Canterbury v Wests
The Tigers are a confidence team and running high on it at the moment. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are running on the stench of failure as their season goes from bad to worse. Cries from the Bulldogs camp this week sound optimistic, which is a good sign for this match and suggests the Dogs will play with desperation. That might be enough to get the win against a rejuvenated Tigers outfit, but only if this match turns into a grind.
Difficult to see Robert Lui and Benji Marshall allowing that to happen. In the Tigers' last two matches, their halves have combined well to organise a potent attack which should continue on Friday night but they will face a tough test with Kimmorley and Ennis attempting to slow the pace down to a standstill. This week the Jamal Idris show visits Chris Lawrence in another fantastic matchup starring the Dogs tearaway young centre. Also, keep an eye on Ennis v Farah as their rivalry continues.
Man of the Match Prediction: Robbie Farah
Tip: Tigers 28-18
Result: Tigers 19-12
Man of the Match: Robbie Farah
Snap Review:
The Tigers win a grind!!!!! This is a massive result for Wests as they win in greasy conditions and out muscle the dogs forwards. Could you say this about the Tigers at anytime in the last 4 years? no way.
Parramatta v Melbourne
Melbourne continues to impress after the salary cap saga; they have a 4 and 1 record since. It's obvious that with so much talent in the squad, they don't need a reason to win games this year; apparently they dont need all their stars on the field either. Last week they scored an easy victory without 3 of their best and this week, they will be given all the motivation they need from the Parramatta faithful. Melburnians will be able to hear the home crowd from Flinders Street.
The Eels, bouncing back from two very poor performances in a row, will ensure hostilities are resumed by turning up for this match but the visitors determination will be too much for a spirited yet out-gunned home side. Cameron Smith returns from injury, GI and Billy the Kid return from a week off and Brett Finch returns to Parramatta Stadium for the first time since his controversial departure in 2009. This all adds up to 'must see TV' as league fans enjoy this Grand Final replay.
Man of the Match Prediction: Greg Inglis
Tip: Melbourne 22-14
Result: Parramatta 24-10
Man of the Match: Tim Mannah
Snap Review:
Fantastic game of footy. Why? Because the players took this game personally. Its not often these days where you have players show emotion on the football field. In today's version of loyalty, NRL stars are basically like mercenaries who follow contracts and not clubs. Hard to blame them though. Shelf life of a footballer is limited. Point being when players are emotionally invested in beating the opposition, we see the best brand of league.
Penrith v Newcastle
Another shootout. These two teams love to put on a show with the ball and judging by their recent performances, would much rather run than tackle. Fine with me. With all the talent on show in this match, the 5.30pm timeslot will finally deliver an entertaining match. To add to this, the Knights are boasting the return of Adam MacDougall and James McManus and have moved Captain Kurt Gidley to halfback...Interesting to say the least.
Unfortunately for the Knights, the home side will be stinging from last weeks embarrassing loss and come out of the sheds firing. Home ground advantage is enough to cover my bet in this match as it is difficult to ignore the Panthers record this season at CUA. Also difficult to ignore will be the sledging battle between two of the codes best. Mad Dog MacDougall v Travis Burns. I wish we could mic them up. Coote and Jennings the difference.
Man of the Match Prediction: Lachlan Coote
Tip: Penrith 32-24
Result: Penrith 28-10
Man of the Match: Luke Walsh
Snap Review:
Newcastle continues to struggle defensively. This represents a problem with attitude - something that could never be said about a team representing the hunter. The Knights are doing it tough this year and it will only get worse unless their forwards take ownership of the performance and their backs learn how to defend. Penrith, lead by the feisty Luke Walsh and their willing young forwards, are heading for a home semi.
Eastern Suburbs v Cronulla
Whilst the Sharks’ attack continues to struggle, the Roosters have built a talented group to form the foundation of their impressive offence. Mitchell Pearce and Jake Friend are finally flourishing under the disciplinary hand of coach Brian Smith and combined with Anasta and Carney must be one of the strongest spines in the NRL. Pearce is the key though and will be targeted heavily by the Cronulla forwards in this match.
Whilst the Roosters halfback is busy with Gallen and co.... Carney and Anasta will be taking care of the scoreboard as the Roosters pile on some points at the SFS on Saturday night. Carney especially will thrive with the space he is given and the Roosters forwards, once again, will be worth more as a group than the sum of their parts. This strength in numbers could lead to some niggle as old rivals square up for the 79th time. Roosters too good in front of a very small crowd.
Man of the Match Prediction: Todd Carney
Tip: Roosters 32-16
Result: Cronulla 42-18
Man of the Match: Paul Gallen
Snap Review:
Unbelievable. The Rooster's youth showed its ugly side in this match. Out muscled and out gunned by the Sharks!! A fantastic performance by Tim Smith and Trent Barrett had the Sharks actually enjoying themselves. Keen to see if this match builds their confidence to start a winning streak. It would be great to see Grand Final betting change from Saints at $3.50 and then the rest.
NZ Warriors v St George Illawarra
The beginning of a Sunday afternoon triple header. This game epitomises a Rugby League season in full swing. We are half way through the competition proper, the weather has turned cold and there is a midday game from Mount Smart. For those of us in the Australian east coast, enjoy a sleep-in and just as you've finished a very late breakfast, the excited twang of Darryl Halligan will be ringing in your ears. Enjoy.
Then, as you sip on a hot coffee and contemplate your tips from Saturday night, the Dragons should be at their stingy best and will be in full control of this match. As usual it won't reflect on the scoreboard until late in the game. Last year's minor premiers defend as they do, and then pull away through the speed of Brett Morris and Jamie Soward against a beaten Warriors pack. The Beast returns from injury to make your Sunday that much more exciting.
Man of the Match Prediction: Brett Morris
Tip: Dragons 27-4
Result: Dragons 22-20
Man of the Match: Matt Cooper
Snap Review:
Tough match and very entertaining. James Maloney is one of the future star halfbacks in this competition and just needs some luck with his halves partners (who now number about 10 for this year) and his forwards. If Ivan Cleary can avoid a further injury plague, it could mean anything. Saints consistent and very strong to come away with this win. Jamie Soward and Ben Hornby led the team well.
Canberra v Gold Coast
Sunday's triple header continues as we move from a drizzly Auckland to the beautiful chill of our nation’s capital where the mercury will reach a top of 16 degrees. Weather predictions in Canberra quote the following - "Frost, then sunny". We predict that this is exactly how the match will play out for the Titans as they struggle to acclimatise, but bring it home in the end.
The Titans have the mental fortitude required to win in Canberra on Sunday and will be well motivated after suffering recent losses either side of a bye. Not good for a club aiming at a top 2 finish, however they find redemption here. The Raiders bust out to a lead in the beginning through their powerful forward pack but the Titans class will prevail through an improved defensive performance and a standout showing by Nathan Friend. Upset of the week.
Man of the Match Prediction: Nathan Friend
Tip: Titans 30-26
Result: Canberra 28-24
Man of the Match: Terry Campese
Snap Review:
So close! The Raiders held on mightily in the closing minutes of this match and deserve the two points. The Titans were at their whim really. Only the horrible lack of fitness that plagues this Raiders squad led to the visitors having any chance at all. Scott Prince kicked beautifully but his teammates, especially the Titans interchange forwards, defended poorly.
Manly v Brisbane
The Eagles will find themselves in a battle here. Brisbane have won three in a row and finally settled on a first 13. This cohesion is showing in their defensive performances of late and their forward pack has become brutal again whilst Darren Lockyer continues to make the big plays when needed. He will have to make plenty of them at Brookvale in Sunday's conclusion to your triple header.
This afternoon feast of Rugby League will end with the home side overcoming the loss of starting centres Steve Matai and Jamie Lyon to record a nail biting victory. Stay tuned because this match will go right down to the wire. Manly's forwards and interchange bench prove too strong for the visiting Broncos with Watmough and Stewart the standouts. Dean Whare gets a proper introduction to first grade as he faces millionaire Israel Folau. Eagles at the death.
Man of the Match Prediction: Matt Ballin
Tip: Manly 21-20
Result: Brisbane 22-6
Man of the Match: Sam Thaiday
Snap Review:
We will only realise how good Darren Lockyer was when he retires. Furthermore, the speed with which the Brisbane rookies have learnt to play with Lockyer and up to a 1st grade level is amazing. Youngsters like Hoffman and Gillett and others continue to amaze in this Broncos resurgence. Brisbane have now won away at Melbourne, Cronulla and now Brookvale during this winning streak. Impressive. The highly praised Manly halves are starting to show their youth... it's a long season fellas.
South Sydney v North Queensland
The South Sydney Rabbitohs continue their roller coaster ride of a season, this time against the Cowboys in a potential ripper. Roy Asotasi catches up with old friend Willie Mason in just one of many juicy matchups in the forwards. If this match does turn into a battle of big men, you can't go past Souths on Monday night. I won't be going past them this time.
Isaac Luke has been outstanding this year and his great form will continue against a visiting side struggling for form and desperate to climb out of the cellar. No excuses exist anymore for the Cowboys who have lost their past two matches with Thurston, Payne and Bowen all available. These three must perform and keep the Rabbitohs big men turned around if the Cowboys are to be any chance. Smart money says they won't. Souths too good with John Sutton and Isaac Luke doing plenty of damage.
Man of the Match Prediction: John Sutton
Tip: South Sydney 30-20
Result: South Sydney 32-4
Man of the Match: John Sutton
Snap Review:
See our "Minute by Minute Monday Night" blog - delivered in 'retro' form every Tuesday.
For live updates of every match over the weekend, go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/
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