NRL Week 5
0By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: Raiders V Sharks – GIO Stadium – 22.00NZT
Raiders on a Thursday night doesn’t exactly scream out a fun one – but after both these sides copped a big loss last week, redemption is at stake.
What we’ve seen so far from the Raiders is that when they can control the tempo, they can control the result. The two losses we’ve seen have been from poor mistakes and not enough ball. Whenever they are on the backfoot, they struggle.
Similar goes for Cronulla, but they get sucked in to the opponents game without worrying about their own.
This is a close one. The experience for the Sharks is what makes me think they’ll get the win, but the Raiders will fight.
TIP: Sharks 1-12
FRIDAY: Panthers V Cowboys – CommBank Stadium – 20.00NZT
Two teams that are with only one win this season – bizarre!
The Panthers at home have to deliver. They were utterly poor last week. The defence has been a huge issue in 2025 for them. Something we haven’t seen in half a decade.
And with the win last week for North Queensland, they have some confidence and a small amount of momentum. A few weeks ago they would have dreaded this fixture, but I think they know they’re a good chance of getting up.
Penrith though, Clearly back – that’s huge. Surely they won’t cop another bad loss and lose four on the trot?
TIP: Panthers 13+
Rabbitohs V Roosters – Accor Stadium – 22.00NZT
There’s nothing about this Roosters side that makes me think they’re good enough to win this game so far this season.
Yet they’ve been able to get up for this feud the last three attempts.
There are a lot of eyes and expectation on the return of Latrell Mitchell for the first time in 2025. Especially in a centre spot with Gray at fullback.
The way the Rabbitohs have exceeded expectations this year shows just how good of a coach Wayne Bennett is.
And in order to show how good of a coach Trent Robinson is, he has to get his side the win in this one.
TIP: Rabbitohs 13+
SATURDAY: Eels V Dragons – CommBank Stadium – 17.00NZT
It’s the Gutho V Eels and Lomax V Dragons clash that each of these blokes would have had circled on their calendar since the draw was released.
The Eels would love to have Gutherson back in a heart beat. They lack the effort he puts in every single week.
The Dragons would love to have Lomax back, as he’s got that X Factor in the backline they’re missing.
That Dragons win last week was special. They’ve got the wood over Melbourne, but it would be very St George Illawarra to then lose this one against the winless Eels.
For Parramatta, they get Dylan Walker lining up off the bench on club debut. He will add plenty to their attack.
TIP: Dragons 1-12
Titans V Dolphins – CBus Super Stadium – 19.30NZT
The Titans are on a doll, and get to play cellar-dwellars on the Goldie in what should be a game they can easily win.
But that’s so Titans – isn’t it? Lose games they should win and vice versa.
I do believe though they’re starting to find their feet, and their all fullback 1-6-7 look really confident.
The Dolphins may be in danger of just trying too hard and doing too much. Everything about their game feels forced and unnatural right now. Back to basics is my advice.
Titans too much finishing power for the Dolphins.
TIP: Titans 13+
Broncos V Tigers – Suncorp Stadium – 21.35NZT
If the Tigers had got the win last week, I think they march up to Brisbane with plenty of confidence to knock off the Broncos.
Now they’re without star recruit Jarome Luai, this feels like a mountain they can’t climb.
But we have seen a more determined Tigers side in the first four games of this season that the last three years combined. That must mean something.
As for the Broncos, at home – they are winning games playing great, and playing average. A good sign of a club who can get shit done when it counts.
Their forward pack looks very good, and the Tigers will love to see how they rank against the big boys of Brisbane.
But the experience in the halves is where the Broncos should get home comfortably.
TIP: Broncos 13+
SUNDAY: Sea Eagles V Storm – 4 Pines Park – 18.00NZT
Sea Eagles flying high, the Storm rolling in after a humiliating loss – there’s plenty to play for in this stunning Sunday arvo game!
Obviously missing Tom Trbojevic for the second time this season with injury, that’s a huge concern, but with Hopoate at the back, things aren’t as grim as they used to be in Manly.
Melbourne couldn’t capitilise on any possession or territory last week and were frustrated into a loss.
If Manly can follow the blueprint that the Dragons did against Melbourne, they are in with a chance, I just think that Melbourne don’t play poorly two games in a row.
TIP: Storm 1-12
Bulldogs V Knights – Accor Stadium – 20.15NZT
The undefeated Doggies look to keep their streak alive against a refreshed Knights side who are ready after the bye, and say hello to some key returns from injury.
Maybe a bit of a banana peel game for Canterbury Bankstown? A game on paper they should win, but even though the Knights are a good side, I don’t think too many punters are thinking there’s a chance of an upset.
That all comes down to defence. The best defensive side in the comp are top of the table and don’t even look like losing.
The best edge of attack for the Knights is also the best defensive edge for the Bulldogs. So that is going to be an interesting match up.
Enjoying the Doggies this season.
TIP: Bulldogs 1-12
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