NRL Week 23

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Storm V Broncos – AAMI Park – 21.50NZT

Good record at home on a Thursday. That’s probably an understatement. Melbourne have won all 16 games at home on a Thursday night!

Make it 17 after this. That’s some feat!

Broncos will be up for it. They have to be. There’s a sniff of a top four at stake, and they need it.

Melbourne, however, are just too good at home. They would have got a rocket up their ass over their last two performances, and this is them priming for a finals flurry.

I’m backing the Storm to win it in an ugly one. Broncos discipline and errors will be the talking point.

TIP: Storm 1-12

FRIDAY: Knights V Panthers – McDonald Jones Stadium – 20.00NZT

For Penrith, it’s just about winning. That scare last week would be enough to know they were complacent when they shouldn’t have been. And Trainergate (they’ll now go on and win a fifth straight comp and name a grandstand after that trainer), taking all the headlines, they want their footy to do the talking.

Knights rested after the bye, they are as close to full strength as they can be right now – and that’s a good sign for them.

I just think Penrith, even without Yeo, will be too good. This is the sort of game the Panthers love. Gritty and physical.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

Raiders V Sea Eagles – GIO Stadium – 22.00NZT

With Canberra’s winning streak coming to an end at WIN Stadium in the wet last week, it’s time to get the focus back to Manly this week and what they can do.

The Sea Eagles upset them earlier in the season on the Northern Beaches, but the Raiders at home on a blustery, drizzly Friday night is what will be a nice home-town advantage for them.

I think the Raiders are destined to win the minor premiership, and if they are – this game has to be won through the middle, where they’ve dominated all season.

Tom Trbojevic back at fullback for Manly is an interesting one. Shows they’re getting desperate for the top 8. It’s a good sign.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Dragons V Sharks – Jubilee Stadium – 17.00NZT

The Aaron Woods Cup. Cronulla have the wood over the Red V. Winning their last 9 against them.

And if they’re true contenders for the top four – they will go on and make it 10/10.

The Dragons got the win in the wet last week, but the conditions were a great leveller. It was a deserved win, however – considering how close they’ve been all season.

This has ugly written all over it, too. Both sides aren’t sexy in attack, but are gritty in defence.

I think that there’s just too much X Factor for the Sharks. They should win this one.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

Dolphins V Roosters – Suncorp Stadium – 19.30NZT

Another great match-up between these two and with plenty to play for. A win almost cements their position in the top eight. A loss could slip and derail their season. It’s exciting when there’s a few weeks left and these games come up!

Dolphins are battling with injury and suspension, but that has meant nothing all year. They’ve delivered above and beyond – but for how much longer? Only time will tell.

Roosters are really shaping up their season nicely. I think they’re going to sneak up to Suncorp and get the win here. It’s the same 17 who knocked off Manly last week, and they always look to play their best against Redcliffe.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

Bulldogs V Warriors – Accor Stadium – 21.30NZT

With a bit of rain around in Sydney, you might think the Bulldogs are no-hopers. They’ve been weaker than my will to say no to a beer on a Saturday.

A loss for the Wahs would mean their top four hopes have diminished. So many teams knocking on their door for that spot.

The Bulldogs just can’t play in the wet – so they need to change that gameplan if they are to win here or to cause any stress in the finals.

I think this game will be really close. The Wahs looking at JFH to come back for this one too.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Titans V Rabbitohs – CBUS Super Stadium – 16.00NZT

That Golden Point heartbreak will have to be wiped from their minds as the Titans look to add more misery to the Bunnies season.

Both with the same amount of points, but Souths have a bye in hand – it’s going to come down to this game here to see who may finish bottom of the ladder.

Don’t think defence will be a priority for either side. Just play some fuck-it-footy and bask in the Gold Coast sun and run the scoreboard up. That’s what the fans want!

TIP: Titans 1-12

 

Eels V Cowboys – CommBank Stadium – 18.05NZT

I really like what Jason Ryles is doing with the Eels. I probably wrote that last week too, but yeah, they’re going to be a real threat for the next five or so years with him at the helm.

The same can’t be said for Todd Payten at North Queensland. A star-studded side that look lazy on defence and have conceded the most points in the comp – and when the Eels score more than 6 points against them this weekend that means they could have conceded more than 600!

Holy shit that’s bad.

Eels are too good here.

TIP: Eels 13+

BYE: Tigers

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