NRL Week 20
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By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: Dolphins V Cowboys – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT
Dolphins are looking to get back into the eight with a win at home. Both sides disappointing last week and looking for redemption.
Dolphins are in better form, but you look at that star-studded Cowboys side – you think they should be doing better than they are.
A win over Redcliffe would be a huge boost to their run home.
I think this game will be really close.
TIP: Cowboys 1-12
FRIDAY: Sharks V Roosters – Sharks Stadium – 20.00NZT
Sharkies getting back in the winners’ circle means their push for a top-eight finish is well and truly on.Roosters are in a bit of form, which really heightens the stakes of this game.
Cronulla’s defence has been iffy over the last month, which has to tighten up. The Roosters are becoming very tough and hard to break down.
Also, Chad Townsend legacy game incoming? Rolls into the Shire, beats the Sharks – and then that’s that?
TIP: Roosters 1-12
Panthers V Rabbitohs – CommBank Stadium – 22.00NZT
Panthers are back, baby – and even resting Yeo and Cleary, they will beat this decimated Souths side. Injuries have crippled their season and are still looking likely to take the wooden spoon.
I think this could be a huge statement to the finals series. Panthers to win and win well.
TIP: Panthers 13+
SATURDAY: Raiders V Eels – GIO Stadium – 17.00NZT
This has the potential to be a banana peel game for the Raiders. Rested after the bye, a soft opposition ahead of them, Parra with nothing to lose – who knows!
But I think Ricky is smarter than that, and his players are more motivated to finish first and really polish this season off.
Parra have ditched Dylan Brown 8 weeks early, so the eye on the future is now.
Eels could be in with a shot, but still, without Moses – tough ask.
TIP: Raiders 1-12
Bulldogs V Dragons – Accor Stadium – 19.30NZT
The Doggies will be playing in front of a packed house against the Dragons who they will no doubt in my mind beat.
Those close games will add up against the Red V. They have lost three by one point, and just don’t have the X Factor to beat a side like the Doggies.
Bulldogs, there’s all eyes on Galvin. Must make his mark here.
TIP: Bulldogs 13+
Storm V Sea Eagles – AAMI Park – 21.35NZT
The Storm are building into the business end of the year and a win over the Sea Eagles will really put them in good stead.
Manly, sitting in 7th – still have lots to play for, but with this being a true test of their ability – I don’t think they are on Melbourne’s level, but if they only just fall short that’s ultimately better for their confidence.
Hughes is pulling the strings so well at halfback. He’s really looking to go back-to-back
TIP: Storm 1-12
SUNDAY: Tigers V Titans – Leichhardt Oval – 16.00NZT
This could be a preview for the Spoonbowl in Round 27?
Surely there’s no way the Titans get up, right? But of course Des Hasler is retiring, and so is Kieran Foran – that’s a bit of motivation to finish on a high!
But nah, come on – the Tigers. They aren’t that shit? This is a must win game for them. I think they will get the better of the Titans, but it will be ugly.
TIP: Tigers 1-12
Knights V Warriors – McDonald Jones Stadium – 18.05NZT
Newcastle will chuck on their mining kit for another season, this time against the Wahs. They are a bit of a rabble through injury, especially with Ponga and Lucas their two best players missing through injury.
Wahs are up for it. They hate the talk that their season is over without Barnett and Metcalf. They want to stick it to everyone and show they are ready to roll into the finals.
Don’t think the Knights are good enough to beat the Warriors.
TIP: Warriors 1-12
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