NRL Round 25. The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Eels V Storm  – CommBank Stadium – 21.50NZT

Having won 6 of their last 8, Parramatta look to launch into the top four with a win over the Storm. 

Both teams will want that top-four finish, so there’s plenty at stake.

Melbourne will be ruing their chances from last week, and will focus on executing in the red-zone against the Eels.

While Parra have an awesome record over the Storm of late, they can’t just rely on that. They’ve got to front up in front of their home fans and get a big result.

This is an exciting game to kick the last round off.

A flip of the coin for me, I really don’t know who will win this.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Bulldogs V Sea Eagles  – Accor Stadium – 20.00NZT

Both of these sides are ready for 2022 to be over. Heading into this one with a big losing record, The Bulldogs and Sea Eagles will just want to end the year with a win.

It’s been nothing short of disappointing for both sides, but I think it’s the Bulldogs who have more to offer.

Manly’s season has derailed massively after the pride jersey saga. Not a good end to the year.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

Roosters V Raiders  – Allianz Stadium – 21.55NZT

The first NRL game at the new Allianz Stadium, with the oldest rivalry in rugby league.

Both sides are looking for a home final in the first week of the finals.

Souths have definitely had the wood over their counterparts in recent memory, yet it’s the Roosters who come into this game on a seven-game win streak and plenty of confidence.

When the Rabbitohs win this year, they win big. It was good to see them ground out a victory last week against the Cowboys.

The Roosters look like the more organised of the two, but Souths look more likely to pull something out of the hat.

Game of the round.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Warriors V Titans – Mount Smart Stadium – 17.00NZT

The last game at home for the Warriors with a sold out crowd will be the highlight of this low, miserable season.

The Titans have also been rubbish. So two rubbish teams coming together, it’s hard to know what will occur.

I think the fact the NZ side are at home will come in to it, and they’ll get the win. 

The Titans always seem to play in high scoring games, so I reckon there will be plenty of tries which is probably a fitting way to end the season for both these sides.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

Dragons V Broncos – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 19.30NZT

If the Dragons can somehow scalp the Broncos in this game, that would be an impressive end to their season, and that would give them a 50% win rate. Still not good enough, but better than last season.

Brisbane are on the brink of self-destruction, they need a win, but also need the Raiders to lose to the Tigers to make the eight.

Five weeks ago we were discussing a Broncos top-four finish…yikes!

I’m biased, so gonna go with the Red V here, why not?

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Cowboys V Panthers – QCB Stadium – 21.35NZT

This is really the NRL Cowboys versus the NSW Cup Panthers, with Penrith resting 13 players this week for the finals. Wow!

Spare a thought for the NSW Cup Panthers, who are in the finals this week after finishing second and have to field a pretty much new side.

This is a real depth tester. Imagine if they can somehow get up over the Cowboys in Townsville.

I don’t think it’ll happen though, the Cowboys need a win and the Sharks to lose against Newcastle to secure a home final.

They will get the win here, however, so they’ll do their bit.

TIP: Cowboys 13+

 

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

The Knights just really want their injury-ravaged and horror season to end, and it will at home against a very tough Cronulla outfit.

The Sharks have a home final to play for, and a win here will do just that.

Newcastle will be farewelling a few players who are off contract, so will want to do their best on the field.

Yet, their best has not been anywhere near good enough in 2022. 

While the Sharks have been a little off of recent weeks, they will want to have a good composed win here for the finals next week.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

Tigers V Raiders – Leichhardt Oval – 18.05NZT

Tigers at Leichhardt, with an opportunity to end the Raiders finals hopes.

Do they have anything left in the tank? It’s hard to know, they’ve been so hard to watch, let alone predict in 2022. The sad thing is that regardless of the result they will pick up the wooden spoon.

Ricky Stuart will want to fire his troops up. They’ve been brilliant to end this season and deserve to play finals footy. Don’t make this a banana peel game.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

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