NRL Round 24: The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

Another strong week of tipping with 7/8. 113/174 for the season!

THURSDAY: Knights V Titans – Sunshine Coast Stadium – 21.50NZT

The Knights have cemented their spot in the finals, but the Titans are still teetering on the edge of success.

So there’s going to be a lot of finals footy expectations pushed on this game.

Newcastle haven’t been a good attacking side this year, but have been good defensively when winning – which is something the Gold Coast needs to find.

A few positional changes for the Titans doesn’t help, but they have to win this.

Despite this being a Thursday night game, it should be good viewing.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Warriors V Raiders – BB Print Stadium, Mackay – 20.00NZT

With the Warriors season over, and the Raiders having a better understanding of where they sit after the Titans game, there’s a lot riding on this result too.

There’s plenty to like about the Warriors loss last week, plenty of heart and courage, something that often goes missing this time of year for them.

The Raiders were very similar last week against a much higher quality opposition, and if they compete and perform like they did last week they will win this.

Giving up too many first half leads though, which is a big concern for the Green Machine.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Roosters V Rabbitohs – Suncorp Stadium – 22.05NZT

Another test for this undermanned Roosters, who in this corresponding game last season got an absolute hiding.

Wayne Bennett won’t have too much pressure on his men training this week, a loss last week is no cause for panic stations, yet.

I’m really liking the offerings of this match up. The Rabbitohs forwards have to step up again. They let themselves down in last weeks loss.

Roosters are just awesome. No matter who is injured or out, they keep turning up. This game is going to be close.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Dragons V Cowboys – Browne Park, Rockhampton – 17.00NZT

Six losses in a row versus ten losses in a row. Wow. What a fixture to start Super Saturday.

At least the Dragons were competitive last week, which is why I’m leaning towards them for the win in this game.

The Cowboys just look clueless and directionless. They’re really struggling and they’re definitely a side whose looking for the season to finish as soon as possible.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Sharks V Broncos – Suncorp Stadium – 19.30NZT

Cronulla just need to keep on winning. The Broncos want to keep ruining teams pursuing a spot in the finals.

When there’s broken play, the Sharks are really good at capitalising on it. They seem to make metres at ease and score tries at will. Brisbane need to hold their line and not shoot out or they might get caught out.

Milford looked to find some form last week for Brisbane, he needs to show that again this week. They looked really strong off the back of it.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

Storm V Eels – Suncorp Stadium – 21.30NZT

While the Storm are seemingly unbeatable right now, the Eels get a true measure of where they are.

With only one win in a month, Parramatta are under pressure heading into the finals. They’re the sort of team who need some momentum or else they look done.

I can’t see Melbourne dropping this game. A full strength side will come and seek out the Eels. This could be a tough watch for Parra fans.

TIP: Storm 13+

 

SUNDAY: Sea Eagles V Bulldogs – Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe – 16.00NZT

66-0 earlier this year between these two sides. I’m sure the Bulldogs will remember that hurting feeling.

It won’t be 66-0 again, because I reckon the Bulldogs will put a couple of tries on.

Manly though are getting the mixture of their side right, which is a huge boost for their finals run. A convincing win here will be what they’re looking to achieve.

TIP: Sea Eagles 13+

 

Panthers V Tigers – Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe – 18.05NZT

Poor Tigers fans. Penrith are once again looking like a hot team.

What’s the Tigers mindset here, try not to get slaughtered? Try to play well as an individual so I look alright for next season? I really don’t know.

Penrith, and Penrith comfortably.

TIP: Panthers 13+

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