys V Tigers – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 20.00NZT
The Cowboys got themselves a win last week, which is exactly what this Tigers side needs.
A bit of pressure for some Origin players in this North Queensland outfit who haven’t yet cemented their spot which means they could come out and put on a clinic.
Wests Tigers are lacking a little X-factor if I’m honest. They don’t look like a side that could break a game open, nor play with enough flair to cause an upset.
This Cowboys side need to build off the win from the week before. They haven’t put two good performances in a row this year. This could be the performance that puts them on the right track.
TIP: Cowboys 13+
Sea Eagles V Storm – 4 Pines Park – 22.00NZT
Reckon there’s a little bit more juice on this without Munster, but realistically the Sea Eagles haven’t been performing in the last three weeks and they’re up against a Melbourne side who just win for fun.
I think Manly have a great opportunity to win this one, but unless they find the problem behind them fading out of games, it’s going to be a tough ask.
They did get the Storm’s number in the corresponding game last year, and that will play into their psyche to prepare mentally for this huge clash.
Melbourne will win if Hughes plays. He’s so important to them.
TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12
SATURDAY: Raiders V Roosters – GIO Stadium – 17.00NZT
A big ask for this under-the-radar Raiders side who look to make it two in a row against a Roosters side who just happened to be beaten by a better side last week.
Tough to lose Josh Papali’i to suspension, as he’s a lynch pin to this forward pack and a major key to the success of the Raiders.
Roosters just made a couple of costly errors that ultimately were their demise. We’ve seen them score over 160 points in the last month so we know that they can and will score points easily.
It’s just defensively they need to aim up. Especially at how physically demanding Canberra will play,
TIP: Roosters 1-12
Sharks V Panthers – PointsBet Stadium – 19.30NZT
Not often you get to say that Penrith are staring down the barrel of a pair of losses – but here we are.
They come up against a Sharks side who are figuratively flying. This is arguably a better roster than the side who won their first premiership in 2016.
Penrith are not themselves as we know them to be right now, and that will have to be addressed during the week.
A side that’s built themselves up on hard work and repetitively turning sides away, are slowly leaking more and more points every week. A big concern as defense wins premierships.
Can’t see them getting up against a Cronulla Sharks side with seven wins in a row. This is such a good game.
TIP: Sharks 1-12
Rabbitohs V Eels – Accor Stadium – 21.35NZT
How good is it that the two sides who have sacked their coach within the first eleven rounds are going up against each other in the headline event of Saturday night?
This Eels side is dire. There’s no drive, they look lackluster.
Even though the Bunnies sit on the bottom of the ladder, I’m absolutely backing them to get this win. They showed to me last week that they are better than what they are, but just aren’t turning it into points.
Both sides are leaking points like a sieve though, so reckon there will be plenty of tries on offer in this one.
TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12
SUNDAY: Broncos V Titans – Suncorp Stadium – 16.00NZT
Another Queensland derby that is sure to set alight a Suncorp Stadium on a Sunday.
Injury concerns for both, but clearly the Broncos will be favourites in this one.
They are a joy to watch. Truly. Walsh back in the 1 jersey is a great inclusion and will no doubt stamp his eclectic mark on this match.
The Titans are working to a blueprint, and that seems to be coming through in their performances. I just don’t think they’re anywhere near good enough to win.
TIP: Broncos 13+
Warriors V Dolphins – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 18.05NZT
A big game to finish off the NRL weekend.
The Warriors finally got back into the winners circle with a huge performance from their B side over the Panthers.
For the Dolphins, it’s just business as usual. Winning any way possible.
I can trust the Dolphins to win this game. I can’t trust the Warriors, even though the win last week is exactly what the doctor ordered.The Dolphins just look like a very good side right now. They’re composed. Playing with tenacity. They were so right-side heavy on attack this year, but this year finding plenty of love down the left.
The big thing for the Warriors is their inclusions from injury. That’s a big confidence booster. I think it’ll go a long way to keeping them in this match for 80 minutes. I just think that the Dolphins are a better side and there’s no shame in losing to a better side.
TIP: Dolphins 1-12
BYE: Newcastle Knights
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