NRL Round 8 Preview

Since making his return to the field from injury, Jacob Kiraz has been one of the best performing wingers in the NRL as he looks to push his case to be selected in the State of Origin arena for the NSW Blues.

The Canterbury Bulldogs enter the clash undefeated but will face their toughest task yet on Thursday as the head to Suncorp Stadium to face the Broncos in what is expected to be a tight game. However, the away side have shown they are legitimate premiership contenders.

The reigning Wally Lewis Medallist (State of Origin Player of the Series), Angus Crichton has continually shown that he can perform in the biggest stage and the ANZAC Day match is no different.

The annual ANZAC Day clash between the Roosters and Dragons have produced several classic matches over the years. Expect no different this year, as the Roosters enter as favourites. However, the Dragons shouldn’t be counted out as outsiders.

Depending on the weather, the clash between the two sides could be either extremely high-scoring or low-scoring. With no rain expected on Friday, expect the total score line to be exceeded as the two clubs know how to put points up on the board.

It is hard to bet against the Warriors when they are playing at home. Every time they host another NRL team, the opposing side is always at a disadvantage.

One of the best players in the air when attempting to catch the ball, Storm winger Xavier Coates will be the primary target off the kicks this week and unfortunately the Rabbitohs don’t have any tall wingers to go up against him in the air.

The Rabbitohs and Wayne Bennett have a horrific recored against the Storm and Craig Bellamy and will need to win without five-eighth Cody Walker who has been a late withdrawal – this seems unlikely.

Fresh off a bye, the Cowboys will make sure it doesn’t take them long to enter the contest and are set to pull out a strong first-half performance which will set them up for the remainder of the match.

Coming off back-to-back wins against the Rabbitohs and Panthers, the Cowboys have finally found quality form and are near unbeatable when competing at home.

After multiple weeks on the sidelined with injury, Tom Trbojevic will make his much-anticipated return to the field this and will be determined to make an immediate impact.

In what could be an exciting and interesting match, the Panthers and Sea Eagles both enter this week out-of-form and need a victory to get back on the right track.

Canberra Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty has been in the headlines over the past few weeks as his future remains uncertain. A strong performance from the veteran will see him attract more interest on the open market.

The Dolphins have won their last three matches and are in incredible form at the moment. However, this round will be their most formidable challenge yet as the head to the nation’s capital.

Sunia Turuva has been a try-scoring freak since making the move to the Wests Tigers and after last week saw him sent to the sin-bin, he will be attempting to make up for it this weekend.

Continuing to be in the headlines, the Wests Tigers are coming off a disappointing loss to the Eels and their losing streak is likely to continue with the Sharks the heavy favourites.