NRL Record: Finals Week Two

By Stephen Gallagher

FRIDAY
North Queensland Cowboys V Brisbane Broncos – 1300 SMILES Stadium – 22.00NZT

The Queensland showdown is set.

It’s the third match up for these two this season, with a one point win by each side.

The grand final rematch looks like it’s going to be another close one.

The Cowboys are in the exact same position as they were last season in which they won the comp, and the Broncos will want to spoil the party by getting the result.

Ultimately, the Cowboys have played the better football all season, but this means nothing when it comes to this match.

The Broncos attack is loaded, with options left and right, and two halves that are sharp.  Brisbane need to work on their goal line defence though, as they let in a few soft tries last week.

The Cowboys game plan is to make the most of their second phase play, after the boppers up make way.

If the Cowboys can win this, I think they are good odds to defend their title.

TIP: Cowboys 20 Broncos 14.

 

SATURDAY

Canberra Raiders V Penrith Panthers – GIO Stadium – 21.50NZT

I am a little disappointed that one of these two seasons will end after this.

The Raiders were unlucky last week, in one of the tightest and hard fought finals games you’ll see.

Penrith, wow – they’re just kicking ass and taking names. It’s hard to think of just how inexperienced they are but the success they’ve had in 2016 is worthy.

Both sides can break out and score those long range tries which can break the game wide open.

The first 40 is going to be the hardest, and will define the outcome at 80.

The Raiders need to bounce back from their loss, and the desperation to make it further in the finals will be evident.

The Panthers impressed me the most out of any side last week – but this is the big one for them. Win, and they could easily go on and win the comp.

TIP: Panthers 22 Raiders 18

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