NRL Round 10

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Dolphins V Sea Eagles – Suncorp Stadium – 22.00NZT

I think since the Eagles bombed the game last week, this fixture becomes more interesting – especially with some key injury returns for the Dolphins.

Dolphins know they’re good enough to win this one. They certainly understood last week if they just keep with the Cowboys they’ll eventually win.

Manly, it’ll be a tough week of training, and after letting themselves down last week they’ll have worked hard.

The Sea Eagles can’t afford to clock off early. They have to do those one percenters right against a quality opposition like Redcliffe.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Panthers V Bulldogs – BlueBet Stadium – 20.00NZT

Not that it’s anything personal, but I reckon the Doggies circled this game with their former Panther players and said “this is what we’re getting up for”.

Think this is low-key the game of the round for me. The Bulldogs are playing well. Their attack is cohesive on both sides of the field. Just a couple of defensive concerns around the edges.

Penrith will be up for this one too. They know exactly what the Bulldogs want. Panthers might have to get out of third gear for this one.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

Eels V Broncos – Commbank Stadium – 22.00NZT

This is gonna sound stupid – but I’m tipping the Eels.

A week off, no Moses, no Gutherson, no chance, surely?

Shit, I’m getting sucked in here. 

Broncos without Reynolds for the next three months is going to be very tough, but the way this side can turn it on will get them far. Even if they win 60% of those games, they’re the sort of team who will win the comp from 8th.

Eels though, this is a real test for the forwards to genuinely deliver after being rolled the last month, and an opportunity for some young players in the backs to show what they’re capable of.

TIP: Eels 1-12

SATURDAY: Tigers V Knights – Scully Park, Tamworth – 17.00NZT

Why are the Knights better without Kalyn Ponga? Is it because he gets the ball too much? Is it the Tedesco effect for NSW?

Anyway, the Tigers are without their main playmaker for the next few weeks due to a hip drop, so more pressure on teenager Galvin.

The country music capital is in for a treat here. Tigers will be stronger with Koroisau back from injury, I just don’t back their attack to break down the defence of the Knights.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Dragons V Rabbitohs – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium – 19.30NZT

Well, there’s a lot of pressure on the Dragons to win this. That may be an odd statement to make, but the Rabbitohs have so many outs, they’ve got an interim coach, and they’ve used 34 players this season.

The Dragons were okay last week too, despite the loss. Ben Hunt will want to bounce back after a very poor performance.

Rabbitohs just need to focus on competing. Their effort areas last week were abysmal when it mattered most.

They should compete, but the Dragons realistically should walk away with the two points.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Storm V Sharks – AAMI Park – 21.35NZT

I picked the Sharks to win the comp last year, maybe I was a year early?

Easily their biggest test of 2024. The Storm in Melbourne, even if they’re without Hughes and Papenhuyzen.

Seeing what Faalogo can do in the fullback jersey for the next month and a bit is very exciting for Storm fans, and NRL fans in general.

Cronulla are at their best when they have pressured their opposition. Keeping them on their line and running them ragged. That’s when you see them line a prop up with a half or hooker.

Melbourne have used plenty of get-out-of-jail-free cards, but they can’t rely on that to get them the result. This is a squad who know how to win.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Roosters V Warriors – Allianz Stadium – 16.00NZT

This is a very in form Roosters side who have cracked 100 points in their last two outings.

The Warriors are running on E. They look directionless, they are struggling to change up their attack, and look very predictable.Compare that to the Roosters who have the most stacked roster in the comp, the bench is so much better than the Warriors, and are a side who are capable of scoring all over the field.

This could be a very dangerous game for the Wahs. If they don’t get a good performance in, their season could be in dire straights.

TIP: Roosters 13+

 

Titans V Cowboys – Cbus Super Stadium – 18.05NZT

Why are the Cowboys like this? They’re so much better than what their season has played out.

So yes, like I said last week, I don’t trust them.

Which is why this is the game they probably come out and make a statement victory in.

Will the Fifita news derail this Titans performance? They look to be getting better over the last fortnight, and whatever Hasler is working towards looks to be slowly showing its head.

Cowboys are either going to blow the Titans up, or lose by 4 in the last ten minutes.

TIP: Titans 1-12

BYE: Canberra Raiders

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