Almanac Rugby League – 2020 NRL Round 4: Let’s sort out some of these teams

This weekend’s Round 4 of the NRL may well give us more of a pointer as to which clubs are going where in the re-booted season. Last weekend provided some clues; this weekend may identify the suspects more clearly.

 

The Roosters looked ominous on Friday night and should account for the Broncos who are threatening to be exposed as pretenders. Let’s hope for the Brisbane boys’ sake that they can turn things around with a strong effort. The Panthers v Warriors game could tell us more about the petrol in the tank of the Panthers after their golden point draw on Sunday. Equally, it will tell us a bit more about the resolve of the Kiwi lads who are marooned on foreign shores for several months.

 

The Storm and the Rabbitohs both lost last week, so their clash takes on considerable significance. Dropping a second game immediately might be a confidence-sapping experience for these proud clubs. This could be a cracker! The Eels and the Sea Eagles is another one to get the blood flowing. Have the Eels got ‘it’? Are the Sea Eagles genuine contenders? We’ll find out more about both of them on Saturday.

 

The Cowboys and the Sharks usually provide a good contest and this week should be no different. The Cowboys are looking to establish themselves and, at home, they should win. The Sharks are 0-3 and another loss will put them in serious problems so we should expect a bit more from them this time around. Both the Raiders and the Knights are unbeaten but the Canberra boys are red hot while the Knights could run out of puff after Sunday’s herculean effort.

 

The Tigers should be far too creative for the Titans and I fear another lop-sided score against the Gold Coast team. Finally, the Bulldogs and the Dragons will be playing to get off the bottom of the ladder which should provide them with some incentive but, in the long run, it won’t really matter.

 

Here’s the draw:

Thursday June 4

Broncos v Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, 7.50pm

Friday June 5

Panthers v Warriors at Campbelltown Stadium, 6.00pm
Storm v Rabbitohs at AAMI Park, 7.55pm

Saturday June 6

Eels v Sea eagles at Bankwest Stadium, 5.30pm
Cowboys v Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, 7.35pm

Sunday June 7

Raiders v Knights at Campbelltown Stadium, 4.05pm
Tutans v Tigers at Suncorp Stadium, 6.30pm

Monday June 8

Bulldogs v Dragons at Bankwest Stadium, 4.05pm

 

After scoring 5 out of 8 last week (including the Warriors!), my tips this week are: Roosters, Warriors, Storm, Eels, Cowboys, Raiders, Tigers and Bulldogs.

 

@blenheimboy2

 

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.

 

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