Here’s my preview of all the NRL action this Anzac Day long weekend.
Dragons versus Roosters – 4:00pm – Allianz
This game looks a lot closer than indicated by the odds provided this round. The Roosters are far below their best, missing almost 50 tackles last week against Cronulla.
While the Dragons were not at their best in a 10-point victory over New Zealand. However, the Anzac Day clashes between these two sides are usually very competitive. In this case, I favour the Roosters to just hold on.
Roosters by 8
Storm versus Warriors – 6:00pm – AAMI Park
The Warriors have a great record against the Storm, winning 14 clashes against them (the second most in the NRL). It is beginning to become desperate for the Warriors after a disappointing loss last week to the Dragons, while the Storm continued what has been an underwhelming star to the year under their expectations with a two-point loss to Canberra.
I predict that if Shaun Johnson runs the ball more and gets his menacing back line running to the line, the Warriors may just upset the Storm.
Warriors by 2
Broncos versus Rabbitohs – 8.00pm – Suncorp Stadium
Injuries to key players Sam Thaiday and Josh Hoffman look to have soured Brisbane’s chances of a win at home against a Rabbitohs outfit eager to bounce back from a devastating one point loss to the Bulldogs.
The home crowd will spur the Broncos on, however I think that the hard running Rabbitohs may just have the edge.
Rabbitohs by 8
Sharks versus Panthers – 3:00pm – Remondis Stadium
The Sharks showed a lot of hope in defeat, with the return of Skipper Paul Gallen appearing as if it gave Cronulla life. Touted as a must win match, Cronulla will be up for this. They face a Penrith side that has had an up and down season all year and off form should lose this one.
Last week that pattern continued with Penrith holding on for a tight win in which they could have closed out by a larger margin. But, as a Panthers supporter, I have to tip new halves Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward to steer the away side to victory.
Panthers by 7.
Cowboys versus Eels – 5:30pm – 1300Smiles Stadium
Parramatta have surprised me this season. They have began with a more enthusiastic and open approach to footy and it is paying off, with a couple of plays going against them in their loss to the Tigers last Monday.
The Cowboys were certainly not at their best last week against Manly, but were unlucky not to leave with a win. I am not convinced about the decision to drop Robert Lui, but I believe they will be determined to come away with a win against an unpredictable Eels side.
Cowboys by 10.
Bulldogs versus Knights – 7:30pm – ANZ Stadium
The Knights and Bulldogs have had contrasting starts to the season this year. The Bulldogs have found a way of grinding out wins after three successive one point victories, however, I do not think this one will be as close.
The Knights were not as bad as the scoreline suggested last week against Brisbane, and their back line is still one of the best in the league. I do believe Newcastle will test Canterbury but eventually fall away.
Bulldogs by 12.
Sea Eagles versus Raiders – 2:00pm – Brookvale Oval
Manly were well below their best last week and were very lucky to come away with the two points. The Raiders on the other hand, were gutsy to come back to defeat Melbourne at home and will pose a big threat here if Manly are unable to put them away early on.
Manly by 14.
Tigers versus Titans – 3:00pm Leichhardt Oval
The Tigers have proved themselves as Top 8 Material after big wins over Manly, Cowboys and Eels. And after injuries to key players in Tedesco and Farah, the Tigers have been brave in victory.
The Titans lost their first game in weeks when they went down to the Panthers last week, but their strong forward pack continues to impress. Their ability to close out games is vital in tight matches and I predict that the Titans may just be too strong.
Titans by 7.
Tips:
Roosters
Warriors
Rabbitohs
Panthers
Cowboys
Bulldogs
Manly
Titans
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