Expert breakdown of NRL round 8 matches

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Rabbitohs (5) v Panthers (2)

Thursday, 7.50pm, Accor Stadium

Penrith could not have played much worse last weekend but still came away with the win. They lose Liam Martin (hamstring) again, but Jaeman Salmon is proving a handy back row replacement. For Souths, the loss of their own back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi cannot be underestimated. The Bunnies’ right edge has been lethal, and that’s thanks to the on-field chemistry between Koloamatangi and Campbell Graham. Penrith are pretty banged up. Souths almost need this a bit more — even at this stage of the year — especially with Brisbane and Melbourne on the horizon over the next fortnight. Rabbitohs by 1.

Christian Nicolussi

Eels (12) v Broncos (1)

Friday, 8pm, TIO Stadium (Darwin)

Parramatta return to a happy hunting ground against a side they have had the wood on.

The Eels have won six of the eight games they’ve played in Darwin and six of their past seven against Brisbane, but this table-topping Broncos outfit have every chance of reversing the trend. Thomas Flegler and Corey Oates return for a Brisbane side who have tasted defeat just once all season. The blue and golds are aiming for three consecutive wins after a shaky start to their campaign, but coming off a five-day turnaround will make the task even more difficult. They can still get the job done in an upset. Eels by 4.

Adrian Proszenko

Bulldogs (15) v Sharks (6)

5.30pm Saturday, Accor Stadium

It’s hard going for the Bulldogs, who are injury-riddled and coming up against a revived Cronulla.

Nicho Hynes has been flying for the Sharks since his return from injury.Credit: Getty Images

Canterbury add Jacob Kiraz to their casualty ward, but if they’ve shown anything this year, it’s that they’re resilient, and Tevita Pangai jnr won’t just hand victory to rival Royce Hunt. On the other hand, the Sharks are flying and riding the high of last week’s win over the Roosters. Skipper Nicho Hynes was back to his usual self, and between him, Siosifa Talakai and Blayke Brailey, the Sharks will test Canterbury’s depth. Sharks by 16.

Billie Eder

Cowboys (16) v Knights (11)

7.35pm Saturday, Queensland Country Bank Stadium

What has happened to the Cowboys? They were desperately unlucky not to have qualified for last year’s grand final, but now look like they will finish much closer to last than first.

Kalyn Ponga returns for the Knights this weekend.Credit: Getty

Now they have to save their season without Jason Taumalolo, who could be sidelined for up to six weeks with a knee injury. Newcastle, meanwhile, have been playing with the passion and intensity that North Queensland has been missing. The Knights were desperately unlucky to walk away with their clash against Penrith empty-handed, but get a huge boost in the form of Kalyn Ponga. The good news is they have learnt to play without their captain, which should mean they aren’t solely reliant on him now that he returns. The home-ground advantage should just tip this in favour of Todd Payten’s men. Cowboys by 4.

Adrian Proszenko

Dolphins (8) v Titans (10)

2pm Sunday, Suncorp Stadium

Both sides produced impressive opening stanzas last week to lead the Broncos and Rabbitohs at half-time… the less said about their second halves the better.

Tom Gilbert and Felise Kaufusi of the Dolphins.Credit: Getty Images

The Dolphins’ defence has been leaky of late and the Titans aren’t afraid to give the ball air, a dry Suncorp Stadium could make for some Sunday afternoon fun. Felise Kaufusi coming back from suspension to mark an in-form David Fifita is pass the popcorn stuff. AJ Brimson could also be a fair inclusion for the Gold Coast as he recovers from a hamstring issue. Only points differential separates these two sides on the ladder and there’s every chance a piece of individual brilliance — Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow — come on down – decides it. Dolphins by 4.

Dan Walsh

Tigers (17) v Sea Eagles (4)

4.05pm Sunday, Campbelltown Sports Stadium

West we go for the first time in 2023 and on paper and form it’s Manly by how much.

Fresh from conquering the Storm, Tom Trbojevic and Manly will fancy themselves against a winless Tigers outfit.Credit: Getty Images

On the paddock there’s potential for this to be a banana peel and a fair test of the Sea Eagles’ top-tier credentials. They’re playing an enthralling, brutal game under Anthony Seibold, the question is whether the intensity can be maintained week-in, week-out. The fullbacks are where the eyeballs are drawn in this one — Tim Sheens has not been shy about rating NRL debutant Jahream Bula one of the club’s most promising prospects in years. Meanwhile, Tom Trbojevic is warming up nicely and if the Tigers wilt, he’s in for a field day. Sea Eagles by 18.

Dan Walsh

Roosters (9) v Dragons (13)

4.05pm Tuesday, Allianz Stadium

Trent Robinson has got serious by dumping Sam Walker and rushing back Angus Crichton.

Roosters star Angus Crichton will make his first grade return on Anzac Day.Credit: NRL Photos

The Roosters were excellent against Parramatta, dreadful against the Storm, and had enough chances to put away Cronulla but could not. Their discipline has also been poor. At least moving Joey Manu to the halves will get him more involved. Luke Keary has also been slowly getting back to his best, and tried his heart out against the Sharks. The Dragons will put up a fight — they always do on this day — but are lacking confidence and that polish. They meet the Chooks at the worst time. Roosters by 12.

Christian Nicolussi

Storm (7) v Warriors (3)

7pm Tuesday, AAMI Park

It’s been a spectacular start to the season for the Warriors who have finally found their groove after the pandemic years. Shaun Johnson is playing amazing football, and it’s invigorating the whole side. Marata Niukore returns to the team from suspension, making the Warriors’ forward pack even more lethal. Manly put the Storm in their place last week, something Melbourne won’t let happen on their home turf. The natural order has been restored with Nick Meaney returning at fullback and Cameron Munster shifting back to five-eighth, and between Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Justin Olam the Warriors are in for a physical game. Storm by 12.

Billie Eder

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