**Football Insights: Who Will Triumph This Weekend?**
As the excitement builds around **Round 11 of the NRL**, all eyes are on the most anticipated matchups, with expert predictions from legends like **Andrew Johns** and **Brad Fittler**. The **Nine** Network’s team of football connoisseurs have weighed in on their choices, and the insights are nothing short of compelling.
### **Manly’s Challenge in Townsville**
There’s a palpable sense of uncertainty hanging over the **Manly Sea Eagles** as they prepare for a daunting encounter against the **North Queensland Cowboys** in Townsville. Only **two** of Nine’s tipsters see hope for the Eagles, underscoring their recent struggles.
#### **The Tale of Two Teams**
Manly’s fortunes have taken a turn for the worse, particularly highlighted by their recent defeats to the **Dragons** and **Sharks** at their usually unyielding fortress, **Brookvale Oval**. The emotional toll is exacerbated by the announcement from star player **Daly Cherry-Evans** regarding his departure at the season’s end—casting a long shadow over the team dynamic.
> **Andrew Johns** shared his perspective: “_Manly are going awful. They’ve only won one from five since the announcement._” His insight suggests that the impact of Cherry-Evans’ news could be affecting the entire squad.
### **Cowboys Looking to Capitalize**
Despite facing their own challenges, with a lackluster performance against the **Warriors** and a surprising draw against **Penrith**, the **Cowboys** boast a robust home-ground advantage. With the passionate crowd at **Queensland Country Bank Stadium** rallying behind them, they pose a formidable challenge for the struggling Sea Eagles.
### **What the Experts Are Saying**
Here’s a quick look at the expert opinions for this week’s matches:
#### **Predictions from Nine’s Experts**
– **Andrew Johns**: NSW, Knights, Bulldogs, Warriors, Cowboys, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders, Tigers
– **Brad Fittler**: NSW, Eels, Roosters, Dolphins, Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Raiders, Rabbitohs
– **Paul Gallen**: NSW, Eels, Bulldogs, Dolphins, Cowboys, Sharks, Broncos, Raiders, Rabbitohs
– **Darren Lockyer**: Queensland, Eels, Roosters, Dolphins, Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Raiders, Tigers
– **Mat Thompson**: NSW, Knights, Bulldogs, Warriors, Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Raiders, Rabbitohs
– **Peter Psaltis**: Queensland, Eels, Bulldogs, Dolphins, Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Raiders, Tigers
– **Michael Chammas**: NSW, Knights, Bulldogs, Warriors, Sea Eagles, Storm, Broncos, Raiders, Wests Tigers
– **David Middleton**: NSW, Eels, Bulldogs, Dolphins, Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Raiders, Rabbitohs
– **The Mole**: NSW, Knights, Bulldogs, Warriors, Cowboys, Storm, Broncos, Raiders, Rabbitohs
– **Ben Glover**: NSW, Knights, Bulldogs, Warriors, Sea Eagles, Storm, Broncos, Raiders, Rabbitohs
### **Why You Should Tune In**
The weekend promises thrilling matchups that could change the course of the season. Be sure to **watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine** or stream it on [9Now](https://stream.9now.com.au/KDmNCTLBeRb) to catch every moment of the action!
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**Stay ahead in the game** and follow these insights as you prepare for this weekend’s football extravaganza! For more detailed predictions and updates, check out [Nine’s official sports page](https://www.nine.com.au/sport).
