NRL Round 23

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Roosters V Sea Eagles – Sydney Cricket Ground – 21.50NZT

The Roosters have the potential to ruin the season, while the briefest of life can be breathed into theirs.

The way Manly have played in the second half of their last two games is cause for concern, especially around a side with danger players like Sydney.

Manly are finding a lot of strike through Jason Saab and Tolutau Koula – their pace is electric and can cause plenty of headaches.

If anything, they are a little thin in the forwards, which can be a key area for the Roosters to win, and then get some territory and possession.

This game will be a close one.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12
FRIDAY: Titans V Warriors – CBus Super Stadium – 20.00NZT

This is the banana-skin season for a lot of top-eight teams, and this is also the banana-skin season for the Warriors. While they’ve exceeded expectations on so many fronts in 2023, this is their true test. Finishing the year off in style. Something the club has always struggled with.

Gold Coast will be in for an upset after knocking one off last week also.

The same 17 that snuck home over the Raiders will be there for the Warriors as they look for a fourth straight win.

I don’t have enough confidence in the consistency of the Titans, which leads me to think the Warriors will sneak in and get the win.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

Panthers V Storm – BlueBet Stadium – 22.00NZT

While they didn’t even get out of third gear, the Panthers racked up a 28-0 win last week, and the Storm beat the Eels convincingly.

I’m off to this game, which I also think will be the game of the round – as this has massive top-four implications for both sides.

Melbourne will still be stinging after the way Penrith disposed of them at Marvel Stadium only six weeks ago.

This is the game the Panthers want. A tough opposition they can flex their muscles at.

The Storm have a few key returns and will have to play like they did in the 2020 Grand Final to upset this high-flying side at home.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Cowboys V Broncos – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 17.00NZT

A tough ask for the Cowboys coming off a loss, and with no Val Holmes will only add to their concerns as results could see them drop out of the 8.

This Broncos side just continues to impress me. They never looked like losing against the Roosters last week, and the energy they bring to every match just rises to the occasion.

I don’t see North Queensland able to do enough to outscore the Broncos, but if they are able to defend solidly and take the sting out of their opponents’ attack – it could get close.

Brisbane’s ability to score for fun is too much to handle for the Cowboys.

TIP: Broncos 13+

 

Dolphins V Knights – Optus Stadium, Perth – 19.30NZT

The first of a doubleheader in Perth, the NRL’s newest franchise will be on display out west for the first time against a Knights side who have taken down two top-eight sides in the last two weeks.

While the Dolphins are staying in the fight every week, they haven’t been able to capitalise on some scoring opportunities which has seen them fall away late.

Newcastle’s left edge is on fire. Hastings to Ponga to Best to Marzhew is one deadly link. This is going to give Redcliffe headaches for 80 minutes.

The Knights form guide has been far too good to ignore.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Rabbitohs V Sharks – Optus Stadium, Perth – 21.30NZT

This game is huge for both sides. Win, and you’ll be able to breathe for another week in the top eight. Lose, and you have to fight for the remaining four weeks to keep your finals hopes alive.

They looked a lot better last week with Latrell Mitchell back, and with the Sharks in free-fall, Souths will want to keep inflicting pain on Cronulla’s season.

I don’t know what’s going to stop the bleeding for the blue, black and whites. Their edges are being torn to shreds, the Rabbitohs are so good at spreading the footy early, so they’ll be on notice from kick-off.

The Rabbitohs just show more X-factor when it counts, and the Sharks’ defence has just been too poor in the last month.

TIP: Rabbitohs 13+

 

SUNDAY: Eels V Dragons – CommBank Stadium – 16.00NZT

While he won’t solve all their issues, having Dylan Brown back for Parramatta will definitely help.

The way these Dragons have been playing, they will upset a team in finals contention.

It almost feels like now or never for Parramatta, who have the luxury of being at home in this match.

Last week their ruck speed was slow, their line speed was slow, and they always looked like a beaten side.

The Red V are playing purely for pride, and will definitely keep the Eels honest. But like last week, they just won’t have enough gas in the tank to win.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

Raiders V Tigers – GIO Stadium – 18.00NZT

Is this the game the Raiders can finally win 13+?

After their last two outings – no, probably not. However, they will be their own worst enemies at training this week after the embarrassing result from Round 22.

The Tigers, yep – as usual are in last place – don’t look like getting any better, but also don’t look like getting any worse.

What a bludger of a match to round out this weekend.

Canberra, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll get up and win.

The Tigers will compete, but that won’t be enough for a Raiders side hungry for a top-eight finish.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

BYE – Bulldogs

Follow Stephen Gallagher on Twitter