NRL Round 8

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Rabbitohs V Panthers – Accor Stadium – 21.50NZT

Both winners last week, and they kick off this ANZAC Weekend of footy with what will be a blockbuster clash.

Despite Penrith playing terribly last week, they stepped up and iced the game magnificently in a way only Penrith could, and they’ll know they have to work to get a win over Souths this week.

South Sydney, who have been solid on both sides of the field, still need to put together an 80 minute performance, as it was only a strong second half that saved them against Redcliffe.

That Yeo V Murray match-up is going to be juicy, and the Rabbitohs would love nothing more than to beat Penrith this week.

Penrith’s opening 20 minutes has to be better than Souths, and has to involve tries. The quicker they inflict damage on the Rabbits the more likely they are to win.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

FRIDAY – Eels V Broncos – TIO Stadium, Darwin – 22.00NZT

Parramatta with their standard home-away-from-home in Darwin always is a highlight on their calendar.

Of course Brisbane sit high and mighty atop of the ladder, but we’re slowly seeing this Parramatta outfit come together and play footy with their combinations gaining confidence every week.

I sniff an Eels upset this week, I just think they have the potential to grind out a victory, whereas the Broncos prefer to have momentum and roll with that.

If the Eels can take away that momentum of Brisbane’s, they will hold the cards to victory. Frustrate their opposition as they did to the Bulldogs last week, and that will get them closer to victory. 

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Bulldogs V Sharks – Accor Stadium – 19.30NZT

Not a week goes by where there’s another spanner in the works thrown at the Bulldogs with injuries galore really dampening their season which is unfortunate.

It doesn’t get any better as they take on Cronulla who put on a solid defensive display that won them the game.

Of course there’s a lot of talent in this Bulldogs side, they just have a revolving door of injuries which has cut them down to size.

Cronulla with a close to full-strength side should get a win as long as they play smart, run the ball well, and drown the Bulldogs.

TIP: Sharks 13+

 

Cowboys V Knights – QCB Stadium – 21.30NZT

No Taumalolo for six weeks will hurt this Cowboys side who are already struggling with the competition this year.

A return for Ponga in his 100th game, against the side he made his debut for is rather poetic too.

Fans will hold their breath every time he makes a tackle, hoping his head stays on his neck.

Newcastle have been great this year despite a few losses – and look to have some real determination in their eyes with players going above and beyond to stand up and deliver.

The Cowboys have been so disappointing, but it’d almost be like them to come away from this game with a win, somehow.

Knights just look the better of the two seven weeks in, and can’t expect to just win – they will have to earn it.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Dolphins V Titans – Suncorp Stadium 16.00NZT

Both sides last week were happy at half time, but both fell apart in the second half to be thrashed convincingly.

This match has a really good feel about it. Getting to see two electric tit-for-tat backlines go at it will excite the Queensland fans on a Sunday arvo, and the potential to see a real bell-ringer will be worth getting to the ground for.

Kaufusi returns from a long four-week suspension, but the Dolphins can’t just rely on him to change momentum with his tackles.

Gold Coast look great on their right hand side on attack, they just have to execute smarter.

TIP: Dolphins 1-12

 

 Tigers V Sea Eagles – Campbelltown Sports Stadium – 18.05NZT

I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna tip the Tigers to win! 

I’m sick of watching them lose and I don’t even care to support them.

A week off will have hopefully given them some reprieve and will give them some energy to take down this Manly side who were brilliant at home against Melbourne last week.

And I think this Manly side are worthy of a top-eight finish, but we’ve seen at times already this year they are so up and down and hard to tip.

This one will be really close. I can’t even explain how or why they will, but the Tigers will win it.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

 

TUESDAY: Roosters V Dragons – Allianz Stadium – 18.05NZT

An extended weekend of footy due to ANZAC Day and this clash always serves up a great contest.

Joey Manu lines up in the six for the Roosters, and last time he did that he put on a clinic against the Red V last year.

While the Dragons haven’t exactly played their best this year, they’ve pretty much hung in every game bar two, and I expect the same to happen in this one.

Roosters still have question marks around them, but I think the sooner they get all back on the pitch, the easier the wins will come. They’ll do just enough to win this one.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

Storm V Warriors – AAMI Park – 21.00NZT

Every Warriors fan will remember the outcome from this corresponding game last year, the year before, the year before, and the year before that. They suck on ANZAC Day.

This by all accounts is not the same Warriors team this year and we’ve seen that as they sit third on the table in 2023.

Melbourne in Melbourne on ANZAC Day, no matter what, seem to be a different beast. Whether it’s the occasion that fires them up, or something else – they bring the heat.

This does have potential to be game of the round. I think Melbourne just have enough X factor to win this game. Warriors won’t disgrace themselves.

TIP: Storm 1-12

BYE: Canberra Raiders

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