As the NRL season intensifies, teams are fighting for their standings with pivotal matches ahead. The Tigers face a formidable Cowboys side at Leichhardt Oval, aiming to avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon. The Warriors, just three points shy of the top eight, need a win over the Eels to keep their finals hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Dolphins, having lost four of their last five games, must regroup quickly to secure a historic finals berth in their second season. The Titans, confident after a recent win over the Broncos, look to repeat their success. The Melbourne Storm aim to solidify their lead atop the ladder against the Dragons, and the Cronulla Sharks seek to retain their top-four position with a crucial win over South Sydney. The Panthers, back in top form, face the Knights, while the Bulldogs hope to continue their impressive attacking display against the Raiders. Each match carries significant implications for the teams' aspirations and standings as the season nears its conclusion.
Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys:
The Tigers are fighting to avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon, facing a tough challenge this Thursday against the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval. The Cowboys, under Todd Payten, have moved from eighth to sixth place after defeating the Sharks, marking their fourth win in five games. Injuries to Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter dampened their victory, but Heilum Luki’s potential return could help. The Tigers are focusing on developing young talent and aim to end the season positively, looking forward to 2025 with the addition of Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva from Penrith. With the last three games between these teams yielding a total of 228 points, a high-scoring match is expected and I’m tipping the Cowboys by 28 points.
New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels:
Despite their struggles in 2024, the Warriors are just three points outside the top eight with five games remaining before a final round bye. They have been hit hard by injuries, including a recent knee injury to Jackson Ford, but remain determined to finish the season strongly. A win over the struggling Eels is crucial, especially with tough away games against the Dolphins and Sea Eagles coming up. The potential return of star playmaker Shaun Johnson from an Achilles injury and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad from a calf injury could provide a significant boost. The Eels, dealing with an unprecedented injury crisis according to interim coach Trent Barrett, have now lost six straight games. Despite their efforts, their resistance was broken by two quick tries from the Storm's Will Warbrick and Tyran Wishart in their last match. I’m tipping the Warriors by 22 points.
The Dolphins will lament their missed opportunity after squandering a 14-point lead to lose to the Titans, placing them on the edge of the top eight. Now in eighth place and facing a challenging month against the Roosters, Warriors, Bulldogs, and Storm, Wayne Bennett's team must quickly recover and aim for a historic finals berth in their second season. However, with losses in four of their last five games, they are vulnerable to teams like the Raiders and Dragons, who are close behind on points differential. Meanwhile, the Roosters nearly lost their lead against Manly due to two intercept passes from Luke Keary but ultimately secured their 12th win and moved to third place on the ladder. With star center Joseph Manu potentially returning from a hand injury, the Roosters are well-positioned to secure a crucial double chance with four of their remaining games against teams outside the top eight. I’m tipping the Roosters by 16 points.
Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos
After already defeating the Broncos this season, the Titans are confident of another victory over their rivals at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday. In their earlier matchup, the then 16th-placed Titans stunned the fifth-placed Broncos 36-34, with standout performances from Keano Kini, Brian Kelly, and David Fifita. Following that defeat, the Broncos won just one of their next six games, dropping to 13th on the ladder. Meanwhile, the Titans have won four of seven games since then, keeping their slim finals hopes alive with a comeback win over the Dolphins. With AJ Brimson expected to return from a groin injury and Jaimin Jolliffe potentially back from a pectoral injury, the Titans pose a significant threat to higher-ranked teams as the season approaches its climax. I’m expecting an upset here, and tipping the Titans by 8 points.
Melbourne Storm v St George Illawarra Dragons:
The Melbourne Storm aim to strengthen their lead at the top of the NRL ladder as they face the Dragons on Saturday night. With a four-point lead over Penrith, the Storm are vying for their first minor premiership since 2021, and a victory would bring them closer to securing the J.J. Giltinan Shield. Despite an underwhelming performance last weekend, they secured a 32-14 win over Parramatta. Cameron Munster, having returned successfully from a groin injury, looks to continue his form. The Dragons, needing a quick recovery after a heavy loss to the Panthers, are striving to keep their finals hopes alive. Currently 10th but level on points with the eighth-placed Dolphins, they might see the return of fullback Tyrell Sloan, as his replacement, Mathew Feagai, suffered a head knock in the last match. I’m tipping the Storm by 30 points.
Cronulla Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
The Cronulla Sharks aim to secure a crucial win at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday to stay in the top four as they host South Sydney. The Sharks, now fourth on the ladder, suffered a 30-22 defeat to North Queensland last weekend and are just two points ahead of the fifth and sixth-placed Bulldogs and Cowboys. Despite a strong season start, Cronulla has won only two of their last eight games, making Saturday's match vital for maintaining a top-four finish and securing a second chance in the finals. South Sydney also faces high stakes as they strive to keep their slim finals hopes alive. The Rabbitohs' chances were dented by a 32-12 loss to the Raiders, during which Alex Johnston sustained an Achilles injury. Richard Kennar might return after a head knock, and Cameron Murray is set to come back after a two-week ban. South Sydney dropped to 15th but are still four points outside the top eight, with a chance to reach the finals if they win their remaining six games. I’m tipping South Sydney by 12 points.
Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights:
After overcoming an early challenge against the Dolphins in Round 20, the Penrith Panthers look formidable again after a dominant 46-10 win over the Dragons, with the Knights next in line. Nathan Cleary continued his impressive return from injury, scoring a hat-trick. However, the victory brought fresh injury concerns as prop James Fisher-Harris exited early with a groin injury, and fullback Daine Laurie failed his HIA and won't play this week. Centre Izack Tago pleaded guilty to a dangerous contact charge but avoided suspension with a fine. The Knights, coming off a bye, were previously defeated 30-14 at home by the Broncos and lost Bradman Best to a hamstring injury. Coach Adam O'Brien hopes to have Brodie Jones back from a head knock, with Adam Elliott and Enari Tuala also dealing with calf injuries. Ultimately, I think Penrith will be too strong and will win by 24 points.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Canberra Raiders
The Bulldogs showcased an impressive attacking display in their 41-16 win over the Broncos and aim to continue their form in front of a sellout crowd at Belmore Sports Ground against the Canberra Raiders. Coach Cameron Ciraldo hopes to have captain Stephen Crichton back from a neck injury, although Josh Addo-Carr is expected to miss another week. Max King and Jaeman Salmon remain sidelined. The Raiders, fresh off a victory over the Rabbitohs, saw strong performances from Jordan Rapana, who scored twice, and halfback Jamal Fogarty, who excelled in his second game back from a biceps injury. Canberra’s Matt Timoko will play after accepting a fine for a shoulder charge. However, the Raiders will miss forward Pasami Saulo for the season due to a back injury requiring surgery and young fullback Chevy Stewart, who is out for three to four matches with an ankle injury. But while the Bulldogs remain undefeated at home, I have to tip them. Canterbury by 18 points.
As the NRL season approaches its climax, each team's performance in these crucial matches will significantly impact their final standings and aspirations. The Tigers, Warriors, Dolphins, and Titans are all grappling with their own challenges and opportunities, while the Storm, Sharks, Panthers, and Bulldogs look to consolidate their positions and secure favorable outcomes. With intense competition and high stakes across the board, these upcoming games promise to be both thrilling and decisive, shaping the final race to the finals and potentially altering the landscape of the league. Fans can expect dramatic shifts and standout performances as teams push towards the season's end. Be sure to get your supporter gear now while Jerseys Megastore’s Winter Clearance Sale is still on, with 20, 30 and 50% off selected NRL stock there’s never been a better time to wear your team’s colours with pride! Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy!
