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BroncoKiwi
NRL Predictions - Round 26
September 5th 2008 05:06
Category: Weekly Tips
Brisbane Broncos v Newcastle Knights
The Broncos have everything to play for on Friday evening. It's Wayne Bennett's last regular season fixture as coach, Tonie Carroll's last game home and Karmichael Hunt's 100th appearance in first grade - the youngest player ever to do so. But the Knights won't be a push over. The boys from Newcastle toppled the Storm last weekend and they need a win to secure a spot in the top eight. It should be an intense game but I think Brisbane will be too strong - now is the time for Broncos to show they mean business in 2008.
Sydney Roosters v St. George Illawarra Dragons
This clash is NRL Live's game of the round, so click here for an indepth preview. For the record, I'm tipping the Dragons to continue their good form with a win.
Penrith Panthers v Manly Sea Eagles
A win will more than likely secure Manly the minor premiership, while the Panthers' season is well and truly over. It's looking like another wet and windy affair and the result will come down to who can dominate in the forwards. This is where Manly have the advantage. The likes of Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart and Adam Cuthbertson should propel the Sea Eagles to victory.
Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors
The Knights loss to the Broncos has left the door slightly ajar for the Warriors who need a win to make the top eight. But it won't be easy - they'll have to overcome the suspension of fullback Wade McKinnon, as well as a dreadful record away from home. However, I think the Warriors will step up and come away with the two points.
Cronulla Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys
Cronulla are deserved favourites but the Cowboys will fancy their chances of an upset. I think we'll see a closer encounter than many expect but it's hard to tip against the third place Sharks at home.
Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs
With a top eight spot already secured, the Raiders will be looking to give their fans plenty to cheer about in their last home game of the season. Even without regular halfback Marc Herbert, I can see Canberra chalking up quite a score against the wounded Doggies. Raiders by 20.
Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers
This could well be the most entertaining game of the round. Both teams are out of finals contention and attacking, care-free footy will be the order of the day. Luke Bailey makes his comeback from injury and, with Rogers and Prince in the halves, I'm backing the Titans to finish their season on a high note with an enterprising win. Significantly, Tigers' stalwart Brett Hodgson plays his final game in the NRL.
Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Melbourne will be determined to bounce back after a shock loss last weekend and need to win by at least 27 points to secure the minor premiership. I think the Storm should win, but I can't see them snatching top spot off Manly.
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I picked 7/8 last weekend (88%). My overall tally for the season stands at 116/184 (64%).
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