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Opinion
Round 16 provides fans with some interesting clashes but appears to be a fairly straightforward round, meaning that it’s difficult to pick upsets at the moment.
Thursday night began with one of the matches of the round, featuring the Eels and the Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs romped to a 38-0 victory.
It will be interesting to see how Brisbane perform against the Roosters on Friday night, considering they got hammered by 59 points in their last encounter. Sunday consists of Melbourne up against Manly where the Sea Eagles need to win this one, or they can just about set their sights on how they can improve next year in 2021.
Here, I will provide my own tips and predictions for Round 16, along with a margin for the winning team by either 12 or less or 13 or more. Good luck to everyone with your tipping!
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans (Dragons 13+)
The Dragons got the job done against the Broncos by a tight margin last week and ideally need to win this game if they are a chance for a top-eight position. However, the Titans are trying hard but just can’t string wins together.
I’ll back the Dragons here, they appear to be a settled and composed side at the moment and should do enough to succeed in a must-win game.
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos (Roosters 13+)
The Chooks absolutely dominated the Tigers last week and look to be on the up with both Boyd Cordner and Daniel Tupou both returning for Round 16. On the other hand, things just don’t get any easier for the Broncos at the moment.
Last time these two teams met, it was nothing but a bloodbath with the reigning premiers winning by 59 points. The Roosters will win once again, and win well as I can’t see the Broncos making it tough for the Roosters here.
New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights (Knights 1-12)
The Warriors fought from behind to defeat the Bulldogs last week, and the Knights produced a very scrappy game against the Cowboys. The Knights lose Blake Green for the season, where Mason Lino will fill in that number 6 jersey.
While it is hard to get a read on both teams, as they are inconsistent, I’ll tip the Knights but by a close margin.
(Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys (Sharks 1-12)
With a loss last week, Cronulla are still yet to beat a top-eight team, and the Cowboys troubled the Knights but couldn’t find anything in attack to win, making their horrid record one win from their past 12 matches.
They also lose Jason Taumalolo, Valentine Holmes returns on the wing against his old club and the Sharks get some troops back, with both Shaun Johnson and Briton Nikora returning. I’ll tip the Sharkies in this one, where they should get the job done.
Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers (Panthers 13+)
Penrith were too good for the Sharks last week and continue to be a genuine premiership contender. However, while the Tigers needed to beat a depleted Roosters side, they still couldn’t match the reigning premiers.
The Panthers lose both Apisai Koroisau and Viliame Kikau, while the Tigers are relieved to welcome back Harry Grant as well. As the Tigers are beyond desperate to revive their season and defeat a top team, I believe Penrith will still be too good for them and extend their streak to 11 wins.
(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Melbourne Storm vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (Storm 1-12)
Melbourne had a heap of their key players out last week, but this week, they welcome back players like Cameron Smith, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Jesse Bromwich. On the other hand, Manly got absolutely annihilated by the Bunnies and now play sudden death footy for the remainder of the season in order to have a chance of making the top eight.
However, with all those key players returning for Melbourne, they might just well and truly end Manly’s season for 2020.
Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs (Raiders 13+)
The Raiders enjoyed a comfortable win against the Titans last week, while the Bulldogs can’t seem to find a win at all this season, their record remaining at only two wins in 2020. I’ll tip the Raiders here.
The Bulldogs make some questionable changes to their team, with some of their main players getting dropped for this game, where I am uncertain of how their new line-up will combine.
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