NRL Round 19. The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Eels V Broncos  – CommBank Stadium – 21.50NZT

Both of these sides come into this one after putting back-to-back wins together.

Parramatta will have the security of playing this at home, but the Broncos’ rise this season has been impressive and it’s these sort of games they love to get up for.

But so do Parra – they always play their best footy against high-quality opposition.

I like the outside backs squaring off in this one. Some strong game breakers lining up opposite each other will be fun to watch.

Payne Haas returns for the Broncos, and will add some vigour to the pack.

Not much in this one!

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Dragons V Sea Eagles  – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 20.00NZT

The Dragons look to be on their classic end of season decline, while the Sea Eagles look to punish those sides out of the 8.

A couple of injuries hampers the Dragons, and the Sea Eagles lose Jake Trbojevic through Covid.

Manly are such a measured side. They play strong, physical football for the first half, wear their opposition down, and then pile on points easily in the second.

St George Illawarra need to be aware of it. Not get sucked in. Every game they have scored first this season, they’ve gone on to win.

Yet every game they’ve conceded first, they’ve lost…

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

Knights V Roosters  – McDonald Jones Stadium – 21.55NZT

The Knights looked nothing short of hopeless last week as they were romped by Manly.

It was only the Dragons, but the Roosters looked good scoring tries at will.

There will definitely be some defensive concerns to address at training fo Newcastle, and the Roosters will simply look to exploit them on Friday.

A couple of season-ending injuries last week for Easts, but the inclusion of Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves helps them considerably.

Roosters should be too strong for Newcastle as they look to finish the season in the top 8.

TIP: Roosters 13+

 

SATURDAY: Raiders V Warriors – GIO Stadium – 17.00NZT

This Raiders side will defend their home strongly after notching up a fourth straight AAMI Park win in Melbourne.

While the Warriors don’t offer much in attack, they seem to have a nack of getting up over the Raiders in recent years.

Reece Walsh off the bench might be a masterstroke, but I think it’s just masking some serious issues at the Warriors.

Canberra are far too big and far too strong, and if they want to prove themselves as finals contenders, they need to give a big performance at home.

TIP: Raiders 13+

 

Panthers V Sharks – BlueBet Stadium – 19.30NZT

A well-rested Panthers, who sit comfortably atop of the NRL ladder comes up against a Sharks side who are circling for blood.

Penrith will also have their Origin players, looking to prove a point after the loss two Wednesdays ago.

Cronulla just seem to go about their work with not much hype around them. They’re a gritty team who can also pour points on when they need to.

These two teams both back themselves in their attack. The confidence levels will be high, and if we get good conditions, we’ll see some awesome rugby league.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

Rabbitohs V Storm – Accor Stadium – 21.30NZT

Could Melbourne really lose four in a row?

That’s a massive possibility with the Rabbitohs looking very convincing over the last month.

There’s a lot of swagger in the style Souths are playing right now, which can help them get the dub over Melbourne.

You can see the Storm are struggling a bit through injuries, but they really need to bind together and use the last three weeks as motivation to win this really important clash.

I think the Rabbitohs are absolutely good enough to win, they just need to hold on to the ball and frustrate the Storm.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Bulldogs V Titans – CommBank Stadium – 16.00NZT

Both these teams went down in a close loss last weekend, but comparing the two, it was the Bulldogs who definitely played better.

And the Titans haven’t gotten better all season. They’ve played some pretty negative football this year, nothing seems to be clicking, and the players are frustrated by not getting the results.

Canterbury Bankstown have improved every week since Mick Potter took over. Their ability to score points has increased, and they look to be having fun. A basic fundamental of playing good footy.

I can’t see the Titans getting the win here, the Bulldogs will be far too strong.

TIP: Bulldogs 13+

 

Cowboys V Tigers – QCB Stadium – 18.05NZT

It doesn’t get any easier for the Tigers.

This Cowboys outfit will tear them to shreds. Especially at home.

There’s so much talent and players in form for North Queensland, it’ll be hard for Wests to get up.

A bit ol’ fashioned ass whooping is on the cards.

Sorry, Tigers fans.

TIP: Cowboys 13+

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