The Roar’s NRL expert tips and predictions: Round 7

Some things will never be solved. Whether it’s the Rubik’s Cube, Mitch Rein’s hair or the fact that Harold Holt is going to be one tired, wet, angry fella when the Cronulla Sharks finally hold aloft the Premiership cup. Here are our NRL tips for this week.

It’s a funny game we love. You know the one, rugby league?

In a bright new age of fantasy football, social media and bad podcasts – footy fools us all.

We think we know it, we think we understand it and we truly believe we know what we’re actually talking about.

But that’s rugby league for you. It gives a little and we soak it in like a hard drug but we’ll never solve it.

And like the imaginable hangover said drug gives you – we remember bits and pieces from the past. Nathan Hindmarsh giving you a pair of his footy shorts after a State of Origin clash at ANZ Stadium, a 50-metre Andrew Willis field to send the Western Suburbs Magpies to the 1996 Finals or a very young Gorden Tallis rampaging through Balmain’s Presidents Cup side on a sunny Saturday at Kogarah Oval. We remember this, we remember that, but never the entire memory.

Because all that matters is this week.

All that counts is this round.

For the NRL is the great episodic spectacular known to modern Australian man.

Where else on a weekly basis can you find a drama littered with victory, defeat, retribution, blood, pain, euphoria and revenge?

Only here in the wonderful world of rugby league.

Right now, right here, this is the most important weekend in history.

That’s off course, until next week.

EVERY NRL GAME THIS SEASON WILL BE LIVE ON FOXTEL

Lachlan Bickley
Tips: Eels, Cowboys, Titans, Bulldogs, Broncos (Powerplay), Raiders, Storm, Panthers.

“A whole State may be turning its lonely eyes to Adam Reynolds but his return won’t be enough to propel the Rabbitohs to a win in the north this time against the defending premiers in Friday night footy.

“How much longer does Paul McGregor get if his team literally does not score any points at all? We’ll find out Saturday.

“The Raiders were utterly blown away by the Eels on Saturday, fans will be hoping this was more a case of the Eels were brilliant than the raiders were bad.”

Mary Konstantopoulos
Tips: Eels, Cowboys, Titans, Bulldogs, Broncos (Powerplay), Raiders, Wests Tigers, Roosters.

“Manly and Parramatta will be match of the round. I’m not sure whether I am tipping with my head or my heart, but the Eels to rally despite continuing media speculation.

“Congratulations to the Knights on a very courageous first win last weekend. They face very tough opposition this weekend in the Broncos. While I would love to tip a miracle, that is really what will need to happen for the Knights to topple the stand-out team in the comp.

“Call me crazy here, but I am tipping the Roosters against Penrith. Their win over the Bunnies should give the young team plenty of confidence and if Dylan Napa puts in another performance like he did last week, anything is possible.”

Tim Gore
Tips: Eels, Cowboys, Dragons, Warriors, Broncos (Powerplay), Raiders, Wests Tigers, Panthers.

“Eels and Sea Eagles are both coming off five day breaks. Eels are starting to look grouse and they’ll win.

“The Dragons horror tour of Queenslandis reminiscent of Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow. The Titans will lose to them as they’ve had a six day break, the Dragons by nine.

“I reckon the Wests Tigers will pip the Storm, who are starting to struggle for depth in the backs.”

Curtis Woodward
Tips:Sea Eagles, Cowboys, Titans, Bulldogs, Broncos (Powerplay), Raiders, Storm, Panthers.

“It is a very interesting weekend for the Canberra Raiders after they were hammered by Parramatta last week. They won’t have it easy against the ultra-impressive Cronulla Sharks but I think they can win at home.

“Some are expecting Wests Tigers to bounce back at Leichhardtosaurus but let’s not forget they’re without Aaron Woods and if Melbourne has one thing over Wests – it’s their pack.

“Sydney Roosters were good last start and deserved their first victory of the season but South Sydney tossed up absolutely nothing. Penrith will ask too many questions of the young Chooks.”

NRL tipping results so far…

Join The Crowd’s tips and measure up against the experts next week (hint, you’re leading!)