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NRL Round 26 preview

Roar Guru
2nd September, 2014
1

Round 26 of the NRL sees six games which will have bearing on the make up of the final eight.

In one of tightest seasons to date, here’s my preview your teams’ chances of victory in the final round, as well as my final standings.

Sydney Roosters versus South Sydney Rabbitohs
This match may decide the minor premiership. If Manly fall on Saturday, the winner will claim bragging rights heading into the finals. The Roosters are currently on a five-game winning streak following a scrappy 12-point victory over the Storm.

They will need to control the ball to test a Rabbitohs side coming off a determined, yet also uninspiring, 21-14 win over the Bulldogs. The Rabbitohs won this one 28-8 in Round 1, however, suspensions may see a repeated scoreline in the opposite direction, as the Roosters make a statement.

Tip: Roosters 28-8

Melbourne Storm versus Brisbane Broncos
The season is on the line for the Storm and Broncos when they clash at AAMI Park on Friday night. The Broncos were enthusiastic and upbeat in their victory over the Dragons, while critical mistakes cost the Storm.

Brisbane are a proud club, and so are Melbourne. Both sides field two of the best halfbacks in the game, and equally dynamic five-eighths. It’s a toss of the coin. The Storm’s classy backs will get them home. Add to that their dominance over the Broncos recently and the margin extends.

Tip: Storm 24-14

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Wests Tigers versus Cronulla Sharks
These teams find themselves at the bottom of the ladder, yet some of the best young talent will be on display at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday. Both teams improved despite losing in the last round and the fact that neither has much to play should make for an entertaining game.

Both teams will throw all they have at each other in a final roll of the dice, however, the Sharks may be too fatigued following their devastating one-point loss to the Cowboys.

Tip: Tigers 32-12

Canberra Raiders versus Parramatta Eels
The Eels could cap off a miraculous season by the end of this week if they claim a victory in the nation’s capital. The Raiders will be aiming for three in a row, having defeated the lowly Sharks and Tigers. While that’s nothing to write home about they will be full of confidence in spoiling the Eels’ finals chances. However, despite an awful display last week the Eels should be too good in the end.

Tip: Eels 24-16

North Queensland Cowboys versus Manly Sea Eagles
At the start of the week a Cowboys win looked good. However, their recent performance against Cronulla was hardly encouraging. The same goes for Manly. An uncharacteristic performance from the boys in maroon saw them trail Penrith 22-6 before claiming victory. Both sides need to be better this week, and it should be a great clash. Daly Cherry-Evans will star and rediscover his form to help his side claim the minor premiership.

Tip: Sea Eagles 14-12

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Newcastle Knights versus St George Illawarra Dragons
At the start of the week it was a certain Newcastle victory. However, for some reason I’m leaning towards the Dragons. I was sure the Knights would just fall short against Parramatta and repay their fans this week, but I have a strange suspicion that this round may be different. The Dragons will not want to end what has been a promising season on a low. The crowd may get Newcastle home, in fact I am almost tempted to tip the draw. But I won’t.

Tip: Dragons 34-14

Gold Coast Titans versus Canterbury Bulldogs
Watch out Bulldogs. No matter how horrible the Titans have been recently they will want to win this match. Their future is decided following the signing of Neil Henry as a long-term coach and back at home they need to repay their fans following a disappointing season. The Bulldogs may be too desperate with a finals spot up for grabs, but they can’t expect to roll over the Titans. This match hinges on the attitude of the home side.

Tip: Bulldogs 25-18

Penrith Panthers versus New Zealand Warriors
How will the Panthers respond to a heart-breaking loss last week? As a Penrith fan it was painful. However, they need to move on and focus on claiming that all important top four spot. They deserve it, however the Warriors will look to spoil the party.

The New Zealand side needs a win to be any hope of a top eight finish. They need to be defensively strong to trouble the Panthers, while Penrith need to contain the many dangerous attacking weapons the Warriors possess. With the home crowd behind them, the Panthers will want to make a statement following last week’s devastating loss.

Tip: Panthers 26-12

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