NRL Round 18: The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Wests Tigers V South Sydney Rabbitohs – Bankwest Stadium – 21.50NZT

While the Tigers nailed an epic comeback in the last ten minutes last week, they’ll have their work cut out for them against Souths.

There’s no room for complacency for Wests, who have rarely played consistent footy in back to back matches this year.

The Rabbitohs blew a chance to win last week as they stopped completing their sets.

If they’re able to do so, then they will be able to put the Tigers to the sword. They should win this game and push on for the top four.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

FRIDAY:  Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs V Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – ANZ Stadium – 20.00NZT

Battle of the losers to kick off Friday Night. The Sea Eagles couldn’t win their way out of a paper bag, while the Bulldogs lose players almost every game to injury.

Just from that, it’s going to be hard to work out how or where this game is won.

I’d like to see the Bulldogs win. They haven’t been playing that awful. Been unlucky a few times.

Manly are in a similar boat, too. Again. Hard to know who wins this, but I think the Bulldogs, just.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 – Penrith Panthers V Parramatta Eels – Panthers Stadium – 21.55NZT

While the Panthers seem to be unstoppable on their winning streak, would a loss coming in to the playoffs be a bad thing?

The Eels are still on shaky ground, but they are showing that regardless of how ugly a game is, they are good enough to get the result.

I’m really looking forward to what these two teams can do in attack on their best day – and if they bring it to this match, we could easily see the game of the year played out.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

SATURDAY: Saint George Illawarra Dragons V Canberra Raiders – WIN Stadium – 17.00NZT

The Dragons have found a way to turn a potential four game winning streak in to a two game losing streak, and that sums up their season.

While the Raiders are going from strength to strength, and seemingly always have the wood over the Red V.

An exciting debut on the wing for Cody Ramsay for the Dragons, but the Raiders will be too good in a game they want to be clinical in.

TIP: Raiders 13+

 – Gold Coast Titans V Brisbane Broncos – CBus Super Stadium – 19.30NZT

The Gold Coast Titans, the only team from Queensland in 2020 to do their state proud. Who’d have thunk it?

The Broncos just can’t get any better. No matter what they do. It’s pretty sad, really.

While I had no hope for the Titans this year, they’ve definitely been the most improved. They look like a team now, and the 17 they have every week is doing the job.

Things are looking good for the Titans in 2021, and another win over the Broncos this season will be a great platform going forward.

TIP: Titans 13+

 – Sydney Roosters V Newcastle Knights – Sydney Cricket Ground – 21.30NZT

Another barnstormer of a match. This Roosters side are priming themselves for the three-peat, while the Knights who are resting a few of their stars will want to prove their worth.

While the tri-colours seem to be this intimidating juggernaut, Newcastle will be wanting to go close, or even better, with the finals just three weeks away.

Watch the Roosters work hard and get a good win here.

TIP: Roosters 13+

SUNDAY: Melbourne Storm V North Queensland Cowboys – Sunshine Coast Stadium 18.00NZT

The Cowboys have a big task ahead of them with the always impressive Storm side coming at them.

North Queensland keep the same victorious 17 from last week, and the Storm have had their hand forced through injury.

Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys really try sneak a win. They might surprise you, but the Storm should get the win.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 – Cronulla Sharks V New Zealand Warriors – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 20.05NZT

Cronulla are missing their skipper and their halfback, which leaves the door open for the Warriors to sneak in and make their presence felt.

Both sides are coming off losses, and have a point to prove.

The Sharks want to finish higher than eigth, while the Warriors want to show the rest of the NRL that they can finish off their season on a high.

Both sides have been playing some really expansive footy, with plenty of off loads and go forward.

Should be a good watch!

TIP: Warriors 1-12

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