Gary's picks: Round 20 NRL

The Daily Post reporter Gary Hamilton-Irvine has a look at Round 20 of the NRL.

Rabbitohs v Dragons, tomorrow:

The Bunnies get to go first this week in my column. Monday night was like Christmas for any rugby league fan who stuck around long enough without turning off the TV on Monday night. Two converted tries in the last two minutes of the game saw them take the chocolates, winning the game 24-22. What of their title chances now? They are yet to stumble with a bad run of injuries or form. Win here and they are almost certainly in the eight come September, then who knows what could happen with this roster. Dark horse for sure. Dragons were uncompromising in defence last week but it seemed uncharacteristic of their season overall. Not sure if they can redo it I'm afraid.

Bunnies 12 under

Warriors v Knights, tomorrow:

What a battle up at Suncorp Stadium on the weekend. Fierce, no frills, up-the-guts rugby league. It felt like finals footy and although the Warriors lost (to the Broncos) it showed good signs for the heart of the team. If they can redo that effort the lacklustre Knights will get blown off the park. The Knights win on the weekend was similar to the Dragons win I thought, it seemed like a once-off. I don't see them backing it up. Bit disappointed with Shaun Johnson last week he slipped out of the game and seemed happy to stand back when everyone else was pulling their weight.

Warriors 13 plus

Sea Eagles v Bulldogs, tonight:

Des Hasler. It seems like that's where all eyes are looking for this one. I'll tell you where they should be looking. Sam Kasiano, the man is a moving mountain. Great to watch the dogs at the moment, haven't they pulled out some solidarity of late? The forwards not only set the platform for the backs but most of them can ball play as well. It makes the job easier on stars Josh Reynolds and Ben Barba who are being made to look outstanding off the back of the forwards work. They will be too good again.

Bulldogs 12 under

Titans v Broncos, tonight:

A Queensland classic I hope, but unlikely in all honesty. The Titans have a great roster and can turn on performances when it suits them but that is what makes their coach's job such a stressful one. Poor old coach John Cartwright. From my expertise in watching the Titans I see they won last week so no doubt they will lose this week. Broncos are pretty good too.                                                                                                                                 Broncos 13 plus

Eels v Storm, tomorrow:

Just had a look at the ladder. Eels are still last. Three wins from 17. After scrolling on my mouse for a while I eventually reached the top of the ladder. Happened to find the Storm. Twelve wins from 17 games. Simple math would tell you this is going to be a one-sided affair, but ... no buts really. Only argument I can find is no Billy Slater (Storm) but no Jarryd Hayne (Eels) either. I like the look of the Storm winger Sisa Waqa, it might be worth putting something on him for a try at some stage.

Storm 13 plus.

Sharks v Raiders, Sunday:

The Raiders have won two of their past three games and they posted 26 points in a loss last week. That is good signs for the green machine after a slow start to their campaign. I heard one commentator say they are a chance to make the eight and maybe win the competition recently. But I'm afraid that is silly talk. Even after a couple of Ws they are still only a shadow of the team that surged to threaten the NRL title in 2010. Sharks are solid and only a gutsy defence, quite unlike the Dragons this year, was able to stop them last week. Todd Carney and the Sharkies for mine. Still no Paul Gallen though.

Sharks 12 and under

Panthers v Roosters, Sunday:

This might be one to miss. I have come to dislike watching the Panthers. The last straw came two weeks ago when I saw they sold Nafe Seluini, the young kiwi hooker. He is an absolute star. Seeing classy players getting shown the door without good reason really annoys me especially when they don't go to the Warriors. I can see Seluini, who now plays for the Roosters, scoring a try against his old club here.

Roosters 12 under

Cowboys v Tigers, Monday:

The Tigers' best player is Liam Fulton in my mind. He is an unsung hero. When the club lost Bryce Gibbs and Todd Payten last year it was like their workload got shifted onto Fulton, who has done brilliantly. He works harder than a one-armed bricklayer in Afghanistan. He scores tries and makes 20 hitups and 40 tackles a game. However, the Cowboys are a solid team and showed great spirit to fight back against the Storm last week. Brent Tate is going great guns. Even despite the Fulton yarn I'm backing the hearty Cowboys.

Cowboys 12 under