The final two games of the 2022 NRL regular season come to us on Sunday, with two of the four sides heading straight to Bali after their respective matches, whilst the other two will hope to be playing for another month.

First up, the Knights host the Sharks on Old Boys Day at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Knights have little to play for, however can still finish as low as 15th on the ladder if results go against them. The Sharks have much more to play for, with a win guaranteeing them 2nd place and a home qualifying final next week against the Cowboys.

In the final regular season game of the year, the Tigers host the Raiders at Leichhardt Oval, the spiritual, yet dilapidated home of the Tigers. The Tigers have the wooden spoon wrapped up, but the bigger story here is the Raiders, and their push for the 8th and final spot in the finals. A win here guarantees it, with a week 1 elimination final against the Storm.

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Team News

The Knights will be without five eighth Anthony Milford, who has played his final game for the Knights after taking up a two-year deal with the Dolphins. Milford is replaced by Phoenix Crossland. Sauaso Sue is out, replaced at lock by Matthew Croker. Chris Randall starts at hooker, with Jayden Brailey out and Jack Johns join the bench.

Sharks’ winger Kayal Iro heads back to the reserves after his debut last week, replaced by veteran Matt Ikuvalu. No other changes expected.

The Tigers have made two changes to their outside backs, with Ken Maumalo and Luke Garner in for Asu Kepaoa and Junior Pauga. James Tamou returns to the starting side, pushing Zane Musgrove to the bench. Tyrone Peachey joins the bench, whilst Jacob Liddle and Kitione Kautoga drop out.

Finally for the Raiders, they welcome back Nick Cotric who replaces Albert Hopoate on the wing. No other changes expected for the Raiders, as they push for a top 8 spot.


Betting Odds

Knights $5.50 vs Sharks $1.15

Tigers $3.75 vs Raiders $1.28

Bet now at Ladbrokes!
 

Overview

With the Sharks needing a win to secure a home final in week 1, look for them to suffocate the Knights out of this contest early. The Knights will no doubt be excited early, given it’s Old Boys’ Day at Marathon, however after the initial adrenaline dump the intensity will drop. If the Sharks can hold them out early, it could be a long day at the office for the Knights. The Sharks attack has been a little up and down recently, and they will be determined to be firing on all cylinders heading into next week. Tough to suggest picking any Knights players for your squad, but using a nice chunk of your cap on Sharks players wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.

There’s two ways this second match could go. If the Broncos win, that will force the Raiders into putting everything into this match up. If the Broncos lose, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Raiders rest some players and put in a less than stellar performance. So, keep this in mind when selecting your side, and keep an eye on late changes for the Raiders if the Broncos lose tonight. If you’re looking to attacking players for the Raiders, give some consideration to their right-side attack. The Tigers left edge defence is the worst in the competition and consistently gives up tries.

 

Love It – Jesse Ramien - $13,040

Ramien is very much in the ‘rocks and diamonds’ category, and you really do need to pick the right week to select him. I believe this week to be one of those occasions. Ramien managed 56 against the Knights earlier this year, in a solid display. He has been on a bit of a try scoring drought, so is due, and is coming up against a relatively inexperienced centre in Krystian Mapapalangi (whom, coincidently, I also like this week). Has the upside with 7 scores above 50 this year, and I’m relying on a big game this week.
 

Love It – Jamal Fogarty - $19,270

Fogarty has proven such a solid purchase for the Raiders this year, despite an early season injury. Since returning to the fold, Fogarty has averaged 53.4 for the season, and of late has been ultra-impressive, with 6 scores over 50 in his past 7 games. Plays predominately on the right-hand side, which will be attacking the weak left side Tigers defence, meaning he could be in for a large score this weekend. The added element of kicking goals is a nice little bonus.

 

Love It – Emre Guler - $9,910

Guler has really come on strongly towards the back end of this season, and at this price is a tidy little purchase this week. Coach Ricky Stuart has entrusted Guler with more minutes over the past 3 weeks, and Guler has repaid the faith shown in him. Whilst Guler probably isn’t the highest upside guy, he’s punching out solid 40’s and 50’s with an increased work rate. There’s also every chance Ricky Stuart rests Joe Tapine and/or Josh Papali’i during this game, increasing Guler’s usage.

 

Hate It – Joe Tapine - $22,270

Much of what needs to be said about my thoughts on Tapine can be understood from the write up on Guler. Since coming back from injury, Stuart has decreased Tapine’s minutes and usage in the middle rotation. Whilst there’s a chance Stuart increases Tapine’s minutes in this game, particularly if it’s close, I see it going the other way, with the Raiders running away with this one early. Given this, Tapine is likely to see a big rest in the middle of this game and won’t get the minutes to justify the price tag.

 

Hate It – Luke Garner - $13,230

Garner’s priced is based on his solid play in the backrow this season, where he has proven himself a try scoring threat out wide. Whilst that ability doesn’t disappear with a move to centre, his footwork and speed don’t give him the edge against centres that it does against back rowers. Could score a try and justify the price tag, however I don’t know if the Tigers have many points in them this weekend against a determined Raiders outfit. If you trust the Tigers to score points, Garner may well be an option.

 

Who Knows – Jack Wighton - $18,380

Wighton has been in good form for the Raiders at the back end of this season, and is someone to consider in your HH or FLEX positions. However, I have the sneakiest suspicion that Wighton may be rested this weekend if the Broncos lose to the Dragons. If not, he’s a good purchase, however I prefer Fogarty based on the fact he plays on the right side and will attack the weak left side defence of the Tigers. 


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