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Origin is done and dusted, so now we can turn our attention to the NRL again as several teams battle it out to grab a spot in the top eight.
Tippers will also be looking to make a late run to jump a few places in their tipping comps.
Here are your NRL previews for Round 18.
Sea Eagles versus Tigers
Manly were outcoached last week against a depleted Bulldogs side. Geoff Toovey was left stunned as the Bulldogs’ big men Tony Williams and Josh Jackson played in the halves and exposed some weakness in the Sea Eagles defence.
The Tigers were missing Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods last week but they will return for Friday night’s clash. They have given faith to youngster Mitchell Moses, who was very solid in his debut last week.
The Sea Eagles return to Brookvale where they have been great in 2014. They should have too much firepower in key positions for the opposition.
Tip: Sea Eagles by at least 12 points.
Warriors versus Eels
Would you want to take on the Warriors in Auckland? I wouldn’t. And the Eels won’t either. The New Zealand side has won six of its past eight matches and are enjoying a revival after a poor start to the year.
Their forwards are skilful and are making plenty of metres. Shaun Johnson is playing off the back of that and is one of the form halfback’s of the competition. New Zealand of the dark horses of the competition and Parramatta are in a little bit of a bad patch.
Tip: Warriors by 16.
Storm versus Bulldogs
A danger match for the Bulldogs as they take on the Storm, who are currently sitting in eighth spot and will be desperate for a win here. The Storm do play considerably better at home and we could see an upset on the cards.
The Bulldogs should have Josh Morris and Trent Hodkinson, who are backing up from Origin, although Josh Reynolds is expected to miss four weeks through suspension. Tony Williams will probably line up at five-eighth, and it will be still be a tough task for the Storm. Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater will be together for the first time in a while.
Tip: Bulldogs by one
Titans versus Raiders
The Titans, after losing six straight, came back to life with a terrific win over the Rabbitohs away from home last week. This week they take on the struggling Raiders, who have been awful under coach Ricky Stuart in 2014. Will the Raiders make one of their famous recoveries to make the finals?
If they do, it must start this week against the Titans. The safe bet is to tip the Titans, who I think have more firepower up front. The Raiders can play razzle-dazzle, and a Sunday Afternoon match on a dry track should produce plenty of points. The Titans should get the win here, and they will start favourites, but if Canberra can get their heads switched on we could see a contest.
Tip: Titans by six.
Sharks versus Knights
The Sharks have been the surprise packets in the last couple of weeks, coming from behind against the Broncos and Roosters. They have overcome adversity and will relish being back at home against a Knights team slowly getting better in defence and clicking in attack.
Rumours of Wayne Bennett leaving the club could be disheartening for Newcastle, as many players who recently joined the club arrived for the sole purpose of being coached under Bennett. The Sharks will get a big crowd at home and have the confidence of some amazing wins in the past two weeks.
Tip: Sharks
Panthers versus Broncos
Penrith beat the Tigers comfortably last week, while Brisbane have been up and down this season and can struggle away from home. There shouldn’t be much in this match.
Peter Wallace going down injured is a big loss for the Panthers, although they have only lost one match at home and are flying high in second place. The Broncos have four players backing up from Origin, although they have five days to recover, as this match takes place on a Monday night.
Peter Wallace may be a big blow, and added pressure will be on Jamie Soward, while the Broncos are fresh after the bye.
Tip: Broncos by at least eight points.
Good luck to all the tippers this week.
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