NRL Round 8 2023: Expert tips and burning issues for bumper round of footy

Player sackings, form slumps and blockbuster clashes are set to shape NRL Round 8. Check out our EXPERT TIPS AND BURNING ISSUES.

The NRL's North Queensland Cowboys.

South Sydney and Penrith resume their heated rivalry in round 8 with Origin spots, bragging rights and ladder positions on the line.

Will the short turnaround sap the energy out of Parramatta against Brisbane in the Darwin heat?

Someone is getting close to pressing the panic button in North Queensland.

And Trent Robinson has already pulled the switch at the Sydney Roosters by dumping Sam Walker.

Here are our round 8 expert tips and burning issues.

Burning issue:

Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker are warming to the task nicely and are primed to inspire the Rabbitohs to a shock upset over the Panthers.

Burning issue:

With his NSW Blues jumper on the line, Jarome Luai will step out of the shadow of clutch halfback Nathan Cleary to inspire Penrith to a win against South Sydney.

Burning issue:

The Eels’ sketchy start to the season is set to continue. They have a short, five-day turnaround and a trip to Darwin where they face the in-form Broncos, who continue to sit at the top of the premiership ladder.

Burning issue:

The Cowboys are in danger of becoming the flops of 2023. If they can’t beat the Knights this week at home, North Queensland can kiss goodbye to being a legitimate top-four contender.

Burning issue:

Can the Cowboys recover from a poor start to the season and knock off the gutsy Knights? I think they can.

Burning issue:

Wests have had a week off to try and regroup, but it’s unlikely to help as the Sea Eagles will continue to heap more pain onto the Tigers.

Burning issue:

The Roosters have struggled for consistency with Trent Robinson dumping Sam Walker to secure a reaction. If the Keary-Manu combo works, where does that leave Walker long-term?

Burning issue:

Trent Robinson made the big call to axe Sam Walker from the halves, partnering Joey Manu with Luke Keary. Let’s see how they react in the Anzac Day clash with St George Illawarra.