Newcastle v Wests
Beware the wounded Tiger... and what a wound it was! By all reports, there has been plenty of soul-searching going on this week in the Tigers camp. They even held a 'truth session' in the dressing rooms after last week’s 40 point loss to South Sydney. What does this all mean? History tells us that the Tigers will be revved up to the eyeballs this week and ready to rip in.
Eventually though - the same problems will arise for Wests as they struggle to defend their line and continue to cough up possession. The Tigers are averaging 10 points per game in attack over their last 4 matches but will welcome the site of Newcastle's struggling defence. We predict the visitors play with a little more pride and Robbie Farah to take advantage of a weakened Knights team without Kurt Gidley. Marshall and Farah should be desperate to right the ship.
Man of the Match Prediction: Robbie Farah
Tip: Tigers 24-22
Result: Tigers 23-6
Man of the Match: Gareth Ellis
Snap Review:
Something about wet weather footy that gets you going as a fan... It was absolutely teeming down on friday night and the experience of the Tigers told in the end. Newcastle really do have defensive worries and some motivational concerns now as well. Performances like this will test the clubs character and depth. Also - this past week shows just how brutal the Rugby League media can be. Take it easy people!!
Parramatta v Cronulla
How quickly fortunes can change? The Round 4 match between these two teams saw Parramatta held scoreless and the Sharks post their first win in eons. Now, a dangerous Parramatta team has won their last 4 games and are heavily favoured here. If there is any chance of another upset happening, Tim Smith will need to be the instigator but only if he can avoid the flying 20 cent pieces at Parramatta Stadium.
The Eels attack will struggle in this match but their defence has been impressive of late; this will be enough to secure the two points in a scrappy affair. Kris Keating's return will help in covering for Jarryd Hayne as focal point of their attack and Feleti Mateo should also enjoy the increased responsibility. It will be cold and damp out west on Saturday night, as will the home crowds feelings towards former Eel Smith. Fui Fui Moi Moi slamming into Sharks pair Snowden and Douglas will be brutal.
Man of the Match Prediction: Kris Keating
Tip: Parramatta 20-10
Result: Cronulla 22-18
Man of the Match: Trent Barrett
Snap Review:
Could Parramatta be the NRL's latest version of a 'one man team'? With previous examples such as Brad Fittler and the Roosters, JT and the Cowboys and Andrew Johns and NSW.... can we now say "Jarryd Hayne and the Eels"? Perhaps. Whilst Mortimer and Keating played well in this one... they did not really deliver much creativity and subsequently did not bother the Sharks enough. Keep an eye on this.
NZ Warriors v South Sydney
Match of the round for mine. Both teams last start winners and both currently in the top 8 with a desperate need to improve from last year. The Warriors are slowly getting troops back whilst South Sydney have named Michael Crocker on their extended bench. Crockers presence could go a long way to covering the gap left by a couple of missing Rabbitohs forwards. Souths have the potential to turn up big here.
We predict the Warriors carry last weeks good form into this game, but they will find a well prepared and confident South Sydney squad. Plenty of lead changes and shifting momentum in this match as Souths overcome 'jet lag' to register a big away win. Good performances expected from Brett Seymour, whose timing will be better for last weeks return from injury... and Isaac Luke, the standout performer for the bunnies so far this season. Tune in to enjoy the constrained bias of an always enjoyable sky sports commentary team from NZ.
Man of the Match Prediction: Isaac Luke
Tip: South Sydney 20-18
Result: Warriors 26-24
Man of the Match: Jerome Ropati
Snap Review:
Credit to NZ for showing experience and actually dominating Souths in crucial parts of the game. Once the damage had been done, Souths tried some amazing plays and almost pulled off the miracle comeback but just couldn't hold on to the pill. Brett Seymour enjoying himself these days. Just like Tim Smith and Todd Carney - its amazing what living clean can do for these blokes. Must make mention of Rhys Wesser in this match. Souths would have been down 30 if it wasn't for some defensive gems from this journeyman fullback.
St George Illawarra v Canberra
Kudos must be given to the Dragons here. They are essentially fielding a team of reserves and still go into this match as favourites. Defence, discipline, ball control and patience are all bywords of the club's culture under Wayne Bennett. These traits will be on display on Sunday and playing at Wollongong further strengthens the Dragons' chances against the visiting Canberra Raiders.
Saints may not have the points in them this week but will still have enough to pound the Raiders into submission. This will be a low scoring affair with Terry Campese and co throwing everything they can at the home side but will fail to bust the Dragons line often enough to get ahead on the scoreboard. Hornby, Soward and Dean Young lead the way and some young Dragons forwards get a chance to make a name for themselves.
Man of the Match Prediction: Nick Emmett
Tip: Dragons 14-10
Result: Canberra 22-14
Man of the Match: Joel Thompson
Snap Review:
Saints fielded 10 replacements in this match. I'm letting this one go. The Raiders played well and they do have some young superstars but lets not get too excited. I do like the combination being created with Raiders hooker Buttriss and halfback McCrone. This is imperative to the Raiders' success even with the presence of Campese: they must take the pressure off him. With Dugan at the back, Canberra have the makings of a good spine.
Penrith v Canterbury
The Bulldogs need to stand up and fight here. With their performances of late suggesting a huge gap exists between themselves and the top teams, they now face the prospect of a long rep season with missing troops. With a record of 3 wins and 6 losses, the Belmore side could be running out of opportunities to turn it around. Now that we have painted such a dark picture, perhaps we lighten it up a little.
Michael Jennings and Lachlan Coote: Two brighter stars you will not find this weekend and Coote especially is playing with more enthusiasm than a kid in a lolly shop. The Panthers are missing some forwards but will have enough depth to bring home the two points. They deflect an early onslaught from the spirited Bulldogs but pull away through the increasingly impressive combination of Kevin Kingston and Luke Walsh. Josh Morris v Michael Jennings a highlight as these forgotten centres try to salvage some personal pride.
Man of the Match Prediction: Lachlan Coote
Tip: Panthers 20-12
Result: Panthers 31-16
Man of the Match: Lachlan Coote
Snap Review:
The Panthers have speed and aggression. Two fantastic traits to have in a club and the reason why they now sit atop the ladder. The Bulldogs are no longer simply in a rough trot - they are playing to their potential... which is to be a team that either sneaks into the 8 or not at all. Even with Kimmorley and Ennis in the squad their attack has been less than impressive of late. It was better in patches here but only when the scoreboard forced them to throw it around. The Panthers go on to bigger things whilst the dogs yearn for the return of Ben Hannant.
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