Opinion
Round 13 provides fans with some highly entertaining encounters, as well as the possibility of a few upsets.
Like last week, I will provide my tips and predictions for this upcoming round, while selecting a margin, either 12 or less, or 13 or more.
Dragons vs Roosters
Roosters 1-12
The Roosters haven’t been playing the way that they were playing a month ago compared to recent times. After narrowly beating a much-improved Titans side by six points last week, and beating a hard-fought Warriors team by only eight, the Tricolors would like to showcase a more dominant attacking display in this clash.
Both teams have made changes, with Kyle Flanagan being dropped, as well as Corey Norman being omitted from a desperate Red V.
These two teams always provide a fiery encounter, but for this one, the Chooks should be too good.
Sea Eagles vs Warriors
Sea Eagles 13+
The Warriors have been fighting hard, with coach Todd Payten being offered a full-time coaching gig, but surprisingly turning it down. Who knows what type of impact that will have, with Blake Green also heading to the Knights.
I’ll play it safe in this one and go Manly, even with Dylan Walker out once again.
Rabbitohs vs Broncos
Rabbitohs 13+
As predicted, Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Dane Gagai all fired up for Indigenous Round last week, with a remarkable comeback win over the Dragons. Meanwhile, the Broncos showed better signs for most of their match but still fell short.
This game is also another episode of the battle between coaches Wayne Bennett and Anthony Seibold. With Anthony Milford also out, the Bunnies should get the win to stay in the top eight.
Storm vs Bulldogs
Storm 1-12
Melbourne are resting prime-time ankle breaker Ryan Papenhuyzen, which means Nicho Hynes starts at fullback, while Cameron Smith is also out with a shoulder injury.
For the Bulldogs, a comeback against the Eels last week saw them just fall short. Canterbury have improved dramatically since the sacking of Dean Pay, however they need to play at yet another level if they are a chance to defeat the Storm.
This is obviously the time to do it without Smith or Papenhuyzen, but they will not have enough strike in attack to win.
Knights vs Tigers
Knights 13+
Newcastle showed improvement last week against Melbourne, having been surprisingly beaten by the Bulldogs the week before in wet weather conditions. They also welcome a new recruit, Blake Green, who slots straight into five-eighth, shifting Kurt Mann to hooker.
Last week’s result proves the Tigers are just too inconsistent to compete with the top teams, and Harry Grant being injured makes it even worse.
As the Knights now feature a solid spine, they will carve up the Tigers.
Kalyn Ponga (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Panthers vs Raiders
Panthers 1-12
Wow, what a contest this promises to be at the foot of the mountains. The Panthers continued their outstanding form with a huge win over Manly last week, where Nathan Cleary continued to shine.
Canberra dug deep to defeat North Queensland in a tight encounter and will happily welcome back Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
While it was tempting to tip the Raiders in this one, Penrith will solidify themselves at the top of the ladder once again.
Titans vs Cowboys
Titans 1-12
The Gold Coast put themselves came close to the Roosters last week, while the Cowboys were unlucky against Canberra.
North Queensland are winless since Round 7 and have reached desperate levels to turn around their season. However, I’m going to tip an upset here and go the Titans in a tight encounter due to the fact that they’ve been competing well and are due for a win at home.
Sharks vs Eels
Sharks 1-12
Round 13 finishes with a mouth-watering clash between Cronulla and Parramatta.
The Sharks were gutsy to win against the Broncos given the number of injuries they had. As for the Eels, they have not been in their best form, narrowly beating the Bulldogs last week and the Tigers the week before.
I’m going to tip my second and last upset of the round – Cronulla will prove that they are well in the race to compete at the business end of the season.
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