NRL Round 15

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Sharks V Dolphins – PointsBet Stadium – 22.00NZT

A doozy to kick off Round 15. Both sides that can attack from all over the park.

The difference between the two for me is the forward packs. What the Sharks offer up front is what the Dolphins have been lacking.

That’s big, barnstorming, platform-laying props that can get you on the front foot quickly.

The Dolphins make up for that in heart. They’ve been punching above their weight but a couple of losses in a row brings them back down.

What Cronulla did in Brisbane last week will only inspire them to do that at home.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Raiders V Cowboys – GIO Stadium – 20.00NZT

How we’re 15 weeks into a competition and the Cowboys are still the only team not to have a bye is beyond me. Perhaps that’s playing into the fatigue and why they’re performing so poorly.

And how the Raiders are going so well with a 19 and 22-year-old in the halves is also beyond me – but they are gelling well and leading this side around solidly.

Down in the nation’s capital, it won’t be as tropical as Townsville and that will favour the home side.

Inconsistencies are plaguing the Cowboys. I think the Raiders are well-rounded and in a good position to take home the two points.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Rabbitohs V Broncos – Accor Stadium – 22.00NZT

Big one here for both sides. The Rabbitohs are looking at three-in-a-row which is a crown jewel for their abysmal season thus far against a Broncos side who haven’t managed a win in three weeks.

And of course there’s an Origin narrative to this. All eyes are on Latrell Mitchell, and Cam Murray off the bench for his first game in a lengthy injury layoff.

Something about the Rabbitohs is telling me that they’re going to get up for this one. But that’s exactly what the Broncos want and will probably come in and score 40 points and win comfortably.

TIP: Rabbitohs 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Tigers V Titans – Leichhardt Oval – 17.00NZT

I don’t want you to spend too much time reading about the worst game of the week.

Tigers suck – but could win.

Titans suck – but could win.

This game could serve anything up. Don’t have any expectations on this.

Tipping the Tigers purely on pity.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

Warriors V Storm – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 19.30NZT

Well, if you managed to watch the game before – I’m sure you need a palate cleanser of good quality rugby league.

The Warriors sure have sorted out their issues and are starting to build well. The Storm aren’t the defensive juggernaut they used to be but are still on top of the table and have no real concerns.

We all know how this game ended earlier in the year – and besides that epic finish, the Warriors do know they have the strength to undo the Storm and win.

Shaun Johnson’s inclusion is a big one for the Wahs too.

But on Melbourne’s bench sits their good luck charm. Joe Chan. Who has yet to lose in his NRL career.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

Eels V Roosters – CommBank Stadium – 21.35NZT

Almost impossible for the Eels to make the playoffs from here, but that won’t mean this side gives up and rolls over.

The Chooks have had two weeks to stew on their shock loss to the Cowboys, which will have been the motivation heading into this crucial clash.

The Eels really do lack x-factor in the backline, but Blaize Talagi is a real shining light for them.

The tri-colours have a stacked side despite dropping Brandon Smith. The form that Sam Walker has been in will go a long way to dictating this result.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Sea Eagles V Dragons – 4 Pines Park – 16.00NZT

Earlier in the year the Dragons got the better of Manly and will look to sweep them for the season in this one off the back of an incredible second-half performance last week.

Manly despite losing last week still played well, but pressure is starting to mount as they sit in 11th.

While two of Queensland’s best go head to head in DCE and Hunt, it could be their sidekicks that have the ultimate say.

Luke Brooks is comfortably getting by without putting too much of a say in the same, whereas Kyle Flanagan is really playing some of his best footy in his career and is creating plenty of opportunities for himself and his side.

Both sides are good enough to win this, but I think on form and desire, the Dragons take the two points back down to Wollongong.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Knights V Panthers – McDonald Jones Stadium – 18.05NZT

With the Knights season yet again on the border of overachieving and underachieving, they have their biggest task ahead of them against the Panthers in this one.

Penrith are still without the best player in the world and yet are still clocking up wins and getting the job done.

We know Newcastle have points in them, but that’s not a concern – it’s just what’s happening at their own end of the field that is.

Penrith know exactly how to get on the board too. So unless the Knights tighten up on D in a week, it could be a big scoreline.

TIP: Panthers 13+

 

BYE: Bulldogs

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