Gold Coast v Brisbane
Always a tough matchup and one that the Titans have never lost when hosting their big brothers from Brisbane. Same again here as Scott Prince is better for his hobbled run at Campbelltown last week, Prince will lead his team nicely around the green pastures of his home ground. What a battle this shapes up to be though, especially with the class of back rowers on display through the likes of Harrison, Thaiday and Parker.
We see this match being won or lost with discipline as the talent is spread quite even and form seems to favour the Broncos slightly, but not enough for mine. Ball security and field position the key here (as it often is) and the Titans win this battle of attrition through the leadership of Prince and some outstanding play from Greg Bird. Mat Rogers v Israel Folau a highlight as the Titans veteran faces a millionaire 13 years his junior.
Man of the Match Prediction: Greg Bird
Tip: Titans 25-18
Result: Broncos 24-10
Man of the Match: Josh Hoffman
Snap Review:
The Broncos defence was outstanding and sends a clear message that they are fresh, have a perfect blend of youth and experience and are making their run.
South Sydney v St George Illawarra
The more League changes, the more she stays the same. I remember many moons ago, looking forward to the official season opener between these clubs as they would face off in the annual Charity Shield pre-season match. This fixture would always erupt into at least 2 or 3 brawls until a few years ago when the feeling was lost and coaches started treating it like an actual pre-season match; which despite its scheduling was never considered as such.
Suddenly, we are seeing a return to these days of the knuckle as Origin seems to have given a few players the itch that every league fan wants them to scratch. We plead to all Souths and Saints players to scratch that itch on Friday night - you know you want to. We are predicting a bit of niggle anyway here as Souths fight for pride against the competition leading Dragons. Burgess, Taylor and Ben Lowe will not be pushed around and the winner of this battle in the forwards will win the match. Saints' too good in the end.
Man of the Match Prediction: Darius Boyd
Tip: St George Illawarra 18-10
Result: Dragons 16-13
Man of the Match: Darius Boyd
Snap Review:
The bunnies are filthy at this one and we'll see how they react. John Sutton and Chris Sandow outplayed by the dragons experience and patience.
NZ Warriors v Melbourne
The Warriors performance last week should be heralded as one of club greatest victories since their establishment in 1995. They were down on troops to begin with and under a ridiculous amount of pressure late in the game. Why is this important now? They must be exhausted. Physical and mental fatigue has undone many a favourite in the NRL this year and the visiting Melbourne Storm will be a difficult test of the Warriors resolve.
A test they will pass impressively, if the team named midweek actually takes the field. Specifically, if Brett Seymour plays and Brent Tate can return early from a shattered jaw, anything is possible at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night. Add Lance Hohaia's name to this list and the home side will be brimming with confidence, especially in their defence. Oh yes... I nearly forgot about the Storm. Why even make the trip over? What motivates them now? Warriors continue their good form.
Man of the Match Prediction: James Maloney
Tip: Warriors 18-16
Result: Warriors 13-6
Man of the Match: James Maloney
Snap Review:
Thats 2 from 3 MOM selections correct. I'm using the leagueunlimited.com Man of the Match opinions as my guide as official Dally M scoring is no longer published. Warriors on their way to hopefully a home semi final which will make for great TV.
Cronulla v Manly
Forgetting form for a moment, we have two clubs who traditionally hate each other and will exhibit this hatred on the field on Saturday night. True that Manly desperately need a win to right their season and true that the Sharks can possibly pull off an upset, but if Manly lose to the Raiders and Sharks in consecutive weeks the insular peninsula might actually break away from the mainland and float away with shock and dismay.
Not to put too fine a dramatic point on it, but here's hoping this type of natural disaster does not occur to the lovely people of Sydney's north but the tectonic plates of pressure sit squarely on the shoulders of Des Hasler’s young halves. As often mentioned on this blog, Trent Hodkinson and Kieran Foran are the key to any Manly success but are now struggling with the week to week grind of the NRL. Time to suck it up and earn your crust boys.
Man of the Match Prediction: Glenn Stewart
Tip: Manly 30-14
Result: Manly 48-18
Man of the Match: Anthony Watmough
Snap Review:
Horrible. A complete carve up from a motivated Eagles team. The halves combo at the Sharks was always going to be a problem. Tim Smith had been dropped already and TB injured. They never had a chance.
Penrith v Parramatta
Difficult to tell whether Parramatta have broken free of the shackles of mediocrity and if they actually did play well to beat the Cowboys last Monday, or were the Cowboys just horrible? Before you answer that, allow me to suggest that the answer is irrelevant because Parramatta now have reason to play with confidence which should concern Matthew Elliott and his Penrith Panthers.
For some reason though, I dont think the Panthers will be concerned about the Eels. Rather they are probably working on their attack this week and will be determined not to lose two consecutive home games. This will get them home in the end as Michael Jennings toys with Joel Reddy and the Panthers defence does the rest. Match of the round for mine as these proud clubs meet for the 81st time and the west heats up again for this local derby.
Man of the Match Prediction: Michael Jennings
Tip: Penrith 24-18
Result: Parramatta 34-28
Man of the Match: Jarryd Hayne
Snap Review:
The Eels have been cruising along all year and this, rather than impressing me, just goes to show the season is too long. Teams can fiddle about until July and it does not matter. More on this in future blogs about rep season calenders and shortening the season. Parra look good though.
Canberra v Newcastle
Dear Prime Minister,
I write this open letter not as a member of any political party, nor as an person with any political leanings. My party is Rugby League, and my policies revolve around hitting big, hard and often. This is simply a letter of friendly advice to you, politely suggesting you attend the match between your Canberra Raiders and the visiting Newcastle Knights. If your assistant has read this far, I beg them to continue.
So far, in your very short tenure as leader of this great nation, I've seen you only in AFL colours, or Melbourne Storm colours. Not a good start. For you to successfully represent those of us who support the Greatest Game of All in its home north of the Murray, get to Canberra stadium on Sunday at 2pm. Support your Raiders. This will a) endear you to the blue collar supporters of league and b) endear (or perhaps alienate) you to the thousands of Newcastle fans tuning in who represent the mining industry in a way only Newcastle can. I don't need to stress the urgency any more than that.
Man of the Match Prediction: David Shillington
Tip: Canberra 30-22
Result: Canberra 52-18
Man of the Match: Josh Dugan
Snap Review:
The Raiders turned it on here - make no mistake. Difficult to say that the Knights played badly because they never had the ball. An outstanding display by the home side and once again - lets hope they can stick with this team for a while and no poaching occurs.
Eastern Suburbs v Canterbury
The Sydney Roosters are rolling along towards the semi finals in impressive fashion. Brian Smith has Todd Carney in his preferred position as five eighth and this move is reaping rewards thanks to Smith's patience. Playing against a resurgent Bulldogs squad who have won their past 3 with a tremendous new attitude in defence, it will be another test for the boys from Bondi, along with many others they've faced in a tough year.
They pass this one also, but only just. The Bulldogs pride will keep them close but the class of Mitchell Pearce and Carney will prevail in the end. We are predicting a furious battle as old rivals face off once again, this time the fury will appear in the form of Nate Myles who will have on eye on the football, and his other eye on Michael Ennis for 80 minutes. Fantastic.
Man of the Match Prediction: Nate Myles
Tip: Roosters 26-18
Result: Roosters 36-32
Man of the Match: Braith Anasta
Snap Review:
Some of the skills on display in this match were tremendous. Specifically from Pearce, Carney and Anasta. Todd Carney in particular has the ability to win matches single handedly and he did so here. The Roosters are motoring.
Wests v North Queensland
The Tigers at Leichardt on a Monday, against arguably the worst team in the competition this year and only at -8.5? Unbelievable. The last time I was shocked by a betting line this season, Newcastle upset the Titans at home which gives even further weight to my credentials as a tipster. Enough gambling talk though, this will be a good one for the Tigers to take a break from winning with discipline and defence and bring back the old Tigers who look to score a try from every set.
Doubtful whether Tim Sheens will allow this to happen but my fingers remain crossed. With Robert Lui named at halfback for the home side, Chris Lawrence moves back to centre to reunite with Lote Tuqiri as the most lethal combination in 1st grade. Keep an eye on the matchup on this side of the field with Arana Taumata for the Cowboys slowly making a name for himself. Wests too good in this one with Robbie Farah a standout.
Man of the Match Prediction: Robbie Farah
Tip: Tigers 34-14
Result: Tigers 26-16
Man of the Match: Lote Tuqiri
Snap Review:
Benji is back.
For live updates go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/
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