NRL Round 12
0By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: Broncos V Panthers – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT
Brisbane will look to bounce back after a loss to Melbourne last week, but they do have the imposing force of the Panthers in their way.
Both these two teams are playing great footy when they stretch out, which is impressive to see.
This is another hard test for the Broncos, who were undone by Melbourne and missing Adam Reynolds again may lack that finesse that has made them so good.
The last hit out for a few Origin hopefuls, I think the Panthers will rock into Suncorp and get the job done.
If they play like they did last week, they will be too strong for Brisbane.
TIP: Panthers 1-12
FRIDAY – Dragons V Roosters – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 20.00NZT
It’s done. Hook has been hooked and is now relieved of his coaching duties, which sees the return of Lomax and Liddle to the side.
No Manu for Easts gives the Dragons a chance, as he loves to carve them up.
The ANZAC clash feels like a lifetime ago when the Red V were only pipped by a point.
Despite both sides going through a rough run of form at the moment, I expect this to be a good game of footy.
Roosters are more desperate to rid the funk they’re in – so I am backing them to get the dub. They just have a winning culture and know how to get it done.
TIP: Roosters 1-12
Rabbitohs V Eels – Allianz Stadium – 22.05NZT
This is not a good time for the Eels to play Souths. The front runners of the competition look like wiping everyone with the floor, and they’re on a hot win streak at the moment.
Parramatta’s season has been really poor by their standards. Yes, they still have time to turn it around, but it’s looking more unlikely with every L.
Souths attack from everywhere on the field. They’re good down the left and right. They are hot with ball in hand and defences really struggle to keep up with their style of play.
TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12
SATURDAY: Sharks V Knights – C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour – 17.00NZT
This game could be the game of the round!
Cronulla are very thorough at building pressure, and getting their execution right more times than not.
Newcastle want to drag the Sharks down. Get them playing negative footy, and make them fight for everything.
What the Knights do well is counter, so if the Sharks make an error – Newcastle will love that momentum.
Cronulla are a real premiership threat, and to keep that up – they need to win games like this. Even if it is ugly.
TIP: Sharks 1-12
Tigers V Cowboys – Leichhardt Oval – 19.30NZT
It’s been nice to see these two sides dig their heels in over the last three weeks and attempt to turn their fortunes around.
While the Cowboys are in a much better place with the way they’ve been winning, the Tigers seem to have found a way to compete which is something they couldn’t say for the first two months of their season.
Wests struggle down the flanks on D, so expect Townsend and Dearden to direct Hess and Luki down the edges and keep very busy.
That should be enough to tire the Tigers out and head home with a win.
TIP: Cowboys 13+
Dolphins V Storm – Suncorp Stadium – 21.30NZT
The Phins are fresh from a bye and have some big players returning from injury.
Coming up against Melbourne is just another notch on the belt of Wayne Bennett who will of course have set Redcliffe up during the week to get this win.
Melbourne’s consistency has been an issue, but with their same 17 after the win last week – they’ll want to build on that as a squad and show they’re still them boys.
This game reeks of a golden point clash. Expect a doozy of a footy match.
TIP: Storm 1-12
SUNDAY: Bulldogs V Titans – Accor Stadium 16.00NZT
Outplayed last week, the dogs are down but not out. A massive inclusion is Addo-Carr, who was set to come back last week.
The Titans seem to be picking up scalps here and there, but a big one against the Eels last week shows just what they’re capable of.
They’ve scored 26 points in each of their last four games which is impressive.
Perhaps the Bulldogs just try and score more than that to know they’ll win.
Canterbury-Bankstown have Oloapu starting for the first time, which is exciting for their future.
Both sides just love to attack – so there could be plenty of points in this game. That also means a potentially high error rate, but that’s just what you expect with these two teams in a shoot-out game like this.
TIP: Bulldogs 1-12
Raiders V Sea Eagles – GIO Stadium – 18.05NZT
This Canberra side are really working well as a unit, and it shows with their win steak.
Manly, well, they are a true reflection of their star player Tom Trbojevic. We haven’t seen them anywhere near their best, and have been limping around for weeks.
They do get brother Jake back, and their record is woeful without him – but he can’t turn around all their fortunes, he needs Josh Schuster to deliver too upon his return.
That Raiders forward pack is full of dawgs. They’re gonna niggle, they’re gonna hit hard, and that’ll set their backs up to get some points and a win.
TIP: Raiders 1-12
BYE: Warriors
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