NRL Round 16: The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

Last NRL round I tipped 8/8! You beauty! 78/116.

 

THURSDAY: Roosters V Storm – McDonald Jones Stadium 21.50NZT

Sam Walker is back for the Roosters which will add some much needed x factor to this Sydney side.

While the Storm have had plenty of success this year, the Roosters will want to take them to the sword.

Plenty of tough battles over the recent years, but I think this one has the Storm as favourites and should win this. More established players in their major roles will contribute in a big way.

Roosters have won four of their last five at McDonald Jones Stadium, and this game has been relocated there due to Covid.

TIP: Storm 13+

FRIDAY: Warriors V Dragons – Central Coast Stadium – 20.00NZT

Mid Season signings DWZ and The Chad are on board for this important Warriors clash.

They have won their last five games against the Dragons, and that’s a good sign.

Dufty is back for the Red V, and if he’s on – they’ll be hard to stop.

Both of these sides are week by week prospects. Hard to predict.

Warriors need to win this for any chance to play in the finals. It’s getting desperate.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Panthers V Eels – BlueBet Stadium – 21.55NZT

While Nathan Cleary sits out for up to six weeks due to injury, Luai will be accompanied by Burton in the halves.

This is a massive clash with these two Western Sydney, top four teams going at it.

The Eels will want to get in early and disrupt Penrith as much as they can. Lots of pressure early on can go a long way. We’ve seen the way the Panthers have weathered that in the past, so it will be interesting.

Penrith have won 16 in a row at their home ground.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Bulldogs V Sea Eagles – Bankwest Stadium – 17.00

Tough going for the Doggies here. They have lots of players out due to injury as well as breaching biosecurity protocols, which makes this game even harder.

The Sea Eagles will absolutely flog the Bulldogs here. It could be a very high score and will only add to Manly’s points differential.

I hope the Bulldogs at least put up a bit of a fight with their youngsters.

TIP: Sea Eagles 13+

 

Raiders V Titans – GIO Stadium – 19.30NZT

The influential skipper returns and solidifies the back line for the Green Machine against a Titans team who leak points for fun.

With the disappointing form these two have been in this season, it could be a bit of an ugly, scrappy game.

However, with a week off, you’d expect both sides to fight hard with their seasons on the line.

The Raiders have to limit their errors, and the Titans have to make the most of their opportunities. Something that’s let these two down all season.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Knights V Cowboys – McDonald Jones Stadium – 21.30NZT

Jake Clifford goes up against his old side after a mid-season transfer, and will want to prove a point with a strong performance.

While both sides have been off the pace in 2021, this is a crucial time with the finals on the way.

Ponga has been named, but has been a late withdrawal a couple of times this season.

North Queensland are really strong attacking through the middle, so the Knights defence needs to get off their line and get stuck in.

Could be plenty of points on offer in this one.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Broncos V Sharks – Suncorp Stadium – 16.00NZT

Five weeks ago it was curtains for the Sharks, and now they’re in the top eight.

Playing his first game for Brisbane this season is the big inclusion of Kotoni Staggs. After injury and suspension, it’ll be interesting to see how he keeps up.

The halves duo of Johnson and Moylan for Cronulla seems to work really well, and they’ve had plenty of success from these two.

Cronulla has Brisbane’s number all over the park, but especially in the backs, where there could be plenty of tries scored out wide.

TIP: Sharks 13+

 

Tigers V Rabbitohs – Leichhardt Oval – 18.00NZT

Wests will have to be up for this early. We’ve seen what Souths can do to teams this year, and the Tigers are a team that could easily fall in to that trap.

However after their massive loss to Melbourne two weeks ago, you’d expect there to be plenty of hunger and fire within Wests ranks.

The Rabbitohs have named all five Origin players to return, and that’s going to make it a very exciting prospect on a late Sunday afternoon at Leichhardt.

No fans, which will also play in to the away sides favour.

TIP: Rabbitohs 13+

Follow Stephen Gallagher on Twitter