There could be big trouble in little Brisbane if the Panthers continue the Broncos’ recent tailspin.
Kevin Walters’ team hosts the premiers in the match of the round and after four straight losses sent them tumbling out of the top eight, their chances of qualifying in the top four will be almost over if they don’t turn their fortunes around against Penrith.
While that is the standout for the most eagerly anticipated match of the round, there are intriguing subplots all over the place.
Parramatta want redemption against Souths after losing to them recently, the Sharks need to bounce back against the Gold Coast but it’s on neutral turf at Coffs Harbour and the Cowboys should be too strong at home against Manly but the visitors have Tom Trbojevic back but playing at centre to keep his dodgy hamstrings intact.
Sunday’s slate of games also spin an interesting narrative with the Dragons out to restore Anzac Day pride against the Roosters while the Knights travel to Canberra looking to make amends for their Round 1 upset to the Raiders.
Rabbitohs, Sharks, Panthers, Bulldogs, Storm, Cowboys, Roosters, Raiders
It is mighty hard seeing the Eels beating the Bunnies on Thursday night considering the momentum being built by the latter. In a good contest, the Eels will be better but the Rabbitohs snatch a golden point win.
The Sharks will be seething after wasting chances against the Dogs and should account for a Titans team on the road.
Brisbane are rocking and rolling and now out of the eight and the Panthers have some ground to make up on the Storm. They won’t let this one slip and Brisbane are nearing irrelevance in 2024. Logic says the Dogs beat the Warriors on form, yet that is what many thought before the New Zealanders toppled the Broncos last week. A tricky one to call
and the Dogs to reign on the back of momentum.