2026 NRL – Round 7: It’s all getting very interesting!

 

 

A mini rave

A rave again this week – and a triple one at that. Firstly, to the Bulldogs for their dissection of the Panthers – meticulously planned, well executed and totally sustained. Watch other clubs try to emulate their approach. Secondly, roll on the Wests Tigers, the one and only ‘flavour of the month’ now that they’ve disdainfully dismissed their rivals for that title, the Newcastle Knights. Bravo, Benji! Thirdly, after an ominous few weeks of Panther domination, we have a competition that is now looking like a battle between up to a dozen sides for finals honours. More of the same, please!

The other thing to note is the preponderance of high scoring games lately – the Dragons v Sea Eagles combined total of 46 points was the lowest of Round 6. Whatever happened to defence?

 

Round 6

The Dogs’ defeat of the Panthers was the story of the round – who saw that coming? Most importantly, that one result shakes the comp up mightily and has us all looking forward to a more competitive season from here on. The Sea Eagles took a while to get going but did it on the bit by the time they got to the end. Old DCE looked like a sprightly youngster (well, almost) as he got in on the act. The Broncos and Cowboys put on a gripping rollercoaster worthy of derby status before the Cowboys held their nerve as the Broncos let one slip. Taumalolo is looking so much better than he has for the past few years. The Rabbitohs will also feel that they let one get away from them out West while the Raiders will be happy just to get back on the winning list after a lean time of late. The enigma that is BLM was on full display. Just when you thought the Sharks were sorting themselves out, they crash to a defeat against the type of side they need to beat to be taken really seriously. By contrast, the Roosters showed more energy and purpose than they have for a while. The shape of things to come? Just how bad are things at the Storm? Four on the trot! Unheard of, unmöglich even. The Warriors were slick and quick with Boyd prominent again. But how does he learn to work with Metcalf when the latter returns from injury? The Titans put on some classy plays too but it was only against the Eels. But perhaps the Gold Coasters may have found a bit of self belief. Are Benji’s boys the real deal? They certainly have spirit, belief and a fair share gf oomph. Good to see. And perhaps the Knights have been exposed as pretenders.

 

Round 7

The Cowboys and the Sea Eagles get Round 7 underway up north tomorrow night with both sides showing improved form of late. The Cowboys look to me to be a more complete unit at the moment while the Manly crew seem to rely a bit more on individual efforts. This is a game where the two points to the winner probably counts as a bit more in that congested middle section of the ladder. At home, I think I’ll have to go with the Cowboys.

On Friday evening the Raiders, fresh off a much needed win, play host to the now ‘desperate for a win’ Storm. Historically it has been crazy to tip against Melbourne; at the moment you’d almost have to be mad to tip for them! The Raiders can score a lot of points but they are also all too prone to concede heaps. I’ll be Sir Humphrey Appleby ‘courageous’ and tip Melbourne to lose five in a row. I’ll be on the Raiders. The later game has the unsure Dolphins up against the wounded Panthers – not a pleasant prospect. The Dolphins have been underperformers in recent weeks and so I can’t really see them handling an ‘out to set the record straight’ Penrith side. Get on the Panthers.

Saturday afternoon footy takes us across the ditch where the Warriors come up against the Titans, with both teams coming off big wins. But it’s the Hyphens who have shown more dash more often and, at home, I can’t see them letting their fans down. Warriors. The twilight game has the yet to convince Rabbitohs taking on the dreadful Dragons. One way traffic, I think – Rabbitohs. The late game has Wests Tigers, riding high, facing the banged up Broncos who are vulnerable without key players. Reynolds has to play for the Broncos to be any chance but, somehow, I don’t think even that will be enough. I’ll be on the Wests Tigers.

On Sunday the re-emerging Roosters host the Knights in another game that’s worth more than the two points on offer. Are the Roosters back? Did the Knights just have an off day last week or have they peaked early? The Chooks are looking stronger up front and that’s where most games are won, so I’ll have to go with them – Roosters. The round closes with the execrable Eels taking on the dominating Dogs. The only question is ‘how far’? Bulldogs.

The Sharks have the bye.

 

Tipping

O me miserum! A miserable 2/8. Another snake when I need a ladder (or three). There’s always next week.

 

The Round

To see the who, where and when of Round 7 click here.

 

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