Round 18 NRL Quick Predictions

Round 18 NRL Quick Predictions

[NRL] Round 18 NRL Quick Predictions

FRIDAY

SEA EAGLES v TIGERS @ BROOKVALE

Quick Tip: Sea Eagles

Why? Manly at home is always a tough ask for any side and the Tigers still don't have two of their best three players (Marshall and Hodgson) available for this clash - so I'm leaning towards the Sea Eagles in this one.

COWBOYS v BRONCOS @ DAIRY FARMERS
Quick Tip: Broncos

Why? Brisbane didn't really knock the Titans out of last Friday night's contest when they had the upper hand but give them credit for overcoming a deficit in the second half to get the 2 points. The Cowboys need Thurston at full health to win these big games and he'll be anything but fully fit if he plays on Friday. Broncos away for mine.

SATURDAY

BULLDOGS v PANTHERS @ TELSTRA
Quick Tip: Bulldogs
Why? The Panthers can't tackle and half their team hasn't responded well to the tight leash new coach Matt Elliott has put on their once 'do what I want' lives under John Lang. But knowing the Bulldogs they'll go into this game as raging hot favourites, believe their own press and hand the Panthers an easy 2 points. But I can't officially pick Penrith in this one.

ROOSTERS v SHARKS @ SFS
Quick Tip: Sharks

Why? Even without Kimmorley or Dykes the Sharks should have too much control in the middle of the ruck for the Roosters to overcome and build pressure through field position. The Roosters don't have the offensive skills to worry the Sharks too much in this one and if Cronulla can score 3 or 4 tries they'll win.

SUNDAY

WARRIORS v DRAGONS @ MT SMART
Quick Tip: Warriors

Why? The Dragons had the good fortune of coming up against a Canberra team that couldn't tackle last weekend - yet only secured the game with 20 minutes to go regardless of the 58-16 final scoreline. The Warriors on the other hand weren't brilliant against the Cowboys but were hard done by thanks to video refereeing that defied belief. Warriors at home here.

RAIDERS v TITANS @ CANBERRA
Quick Tip: Raiders

Why? I've been burnt by the Raiders the past month and here I go picking them again. This week the reasoning is the possible absence of Scott Prince for the Titans and the fact Canberra might actually remember how to tackle this week.

EELS v RABBITOHS @ PARRAMATTA
Quick Tip: Eels

Why? Parramatta were horrible in some key areas against the Knights and Newcastle were very good as well - that amounted to a comprehensive loss at home on Monday night. I can't see that happening again when the Bunnies come to visit on Sunday afternoon. If Souths had a halfback who could actually create opportunities I'd be tempted by the Bunnies but fact is - Jeremy Smith is a below average playmaker and Souths can't win these games with him in the #7.

MONDAY

STORM v KNIGHTS @ OLYMPIC
Quick Tip: Storm

Why? Even if Cooper Cronk doesn't play the Storm will have too much dominance in the play the ball for the Knights to prevail. Newcastle were excellent against Parramatta but the Storm don't allow you to get a roll on very often - and that's how the Knights attack - with momentum. Storm at home.