NRL Round 21
0By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: Dragons V Wests Tigers – WIN Stadium – 22.00NZT
The battle for the wooden spoon heats right up here and thankfully for this round, the worst game gets out of the way early.
The Dragons will be happy to see the news around Ben Hunt has died down, and he’s back for this one as well as the injured Tyrell Sloan and Jacob Liddle.
Somehow, this Tigers side have gotten worse, even with their roster being one of the better ones on paper this season.
Wollongong on a Thursday night will be a hostile environment for the Tigers, and the Dragons fans have been turning up every week despite their poor form in 2023.
Expect a scrappy affair, but hopefully plenty of tries.
TIP: Dragons 1-12
FRIDAY: Warriors V Raiders – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium 20.00NZT
This is a huge game for the Warriors. Their last three wins have seen them put 40 points on, and they have an opportunity to leapfrog the Raiders who sit one spot above them on the ladder.
They’ve really found what works for them. Eyes up footy and confidence has done wonders to this playing group.
The Raiders biggest win this season has been by ten points, so you know this game will be a grind if they are close.
I think the Warriors will be far too good and have too much muscle through the middle. They’ve got so many ways to score points.
TIP: Warriors 13+
Rabbitohs V Broncos – Sunshine Coast Stadium – 22.00NZT
Game of the round alert. Latrell Mitchell back. Reece Walsh back. Two premiership heavyweights take this to the Sunshine Coast for what could have big implications for the finals.
Brisbane have proven they aren’t the same side that fell out of the top eight last year, and the Rabbitohs after a week off will be refreshed and ready for their run home.
Souths strength is their ability to be relentless in their opponents’ red zone. Can score on either side of the park, but with Adam Reynolds on the other side, he knows what it will take to undo them.
TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12
SATURDAY: Titans V Roosters – CBus Super Stadium – 17.00NZT
Two heartbreaking weeks in a row will only help this Titans outfit in the long run. These two teams have a small chance of making the finals, but neither really have earned it yet.
A big out for the Gold Coast is their captain, Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui. He adds so much to this forward pack.
This Roosters side have been a massive letdown in 2023. No direction, a lack of attacking ability, and soft on defence – this has been an incredibly disappointing campaign.
Titans at home is probably the difference for me, and in those crucial moments in games, I’ve seen them compete and want it more. The Roosters haven’t.
TIP: Titans 1-12
Knights V Storm – McDonald Jones Stadium – 19.30NZT
This is a massive ask for the Knights who are on a bit of a role and are riding the high of some good wins over the last few weeks.
Melbourne will always be a tough opponent, and as they currently sit second third, they have flown under the radar with their 2023 success.
The spike in Newcastle’s form has corresponded with Kalyn Ponga’s form. When he plays out the left they look very strong. The Storm will be rushing that side all night on defence.
Melbourne will work for 80 minutes and will prevail late.
TIP: Storm 1-12
Cowboys V Eels – QCB Stadium – 21.30NZT
This Cowboys side have benefitted so much from having their key players in Origin. A slow start to the season has turned into a hot finish.
Parramatta will really miss Campbell-Gillard in the middle, which is where North Queensland will look to capitalise on them.
Once again the Cowboys are 1-17 from the week before, and this playing group have really found their groove.
That home advantage has been crucial for them in 2023 – with seven wins and two losses.
Their form warrants the favourites tag, but we saw what the Eels did to them in the finals last year up there.
TIP: Cowboys 13+
SUNDAY: Panthers V Bulldogs – BlueBet Stadium – 16.00NZT
They’ve only lost fifteen games in three years. Whatever your opinion is on this Panthers team is, you just have to respect their will and their ability to just win.
And yep, despite having their halfback out for five weeks – they get him back and he is the best player in the world. That’ll be tough for the Bulldogs to negate.
Too many soft tries, and conceding too many points last week, Canterbury Bankstown can not allow the same thing to happen again. This is a very young side learning some harsh lessons this season – and the Panthers can really run up a score on this side.
TIP: Panthers 13+
Sharks V Sea Eagles – PointsBet Stadium – 18.00NZT
It’s been well documented the Sharks’ struggles against top eight side lately, but lucky for them the Sea Eagles are sitting in 11th.
Their coach has dropped a couple of players in a way to get a response out of the playing group – and it’s now or never with a tough month of football ahead of them.
Manly are going okay, but none of their players are in outstanding form at club land, and they look quite lethargic on the field and don’t look like an inspired side.
Cronulla, this is your final warning – I’m telling you if you lose this, your season is over. You need to produce.
TIP: Sharks 1-12
BYE – Dolphins
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