NRL Round 13

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Dolphins V Dragons – Kayo Stadium – 21.50NZT

The Dragons, unaffected by Origin (other than ya know, their best player ever) – can they dream big enough to do the Dolphins? Suuuuurely. 

We do know this Dolphins pack takes no prisoners, and despite losing their players to rep duty, they still have players that will step up and do the job.

I feel like if the Dragons can get up front and get in the tussle, they have a chance. We have seen them drop off through the eighty minutes this year, if this happens, the Dolphins will hunt them down and win.

At home, the Dolphins I feel will sneak in. Just.

TIP: Dolphins 1-12

 

FRIDAY – Eels V Cowboys – CommBank Stadium – 22.00NZT

Here’s a great chance for the Eels to build some momentum and try to move up the ladder.

The big weapons for the Cowboys are out, which is a great thing for Parramatta, especially since they’re at home.

One thing about the Eels this season is that it really is only the little things that let them down, but in some games it’s a lot of little things.

They’re truly not that far off the eight, especially after their result last week which has sparked their season up again.

What I saw from the Cowboys last week was just not NRL standard.

TIP: Eels 1-12

SATURDAY: Warriors V Broncos – McLean Park, Napier – 19.30NZT

The first time McLean Park in Napier has sold out in ten years, the Warriors have a perfect opportunity to beat this Broncos team and get back-to-back wins.

This Brisbane side have shown us how good they can be when things go their way, but missing some massive players means they have to face some genuine adversity for the first time this season.

The Warriors are almost full strength, and I feel like this could be the game that catapults their season.

The buzz around this for both sides is interesting. Broncos on a bit of a slide, the Warriors with a chance to keep on rising.

TIP: Warriors 13+

 

Rabbitohs V Raiders – Accor Stadium – 21.30NZT

The Rabbitohs sitting pretty on top of the ladder will have to work a little harder without their Origin stars this week against a Canberra side that is having a crack every week.

Despite the Origin depletion – this Saturday night game is going to be the game of the round.

There are a few young faces that get their opportunity in this Souths side, who will get an audition to prove they are worthy of a first-grade spot.

They are still favourites, but I think this Raiders side will come to Sydney with an ambush. Canberra have that burning desire, and with a pack of hungry forwards they can go head-first against Souths and cause an upset.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Knights V Sea Eagles – McDonald Jones Stadium 18.00NZT

I am enjoying the way this Newcastle side are playing footy every week even if they aren’t notching up as many wins as they should.

This is a good opportunity for Manly to get that winning feeling over a really tough Newcastle side.

I just think that what the Knights throw up every week, they are more consistent – which means they’re more likely to come prepared to win.

Manly though, you know they can never be written off.

TIP: Knights 1-12

BYE: Bulldogs, Panthers, Roosters, Sharks, Storm, Titans, Tigers

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