NRL Round 22

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Tigers V Cowboys – Leichhardt Oval – 21.50NZT

It’s the time in the season where I don’t want to harp on about shit teams and write anything intense about them. I will say, though – that I can’t work out if the Tigers are better or worse than last year.

Cowboys, well, they’re punching above their weight I reckon. They were backs against the wall this time last year, but in a much better position now.

Cowboys can and will pull the Tigers apart. Which is a shame for those in attendance.

TIP: Cowboys 13+

FRIDAY: Warriors V Eels – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 20.00NZT

It’s 6 V 1. As in, six double-barreled last names for the New Zealand Warriors versus one for the Parramatta Eels.

On the ladder though, it’s 12 V 16.

Expectation is the Warriors will be better with Johnson back. Their attack has been stagnant.

For Parra, they’re suffering from premature performance issues. They’re done early and can’t get back into the game.

So if they start strong, the Warriors shall not panic. It’s an 80-minute game, and the way the Wahs finished last week is how they need to do it again this week.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

Dolphins V Roosters – HBF Park, Perth – 22.00NZT

Perth gets this banger. The Dolphins are on a slide, while the Roosters continue to solidify a top-four finish.

Pressure mounts on Redcliffe. Their second half last week was not even reserve grade worthy.

There’s probably still a sting in the Roosters behind after that round one loss last season.

The difference between the two is execution. Easts are a lot more clinical than the Dolphins, and that’s going to sort out the men from the boys. 

TIP: Roosters 13+

 

SATURDAY: Titans V Broncos – CBus Super Stadium – 17.00NZT

Crazy to think these two teams are on the same amount of competition points. Their seasons have been contrasting. Brisbane strong out the gates, Titans not so much – but now they’re making up for lost time while the Broncos are floundering.

But, surely the Broncos don’t drop this one after they were embarrassed at home last week?

The Titans got them at Suncorp earlier this season, and understand that all the pressure is on their counterparts this weekend.

I’m liking the left side of the Titans. Just need to wrap up Staggs on D and they will be in with a sniff.

TIP: Titans 1-12

 

Storm V Dragons – AAMI Park – 19.30NZT

Dragons looked so so bad last weekend at home. Yes, they were playing the three-time reigning premiers, but they were outclassed easily all over the field.

Melbourne are top of the table. They won’t have any issues getting the Dragons number in this one. 

While the off-field looks good for the Red V, the on-field isn’t doing their best. This is crazy because they’re still in contention for a finals berth.

TIP: Storm 13+

 

Sharks V Rabbitohs – PointsBet Stadium – 21.35NZT

There’s a bit of a slide happening in Cronulla. This is the exact game they want to help get some confidence in after a recent month of losses.

And that’s exactly where the Rabbitohs want Cronulla. Vulnerable. They are missing the second-best try-scoring winger in history, but they do get their captain back.

Souths have nothing to lose. The Sharks? Another loss will really dampen their spirits and can take them out of the top four.

If the Bunnies are able to match them up front, it could be a really good game.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Panthers V Knights – BlueBet Stadium – 16.00NZT

A disappointing season for Newcastle will be cannon fodder for Penrith who look like no one will come close to them at the moment.

The Knights are lacking those 1 percenters that make a difference. They’ve produced too many errors, they’re struggling for a halves pair that work, and Ponga isn’t getting the same quality pill on attack.

It’s the Panthers who will barely get out of third gear on their way to a comfortable victory here. Nathan Cleary will once again take control and put the Knights to the sword.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

Bulldogs V Raiders – Belmore Sports Ground – 18.05NZT

This is going to be great viewing. Back at their spiritual home ground, the Bulldogs are the true success and joy story of the NRL this season. Taking it from the Warriors from 2023. There’s not one person out there who want this team to fail.

And they will come up against a very nuggety, tough, stoic Raiders side who are still on the hunt for a top eight finish. 

The biggest improvement to the Raiders has been the return of Jamal Fogarty. He’s been the missing link while he was out injured.

I can only imagine the sights and sounds at Belmore for this one. It’s gonna be fun.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

BYE: Sea Eagles

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