Round 2 is no less tricky to pick than Round 1 especially with all trial form thrown out the window.
So how do I see this round unfolding?
Thursday Night Football
The round starts off with the most disappointing teams from last week, the Broncos v Eels.
If you go by points scored the Eels win 4-0, points conceded, the Broncos win by 26 points.
Last week, the Eels looked tired with a wet paper bag defence while the Broncos have become the NRL’s mistake-athon machine.
If the Broncos can’t beat this mob, expect more rumblings from Gordon Tallis and the Queensland media loud enough to be heard south of the border. Not that anyone is really listening.
Winner: Broncos
Friday Night Football
Friday, it’s across the ditch with the Warriors hosting the Raiders in front of another sellout crowd.
This is one tough game to predict. Both last start winners, the Wahs looked great against the Roosters while the Raiders late game fade gave the Sea Eagles some hope.
Winner: Warriors
Next, it’s the book of feuds, the Roosters v Rabbitohs.
The Rabbitohs are looking for Alex Johnston to take out the most tries scored in history needing just two to overtake Ken Irvine’s 212 tally.
The Roosters are again their own worst enemy cementing themselves as the most ill-disciplined team of the last five years. They have been heavily backed to do great things this season but could look like overrated show ponies if they don’t compete here. One shining light for them is the Bunnies defence let in 30 points last week.
Winner: Roosters (AJ equals Ken Irvine)
Super Saturday
Saturday, we are off to smaller boutique grounds starting with the Wests Tigers v Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval.
Both teams had good trial form including the Tiges beating the Panthers (albeit after the 1st grade team came off). The Cowboys looked good in glimpses in Las Vegas while this is the 1st time the Wests Tigers walk out this year.
There is nothing quite like being at a packed Leichhardt Oval on a sunny Saturday afternoon with a bunch of Inner-Wests Tigers fans. No thank you, I will watch it from the comfort of home.
Winner: Cowboys
Next, we are off to the Gong for the Dragons v Storm.
Now on paper, the Storm should have no problem against this Dragons team. Before you put your Standout on this game, know that the Storm haven’t beaten the Dragons anywhere since 2023.
The Storm are overdue.
Winner: Storm (Standout)
Last game of Super Saturday is at Carrington Park, Bathurst where the Panthers take on the Sharks.
Both were impressive Round 1 winners; this could be the match of the round. Except I think the Panthers will put a reality check on the NRL’s perennial bridesmaid’s bridesmaid.
Winner: Panthers
Sunday Football
It’s the northern beaches local derby (of sorts) with the Sea Eagles v Knights.
The Knights were my surprise packet from Las Vegas and despite losing half Fletcher Sharpe to injury, the gift that is DCE means former Rooster young gun Sandon Smith gets a start.
I do not rate the Manly team even at so called “Fortress Brookie”.
Winner: Knights
The round ends with a Queensland derby between the Dolphins and Titans. I know, who really cares but you have to tip one of them.
Both big Round 1 losers, the ‘Phins better defence and attack and being a home game are the reasons I am picking the home team.
Winner: Dolphins
