NRL Week 11
0By Stephen Gallagher
FRIDAY: Knights V Eels – McDonald Jones Stadium – 20.00NZT
A very important games for two struggling sides as Origin looms. The Knights have 300 reasons to get up for this one, as Dane Gagai plays game 300.
Newcastle will be feeling the pinch of their attacking woes, so it’s up to them to either fix that, or fix their defence.
The Eels have rarely fired a shot in 2025, but this is an opportunity to get some momentum before they lose Moses and Lomax for the representative period.
I think the Knights at home get the job done, but it’s going to be an ugly game.
TIP: Eels 1-12
Bulldogs V Roosters – Accor Stadium – 22.00NZT
This Bulldogs side are not dropping this game to the Roosters. No way. That second half performance last week is a true sign of what they are capable of and are absolutely Premiership contenders.
Roosters get Lindsay Collins back for the first time in six weeks, and up front is where they have been lacking. If he’s able to add some concrete to the middle, that’s going to help the Chooks. It just won’t be enough to sway the result.
TIP: Bulldogs 13+
SATURDAY: Dolphins V Warriors – Suncorp Stadium – 17.00NZT
Winning on the road, winning at home, just winning. The Wahs are getting it done.
Their third trip to Australia in three weeks might catch up with them, and playing against a hearty Dolphins side – it will be a really tough one.
But the Dolphins won’t want to throw this opportunity away to beat a very good side like the Warriors.
The only reason I am tipping the Auckland-based outfit is because they are just finding ways to win. That’s contagious and is a good characteristic to have. They’ll get the job done.
TIP: Warriors 1-12
Cowboys V Sea Eagles – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 19.30NZT
The Sea Eagles are lacking synergy and connection at the moment. You can see the effort is getting there, but they aren’t connecting on field like we know they can. Perhaps the DCE drama is weighing heavily on the playing group.
For the Cowboys, they’re really starting to find their feet and become a force. Similar vibes to the Warriors I think. A lack of consistency season to season, but they’re on now and looking tough.
They have more mettle in their DNA. The Sea Eagles have the firepower for sure. If they can put it all together, though – it will be tough for the Cowboys to slow them down.
I just think with a couple of spots in the Queensland team, there’s going to be a lift from the Cowboys.
TIP: Cowboys 1-12
Sharks V Storm – Sharks Stadium – 21.30NZT
Since Nicho Hynes has left the Storm, they’ve been beaten 13+ every time they’ve met Melbourne.
I am an omens guy, so I reckon that could play out – but really, the Sharks are better than that this season and I reckon there’s a game on our hands for this.
I really like what the Sharks backs are producing. They’re slick, they’re strong, they’ve got that dawg in them. And the forwards are very much the same.
Is it hard for Melbourne to get up after winning 64-0? Maybe. I think Harry Grant will play and that will lift them.
There’s nowhere on the field that either of these teams are significantly better than the other – so I can’t split them. It’s going to be a tough game.
TIP: Storm 1-12
SUNDAY: Broncos V Dragons – Suncorp Stadium – 16.00NZT
The Broncos players have come under plenty of criticism in the week due to their weak performance last week and how they’re not any better under Madge in comparison to this time last year.
No Hunt through injury gives Mam a chance to come back and add a spark.
The Dragons are very dire to watch. There’s no x factor. They’re not scoring a heap of points and they just don’t look like a side that should be anywhere near the top eight.
Broncos at home will be too good.
TIP: Broncos 13+
Raiders V Titans – GIO Stadium – 18.05NZT
No way the Raiders don’t come out and hit the ground running after that awful second half capitulation last week. Ricky will have them riled up. I don’t think they’re panicking at all, but they will have some concerns.
Titans of course won last week as their backs were against the wall. So expect them to probably miss the boat and look woeful this week.
But maybe that was the win they needed to get back on track. Origin is around the corner and although they won’t get decimated, their best players will get picked.
Foran back is huge for them too.
TIP: Raiders 13+
Wests Tigers V Rabbitohs – Campbelltown Sports Stadium – 20.15NZT
The last game of round 11 sees the Tigers looking to bounce back after that woeful outing in Melbourne.
Both teams are aiming to build momentum after mixed recent form.
The Tigers welcome back Starford To’a, while regain Alex Johnston.
Expect a fiery clash as both sides fight to climb the ladder.
TIP: Tigers 1-12
BYE: Panthers
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