FIVE GAMES NOT TO BE MISSED IN SEASON 2018
THERE’S a host of mouth-watering match-ups and more double-headers than we know what to do with, but here’s five of the best.
1) Broncos v Cowboys, Round 2, 7.50pm, Friday, March 16
You know what to expect at this point. A game with an impossible amount of action that probably goes to golden point and is decided in truly epic fashion. Lock the dog in the barn, rip the scab off a XXXX or 10, take some heart medication, do what you have to do, just don’t miss it.
2) Storm v Cowboys, Round 3, 7.50pm, Friday, March 22
What do you think Johnathan Thurston has done every day since the grand final? If your answer was anything other than “he’s been maniacally plotting the downfall of the Storm” I’m afraid you’re incorrect. Like Rocky III to Rocky II, this is a sequel not to be missed.
3) Tigers v Bulldogs, Round 12, 4.10pm, Sunday, May 27
Josh Reynolds against his former club v Aaron Woods against his former club. Given the messy fashion in which Woods left the Tigers there are bound to be some hard feelings among the black, white and gold fans. If the Bulldogs are struggling there’ll be some hard feelings for Canterbury fans but they sure as hell won’t be aimed at Reynolds.
4) Raiders v Panthers, Round 14, 6pm, Friday, June 8
The Raiders are incapable of being boring. They either win in breathtaking fashion or crash to the most entertaining and bizarre losses you’ve ever seen. The Panthers seem to be their perfect sparring partner – with both matches last season living up to the hype.
5) Roosters v Cowboys, Round 21, 7.30pm, Saturday, August 4
This one is a slow burner, but holy hell will it be worth it if a couple of things shake up. North Queensland should be premiership favourite for next season with the return of Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and new boy Jordan McLean. And if the Roosters end up waving the magic wand, sign Cooper Cronk and add him to an already loaded team that is also getting James Tedesco, what could we get?