Canterbury v Brisbane
Here's hoping the Broncos turn up for this one. They have been inconsistent this season through injuries and fluctuating individual form. So, in the interests of good footy, we remain hopeful that their young players turn up at ANZ stadium on Friday night rather than rely on Darren Lockyer to pull them out of trouble. The Brisbane captain has tormented the Bulldogs' up-and-in defence in the past and will aim to do so again here. He could be the difference.
However, without Peter Wallace to take some of the attention away from Lockyer, the Broncos will struggle for field position and attacking options. This will encourage the Bulldogs and feed them plenty of quality possession which should be enough to carry them home. Josh Morris v Israel Folau will be a highlight and Ben Teo will be marking Jamal Idris in what should be a thunderous contest. Also, Ben Hannant will be eager to impress his future team mates. Dogs do enough to win against a willing Brisbane team.
Man of the Match Prediction: Luke Patten
Tip: Dogs 24-14
Result: Dogs 36-18
Man of the Match: Jamal Idris
Match Review:
The flick pass from Idris was a beauty. It's good to see young players willing to play their natural game and entertain the crowd. This was a surprising game of football with the Dogs exploding in the second half to score 3 tries in quick succession. All coinciding with Ben Roberts departure from the field. Speaking of which, this match took its toll on the home side as Canterbury lost Hannant, Morris and Roberts through injury. No need to question the results as both teams are under the salary cap.
North Queensland v Parramatta
The Cowboys are well placed to cause an upset here. It is exactly the type of match where historically, a favoured Eels team might fail to perform. Plenty of advantages for the home side as they host a team still struggling to find rhythm in attack and who have been horribly ill-disciplined. To add to the excitement, North Queensland have named Willie Mason and Carl Webb in their starting side.
This would have been impressive about 4 years ago, but time marches on and the injury riddled Cowboys do not have enough points in them to put any fear into the Eels. To win, the home side must grind out a victory through physically bashing the visitors but we think the Eels can overcome this and finish on top through an impressive scrum base and potent interchange bench. Timana Tahu was fantastic last week and will be a joy to watch once again here. This match could signal the return of J. Hayne.
Man of the Match Prediction: Jarryd Hayne
Tip: Eels 24-10
Result: Eels 24-18
Man of the Match: Fui Fui Moi Moi
Match Review:
It has to be said, Parramatta look like they are building towards something. Why? Jarryd Hayne looks to be in 1st gear and so do some of his forwards. The Eels have learnt plenty from last year and are conserving their energy for this years finals. Hayne specifically looks as though he is holding his cards close to the chest and will wait for origin and semi finals to show his hand. The Eels will do enough to make the finals and then hope to lift their form again. One question mark on this theory is the form of Daniel Mortimer. Struggling for consistency and frustrated with his own form, Mortimer could have a negative effect on his teammates if he continues moping around the field like a scolded puppy. No need to question this result as both teams are under the salary cap.
Penrith v Wests
If the Storm and Dragons are the defensive benchmarks of the NRL, here we have consistently the two most exciting attacking teams in the competition. The Tigers definitely did not display this ability in last week's loss to the Bulldogs but new halfback Blake Lazarus may be better for the run to improve his side's creativity. Both teams will turn up here. The visitors look slightly thinner up front compared to a Panthers pack hosting some of the games best and brightest.
Home ground advantage is also huge here as Penrith, brimming with confidence after dropping 40 on the Warriors last week, will over-power a courageous Tigers defence and outlast them in the end. Michael Jennings may well partner Chris Lawrence in the centre's for NSW this year, but they face each other here in a tantalising battle of superstars. Injury concerns for Tigers entire front row.
Man of the Match Prediction: Frank Pritchard
Tip: Panthers 30-18
Result: Panthers 26-18
Man of the Match: Lachlan Coote
Match Review:
Fantastic game of footy. Both teams performed well in this match but the Panthers look like they have a motivation and attitude seldom seen since 2003. Michael Jennings in particular looked aggressive in defence and had a scowl across his face that has never before been seen on the kid. Good sign for the Panthers. Another good sign was the play of Tim Grant. A great front rower with a bright future. No need to question this result as both teams are under the salary cap.
Cronulla v Newcastle
Cronulla, for the first time this season, have named the same line-up in consecutive weeks. Perhaps coach Ricky Stuart has settled on his best possible combinations with limited options (Limited, only according to Stuart). This will help their struggling attack but the Sharks pack must raise their aggression and enthusiasm to stop a potent Knights team. This is their best chance against a Newcastle side with a poor defensive record and question marks over their ability to win away from the Hunter.
However, they have a backline boasting a number of supremely talented footballers and if Jarrod Mullen turns up, the Knights will find the try line often enough to scrape home. We predict he does... and they do. Cronulla will try to push their opponents around to win this one which may cause some niggle, which we love, but will not get the home side a victory. Knights win with a more dangerous three-quarter line and a superior interchange bench.
Man of the Match Prediction: Kurt Gidley
Tip: Newcastle 23-16
Result: Cronulla 26-6
Man of the Match: Paul Gallen
Match Review:
Congratulations to the Sharks on an impressive performance. They completely dominated the Knights in every facet and looked like they were actually enjoying themselves. The confidence could be back at Cronulla which could mena a more frequent visit to the winners circle. Tim Smith is combining well with John Morris and Trent Barret. Snowden and Douglas continue their good form up front. Interesting to note in this match that Cronulla are under the Salary Cap and were able to win. Amazing.
Canberra v South Sydney
Adam Mogg has been named at halfback to start this match. The Raiders must be super confident to throw a former NRL winger/centre into the 7 jersey and so they should be. A Sunday afternoon in Canberra on Anzac Day with rain predicted and temperatures low. It all reads like a nightmare for a young Rabbitohs team whose forward pack might be big enough to cause a mini-upset here, but we predict they don't.
The Raiders forwards look like a collection of monsters from some children's cartoon. They are huge and will not be out muscled in front of their home crowd. The Green Machine will be grunting and bashing their way to victory over a visiting South Sydney squad that will not be prepared for the opening 20 minute onslaught from Campese and co. A highlight will be two very big forward packs colliding in what will turn out to be a beauty in the wet.
Man of the Match Prediction: Alan Tongue
Tip: Canberra 20-18
Result: Souths 26-24
Man of the Match: John Sutton
Match Review:
Reports from our spies in Canberra suggest that it should have been no surprise to see the Raiders fade in the second half of this match. Their weekly training regime consists of at least two mid week benders, usually at the house of one of the players. Well, it's keeping them out of media trouble, which is difficult in the paparazzi capital of the world, but unfortunately it is making them look amatuer on the field. Credit to Souths for come home strong. Did you see Alan Tongue fall off Rhys Wesser as he scored the match winner? Tongue was completely spent and playing injured. Credit to him but unfortunately his troops refuse to follow the example. No need to question this result as both teams are under the salary cap.
St George Illawarra v Eastern Suburbs
The St George Illawarra juggernaut is back on track after last week's impressive performance against the Titans. The only way this Roosters team can stop the Dragons momentum is to beat the living daylights out of Jamie Soward and Darius Boyd and get an early lead. Unfortunately the Roosters don't have it in them. Also - nobody uses this tactic in the NRL anymore which leaves last year's minor premiers with a distinct advantage.
This match will also continue the great rivalry of a now very popular Anzac Day match between these clubs. Traditionally a physical encounter where the aggression lasts for 80 minutes, we predict a similar story here which will no doubt excite the likes of Michael Weyman and Neville Costigan. Saints defence and go-forward will be the difference. Fans are looking forward to this match and it will be interesting to see how Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney plan to attack the Dragons.
Lest We Forget.
Man of the Match Prediction: Ben Creagh
Tip: Dragons 23-12
Result: Dragons 28-6
Man of the Match: Darius Boyd
Match Review
The Dragons are now officially headed for an end of year disaster. Everything they are doing this year mirrors 2009 almost exactly and they now sit atop the competition ladder after 7 rounds. Fans are getting that creepy sense of history about to repeat itself. More on this later as we still have plenty of time before the pressure starts to mount on the Dragons. Impressive first half from both sides but the Dragons defence too good. No need to question this result as both teams are under the salary cap.
Melbourne v NZ Warriors
The below is what I wrote on Thursday morning - pre salary cap scandal announcement.
A great test for young Warriors halfback James Maloney. James has excelled in his first year across the Tasman after leaving the Storm and his performances have led the Warriors to two away wins already this year. On Sunday, Maloney and his team head to Melbourne to play an angry Storm side who have lost their last two. Making matters worse in what represents a huge danger sign for the visitors; Cameron Smith is filthy at his own form from last week
The Storm have too much firepower in attack to average just 16 points per game in 2010 and although this might be an issue, their defence is rock solid. Keep an eye on Cooper Cronk in this match. Cooper never stops talking on the field and his attitude is reflected in the Storms recent success. This Sunday, his attitude will be to win at any cost and this will filter through to the rest of the team. The Warriors will not go quietly but will find it difficult to score points.
Post scandal - It will be an emotional day to say the least.
More to come on this blog soon - but regarding Sunday's game against the Warriors - the Storm will turn up with tears in their eyes and shock still pulsing through their souls. They wont know what to do. The Warriors will get an early lead as Melbourne players bounce around the park trying to figure out why they exist at all.
Then - they will fight. Not sure how, but they will.
The other alternative is to not turn up at all and forfeit this game. This seemed impossible yesterday - but nothing does today.
Man of the Match Prediction: Cooper Cronk
Tip: draw
Result: Storm 40-6
Man of the Match: Cooper Cronk
Match Review
Well at least we correctly predicted the Man of the Match. Everything else about this encounter was a complete fabrication. The Storm, with a bunch of players who should not be playing, destroyed the Warriors from start to finish. Did the Warriors deserve to suffer this loss? No. Their confidence shaken and their top 8 prospects damaged, they should be seeking to get the two points back from the NRL. The Storm beat them with "too many men on the field" - if you know what I mean. The horror continues.
Manly v Gold Coast
A concern for the Eagles is backing up from last week’s huge victory over the Storm. They were exhausted in that match and although they have a full week between games, it could be telling against a talented Gold Coast side who will be coming off 10 days rest. However, the Titans are struggling to score points with Greg Bird carrying most of the load. He must improve his communication with teammates if the Titans are any chance of a rare away win, and even more rare without captain Scott Prince.
The visitors will explode out of the sheds which will shock the home side from kick off and keep the crowd out of this game. They do a Manly on Manly and lead early, but then begin to fade. The Sea Eagles forwards are the reason they are sitting 3rd on the ladder and will carry them home stronger than the Titans to extend Manly's win streak to 5. It will be close though but Manly's record at Brookvale must be respected.
Man of the Match Prediction: Anthony Watmough
Tip: Manly 21-20
Result: Titans 24-22
Man of the Match: Nathan Friend
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/
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