NRL PREDICTIONS | Round 22
It’s Women In League Round as Round 22 of the National Rugby League Premiership continues
Cowboys vs Broncos (Thurs 7:50pm, 1300 Smiles)
Last Five: Cowboys 3 wins, Broncos 2 wins
An interesting start to Round 22 of the premiership with an all-Queensland derby. Brisbane were effectively floored by Canterbury a week ago in a game where they trailed 36-12 with twelve minutes to go before reducing the gap to fourteen. North Queensland showed fight against the Roosters, a team probably looking a week ahead with their clash against South Sydney on Friday night. A big night for Gehamat Shibasaki with his debut in Townsville. The loss of Josh Maguire is a blow for the Broncos. The Cowboys effort in Sydney last week suggests an upset is on the cards.
PREDICTION: Cowboys 26 Broncos 22
NRL MATCH REPORT | Brisbane Broncos 24 North Queensland Cowboys 20
Warriors vs Knights (Fri 8pm NZT 6pm AEST, Mt Smart)
Last Five: Warriors 4 wins, Knights 1 win
How good were the Warriors last week in Wollongong? Outstanding football that was almost as good as their demolition in Brisbane a few weeks back, and a good bounce back from an embarrassing loss on the Gold Coast. They are certainly tippable against a Newcastle Knights side that could be missing playmaker Mitchell Pearce after that thigh injury out of his side’s loss to Wests Tigers last Friday night. Not to mention that the dynamic Kalyn Ponga isn’t 100% fit and under a cloud as well. Warriors always look better with RTS, Shaun Johnson and Issac Luke in the spine and a win here will enhance their chances of finishing above Brisbane and possibly Cronulla depending on results over the next four rounds.
PREDICTION: Warriors 32 Knights 14
Rabbitohs vs Roosters (Fri 7:55pm, ANZ)
Last Five: Roosters 3 wins, Rabbitohs 2 wins
The smell of finals footy is in the air with these two traditional rivals battling it out at ANZ Stadium. It would be disappointing if the crowd is lower than 30,000 given the history between the two sides. South Sydney and in particular Damien Cook, blew Melbourne off the park in the second half to run out 30-20 winners. The Roosters a little off in their narrow win over the Cowboys, probably thinking one week ahead. Battles all over the field from fullback to the halves and hookers. Sam Burgess vs Victor Radley will be epic! I’m really looking forward to this one and maybe Latrell Mitchell will be the difference in the contest.
PREDICTION: Roosters 20 Rabbitohs 18
NRL MATCH REPORT | Sydney Roosters 14 – 26 South Sydney Rabbitohs
