NRL Week 27
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By Stephen Gallagher
THURSDAY: Broncos V Storm – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT
Lots to play for here. Broncos win could put them into the top four, a loss could spell a round one exit!
Storm are looking to redeem themselves after a woeful performance last week. With the Bulldogs on the horizon next week, it’s important for them to show what they can do to a strong and in form Brisbane side.
P.S: Don’t drink toilet water.
TIP: Storm 13+
FRIDAY: Sea Eagles V Warriors – 4 Pines Park – 20.00NZT
Daly Cherry-Evans’ last game in a Manly jersey is going to set the scene for an emotional exit from Brookvale.
The Warriors are finals bound, bound to miss out on the top four, and bound to lose in the first week of the finals too. Their season started with so much promise but has limped to the finish line.
The Sea Eagles will finish off their poor season in style for DCE.
TIP: Sea Eagles 13+
Roosters V Rabbitohs – Allianz Stadium – 21.50NZT
Could Alex Johnston really score three tries and break Ken Irvine’s all-time try-scoring record? I hope so. I’m going to be there. And I will storm the field, absolutely.
Two teams that hate each other like no other, with added fuel for the Bunnies as they could end the Roosters’ season!
But really, Easts are playing far too good to be brought down to the level of South Sydney. If they want to play finals, they need to win. So this game should be treated like one.
I think it’ll be close. This’ll bring the best out of both sides.
TIP: Roosters 1-12
SATURDAY: Dragons V Panthers – WIN Stadium – 17.00NZT
The Dragons will look to end their woeful season with a competitive performance against a well-rested Panthers side.
But lets be honest. Penrith will destroy them. It won’t be pretty.
Penrith need to be clinical with a huge finals series in store for them. Can they really win the comp from outside the top 4?
TIP: Panthers 13+
Titans V Tigers – Cbus Super Stadium – 19.30NZT
Yeah, the Titans will be looking to finish on a high. Des Hasler and Kieran Foran finish up their NRL careers together.
So this is absolutely the sort of game they will come out and win and win well.
While we have seen the Tigers play well this year, the cards are looking hotter for 2026. That’s where their efforts should go. They will be a top eight side.
Titans, just go out and have some fun. Bring the heat and get the dub.
TIP: Titans 1-12
Bulldogs V Sharks – Accor Stadium – 21.30NZT
Another huge game here. Results pending, Cronulla could make the top four, which would be a huge feat for this side.
The Bulldogs, win or lose, don’t matter – they play Melbourne in Melbourne next week which is a huge ask for a team that’s been a little rocky over the last month.
There’s a part of me that will see the Sharks rise for this. The better teams do seem to get the best out of them.
It’s just their defence that’s an issue – they need to be stronger through the middle, which is something that’s hindered their season thus far.
Bulldogs love to shift quick and play fast.
TIP: Sharks 1-12
SUNDAY: Dolphins V Raiders – Kayo Stadium – 16.00NZT
In the unlikely event the Dolphins are able to make the eight, I still think the Raiders who are resting 9 players will be good enough to beat them.
It’s another one of those “what if” seasons for the Dolphins. So many God damn injuries that’s ruined it for them.
They play such an expansive style of attack that really looks good when it’s on.
The Raiders, despite notching up the Minor Premiership, have to keep their feet grounded.
Reckon it’ll be close.
TIP: Raiders 1-12
Eels V Knights – CommBank Stadium – 18.05NZT
A nice nod from Jason Ryles to Dylan Brown, bringing him back into the 6 as a ‘thank you’ before he (i assume) gets on the bus with the Knights at the end of the game and lives happily ever after in Newcastle.
Parramatta have finished the season in a noble manner. I think what they are building is something worth noting for next year.
For the Knights? Nightmare. Everything about this is a nightmare.
TIP: Eels 13+
BYE: Cowboys