Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers
If Rugby League teams are truly 'only as good as their last game', this one is an easy tip. However, beware a wounded football team such as the Panthers especially this week when they face their Western Sydney arch enemies, the Eels at Parramatta Stadium on Friday night. The finest league fans from Mt Druitt to Merrylands will be out in force for this one and they will see a continuation of the intense rivalry that exists between these clubs.
Can the Panthers play any worse than they did last week? Will they be affected by the short turnaround after playing in sweltering conditions last Sunday? Will league legend Petero Civoniceva have to put up with more personal attacks from the Parramatta faithful? No, no and no. The experience in the Penrith club shines through as Luke Lewis and Michael Jennings turn up to bring the Eels back down to earth. Lachlan Coote a standout for the visitors.
My tip: Penrith 24-14
Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos
Matt Orford makes his debut for the Raiders on Friday night and he must be salivating at the thought of playing behind this Canberra forward pack. Not to downplay the memorable Northern Eagles pack from 2000 or the premiership winning Manly crew from 2008, but the Dally M winning halfback has not played NRL football for more than a year and will be given ample space to find his groove in this match.
He'll need it too. The Broncos will be desperate to win this one after losing their home opener last week and this desperation will keep the scores close. Unfortunately for Broncos fans, close enough won’t be good enough as the Raiders forwards plough through the likes of Anderson, Glenn and Gillett and finish over the top of the visitors. This match is also a testament to the under 20s competition; a total of 12 players from the 2008 NYC Grand final between the Raiders and Broncos appear here. Fantastic.
My tip: Canberra 24-16
Melbourne v Gold Coast
Even though they've only played one match with an overhauled roster, the Storm seem to have announced their intentions to play a grinding style of football in the hopes of winning with their defence. Probably a smart move considering the attacking weapons they have lost since last season's infamous demise. The Titans, on the other hand, must be cursing the NRL scheduling process as they face arguably the two best defensive teams in the competition in rounds 1 and 2.
Pummelled by the Dragons last week, Scott Prince and company must work on something extra this week to beat Melbourne, in Melbourne, on Saturday night. To add to the visitors struggles, they will again be without 2 of their most experiences players in Anthony Laffranchi and Nathan Friend. Too much to overcome for mine. The home side win by smothering the Titans attack and scraping through using the masterful skills of Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk in a low scoring affair.
My tip: Melbourne 14-10
West Tigers v NZ Warriors
The Warriors were never able to find a rhythm last week against a disciplined Parramatta team and they won't find things any easier on Saturday night. The Tigers, after underperforming last Monday, come home to Leichardt Oval where Benji Marshall will no doubt receive a hero’s welcome from his most faithful fans and will be hoping to receive similar support from his forwards. The Tigers pack is already hampered by injury.
So, with the scene set and home side on market as favourites, I'll stick with the bookies and tip that Robbie Farah has a blinder and the Warriors fail to overcome the loss of key playmakers James Maloney and Manu Vatuvei. Keep an eye on 22 year old five-eighth Isaac John, playing only his 9th NRL match for the Warriors and facing Benji Marshall in what should be quite an occasion for this junior Kiwi. Tigers to good and too fast out wide.
My tip: Tigers 30-14
North Queensland v Newcastle
Both big winners in round 1 and both obviously improved from an off-season of soul searching. Did the Cowboys get in the room of mirrors and take a good, long, hard look at themselves? Or are they improved simply because Matt Bowen's knees have finally healed? Were they that bad last year? Or was Jonathan Thurston simply too damaged to perform at his world beating best? Am I going to ask any more questions?
No. You can see where I am going with this... defending the Cowboys' performance last year is difficult, but they already appear to be a different club and more importantly, fully fit. The Knights showed they are of a similar ilk last week at Penrith and now get to enjoy more steamy conditions in Townsville. This heat will bring them undone at crucial times on Saturday night as the Cowboys continue their resurgence, but only just in what shapes up to be a beauty.
My tip: North Queensland 20-18
South Sydney v Canterbury-Bankstown
If Shane Richardson and Russell Crowe can learn anything about how to recruit halves in the NRL, they need look no further than their opposition on Sunday afternoon at Homebush. Whilst the combination of Chris Sandow and the mercurial John Sutton continue to struggle for consistency, the new pair at Belmore delivered a seamless display on debut for the Bulldogs. Not that Crowe wants to replace his halves - I would never suggest such a thing.
Trent Hodkinson and Kris Keating unveiled a patient and controlled style for Canterbury last week and if they can produce more of the same it could choke the life out of the home side. I'm tipping they do and the Dogs defence does the rest. More importantly, tune in to see Mick Ennis and Isaac Luke go head to head; fingers crossed Ennis packs the first scrum with some words of encouragement for his opposite number. Not sure what to say about the Idris v Inglis battle, which is apt because this will likely leave you speechless as well.
My tip: Canterbury-Bankstown 30-24
Sydney Roosters v Manly Warringah
A lot to like about the Roosters, but a lot to doubt about the Sea-Eagles with their captains injured and a new halfback doing it tough before hopefully finding his feet in first grade. Dale Cherry-Evans might want to take notes when he looks up and sees Mitchell Pearce, Braith Anasta and perhaps Todd Carney leading a potent attack around the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Perhaps just take a mental note - might look odd if you carry a pen and paper onto the pitch.
The Bondi machine rolls on and notches up 2 from 2 to start the season. Good news for Manly fans though as David 'the wolfman' Williams makes his return but that is where your joy will end. For the rest of us, there will be no joy in any of this as the battle of the silvertails plays out its 117th match. For the thousands of Roosters and Eagles fans in attendance; and the millions hating you around the world.... enjoy your wine and cheese.
My tip: Roosters 48-14
Cronulla-Sutherland v St George Illawarra
Mis-match of the round. Breaking in a new combination at 6 and 7 takes time and for Cronulla's Wade Graham and Albert Kelly, there will be no tougher test this season. The Dragons defence has allowed an average of just over 12 points per match over the past 50 rounds of Rugby League. Ridiculous. Cronulla, on the other hand, have scored an average of around 14 points over this same period.
So, with those fascinating stats firmly entrenched in your memory, do you believe that Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan can deliver a miracle to Sharks fans that have been waiting so patiently for a win over their arch rivals? Neither do I. Also, if you are desperate for one more statistics on this match, note that since the Wayne Bennett era began in 2009, Cronulla has scored a total of 14 points in a combined 4 local derbies. More of the same here.
My tip: St George Illawarra 30-0
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