Paully's Picks - Round 5

St George Illawarra v Brisbane

How times have changed. In recent years, this has been a much anticipated clash and has never left fans disappointed. In season 2010, the Broncos suddenly have the appearance of a football team fighting to stay competitive. The depth of talent in the Broncos system is being stretched at the moment with a backline that reads like a QLD cup side. A bigger problem for the Broncos is their engine room with Lagi Setu getting a start this week after some inconsistent play of late.

The Dragons are sure to take advantage of this and will use their suffocating style of play to remove any chance of an upset. Saints to run away with it through pointing their attack towards an inexperienced Brisbane backline. Jamie Soward will no doubt be testing the Broncos back three for 80 minutes with his kicking and passing game. This game would have also seen Ben Creagh v Justin Hodges round 2 - but alas we must hope these two origin combatants meet again in the future.
Man of the Match Prediction: Jamie Soward
Tip: Dragons 28-8
Result: Dragons 34-16
Man of the Match: Darius Boyd
Match Review:
Brisbane were out-gunned, out-matched and out-played. From kick-off right through to full time, this match was simply a vehicle for the young Broncos to gain some experience so that one day they might return the favour. Only a handful of questions were answered in this game. Will Sam Thaiday and Ben Creagh beat the crap out of each other in this year's origin series?... Yes.
Do these young Broncos have a future in the NRL? Absolutely. They looked enthusiastic and excitingly raw. A great base to work from if Ivan Henjak gets enough time with them. Finally, have the Dragons improved enough from last year to suggest they can win big games at the end of this season? Jury is still out.


Gold Coast v Melbourne
What a game this would have been if Scott Prince were playing?!? The Titans play with plenty of pride and with the return of Anthony Laffranchi, will be competitive. Greg Bird will also need to see a lot more possession to the point where Preston Campbell and William Zillman take a lesser role in attack. This is the only way they can score enough points to win.

Unfortunately they won't. As talented a line up as the home side has, they will struggle to find holes in the Storm's defensive line. A hard fought battle early on with Melbourne scoring points against an ill-disciplined Titans team before and after halftime. The visiting Storm will show up with a near impregnable defense and a star in Greg Inglis that has yet to shine this year. The mere mention of this will no doubt make him want to run all over the Titans back line and he probably will.
Man of the Match Prediction: Greg Inglis
Tip: Melbourne 23-10
Result: Titans 20-16
Man of the Match: Nathan Friend
Match Review:
Greg Bird is the real deal. The type of player that seems to have more time to work his magic than other players on the field. He is patient and calculated and after seeing him catch that bomb and flick the ball from right to left under two Storm defenders in one motion, I was convinced he is back. What a pass! Against a team with such solid defensive structure as the Storm, and a 12 point lead, the 2nd half looked grim for the Titans. However, with Anthony Laffranchi playing his best football for two years and Nathan Friend handling himself so well against the codes best hooker in Cameron Smith, the Titans were magnificent and too strong for Melbourne. Please note - horrible refereeing decisions are not discussed on this blog. It's no fun.

South Sydney v Newcastle
The much talked about Rabbitohs forward pack has found some form and this will make for good viewing. Even more interesting about this match is the fact that the Knights forwards won't be the pushovers that the Bulldogs pack was last week. It will be tough going in the middle for both teams and once again, the winner of the ruck will find more space for their backs; particularly in this game with 4 very talented halves on display.

South Sydney seems to be hitting their stride and will also be hitting harder to come away with the win. Isaac Luke will be the difference as his creativity will add to the 'home' side's attack. Look for Ben Lowe to continue his impressive form of late and for the collisions between Ben Cross and the entire Souths pack to shake the very foundations of Bluetongue Stadium. For fans attending this game, also keep an eye out for John Singleton v Russel Crowe in the members bar.
Man of the Match Prediction: Sam Burgess
Tip: South Sydney 26-22
Result: South Sydney 28-10
Man of the Match: Isaac Luke
Match Review:
The Knights are now in trouble. An injured halfback and a 4 game losing streak will have them desperate in their next game. Jarrod Mullen has not been able to perform well in consecutive weeks. He has the ability to dominate a game of football but something is missing. I have not yet figured out what it is.
Souths, on the other hand, have nothing missing. A super impressive performance on Saturday night led by Isaac Luke and a 31 tackle, 16 hit up effort from Sam Burgess. The Rabbitohs are playing calm, confident and have not yet hit their peak. Must make mention of an offload by Cory Paterson early in this game to put Daniel Tolar over. A left hand, wrap-around pass with 3 defenders on him. Magnificent.



North Queensland v Wests
Somebody get a message to Neil Henry to PLEASE start Anthony Watts in place of Aaron Payne. Not for any other reason than hopefully a repeat performance from two 'old school' hookers in Watts and Tigers captain Robbie Farah. Who can forget their fiery meeting at Leichardt oval in round 19 last year? Watts threw a couple of right hands in the direction of Robbie's face, only to feel the wrath of his opposite number with 3 or 4 well placed left uppercuts. Magnificent. They will definitely come face to face at some point in this encounter.

Moving on, if history has taught us anything, it would be that these two teams love to score points. Saturday night at Dairy Farmers Stadium will be a screamer. Benji Marshall will put together another 5 star performance and the Tigers improved discipline will be the difference. You get the feeling this game will be decided by who has possession last. Finally, as we mentioned last week, keep any eye on Cowboys five eighth Ray Thompson. His speed will be an asset against the Tigers, who give their opposition plenty of room to move.
Man of the Match Prediction: Robbie Farah
Tip: Tigers 32-28
Result: Tigers 23-16
Man of the Match: Robbie Farah
Match Review:
This game represented the heartbreaking saga that is Rugby League. Thurston injured, Aaron Payne injured, Tim Moltzen out for the season.... just horrific. The Tigers superior talent and discipline were the difference in this game as the Cowboys fought bravely and threw everything they could at an impressive Tigers defence.
The 2010 Wests Tigers seem to have a class about them where they can dominate field position and the ruck with more conservative tactics, but still scoring some amazing tries. Robbie Farah is the complete package this year, and Benji Marshall seems like a true leader of his club. The Cowboys are about to suffer through one of those periods that will truly test the culture of a football team. Let's see how they respond.


Canterbury v NZ Warriors
This game is the complete opposite in style to the other 7.30pm game on Saturday night between the Tigers and the Cowboys. If you are watching Canterbury v New Zealand on Pay TV, make it the 9.30 option because we might be in for a less than impressive game of football. The Bulldogs are famous for an uncompromising forward pack, which they don't have this year; and a committed defensive structure, which seems to need a little more work.

With injuries striking down both sides, we will lean towards the home team with a lot to prove. The Bulldogs performance last week has led to coach Kevin Moore speaking with each player individually. Perhaps they also need a 'players only meeting'. It is round 5 now and the NRL hasn't had one of these yet this season. We must be due. Kimmorley and Ennis the difference as the Dogs scrape home. Josh Morris v Brent Tate a highlight.
Man of the Match Prediction: Ben Hannant
Tip: Bulldogs 30-24
Result: Warriors 30-24
Man of the Match: Lewis Brown
Match Review:
A fantastic game of footy leaves me with more egg on my face. This was a beauty thanks to the Warriors playing without fear and using shifts in momentum to confuse the Bulldogs defence and score 5 times as many points as they did the previous week. James Maloney has come from nowhere to shock most pundits this year. He is patient and aggressive and shows a wisdom beyong his years. Brett Kimmorley, on the other hand, missed a match winning field goal attempt and Ben Roberts spent most of the second half on the bench. This was the difference in the game as the Warriors halves seemed to have more direction and determination over the 80 minutes. A brave performance by Manu Vatuvei to get himself on the field on one leg. No doubt an inspiration to his teammates.


Manly v Cronulla
The Sea Eagles are finally playing at Brookvale Oval which makes it nearly impossible to tip against them here. It will be a long drive for Sharks fans but worth the trip simply because we expect fireworks in this game. Two very intense coaches will have their teams wired and ready to go for this one. The Sharks will have a renewed sense of confidence after last week's victory and will be more willing to take risks in attack after training with a new halfback for another week.

Against Manly's defense, it may not make a difference as the Eagles impressive young halves and the creativity of Glenn Stewart will be too much for the Sharks. A good battle of NSW origin hopefuls in the front row with Josh Perry taking on two young upstarts in Kade Snowden and Luke Douglas. Fantastic. Finally, let's hope Adam Cuthbertson is allowed to play at least 5 minutes against his old club; I'm sure he'll want to have a huge one and deserves to get on the field.
Man of the Match Prediction: Jamie Lyon
Tip: Manly 26-12
Result: Manly 40-12
Man of the Match: Jamie Lyon
Match Review:
There are not enough words to desribe the performances of Eagles' halves pairing Trent Hodkinson and Kieran Foran. But here are a few of them. Controlled, Confident, Classy, Skilful, Patient, Fast and Fantastic. Hodkinson, 21, seems to understand the balance needed from a halfback in when to kick, pass and run and combines this with the abililty to do all three well. Foran, 19, is not trying to score from every play. This patience from a youngster is impressive and credit must go to Manly's coaching staff for showing faith in these kids. Credit must also go, as it should, to their forwards. The Sea Eagles pack is laying the perfect foundation for their halves and backing it up with their customary bruising defense. Special mention to Ben Farrar who has Manly fans almost forgetting the name of their injured custodian. Next week, however, will be the true test.

Penrith v Eastern Suburbs
This game features some of the most exciting young footballers in the NRL today, plus the old stager himself, Petero Civoniceva. Watching Petero apply his trade as one of the greatest front rowers of a generation is a treat for all passionate football fans and there are none more passionate than those at the foot of the Blue Mountains. They will provide the backdrop for the Panthers home ground advantage on Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately it won't be enough to stop a resurgent Roosters outfit whose forwards are playing above themselves (as has often been the case with teams coached by Brian Smith). Anthony Minichiello and Sam Perrett lead the NRL in dummy half runs which goes some way to explaining why their forwards are fresh and playing so well at the back-end of games. They do so again in this match as Mitchell Pearce guides a classy backline to victory. Also, tune in to see the likes of Todd Carney and Michel Jennings in open space on a Sunday afternoon out west. Conditions suit.
Man of the Match Prediction: Nate Myles
Tip: Roosters 28-26
Result: Panthers 28-6
Man of the Match: Luke Lewis
Match Review:
Luke Lewis and Petero Civoniceva deserve full credit for everything good that is happening at Penrith this season. Still in it's infancy, the Panthers 2010 premiership tilt seemed to be a little shaky, but coming so close against Melbourne, followed by last week's miracle in Newcastle and finally, a total demolition of the Roosters, it's obvious that there senior players are having an influence. Sunday's victory over their Eastern Suburbs rivals was convincing and almost too easy. The only question now is if they can win in difficult circumstances. It's all well and good to turn up at home with the sun shining, in front of your family and friends.... but the Panthers will truly be tested in the coming 3 rounds when they head to NZ, come home to face the Tigers and then travel north to Skilled Park. We will know more after this.

Parramatta v Canberra
Jeff Robson and Daniel Mortimer seem to be stuck in a deep, dirty, sticky heap of very thick mud. Metaphorically speaking of course. The Eels halves don't seem to be getting their forwards motivated in the right way, and don't seem to be giving consistent, quality ball to their star studded back line. Their performances have also been riddled with errors and this puts their defense (which hasn't been quite as horrendous as their attack) under more pressure.

Will this happen again on Monday night? You bet it will. However on this occasion the Eels find a way to scrape home and grind their way to an ugly win, which they will happily accept. The Canberra Raiders come with a warning label that you dare not ignore. Before they make it to Sydney on Monday, they will pass through the Federal Highway and lose the ability to tackle - the team bus then rolls over the Hume Highway as 5th tackle options fall out of the exhaust - then on to the M7 as each toll booth costs them a batch of discipline until finally they hit the M4 on the way to Parramatta Stadium and walk into the dressing room with nothing left but a lime green hope in hell of victory.
Man of the Match Prediction: Nathan Hindmarsh
Tip: Parramatta 18-12
Result: Raiders 24-14
Man of the Match: Josh Dugan
Match Review:
See our "Minute by Minute Monday Night" blog - delivered in 'retro' form on Tuesday. For live updates go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/