NRL Round 17

By Stephen Gallagher

FRIDAY – Dragons V Warriors – WIN Stadium – 22.00NZT

It’s incredibly desperate times for the Dragons with the Ben Hunt negotiations, but back at WIN Stadium and a near full-strength side for Jack De Belin’s 200th game might be a good thing.

The Warriors are all about being party poopers at the moment, and with their momentum leading into the bye giving them plenty of top-eight confidence.

I’m off to this game, so I hope it’s a doozy – I just think the Warriors are too strong up front and will be too tough for the Red V. Especially if Hunt doesn’t play.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Dolphins V Eels – Sunshine Coast Stadium – 17.00NZT

A Dolphin dive of recent weeks hasn’t given them much to celebrate, but a week off may help.

Parramatta, slow starters in the 2023 season are looking pretty good right now, and that’s with the ins and outs of Origin.

They’ll look to run through the Dolphins who have been really soft lately. That is playing into Parra’s strengths.

If Redcliffe are to win, they will have to really come out all guns blazing. I just don’t see that happening.

TIP: Eels 13+

 

Panthers V Knights – BlueBet Stadium – 19.30NZT

It was actually a pretty impressive loss last week by the Panthers, which will have only given their younger players more confidence, but their Origin players are back and they’ll be out for Newcastle blood.

The Knights should have won last week, but didn’t – and that really sums their 2023 campaign up.

I can’t see a fickle Newcastle side head to Penrith and get a win. The Panthers win all the matchups on paper and will be too good.

TIP: Panthers 13+

 

Storm V Sea Eagles – AAMI Park – 21.35NZT

A tough injury for Tom Trbojevic means a bit of a backline reshuffle in what will already be a tough fixture.

Manly did get Melbourne’s number earlier in the season – but their seasons’ are currently going in different trajectories. 

Melbourne are on track for another top-four finish, and look to be getting key players back on the park to strengthen their run home.

The Sea Eagles are going to find this one really tough. I don’t see them throwing much up.

TIP: Storm 13+

 

SUNDAY: Broncos V Titans – Suncorp Stadium – 16.00NZT

After a stellar Wednesday for the state – they will be back at Suncorp to watch these two go at it, as well as the game after this.

Brisbane have such a solid attacking game. Their support play works wonders and they create plenty of opportunities through their confidence. If they bring this out against the Titans they’ll be far too good for them.

Gold Coast sit in ninth spot, with one more loss than wins and will want to go into this one to upset big brother. 

We’re all still looking for that solid Titans defensive display – I just don’t think this game will show it.

TIP: Broncos 13+

 

Rabbitohs V Cowboys – Suncorp Stadium – 18.05NZT

Having Cody Walker back is a big in for the Rabbitohs, who almost beat the Dragons without all their stars a fortnight ago.

While they come up against a North Queensland side who are slowly finding their feet and will have taken a lot out of their 89th-minute win last week against the reigning premiers.

Souths are such a destructive side in their opponents’ red zone. They work the left and right side so well, and the Cowboys can’t let fatigue beat them.

North Queensland will look to keep with the Rabbits for as long as possible to have any chance of winning.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

Roosters V Raiders – Allianz Stadium – 20.15NZT

They’re just not good enough this year, the Roosters. That doesn’t help when they come up against a very good Canberra outfit in the last game of the round.

While they are at home, they haven’t gelled on attack. Whether it’s Smith or Keary leading the side around this weekend, they need to get Tedesco to just pop up through the middle and play quickly. That’s where the Roosters find their most success.

Canberra will be happy to slow them down as much as possible on defence and after a week off they will be looking to keep moving forward and higher into the eight.

The Raiders play well when they turn their opposition around. Keep the Roosters in their half and keep the pressure on.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

BYE – Sharks, Bulldogs, Tigers