Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights (Sat 3pm, Panthers)
Last Five: Penrith 5 wins, Newcastle 0 wins
A turbulent week at Penrith with Anthony Griffin’s sacking was put behind them on the Gold Coast last Saturday with a thrilling golden point victory over the Titans.ย It came at a loss with James Maloney injured and Jack Hetherington suspended.ย To win this week, their handling and discipline will need to be addressed ahead of a fortnight on the road in Auckland and in Melbourne.
Newcastle are looking to play Kalyn Ponga at five-eighth.ย Being closer to the action may stifle his ability to find open spaces, but we shall see.ย They were completely outplayed by the New Zealand Warriors on a greasy night in Auckland last Friday night.ย Is this the week Penrith fine-tune their game and play from in front, against a side who has the most points conceded in the NRL this year?
PREDICTION: Panthers 34 Knights 16
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/05/12/report-penrith-panthers-29-newcastle-knights-18/
Wests Tigers vs St George-Illawarra Dragons (Sat 5:30pm, Leichhardt)
Last Five: St George-Illawarra 3 wins, Wests Tigers 2 wins
The door could be well and truly open for the Wests Tigers to draw level with Brisbane Broncos on points, providing a favourable result in Thursday night’s fixture.ย They completed the first step in their quest to remain in contention last week, overcoming bogey side Canberra on the road.ย Robbie Farah’s second coming at the Tigers is inspiring this side to success.ย We can’t forget that they had their own set of problems leading into this game with Ivan Cleary having to end any conversation that he would end up as Panthers head coach in 2019.
St George-Illawarra Dragons problems intensified last week with a horrible loss to bottom placed Parramatta, compounded with Gareth Widdop injuring his shoulder.ย Kurt Mann has big shoes to fill.ย To avoid the same catastrophe in 2017, they need to steady for a win here otherwise they face a potential danger final round game in Newcastle.ย Tigers have the fire and reasonable form to get the two points.
PREDICTION: Tigers 28 Dragons 8
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/07/16/report-wests-tigers-20-st-george-illawarra-dragons-16/
Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys (Sat 7:30pm, Southern Cross Group)
Last Five: Cronulla 3 wins, North Queensland 2 wins
Saturday evening will see Johnathan Thurston play in Sydney for the final time in his long career when the Cowboys visit the Shire. In the last three weeks the Cowboys have turned around their season winning two from three, including Thursday night’s win over Brisbane thanks to JT’s kick in-goal for Coen Hoss to score the match winner.ย They also won their previous encounter with the Sharks, all the way back in round 1 by a converted try.ย Losing Taumalolo through suspension is a big blow for the visitors.
Cronulla bounced back from the shock loss to Manly with a big win over Melbourne, to keep their top 4 hopes alive.ย They’ll be without injured Wade Graham once again.ย Both sides have big packs, so the control of the halves and skill of the outside backs is where the game is won.ย This gives the Sharks an advantage.
PREDICTION: Sharks 25 Cowboys 18
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/03/10/nrl-match-report-north-queensland-cowboys-20-cronulla-sharks-14/
