Newcastle Knights vs St George-Illawarra Dragons (Sat 3pm, McDonald Jones)
Last Five: St George-Illawarra 4 wins, Newcastle 1 win
With Ponga still absent it means Pearce must once again lift up for their Old Boys Day in Newcastle this weekend. They are up against a side in the Red V that are low in confidence while also heading into a Final series. The Dragons need to dig deep to take the win but I imagine a Knights slaughter here and St George to suffer their fifth loss from their past six.
PREDICTION: Knights 14+
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/04/01/nrl-match-report-st-george-illawarra-dragons-30-12-newcastle-knights/
Gold Coast Titans vs North Queensland Cowboys (Sat 5:30pm, CBUS)
Last Five: North Queensland 5 wins, Gold Coast 0 wins
The curtains draw on the career of one of history’s greatest players. For this game JT’s men travel to the Glitter Strip to take on a side led by the youngster the Maroon legend himself once said could take his throne – that player being the current underperforming Ash Taylor. Titans will be looking to spoil the party but the Cowboys will be fighting to send their favourite son out on a great high.
PREDICTION: Cowboys by 2
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/04/22/report-north-queensland-cowboys-26-v-gold-coast-titans-14/
Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters (Sat 7:35pm, ANZ)
Last Five: Sydney Roosters 3 wins, Parramatta 2 wins
This is the same Eels side that most had in their run to finals in 2018. Instead they have received the wooden spoon with a continuous run of losses. Last week’s smashing by the Cowboys would have been a massive nail in the coffin when it comes to any ounce of confidence for Brad Arthur’s men – how was Hook hooked and Arthur remains?
The Roosters have been off their game of late but will use their huge pack of stars including It’s the last game of the season and they are destined to finish last, but Parramatta should want to redeem themselves after being thrashed by the Cowboys. The Roosters have been off their game over the past fortnight and will utilise their pack of stars including Cooper Cronk, Latrell Mitchell, James Tedesco, Boyd Cordner, Ferguson and Jake Friend with another huge scoring demolition over this woeful Parramatta side.
PREDICTION: Roosters 24+
https://nothingbutleague.com/2017/05/15/four-pointers-sydney-roosters-48-parramatta-eels-10/
