NRL Round 12: The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

It’s a 5/8 week for me last week – which seems to be my thing. 56/88 for me.

THURSDAY: Broncos V Storm – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT

The Storm have a great record at Suncorp Stadium, which doesn’t look good for Brisbane.

Broncos fans are actually seeing small amounts of joy with their team in 2021, but there’s still a long way to go.

And considering Melbourne had an entirely new spine last week and still carved up, that just shows how amazing they are.

I think the goal for Brisbane is to just compete. They will want to stick with the Storm for as long as possible, however there’s only one result in this game.

TIP: Storm 13+

FRIDAY: Cowboys V Warriors – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 20.00NZT

These two teams play each other for the second time this month, and it should be just as tight this time around.

Warriors are really revelling in the glory that is Reece Walsh, but some defence training this week wouldn’t go amiss.

Add to that the coming of form of the Cowboys, who could sneakily make the top eight this season if they keep their efforts up.

Both teams have issues around discipline, too. That could play a big factor in this one.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

Tigers V Dragons – Bankwest Stadium – 21.55NZT

Tigers are stressing Madge out with their inconsistancies, while the Dragons are competing in every aspect of the game despite a few recent losses.

This game is another one of those ‘could go either way’ fixtures.

The Dragons still miss a few players through suspension and injury, but after a heartbreaking loss last week, they won’t want to let the result slip away from them again.

If the Red V can eat metres around the ruck, the Tigers won’t be able to cope.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

SATURDAY: Panthers V Bulldogs – BlueBet Stadium – 17.00

The Panthers will win this game. Comfortably. With only one change to their side, too. Not resting anyone. Bulldogs will score a couple of tries, but it won’t be close.

TIP: Panthers 13+

Rabbitohs V Eels – Stadium Australia – 19.30

Both sides suffered big losses last week, and there’s plenty to play for as these two sides want to continue to solidify a top four spot this season.

Souths need to tighten up after some massive blunders on defence last week, where the Eels just need to keep a hold of the ball, with too many errors.

The Rabbitohs have a couple of key inclusions this week that will sure them up through the middle.

There’s no doubting either of these sides abilities, it’s just whether they can put it on or not on the day. I expect this to be a good, close game.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

Roosters V Raiders – Central Coast Stadium – 21.30

Much like the game before, these two also suffered big losses last week.

However with the internal drama that’s corrupting the Raiders season, there will be a cloud hanging over thm in this game.

While the Roosters run of injury concerns have now been amplified with suspension worries, they are really scraping the barrell for talent. You do know that they’ve got the players to put the jersey on and get stuck in.

The blueprint to shut Sam Walker down was executed well last week, so expect the Raiders to run big units at him all night.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

SUNDAY: Sharks V Titans – Coffs Harbour International Stadium – 16.00

The Sharks have an injury reshuffle, but Shaun Johnson is back for his 200th game and that’s important.

The Titans have a couple of key inclusions too.

Both sides are looking to make it back to back wins.

The Sharks back five looks rather inexperienced, but their forward pack looks somewhat settled to get the job done.

Gold Coast will want to stop the leaking of points on defence too. That’s a big concern for this side. If they can get on that, they’ll be better.

TIP: Titans 1-12

Knights V Sea Eagles – McDonald Jones Stadium – 18.00NZT

The Knights have only won two of their last nine starts, and this is a team I backed early this year to fight for a place in the top of the table…

However, Ponga and Best are back and that will help their case.

Manly though are just an excellent side to watch right now. On the back of a strong attacking game, they are getting better each week too.

Their forwards are also getting through a heap of work too, setting such a solid platform. The Knights need to try meet them in the middle for this contest to be a tight one.

TIP: Sea Eagles 13+

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