NRL 80 words in 80 minutes: Round 25
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By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: South Sydney Rabbitohs V Sydney Roosters, 21.50 – ANZ Stadium
The last Thursday night game of the year, and it’s a shame it’s such a cracker.
This is more important for the Rabbitohs, who could finish third with a win, or as low as fifth in a loss.
Both sides are full strength as they look to build going in to the finals. The Rabbitohs winning back to back games, and the Roosters with five in a row.
Will all the rivalry in the world, this game is sure to explode.
TIP: Roosters 1-12
FRIDAY: Parramatta Eels V Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, 20.00NZT – Bankwest Stadium
The Eels hopes of a top four finish fell last week with their one point loss, but the Sea Eagles are still on for it.
At Bankwest Stadium, in what should be a sell-out, will provide one of the most crucial games of the season.
Both sides would rather head in to the finals with a win under their belts.
The Eels will back themselves, and the Sea Eagles need to plug their defensive holes that were exposed last week.
TIP: Eels 1-12
Melbourne Storm V North Queensland Cowboys, 22.00NZT – AAMI Park
Melbourne have a few players rested for this game with their focus on the finals.
The Cowboys will be hoping to seal one last victory in the 2019 season before they have their Mad Monday efforts.
The Storm are too good, even with a few of their stars rested.
I’m sure North Queensland will take them on and have a crack, however.
TIP: Storm 13+
SATURDAY: Canberra Raiders V New Zealand Warriors, 17.00NZT – GIO Stadium
Plenty of players rested for the Green Machine, but a home semi-final is also on the line.
Whether they finish third or fifth, the Raiders will cause some headaches for the finals.
Speaking of headaches, the Warriors faithful have plenty. Their lack of experience and toughness has hampered their campaign in 2019. I’d expect to see plenty of changes for the next year.
Canberra are still good enough to finish off the Warriors despite missing key players.
TIP: Raiders 13+
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs V Brisbane Broncos, 19.30NZT – ANZ Stadium
Winning four of their last five starts, the Bulldogs would love one last hurrah and get a win against a finals prospect.
Brisbane can’t take this game too lightly. Their young forwards are starting to peak and find more consistency, which helps every part of their game.
Canterbury Bankstown can give the ball some air, and do their best to unsettle the visitors.
Their toughness over the last month has been key to their success, but they’ll have to work even harder in this match.
TIP: Bulldogs 1-12
Gold Coast Titans V Saint George Illawarra Dragons, 21.30NZT – CBus Super Stadium
Only played each other four weeks ago, it was a high scoring affair where the Dragons got the job done.
The Gold Coast just need to be put out of their misery. Ten straight losses is an incredible feat, considering Mal Meninga talked them up as premiers in the pre-season.
Both sides have players that’ll be playing for contracts in 2020, so there’s still somewhat plenty to play for, even though it’s the wooden spooners playing 15th position.
TIP: Dragons 1-12
SUNDAY: Wests Tigers V Cronulla Sharks, 16.00NZT – Leichhardt Oval
This game has the potential to leave one of these sides out of the finals altogether, but also could see them both make it, depending on results.
If the Broncos lose, and this game ends in a draw – they both make it. But if Brisbane wins, then it’s all on.
The Sharks have to get over last weeks heartbreak, while the Tigers just have to keep the blinders on and keep going. Their devastating form could cause problems for Cronulla.
I genuinely think this game could end in a draw if the Broncos lose. Imagine that!
TIP: Draw
Penrith Panthers V Newcastle Knights, 18.00NZT – Panthers Stadium
A disappointing year for both these sides, especially with what the Panthers achieved the last few years, and what potential the Knights had halfway through the season.
The last regular season game could be a points fest in Penrith.
The Knights piled them on last week, and we all know how quickly the Panthers can do it too.
A win won’t make a lick of difference, but I’m sure each side will be happy to finish the season on a high.
TIP: Panthers 1-12
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