NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 7
10 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Hot topic
Teams are taking more and more games away from home in the pursuit of a bigger payday. This can provide a novelty factor for fans or can potentially increase a supporter base. There are 13 away "home" games this year.
This week the Bulldogs play the Titans in Central Coast for the last of the transferred home games.
The Dragons moved 3 of their home games for 3 massive losses. Each time they gave away their home ground to the opposition which is pure madness. Was the potential for some extra dollars' worth the risk of missing the top 8 for the fourth year in a row?
The rest of the teams were wiser insofar as they did not play their home game in enemy territory. The record for these teams is 6 wins out of 9 games (67%) with the Raiders accounting for 2 of the losses. Strangely for the Raiders, playing away from home is their forte with 6 wins and 4 losses, against 2-8 at home.
I am personally a fan of taking games to regional areas to help boost the game there, as well as taking derbies to suburban grounds, eg Belmore, Leichhardt, and Kogarah. I question whether giving home games to the opposition is wise, especially for the Dragons who don't have a single fortress to call home.
Predictions
Last week I picked 6/8. Here are my picks for this week.
Cowboys vs. Rabbitohs @ 1300Smiles Stadium
This is a real blockbuster between two heavyweights. Cowboys by 2
Broncos vs. Dragons @ Suncorp Stadium
The Dragons are again cursed by injury. Broncos by 12
Tigers vs. Knights @ Campbelltown Stadium
The wooden spoon "blockbuster" for the ages? Tigers by 6
Panthers vs. Warriors @ Pepper Stadium
Two out of form teams in a struggle. Panthers by 4
Roosters vs. Eels @ Allianz Stadium
This will be a one sided affair. Roosters by 18
Raiders vs. Sea Eagles @ GIO Stadium
The Raiders again play at their hoodoo ground. Sea Eagles by 4
Bulldogs vs. Titans @ Central Coast Stadium
The Dogs are talking. Bulldogs by 18
Sharks vs. Storm @ Remondis Stadium
Two teams looking for home ground advantage in the finals. Sharks by 2
Form Guide
The form guide is based on a predictive model that gives more weight to recent performances. There is no adjustment for personal bias, injury or their position on the table. Byes are given a 50% weighting.
Composite Team
Last week's composite team was made up of players who have interchangeable first and last names. Can you work out this team?
This team has a solid back line, young halves and a tough pack. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 15th