Almanac Rugby League – 2022 NRL Round 22: Then there were nine

Round 20 went pretty much to script with the result that we now have only nine teams in finals contention. Realistically, do you honestly think that the Dragons or the Sea Eagles are still in it? Perhaps mathematically and depending on other results but they’re two games plus significant points differential off the pace for 8th spot – too much with only 4 rounds remaining, methinks.

 

Here’s what we learned over the weekend: the Broncos are out of top four contention and in general strife after losing their flair and dare over the past fortnight. The Roosters are surging but can’t make the top four either, so just one loss in the finals and they’re cactus. There’s still life in the Storm but they’ll be tested in the coming weeks by the loss of Hughes to injury. The Eels continue to tease – their best is very good (inspired by King Gutho) but they’re prone to the odd shocker. If they sneak into the top four they just might give things a shake. Ditto the Rabbitohs.

 

The Panthers demonstrated their formidable depth in their convincing win over the Raiders and firmed even further as competition favourites. The Sharks were unconvincing but did enough to win ugly, always a good sign. Sitting third with four very winnable games to come, they’re looking good to hold their position. The Cowboys left it late to get on top of the Bulldogs but their class won out. But with three tough games in the run home, they’ll need to lift their game to cement their top four spot.

 

As for the rest, the Dogs were probably the most impressive and can look forward to a better 2023; Adam Doueihi is a class act, almost single-handedly dragging the Tigers to a win over the Knights in a game of very poor quality; the Dragons are only one or two good players short of a competitive side – some of their older troops need to be moved on; the Warriors need an overhaul.

 

Let’s look ahead to Round 22 in Season ‘22. It’s a potential belter to start with as the Panthers take on the Storm tonight. We’ll learn a lot about both, I suspect. Melbourne has to win to have premiership credibility – if they can’t beat a weakened Penrith side now, how will they possibly beat a full strength version of the defending premiers next month? The Panthers have nothing to lose – they’re down on personnel so we can’t read too much into a potential loss; a win against a team of the Storm’s stature would  send even louder alarm bells throughout the comp. I can’t tip against the Mountain Men who have shown themselves to be anything but chocolate soldiers.

 

The Warriors are at home to the Bulldogs in tomorrow’s early game. It’s a case of a side in the ascendant up against one on a slippery slope. Maybe the home crowd will lift the Warriors but I’m tipping the Dogs to maintain their good end-of-season form. Then it’s the Eels up against the Rabbitohs – another beauty! The possibility of a top four spot is on offer for the winner whereas a loss would probably mean that that opportunity is gone. Both teams come into the game with confidence and in good form. The packs may well nullify each other which will throw greater than usual responsibility on the halves and fullbacks. Dylan Brown v Cody Walker, Gutherson v Mitchell. Sivo v AJ. The match-ups are mouthwatering! I’ll stick my neck out and go with Souths because I’m not sure that Parra can back up at the same level as last week.

 

Saturday footy starts with another ripper – the Roosters taking on the Cowboys. The Chooks have been in threatening form of late while the Cowboys have not been quite so hot. Perhaps the northerners need a hit out against a quality side to sharpen their focus ahead of September. The Roosters will certainly provide that – and more! The men from Bondi are looking ominous and will not have given up on hopes of a top four spot. I think they’ll have the guns to take down the Cowboys.

 

The Tigers and the Sharks meet in Tamworth in the early evening with Cronulla the hot favourites. Kimmorley has the Tigers playing better football these days but Fitzgibbon has the Sharks in another class altogether. One way traffic here. The late game features the Broncos at home to the Knights. Brisbane has to win for the sake of their confidence heading towards next month. A loss has the potential to threaten their participation in September given their tough draw in the final three games. The Knights almost gave up a 14 point lead on Sunday so they’ve got problems too. I expect Brisbane to get the job done.

 

On Sunday the Raiders will look to keep their slim finals hopes alive when they meet the Dragons in Canberra. This should be a good game with both sides capable of good footy but struggling to put together a full 80 minutes. I liked the way the Dragons hassled the Sharks and a similar effort might dismantle Canberra. Meanwhile, ‘Sticky’ will be using September as the battle cry for his troops. Without any real confidence, I’ll go with the Raiders.

 

To conclude the round, the Titans host the Sea Eagles on the Gold Coast. The season can’t end soon enough for the Titans after another vastly underwhelming year with little prospect of better things ahead. At least Manly has contended, even without the services of ‘Turbo’ for most of the year. DCE is continuing his great form and should lead his lads to a comfortable win.

 

So my winners this week are the Panthers, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Roosters, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders and Sea Eagles.

 

It’s now only 2 weeks until NRLW season 2022 commences.

 

 

 

To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.au  home page click HERE

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

 

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE