Paully's Picks - Round 8 (part 2)

Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans

A Queensland derby to continue round 8 as the Broncos host the Titans from Suncorp. Brisbane are 6 from 7 on the season whilst playing an entertaining brand and boasting some of the best young talent in the NRL. The Titans, well, would be happy to boast that the club is still afloat these days, but have not lost any of their pride. They stood up to be counted at Brookvale last start and came away from the fortress with a win.

This assignment will be very different. Wonder boy Aidan Sezer will be brought back down to earth and the relentless Broncos attack will prove too much for the visitors. Tantalising matchup out wide with Jack Reed facing Jamal Idris but it will be the likes of Alex Glenn and Sam Thaiday bending the Titans line that will cause the most damage. Brisbane finish stronger but the boys from Robina simply refuse to crumble.

My tip: Brisbane 30-14

Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles

If you've had a chance to catch your breath after the ANZAC Day matches, then settle in for another blockbuster from ANZ stadium on Friday night. The Eagles and the 'Dogs have a great rivalry to begin with, but now it’s been juiced up a little. Accusations of poaching, court cases, players jumping ship... the drama continues. Strangely, this is the way of things in 2012 as coaches can be plotting the downfall of an opposing player one day; and trying to sign him the next.

Kieran Foran is that player. He returns from injury with the Stewart brothers to put Manly ahead in the betting and in the end, ahead on the scoreboard. Whilst Hasler has the 'Dogs playing the type of football that almost beat the Storm a fortnight ago, it will not be enough to get over his old club. The Kris Keating/Josh Reynolds combination simply won't have enough points in them to dethrone the reigning premiers, but they will give it a bloody good go.

My tip: Manly 24-14

South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys

Flip a coin, people. The Cowboys come off a complete annihilation of the Roosters while the Bunnies defence is reeling from a 40 point thrashing by the Warriors last start. Both clubs bouncing between good and bad games, never quite nailing down a consistent approach so expect exactly the same in this match at Homebush on Saturday night. Momentum shifts, lead changes and no doubt a big finish.

So, with the game on the line in the final 20, Jonathan Thurston and Matt Bowen deliver once again to get the 2 points for the visitors from Townsville. On a night where all Cowboy fans will be salivating at the thought Tariq Sims and James Taumalolo being on the field at the same time, these young firebrands will deliver and deliver well. Adam Reynolds and John Sutton might want to double up in the underwear department.

My tip: North Queensland 30-20

Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks

Sunday afternoon in our nation's capital has the mighty Sharks on the road to face the Raiders under duress. Whilst they get the amazing Shaun Fensom back from injury this week, the Raiders once again take the field without their biggest stars. Josh Dugan still confined to the circus with that horrendous looking shoulder and Terry Campese out of action for season 2012. Heartbreak for Campo but another opportunity for the talented Sam Williams.

Talented, yes... but against the Sharks... No. The Gallen, Bukuya and Smith back row continues to inspire memories of Gavin Miller and Dan Stains whilst the Todd Carney experiment continues to succeed. Carney's combination with Jeff Robson will lead the visitors to a hard fought win against a tough opposition. The Raiders will start strong but its Carney who reminds the Raiders fans how unlucky they are.

My tip: Cronulla 24-20

  

Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers

Only a few short seasons ago, this fixture had fans and commentators alike turning rabid with excitement. Jarryd Hayne might have been the best they had ever seen and Benji Marshall was a magician with the football. These days, the Eels are winners of 1 from 7 and the Tigers once famous attack has not yet shifted into high gear. Perhaps a result of new age defensive strategies in the NRL, or perhaps the dream is over.

Either way, the traditional battle between two Western Sydney clubs on Sunday afternoon at Parramatta Stadium can still draw a crowd. Hayne will fire, no doubt, but it will be Benji and Robbie Farah who finish on top. The home side still lack direction with Sandow and Roberts in charge and this will cost them dearly as the weight of possession tells a story once again. The Tigers control the ball and get their mojo back.

My tip: Wests 30-12

Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers

Monday Night Football from the Hunter and you won't find a more excited bunch than the Knights faithful this week. Kurt Gidley returns from injury, Danny Buderus being heralded as NSW favourite son and the return of a mighty force known as Evarn Tuimavave. It all points to a big crowd and a big win for Newcastle especially since the struggling Panthers are coming to town as losers of 3 in a row.

Make that 4. Whilst Panthers coach Ivan Cleary makes a few changes in an attempt to shake his team out of its attacking funk, it is his defence that will be left with more questions to answer. The Knights strike power finally starts to reach its potential as the likes of Uate and Boyd see more of the ball and cause havoc on the right side. Tough times for the boys from Penrith; they have not scored a premiership point since March 31. A test of their character here.

My tip: Newcastle 25-6

for live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/

Paully's Picks - Round 8 (part 1)

St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters

30,000 tickets already sold; the upper decks of Allianz stadium opened up; hated rivals; the Last Post. Goose bumps.

One of the best modern day Rugby League traditions celebrates its 10 year anniversary as the annual Anzac Day match between the Dragons and the Roosters kicks off round 8. As always, the 4pm start gives punters plenty of time to celebrate the most important day in our great nation’s calendar before getting stuck into the footy. So, we honour all of the Diggers who fought so bravely, we take a moment for those who never made it home and we save a special thank you for those who came back injured.

Then, we settle in for the pre-game ritual and get set to enjoy watching 34 blokes knock the stuffing out of each other. The opening 20 minutes of this match will set the standard and it's the Dragons who get their noses in front. The Hornby/Soward combination up against the Pearce/Anasta tandem will be a site to behold but it’s the former who will finish stronger. Jamie Soward in particular has a point to prove and will do so with the able assistance of his forwards. Saints too good.

My tip: Dragons 19-6

Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors

Your Anzac Day double header continues from AAMI Park in Melbourne as the Storm continues their rivalry against the Warriors. Both teams coming off impressive wins; the Warriors put 40 on the Bunnies while the Storm played an almighty game against the 'Dogs, winning by a try. This is a danger game for the Warriors as they face a team built to defend their try line at any cost and led by the best players on the planet.

Add a touch of revenge to the home side's motivation after last year's semi-final defeat and the Warriors are in trouble. They will struggle to stop the NRL's best attack, they will struggle to crack the NRL's best defence and they will struggle to cover the 6.5 start given by the bookies. So, if your pockets are bulging from any two-up success, or they are empty after a tough day out, it’s Melbourne by plenty. Cooper Cronk the standout as he and Cameron Smith basically toy with their opposition.

My tip: Melbourne 36-12

Paully's Picks - Rep Weekend

New Zealand v Australia

Selection Saga? For those of us with a long memory, this kind of drama is old hat. We've seen the likes of Tonie Carroll play for Queensland, Australia and the Kiwis; we remember the Nathan Fien fiasco, we've watched Greg Inglis choose to play for the Maroons simply because he likes them better and now this - James Tamou being bounced around like a chess piece in the most boring game of chess you've ever seen; and judging by how much the Rugby League community loves its chess, that is saying something. Or is this drama really nothing?

Indeed it is. The Tamou issue will be settled when he enters the game from the interchange bench after 25 minutes, plays for 10 and then sits back down. Meanwhile, a real chess match will be played out with the likes of Smith, Cronk, Marshall, Johnson and Billy Slater all moving into position for an entertaining start to the representative season.

The Kiwis have amassed an impressive backline with phenoms Josh Hoffman and Shaun Johnson making their test debuts with plenty of experience around to help. They will need it. Tim Sheens will start by sending a mountain of traffic towards Johnson and when the youngster has seen enough of Paul Gallen and Dave Taylor, he and the Kiwis will have nothing left. The Kangaroos grind this one out at Eden Park with Cooper Cronk the standout. A number of juicy matchups in what should be a close one until the Australians pull away late.

My tip: Australia 24-12

Country Origin v City Origin

Whether we are talking about the merits of its existence or whether this fixture has purpose as a State of Origin trial, pay no mind. Rather the focus of this match on Sunday afternoon should be the lovely people of Mudgee and the resurgence of Country Rugby League. With inferior codes determined to destroy our regional breeding grounds, the work done by the NRL in Mudgee this week has been tremendous and long may it be continue.

Also, trying to understand the selections and how they relate to NSW jumpers is confusing the hell out of me so I've chosen to ignore it and focus on footy.

So, with the Country team set as mid-week favourites and boasting a superior forward pack, halves combo and backline, I'd say they have every chance. Having the Morris twins in such good form and Todd Carney showing all kinds of class this year, the boys from the bush will win and win well. Keep an eye on Michael Weyman as he reminds NSW selectors why he is one of the best and as always in City v Country, there is a surprise performer who shines unexpectedly... This year, if he gets time on the field, Mitchell Allgood is my pick as he shows why club form gives no guarantees for rep form.

My tip: Country 30-18


for live updates over the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/