NRL Round 7

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Roosters V Storm – Allianz Stadium – 22.00NZT

Holy hecka I’m loving these blockbuster Thursday night jams, and this is no exception.

Think the Roosters have a real opportunity to show what they’re made of if they can get a win here. This is ripe, for the taking.

While Melbourne came away victorious last week, it did take them the whole 80 minutes to do so, yet again.

But that’s it, right? Winners know how to win.

So when two winners who know how to win go head to head, this is going to be a doozy.

Roosters have them in the forwards. Melbourne have them in the backs. It’s all on and will be so close.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

FRIDAY: Dragons V Warriors – WIN Stadium – 20.00NZT

This is the one where the bias guy goes and tips the Dragons at the end.

But really, there’s something incredibly special about this Warriors side in 2024.

Best defence in the NRL – first for most metres gained, all runs, kick return metres, and total kicks.

They pumped the Red V in this corresponding game last year – but the injury concerns are testing their forwards.

That’s where the Dragons have to take it to them. They won’t actually win, but I will tip them anyway.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

 

Eels V Dolphins – TIO Stadium, Darwin – 22.00NZT

CU in the NT for this one – as the Eels always do with a home game in Darwin every year.

The Dolphins have their gun fullback out through injury which will be a big burden on their attack.

The Eels looked a lot more driven last week. They won the game through winning the metres through the middle, and it showed. There was resilience and a backbone and Asi played the Moses roll very well.

That will give them the confidence to do it again this week over a Dolphins side showing some defensive deficiencies.

TIP: Eels 13+

 

SATURDAY: Panthers V Tigers – Carrington Park, Bathurst – 17.00NZT

Regional Western Sydney stand up! The Tigers love to beat the Panthers in this one, especially when it rains.

But realistically, the Panthers should get the job done, especially after the bye. 

Pressure is on the Tigers to turn it around, and the shoulders of 18 year old playmaker Lachie Galvin will be copping the full weight of those expectations.

Panthers too good – but the Tigers will be there or there abouts.

TIP: Panthers 13+

 

Titans V Sea Eagles – Cbus Super Stadium – 19.30NZT

After saying the Titans sucked in my preview last week, they rolled out their best performance of the season which sucked after they lost with 8 seconds to go in golden point. They deserved better!

So yes, there’s something to take out of that win but the Sea Eagles will be stinging from throwing away a 16-point lead and drawing in Aotearoa last week.

Brimson in the halves is so good for the GC. This is far overdue.

I think this game is going to be another goodie. Something tells me golden point is on the cards again.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

Broncos V Raiders – Suncorp Stadium – 21.35NZT

This Broncos outfit will relish the genuine test of this Raiders outfit.

Brisbane are off the cuff but it works for them. Canberra are well drilled and it works for them.

So the attraction of two opposites going head to head is pretty juicy.

I like that the Raiders don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to winning. They work hard for it, and they’ll be doing what they can to batter the Broncos into submission early.

Brisbane are attack savvy, if there’s an opportunity to score they will gamble on it. I really want to see how the Raiders will combat that.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Bulldogs V Knights – Accor Stadium – 16.00NZT

Really enjoyed this Bulldogs side over the last fortnight. They have a dig – you can’t deny them of that. They will show absolutely no fear in taking on the Knights who only sit one spot above them on the ladder.

Newcastle just haven’t clicked – they know that. This game, Sunday afternoon footy, is their chance to show off their arsenal and go to war.

The Doggies look to be a side that is purely fueled on belief. So they know they can win this. I know they can win this.

It’s just that the Knights have more to offer at both ends of the field, and that can lead to frustrations for this side who have lacked points.

TIP: Knights 1-12

 

Sharks V Cowboys – PointsBet Stadium – 20.15NZT

And rounding out the week is this one.

The Sharks are doing a good job of winning games. Whether or not they’re outstanding – they’re winning. It looks good, they’re dominating most parts of the game and the field, and scoring points is coming very naturally.

And compare that to the Cowboys, who I can’t get a read on despite their 4-2 record.

This is a game that could really define either of their seasons even though it’s only round 7.

Cowboys win – they show some grit, and they’re back on track and genuine top four contenders with their roster.

Sharks win – they stay top of the table, banking up wins early and gelling well.

Plenty at stake, but not much separates the two.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

BYE: South Sydney Rabbitohs.  Meaning they won’t lose this weekend.

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