Footy is well and truly back and after an atrocious score of 4/8 last week, nib Newcastle Knights legend Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns is out for redemption in Round 6.
Johns has once again cast his eye over Round 5, assisting tipsters after a roller-coaster restart to the NRL season.
In his new series previewing and reviewing every single Knights game in 2020, the Eighth Immortal will also be providing his tips for all eight games, every round.
Joey’s Rd 5 preview: The pack, attack options, No.6
Sea Eagles v Broncos
Joey's Tip: Sea Eagles
The first game of the round shapes as an intriguing affair, with both Manly and Brisbane being provided with plenty of motivation after tough results last week.
The Broncos are looking to bounce back from a 59-0 drubbing at the hands of back-to-back Premiers the Sydney Roosters, while Manly were left seething after a tight loss to Parramatta.
However, Johns was in little doubt that the maroon and white side would come out victorious on Thursday night.
Warriors v Cowboys
Joey's Tip: Warriors
This easily shapes as one of the toughest matches to pick all week.
With key forward Jason Taumalolo named on an extended bench and racing the clock to be fit, Johns was unsure which way this one would go.
"Do we know if Taumalolo's playing?" Johns said.
"If Taumalolo's not playing, I'd say the Warriors would be specials. That's how much they miss him.
"I'll go the Warriors."
Eels v Panthers
Joey's Tip: Eels
An intriguing match up for Friday Night Football this week.
Both sides are unbeaten after four games and the Panthers will finally welcome back NSW halfback Nathan Cleary.
Despite the key addition of Cleary, Johns was certain the ladder-leading Eels will extend their perfect start to the season.
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Rabbitohs v Titans
Joey's Tip: Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs haven't enjoyed the start to the year many expected them to, slumping to their third straight defeat at the hands of Melbourne last week.
However, Johns has tipped them to bounce back this week.
"Cody Walker's back, James Roberts is back," Johns said.
"I'll go the Rabbitohs."
Knights v Storm
Joey's Tip: Knights
Easily the game of the round this week.
The second placed Knights take on the fourth placed Storm, with both sides coming off strong wins against quality opposition last week.
Johns was quick to back in his former Club, predicting the Knights would continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Tigers v Raiders
Joey's Tip: Raiders
Another intriguing match-up, with the Tigers smarting after going down to the Titans last weekend, the Gold Coast Club's first win in almost an entire calendar year.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are coming off an underwhelming performance against the red-hot Knights last week and will certainly have a point to prove.
It's a point that Joey believes they'll prove on Saturday night, backing in the green machine to bounce back against a Benji Marshall-less Tigers.
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Bulldogs v Roosters
Joey's Tip: Roosters
The 8th Immortal backed in the red-hot premiers to win this one, as would most tipsters based off recent form.
However, he doesn't think it'll be a walk in the park.
"I'll go the Roosters, but it'll be a tight one," Johns said.
"I was really impressed with the Bulldogs last week.
"It just goes to show, get your best players back on the field. Kieran Foran, freeing up Lachlan Lewis to just worry about his kicking, they looked so much more dangerous."
Dragons v Sharks
Joey's Tip: Sharks
Wrapping up Round 6 is a local derby between two teams who have been struggling in the early stages of the season.
The Dragons are the only team yet to win a game and Johns doesn't believe that will be changing this weekend.
Joey's Tips in Full:
Sea Eagles
Warriors
Eels
Rabbitohs
Knights
Raiders
Roosters
Sharks
