NRL Round 20

By Stephen Gallagher

FRIDAY: Knights V Wests Tigers – McDonald Jones Stadium 22.00NZT

There’s not that much time left in the season, and while the Tigers season is over for another year – there is still a chance for the Knights to make a late run.

Both teams have big inclusions from injury, with Dane Gagai for Knights and Apisai Koroisau for Wests both returning.

The Tigers defence has been a turnstile of late, and the Knights fresh off a 66-0 win will want to keep their try-scoring prowess up. 

It’s their defence that needs to hold steady though. They’ve conceded too many points this year.

This Knights side should be too good.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Bulldogs V Broncos – Belmore Sports Ground – 17.00NZT

It was the shot of confidence the Doggies needed last week as they go up against a hot Broncos side.

They will lay a challenge down for Brisbane, especially at their spiritual home of Belmore.

The inclusion of Toby Sexton was brilliant, and hopefully, he and Matt Burton can make this halves partnership work.

It’s their defence I am concerned about because this Broncos side is so good at piling on points with ease.

I think they offer too much in the key areas, and will just be too good for the Bulldogs.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

Sea Eagles V Cowboys – 4 Pines Park – 19.30NZT

A tough ask for Manly to come up against this resurging Cowboys side.

It is the exact same side that piled 74 points on the Tigers, and with the added value of a week off and their Origin stars back, they will be ready to penetrate Brookvale.

There are too many inconsistencies in the Sea Eagles’ performance in 2023. I don’t have any faith in them to win this, even though they have the ability to do so.

The Cowboys are hot to trot right now and have far too much confidence.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

 

Roosters V Storm – Sydney Cricket Ground – 21.30NZT

Alright, I am giving the Roosters one last shot to turn their season around. They have the opportunity to defeat the Storm at the SCG, and really nail these last eight weeks of football.

Melbourne will have been grinding away in the background preparing for this match. They are definitely top-four contenders and should be favourites to get the win.

Much like the Manly game before this, I don’t have that much faith in what Sydney have been doing this year….But for some reason, I think they will win this.

P.S. – there are four Smiths playing in this game. Three for the Roosters.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

SUNDAY: Warriors V Sharks – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 16.00NZT

Here’s the true test for Cronulla. They’ve put away plenty of bottom-eight sides with ease, and they’ve also strung a couple of good wins together in a row. They will also have that bad taste in their mouths after throwing away a massive lead earlier in the season against this Warriors team.

Back at home, back on a Sunday – this Warriors side have a great opportunity to finish in the top four. This is the first chance to get to really prove their worth.

Their attack has been great, the defence – even better. Cronulla will be aware that they have to attack patiently. If they can keep the Warriors under the pump they could get this win.

At home, the Wahs will be too strong.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

Dolphins V Panthers – Kayo Stadium – 18.00NZT

A tough slog will have done wonders for this Redcliffe side last week and they get to play the best team in the last three years.

Penrith impress me so much. Whether they have players in or out, they look likely to win. With the run towards the finals here and the chance of Nathan Cleary back – this is looking very likely as a win.

The Dolphins won’t back down. They have plenty of fight in them. I just don’t think they have the ability to tame the Panthers.

Panthers 1-12

 

Eels V Titans – Commbank Stadium – 20.15NZT

The Eels will breathe a sigh of relief having their Origin stars back after last week’s hiding, and they also get to play the last game of the round.

Parramatta looked shell-shocked last week, and will want to rectify that performance.

The Titans, yet again – here we are, talking about how they can’t close out games. Giving away a penalty in Golden Point after leading by as much as 8 points last Sunday is just the story of their season.

The Eels will bring the muscle through the middle, and on the back of Mitch Moses and his kicking game, have the ability to really kill off the Titans.

However, we know these Titans will score a few tries and make a contest of it. They just won’t be able to handle them defensively.

TIP: Eels 13+

 

BYE – Dragons, Raiders, Rabbitohs

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