Rugby League

Penrith’s once brittle and inexperienced defensive systems have improved throughout the regular season to have the Panthers just inside the Top 8 rolling into NRL Round 17. They began the year conceding first points early in most games but as combinations and cohesion develops, we’re seeing more of the best version of this Penrith side.   Canterbury are in the middle of adding a few strings themselves, namely around Lachlan Galvin in the #17 jumper. I like the Bulldogs to make a target of Blaize Talagi on Penrith’s left edge but I’m happy to back the defending champs to keep this…

It’s difficult to bet against Canberra right now given what their attack is producing each week. Continuity has been to the benefit of the Raiders to begin the year and while it’s only a minor change here, Savelio Tamale leaves a sizable hole on that left wing. He and Seb Kris have been consistent contributors to Canberra’s yardage game and IT attack while making some smart decisions off the ball too.   It presents Sunia Turuva and the Tigers with an opportunity down that edge if they can get it right.   Bet Now New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers 5:00pm, Saturday…

The pinnacle of rugby league heads to Western Australia tonight as State of Origin Game II kicks off in what promises to be a series-defining showdown for the 2025 edition. Fans should be ready to buckle up, because the trademark Origin intensity and fire will no doubt be on full display. Queensland will be fighting tooth and nail to push the series to a decider in Sydney.With all that in mind, I hope you’re as pumped for this one as I am, because we are in for an absolute spectacle on Wednesday evening. So, let’s dive into why this clash…

Shane Flanagan delivered some more press conference brilliance following a heavy loss to The Dolphins in NRL Round 14. If history is any indication, ‘Flanno’ will get a response out of St George here and they get a winnable game against a Cronulla Sharks outfit that looks lost right now.   Nicho Hynes will cop the brunt of the criticism for Cronulla’s poor form but the issues are more widespread for the Sharks. Their defensive resilience has disappeared in the face of scoreboard pressure as they consistently fail to cash in on their good-ball opportunities.   Hynes, Braydon Trindall & Will Kennedy…

The Sea Eagles have gone WLWL since NRL Round 7 and are coming off a big win against the embattled Broncos. Their middle looks improved with Lachlan Croker, Jazz Tevaga and Ben Trbojevic in their preferred positions while Lehi Hopoate continues to trigger discussion around Manly’s best-choice fullback.  Newcastle will miss Leo Thompson through the middle and I’m still not convinced on plugging Fletcher Sharpe into five-eighth. Manly have burned me a few times this year but this is theirs to lose.   Bet Now Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys 8:00pm, Friday | AAMI Park, Melbourne Tips: Melbourne Storm 13+…