NRL Round 15: The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

Thanks to the Dragons for costing me a perfect week of tipping. 7/8 and 70/108

 

THURSDAY: Broncos V Rabbitohs – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT

I suppose the good thing about this being a Thursday night game is that the Broncos can cop a hiding early and then get on with their weekend.

The Rabbitohs will be looking to continue their form and put away bad teams, and with the Broncos sitting in 15th, they’ll want to get a good win under their belts before the bye.

Brisbane have to look to their leaders to lead. Something they’ve lacked over the last two seasons.

Watch Souths get on a roll and put the Broncos to the sword early.

TIP: Souths 13+

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

The Cowboys are fresh off a stinging loss against Manly, whereas the Sharks are looking for three on the trot.

North Queensland will be better this week with more time to work on their combinations with Tom Dearden in his second appearance.

Cronulla’s backs are looking hot to trot. Moylan and Johnson combo works really well and caretaker coach Josh Hannay looks to have the boys from the Shire up for it.

Cowboys forwards have been MIA lately, so if they can get together and cause headaches for the Sharks, it could be a good tight contest.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

Panthers V Roosters – BlueBet Stadium – 21.55NZT

Penrith are thankful to have the return of their Origin stars after their cubs couldn’t quite get the job done over the last two weeks.

Roosters are out to win for fallen captain Boyd Cordner who retired earlier this week due to health concerns.

The Panthers with all hands on deck will be tough for the Chooks to handle.

The experience of Luai and Cleary will go a long way for them to win this game.

Roosters won’t go down without a fight, however. We’ve seen that all year.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

SATURDAY: Knights V Warriors – McDonald Jones Stadium – 17.00NZT

Two sides that have performed well below expectations this season go head to head here. The Knights won this game earlier in the year on the back of some Bradman Best excellence, however he’s out for 6 weeks with injury.

Newcastle have the massive inclusion of Mitchell Pearce, who will bring a calming sense over this young Knights side.

Warriors have Reece Walsh back in the 1 jersey, and Sean O’Sullivan gets a start too with a brand new spine for the club which be the 1,6,7 and 9 for the next month or so.

Can’t go past Newcastle at home. They’re going to be tough to beat.

TIP: Knights 1-12

Dragons V Raiders – Win Jubilee Stadium – 19.30NZT

I can’t get a read on the Dragons this year. They win games they’re told they can’t, and drop the games they should win.

While the Raiders have had a season to forget, they put in a memorable performance last week.

Simonsson adds some extra starch at the back, which helps the Green Machine massively.

The Red V have made no changes after their embarrassing loss against the last place Bulldogs.

Canberra will be looking to leave WIN with  win – but it will be a close game.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

Storm V Tigers – Sunshine Coast Stadium – 21.35NZT

Melbourne will be tough to dismantle here, with the Tigers being their own worst enemy this season.

The Storm are tough to handle in the middle which will cause plenty of issues for Wests.

Brandon Smith is the best hooker in the comp right now, and paired with Asofa-Solomona and Christian Welch, you’d be hard pressed to find a better 8 9 10 right now.

Mbye is back for the Tigers to partner Brooks. A strong kicking game is needed from Brooks to help turn the Storm around to try peg them in their own half.

TIP: Storm 13+

SUNDAY: Eels V Bulldogs – Bankwest Stadium – 16.00NZT

Parramatta didn’t get out of third gear last week and made light work of their win. Bulldogs notched up their second for the season and will want to back it up against Parra.

These two teams used to knock the snot out of each other in the 80s in some classic matches, but Parramatta have really dominated them over the last few years.

Expect a tight, niggly battle for the first 25 minutes, then see the class of the Eels pull away and put on some serious points.

TIP: Eels 13+

Titans V Sea Eagles – CBus Super Stadium – 18.00NZT

With the Titans sitting in twelth position, they’ve got a long way to go to prove they’re a better side than 2020.

It’ll be tough to beat the Sea Eagles. Manly are a helluva force right now, and I know I wouldn’t want to be taking them on. Everything just seems to click for the maroon and whites.

Gold Coast have to bully Manly early. Throw them off their game. Target their play makers and put on some pressure.

If they can do that, and capitalise on any chances they get – they’ll be putting in a good shift and a good chance of winning.

Manly should still get the two points.

TIP: Sea Eagles 13+

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