Dragons v Storm; Cowboys v Raiders; Sharks v Bulldogs in 2025.
Table of Contents
NRL Round Preview: Dragons v Storm, Cowboys v Raiders, Sharks v Bulldogs – Key Battles, Predictions, and Tactics
Introduction Dragons v Storm
The upcoming NRL round features three thrilling matchups that could shape the finals race:
- St George Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm – Can the Dragons upset the competition heavyweights?
- North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders – A battle of two inconsistent but dangerous sides.
- Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – Will the Sharks continue their dominance, or can the Bulldogs cause an upset?
This 2000-word preview breaks down each clash, examining form, key players, tactical battles, and predictions.
1. Dragons vs Storm – Can St George Illawarra Challenge Melbourne’s Dominance?
Recent Form
- Storm: Sitting comfortably in the top four, Melbourne remains a ruthless machine, with key wins over Penrith and Brisbane.
- Dragons: Inconsistent but showing improvement under Shane Flanagan, with recent wins over the Tigers and Warriors.
Key Players Dragons v Storm
| Team | Player | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Storm | Cameron Munster | Game-breaking playmaker, crucial in big matches. |
| Storm | Harry Grant | Elite dummy-half, controls the ruck speed. |
| Dragons | Ben Hunt | Captain fantastic, directing the attack. |
| Dragons | Zac Lomax | In-form centre, strong defensively and in the air. |
Tactical Battles
- Storm’s Left Edge (Olam & Coates) vs Dragons’ Right Defence (Lomax & Su’A) – Melbourne loves attacking down the left; Lomax must be sharp.
- Dragons’ Kicking Game (Hunt) vs Storm’s Back Three (Meaney & Warbrick) – Hunt’s long kicks must pressure Melbourne’s backfield.
Prediction
The Storm’s experience and structure should prevail, but if the Dragons’ forwards match them early, an upset is possible.
Storm by 10.
2. Cowboys vs Raiders – Which Inconsistent Side Steps Up?
Recent Form
- Cowboys: Up and down, with big wins (e.g., vs Broncos) but also shock losses (e.g., vs Tigers).
- Raiders: Grinding out wins but struggling for attacking fluency.
Key Players
| Team | Player | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | Tom Dearden | Organising well in Townsend’s absence. |
| Cowboys | Valentine Holmes | Must fire in attack and goal-kicking. |
| Raiders | Joseph Tapine | One of the best props in the game. |
| Raiders | Jamal Fogarty | Needs to control the game better. |
Tactical Battles
- Cowboys’ Speed (Taulagi & Feldt) vs Raiders’ Defence (Kris & Timoko) – North Queensland’s wingers must exploit Canberra’s edges.
- Raiders’ Middle (Tapine & Horsburgh) vs Cowboys’ Pack (Lolo & McLean) – Battle of the forwards will decide momentum.
Prediction
Home advantage could be key—Cowboys in a tight one.
Cowboys by 6.
3. Sharks vs Bulldogs – Can Canterbury Stop Cronulla’s Charge?
Recent Form
- Sharks: Flying high, Nicho Hynes in career-best form.
- Bulldogs: Improved but still lacking consistency.
Key Players
| Team | Player | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sharks | Nicho Hynes | The form player of the competition. |
| Sharks | Will Kennedy | Underrated fullback, great support play. |
| Bulldogs | Matt Burton | Needs to take control in attack. |
| Bulldogs | Stephen Crichton | Key defensive leader. |
Tactical Battles
- Sharks’ Left Edge (Ramien & Iro) vs Bulldogs’ Right (Crichton & Kiraz) – Cronulla’s left-side attack is lethal.
- Bulldogs’ Kicking Game (Burton) vs Sharks’ Back Three (Kennedy & Mulitalo) – Burton’s bombs must be contestable.
Prediction
Sharks too strong at home.
Sharks by 14.
Final Thoughts & Multi Bet Suggestion
- Storm -6.5
- Cowboys ML
- Sharks -10.5
Odds: ~$4.50 (Worth a small play).
NRL Round Preview: Dragons v Storm, Cowboys v Raiders, Sharks v Bulldogs – Key Battles, Predictions, and Tactics
Introduction Dragons v Storm
The upcoming NRL round features three thrilling matchups that could shape the finals race:
- St George Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm – Can the Dragons upset the competition heavyweights?
- North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders – A battle of two inconsistent but dangerous sides.
- Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – Will the Sharks continue their dominance, or can the Bulldogs cause an upset?
This 2000-word preview breaks down each clash, examining form, key players, tactical battles, and predictions.
1. Dragons vs Storm – Can St George Illawarra Challenge Melbourne’s Dominance?
Recent Form
- Storm: Sitting comfortably in the top four, Melbourne remains a ruthless machine, with key wins over Penrith and Brisbane.
- Dragons: Inconsistent but showing improvement under Shane Flanagan, with recent wins over the Tigers and Warriors.
Key Players
| Team | Player | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Storm | Cameron Munster | Game-breaking playmaker, crucial in big matches. |
| Storm | Harry Grant | Elite dummy-half, controls the ruck speed. |
| Dragons | Ben Hunt | Captain fantastic, directing the attack. |
| Dragons | Zac Lomax | In-form centre, strong defensively and in the air. |
Tactical Battles
- Storm’s Left Edge (Olam & Coates) vs Dragons’ Right Defence (Lomax & Su’A) – Melbourne loves attacking down the left; Lomax must be sharp.
- Dragons’ Kicking Game (Hunt) vs Storm’s Back Three (Meaney & Warbrick) – Hunt’s long kicks must pressure Melbourne’s backfield.
Prediction
The Storm’s experience and structure should prevail, but if the Dragons’ forwards match them early, an upset is possible.
Storm by 10.
2. Cowboys vs Raiders – Which Inconsistent Side Steps Up?
Recent Form
- Cowboys: Up and down, with big wins (e.g., vs Broncos) but also shock losses (e.g., vs Tigers).
- Raiders: Grinding out wins but struggling for attacking fluency.
Key Players
| Team | Player | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | Tom Dearden | Organising well in Townsend’s absence. |
| Cowboys | Valentine Holmes | Must fire in attack and goal-kicking. |
| Raiders | Joseph Tapine | One of the best props in the game. |
| Raiders | Jamal Fogarty | Needs to control the game better. |
Tactical Battles
- Cowboys’ Speed (Taulagi & Feldt) vs Raiders’ Defence (Kris & Timoko) – North Queensland’s wingers must exploit Canberra’s edges.
- Raiders’ Middle (Tapine & Horsburgh) vs Cowboys’ Pack (Lolo & McLean) – Battle of the forwards will decide momentum.
Prediction
Home advantage could be key—Cowboys in a tight one.
Cowboys by 6.
3. Sharks vs Bulldogs – Can Canterbury Stop Cronulla’s Charge?
Recent Form
- Sharks: Flying high, Nicho Hynes in career-best form.
- Bulldogs: Improved but still lacking consistency.
Key Players
| Team | Player | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sharks | Nicho Hynes | The form player of the competition. |
| Sharks | Will Kennedy | Underrated fullback, great support play. |
| Bulldogs | Matt Burton | Needs to take control in attack. |
| Bulldogs | Stephen Crichton | Key defensive leader. |
Tactical Battles
- Sharks’ Left Edge (Ramien & Iro) vs Bulldogs’ Right (Crichton & Kiraz) – Cronulla’s left-side attack is lethal.
- Bulldogs’ Kicking Game (Burton) vs Sharks’ Back Three (Kennedy & Mulitalo) – Burton’s bombs must be contestable.
Prediction
Sharks too strong at home.
Sharks by 14.
Final Thoughts & Multi Bet Suggestion
- Storm -6.5
- Cowboys ML
- Sharks -10.5
Odds: ~$4.50 (Worth a small play).
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