NRL Round 16
The Form Guide
With State of Origin being the focus for the last couple of weeks, it seems like a lifetime since the last NRL round, so it will be interesting to see if form holds any sway this weekend. What we do know is that the Dragons now find themselves as outright competition leaders, after dispatching manly in convincing fashion and watching the Roosters do the same to the Panthers. All of these teams were without their Origin stars, so having them back to full strength this weekend will be interesting to watch. The Chooks demolition of the Panthers was potentially a turning point for their season, and Trent Robinson will be looking for consistency now from his up and down side. Cooper Cronk is finding his groove, and James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell will be full of confidence after their brilliant Origin performances.
Sitting either side of the panthers on the table are the two dark horses that refuse to stop winning, the Rabbitohs and the Warriors. Both recorded good wins against admittedly struggling sides last time out, and as much as most pundits have continually predicted that their runs had to end soon, neither side is showing any signs of letting up. They thoroughly deserve their places in the top 4 at the moment. The broncos grabbed an important win over their close rival the Sharks, drawing level with Cronulla on the table with the clutch victory. Brisbane still don’t look convincing, but they have now opened a clear 4 point gap to the Raiders in 9th. Speaking of the men in green, and it was the return of Josh Hodgson that sparked a big win over the Tigers, 48-12, and showed exactly what this team of capable of when they put it all together. Could they make a run from behind the pack? It would be a brave punter that said no.
The Big Games
Some massive games coming up this weekend, and it doesn’t get any bigger than Friday night when the Storm come to visit the Roosters. Cooper Cronk is expecting to be targeted by his former teammates, but don’t expect any roughhousing to worry the champion halfback, who knew this day would be coming. With both sides on 20 competition points, this match is vital. The Storm will be ecstatic with the fitness and form that Billy Slater showed in Origin 2, proving that his hamstring troubles have done nothing to lessen his impact on the game. The clash to keep an eye on will be the battle out wide between Origin rivals Will Chambers and Latrell Mitchell. Mitchell clearly got the better of Chambers in games 1 and 2, with the Storm star seemingly distracted by his plan to verbally unsettle the rookie. Chambers has been one of Queensland’s best over the past few years, but this has not been a good series for him, despite bagging a try on Sunday night. It will be interesting to see if he persists with the verbal barrage this weekend, or goes back to trying to play good consistent football.
The Warriors and the Sharks also meet on Friday night, and this is another really important game for both teams. The Sharks will know they missed an opportunity last round against the Broncos, and will be very wary of letting the Raiders behind them get any closer than they are. With a lighter Origin representation than they’ve had for years, Cronulla would have targeted this period as one in which they could potentially grab some wins and climb the ladder. Nothing will come easily over in New Zealand, though, where the Warriors continue to defy the doubters. Are they finally realising the potential we have always known was there? Perhaps, and this week will be another good test for them.
The other game not to miss will be Brisbane hosting Canberra, both last start winners and hanging around the bottom of the top 8. Expect this game to be a pretty freewheeling affair, with both sides’ penchant for loose attacking play coming to the fore. Brisbane simply have to work out how they can play and win with this current spine, and time is quickly running out. If Wayne Bennett persists with these combinations, they need to hark back to 2015, where they gave their halves licence to thrill without the constraints of a tight structure. Watch for big Joe Ofahengaue playing for an Origin spot off the bench too. For the Raiders, they will be looking to build on the momentum of last round, and Hodgson will be key to everything they do. If he can control the ruck and threaten out of dummy half, their exciting backs could can do the rest.
Predictions
The Dragons have earnt their spot at the top of the league, and will be far too good for the Eels on Thursday night. The Warriors will use the home ground advantage to get over the Sharks in a tight one, despite Cronulla starting favourites. Take your pick from the Roosters-Storm game, and it’s hard to believe that Melbourne are so short on the odds. Look for an upset victory for the Chooks in this one. The Panthers will roll the Sea Eagles, who have finally rid themselves of Jackson Hastings, while the Knights will sneak home against the Bulldogs, even with the Dogs boasting the nephew of Wally Lewis in their number 6. The Broncos will make it back to back wins by getting home over the Raiders, while on Sunday the Tigers will welcome back Robbie Farah by beating the Titans, and the Rabbits will wrap up the weekend by being too good for the Cowboys.
Bets Bet
There are a number of favourites this weekend that look in danger of being knocked over, including the Storm and the Sharks. Those results are tough to pick, though, so let’s throw the Dragons-Panthers-Rabbitohs into a multi $2.15 as our best bet of the week
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Words: Cameron Stokes
