NRL Round 13

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Eels V Sharks – CommBank Stadium – 21.50NZT

The Eels are back with some big inclusions – which is necessary because they’ve been trash without them.

Cronulla don’t have to go back to the drawing board just yet, but they copped a big ol’ slap on the face last week at home.

If this Sharks side are the real deal, they will have learnt from that and bounce back. If not, this Eels side will slip in and get the win. That’ll be tough to cop.

The Eels will have more confidence, but the Sharks should win despite their missing Origin stars.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

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

Newcastle fresh off the bye, not missing a single player through Origin is going to be a strong opponent for the Bulldogs who have been really impressive over the last month.

What I like about this Knights side is they’ve learned to play without KP. And this is something the Bulldogs must do with the likes of Crichton and Burton missing through Origin, and Kikau through injury.

I believe in them. This is their biggest ask of the year so far with their biggest stars gone.

Whether or not they will be good enough to win is up to them.

Newcastle’s defense has shored up throughout the season also, and they’ll need to be strong because the Bulldogs are always a threat.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Panthers V Dragons – BlueBet Stadium – 17.30NZT

Origin has struck both of these sides, but we know that Penrith are just as good with or without their stars and whoever the next man up is will deliver.

Dragons have injury concerns and their most influential and in-form players out…This is going to be a tough ask for Shane Flanagan’s men.

Penrith still provides a very big, physical pack, that will lay that platform early and put a lot of pressure on the Red V. I can see this being another big convincing win.

TIP: Panthers 13+

Dolphins V Raiders – Kayo Stadium – 21.35NZT

Kayo Stadium is a cool place. I know they play more of their games at the bigger, better Suncorp Stadium but Kayo is cool.

Both sides were disappointing last week, there’s no two ways about it. The Dolphins gave up a lead easily, after easily getting out to that lead. Raiders were never in it.

Redcliffe are building the bones of a very good squad. They have some good depth, and with only two missing through Origin, they are still in a strong position to dismantle Canberra.

I think that the Raiders mentality last week wasn’t anywhere near where it should have been. They were defeated ten minutes in and that never looked like changing. 

Will have been a tough week of training in the nation’s capital.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Roosters V Cowboys – Allianz Stadium – 18.05NZT

While the Cowboys are without many, the Roosters will be licking their lips in anticipation for this one.

Even though the Cowboys put 40 on last week, it was an ugly 40. 

Easts are rolling well and their ruck speed is causing so many issues. Brandon Smith is doing a wonderful job through the middle, as is Tedesco. A perfect match.

I think this is going to be a very tough ask for North Queensland. The Roosters are in fine form and I can’t see them dropping this or even getting close to losing. Way too many points in this Roosters team.

TIP: Roosters 13+

 Bye: Warriors (you knew that), Storm, Titans, Broncos, Souths, Manly and Tigers

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