It’s another big round of NRL action this weekend and club legend Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns once again has you covered if you need help with your weekly tips.
In his new series previewing and reviewing every single nib Newcastle Knights game in 2020, the Eighth Immortal will also be providing his tips for all eight games, every round.
Cowboys v Roosters
Joey’s Tip: Roosters
In the first game of the round, Joey has gone with the defending premiers, but “not by much” he admitted.
The Roosters lost in an incredibly entertaining golden-point battle last weekend but the Great Man expects them to bounce back against a North Queensland side who has struggled for consistency.
Titans v Warriors
Joey’s Tip: Warriors
Warriors picked up an important victory last weekend to sit just two points off the top eight, and Johns expects the New Zealand side to edge closer with a win over the Titans on Friday night.
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Rabbitohs v Tigers
Joey’s Tip: Rabbitohs
Two local rivals meet in the second Friday night match and with both teams sitting either side of the precipice of the top eight, getting the win is paramount.
The Eighth Immortal is going with the team currently in 9th place, the Rabbitohs, to follow on their victory last weekend against the Bulldogs and dish the Tigers their second straight loss.
Sharks v Panthers
Joey’s Tip: Panthers
The first game of the weekend that will see two top eight sides face off and Joey has picked the team who has surprised many fans this season, the Panthers.
Penrith sit one point from the top of the table and a win on the weekend could see them finish at the top come the end of the round.
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Broncos v Bulldogs
Joey’s Tip: Bulldogs
It’s two teams who have struggled to find any form this season and while the Bulldogs currently sit in last place with just one win next to their name, Joey expects that to change following Round 9.
He’s picked the Dogs to topple Brisbane which would result in the Broncos seventh straight loss.
Raiders v Storm
Tip: Storm
Third faces sixth in this one and despite a gruelling game last weekend, Joey is picking the Storm to back it up.
“I’m going to go the Storm but coming off that really touch game against the Roosters, it’ll be tough for them,” he said.
Johns labelled the injuries to the Raiders forward pack as a main reason for his choice.
Knights v Eels
Tip: Eels
We never thought we’d see the day… but Joey has gone against us.
As we come up against the league leaders this Sunday afternoon, the Great Man very reluctantly picked the Eels to win this one.
Dragons v Sea Eagles
Tip: Dragons
It would be a major upset of the round if this were to come off, but Joey was adamant about the Manly losing detailing he “really likes the Dragons in this one.”
St. George-Illawarra have lost their last two matches but so to have Manly and with the losses of Tom Trbojevic and Addin Fonua-Blake now, Joey couldn’t see the Sea Eagles winning.
Joey’s tips in full:
Roosters
Warriors
Rabbitohs
Panthers
Bulldogs
Storm
Eels
Dragons