NRL Round 15: Midseason grind with big rewards or mild disasters on offer

 

 

What a week of footy! A men’s Origin classic with a denouement you could hardly script, a somewhat scrappy women’s contest with the ‘wrong’ backline deciding the issue, and then several tense NRL contests full of dubious decisions and significant injuries with the impact to be felt at both club and Origin level. Interesting times ahead indeed!

 

It’s midseason grind time when clubs can do themselves a lot of good or harm when ‘winnable’ come along. There are a few of these on offer in Round 15 – Titans v Tigers, Raiders v Warriors and Sea Eagles v Dolphins to name but three. ‘Seize the opportunity’ or ‘perish at your peril’ – what will it be?

 

You don’t get a lot of rugby league mentioned in Portugal – strange that! Thank goodness for the internet. Here’s how Round 15 looks from here, although I’ll be back in London by the time the matches are played.

 

Round 15

Tonight the Titans at home to the Wests Tigers should be an entertaining start to the weekend. Gold Coast are usually that little bit better at home while the Tigers have had some good moments in recent times. I’ll go with the hosts based on their home record. The Tigers don’t go that well on the road.

 

Tomorrow evening Jason Croker plays Game 300 as the Raiders face the Warriors. Three cheers to Crocker, a determined and reliable clubman who has given so much and overcome a lot to reach this milestone. I think the emotion of the occasion will be enough to get Canberra home.

 

Later on the Sea Eagles take on the Dolphins with both needing a win, perhaps Manly more so as a loss would see a bit of a gap developing between them and the eight. The Dolphins want to stay up there and this is the sort of mid-table game they have to win to announce themselves as genuine, top half of the table residents. I think that the newcomers have what it takes to get the job done even though suspensions are hurting them again.

 

On Saturday afternoon Ben Hunt plays the Rabbitohs. The guy may be on top dollars but his week in, week out standout efforts show both his class and his value to the Dragons. Unfortunately, as usual, it won’t be enough and the Bunnies will win easily.

 

The Broncos host the Knights in the twilight match. Wasn’t it good to see Corey Oates back last week – and in such a confident frame of mind! Kotoni Staggs also returned to form. The Knights will have their moments but not enough to topple the ladder leaders.

 

In the late game, the Roosters face Penrith in what may well be an absorbing clash given the absence of Nathan Cleary. The Roosters have been clunky but surely something better can’t be far away. I know I’ve been saying that for ages but it will happen sooner or later. Nevertheless I’ll stick with Penrith.

The Sharks head to Melbourne for the game of the round. There’s not too much love lost between these two sides in recent times! Both are coming off losses of some note last weekend and so the questions are out there. I want to tip against them but just about every time I knock the Storm they strike me out. I don’t see how they can win this one but I’ll tip them anyway.

 

Finally it’s the Bulldogs up against the Eels, a lower ladder game but still full of significance with an almost ‘last chance saloon’ feel about it. Both have had disappointing seasons but the Eels have shown a bit more form of late. Watch for MM as he tries to win an Origin jumper – that will be the difference. Parramatta for me.

 

The Cowboys have the bye.

 

So my winners this week are the Titans, Raiders, Dolphins,Rabbitohs, Broncos, Panthers, Storm and Eels. (I got 6/7 last week.)

 

 

To see the full draw for Season 2023 click HERE.

To read our library of rugby league stories click HERE.

To return to our Footy Almanac 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 things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.