NRL Week 17

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Panthers V Bulldogs – CommBank Stadium – 19.50NZT

Holy shit, what an absolute BANGER to start Round 17.
Penrith fresh off a huge win in NZ without their Origin stars will be rolling in with supreme confidence against the top of the table Doggies who are ready after the bye.

If the Panthers get the W here, it’s all on. Five premierships in a row is on. Absolutely on. This could be a masterstroke from Ivan Cleary getting them ready for the second half of the season superbly.

The Doggies should still be favourites. A very strong and consistent side all year, but have failed to win any Thursday night fixture in 2025.

I think Penrith can get this done. It’s going to be really tight. I think two points in it max.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Sea Eagles V Wests Tigers – 4 Pines Park – 20.00NZT

A loss here for either of these flailing sides could derail and end 2025’s campaign prematurely.

There is more pressure on the Sea Eagles to get up. Lots of talk around coach Seibold’s future and a loss won’t do him any favours.

Tom Trbojevic is named centre which could be the best thing for this Manly side.

As for the Tigers, we finally get to see Latu Fainu partner Luai in the halves, and he is the key to success. A very talented player who has a high ceiling of potential.

Tigers are in better form, but the Sea Eagles have more to lose. A really desperate affair.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

 

Knights V Raiders – McDonald Jones Stadium – 22.00NZT

Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Round hits different up in Newcastle with Mark Hughes, the former Knights player a very prominent figure in the Newcastle region.

This is their opportunity to really deliver a season-defining win. This is their time to make Adam O’Brien look like a genius and get a win.

Canberra are a different outfit though. Truly priding themselves on defence, we know that it takes a lot to break them down through the middle and score points on them.

I think that’s the difference here. Frustrate and turn the Knights away, and leave Newcastle with two points.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Broncos V Warriors – Suncorp Stadium – 17.00NZT

Another very important match in this round. The Denan Kemp Cup sees two sides who really want to be defined as the real deal. The Broncs have struggled to win games they should this season, and a surprise loss last week for the Wahs has brought more eyes onto this game.

Broncos are favourites which is fair enough, at home, with plenty to gain from a win.

Warriors are hoping last week was just a blip on the radar. They are good enough to get this game and win it, but there is a little reservation in the back of the fans minds whether or not this is the roller coaster finish incoming.

TIP: Broncos 1-12

 

Dragons V Eels – WIN Stadium – 19.30NZT

Oh yeah, this game earlier in the season was a Golden Point thriller. Zac Lomax runs it back to the Gong for the first time since leaving, and that’ll have him fired up to destroy his old side.

The Dragons are getting it wrong on and off the field right now. There’s a lot of uncertainty lingering around the Red V.

This doesn’t help their prep, and leaves a lot to be desired for what they can produce on Saturday.

Eels are in better form across the park, this is a very important game to win for either side.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

Dolphins V Rabbitohs – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT

What an interesting game this is. Especially as there was a game on this field two hours earlier, and they made fans buy separate tickets to these fixtures,

Anyway, after a stellar three weeks, the Dolphins got done in Perth, and are looking to see what they can do against an injury-ravaged Bunnies side.

But I’ve been saying all week this is going to be a South Sydney statement game. A big win is on the cards. It’s brewing in Redfern and it’s going to hit at Suncorp.

TIP: Rabbitohs 13+

 

SUNDAY: Storm V Sharks – AAMI Park – 16.00NZT

If the Sharks played the Storm every week, they would be an easier side to understand. They struggle in games they shouldn’t, and are elite in games where they should fail.

And it’s always around this time of year the Sharks get labelled pretenders, so there’s that to contend with.

Melbourne have been disappointing this season, as pre-season premiership faves, they haven’t quite put it all together on the field consistently.

This is an opportunity to get a very dominant and strong win, and finish the remaining three months strong.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

Titans V Cowboys – Cbus Super Stadium – 18.05NZT

Oh what a God awful end to the round if you want to see a defensive battle.

Two teams  with turnstiles in defence, but lightning in attack – this game could end up 60-58 and no one would bat an eyelid.

Titans have the experience, but the Cowboys have the stars.

Could go either way, honestly. Don’t think too much about this game and just watch it.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

BYE – ROOSTERS

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