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NRL Round 17: Preview

Benji Marshall is off to the Broncos. (by Robb Cox ©nrlphotos.com)
Roar Rookie
2nd July, 2014
2

Round 17 is the final NRL round in which teams will be affected by Origin.

As we head towards the last eight weeks until the finals, some teams will be thankful for the bye.

Here is your tipping guide and previews for all of this week’s matches.

Bulldogs versus Sea Eagles
This clash of heavyweights should have happened outside of Origin. The Sea Eagles sit first, while the Dogs are in third spot on the NRL ladder. Both teams have injury and suspension concerns, especially the Dogs, who miss in-form halves Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds, centre Josh Morris and a few forwards. Manly will miss big names such as Anthony Watmough and Daly Cherry-Evans.

If the Dogs forwards can get a roll on, we might see a match here and if Moses Mbye is a late inclusion for the Bulldogs, we may see an upset here. The Bulldogs will have the home crowd behind them also. If they defend well, they will win this match.

Tip: Bulldogs by 4.

Dragons versus Cowboys
The Cowboys attack is awful at best without Johnathan Thurston, and they will lose some size up front with no James Tamou. The Dragons will only miss Josh Dugan and they are starting to hit some form during this Origin period.

Gareth Widdop has been exceptional lately and Benji Marshall is starting to find form. Mitch Rein is showing why he is one of the most promising hookers in the game, defending with guts and showing attacking flair around the ruck.

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The Cowboys will take confidence from beating a strong Rabbitohs team last week at home, although they are away from home this week, and they are yet to record a single victory in 2014 away.

All signs point to a comfortable win for St George.

Tip: Dragons by 14

Roosters versus Sharks
We all know the Sharks’ issues, with the ASADA investigation a big distraction, Todd Carney being sacked, Paul Gallen unavailable through Origin and Peter Sharp early this week standing down as coach.

The Roosters, despite a tough loss against Manly last week, can score points from anywhere, and with their team being relatively unaffected by Origin, they should pile on the points.

I cannot see where the Sharks’ points will come from. Stock up on Roosters players for NRL Fantasy this week.

Tip: Roosters by 20+

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Tigers versus Panthers
Both teams are in good form, particularly the Panthers who are sitting second on the ladder. The Tigers come into this match in sixth spot but only a win away from joining the Panthers in the top four; motivation should be high.

The Panthers have no Origin concerns, while the Tigers will miss Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods. The Tigers will fight for this, but the Panthers are more settled and should get the two points.

Tip: Panthers by 10

Rabbitohs versus Titans
The Rabbitohs will be disappointed in losing to the Cowboys last week and are struggling to find the same consistency they have shown past two years. The Titans have lost six in a row and are not looking like the same gritty team from the early rounds of this season.

The Rabbitohs will miss Greg Inglis, although his impact hasn’t been great this season. On paper the Rabbitohs are a better team, and they should win this match. The Titans will stay with them early, but expect South Sydney to pull away.

Tip: Rabbitohs by 14.

Good luck to all the tippers out there!

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