NRL Round 4. The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Titans V Tigers  – Cbus Super Stadium – 22.05NZT

I’m sure Justin Holbrook will still be fuming about giving up a 22 point lead last week to lose. And I’m sure Michael Maguire will still be fuming he has to coach the Tigers for another week.

Wests have lost their best prop and will struggle to go forward because no one else seems capable of standing up.

Titans are a team of young hot throbbers and will be better for that awful loss last week. I expect them to come out firing and really test the Tigers’ defence out early.

TIP: Titans 13+

 

FRIDAY: Sharks V Knights – PointsBet Stadium – 20.00NZT

The Sharks were wicked in the wet last week, and it made me think just how destructive they’ll be on a dry track when it clicks.

If it wasn’t for Mitch Barnett’s elbow, the Knights might have got closer to the Panthers last week.

Both sides have impressed me to start 2022. The Sharks’ ball-playing ability is really something special. Plenty of second-phase play that is getting them up the field.

Newcastle have been really strong upfront. It’ll be hard to match it with Cronulla, but this will be a very good game.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

Panthers V Rabbitohs – BlueBet Stadium – 22.05NZT

The grand final rematch, but the ‘Riff are 3-0 and the Rabbitohs are 1-3. Oh, and the Panthers only get back the best player in the world right now to play this one.

The battle of the lock forwards of Yeo and Murray will be juicy! Both add an incredible amount to their sides, and both are quality representative players.

It’s not that I don’t have faith in the Rabbitohs’ ability, I just feel like Penrith will blow them out late and run away with it. Especially at home.

After combining on the left for five tries last week, I’m tipping Tago and May to combine for four tries this week.

TIP: Panthes 13+

 

SATURDAY: Warriors V Broncos – Moreton Daily Stadium – 17.00NZT

I mean, the Warriors technically won, but they more likely ‘didn’t lose’ last weekend. Whereas the Broncos were absolutely pantsed by their big brother North Queensland.

There are plenty of competitors in this Brisbane side who will want to rectify that result and perform.

Look for Adam Reynolds and Kotoni Staggs to deliver, because they are yet to this season.

While the Warriors only make one change to their 17, they have plenty of room to improve.

I’d like to see the Warriors start strong. Something we haven’t seen this year.

Brisbane should still be good enough to get a good result here.

TIP: Broncos 13+

 

Sea Eagles V Raiders – Glen Willow Oval – 19.30NZT

Playing out in good ol’ Mudgee, this is a game of two teams playing each other who are yet to work out what direction they’re going in 2022.

I didn’t expect Canberra to stage that remarkable comeback last weekend, while Manly get their first win of the season. And fun fact, for the last three years, their first win of the season has been by a field goal!

And hopefully for Manly that win sparks some life into what has been an otherwise dull start for them.

Canberra make one change from last week’s side, and can’t afford to let the opposition get the better of them again. Not every week can they chase points.

Feels like a game that will have a bit of niggle in it.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

Cowboys V Roosters – QCB Stadium – 21.30NZT

Eating my words is coming early in 2022. The Cowboys look fantastic. And their third home game of the season comes up against a Roosters side still yet to click.

Whatever is going on at Easts, they don’t seem to be panicking yet. Even is Trent Robinson misses the game due to Covid.

Dearden and Townsend are very similar, but that halves pairing works for the Cowboys. And they’re just playing with confidence, and that has improved so much every week so far.

The Roosters won’t lay down, but I don’t know if they’re good enough at the moment to upset North Queensland in Townsville.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

SUNDAY: Storm V Bulldogs – AAMI Park – 18.05NZT

A Sunday arvo in Melbourne after their third straight loss to Parramatta, sheesh, who is this Storm side?

And despite losing two of their three games so far, the Bulldogs are sticking close to their opposition. There’s plenty of determination and effort throughout the 80 minutes.

That’s why I think this will be a close game. The Storm haven’t been anywhere near their best thus far, but it could also be this game that starts some sensational form.

I’m going with Melbourne, but only because they have a bit more class and experience in these situations. 

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

Eels V Dragons – CommBank Stadium  – 20.15NZT

What I’m enjoying about Parramatta playing this season is that they seem to be playing for each other. It’s a well-rounded team performance every week, with everyone doing their bit.

One positive for the Dragons is they won’t have to worry about keeping Jaydn Su’A out of the sin bin this week as he’s suspended. So they might actually be able to win this game.

They have to push their defence up even quicker this week. They have been touted as a physical pack, but they went away from that against Cronulla last week and paid for it.

They need to man-handle the Eels and keep it tight.

I still think the blue n gold get it done, just.

TIP: Eels 1-12

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