The run to the finals is in full swing and it all begins with a Thursday night blockbuster in Townsville between the North Queensland Cowboys and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Are any of the The Roar‘s expert tipsters backing the defending premiers or is the force too strong in Johnathan Thurston?
On the long and winding road to the grand final at ANZ Stadium, some fans are hoping their opposition take the Upset City exit. Parramatta want a miracle against the Sydney Roosters, Canberra need a revelation at home against Manly and Melbourne will be praying for a rara avis on Monday against the Sharks.
Can I get an amen?
In the wonderful world of the NRL, anything can happen.
But will your team’s resurrection come this weekend?
Testify!
Dane Eldridge
Tips: Cowboys, Dragons, Tigers, Panthers, Roosters (Powerplay), Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks.
“Like a tweeny to the Bieber, I have a giddy obsession with the Sharks right now. Yep, I’m talking Gavin Miller posters, ‘Up Up Cronulla’ ringtones and snapping every iPhone I see. What has inspired their revival? A secret meeting? Mick Ennis? Mick Fanning?
“Nevertheless, this Monday night will be a gritty clash of styles when they take on Melbourne. While the visitors will provide a stern examination, I’d back the Sharks to build Rome in a day right now. Take them in a high-completion game of inches.
“Then on Sunday, a classic four-pointer will play out at GIO Stadium when the 1987 grand final is dusted off. This has the potential to be a bout of desperadoes to end them all, but Canberra’s home form is appalling and Manly have a chip on their shoulder that’s making dreams happen. The Raiders to be Shillo-kissing their season farewell by full time.
“As for the rest? Well, it’s not of great consequence. Measure me up for the spoon.”
Mary Konstantopoulos
Tips: Cowboys, Broncos, Tigers, Panthers, Roosters (Powerplay), Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks.
“Cowboys and Rabbits kicks of Thursday night footy. I am tipping the Cowboys in what should be a corker of a match with JT being the difference.
“The Broncos play the Dragons on Friday and I am tipping the Broncos to bounce back and be too strong and classy for the Dragons.
“Wests play the Knights and the Tigers should win comfortably against a very poor Knights tea. The Panthers at home will beat the Warriors who sorely miss SJ. The Roosters versus the Eels will be a bloodbath and I am tipping BBQ Maloney and RTS to pour on the points and beat the Eels by 20+.
“The Raiders versus the Eagles will be another high calibre game and I see the Eagles being too strong and disciplined and come away with the win. The Bulldogs will thrash the Titans. They’re just too strong all over the park.
“Finally the Sharks versus the Storm. I am tipping the Sharks in what will be a low scoring and tough-fought affair.”
Ryan O’Connell
Tips: Cowboys, Broncos, Tigers, Panthers, Roosters (Powerplay), Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks.
“Interesting round of footy this week, with a number of intriguing match-ups. The Bunnies look a little vulnerable now, and I expect the Cowboys to capitalise. Brisbane should bounce back after a couple of losses to defeat the Dragons.
“Tigers versus Knights is the game of the round, and the Tigers get my unconfident nod.
“Manly are looking dangerous and should beat Canberra.
“The Dogs get a danger game versus the Titans which they must win, and lastly, the red-hot Sharks will beat the suddenly average Melbourne outfit.”
Tim Gore
Tips: Cowboys, Broncos, Tigers, Panthers, Roosters (Powerplay), Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks.
“Four rounds to go and this competition is mine to blow. Not because I’m any good but because my opponents keep tipping as poorly as I have been recently. If Mary K gets her act together the heat will be right on.
Cowboys to lift from their malaise and beat The Rabbits up north, Broncs to take the wind out of the Dragons sails and beat them in Brisvegas while the Wests Tigers seem to be on a streak. I reckon that’ll continue in beating the Knights.
“Panthers to beat the hapless Warriors at home and Roosters to smash the Eels.
“Sea Eagles to consign the Raiders to their ninth home defeat of the season and the Bulldogs to get the car back on the road and in doing so run over the Titans.
“Sharks and Storm have history. Not pretty history either. I reckon the Sharks but I don’t know why.”
Curtis Woodward
Tips: Cowboys, Dragons, Tigers, Panthers, Roosters (Powerplay), Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks.
“Forgive me Brisbane fans but I think your team have one last slip in them before they come good for the playoffs. Wayne Bennett loves to flog his players in preparation for September and the Dragons have enough footy in them to run them around for eighty entertaining minutes of rugby league.
“Cronulla and Melbourne is the other real tough one for the weekend. On a cold Monday night at Shark Park, I expect Cronulla to continue their roll against a gallant Storm outfit.”
| Round 23 | Tim | Mary | Ryan | Curtis | Dane |
| COWvRAB | Cowboys | Cowboys | Cowboys | Cowboys | Cowboys |
| BROvDRA | Broncos | Broncos | Broncos | Dragons | Dragons |
| TIGvKNI | Tigers | Tigers | Tigers | Tigers | Tigers |
| PANvWAR | Panthers | Panthers | Panthers | Panthers | Panthers |
| ROOvEEL | Roosters | Roosters | Roosters | Roosters | Roosters |
| RAIvEAG | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles |
| BULvTIT | Bulldogs | Bulldogs | Bulldogs | Bulldogs | Bulldogs |
| SHAvSTO | Sharks | Sharks | Sharks | Sharks | Sharks |
| POWERPLAY | Roosters | Roosters | Roosters | Roosters | Roosters |
| LAST ROUND | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| OVERALL | 117 | 111 | 108 | 105 | 103 |
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