Rugby League

Was it always the plan for Melbourne to bring back their cast of stars here? Or are we seeing a response from an embarrassed Craig Bellamy following last week’s capitulation to Easts?  Melbourne’s resilience under pressure and willingness to play the long game has been their greatest quality this year. Unlike their opponents in this one, the Storm are happy to absorb pressure with their defence and trust the points will come late. They don’t have Harry Grant to orchestrate things in good-ball here though.   I like Melbourne to come out firing but Brisbane might have too many points through…

On the wrong end of two heartbreakers in consecutive weeks, the Panthers are in unfamiliar territory as they look to complete an incredible run into the finals. The stats suggest Canterbury were perhaps unlucky to finish behind Melbourne on the scoreboard last week. They dominated in yardage and produced 10 linebreak opportunities but were repeatedly denied by a desperate Storm defence in the scramble.   Lachie Galvin is playing on the ball to create havoc in the line and the Bulldogs are getting better at capitalising on those moments on the following play.  Bet Now New Zealand Warriors vs Parramatta Eels…

Two rosters decimated with injuries makes for a lottery game to kick off NRL Round 25. South Sydney made it back-to-back wins thanks to some winning involvements from Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker in consecutive weeks. They’ve lacked the cattle & class to win those moments throughout the regular season but are defending well enough to make this a grind and win it ugly. St George lost another heartbreaker last week and are without Jack de Belin and a few others here. In a scrap I’m keen to be with Bennett’s Bunnies. Bet Now Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders 8:00pm,…

This feels like the 2025 NRL Grand Final Preview at time of writing. Melbourne’s resilience under pressure remains their greatest quality – they’re capable of winning games ugly or late which bodes well given two key parts of their spine are missing here. Penrith on the other hand are all but full strength and their spine is undefeated from eight games together this season. I’ll be with the Storm in a few months time if these teams both make it to the big dance, but this week it’s Penrith’s to win. Bet Now New Zealand Warriors vs St George Illawarra…

Fresh off a training run against South Sydney, this will give us a better idea of Brisbane’s credentials in the approaching finals series. They’ve got the attack to outscore anyone but we haven’t always seen this Broncos side look comfortable in the grind – something Melbourne excel at.   The Storm worked it off their own line for the best part of 40 minutes last week before coming home stronger against Parramatta. They’ll look to do the same to Brisbane here, unless the Broncos can turn enough early field position into points.  Bet Now Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers 8:00pm, Friday…