Round 23 Preview

After having broken the club’s tryscoring record, it is hard to go past winger Daniel Tupou as the first tryscorer of the game. His aerial ability and speed are unmatchable.

The Sydney Roosters have been the most inconsistent team as of late and have failed to find any form in the backend of the season, while the Sea Eagles are coming off a good win from their skippers’ 300th milestone game.

Breaking the Titans’ record for most tries in a season, Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been magnificent for the team and is an easy bet to take for this weekend.

Sticking with Khan-Pereira, it will be a good match-up between him and Warriors flyer Dallin Watene-Zelezniak who always seems to cross the line at the most opportune moments. Compared to one another, expect the Titans back to score more at home than his counterpart.

As the finals get closer and closer, the Melbourne Storm are desperately aiming to hold onto a top-four spot which will allow them a second chance in the finals. Expect a Cameron Munster masterclass as he goes head-to-head with rival Origin playmaker Nathan Cleary.

A force at home, the Panthers have had a winning percentage of above 90 per cent over the past couple of seasons when competing at home. However, expect the game to be closer than expected, with Craig Bellamy’s men throwing everything at the dual premiers.

The rivalry between the Cowboys and Broncos always seems to produce classic and legendary games that, included when they versed each other in the Grand Final several years ago. An outside chance is for the game to go the full distance with scores tied up.

The Queensland Maroons wingers will be on full showcase on Saturday afternoon in one of the biggest Queensland inter-state rivalries on full show. Murray Taulaugi and Selwyn Cobbo, teammates at the Origin level, should easily be counted on to cross the line.

The Newcastle Knights have been the most in-form team at this current stage of the season and exceed many critics and fans’ expectations. Another convincing win is set to occur as they close in on a top-eight spot.

After securing a spot on the NSW Blues Game 3 team, Bradman Best has been in terrific form as of late. Going up against Kodi Nikorima, who isn’t primarily a centre, expect him to have a field day and cross for a double.

Despite the win against the Tigers last week, the Rabbitohs have been terribly inconsistent and failed to find wins recently. Also, the Sharks are coming off several losses and need the two points to stay in the top eight.

After a great hattrick last week against the Tigers, Alex Johnston always seems to find the ball in his hands when near the try line. It is hard to bet against Johnston scoring and he should be able to cross at least once against a poor edge Sharks defence.

Imagine the scenes if Dylan Brown scores the first try in his first game back from a long-term suspension. It is definitely a possibility, as Brown loves to run the ball when inside his opponent’s 20 metres.

The Dragons have covered the line on several occasions as of late and could do the same in a game that will see them probably walk away with the loss.

The Raiders and Tigers have had polar opposite seasons, with the former edging toward a top-four finish while the latter is set to claim their second straight wooden spoon. The Jack Wighton-led Raiders are a good shout to put on a dominant performance, completely obliterating the Tigers.

The Wests Tigers have lost their last eight games, with six of them being by a margin of more than 13 points. Playing away from home, it is hard to see the Tigers put in a good showing especially with the absence of two key forwards.