NRL Week 4

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Rabbitohs V Panthers – Accor Stadium – 22.00NZT

A lot of pressure rides on both these sides already. For the Rabbitohs, they were abysmal last week. A lack of direction and poor defensive lapses meant they were never in the game. Things they will need to rectify against the four-time reigning premiers.

For Penrith, losing this would mean a 1-3 start to the season which would not be a good reflection of what they’re capable of.

Without Cleary and Edwards, there is a mini mountain to climb, but as they proved in their loss to the Storm, they are more than capable.

Lots of players need to step up in both sides.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Roosters V Titans – Allianz Stadium – 20.00NZT

I’m rather intrigued by this clash. Both sides have had similar starts to the season. Injury concerns, poor results, and randomly good wins.

So at home, you think the Roosters will have the upper hand, right? They also torched the Titans on the Gold Coast towards the end of last year too.

Reckon the Chook fans will boo Fifita for his backflip?

I think the Roosters halves are stronger than what the Titans are offering. Two similar forward packs, but I think there’s more X-factor in the Titans backline.

A game that really could go either way.

TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

Dolphins V Broncos – Suncorp Stadium – 22.00NZT

Pressure mounts again on the winless Dolphins in a clash that they should need no help getting up for.

And as for Brisbane, they’ve only lost once to their Redcliffe counterparts, and they’ve got some big ins this week that will help bolster their side in the pursuit for a Queensland derby win.

I don’t think the Dolphins are delivering enough up front. They’ve failed to lay a consistent platform which has stopped their momentum.

Madge’s Broncos are just looking for consistency. They’ve been erratic to start the year. A strong win around a solid-game plan is the idea.

TIP: Broncos 13+

 

SATURDAY: Dragons V Storm – Netstrata Jubilee Oval – 17.00NZT

Dragons looking to continue their winless start of the season as they come up against frontrunners Melbourne.

While yes, they did get one of the all-time wins at AAMI Park last year – it feels hard to pick the Dragons for another upset in this one.

The 1%ers are letting the Dragons down, and that’s where the Storm love to capitalise.

Coming off a bye will be tough. Melbourne, even without Hughes at 7 are deserved favourites and have so much strike power they should win.

TIP: Storm 1-12

 

Cowboys V Raiders – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 19.30NZT

They’re still winless in North Queensland, and they certainly know about it.

So in come the Raiders, hot off being spanked, with a point to prove, much like the home team.

What we haven’t seen much of from the Cowboys is defensive resilience. They look a little unfit, and they aren’t making the tackles they were when they were 3-0 to start the 2024 season.

Compare that to the Raiders who were blown off the park by the ref, but have been really gutsy all over the field.

Effort is what separates these two sides. Cowboys are getting there slowly, but you can’t go past Canberra in this one, even with this rough road trip.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Sharks V Bulldogs – Sharks Stadium – 21.30NZT

Massive game!
Sharks playing some brilliant attacking footy against the Bulldogs who are stoic defensively and don’t muck around when it comes to defending their line.

Cronulla look at their best when their halves Trindall and Hynes are swapping around. We’ve seen both of these guys take charge over the first three weeks and have inserted themselves in when necessary to take control and make it work.

For the Bulldogs, it’s the same 17 as last week, and they are undefeated to start the year. The momentum is building at Bankstown.

The only concern I have about this game is the Sharks defence. They let themselves down last week in the second half, and they can’t let the Bulldogs have a sniff. Because they are good enough to come back and win.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Sea Eagles V Eels – 4 Pines Park – 18.05NZT

Tell ya who loves DCE right now – Dylan Brown. He’s certainly taken the heat off him with the signing antics that have gone on during the week.

And it’s because of that, I really don’t know how this game will go for Manly. They are inconsistent as it is. The DCE leaving news will wither galvanise this team and they can be good enough to win the comp, or it will be a disaster and the wheels fall off.

Parramatta almost need to just throw caution to the wind and just play fuck it footy. They’re not going to win without Moses, it seems.

Feels like it’s going to be an ugly game.

TIP: Sea Eagles 1-12

Wests Tigers V Warriors – Campbelltown Stadium 20.15

Wahs fans lost another player with over 200 games of experience mid-week which means they are going to really struggle when it comes to close games.

The Tigers, well, all aboard! Top four baby! They’re doing it! The cultural shift from their players and the fans has been awesome to see.

Campbelltown will be lit up in a sea of black and orange. The Wahs fans of Western Sydney will be out in force, too.

I like what the Tigers are offering in attack. No rush. Lots of smart football. The Warriors not so much, but they are very inexperienced in that aspect with Metcalf running the ship.

TIP: Tigers 1-12

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