The 2024 NRL season is proving to be a close contest, with numerous players battling injuries or fluctuating form. As the finals approach, picking a perfect round is nearly impossible. Each week, we’ll offer some guidance on three key matchups to help with your tips.
One game that could almost be labeled the “roughie of the week” is the Raiders taking on the Panthers. The Raiders are still reeling from a classic Ricky Stuart dressing down, while the Panthers will be without star halfback Nathan Cleary. However, the Panthers have shown resilience throughout the season, often managing without Cleary.
Brad Schneider will fill the No.6 jersey, with Jarome Luai stepping into Cleary’s role, taking on the responsibility of directing play for the reigning premiers. Luai has demonstrated his ability to shine when given more control, as seen during the State of Origin series when he stepped out of Cleary’s shadow.
The Raiders will be motivated to finish the season strong, with Stuart’s words still echoing in their minds, eager to prove they can compete with top teams. However, the Panthers are likely to overpower them out wide as the game progresses. The sure bet for round 25 is: Panthers.
Meanwhile, doubts remain about the Sharks after they struggled to secure a win against the Knights last weekend. The question lingers—are they true premiership contenders, or just finals pretenders?
The Dragons, on the other hand, powered past the Titans to maintain their hold on eighth place. When focused, they look formidable, but they’re still prone to lapses in concentration.
Both teams are desperate for the two points, with the Sharks at risk of falling out of the Top 4, while the Dragons could still miss the finals entirely. WIN Stadium provides a significant advantage for the Dragons, who will be fired up for a strong performance against their neighbors and fierce rivals. This game will reveal a lot about how the rest of the season might unfold for both teams.
Leave a Reply