Canterbury v Parramatta
With the official NRL Rivalry Round behind us for season 2010, this must be a bonus. Arguably the strongest current rivalry in the NRL considering last year’s semi final meeting between these two giants, the Dogs v Eels will again be much anticipated and will no doubt deliver. Considering the momentum the Eels have at the moment, their fans will ensure the atmosphere is brooding with excitement.
Here’s hoping Jamal Idris is given time in the centres in this match to give us an opportunity to witness round 2 between the Bulldogs’ phenom and his old rival, Timana Tahu. Hard to be too concerned with the result here as another chapter in this great rivalry is etched in the records, but Parramatta are deserved favourites and should get the cookies. Ben Hannant v Fui Fui Moi Moi just another highlight in this blockbuster.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Fui Fui Moi Moi
My tip: Parramatta 26-14
Result: Parramatta 32-16
Man of the Match: Jarryd Hayne
Snap Review:
Dogs' season of ill-conceived confidence is over. The Eels heading towards another semi final run.
St George Illawarra v Gold Coast
The Titans are hitting a familiar rough stretch of the season as they seemingly limp towards the finals. The injury bug has officially struck with Greg Bird missing the next month and fellow representative player Ashley Harrison out. Depth will be tested once again but a risky replacement in Steve Michaels will not inspire confidence in Titans fans and they would be nervous heading into Friday night.
Former Bronco Michaels takes over from Mat Rogers at left centre and anyone with a memory of Michaels from last year will remember his defence. The Dragons will no doubt bear this in mind and target him through Beau Scott and Mark Gasnier for the full 80 minutes. The visitors are in the middle of a slump and could be in for a long night here.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Ben Creagh
My tip: St George Illawarra 25-6
Result: Titans 11-10
Man of the Match: Luke Bailey
Snap Review:
Just as the Eels realise September form is the only form that counts, the Dragons continue to struggle during the business end. Red V fans beware.
Canberra v Cronulla
The Canberra Raiders can sniff the top 8 right now and would be desperate to grab two points from perennial easy beats, the Cronulla Sharks. Some would suggest a danger game for the Raiders as history has taught us not to underestimate a club in turmoil and a club with a brand new voice at the helm. Players do respond to this and the Sharks could not get worse than last week, could they?
No. They will play with pride and commitment as always but it aint gonna matter. The home town Raiders should start with their usual physicality through the ruck and go on to score enough points to beat a spirited Cronulla outfit. By spirited I mean angry… by angry I mean with a point to prove… and by that I mean a predicted biff between… perhaps…. Paul Gallen and David Shillington? Here’s hoping.
My Man of the Match Prediction: David Shillington
My tip: Canberra 28-20
Result: Canberra 20-13
Man of the Match: Bronson Harrison
Snap Review:
The Raiders had to fight hard for this win - make no mistake,. It outsthem in good stead to mae a run for the 8. Sharks looked good but their attack still needs some juice.
Melbourne v Penrith
Anyone’s guess. The Panthers have lost 2 straight since their big win over the Dragons at Kogarah and will be desperate to right the ship. Can Melbourne match this desperation? It gets harder each week to pick the Storm as they are not scoring a bunch of points anymore. The free thinking approach to throwing the football around in attack has faded. Their motivation is waning and their purpose invisible.
They will turn up though and tackle their hearts out but Petero Civoniceva and the Panthers pack should have enough to win this one. The battle between Luke Walsh’s kicking game v Billy Slater’s positional play should be a highlight and Michael Jennings will be a highlight unto himself, as always. He faces Chase Stanley in a matchup the Panthers will hope to expose. They do.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Lachlan Coote
My tip: Penrith 26-18
Result: Melbourne 18-10
Man of the Match: Cameron Smith
Snap Review:
The Panthers missing Luke Walsh were probably never a chance to score enough points to beat the Storm. Jennings had a horrible night with his hands and this did not help.
North Queensland v Newcastle
Somehow, whilst playing as bad as they have been, the Cowboys still provide hope that they will play an entertaining brand of football. This hope is all that the lovely people of Townsville will have apart from wishing for a quick and painless end to this abominable season. Speaking of which, they face the Knights on Saturday night in a match destined for Fox Sports’ 9.30pm time slot.
Completion rates will be low, errors high, tries soft and Luke O’Donnell angry in this one as the competition’s cellar dwellers play for pride and not much else. The Cowboys forwards seem to have a little more firepower and that should be enough to give Jonathan Thurston space to work some magic. He does so by linking up nicely with the increasingly impressive Arana Taumata and old mate Matt Bowen.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Jonathan Thurston
My tip: North Queensland 30-20
Result: North Queensland 28-24
Man of the Match: Willie Tonga
Snap Review:
Tonga scored a try and delivered the match winner to Will Tupou. Otherwise not an inspiring match but Gidley was a pleasure to watch. Never gives up.
South Sydney v NZ Warriors
The Warriors have been defending magnificently in recent weeks and deserve their position sitting 5th on the ladder. The Rabbitohs, some would argue, do not deserve to be sitting outside the top 8 having been victims of some questionable refereeing of late. This is only a factor here if you believe in conspiracy theories. It would not surprise most critics if South Sydney were suddenly on the positive side of 50/50 calls.
Either way, we are predicting the Rabbitohs end an impressive run of victories for the visitors and through the power of their all Queensland back row, win handsomely. The Warriors confidence will be high but the Bunnies come home stronger with John Sutton and Sam Burgess leading the way. Watching Dave Taylor run amok in this one will be worth the price of admission.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Sam Burgess
My tip: South Sydney 30-16
Result: South Sydney 38-28
Man of the Match: Chris Sandow
Snap Review:
Warriors tired from a big month. Souths have real injury concerns heading into the business end.
Manly v Wests
Match of the round for mine. The Tigers are on a roll and as usual, are the most entertaining team to watch in the NRL. If Robert Lui actually starts at halfback this week, they will be even more lethal. Manly have found their form again after destroying the Sharks and have also found their mongrel. This all adds up to a bottler at Bluetongue on Sunday afternoon.
We are predicting the Monday night curse hits the Tigers and they have trouble matching the Eagles forwards in a physical, and hopefully spiteful, encounter. This battle of the ruck will be a highlight but Manly hit their peak in this game and do enough damage early to hold off the tired Tigers. Lote Tuqiri v Tony Williams should shake the very foundations. Enjoy.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Steve Matai
My tip: Manly 27-20
Result: Manly 38-20
Man of the Match: Kieran Foran
Snap Review:
Foran's kicking game was exceptional. This game was also - very entertaining for the central coast. Bring back the Bears.
Brisbane v Eastern Suburbs
Judging by recent performances, the Roosters’ halves combination of Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney could be the best in the land. Pearce has been leading this team around the park nicely and Carney is showing more and more every week; his array of skills seems to be endless. On top of their individual talents, they have developed a good understanding and most importantly are winning football games.
The true test, my dear friends, comes on Monday Night at Suncorp Stadium as the up-and-coming Roosters duo face the greatest player of this generation in a tantalising matchup of the NRL’s finest. Darren Lockyer awaits. Win or lose, the Australian captain will teach these young bulls a thing or two but we are predicting the lesson is a harsh one for the boys from Bondi. Broncos in a close one.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Sam Thaiday
My tip: Brisbane 24-18
Result: Roosters 34-30
Man of the Match: Todd Carney
Snap Review:
You have to feel bad for the Raiders. This Carney kid is born again and the Raiders gave nothing to show for it.
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