Magic Round is finally here and oh boy, we cannot wait! With all 8 NRL fixtures being played at Suncorp Stadium across 3 action packed days, it's sure to be one hell of a Rugby League spectacle. Headlined by a Mitchell Moses masterclass and UNBELIEVABLE shock win for the Wests Tigers, Round 9 was absolutely breathtaking. But what's in stall for Round 10? In this blog, we're previewing every game of the round ahead and providing some insights around what to expect. Let us know what you do and don't agree with via our social channels twitter, facebook, instagram, discord.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs V Canberra Raiders
Friday 5th of May - 6:00pm AEST
Both the Bulldogs and Raiders are coming in hot after nail-biting victories last week, where the Doggies edged out the Dragons by 2 points while Canberra triumphed over the Dolphins with a golden point field goal. Fan-favourite Jacob Kiraz returns for the Bulldogs after scans confirmed a knee injury for Braidon Burns last week. Workhorse Max King is back following a rib injury while teen sensation Karl Oloapu is set to come off the bench.
The heavily hyped Canberra dynamo, Xavier Savage returns on the wing while Corey Harawira-Naera lines up in the reserves. Corey Horsburgh has seen more than 70 mins in each of his last 3 matches and could be on for another big fantasy score. A terrific point-of-difference that many Coaches will overlook.
Predictions!
Bulldogs 22 - 10 Raiders Matt Burton - 67 GDS fantasy points
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles V Brisbane Broncos
Friday 5th of May - 8:05pm AEST
Both the Broncos and Sea Eagles will be looking for wins after disappointing losses at home last week. Groin-related concerns aren't enough to keep Tom Trbojevic out of this week's side, however brother Jake's calf injury sees Sean Keppie named to start. With Brad Parker and Toluta'u Koula back in the centres, Manly's backline is close to full strength and will be ready to fire. Expect DCE to continue playing that 'dominating half' role and rack up fantasy points via kick metres and attacking plays.
The Broncos receive a massive boost with two of their best this year, Payne Haas and Ezra Mam back in the starting side. Reece Walsh has had a quiet few weeks at fullback, but we think he's primed to go big at Suncorp on Friday night. A bit of patience with these talented youngsters often reaps rewards
Predictions! Sea Eagles 22 - 26 Broncos Reece Walsh - 59 GDS fantasy points
New Zealand Warriors V Penrith Panthers
Saturday 6th of May - 3:00pm AEST
Penrith will no doubt be rattled following last week's shock loss to the 2022 wooden spooners and the Kiwis will be keen to capitalise. Tohu Harris brings some much needed experience back into that Warriors forward pack and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad makes a welcome return in the No. 1 jersey. Will Shaun Johnson continue to wind back the clock and play career-best footy? Only time will tell.
James Fisher-Harris is back in the Penrith lineup which pushed Spencer Leniu out of the side. We're anticipating a massive attitude shift from the Panthers, as it's hard to envisage them losing two games on the trot. Jarome Luai will be out to silence the haters and remind us why he's the best option at No. 6 for NSW ahead of Origin - And here's a hot take... we think he'll have a HUGE game. FTA!
Predictions! Warriors 10 - 34 Panthers Jarome Luai - 82 GDS fantasy points
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks V Dolphins
Saturday 6th of May - 5:30pm AEST
The red-hot Sharkies have some serious momentum heading into this clash, but if there's any team capable of an upset, this year it's the Dolphins. With Dale Finucane back in the frame, Cronulla's rock-solid Finucance/McInnes middle rotation will be back in action. As a team, the Sharks will be better for it, but the job sharing may suppress both workhorses' fantasy scores. Nicho Hynes is on another level right now and there's no reason to expect his era of fantasy dominance comes to an end any time soon.
There's no Ray Stone or Robert Jennings for the Dolphins this week, which prompts the return of Tesi Niu and Anthony Milford. Despite some hamstring concerns for Brenko Lee last week, he's named to start in the centres. Lemuelu was god-tier for the Phins last week and is seeing 80 minutes on a regular basis. A handy point-of-difference for any Coaches looking to break the mould. Predictions! Sharks 38 - 12 Dolphins Nicho Hynes - 92 GDS fantasy points
Melbourne Storm V South Sydney Rabbitohs
Saturday 6th of May - 7:45pm AEST Two modern era Rugby League powerhouses will butt heads under Suncorp's Saturday night lights in what could well be match of the round. The Storm will be well refreshed and ready to rip in following last week's bye. 1-17, Bellamy's side looks very similar to the side which ran out against the Warriors on ANZAC Day. Grant and Munster will be dangerous as always and should continue scoring well, but this week we're particularly interested in Jahrome Hughes. Lookout for a game-managing masterclass from the Kiwi No. 7 who love's these grinding affairs.
Liam Knight returns for Souths via the bench as his knee now looks ready for first grade. Latrell's red-hot fantasy form continues and he's just as likely to go HUGE in this match as any. Expect the usual suite of Rabbitohs guns to perform well - You can't go too wrong with picking Cook and/or Murray in your side this week.
Predictions! Storm 23 - 22 Rabbitohs
Jahrome Hughes - 72 GDS fantasy points
Wests Tigers V St. George Illawarra Dragons
Sunday 7th of May - 1:50pm AEST
Hopes are high in Tigertown after a gritty win against competition heavyweights, Penrith, while the Dragons have had their fair share of troubles in recent weeks and desperately need a win. Jahream Bula keeps his spot at fullback and Tommy Talau returns in the centres for Brent Naden who accepted a three-match suspension. Koroisau, Klemmer and Papali'i are the ones to keep an eye on this week and could well report season-high scores if the Tigers get on a roll.
Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has swung the axe on Zac Lomax, which sees Ravalawa promoted to a starting centre role. Jack de Belin starts at prop this week and looks set for an even bigger role. If there's any hope for the Dragons this week, their main man, Ben Hunt will need to lead from the front. Consider bringing him into your side if you think the veteran No. 7 will get his boys over the line. Can't say we're backing him though... Luke Brooks is back baby!
Predictions!
Tigers 18 – 12 Dragons
Luke Brooks – 56 GDS fantasy points
Sydney Roosters V North Queensland Cowboys
Sunday 7th of May - 4:00pm AEST
Consider this clash something close to an Origin preview, as the Roosters and Cowboys are rolling out plenty of Origin heavyweights. Despite a trip to hospital after last week's game, Brandon Smith is named to start at Hooker, however Jake Turpin's presence on the bench suggests there may be some minutes management. Joey Manu continues to tear up at five-eighth. All Coaches should look to squeeze him in at centre while you can!
Star back rower Jeremiah Nanai is suspended for 4 weeks, but Helium Luki's return from injury should help to plug that hole. Scott Drinkwater is finding some form and represents an excellent back-three candidate for Coaches looking to mix it up. We're expecting it to be a long night for the Cowboys and Roosters to run a muck.
Predictions!
Roosters 22 – Cowboys 6
Joey Manu – 64 GDS fantasy points
Gold Coast Titans V Parramatta Eels
Sunday 7th of May - 6:25pm AEST
Both sides enjoyed big wins in Round 9 and will be keen to send off Magic Round with a bang. With no AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell is back in at fullback for the Titans - In fantasy terms, he's rocks or diamonds, so tread carefully. David Fifita loves a fixture at Suncorp, so expect him to be the focal point of the Titans' offence. If Gold Coast play their cards right, Fifita should go huge.
Mitchell Moses is coming off an incredible performance last week. It's at times like this where he plays his best footy, so don't be afraid to get him in your side. Ryan Matterson is named on the bench, so there could be a bit of job sharing J'maine Hopgood who is named at lock. 1-17, the Eels look a touch disjointed on paper, so don't be surprised to see a pre-kick off reshuffle from Brad Arthur.
Predictions!
Titans 26 – 14 Eels
David Fifita – 82 GDS fantasy points
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