NRL Round 2

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Knights V Dolphins – McDonald Jones Stadium – 22.00NZT

Will the Knights be bolstered by the new of Brown for the next ten years? You’d like to think so.

But for now, it’s a focus on the Dolphins.

Knights were underwhelming in a win in week one, the Dolphins were okay in a loss.

The Saifiti twins face off for the first time at NRL level which is a cool little narrative.

I think Newcastle at home is always a tough ask for any travelling team, as their fans love to get behind ‘em.

Dolphins attack should be better this week, but that’s their main issue…Points don’t look easy.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Warriors V Sea Eagles – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 20.00NZT

There’s already pressure mounting on the Warriors after one game, and the way the Sea Eagles won last week – that pressure won’t be subsiding any time soon.

I just hope for the Wahs sake that they’ve spent all their time since Vegas gelling as a unit. They were so clunky against Canberra. If it wasn’t for Dylan Walker, they might not have scored a try.

If Manly fly and just light up on attack – there’s no stopping them.

I think the Sea Eagles will win and win well.

TIP: Sea Eagles 13+

Panthers V Roosters – CommBank Stadium – 22.05NZT

Well, this could be the Roosters staring down the barrel of two 50+ point losses to start the year.

They can’t be as bad as they were last week, can they?

Penrith understand that they just need to win, and it doesn’t really matter how. It would be good to see them put the Chooks to the sword.

There’s plenty of experience, but a lack of leadership for the boys from Bondi. I think that’s their biggest issue.

Someone needs to take this team on their back. It can’t always be Tedesco.

Panthers will do a number on them.

TIP: Panthers 13+

 

SATURDAY: Dragons V Rabbitohs – WIN Stadium – 17.00NZT

Despite a loss last week, the Dragons start this one as favourites.

The suspension of Wighton and injury to Munro isn’t cause for concern just yet for the Bunnies, but it definitely doesn’t help them.

And yes, it was the Dragons who pumped them in Mudgee just a few weeks ago in a trial – but we’re playing for keeps now.

The Dragons looked the best when Liddle was off the leash with 20 to go. If they get him into the game a little earlier, they should be able to dispose of Souths.

Big game for Cook and Ilias against their old club.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Sharks V Cowboys – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 19.30NZT

Only one of these sides will be winless after this game. The Cowboys look to be that winless side after being horrendous against the Sea Eagles.

Their defence needs a lot of work. The effort wasn’t there, that was probably the most disappointing thing.

As for Cronulla, there’s a lot to look forward to in this clash. A couple of silly errors let them down against Penrith, but you know they’re been working on them since they touched back down in the Shire.

Cronulla are too mobile and too good for the Cowboys here.

TIP: Sharks 13+

 

Raiders V Broncos – GIO Stadium – 21.30NZT

I reckon this has the potential to be the best game this weekend.

My only concern Is that because the Raiders have Tapine suspended, that’s a lot of work to share around in the forwards to try and contain the Broncos.

Especially if they come out and play like they did last Friday.

The Raiders will be a better litmus test for Brisbane, but I still reckon the way that the Broncos play will be just too much for Canberra.

They’re going to be a handful. The Raiders will hang in enough but fall away at the end.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Eels V Tigers – CommBank Stadium – 18.05NZT

You know what I am really looking forward to about this game?

What happens on the field.

If you’re anything like me, you’re over the off-field Brown/Tigers/Eels headliens and bullshit – so let’s just worry about what’s going on for 80 minutes on the field.

Eels were taught a rugby league lesson in Melbourne last week. A true showing of just how inexperienced they were.

Tigers should have beaten Newcastle, but didn’t. There is some solace in that, but that is the story of the Tigers for the last three years.

I think the Eels forwards will give it to the Tigers, but Wests have better execution in the backs.

A really tight affair.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

Bulldogs V Titans – Belmore Sports Ground – 20.15NZT

How stink is it that the Titans had the bye last week, and are the last game of this round!?

I’m sure they are chomping at the bit to get away from a Hasler pre-season and just play.

The Bulldogs are a huge first up ask for Gold Coast, but a really tough test to start the year is probably the best to see where you’re at.

Doggies will bring that defensive grit. The Titans have to be smart on attack.

They’ve lacked effort in years gone by. That needs to change if they want to be successful.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

Follow Stephen Gallagher on Twitter

And listen to him on the Saturday Session on Sport Nation at 11:15am this Saturday