It’s the final State of Origin Bye Round, and the Bulldogs, Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders, Roosters, Storm and Warriors will all take a week off as the rest of the competition gears up to go head to head for vital premiership table points. Most of the club’s for this week will be without key players through representative duties, injury or suspension, which provides a tremendous opportunity for some up and coming future stars of the game. With that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at what Round 19 of the National Rugby League has in store for us!
The Dolphins, currently in the top eight, aim to reverse their recent poor form and avoid a third consecutive loss as they host the in-form South Sydney Rabbitohs at Kayo Stadium. Returning from a bye, the Dolphins face a Rabbitohs team riding a five-game winning streak. Both teams will be missing key players due to State of Origin duty, with the Dolphins' Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi playing for Queensland and Rabbitohs' captain Cam Murray for NSW. The Rabbitohs will also be without injured fullback Latrell Mitchell, though forwards Tevita Tatola and Siliva Havili might return. The Dolphins' injury woes worsen with hooker Jeremy Marshall-King out long-term and back-up Kurt Donoghoe suspended. However, winger Jack Bostock is set to return following concussion protocols. In a match that is primed to test the depth of the two clubs, I’m tipping the Dolphins by 8 points.
The Cronulla Sharks, coming off their third consecutive narrow loss, hope to change their luck as they host the improving Wests Tigers at PointsBet Stadium. Despite a strong second-half comeback against the Titans last week, Cronulla fell short after trailing 12-0 at halftime. They face a setback with halfback Nicho Hynes ruled out due to an ankle injury, and Siosifa Talakai suspended for a high tackle. The Tigers, who showed promise but ultimately lost to the Storm in Round 18, grapple with inconsistency. However, they gain a boost with captain Api Koroisau and prop David Klemmer cleared to play, and potential returns from Isaiah Papali'i, Starford To'a, and Junior Tupou. I suspect the downfall of the Sharks will continue this week unfortunately, and I’m tipping the Tigers by 9 points.
The Gold Coast Titans aim for a third consecutive win as they host the Parramatta Eels at home. After strong victories against the Warriors and Sharks, the Titans face an Eels team missing halfback Mitchell Moses due to NSW duties. The Titans will also miss Moeaki Fotuaika, selected for the Maroons, but will have David Fifita available. The Eels, currently 16th on the ladder and on a four-game losing streak, have shown glimpses of promise. Interim coach Trent Barrett's challenge is to maintain consistency throughout the game. The match will also see Reagan Campbell-Gillard play his 100th game for the Eels, making him only the 32nd player to reach a century for two clubs. However, I suspect the Gold Coast may rain on his parade, as I’m tipping the Titans by 12 points.
The Brisbane Broncos return to Suncorp Stadium to host the St George Illawarra Dragons, who will be desperate for a win having dropped out of the top eight after last weekend’s loss. Both sides are missing key State of Origin players, with the Dragons without Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax, and Jaydn Su'A, and the Broncos missing Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Reece Walsh. Additionally, the Broncos' halfback Jock Madden is sidelined with a hamstring injury, contributing to their five-game losing streak that has seen them fall from fifth to 11th on the ladder. The Broncos might regain Kotoni Staggs and Jordan Riki, while the Dragons are set to welcome back Jack Bird. With tough matches against the Panthers and Storm ahead, the Dragons need a win at Suncorp Stadium to remain in contention for their first finals appearance since 2018. That might just be enough to motivate them to get across the line. In another match set to test each club’s depth, I’m tipping the Dragons by 4 points.
The Manly Sea Eagles and Newcastle Knights, separated by just one point on the competition ladder, both head into a crucial Round 19 match following hard-fought away victories. Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans led them to a golden point win over the Cowboys, securing their spot in the top eight, but he will miss the upcoming game due to Maroons State of Origin duty. Similarly, the Knights, who narrowly defeated the Raiders with Kalyn Ponga's impressive return from injury, will also miss Ponga, Bradman Best, and Dane Gagai for the same reason. Both teams' depth will be tested, though Manly benefits from the return of Tom Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau'atu. Historically, Manly leads their rivalry with 35 wins to the Knights' 23, with one draw. I’m expecting a big game from Turbo and Manly to get the win again here. I’m tipping the Sea Eagles by 14 points.
As Round 19 approaches, each match promises to test the resilience and depth of the teams, especially with numerous key players absent due to State of Origin duties. The Dolphins and Rabbitohs will showcase their mettle, while the Sharks aim to reverse their misfortune against the Tigers. The Titans seek to continue their winning streak against a struggling Eels side, and the Broncos and Dragons battle to stay in finals contention amidst their own challenges. Finally, the Sea Eagles and Knights face off in a crucial clash, with both teams eager to solidify their positions on the ladder. With so much at stake, fans can look forward to an exciting weekend of rugby league action. As we get closer and closer toward the business end of the season, make sure you head in store or online to Jerseys Megastore, to get all your NRL Officially Licensed supporter gear. Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy!
