Newcastle v Brisbane
Friday night under lights at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle sees the Knights playing for pride and the Broncos desperate to stay in the top 8. Desperation is exactly what they will need to survive without Darren Lockyer this week and after conceding 30 points at home to the Eels; there are a few questions to answer for Brisbane. Can they answer them against the Novocastrians?
Yes. Newcastle have won their past 4 home games dating back to mid June and will play with plenty of spirit in front of their fans but the Broncos forward pack will do enough damage early to create plenty of space for their very young and very quick backline. Brisbane will not have a lot of points in them without their captain but they may not need to. Desperation and defence wins.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Corey Parker
My tip: Brisbane 16-14
Result: Newcastle 44-18
Penrith v South Sydney
Both clubs chasing some nature of good form heading into the finals but the difference is, Souths need to find it and find it now. Win or face the prospect of Mad Monday on Russell's farm but I'm sure the bunnies have other ideas as they head west to CUA stadium on Friday night. The Panthers have their own problems. Since their hard fought win against the Dragons six weeks ago, Penrith have won only one game and that win came against the Cowboys.
To make matters worse for the home side, they have conceded 43 second half points in their last two matches whilst scoring only 12. If their home ground is to give them a boost, it has to happen now but we predict the visiting Rabbitohs may have something up their sleeve and overcome the loss of John Sutton to surprise the Panthers in our upset of the week. Sandow v Walsh a great battle of the little men.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Isaac Luke
My tip: South Sydney 24-20
Result: Penrith 54-18
Manly v NZ Warriors
This will be more entertaining than any election coverage, guaranteed. The Warriors have a near full strength squad and a set of halves playing with great confidence and control. Manly are coming off a big loss to the Dragons where some would say they were convincingly beaten. Two very big forward packs face off at Brookvale Oval on Saturday with the visitors holding a more consistent record this season. That is enough for me to tip them to win up in the insular peninsula.
The Warriors have continued to surprise in season 2010 after being most pundits tip for the wooden spoon. Defence has been the catalyst for this success and the same gets them home here. Seymour and Maloney lead them around the park to control field position and put pressure on the young Manly halves. Having said all that - I was really just killing time before talking about the fantastic matchup between 'T-Rex' and 'The Beast'. Tony Williams v Manu Vatuvei could shake the very foundations.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Lewis Brown
My tip: Warriors 24-22
Result: Manly 19-16
Melbourne v Cronulla
For those of you channel surfing between electoral ballot counting and NRL on pay TV, this match may not convince you to stick with pay TV. A bottom of the table clash or Ray Martin... two defensive teams grinding away or Laurie Oaks. The decision for all couch potatoes on Saturday night will be a difficult one so make sure you get your spot on the couch early and take control of the remote. Do not let it go for dear life.
The Storm continue their ridiculous season, at home for the second last time and will be hoping to farewell their departing stars on a high note. The Sharks are in pre season mode, playing to impress new coach Stuart Flanagan and are very long odds to win. At $3.75 they are probably worth a shot if you throw in a ‘either party half-time/full-time double’. Melbourne too good and we predict plenty of niggle between Paul Gallen and Billy Slater.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Cooper Cronk
My tip: Melbourne 20-12
Result: Melbourne 24-4
North Queensland v Canterbury
Super Saturday continues from Townsville in this blockbuster as the Bulldogs head north to face the North Queensland Cowboys. For those of you still awake after flicking between the Sharks v Storm match and the election, this one will be worth the wait. By kick off on delayed telecast, you may well know who holds the fate of the country in their hands and if this strikes as much fear into you as it does me, the Dogs v Cowboys is just the elixir you need to lift your spirits.
Sarcasm aside, there are some stories to tell in this one. Jamal Idris lines up in the second row, meaning he may well run into Willie Mason a few times in the opening exchanges... Arana Taumata faces one of the 15 clubs that tore up his contract..... and Mick Ennis will face Anthony Watts at times in this match which is sure to be a matchup of arguably the two cheekiest hookers in the NRL. Enjoy. Dogs by 1.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Ben Roberts
My tip: Canterbury 25-24
Result: Canterbury 22-20
Canberra v St George Illawarra
The Dragons head down the Hume Highway in search of redemption for their loss in the corresponding match last year. Actually, they probably won't be thinking about that game too much but the fans will be. The Raiders played will an impressive ferocity that night and bashed the Dragons out of the game. Dean Young and Terry Campese also tried to bash the stuffing out of each other in a memorable encounter.
Many thought, at the time, that Saints were vulnerable after this loss and that prediction proved to be correct. If the Dragons read any of this press, they will be motivated well enough to win this game in very cold conditions in our nations capital. If they don't, their defence will get them home anyway. A great battle between arguably the two toughest front rows you will see, and two of the NRL's best fullbacks on show. Awesome.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Darius Boyd
My tip: St George Illawarra 20-8
Result: Canberra 32-16
Parramatta v Wests
Just when you think their season is over, Parramatta remind us what they are capable of. Their forwards looked to be done for the season at times during their match against the Titans two weeks ago, but then stood up to be counted against the Broncos last week. This inconsistency is epitomised by the form of Feleti Mateo. If Feleti can produce again in this match against the Tigers on Sunday afternoon, the Eels season will remain alive.
He won't. The Tigers were super impressive last week and will continue this good form here. Their quicker ruck play and sharper halves will have the Eels out of breath late in the game and the more mobile Tigers pack will take advantage. Some great talent all over the park though and this match will add to the list of many great battles between these two clubs. Hayne v Marshall will have fans gasping once again.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Robbie Farah
My tip: Tigers 28-18
Result: Tigers 20-18
Eastern Suburbs v Gold Coast
Difficult to split these two quality football sides and difficult to say whether they will throw their best at each other, considering they might meet in the semi finals in a few weeks time. The Roosters will not want to lose three in a row so close to the playoffs and will be ready to put in a good performance coming off 10 days rest. This is enough to put your money on them to win at the Sydney Football Stadium on Monday night.
Their attack will return to its sublime best and their young halves will find that spring in their step, seemingly lost after the mire that was their match against the Dragons two weeks ago. The Titans will make things very difficult for the home side but eventually, Carney and Co will come home stronger. Scott Prince v Mitchell Pearce a highlight and tune in to see old friends Jason Ryles and Luke Bailey face off in a beauty.
My Man of the Match Prediction: Todd Carney
My tip: Roosters 24-20
Result: Titans 23-14
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