Opinion
As we edge closer to finals footy, Round 17 involves must-win games for teams looking to make the eight, while other teams will look to keep their spot in the top eight or top four.
There are, however, teams well out of form that need to improve. We also have some intriguing encounters including the Knights against Sharks, the Rabbitohs against the Storm, and the Raiders against Roosters. Meanwhile, the Warriors must win all their remaining matches, starting from their clash with the out of form Eels if they are a chance of taking eighth place.
This round I will nervously tip a few upsets, so make sure you lookout for those. Good luck to everyone with your tipping!
Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers (Panthers 13+) – Brisbane have dropped yet another game where their opponent has beaten them convincingly, and Penrith extends their winning margin to 11 games straight and looks to be the favourites for the minor premiership. The Broncos have made some changes to their side, and the Panthers will lose Isaah Yeo due to a head knock last week. Unless if the Broncos provide find something here, I’m very confident the Panthers will win by a comfortable margin.
Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks (Sharks 1-12) – Newcastle were absolutely stunned like a deer in headlights when the Warriors produced one of their best 80-minute performances, and Cronulla beat the Cowboys in a must-win game to solidify themselves in eighth position. This game shapes up to be one of the matches of the round, and the Sharks must win to keep some breathing space between them and the Warriors, so I’ll tip Cronulla by a close margin to overtake the Knights here.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm (Storm 13+) – South Sydney thrashed Parramatta last week and continue to make a statement towards other teams, and Melbourne just about ended Manly’s season with a solid win. The Rabbitohs lose Latrell Mitchell for the season which is a massive out for them going forward, so I’ll back Melbourne where they would want to hunt down the Panthers for that minor premiership.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans (Titans 1-12) – While the Bulldogs provided a scare for the Raiders last week, the Titans produced an upset win against the Dragons, where they look to show heart towards the end of the season. Gold Coast should win this one where if so, they would meet other teams at equal tenth position on the ladder.
Manly Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers (Sea Eagles 1-12) – Both Manly and the Tigers needed to somehow find a way to win their games last week in order to have any sort of chance of making the finals this year. Manly lose both Joel Thompson and Reuben Garrick, and the Tigers make further changes to their side with a purpose of finding the ideal combination.
While it’s difficult to tip either side in this one, I’ll back Manly here based on home advantage.
Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters (Roosters 1-12) – The Raiders were stunned last week but found a way to win in the end, and the Roosters win back to back games and are looking even better with players returning, including Sonny Bill Williams. In saying this, the Roosters should be too strong both in the forwards and backs and would want to keep themselves inside the top four.
New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels (Warriors 1-12) – The Warriors produced one of their most impressive attacking performances against a struggling Newcastle team last week, while Parramatta continues their form slump heading closer to the finals. The Warriors lose their Parramatta loan players, and the Eels will be without Dylan Brown, with Jai Field coming into the side.
The Warriors are well aware that they need to win every possible game to earn a shot of playing finals footy, and I believe they will get the Eels in this one.
North Queensland Cowboys vs St George Illawarra Dragons (Cowboys 1-12) – The Cowboys failed to get their first win in about eight games with the loss of Michael Morgan, and the Dragons dropped their game against the Titans last week where most people would’ve expected them to win that one.
The Cowboys get some troops back for this including Esan Marsters, Gavin Cooper, as well as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, but are still without Jason Taumalolo. However, with North Queensland announcing the signing of coach Todd Payton, and back playing at their new stadium, I’ll tip another upset here and back the Cowboys.
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