NRL Week 24

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Panthers V Storm – CommBank Stadium – 21.50NZT

Huge. Huge. Huge.

This game is HUGE!
Panthers are fighting to stay on their win streak, and in the top four – Melbourne are fighting for a top two finish.

This game will be high-octane. A grand final preview, perhaps? It’s definitely a grand-final rematch.

These two teams are so stoic when they play against each other. My words won’t do this game justice. Just watch it.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Warriors V Dragons – Go Media Mt Smart Stadium – 20.00NZT

Well, with the Wahs on the slide, and the Dragons on the rise – the expectation is the visitors should win this one.

But after dropping three in a row, the Warriors really need this one. They won’t want another loss. Especially on home soil.

Dragons don’t have a great record in NZ either – which plays into the home teams hands.

I think it’s time the Warriors get back in the winners circle. Expect them to play more clinical and smarter.

Dragons will fight but it won’t be enough.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

 

Roosters V Bulldogs – Allianz Stadium – 22.00NZT

If Thursday’s blockbuster wasn’t enough for you – this one will leave you satisfied.

That 60-point rugby league humping the Roosters gave the Dolphins last week is EXACTLY what the Bulldogs didn’t want to happen.

They’re full of gusto – they are riding that high, and are so ready for this weeks game against the Dogs.

While the speed wobbles are occurring in Bankstown, the Dogs are still primed to be a force in the finals.

They can’t look too far ahead. The Roosters are coming. As they always do. Timing their run perfectly.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

SATURDAY: Sharks V Titans – Sharks Stadium – 17.00NZT

The dullest game of the weekend. Sharks haven’t been very prolific in the try scoring category of late – but that won’t stop them trying to get their for-and-against looking better against the cellar dwellers.

For the Titans, they have nothing to lose. The spoon looks to be theirs, so why not just go back to playing well?

They are a good, exciting side on their day, and could upset Cronulla.

But really, if the Sharks want to be a serious contender, they can’t afford to drop this or even have it be close.

Their backs need to execute and score lots of points.

TIP: Sharks 13+

 

Broncos V Dolphins – Suncorp Stadium – 19.30NZT

This is a HUGE game. The Dolphins are licking their wounds from last week, and the Broncos have to do things the hard way without three of their stars with hamstring issues.

So, who really wants to stand up and deliver?

The Broncos have it in the forwards, for sure – and the Dolphins, with even more injury concerns than their opponents, will be looking to dig deep for a shot at their inaugural finals berth.

I think the Broncos depth is showing off here. They should still be good enough.

TIP: Broncos 13+

 

Rabbitohs V Eels – Allianz Stadium – 21.35NZT

Two competitive teams. Two teams doing poorly. Two teams with 2026 on their minds. Honestly, I think this game is going to be really good, despite all those points.

Rabbitohs looked a LOT better with a few key inclusions last week, and the Eels were gallant and tough in their win last Sunday.

I reckon the quality of this game will be high. There’s still so many competitors out there.

And I bet ya Tallyn Da Silva’s service will be a LOT better after the Mitchell Moses spray last week.

TIP: Eels 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Tigers V Sea Eagles – Allianz Stadium – 16.00NZT

Oooooh boy – the last time these two teams played, it was scoreless for 39 minutes – and not in a good way.

So I’m hoping for those watching this at Allianz (Not sure why Wests V Northern Beaches is being played in the East) gets their money’s worth this time around.

I don’t have much hope for this to be a classic, but the way the Tigers played before their bye needs to transfer over to this one.

The Sea Eagles finals hopes dangle by a thread.

Can they get a win to help improve their shot?

I doubt it.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

 

Cowboys V Knights – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 18.05NZT

I don’t care for this game. Two shit sides playing shit fooy. YUCK.

Like I always say. The floodgates will be open. Defence will be optional – and whoever wants to avoid the spoon the most will win. But it will be a high-scoring affair.

TIP: Cowboys 1-12

BYE: Raiders

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