FIVE BLOCKBUSTERS FOR NRL FANS IN 2018
BRISBANE V NORTH QUEENSLAND – ROUND 2
These games just keep getting better and we’ll only have to wait two rounds for this year’s Queensland NRL showpiece. Five of their past six matches have either gone to extra time or been decided by just one point, and there’s no reason to expect anything less with the Cowboys back to full strength. It’s also Brisbane’ first home game of the season, making for a certain sellout crowd.
MELBOURNE V NORTH QUEENSLAND – ROUND 3
The NRL has given fans their earliest grand final rematch since 2013, with North Queensland set to travel to AAMI Park in Melbourne to try to extract revenge for this year’s 34-6 loss. While North Queensland should have all their chargers back on deck, the Storm will still be trying to find their groove with Brodie Croft in the No.7 jersey.
WESTS TIGERS V CANTERBURY – ROUND 12
Mark Sunday May 27 down in the diary now. Aaron Woods pulled no punches when he left the Wests Tigers earlier this year and he’s guaranteed to cop a passionate welcome from the club’s fans when he runs out for the Bulldogs in round 12. Meanwhile Canterbury players and supporters will likely be far more friendly to club favourite Josh Reynolds, who will face the Bulldogs for the first time in Tigers colours.
CRONULLA V BRISBANE – ROUND 15
It’s been a while since the Jack Bird deal went down, but make no mistake about it: there’s been no love lost between these two clubs. Cronulla were vocal in their frustration that Bird had been lured to Brisbane and even tried to keep him in Sydney, while the Broncos weren’t happy the Sharks revealed the news about the brash youngster. It could all spill over in this mid-season match.
PARRAMATTA V GOLD COAST – ROUND 21
It’s hard to believe, but Jarryd Hayne still hasn’t played against Parramatta. Twice ruled out through injury in 2017, it’s hoped he will run out against the Eels at the third time of asking next August. Hayne vowed to only return to the NRL through Parramatta when he left for the NFL in 2014, so it remains to be seen what kind of reception he will cop in their only game at ANZ Stadium next year.