Round 26 is in the books and what a crazy round it was! The struggling Eels thrashed the back-to-back premiers, the Panthers in a week where almost every top team has sustained major injuries. Now onto round 27, packed with exciting games that have big implications on finals footy! Stay tuned as we help you find value across all 8 games.
NRL 2023 Round 27
Broncos vs Storm
Kicking off the round we have the Broncos hosting the Storm. Normally this would be a clash of the titans, 2 of the premier teams in our competition going at it. For the Storm, this one is quite irrelevant, with them already securing a top 4 position, while for the Broncos, a win would secure the minor premiership. This game like many this week is full of resting, with neither side being recognizable to your average fan.
The Broncos forward pack probably edges the Storm pack here, with both missing their major players. The real difference for me comes in the backline, with the Storm having a lot more experience, and the x-factor of Papenhuyzen, who is starting at fullback. Although there are a lot of unknowns in this one, I think it will be a game filled with points, and I favor the Storm slightly.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
 | Over 43.5 | $1.90 |
 | Storm +3.5 | $1.92 |
 | Either team by 1-12 | $1.72 |
Official Squads
Broncos: 1. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Delouise Hoeter 5. Jordan Pereira 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Jock Madden 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Tyson Smoothy 10. Corey Jensen 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Keenan Palasia 14. Blake Mozer 15. Cory Paix 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Justin Olam 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Reimis Smith 6. Jayden Nikorima 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Tariq Sims 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Tepai Moeroa 11. Chris Lewis 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Sualauvi Faalogo 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Aaron Pene 17. Jack Howarth
Sea Eagles vs Tigers
Our early Friday Night game sees the Sea Eagles hosting the Tigers. With both teams outside of finals contention, this one is being played for pride. The Sea Eagles looked absolutely awesome in attack last week, with particularly good performances from fullback Koula and star halfback DCE. The Tigers were outclassed by a far better Roosters side who were in need of a win.
While the Sea Eagles are definitely the better side, with nothing to play, the line here is quite big. The Tigers will be looking to put a rough season behind them, and what better way than to go out with a win in their last game. While I am not sure if they have it in them to win, but I think they will keep it closer than the bookies expect.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Sea Eagles 1-12 | $3.15 |
| Tigers +13.5 | $1.87 |
| Junior Tupou any time try scorer | $2.70 |
Official Squads
Sea Eagles: 1. Tolutau Koula 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Sean Keppie 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Dean Matterson 16. Aaron Woods
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Triston Reilly 4. Josh Feledy 5. Junior Tupou 6. Daine Laurie 7. Apisai Koroisau 8. Alex Twal 9. Jake Simpkin 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Shawn Blore 13. Justin Matamua 14. Asu Kepaoa 15. Kit Laulilii 16. Fonua Pole 17. Alex Seyfarth
Rabbitohs vs Roosters
Our second Friday Night game sees the Rabbitohs hosting the Roosters. This is absolutely the game of the round, with this fixture always being an explosive, fiery contest, but now both sides are needing a win to make finals. This one is an absolute treat to footy fans and there is no doubt it will be heated. The last 4 meetings between these 2 sides have been split 2-2, however, the Rabbitohs have won their last 4 against the Roosters at home.
The Rabbitohs are of course missing Latrell Mitchell due to suspension, while the Roosters will be sweating on the fitness of Joey Manu who suffered a hamstring injury. The Rabbitohs have been poor lately, losing 6 of their last 10, while the Roosters have a 4-game win streak. This one is bound to be close but without Latrell, I think the Roosters edge this one.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Joseph Suaalii any time try scorer | $2.05 |
| Roosters to win | $1.96 |
| Either team by 1-12 | $1.70 |
Official Squads
Rabbitohs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Shaquai Mitchell 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jai Arrow 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Hame Sele 17. Davvy Moale
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Fletcher Baker 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Siua Wong 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Sandon Smith 15. Egan Butcher 16. Terrell May 17. Angus Crichton
Dolphins vs Warriors
Kicking off Super Saturday we have the Dolphins hosting the Warriors. Neither side have anything major to play for here, with the Dolphins out of finals contention and the Warriors secured in the top 4. The Warriors have had an amazing season, although have looked tired lately, struggling against the Titans, Tigers, Sea Eagles and Dragons recently. To combat this, most of the Warriors’ stars have been give the week of, including Nicoll-Klokstad, Shaun Johnson, Fonua-Blake, Harris and more.
Wayne Bennett and his Dolphins will be looking to end a successful season on a high note. Despite missing finals, the Dolphins have exceeded everyones expectations and I expect them to get up for their last game, against an undermanned Warriors team.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow any time try scorer | $2.25 |
| Dolphins -4.5 | $1.95 |
| Halftime/Fulltime Double – Dolphins/Dolphins | $2.05 |
Official Squads
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Tesi Niu 4. Euan Aitken 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harrison Graham 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Isaiya Katoa 16. Max Plath 17. Herman Ese’ese
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Edward Kosi 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Josh Curran 12. Marata Niukore 13. Dylan Walker 14. Brayden Wiliame 15. Jackson Ford 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Tom Ale
Panthers vs Cowboys
Our second game of Super Saturday sees the Panthers hosting the Cowboys. The Panthers were shocked last week, losing comfortably to the Eels, while the Cowboys outclassed the Dolphins. If the Broncos win, the Panthers are locked into second, yet they have still named a very good side to play against the Cowboys. For the Cowboys, the stakes could not be higher, needing a win to make the finals.
While the Panthers didn’t look themselves last week and lost Luai, we can’t forget that they are the best team in the competition. However, the Cowboys have shown us this season that at their best, they can beat absolutely anybody. With so much on the line for the Cowboys, I expect them to put up a great fight against a Panthers side with less to play for.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Scott Drinkwater any time tryscorer | $3.50 |
| Cowboys to win | $3.90 |
| Cowboys +11.5 | $1.91 |
Official Squads
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Zac Hosking
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Heilum Luki 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Coen Hess 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Dragons vs Knights
Our final game of Super Saturday sees the Dragons hosting the Knights. Neither side have anything to play for, with the Dragons locked into 16th spot, while the Knights are guaranteed to make the top 8 and cannot make the top 4. The Knights have been the form team in the competition, winning 8 in a row! This has largely been on the back of Kalyn Ponga, who has been in career best form. After suffering a shoulder injury, Ponga is being rested this week, alongside Hastings, Crossland, Frizell and Gagai.
With a new look spine, expect the Knights to look clunky in attack and potentially unorganized in defense. Despite losing their last 5 games, the Dragons have been extremely competitive. I think the Dragons will come out firing here, wanting to end a poor season on a high.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Halftime/Fulltime Double – Dragons/Dragons | $2.90 |
| Dragons to win | $2.00 |
| Dragons +1.5 | $1.87 |
Official Squads
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Connor Muhleisen 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Dan Russell 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Michael Molo 16. Ben Murdoch-Masila 17. Ryan Couchman
Knights: 1. Lachlan Miller 2. Dominic Young 3. Enari Tuala 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Adam Clune 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Fa’amanu Brown 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Brodie Jones 13. Adam Elliott 14. Riley Jones 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Mathew Croker
Titans vs Bulldogs
For our first game on Super Sunday, we see the Titans hosting the Bulldogs. Both sides are in poor form, with the Titans holding a 4-game losing streak and the Bulldogs having a 3-game losing streak. Both sides are playing purely for pride here, with them out of contention for finals footy. The Bulldogs were absolutely torn apart last week by the Sea Eagles, conceding a whopping 12 linebreaks.
The Titans are one of the most exciting attacking teams in the competition, and with Foran back in the side, I expect them to break through the Bulldogs at will. The left edge of the Titans is so dominant and I expect them to have a field day, in a high scoring affair.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Brian Kelly any time try scorer | $2.40 |
| Titans -11.5 | $1.90 |
| Titans to win both halves | $2.15 |
Official Squads
Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Kieran Foran 7. Thomas Weaver 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Klese Haas 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Keano Kini 15. Kruise Leeming 16. Joe Stimson 17. Jacob Alick
Bulldogs: 1. Hayze Perham 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Luke Thompson 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Liam Knight 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Corey Waddell 13. Max King 14. Kyle Flanagan 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Jayden Okunbor
Sharks vs Raiders
Closing out the round we have the Sharks hosting the Raiders. The Sharks are coming off a poor performance against the Knights, while the Raiders are coming off a loss against the Broncos. The Sharks are all but guaranteed in the top 8 and are unable to make the top 4, with this game meaning little for them. The Raiders on the other hand need a win to guarantee a top 8 position, or else it is in the hands of the Cowboys. While normally I would favor the side who need the win, there is too much going against the Raiders here.
The Raiders are missing Horsburgh and Papalii, 2 instrumental forwards. With the lack of power in their pack, I think this one will be too big of an uphill battle for the Raiders and I think the expansive Sharks should get over the line.
| Bookmaker | Daniel’s Tip | Odds |
| Ronaldo Mulitalo any time try scorer | $1.75 |
| Sharks -9.5 | $1.85 |
| Halftime/Fulltime Double – Sharks/Sharks | $1.72 |
Official Squads
Sharks: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Royce Hunt 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Matt Moylan
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Sebastian Kris 3. Jack Wighton 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Nick Cotric 6. Matt Frawley 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Emre Guler 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Jarrod Croker 17. Hohepa Puru
