Round 22 Preview

Rugby union convert Solomon Alaimalo will return back into the Tiger squad for this round and has shown that he has found the attacking line with ease in all his previous matches to date.

The Wests Tigers will be without several key players due to injury, meaning the Cowboys should be able to get the job done quite easily, but expect the home side to remain competitive as they compete at the renowned Leichhardt Oval.

The Eels just don’t look the same without the likes of Mitchell Moses, Junior Paulo and J’maine Hopgood in their side, while the Warriors are coming off a strong victory against the Tigers.

Sticking with the margin market, one can expect the Warriors to pile on the tries on Friday night with the margin set to be greater than 19 points between the two teams.

Coming off a disappointing loss to inner-state rivals Gold Coast Titans, the Dolphins require a win this week to remain in the top eight and still contend for the NRL Premiership in their second season in the competition. The Roosters have lost against the Storm and allowed the Sea Eagles to re-enter the match despite a hefty lead.

New Zealand international and former Golden Boot winner Joseph Manu will make his long-awaited return from injury this week and will be eager to provide the spark in attack that the Roosters have struggled to find in recent weeks.

All eyes will be on Gold Coast Titans winger Alofian Khan-Pereira this weekend as the young gun has the chance to create history if he crosses the line for a four-pointer.

The Broncos struggles continued last weekend losing to a under-manned Bulldogs line-up, while their opponents have continued to flourish under Des Hasler following a slow start to the season.

Dropped to the NSW Cup last week due to poor form, star fullback Tyrell Sloan will make his return to the NRL field this week after an impressive reserve-grade match. The writing is on the wall for him to cross the line in his first game back.

Can the Dragons win? No. However, can they remain competitive? The Dragons have improved their defence under Shane Flanagan and will be looking to maintain a tight game controlling the ball in the middle of the field.

After a disappointing loss to the Cowboys, the Sharks will be looking to make up for it in front of their home fans against a depleted South Sydney Rabbitohs team.

The number-one goal-kicking option at the Sharks in the absence of Nicho Hynes, Braydon Trindall will be eager to rack up the points this weekend. He has also shown that he is effective near the try-line and is able to cross it with ease.

In one of the safest bets of the weekend, the Panthers should be able to obliterate the Knights who will introduce yet another halves combination in Tyson Gamble and Phoenix Crossland.

The Penrith Panthers have one of the best production lines of players in the NRL and another youngster is set to make his debut in fullback Isaiah Iongi. Following in the footsteps of Dylan Edwards and Daine Laurie, Iongi should be able to cross for a maiden try in his first match.

After missing several weeks due to injury, winger Josh Addo-Carr will make his long-awaited return to the field this weekend for the Bulldogs and can be considered an almost certain try-scorer come Sunday.

The Bulldogs will return to Belmore in front of their home fans – a venue that produce one of the stacked crowds and best atmosphere – as they look to continue their run into the finals.