80 words in 80 minutes. NRL round 15

By Stephen Gallagher

Thursday, June 14

Eels v Rabbitohs, ANZ Stadium, 21.50NZT

The Eels got back in the winners circle last week, but it’s going to be tough against the red hot Rabbitohs.

Realistically a home game for both, there’s no real advantage in that aspect.

The Eels have been so poor this year, it’s been disappointing to see.

Hopefully they can play at a higher level, otherwise the Rabbitohs will put 50 on them.

TIP: Rabbitohs 13+

 

Friday, June 15

Cowboys v Warriors, 1300SMILES Stadium, 20.00NZT

The Cowboys have a solid home record over the Warriors which should give them a confidence boost.

They’ve struggled all year to turn it on, despite their roster.

The Warriors have to win this game if they want to keep up with the other top four sides. The competition is so close, and losing to a low ranked side would do them big harm.

Warriors are at near full strength for the first time in awhile, this could help them get points.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

Roosters v Panthers, Allianz Stadium, 21.50NZT

Other than the Rabbitohs, the Panthers really have been brilliant this season. They look strong all over the park, and are really finding ways to win close games.

The Roosters are getting in to a bit of a grind this season, and they’ll have to grind for 80 minutes in this one.

Penrith don’t show many weaknesses on the field, but they can start slow. This is where the Roosters should target to get themselves a solid start with points on the board early.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

Saturday, June 16

Bulldogs v Titans, Belmore Sports Ground, 17.00NZT

The sound of this game bores me, but hopefully there’s some points on display so the punters can enjoy themselves.

The good thing is that this match is back at Belmore, the traditional home of the Bulldogs.

Both Bulldogs and Titans have fire power out wide. Some early ball to Mbye, Morris, Montoya for the Bulldogs, and Gordon, Don, and Sami for the Titans will help set this game up.

Expect a high scoring affair. Both sides are more than capable, despite their form this season.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

Dragons v Sea Eagles, WIN Stadium, 19.30NZT

Saint George sit top of the table by a single points differential point. They haven’t regained their form which saw them hit the ground running over the first six weeks, but they do show glimpses.

The Sea Eagles look to be done for the year, and a loss here would cement that.

Injuries have crippled their season, the opposite of the Dragons who have been able to get their best players on the field week in, week out.

Manly will still put up a fight, the Dragons just need to be more clinical.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

Sharks v Broncos, Southern Cross Group Stadium, 21.30NZT

The Sharks have won six of their last seven, while Brisbane have only won twice of their last five starts.

Cronulla at home are always a hard task. They are playing some exciting, consistent football. Similar to what saw them win the comp two years ago.

Brisbane were strong for the first 35 minutes against Melbourne, but failed to fire much after that.

If they want to dismantle the Sharks, they’ll have to score points and remain physical for 80.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

Sunday, June 17

Knights v Storm, McDonald Jones Stadium, 16.00NZT

The 11^th placed Knights haven’t had much fun over the last two months, and it gets harder going up against the Storm.

Melbourne are just too good all over the park. In the places where the Knights could only dream of dominating.

They will give the Storm a fair go, just like they always do when running out in front of their home fans.

The Storm will just be too good, and will put the Knights to the sword.

TIP: Storm 13+

Wests Tigers v Raiders, Campbelltown Stadium, 18.10NZT

The Tigers will be desperate to get back in to the top eight.

After a slow slide out, they have to prove their worth against the Raiders.

Canberra’s biggest problem is they can’t close out games. We’ve seen this time and time again.

Wests always hang in there, and love a low scoring match.

If it’s about 14-all with twenty minutes to go, I’d put my money on the Tigers to close it out.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

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