NRL Round 25

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Cowboys V Sharks – QCB Stadium – 21.50NZT

This fixture has massive implications for both these two teams and their hunt for the finals.

A Cowboys loss would mean they’d have to win their last two games, which is going to be a big ask.

Cronulla, with their season seemingly over three weeks ago – have found form in Perth and at home and now look in a good position with three games to go.

They really have to go to the Cowboys and seek revenge for that finals loss last year.

North Queensland, who are fresh off the bye, can’t afford a slow start. They will have to be firing from the get-go.

I think the form run the Sharks have had over the last fortnight will go a long way to stealing the two points on this away trip.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

FRIDAY: Warriors V Sea Eagles – Daniel Anderson Stadium – 20.00NZT

From the bye, they haven’t set the world on fire, but the Warriors have been able to win ugly games which is always a good sign for a team like this.

Manly’s season is over, so they can just play footy with reckless abandon and try upset some sides in the last three weeks.

Their record is pretty strong, having won more than double the number of games that the Wahs have won against them.

More injury concerns for Manly doesn’t make this trek to NZ any easier.

And also, note the stadium name. A great sign of respect for the former coach who is doing it tough right now.

TIP: Warriors 13+

 

Eels V Roosters – CommBank Stadium – 22.00NZT

What a tough couple of weeks it has been for Parramatta, with that only being compounded with a facial fracture to their best player who now misses the rest of the 2023 season.

Both teams sit on the same points, and the loser will have to say goodbye to finals hopes.

I think the Eels are still with a bit of hope, as they get Campbell-Gillard and Sivo returning from injury.

I just think this Roosters outfit have that experience for games like this, and with the pressure that rides on their club, they will somehow find a way to get the job done at CommBank.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Tigers V Dolphins – CommBank Stadium – 17.00NZT

The Tigers will win this match. 

Despite sitting bottom of the table, they are favourites to get up over a Dolphins side who are suffering plenty of injuries.

Of course, the Tigers will still have to turn up and play, and we’ve seen some very strong glimpses of what they can achieve at times this season. Wests just haven’t been able to string it together for long periods of time.

But maybe this underdog status is exactly what Wayne Bennett wants. We’ve seen this Redcliffe side time and time again go head-to-head against adversity and come out on top.

Tigers have shown to me in their last two losses they are not that far away from a win. That is this week.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

 

Titans V Panthers – Cbus Super Stadium – 19.30NZT

The Gold Coast have officially missed the top-eight, but as we all know (say the line, Bart!) that they are capable of winning games like this.

Penrith were nowhere near their best last week as they won by 12, it is almost as if they’re just treading water until finals. They might be doing just that. And it’s working, so who’d blame them?

Titans get a glimpse into the future with Australian Schoolboys gun, Tom Weaver – starting at 7 for his NRL debut.

A big ask for him, but he’s got talent. As do the Panthers, who will run hard and be physical in every attempt to get the GC to submit.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

Dragons V Storm – WIN Stadium – 21.30NZT

The Dragons fan writing this is disappointed in their campaign this year, but a few rough calls have hampered them over the last couple of weeks. That’s enough to either rally them together even more or just break their spirits.

Then you look over the fence to the opposition, who at this time of year are always going to be a chance to destroy you and be ruthless in victory.

While the Red V have been alright and hanging in there, I just think this is a bridge too far. Melbourne will win and win well off the back of a dominant performance up front.

TIP: Storm 13+

 

SUNDAY: Knights V Rabbitohs – McDonald Jones Stadium – 16.00NZT

Sheesh, what a match-up this will be!

A sold-out stadium for the Knights is going to give them a massive advantage, and more so if Jackson Hastings overcomes that ankle injury.

While Souths look like a side searching for the right key to get this car going, they can’t afford to keep slipping.
Having only won four of their last eleven games – that simply isn’t good enough for such a side that has potential oozing in every position.

That left-edge attack of Newcastle has created so much in attack this season, so the likes of Graham and Milne will have to be at their defensive best to shut them down early.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Raiders V Bulldogs – GIO Stadium – 18.00NZT

Both sides were incredibly disappointing last weekend. The Bulldogs, who fielded their strongest side copped another hiding from the Knights in a poor year for them.

Canberra, they’ll have already forgotten about their hammering in Melbourne.

I know that the Bulldogs will be infinitely better this week. They can’t roll that performance out again.

After announcing his retirement mid-week, Jarrod Croker is back from injury and that has to inspire the Raiders to finish this season strong. Especially as they’re still in the top eight and have plenty to win and lose.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

BYE – Broncos

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