NRL Week 8

By Stephen Gallagher

THURSDAY: Broncos V Bulldogs – Suncorp Stadium – 21.50NZT

The undefeated Bulldogs head up to Brisbane in their quest to remain top of the table and top dogs of the comp.

Brisbane have the exact same record as they did the same time last year under Walters, so really have they gotten any better?

They have to show up at home and show the Bulldogs what they are capable of. We all know that loss last week was a blip on the radar, but they haven’t looked as good over recent weeks.

And what the Bulldogs did to the Broncos at Suncorp last year was humiliating for the home side.

I just can’t see how the defence of the Bulldogs gives in. They’ve been to stoic all season long. The Broncos can’t break them down

TIP: Bulldogs 1-12

 

FRIDAY: Roosters V Dragons – Allianz Stadium – 18.00NZT

Always my favourite game of the year. I love ANZAC Day clashes. The Dragons are in much better form than the Roosters, but on this special day, form usually goes out the window.

What the Roosters are capable of is scoring points, and ruffling the feathers of their opposition when they get a bit of possession and territory going their way.

The Dragons have slowly found their DNA. And that DNA shows hard work gets results. They’ve had some pretty wins, and pretty ugly wins.

That’s what makes me believe the Red V will get the job done in this one. They’ve got something building. They can’t afford to slip up like they did against Parra three weeks ago.

Also, that Bondi Blue the Roosters will be wearing is so good.

TIP: Dragons 1-12

Warriors V Knights – Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch – 20.05NZT

The Wahs in the South will get an undoubtedly solid crowd on ANZAC Day, playing the Knights for the first time in the South Island and on ANZAC Day.

It’’s great they are no longer playing Melbourne on this day so now they have a chance of winning.

The Knights aren’t a sexy team right now. Their attack sucks. They are leaking points. They don’t look settled on the field.  Although this week they do have the Thompson Twins playing for them.

For the Warriors, they are winning tight games. Something this young group should be proud of. They lack a lot of experience but are coming up with some good plays and some impressive results so far in 2025.

The Knights just don’t look like they can score enough points to beat the Warriors.

TIP: Warriors 13+

 

Storm V Rabbitohs – AAMI Park – 22.10NZT

Yuck, you would NOT want to be in this Rabbitohs side this week after not scoring a point last week, but also coming against the Storm who were pumped by the Dolphins very convincingly last week.

This has pain written all over it.

Expect Melbourne to be near-perfect in the first 40 and put the Bunnies away.

TIP: Storm 13+

 

SATURDAY: Cowboys V Titans – Queensland Country Bank Stadium – 19.30NZT

Here I am saying the Titans suck again. Yep. I have no faith in them again.

But also, the Cowboys, are they much better?

This Queensland derby smells bad.

If I had to tip someone, it would be the Cowboys. I see more of a game-plan for them than I do the Titans.

I’d advise no one watches this. (Watch it be the game of the round now I’ve said that)

 

Panthers V Sea Eagles – CommBank Stadium – 21.35NZT

A massive boost for Manly with Tom Trbojevic back in the fullback spot. Manly have been super underwhelming in the last few weeks.

Penrith finally won their first game on Australian soil last week over the Roosters in a very easy way.

Their will be a slight weight shifted off their shoulders now, but they still have so much work to do to get back to where they belong.

Confidence will be up for the Sea Eagles just because Turbo is back. It’s funny just what a player can do for a team.

I’m still tipping the Panthers. Last week was their best performance in the forwards since Vegas. That platform must continue.

TIP: Panthers 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Raiders V Dolphins – GIO Stadium – 16.00NZT

This is a tough one to pick!

The Raiders are so classic Canberra right now. It’s awesome to see the way they won’t be bullied. They are standing their ground. Defending their line, and most importantly, winning.

The Dolphins have absolutely found their feet and will be looking to replicate the success of last week’s massive win over the Storm with a win down in the Nation’s capital.

There are a couple of changes for the ‘Phins. Raiders are the same 17 that got the job done last week.

If this is a tight game, the Dolphins won’t want a bar of it.

TIP: Raiders 1-12

 

Wests Tigers V Sharks – Leichhardt Oval – 18.05NZT

I hate seeing the Wests Tigers on the front page of the paper. They should be doing so well as an organisation that they only feature on the back page.

But whatever’s going on with the Galvingate situation does look to be affecting them on field too.

He does get his chance to silence everyone after being recalled this week.

Cronulla finally put a good amount of points on in an emphatic win last week, which will relieve a bit of pressure that had been building on them despite a good start to the season.

Leichhardt on a Sunday is always a tricky venue for the away side to play at.

As much as I think the Tigers can win this, I think this will be a statement game for Cronulla.

TIP: Sharks 1-12

BYE: Eels