NRL Round 26

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Cowboys V Storm – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 21.50NZT

Winners of the longest stadium name 2024 – The Cowboys are looking to get three straight wins over the Storm. Unheard of territory here.

And with 11 rested players in the Melbourne side, you think that’s a foregone conclusion.

However, even with the Minor Premiership sewn up, the Storm aren’t going to die wondering.

Plus – Joe Chan has never lost a game in his NRL career. So they’ve got that going for them.

How will the Cowboys respond after the bye and with the finals on the horizon?

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

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

With the biggest winning streak in the NRL right now, the Bulldogs are so hot – even without Mann and Crichton this week. 

Manly will be pissed after dropping their lollies to the Tigers last week, but as they come up against the best defensive side in the comp, it will be a tough ask and could be a frustrating outing.

Still think the Bulldogs are good enough to get this win. Defense is too good. Sea Eagles aren’t consistent enough.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

Panthers V Rabbitohs – Suncorp Stadium – 22.00NZT

The Panthers are in a weird position of sitting fourth. Something they definitely aren’t used to.

Luckily for them, they’re coming up against the luckless, hapless, useless Rabbits side who just won’t get anywhere near them.

Not much else to say, but this needs to be a Panthers win in convincing fashion and nothing else.

TIP: Panthers 13+

 

SATURDAY: Eels V Dragons – CommBank Stadium – 17.00NZT

It’s the Dragons win week this week. Since round 14, they have gone WLWLWLWLWLWLWLWL. Punishing side to support, even if they are punching well above how people thought they would go.

But, the Eels are prepping for #SpoonBowl next week, and any momentum they can get will help.

I have this sinking feeling the Eels will win. They are still a good side. They have been playing well, and the Dragons will be feeling a lot of pressure to get up.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

Dolphins V Broncos – Suncorp Stadium – 19.30NZT

The Battle Of Brisbane is on, and whoever loses is out of finals contention. So plenty to play for when it comes to this clash.

Redcliffe have never beaten Brisbane. Which is a tough carry for this side. Which is why, with no real thoughts or stats to back it up, leads me to believe it’s their time to win and upset Brisbane.

Lots of pressure on Kevin Walters, who earlier this week announced they will be playing finals footy in 2024 – which I am sure Wayne Bennett will want his players to spoil.

TIP: Dolphins 1-12

Sharks V Warriors – PointsBet Stadium – 21.35NZT

Shaun Johnson’s last-ever game of NRL. That’s a weird thing to type out. I didn’t think I’d ever see the day. 

One of those players who is only a fraction older than I am. Watched him seriously in the U20s comp. He was always electric and always had a bit of je ne sais quoi about him.

And how fitting it will be that he plays against the only other side he has played for in the NRL.

What a career. All the best in retirement, SJ. You will flourish and make those around you greater with whatever you choose to do. Success will follow.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

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

Well, it’s all up to the Knights (and other results) whether or not they can make the eight.

So expect them to perform poorly, and the Titans to roll them.

OR

They will absolutely put on a clinic of 60 points or something outrageous.

There won’t be an in-between.

The Titans should have been better in 2024, but injuries definitely played a part in derailing them.

Knights welcome back a couple of key players from injury which will only strengthen their attacking prowess.

TIP: Knights 13+

 

Roosters V Raiders – Allianz Stadium – 18.05NZT

The tri-colours sure are scary when they get it together. Same as the Raiders, I guess – it’s just that the Green Machine don’t do it on the same consistent level as the Roosters.

Honing on for a top-two finish, the Roosters really need to put a stamp on this and get a win they can bank on and work with.

There were elements of their game last week that let them down, but overall weren’t challenged enough.

Ricky Stuart’s side will be a challenge. A few players in their last two games for the club. There’s going to be a lot of emotional narrative to get them over the line.

An arm wrestle will be good for the Roosters, it’s just how they go about it that will define them.

TIP: Roosters 13+

 

BYE: Tigers

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