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There is never a dull moment in the National Rugby League as we inch closer to September footy.
Sure there are only four games this weekend and everyone is waiting for State of Origin III next Wednesday night from Suncorp Stadium. But that doesn’t mean these games aren’t integral to the momentum of the eight sides involved.
More importantly, they represent the chance to grab another two competition points.
Despite only the four matches, the NRL expert tipsters have all gone for different powerplays. Things are going to get interesting!
Ryan O’Connell
Tips: Rabbitohs (Powerplay), Dragons, Eagles, Eels.
“Despite missing a few players, the Bunnies should beat Penrith.
“The Dragons are coming off a bad loss to Parramatta, and should bounce back with a win against the Cowboys, missing their Origin stars – especially Johnathan Thurston.
“I expect a big game from Daly Cherry-Evans which will lift Manly over the Sharks.
“Tigers versus Eels? Far out – what a tough one. I’ll go Parra. With zero confidence.”
Mary Konstantopoulos
Tips: Rabbitohs, Dragons, Eagles, Eels (Powerplay).
“Only four games this week due to Origin and I am tipping Souths to beat the Panthers who still remain weakened by injury.
“I am tipping the Dragons to beat the Cowboys. This is without much confidence however as the Dragons have some key forwards out injured but the Cowboys team has been decimated by Origin selection.
“The Eagles at Brookvale with DCE fired up after missing Origin selection will be too strong for the Sharks and the Eels with SEMI on fire will beat the Tigers.”
Dane Eldridge
Tips: Rabbitohs, Dragons, Eagles (Powerplay), Eels.
“It’s not the most startling statement of all time, but I’m confident the Dragons haven’t stalled after three losses. It’s more of a brief pause, the kind you do when some cute ducks cross the road in front you. However, crunch time is calling this weekend, and I’m backing them to drop the clutch and generate some pillow filling against the weakened Cowboys in Wollongong.
“Lock, stock and barrel job number two is Manly. I fear that instead of strategising this week, Shane Flanagan has spent his time researching the fascinating medium of podcasts and their relationship with the alien concept of the public record. Sea Eagles to eat this up.
“Souths and Parramatta round out the truncated round for mine, both with dreadfully low levels of faith.”
Tim Gore
Tips: Panthers, Cowboys (Powerplay), Eagles, Eels.
“Do I just want the Panthers to win or do I actually think they will? I’m hoping their horrid luck has turned and they’ll beat the Rabbits.
The Cowboys pack is still pretty good and no Merrin, Dugan, Frizzel and De Belin outstrips the return of the outstanding Rein so I’m picking Cowboys.
“DCE has a point to prove and the Sharks have to stop him proving it. I don’t think they will. Manly by a little.
“Gee the Wests Tigers have been disappointing this year. If they get beaten by the Eels it’ll be a new depth. I’m following Mary K’s heart and going Eels.”
Curtis Woodward
Tips: Panthers, Dragons (Powerplay), Eagles, Tigers.
“Ivan Cleary really has this Panthers squad, from top to bottom, invested in a common cause and despite their injury list, I suspect we’re going to see something special from the mountain men on Friday night.
“The Kiwi/English combination of Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop means sunshine and lollipops for the Dragons against a North Queensland team missing Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan.
“Cronulla were sensational against the Cowboys last weekend but have to back it up again and probably without Michael Ennis and definitely without skipper Paul Gallen.
“Banking on a bounce back factor for the Tigers who desperately need some stability and a victory against the Eels.”
| Round 17 | Tim | Ryan | Mary | Curtis | Dane |
| PANvRAB | Panthers | Rabbitohs | Rabbitohs | Panthers | Rabbitohs |
| DRAvCOW | Cowboys | Dragons | Dragons | Dragons | Dragons |
| EAGvSHA | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles |
| TIGvEEL | Eels | Eels | Eels | Tigers | Eels |
| POWERPLAY | Cowboys | Rabbitohs | Eels | Dragons | Eagles |
| LAST ROUND | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| OVERALL | 83 | 78 | 78 | 74 | 71 |
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