NRL Round 2

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Panthers V Rabbitohs – BlueBet Stadium – 22.00NZT

The season kicked off so well for Souths, and as this rivalry continues – they will have the confidence to send the Panthers into the bye winless to start the season.

While it was a narrow one-point loss for Penrith, they still have a couple of things to tweak to get right for this one and to get back in the winner’s circle.

The way the Rabbitohs executed near-on-perfect on both edges, rather than just the left, will have defences incredibly concerned.

Penrith dropping two at home in a row is so rare, and the Rabbitohs missing a couple of key forwards is a bummer for this close clash.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

FRIDAY – Eels V Sharks – PointsBet Stadium – 20.00NZT

Another home game to start the season for Parramatta as either side looks to get off the mark.

I was concerned about the way Brad Arthur handled his bench last week in their golden-point loss,  and if this was managed better, it could have been a win.

Cronulla won’t have Nicho Hynes once again, but Braydon Trindall handled himself so well in their round one loss.

The Eels are looking a little soft in their second row due to injury and suspension, which is the channel the Sharks should send the majority of their traffic. They should find success there and keep it going.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

Broncos V Cowboys – Suncorp Stadium – 22.05NZT

Who will be the first Queensland side to lose in 2023? Well, it might be a draw – but you catch my drift.

Broncos still making far too many errors for a side that want to go far, but that might just be week one jitters.

Whereas the Cowboys need to finish games like they start. Up 18-0 last week, their first half was brilliant. Winning 19-18 wasn’t in the script but they got the points anyway.

One thing that worked in North Queensland’s favour last season was stability – and they name the same 17 again this week.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Roosters V Warriors – Allianz Park – 17.00NZT

I very much enjoyed the way the Warriors kept the Knights out on their line last week. They dug in and it showed.

While the Roosters went off the boil, these traditional slow starters will be stinging after Redcliffe made them look bad.

Manu is back in the mix for the Bondi based side, and he will add another dangerous element for the Warriors to handle.

I’m actually thinking the Warriors can do this…Am…Am I being sucked in?

If they absorb the Roosters’ attack and complete their sets, the points will come.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

Dolphins V Raiders – Kayo Stadium – 19.30NZT

First win, done.
First actual home game – here we go.

Tough for the Raiders to visit Townsville and Redcliffe in their first two weeks, but if they play like they did in the second half last week, their grit will keep the Dolphins at bay.

This is obviously a Wayne Bennett-coached side, and they look comfortable and gel well together on the field.

If they keep that energy and emotion from last week, they could well be undefeated and go 2 from 2.

TIP: Dolphins 1-12

 

Storm V Bulldogs – AAMI Park – 21.35NZT

Of course, Melbourne won last week! They’re Melbourne! 

And the Bulldogs, well – they looked flat. Whatever they did all pre-season didn’t look like it went to plan at all on Saturday as they now sit in 17th place.

Perhaps the challenge of Melbourne down in Victoria will make them rise to the occasion, especially with no Munster in the halves to play against.

I still think that this Storm side, with players missing, will do enough to get the win. Expect the Bulldogs to play a lot better this week, and really knuckle down on those one percenters that let them down against Manly.

If they get physical with the Storm, they will do their best to de-rail them.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Tigers V Knights – Leichhardt Oval – 18.05NZT

Two home games in a row at Leichhardt Oval on a Sunday – what a treat!

Now, here’s hoping the Tigers can do the mahi for their fans.

They didn’t make the most of the pressure they build last week, and by the time Koroisau came on it was too late and his forwards were gassed.

The Knights were the opposite and started strong, scoring the fastest try of the season so far. They just faded into the game and was out of reach after 70 minutes.

I can see this one being a little scrappy. Yes, not at their best either side last week, so something’s gotta happen at training this week so they can click a little better.

I think there’s more upside in the Knights from what I’ve seen in both sides, just have to have some patience about them in attack.

No silly stuff for the Tigers. Just start with Koroisau and let him do his thing. 

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Dragons V Titans – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 22.15NZT

The Dragons finally get their season underway, in the last game of Round Two.

They’ve had a long time to think about how poor they were in the pre-season cup, and that’s not a good thing.

The Titans have definitely worked on their defence in the off-season. They worked well on their up-and-slide, as well as initial contact.

This Dragons side will fire through Ben Hunt, he just needs a couple of players to come with him and they’ll be more than okay.

The Titans just have a little more footy and confidence in them, which makes me think they’ll get the win.

TIP: Ttians 1-12

 

BYE: Manly

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