NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 3
6 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Injuries! The curse to any Premiership run.
Everything can be firing, the team on a high, and momentum is accelerating; then a star is incapacitated. This weekend has been carnage for some of the contenders.
The Roosters are at the top of their game and had everything going in the right direction. Now they have lost their enforcer and will have a junior or makeshift half over the next few weeks. They have a load of talent, but the loss of Pearce and Waerea-Hargreaves will be detrimental to their campaign.
Likewise, the Cowboys have lost a representative half and Tamou was taken from the field on a stretcher. Their depth will be tested in a year that was shaping as their best since 2005. Morgan and Tamou are both in career best form and providing potent attacking options outside of Thurston and Talmalmo.
The Storm is without Slater, and now the Rabbitohs and Sharks are sweating on the health of Inglis and Barba. These players are all key to their team's attack and are big meter eaters.
The teams that make the Grand Final will be those that can stay healthy. It is rare that a team has won a premiership in the modern day without all of their stars on the field. This year will be no different and should be a boost to the likes of the Broncos and Bulldogs who are injury free…
… at the moment.
Last week I picked 4/8 in a week of upsets. Here are my picks for this week.
Rabbitohs vs. Broncos @ Allianz Stadium
Both teams wanting to take some form into the finals. Rabbitohs by 2
Sea Eagles vs. Roosters @ Brookvale Oval
The Roosters are reeling from their big name injuries. Sea Eagles by 4
Eels vs. Sharks @ Pirtek Stadium
The Sharks are on a roll. Sharks by 4
Knights vs. Bulldogs @ Hunter Stadium
This will be on-way traffic. Bulldogs by 18
Storm vs. Cowboys @ AAMI Park
The Cowboys have major injury concerns. Storm by 6
Tigers vs. Warriors @ Campbelltown Stadium
The Tigers are desperate to avoid the spoon. Tigers by 10
Titans vs. Dragons @ Cbus Super Stadium
A must win by the Dragons. Dragons by 2
Raiders vs. Panthers @ GIO Stadium
A shootout between two underperforming teams at the Raiders graveyard. Panthers by 6
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.
Last week's composite team was made up of players who played in Queensland's 8 year dominance. Can you work out this team?
This team has speed to burn in the back line, dependable halves and a tough pack.Predicted placing in 2015 table: 4th