NSW Country face off against Brisbane City in a match that will cement the winner’s position in the top four teams of the competition. Join The Roar for coverage of the match from 1pm (AEDT).
This is the first match of the final round of the NRC, and the stakes couldn’t be higher – NSW Country and Brisbane City are tied on points, with Country only ahead at fourth due to a stronger for and against.
A weekend of upsets saw the NSW team leapfrog both City and Perth Spirit to have an amazing chance at qualifying for finals.
After a disappointing start to the competition, the Eagles are on the verge of a stunning turnaround. Last weekend they finished the game strongly, piling on five unanswered tries against Melbourne. Alex Gibbon was prominent, scoring a hat-trick of tries in a fine attacking display. More important though was the Eagles’ pack dominating the hapless Rising.
City are missing a number of key players for this game, a big concern after their performance last weekend against the Greater Sydney Rams.
In terrible conditions, City played an outstanding first half, with Quade Cooper and Karmichael Hunt showing outstanding attacking awareness. However, the second half was a complete mess, as the Rams ran in three unanswered tries to win.
Nick Frisby had an impressive outing despite the conditions, delivering good ball and finding gaps in the defence.
Prediction
What an outstanding game to start the final round of the NRC, with both teams’ finals hopes resting on the outcome.
The Eagles are rolling, and should get the upper hand, especially in the forwards.
Eagles to win 30-20
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