Parramatta are buzzing on the proper time of the 12 months, although.
Dylan Brown, Shaun Lane and Maika Sivo have been huge threats — however I can’t see them combating the cohesion of Penrith’s Isaah Yeo, who hyperlinks so effectively with the halves.
Joey’s tip: Penrith by 2.
First try-scorer: Viliame Kikau
Man of the match: Nathan Cleary
The Dangerman: The Kikausaurus.
Storm v Raiders
Moist climate can be predicted for this match, which helps the Storm with their wrestle and the way in which they suffocate the opposition.
However the Raiders’ pack, particularly Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine with Hudson Younger on the left aspect, may be very formidable.
Their huge menace is five-eighth Jack Wighton coming again on the left and mixing with Younger: highly effective, robust, skilful, fast and mad, all written in capital letters and crayon.
Raiders stars Hudson Younger and Jack Wighton.Credit score:Getty
For Melbourne, the massive query mark is whether or not halfback Jahrome Hughes performs.
Contemplating the gamers they’ve had out for a lot of the 12 months — Ryan Papenhuyzen, Reimis Smith and Christian Welch — Melbourne have overachieved.
The Storm are coming off two very bodily matches in opposition to the Roosters and the Eels and that might be sufficient for the Raiders to get house.
Joey’s tip: Raiders by 4.
First try-scorer: Justin Olam.
Man of the match: Joe Tapine.
The dangerman: Justin Olam’s proper shoulder.
Sharks v Cowboys
A dry, windy night time is predicted on Saturday so there ought to be loads of ball motion. Each these groups like to assault so I’m anticipating this to be the sport of the weekend.
The Sharks are coming off a smooth month with huge wins over the Tigers, Manly, Bulldogs and Knights.
They’ve been in third gear for all these wins and coach Craig Fitzgibbon has them recent and firing when it issues most.
Cronulla have a troublesome, well-balanced crew that’s trustworthy and hardworking, just about like their coach when he was a participant.
Nicho Hynes and the Sharks have been in cruise management these days.Credit score:Getty
The one factor you’ll be able to at all times assure in opposition to the Sharks is that they received’t beat themselves.
A large plus is the match being at PointsBet Stadium. That’s a 12-point benefit as a result of, for away groups, it’s like taking part in within the Bermuda Triangle. Bizarre stuff occurs there, after which later at Northies.
North Queensland have been one of many tales of the 12 months. Coach Todd Payten has completed an important job after some specialists tipped them for the wood spoon.
Take a look at their crew. They’re stuffed with younger stars on the rise: Jeremiah Nanai, Murray Taulagi, Tom Gilbert, Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater.
Their finest participant all 12 months has been hooker Reece Robson, who has flown beneath the radar however ought to push for rep honours subsequent 12 months.
The Cowboys’ finest menace is Nanai on the left. He’s a freakish participant.
Joey’s tip: Sharks by 8
First try-scorer: Kyle Feldt.
Man of the match: Matt Moylan.
The dangerman: The Bermuda Triangle.
Roosters v Rabbitohs
This might be a shandy behind Sharks-Cowboys as the sport of the weekend.
Sunny day, quick monitor, loads of ball motion and likewise loads of hate.
The followers hate one another, the boards hate one another, the chairmen apparently take to each other besides on recreation day.
The Roosters’ ahead pack has been unbelievable the previous two weeks in opposition to Melbourne and Souths. Led by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, they’ve been highly effective, robust and intimidating.
Lodge is a tremendous story. I feel he’ll go away with the Kangaroos and his resurgence demonstrates the management throughout the group and the standard of the organisation.
Lock Victor Radley is a large inclusion for the Roosters however the lack of centre Joseph Manu to harm prices them six to eight factors.
Joseph Manu is an enormous loss for the Roosters.Credit score:Getty
Fullback James Tedesco has had his finest 12 months. The massive enchancment has been the way in which he’s mixed with Radley and the halves, Luke Keary and Sam Walker.
Early within the season, their mixtures have been clunky however they’ve labored it out, largely as a result of Tedesco has pulled again his involvement.
Souths want Cameron Murray and Damien Cook dinner to play. Murray has the go-forward which Cook dinner then performs off along with his pace.
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Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell are the threats however a lot relies on rookie halfback Lachlan Ilias. He must convey Walker into play, then Walker must convey Mitchell into play. It’s about having the appropriate really feel to offer them the ball in the appropriate place on the proper time.
If Murray doesn’t play, Souths can’t win. If he does play, it’s a toss of a coin.
Joey’s tip: Roosters by 2.
First try-scorer: Sam Verrills.
Man of the match: James Tedesco.
Then Dangermen: Teddy and Latrell.
