NRL Week 12
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By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: Bulldogs V Dolphins – Accor Stadium – 21.50NZT
The Bulldogs have become victims of their own success, losing key players to Origin and injury.
Kurt Mann, Max King, and Stephen Crichton are in camp, and Jacob Kiraz is sidelined.
Josh Curran returns from suspension.
The Dolphins are missing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Origin) and Tom Gilbert (injury).
Both teams retain their starting halves, so expect solid structure.
The Bulldogs’ recent form gives them the edge in what should be a high-scoring clash – and the Dolphins have never beaten them.
TIP: Bulldogs 1-12
FRIDAY: Eels V Sea Eagles – CommBank Stadium – 22.00NZT
The Eels are missing Mitchell Moses and Zac Lomax, putting pressure on their attack.
Rising centre Jordan Samrani gets his chance to impress.
Manly are without Daly Cherry-Evans due to Origin but otherwise field a more stable side.
It could be a scrappy match, but the Sea Eagles appear slightly stronger on paper.
TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12
SATURDAY: Panthers V Knights – Carrington Park, Bathurst – 19.30NZT
The Panthers are heavily affected by Origin, missing five key players including To’o, Yeo, and Cleary.
Sitting outside the top eight, they’re under pressure.
Newcastle will be without Kalyn Ponga, a major blow for a team already struggling to score. Even depleted, Penrith should have enough to handle a misfiring Knights outfit.
TIP: Panthers 1-12
Roosters V Sharks –Industree Group Stadium, Gosford – 21.30NZT
The Roosters lose several key players to Origin just as they find their rhythm.
Crichton, Collins, and Leniu among them.
The Sharks are nearly at full strength, only missing Stonestreet through injury.
Coming off a big win over the Storm, Cronulla carry momentum and look well-positioned to notch another win.
TIP: Sharks 13+
SUNDAY: Warriors V Raiders – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 18.00NZT
The Warriors are back at their home ground for the first time in five weeks. Despite losing both props to origin and suspension, they will be favourites.
Raiders are going to give them a run for their money. They got an easy dub last week against the Titans and are near-full strength, missing only Hudson Young.
The way the Wahs are playing, getting the win in tough games and easy games, shows they are next level. The Raiders are similar. What a game this will be.
TIP: Warriors 1-12
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