NRL Week 21
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By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: Roosters V Storm – Allianz – 21.50NZT
The first of two barnstormers at Allianz this weekend – the round kicks off with this one.
Roosters still have faith they can make the eight – and the Storm still would have aspirations of finishing as Minor Premiers.
The tri-colours have a few outs which is concerning, but with Munster and NAS out for Melbourne it evens up the playing field.
I just don’t think the Storm can cop another loss. Last week they were far from their best and it showed.
The Roosters might be the whipping boys this week.
TIP: Storm 13+
FRIDAY: Cowboys V Dragons – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 20.00NZT
This is a HUGE game for the Dragons. They are still a slight sniff for a top eight finish, but they’ve had so many close losses in 2025 this could be just another one of those.
The Cowboys lose, and coach Todd Payten could be gone. It’s a tough business being a head coach.
I just think the Cowboys will surprise everyone here. They have more X Factor than the Red V. They should be more desperate.
This could be another chance gone begging for St George.
TIP: Cowboys 1-12
Broncos V Eels – Suncorp Stadium – 22.00NZT
The Broncos will win and win well. That’s the expectation. The Eels played well against the Raiders in Canberra, but that might be their final hurrah for the year.
I think Brisbane have their fate in their hands for the season. They have so much skill. I think this is their time to shine.
TIP: Broncos 13+
SATURDAY: Warriors V Titans – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 17.00NZT
The Wahs surviving that shit show last week means they have to really knuckle down and dial in for what should be an easy 13+ win.
Boyd against his old club, I expect big things.
Titans are done. They suck.
TIP: Warriors 13+
Panthers V Tigers – CommBank Stadium – 19.30NZT
Love that this rivalry is now full of ex Panthers players doing their bit against the reigning premiers. Plenty to show off here.
Penrith have Cleary and Yeo back after being rested last week. Just the right move at the right time for both players.
Tigers won their worst match all year last week, there is some confidence to that. They won’t win this one, but they don’t need to. They’ve avoided the spoon! Hallelujah!
TIP: Panthers 1-12
Rabbitohs V Sharks – Polytec Stadium, Central Coast – 21.35NZT
Man, what a ROUGH year for injuries and results for the Rabbitohs.
This is pretty much a NSW Cup side, which is why their NSW Cup side also lingers near the bottom of the table.
Sharks need to make these wins really count. A couple of good wins recently has put them in good stead. The run to the playoffs is soft – but every strong, dominant win they can get over bottom-eight sides will help.
TIP: Sharks 13+
SUNDAY: Raiders V Knights – GIO Stadium – 16.00NZT
Tough break for the Knights last week, a scrappy heartbreaking finish means another loss and it doesn’t get any easier playing Canberra in Canberra.
We saw the Raiders cruise for 55 minutes last week, and still win convincingly at the death. Impressive for such a young and inexperienced squad.
The Knights defence is good, but their attack is poor. They’ll need to flourish in both in order to stay close.
TIP: Raiders 13+
Bulldogs V Sea Eagles – Allianz Stadium – 18.05NZT
How good – what an end to Round 21! A replay of the 1995 Grand Final which Bulldogs won 17 to 4. Tickets are $19.95. You love to see it.
The Bulldogs are hot to trot, but the Sea Eagles are finishing with a wet sail. We saw these two play out an epic game in the finals last year, and this could be the benchmark for it with both sides destined to make playoffs in 2025.
The Bulldogs aren’t in their best form, but that’s right around the corner.
Manly’s effort is the thing that’s getting them over the line. If they can stay in the fight, they could absolutely win.
TIP: Bulldogs 1-12
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