Round 22 of the NRL season is here, and with finals looming large, every game is starting to feel like a knockout clash. From the Eels miraculous heist in Brisbane to the Raiders relentless march towards September, there’s no shortage of storylines this week. Whether it’s Lachie Galvin facing his old club, the battle of the beaches, or Penrith’s push for the top four, fans are in for another action-packed weekend. We’ve broken down every matchup and picked our winners; read on for our full tips and predictions, brought to you by Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy.
Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm:
Like a thief in the night, the Eels travelled to Suncorp and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Their task gets infinitely harder this week though as they take the Storm, albeit a wounded Melbourne Storm. Jarome Hughes is set to miss the next few weeks with a complicated dislocated shoulder injury, but with Munster returning and Tyron Wishart in the wings, I can’t see that causing too much of a stir. The Eels were valiant against the Broncos, and will only get better as they continue to gel as a team with Mitchell Moses back. I suspect this task may be a step too far though. I’m tipping the Storm by 16 points.
New Zealand Warriors v Dolphins:
After a shock loss at home to the cellar dwelling Titans, the Warriors will be out for vengeance this week against a firing Dolphins outfit. However a lot will need to change, and fast, if they are to stand a chance against the point scoring powerhouse from Redcliffe. Coming in fresh off a bye only enhances the Dolphins chances for me. The Warriors looked a bit lost in their last two games, and the loss of key players to injury seems to be taking a toll. Another week of cohesion as a team, after decemating the defence of the rest of the comp. I’ll be tipping the Dolphins by 26 points.
Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
The injury list at South Sydney continues to grow as each week goes on, and losing Jack Wighton to suspension only worsens their prospects of avoiding the wooden spoon. The Broncos on the other hand, will come into this clash after a wake up call from the Eels at home last week. I’d expect a point scoring frenzy on a depleted Souths lineup. I’m tipping the Broncos by 30 points.
Gold Coast Titans v Penrith Panthers:
Another chance for the four peat premiers to flex their muscles. The Titans fought hard and got the win in New Zealand, but the Panthers are a different beast altogether. The Cleary’s can no doubt smell blood, as they fight for a top four spot that may just be slipping away from the Wahs. A big win here will go a long way to helping them run that goal down. No one wants to face Penrith in the finals with a second bite of the cherry. I’m tipping the Panthers by 24 points.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Canberra Raiders:
Can anyone stop this Green Machine side? Canberra have notched up 9 wins in a row and are sitting pretty at the top of the ladder. The Dragons will have to be ready to play a full eighty minutes if they are any chance of taking down the Raiders. In the last few weeks, sides have gone toe to toe for 50 minutes, to an hour with them. But ultimately the Raiders have been running away with the game by big margins as the opposition drop off. I just can’t see the inconsistency of the Dragons being good enough to match it with the Milk. I’m tipping the Raiders by 22 points.
Manly Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters:
The battle of the beaches. One side struggled to beat a Storm side with no Papenhuyzen, Munster, Hughes or NAS. The other got mauled by a firing Bulldogs outfit. Both sides are fighting for a spot in the top eight, but who wants it more? The experience of Manly goes up against the fresh faced youth of the Roosters. I suspect the Dogs may have knocked the confidence out of Manly, after they tried to bash through the smaller Bulldogs pack and failed to go the distance in the fight. The extra size of the Roosters pack may just run right over them this week. I’m tipping the Roosters by 8 points.
Wests Tigers v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs:
Lachie Galvin takes on his former club for the first time and the Dogs are barking! Coach Ciraldo seems to be unlocking the Bulldogs attack to match their strong defence as the season reaches its pointy end. On the other hand, the Tigers did not look good at all as they went down to Penrith last week. Benji Marshall will be looking for answers, and hoping to find them quickly. If the Bulldogs can remain as clinical this week as they were last, and wear down the Tigers, this could get ugly as well. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 24 points.
Cronulla Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys:
The Sharks are looking to secure a finals birth, while the Cowboys are fighting to cling to their season. While they were very clunky against Souths last week, the Sharks fought hard to hang on for the win. The Cowboys on the other hand, need to build Tom Dearden a statue. He single handedly kept them in the fight against the Dragons last week, and pulled them victory from a near embarrassment. If the Sharks can get back to what makes them a top eight side, and do the basics well, they should be able to put this Cowboys outfit to bed. I’m tipping the Sharks by 14 points.
With just a handful of rounds left, the stakes couldn’t be higher! Finals dreams are on the line, and so is pride. From heavyweights flexing their muscles to underdogs fighting for survival, Round 22 promises fireworks across the board. Whether you’re backing the Raiders to roll on, tipping the Bulldogs to run riot, or hoping for a classic in the battle of the beaches, there’s no shortage of drama in store. Make sure you’re kitted out and ready for the run for finals, head to Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy.
