NRL Week 22

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Eels V Storm – CommBank Stadium – 21.50NZT

These two met back in Melbourne in round one, where the Storm absolutely destroyed the Eels without getting out of second gear.

Now with some momentum behind them, the Eels are looking to ruin another party after scalping Brisbane last week.

Munster and Papenhuyzen back are two huge inclusions for the Storm.

I think the Eels will test them, but ultimately, Melbourne too good.

TIP: Storm 1-12

FRIDAY: Warriors V Dolphins – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 20.00NZT

Warriors are in a form slump, but even a loss here won’t kick them out of the top four…yet.

More injury concerns too. It’s a tough spot for the Wahs, and the Dolphins are fresh off the bye and ready to push their top eight hopes.

Redcliffe have three big inclusions – which makes me believe it’s their game to lose. They are favouries in betting, too.

Wahs have to be better.

TIP: Dolphins 1-12

 

Broncos V Rabbitohs – Suncorp Stadium – 22.00NZT

Souths got the better of them the last time these two met, but can’t see it happening this time around, especially with such a depleted squad.

Broncos have so much depth, they’ve dropped their wingers and brought in two internationals to do the job.

The loss last week was stoic for the Rabbitohs, not so much for Brisbane. They were clearly the lesser side.

But that’s where they can turn it around. Sort out their errors, have more patience, and punish the Bunnies.

TIP: Broncos 13+

 

SATURDAY: Titans V Panthers – Cbus Super Stadium – 17.00NZT

Well, the Titans got up last week, so it’s time for them to go down this week. The Panthers are in RED HOT form. I really can’t see them dropping this game. They need to keep racking up wins.

The Titans have nothing to lose, and wanting to keep off bottom rung of the ladder.

TIP: Panthers 13+

 

Dragons V Raiders – WIN Stadium – 19.30NZT

It was a close match a few weeks ago when the Red V pushed the Raiders to the limit, but they’ve had more injuries since then and they are on their bare bones.

The Raiders are odds on to win the minor premiership. Another win here will give them the box seat to do so.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Sea Eagles V Roosters – 4 Pines Park – 21.35NZT

Manly took a huge step back from their finals aspirations, getting pumped last week by the Doggies – and Roosters fell short against Melbourne.

Whoever loses this game, realistically, their finals hopes are all but over.

Manly are in much better form than last week’s loss suggests, and the Roosters have been battling all season long. Every game feels like a finals game for them.

I think Manly have more x-factor, and should get it done in a tight one.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Wests Tigers V Bulldogs – CommBank Stadium – 16.00NZT

The Lachie Galvin Cup!

This one’s gonna have a bit of spice to it. The way the Tigers played last week, it’s hard to see them getting close to Canterbury-Bankstown, but there is plenty of motivation to help them get up for this one.

Doggies, too strong, too good. Their defence is the difference here.

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

Sharks V Cowboys – Sharks Stadium – 18.05NZT

Jeez, how bad were the Sharks last week? Snuck home against the Bunnies in a game they should have won by 30.

Cronulla are in the top eight. Cowboys, just outside.

Both sides are good enough to play finals footy – and this result goes a long way into having a say come September.

Sharks will be disappointed in their efforts the week before, and should come out firing for this one.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

BYE: Knights

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