Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers
Suncorp Stadium
Thursday, 7:50PM
The Broncos come off a one-point victory of the Rabbitohs last week in controversial circumstances. Anthony Milford kicked the winning field goal but not before what appeared to be a knock-on which was missed by officials. Brisbane were very lucky to get away with the two points in what was a scrappy performance throughout. They appear to be missing the experience of halfback Ben Hunt who will sidelines for another 4 weeks yet.
Anthony Milford and fill in half back Kodi Nikorima will need to improve their kicking game which left a lot of be desired and very nearly cost them the game last week.
The Panthers come off their fourth consecutive loss during a turbulent period for the club. Their last victory was back in round 4 against the lowly-ranked Newcastle Knights. The club is very close to crisis point and a loss here could see them slump to 2nd last on the ladder. They have it all the play for and it’s time for their star studded back line to fire.
Head to Head Record
Penrith have won 4 of the last 5 against Brisbane including 3 of the last 4 at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane 1.45
Penrith 2.80
Tip: Penrith +6.5 1.90
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Sea Eagles
Allianz Stadium
Friday, 6.00pm
The Rabbitohs were gallant in defeat last week against the Broncos. They arguably looked the better team for most of the match despite the late withdrawal of halfback Adam Reynolds on the eve of the match. Five-eighth Cody Walker has been in sublime form this season and looks threatening each time he has the ball in his hands. They will lose the services of George Burgess to yet another suspension so will once again be thin up front however the return of Adam Reynolds is a big in.
Manly shocked the highly ranked Raiders in the Nation’s capital last week with Dylan Walker the hero. It’s the third time they’ve pulled off a shock upset this season with victories over the Cowboys, Roosters and now the Raiders all on the road. They’re playing a tough brand of footy and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans looks to be regaining some of his best form.
Head to Head record
The two sides have split the wins in the last 4 matches with two wins a piece. Manly have won their last 3 matches at Allianz Stadium while Souths have lost 4 of their last 5 at the venue.
South Sydney 2.15
Manly 1.70
Tip: Manly 1.70
North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels
1300SMILES Stadium
Friday, 7.30pm
Most obviously, the availability of Johnathan Thurston will have an enormous impact on this game. He has been named in the reserves in jersey 18 as he returns from a calf injury. The champion halfback has been named for the Kangaroos the following week and may well give himself another week before the Test against the Kiwis.
The Cowboys come off a victory over the Knights in Townsville last Saturday night. The result was never in doubt though they didn’t look overly convincing. They will want to see an improved performance against the Eels who have their tails up following back to back victories over the Tigers and Panthers.
Corey Norman is starting to find the form which had him installed as Dally M favourite after the first two rounds of the competition. He looks to be moving more freely following the leg injury suffered in round 2. Kenny Edwards has been named at five-eighth replacing Brad Takarangi who is out with a leg injury.
When the Eels fire, they are a great team to watch and one of the most potent teams in the competition however this season, it has been difficult to predict which Eels side will turn up each week.
Head to Head Record
Cowboys have won 3 of the last 4 and 7 of the last 9 against the Eels including the last 5 in Townsville.
North Queensland 1.55
Parramatta 2.45
Tip: Under 40.5 1.86
Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights
Cbus Super Stadium
Saturday, 3pm
The Titans simply can’t take a trick with injuries this season. Last week their welcomed back superstar Jarryd Hayne and Chris McQueen however this week they’ll be without the services of Dale Copley, Karl Lawton and Chris Grevsmuhl. On the plus side, the return of Hayne was a strong one, spurring them on to a shock victory against the Sharks at Shark Park.
They’ll get their chance to back that performance up with what should be an easy kill at home against the Knights. The Knights have been courageous all season and their effort cannot be denied. However it is fair to say their still lack the cattle to really threaten in the competition.
Halfback and captain Trent Hodgkinson was a late omission from the game day team last week as coach Nathan Brown looks to find that elusive winning formula; he has once again been left out of the side this week.
Head to Head Record
Gold Coast have won 2 of the last 3 against the Knights though the record at CBUS Stadium reads better for the Novacastrians where they have 3 of the last 4 matches.
Gold Coast 1.23
Newcastle 4.20
Tip:
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Canberra Raiders
ANZ Stadium
Saturday, 5.30pm
Bulldogs are coming off a disappointing defeat at the hands of Wests Tigers last Sunday. They had their opportunities to win the match however couldn’t find the killer blow when it was needed. They will need to put in a much improved performance when they host the Raiders who last come off a last start defeat at the hands of Manly.
The Raiders appeared to be cruising in that match before two tries in 5 minutes mid-way through the second half welcomed the Sea Eagles back into the game. The game ended up going to extra time with Dylan Walker nailing a penalty goal to pinch the two competition points from the Raiders.
The Green Machine will be extremely disappointed to have missed out there so expect a much improved performance from Ricky Stuart’s men.
Head to Head Record
Canterbury won both fixtures against the Canberra last season while Bulldogs won three consecutive matches prior to that.
Canterbury 2.78
Canberra 1.45
Tip: Canberra -6 1.90
Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks
Leichhardt Oval
Saturday, 7.30pm
To say the Tigers have had a turbulent season would be the biggest understatement of the year. From coach sackings, to poor form and player contract disputes and departures, they’ve had it all. However they put it all behind them to rally and sneaky a victory over the Bulldogs last week.
They showed great desire and effort throughout the 80 minutes with departing captain, Aaron Woods leading the way. The big question will be whether they will be able to back it up this week against the reigning premiers who will be smarting after a shock lost against the Titans at home last week.
After two strong wins over Melbourne and Penrith the two previous weeks, the Sharks looked worn out and lacking energy. They welcome back veteran Luke Lewis who was a late out last week. Hard to see the premiers lose back to back games.
Head to Head Record
Tigers have lost their last 2 against Cronulla however have won their last 3 against them at Leichhardt.
Wests Tigers 2.75
Cronulla 1.45
Tip: Over 38.5 1.88
New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters
Mt Smart Stadium
Sunday, 2pm
The Warriors were gallant in defeat against the Storm in the late ANZAC Day game. They had their chance to win it but the class of Cronk, Slater and Smith proved too strong for the Kiwis. They have played extremely well without getting a result the last couple of weeks but get their chance at home this Sunday. Keiran Foran makes such a big difference to this team, straightening their attack and providing strong defence on the edges.
Mitch Pearce led the Roosters to victory on ANZAC Day scoring a vital try and kicking the match winning field goal. They looked behind the 8-ball in the game but hung in there to post a famous victory in extra time. They’ll have a short turnaround and tough road trip to Auckland which might prove one hurdle too many as they search for their third consecutive victory.
The weather forecast isn’t looking pretty for Auckland this weekend with a low pressure system expected to bring heavy falls throughout Sunday.
Head to Head Record
Roosters won both matches between the two sides last season while the Warriors won the three prior.
New Zealand 2.02
Sydney 1.80
Tip: Under 40.5 1.88
St George-Illawarra Dragons v Melbourne Storm
WIN Stadium
Sunday, 4pm
1st v 2nd. What should’ve been one of the games of the year has had the shine taken off with the injury to Dragons captain Gareth Widdop. Widdop has been one of the form players of the competition and is a huge loss to the Red V. Kurt Mann has been named as his replacement and will have his hands full to contain Smith, Cronk and co.
The Storm come off a strong victory against the Warriors. While they weren’t at their best, their class shone through as their senior players steered them to victory when the game was on the line. They’ll do enough in what should be a tight affair.
Head to Head Record
Storm traditionally have a strong record over the Dragons having won the last 16 of 21 matches including 3 of the last 4 however Dragons have won their last 3 encounters at WIN Stadium.
St George-Ilawarra 2.78
Melbourne 1.45
Tip: Under 36.5 1.86
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