NRL Round 6: “80 Words in 80 Minutes” with Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Cronulla Sharks V Penrith Panthers – PointsBet Stadium, 21.50NZT

A bitter pill to swallow for these two with losses last week, so it’s all about who bounces back first.
The Sharks have offered more this year than the Panthers.
Cronulla’s strong forward back has been putting in work, and have got great results.
For the Panthers, they look a little lost. Their lack of direction has hindered their go forward.
I think the Sharks have a better balance to their side, but it will be a tough battle.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

FRIDAY: Canterbury Bulldogs V South Sydney Rabbitohs – ANZ Stadium, 18.05NZT

The classic Easter clash between these two has always been a good view.
The Bulldogs don’t really look like causing an upset here.
South Sydney will now play out the rest of the season for their retired star Greg Inglis, so there’s plenty of motivation to get a big result on the field here.
Canterbury only offer good things in glimpses – yet to really deliver more than a half of football this year.
Souths are way too good to lose this game.

TIP: Rabbitohs 13+

Melbourne Storm V Sydney Roosters – AAMI Park, 22.00NZT

The Grand Final re-match will be sure to ignite!
Cooper Cronk travels to Melbourne for the first time since changing colours, so that’s already a big talking point.
Roosters have certainly found a rhythm over the last fortnight, laying on plenty of points and are flying high.
The Storm have got the results in the way they know how. Grinding out the victories.
This is a very big game. Melbourne’s undefeated record on the line.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

SATURDAY: New Zealand Warriors V North Queensland Cowboys, 19.30NZT

No denying the effort from these two sides in their losses last week.
They’ll also know they’ve got a long way to go to be at their best.
The Warriors have won both their home games this year, and I imagine it’ll be 3 from 3 after this result.
The Cowboys are really lacking in strength up front. Since Taumalolo’s injury they’ve been severely grounded.
Warriors will look to win that mid field battle, and lay a strong platform to get the win.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

St George Illawarra Dragons V Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – WIN Stadium, 21.30NZT

Three weeks ago, these two sides were looking lost and in for a long season – but oh how the football can bounce.
Three wins in a row for each team – and there’s a lot to like.
The Dragons played near perfectly last week, and another home game they’ll like to do the same.
Manly’s biggest asset at the moment is their confidence. They believe they can knock off anyone. There’s no fear in this young side, it’s great to see.
Big match up in the halves.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

SUNDAY: Gold Coast Titans V Newcastle Knights, Cbus Super Stadium 16.00NZT

After notching up their first win last week, Gold Coast will be out to make it two on the bounce.
They’re up against a Knights side who is struggling for cohesion.
The Titans do lose their big impact in Jarrod Wallace through suspension, but other than that – they’ll still have the confidence.
Newcastle are getting desperate to deliver a win. Four losses in a row.
They’ll need a lot more from their halves in order to get over the Titans.

TIP: Titans 1-12

Canberra Raiders V Brisbane Broncos – GIO Stadium, 18.10NZT

The red hot Raiders look almost unbeatable at the moment. They’ve only conceded 44 points so far, which is the least in the NRL, and least since they won the comp in 1990.
The Broncos are a shambles right now, and it won’t get any easier here with this big test.
Canberra have ticked all the boxes for me in 2019, if they want to play September football – then they have to get a good result here.
Their forwards should run all over the Broncos.

TIP: Raiders 13+

MONDAY: Parramatta Eels V Wests Tigers – Bankwest Stadium, 18.00NZT

The first game played in this brand new stadium in Western Sydney. It’s beautiful. Seriously. Google it. Looks absolutely fanstastic.
The Tigers will want to spoil the Parra party on opening day for sure.
Both sets of fans will be there in huge numbers. Will be a great spectacle.
Parramatta have to go back to basics in order to get it right. The Tigers will be looking for more of the same.

TIP: Eels 1-12

Dont forget to give Stephen a follow.