Time to get your remotes ready, secure your last minute tickets and cancel all of your weekend plans because NRL Round 22 is not to be missed and here’s five reasons why:
1. The Hayne Plane Landing in Queensland
Jarryd Hayne will likely be spotted wearing Titans colours at Cbus Super Stadium this weekend after the NRL announced his two-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans was approved. It was an emotional decision for Hayne to return to the NRL without Parramatta, but NRL fans on the Gold Coast are buzzing with excitement. Currently placed seventh on the ladder, the Titans will face off against the eighth-placed Warriors this Sunday at 2pm for what’s sure to be one of the most talked about matches this week.
2. Broncos back to full strength
With key assets of Maroons forwards Matt Gillett (shoulder injury), Josh McGuire and Sam Thaiday (suspension) back and ready to play, the Broncos are a force to be reckoned with as they take on the Dragons tonight at 7.50pm.
3. JT left out of Cowboys squad with hamstring injury
Even with a poor record of 13 wins from 45 matches without Maroon Johnathan Thurston since 2005, the Cowboys aren’t going to risk worsening the injury by rushing him back to play against the Tigers this weekend. One of the 13 wins without JT was against the West Tigers in Round 11 last year, so we’re in for a cracker of a match this Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
4. Could Manly make it five in a row?
One to watch tomorrow (Friday) night at 7.50pm is the Sea Eagles taking on the Eels. The tides have definitely turned since their last match up in Round 7 where the Eels took an easy 22-10 victory. With the Sea Eagles hot off a four in a row winning streak, can the return of Maroons forward Nate Myles (knee injury) and Intrust Super Cup graduate Matt Parcell (hamstring injury) help make it five in a row?
5. Women in League celebrations
This whole week, the NRL and Intrust Super Cup clubs have been acknowledging the various contributions made to the game by women, and is one of many occasions throughout the year where they are placed in the spotlight via the #WomenInLeague round. As well as special functions, jerseys and events at games – the round is also a great time for people to get to know some of the key roles women and girls play to help progress all areas of the game. Follow the news of the QRL’s Women and Girls page for more news. Fans are encouraged to show their support for the round by using the social hashtag #WomenInLeague.
