Round 27 Preview

The absence of Nick Meaney means Ryan Papenhuyzen will take the number one jersey for the first time in more than 365 days and will be expected to play the full 80 minutes for the first time since his horrific injury, which saw him miss most of the season. It’s hard to go past Papenhuyzen to score, especially considering there will be no Reece Walsh defending.

While the Broncos may have decided to rest multiple stars, including Payne Haas and Reece Walsh, the Storm have done the same thing and have rested even more stats. Aiming to clinch the Minor Premiership, it’s hard to go past the Broncos winning this close encounter with all big names absent.

After imploring the club to hand Josh Feledy his debut, Tigers fans finally get their wish on Friday evening. An U19s New South Wales representative earlier this season, Feledy is the future of the club’s outside back and what better way to begin your career than by crossing over the line for a try.

Although they are out of finals contention, the Manly Sea Eagles will be out to prove a point in their final regular season of the game. They will be hoping to put on a dominant performance against the Tigers at their home ground to send off their fans in a happy mood to round out the year.

It’s hard to not go past Souths winger Alex Johnston to score a try. While he may not be the most elegant winger in the competition, he always manages to find himself on the end of good try assists.

In what is the biggest game of the round, the Roosters will take on the Rabbitohs. Both teams come into the clash with injuries and suspension to key players but the absence of Latrell Mitchell this round will play heavy on the result of the match, especially considering James Tedesco and Joseph Manu have both been named to take part in the clash.

The Warriors will look to dominate their opponents from the opening kick and a high-scoring match is expected to occur. While the Dolphins have plenty of talent their younger players have struggled in the past few games as they look like they desperately need a break and are worn out.

One game away from the beginning of the finals, the Warriors will be hoping to enter the finals series in good form with a win against the Dolphins. While they have brought some new players into the team don’t be fooled by their inexperience as they have continually shown their promise in the NSW Cup.

For the past few seasons, the Panthers and Cowboys always manage to show their attacking skill when they go head-to-head with one another so expect plenty of tries on Saturday night. While both teams have a strong defensive presence, both teams will be looking to be creative in offence.

While Ivan Cleary has called back most of his top marquee stars this week, including the likes of Dylan Edwards and Sunia Turuva, the Cowboys will be pushing the Panthers for the entire game as they need to win the game to claim a top-eight position. However, the Panthers should be too good for them especially considering the game will be played at home.

While the Knights may be resting some players like Kalyn Pong and Jackson Hastings, NSW Blues star Bradman Best will be playing this weekend. Expect him to stand up on the big stage and deliver.

This is an incredible price for the most in-form team in the completion and on an eight-game winning streak. While they have rested some players, they have multiple key players still available in their team and should be able to dismantle the inconsistent Dragons.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira is one of the most in-form wingers in the competition and is in the running to become Rookie of the Year this season. Finding the line with ease, expect him to cross twice against a weakened Bulldogs side that has faced controversy during the week.

Facing one of their worst weeks both on and off the field, the Bulldogs are likely to not show up this weekend, allowing the Titans to run all over them and make easy work of them to finish their season.

After being sent to the sin-bin last weekend and allowing the Broncos to take the lead with an extra man on the field, Jordan Rapana will be looking for redemption and there is no better way to do that than to score a try.

Nicho Hynes is back and will be aiming to help clinch the Sharks a home final for week one of the finals series. However, the Raiders shouldn’t be counted out and will be looking to clinch themselves a finals spot.