NRL Round 5 Preview

The Sharks are great on the edges in attack with Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes swinging the ball to either the left or right. This see their wingers such as Ronaldo Mulitalo cross the line for easy tries.

The Cronulla Sharks have won three of their past five matches against the Raiders and will look to bounce back after a close loss to the table leaders Bulldogs last week.

Conceding three consecutive losses for the first time since 2019, the Panthers will receive Nathan Cleary back and are in desperate need of a victory to get back to their winning ways.

In recent weeks, the Cowboys and Panthers have both conceded a ton of points in defence, so it can be expected that the score line will go above the total score market.

He’s back! After injuring himself during the pre-season, Latrell Mitchell will make his long-awaited return to the field, but will do so in a different position, transitioning from fullback to the centres.

The clash between the two sides for the Ron Coote Cup always produces some classic matches. However, the Rabbitohs have more experience and skill to end up on top this weekend.

A stalwart of the Eels team for a number of years, Saturday will mark the first time Clinton Gutherson faces off against his former side and will attempt to make a statement in his new colours.

Sitting at the bottom of the ladder with a 0-4 record, the Eels are yet to register a win. However, this week marks their best opportunity and an upset may be on the cards.

Cementing his spot in the halves with Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson has been able to score tries with ease and hasn’t been limited in his touches of the football.

Back-to-back wins against the Knights and Roosters, see Gold Coast enter Round 5 filled with confidence and will be eager to make it three on the trot in their home stadium.

Although the Tigers have turned a new leaf this season, it’s hard to see the Brisbane Broncos losing this match on their home turf. A close game, though, is expected.

With the Broncos, the heavy favourites to walk away with the win, the club are set to emerge victorious in both the halves on Saturday night.

Although Tom Trbojevic has been ruled out for the next four weeks, Lehi Hopoate has continually shown that he is a threat in the fullback position and knows how to continually find the try-line.

Still without 2024 Dally M medallist Jahrome Hughes, the Storm should be considered the outsiders due to the way they failed to find their attack without him. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles are near unstoppable at 4 Pines Park.

Winning their first four matches of the season since 1993, it’s hard to see the Bulldogs winning streak ending anytime soon, especially at their home stadium in front of their home fans.

Knights front-rower Leo Thompson will take to the field against his future side for the first time since signing with the Bulldogs for next season. Returning from injury, the New Zealand international is one of the competition’s best middle forwards when it comes close to the opposition line.