NRL Round 7: The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

Another five tips correct for me the previous week, and whatever team I pick in the Warriors game, the opposite result happens. Sitting at 31/48 for the year.

THURSDAY: Panthers V Knights – BlueBet Stadium – 21.50NZT

The last time the Panthers lost a regular season game was round 6 2020 which is incredible.

There is a contest here, as the Knights are looking inspired after an ugly but necessary win last week.

Penrith’s form is just something else, however.

They are playing with confidence rarely seen on a footy field, and that goes a long way to winning games. Knowing you have the ability to win no matter the score.

Newcastle went back to basics last week, going forward. Keep the momentum around the ruck and they might be able to surprise Penrith.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

FRIDAY: Titans V Rabbitohs – CBus Super Stadium – 20.00NZT

The Titans were on the wrong end of a hiding last week, so it’s all in their attitude about how they bounce back against the red hot Rabbitohs.

While Souths will be without Latrell Mitchell for the next month, they still have plenty of firepower in their arsenal.

There’s lots of interesting battles up front between these two teams which will no doubt set a strong platform for the match.

A true test of character for Gold Coast. It should be a close one.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

Eels V Broncos – TIO Stadium, Darwin – 21.55NZT

While the Broncos were courageous against Penrith last week, they still floated in and out of the contest.

Parramatta showed that they will be there or there abouts with a convincing win last week over Canberra.

While there’s plenty of future in these Broncos, it’s hard to see the Eels dropping this game.

Parramatta have such a strong mobile pack, and their enforcers can offload which makes it dangerous too.

Brisbane do their best when they start strong, so if they can keep the Eels on their toes for the first 40, that will help.

Ultimately, I see the Eels winning this one with a late flurry of tries.

TIP: Eels 1-12

SATURDAY: Sharks V Bulldogs – Netstrata Jubilee Oval – 19.30NZT

While the Bulldogs look for answers to their woeful form this year, it doesn’t get any easier against a circling Sharks side.

Shaun Johnson looks to make his return from a ruptured achillies, which only boosts this Cronulla team.

If I am Trent Barrett, I just let the Bulldogs play how they want. Whatever’s going on isn’t working, and they look terrible.

They’re not going to get close to winning this game. They’re as good as a bye.

TIP: Sharks 13+

Cowboys V Raiders – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 21.35NZT

The Cowboys keep the same winning 17 in hopes to get the result.

The pressure really goes back on the Raiders. They haven’t been up to their usual high standards, and with a spray from Ricky Stuart post patch, theres a few changes across the forwards.

It’s going to be an interesting match up this, because even though the Cowboys haven’t been amazing, winning their last two will help with their confidence.

While the Raiders appear rattled, and need answers immediately.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

SUNDAY: Tigers V Sea Eagles – Bankwest Stadium – 15.45NZT

A blockbuster triple-header on ANZAC Day kicks off with this game here. Manly have blown away all their opening round cobwebs with an emphatic victory last week.

The Tigers are still the same Tigers seen over the last few years, with a lack of consistency that hampers them big time.

They will have their work cut out for them with Manly finding their feet.

Manly’s hopes look to rest on Tom Trbojevic, so if he’s on, they’re on.

Wests will benefit from a solid kicking game, so if they can keep turning Manly around, that’ll help.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

Roosters V Dragons – SCG – 18.05NZT

I love this traditional clash. Both teams are coming off a loss too, which makes this game even more exciting.

The Roosters have Sam Verrills back after his ACL layoff, and Ben Hunt could make a surprise return for the Red V.

Always lots of heat in this clash. Some really memorable ones in the past. The Roosters and Dragons will both be smashing each other up front.

Another good game on the cards. Nothing in it.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

Storm V Warriors – AAMI Park – 20.15NZT

A proper ANZAC clash here with an Australian and New Zealand team playing against each other. The Storm usually win these ones because they’re always played in Melbourne.

The Warriors have their fair share of injuries, but they are digging their heels in and staying in the contest.

This will be a big test for them though.

Melbourne are still a gun side, and will definitely be flexing their positive footy to undo the Warriors.

TIP: Storm 13+

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