NRL Round 7 Preview

Bolstered by the return of winger Jason Saab, Manly have an impeccable record (11-3) when playing at home over the last two seasons and their only losses have come against quality opponents.

Returning back to the side after being plagued by injury, winger Jason Saab has been a try-scoring force for the side and will be eager to cross the line.

Transitioning from fullback to the halves, Latrell Mitchell has been in phenomenal form with the ball in his hands. When the Rabbitohs get near the try-line, expect him to attack the defenders and use his speed and skill to get past them.

The Bulldogs have remained unbeaten (5-0) to begin the season and it’s hard to see them record their first loss this week due to the Rabbitohs having so many crucial players out to injuries.

In their past two matches, the Storm have scored a total of 90 points. The Dolphins are also known for their attacking style of play, so it can be expected that multiple tries will be scored throughout the match.

The Storm are coming off dominant back-to-back victories and enter the match as favourites, while the Dolphins are yet to prove themselves against a good opposition.

Taine Tuaupiki will take the reigns of the fullback position once again with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad injured and will be looking to use the opportunity to push his case to cement the spot in next year’s team.

Can the Warriors pull off the upset of Round 7? The Warriors shouldn’t be countered out this weekend having shown they can compete with the best of them and are a force to be reckoned with when playing at home.

Despite the Penrith Panthers struggling to win, Paul Alamoti has remained a shining light for the club and has shown he can score tries with ease.

Yet to register a win in their past five matches, the Panthers’ struggles have worsened in recent weeks. The Roosters have already upset Penrith one time already this season, and could easily do it again for the second time in the space of two months.

It’s hard to see the match between the two sides be high-scoring due to their previous records this season, so one can expect the score to fall under the total line.

Since taking over Keano Kini’s role at the back of the field, fullback Jaylan De Groot has yet to showcase his full potential. Playing at home in front of the home fans, this could bring out the best in the talented youngster.

Somehow, Sharks front-rower Tom Hazelton always manages to find his hands on the ball near the opponent’s try-line and is able to cross the line, which has made him a cult hero.

The Knights played disgracefully last weekend, which saw them lose to the Tigers in what many pundits called the worst performance by a team over the past five years. If the same is continued, the Sharks will make sure to punish them with an attack led by halves Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes.

Topping the leaderboard for most tries this season, Tigers winger Sunia Turuva has continued his form that saw him win back-to-back premierships with the Panthers and named the 2023 Dally M Rookie of the Year.

The Wests Tigers will attempt to put a week of controversy behind them and the best way to do this is to continue winning and add to their streak of victories.