NRL Round 4: The Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Brisbane Broncos V Sydney Roosters – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT

Brisbane looked out of sorts with the pace of the game, but with another week of training, they’ll be better for it.

The Roosters definitely benefitted from the ten week break, and they look ready to score some more points.

Brisbane have to stem the flow by being better disciplined, and the Roosters are likely to go from strength to strength.

Big game this one for both sides. Broncos won’t want to be trounced two weeks in a row at home.

TIP: Roosters 13+

FRIDAY: Penrith Panthers V New Zealand Warriors – Campbelltown Stadium – 20.00NZT

Penrith started very strongly, but with opportunity to finish the game off, they lost their way mssively.

The Warriors were the biggest surprise package, creating history in their 18-0 victory finishing with the most completed sets in NRL history.

The Panthers will be aware of the Warriors strengths which were their second rowers getting ball in hand close to the line, causing issues for defence.

Penrith have to be more composed throughout the eighty minutes. They’ll be better for it after the draw last week.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 – Melbourne Storm V South Sydney Rabbitohs – AAMI Park – 21.55NZT

This is an interesting match, both sides have a chance to bounce back after being poor in week three.

Melbourne’s performance was stale, and not often you can say that about this elite side.

Souths were let down by their consistency.

I think Melbourne only need to tinker slightly to get it right, but same goes for the Rabbitohs.

I think this will be a really intesne, close match.

TIP: Storm 1-12

SATURDAY: Parramatta Eels V Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – Bankwest Stadium – 19.30NZT

This game excites me. The game of the round. These two sides have really been electric this season, and have been very strong at both ends of the field.

Parra play better when they get on a role, so there’s pressure on the Sea Eagles to play a strong, disciplined performance.

For Manly to win, they just need to keep Tom Trbojevic in the game, which isn’t hard. He’s been involved with everything in 2020. His form could be the key to succes for the Sea Eagles for the rest of the season.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 – North Queensland Cowboys V Cronulla Sharks – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 21.30NZT

Although they only played the Titans, the Cowboys looked really good in the red-zone of the opposition. Reece Robson played a big hand and the new rules look to work in his favour.

The Sharks are doing a lot of hard work without getting the result, so expect things to click very soon.

The Cowboys could get the jump on the Sharks, and that means the team from the shire could start the year 0-4.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

SUNDAY: Canberra Raiders V Newcastle Knights – Campbelltown Stadium – 18.00NZT

Canberra look very sharp. With two running halves, they could well and truly run riot and go one better than last season.

Newcastle’s perfrmance in round three was courageous and showed plenty of character.

I expect this game to be close, and more of a toil than anything.

If the Knights can control a bit of pace early on, the Raiders could struggle.

Lots of big forwards going head to head, it’s very exciting.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 – Gold Coast Titans V Wests Tigers – Suncorp Stadium – 20.30NZT

365 days since the Titans last win, and it doesn’t get any easier as they play an inform Tigers team.

Benji Marshall and Luke Brooks are doing a great job leading the Tigers around, and they’re just full of confidence, you can see it in the way they play.

The Titans haven’t had any luck, and I really don’t see their fortunes changing, which is an absolute shame.

TIP: Tigers 13+

MONDAY: Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs V Saint George Illawarra Dragons – Bankwest Stadium – 18.00NZT
One of these sides will get their first win of the season, unless they both play so poorly it ends in a dour draw.

Canterbury Bankstown are trying, but things aren’t clicking.

Saint George Illawarra are lacking direction, and aren’t far away from turning it on.

This Monday afternon affair could either be a terrible end to the round, or it’s going to be a high scoring try fest. I don’t think anyone will know who will run out for this one.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

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