Manly v Brisbane
Your week-long festival of Queensland Rugby League continues on Friday night as the boys from the ‘insular peninsular’ fly up to Brisbane to take on the ‘Baby Broncos’. Not including Peter Wallace, the average age of the rest of his backline is just over 20. Remarkable that this nursery north of the border continues to deliver athletes bred for the toughest competition in the world and this makes for some fascinating matchups out wide.
Once again, the Broncos coaching staff have decided not to name their origin players to back up from Wednesday night which makes tipping slightly less muddled and gambling slightly more interesting. Having said that, who knows what Anthony Griffin is up to before kick-off. By contrast we know exactly what Des Hasler is up to. Sticking pins in his David Gallop voodoo doll and enjoying a week of training with his full squad barring skipper Jason King. This shows on the final scoreboard and Manly outmuscle the kids from QLD.
My tip: Manly 20-12
Canterbury v Gold Coast
The Bulldogs have shown their true colours recently. They are a hard working team with one or two standout footballers who can break a game open, but their opposition knows only too well how to shut them down. Still, you would expect more from this roster than a 5-5 record but so does ‘dogs coach Kevin Moore. It remains to be seen if yanking his halfback out of the game with 10 minutes remaining last week in Canberra will have the desired effect.
The Titans have their own problems. Owners of a 3 and 7 record including 4 losses at what should be a difficult away game for the opposition teams; Skilled Park. They come into this game with 11 days rest and this match will be a slog for 80 minutes with both teams desperate to right the ship. Canterbury hooker Mick Ennis will need to guide his young halves combination to get the best out of them and this is exactly what he does. The Titans woes continue.
My tip: Canterbury 19-12
Newcastle v Parramatta
Two teams heading in completely opposite directions. Through the past week, the Newcastle Knights have come under some criticism for lacking focus and desire towards their 2011 premiership tilt. Some in league circles seem to think that having a new owner of the club, a new coach for 2012 and no idea if they will have a job in 6 months should not be a distraction. Speaking of distractions, the Eels seem like they are slowly getting rid of their own.
They were good last week against an undermanned Sharks’ team but more importantly looked a whole lot slicker in attack. They seemed to be working harder in the middle of the field and knew when and how to use their outside backs to proper effect. No doubt Eels coach Stephen Kearney has been working hard enough for his efforts to finally bear fruit. 12 weeks into the season and the players understand his philosophy. Upset of the week for mine as the Robson/McGuire era begins and the Knights just can’t get motivated.
My tip: Parramatta 24-18
North Queensland v Eastern Suburbs
Match of the Round for mine. The Roosters have been a miserable bunch at times during season 2011 but looking at their roster, it must simply be a matter of time before the Pearce/ Carney combination works as it did last year. With Todd Carney 3 games back from his ‘break’ and the Roosters front rowers finding some of their old form last week; they will be a handful for the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday Night.
Unfortunately for the Roosters, being a handful will not get you the two points. The Cowboys, even with Matt Scott and Jonathan Thurston backing up from huge performances on Wednesday night, will continue their good run of form this season. JT gets enough support and protection from his back rowers to put the visitors away late and the Mitchell Pearce v Thurston battle is a highlight for the second time this week. This will be a bruiser.
My tip: North Queensland 28-22
Melbourne v Cronulla
Must be heady days for Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy. This time last year he would have felt like the Rugby League world was collapsing around him. His origin career was all but over and he still had to juggle two jobs, a salary cap scandal and questions over his ability to coach at the highest level and about his integrity. Funny how quickly the league community moves on and how quickly life changes.
Rather than managing all of this drama... this week, Craig Bellamy has had to do nought but one thing: Plot the downfall of the Cronulla Sharks. He must feel like he is on holidays and with no injury concerns coming out of Origin 1 for his troops, the sun keeps shining brighter. The last time Melbourne went into a home game as such hot favourites, they were beaten. That won’t happen this time.
My tip: Melbourne 30-8
St George Illawarra v Wests
The Tigers face the same problem they have faced for two or three years now. They just can’t seem to find a rugby league identity. Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall dream of scoring points and making breaks, chip and chases and behind the back passes. They then wake up and realise that this generation of Rugby League lives off completion rates, winning the wrestle and controlling field position. In other words, a nightmare that has the Tigers waking up in cold sweats every weekend.
So what will it be Wests? Fantasy or reality? Are you flash, or can you grind? Before answering that question, you should probably first realise that it won’t matter this week when you catch the team bus to Kogarah to face a footy team that knows exactly who it is. The dragons will strangle the life out of Benji and his boys by sticking to what they do best. Their simply won’t be enough space for the visitors to move and Saints make it 9 in a row.
My tip: St George Illawarra 30-12
Penrith v South Sydney
South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson’s recent comments referring to a ‘Luke Lewis clause’ were surely meant to stir the pot for this Monday Night game in Penrith. The Panthers’ lock did sign with Souths a few years back and then had the contract torn up only days later so he could stay at Penrith. If Luke Lewis now has an official clause named after him, what better legacy to leave to the greatest game of all.
So with the makings of a rivalry upon us, Lewis will no doubt have his fuse lit and play accordingly to inspire his team and this game to greater heights. Unfortunately with both clubs sitting outside the top 8 with horrible defensive records don’t expect much in the way of commitment but tune in for plenty of points. The Luke Walsh – Lachlan Coote combination proves too much for the bunnies.
My tip: Penrith 30-22
For live updates throughout the weekend - go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/index.php
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
State of Origin 1 - Preview
State of Origin 1 - Queensland v NSW
Here we go again. The most intense rivalry and storied history in Australian sport. The most bitter competition between two teams, two states and two cultures is on again at Suncorp Stadium this Wednesday night. It may not seem like a rivalry of this magnitude due to the current Queensland dominance, but we will not forget 31 years of hate and history to suggest it will be one sided again this year.
Queensland deserves favouritism and this will be apparent when they run out on the field at 8.05pm. NSW fans have a way of convincing ourselves that we are a chance in the lead up to games over the past few years but at 8.05pm, the truth hits us like an Andrew Gee cheap shot. This QLD team is good, very good and NSW will need to be at their defensive best to stop them. Looking at the team Ricky Stuart has built for Game 1, this is exactly the approach he has taken.
Talk during the week in Sydney, as it always is, has been about how NSW can overthrow the King, (or ‘Prince’ as it were in the case of Darren Lockyer). How can they topple the giant? Stop Jonathan Thurston and Lockyer? Slow down Billy Slater and Cam Smith? blah blah blah. You can’t. They are the best in their respective positions and the best combination origin has seen. This is why Queensland go up 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Another reason is because NSW have 5 debutants and according to most NRL superstars, it takes at least 1 game to get used to the speed and intensity of Origin football. The likes of Dugan and Uate and Soward and Merrin will feel lost at times during the 80 minutes but this is how you create a culture: pick and stick. Remains to be seen if NSW will do this, but on Wednesday night it won’t matter. They will tackle their hearts out and turn this into a grind, a wrestle and maybe even a slugfest but it’s just not enough this time. The Blues begin the long road back to belief by keeping it tight, but that’s as close as they get. The Maroons pull away in the final 15 minutes.
My Man of the Match: Matt Scott
My tip: (i just can’t write the words)....... NSW 1-0.
Here we go again. The most intense rivalry and storied history in Australian sport. The most bitter competition between two teams, two states and two cultures is on again at Suncorp Stadium this Wednesday night. It may not seem like a rivalry of this magnitude due to the current Queensland dominance, but we will not forget 31 years of hate and history to suggest it will be one sided again this year.
Queensland deserves favouritism and this will be apparent when they run out on the field at 8.05pm. NSW fans have a way of convincing ourselves that we are a chance in the lead up to games over the past few years but at 8.05pm, the truth hits us like an Andrew Gee cheap shot. This QLD team is good, very good and NSW will need to be at their defensive best to stop them. Looking at the team Ricky Stuart has built for Game 1, this is exactly the approach he has taken.
Talk during the week in Sydney, as it always is, has been about how NSW can overthrow the King, (or ‘Prince’ as it were in the case of Darren Lockyer). How can they topple the giant? Stop Jonathan Thurston and Lockyer? Slow down Billy Slater and Cam Smith? blah blah blah. You can’t. They are the best in their respective positions and the best combination origin has seen. This is why Queensland go up 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Another reason is because NSW have 5 debutants and according to most NRL superstars, it takes at least 1 game to get used to the speed and intensity of Origin football. The likes of Dugan and Uate and Soward and Merrin will feel lost at times during the 80 minutes but this is how you create a culture: pick and stick. Remains to be seen if NSW will do this, but on Wednesday night it won’t matter. They will tackle their hearts out and turn this into a grind, a wrestle and maybe even a slugfest but it’s just not enough this time. The Blues begin the long road back to belief by keeping it tight, but that’s as close as they get. The Maroons pull away in the final 15 minutes.
My Man of the Match: Matt Scott
My tip: (i just can’t write the words)....... NSW 1-0.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Paully's Picks - Round 11
Canberra v Canterbury-Bankstown
‘The Brave 300’ is what we should call the band of Bulldogs fans heading down to Canberra Stadium to watch Friday nights round 11 opener. Even more brave if they dress like the original Spartans who coined the phrase in the first place! Unfortunately for the home town Raiders’ fans, there will be no scantily clad pilgrims from Bankstown heading down the Hume for this match but rather a Bulldogs team hungry for victory.
Last week’s loss would have left a bad taste in their mouths and to wash it out, Ben Barba will need to be at his best and Frank Pritchard will need to provide the sizzle to Barba’s steak. He does. The dogs win their third straight in Canberra and Aidan Tolman has another blinder. Great matchup out wide as Joel Thompson faces Jamal Idris in very frosty conditions.
My tip: Canterbury 26-18
Wests v Penrith
Campbelltown Stadium hosts only its second game of the season on Saturday night when the Panthers make the short trip to play the Tigers. You’d think the lovely folk of the Macarthur region would deserve more than just two games when they are being harassed by an inferior code. But unlike some, they won’t hold a grudge against David Gallop, rather they will embrace Rugby League as only the old Magpies fans can. Drunk and excited.
Speaking of excitement, there is plenty on show in this match in the form of Benji Marshall and Lachlan Coote. The Tigers will bounce back from last week’s loss and it will start with their defence and finish with their superstar running rings around a tired Panthers forward pack. The return of Luke Lewis continues to inspire the visitors, as will this week’s return of Coote, but they will fall just short in a beauty.
My tip: Tigers 24-20
NZ Warriors v South Sydney
Who is your halfback? And what does he dooo? Has Chris Sandow been on some sort of steroid recently... or has he just gotten off them? Either way his form of late has been scintillating and Souths fans would be reaching for a different form of medication knowing this is Sandow’s last season at Redfern. However they will need to up the dose this Sunday afternoon when the bunnies cross the Tasman to play the Warriors at Mt Smart.
Match of the Round for mine. Anyone who saw the Warriors beat Newcastle last week would have seen a football team in form. Winning in Newcastle and keeping the home side scoreless for an entire second half? Impressive. Wearing the opposition down and scoring a bunch of points in the final moments? Top shelf. The Warriors will again display this discipline and confidence to come away with the win against Sandow and co.
My tip: New Zealand 26-24
Eastern Suburbs v Newcastle
For those who remember the way Newcastle five-eighth Beau Henry played in rounds 1 and 2 this year, before he was injured, you would have seen a player announcing himself to first grade with more than just the two tries he scored. Henry displayed a level of class and patience not often seen in a footballer his age. The rookie was also a big reason why Jarrod Mullen’s early season form was so impressive and why the Knights won their first two games.
They have since gone 2 and 5, beating Cronulla and the Raiders. Beau is back this week and barring match fitness issues, will give the visitors the edge in this one. The Roosters will be without halfback Mitchell Pearce and will rely on Todd Carney to steer them to a rare victory but he won’t be enough. Newcastle plays with too much enthusiasm for John Ibrahim’s men... sorry... Brian Smith’s men and their horror season continues.
My tip: Newcastle 20-18
Parramatta v Cronulla
13th v 11th on the ladder might suggest that Monday Night Football at Parramatta Stadium this week won’t be the greatest game of footy you will ever watch... but the recent history between these clubs might have fans singing a different tune about this match. The Sharks have won 4 out of the last 5 matchups including both meetings last year as heavy underdogs. Will they be able to continue this trend again the Eels?
No. The visitors have been hit hard by injury and the representative calendar. Their formidable forward pack has been whittled away to the bare bones and this is where they will struggle. Parramatta will work hard up the middle of the field and expose the Sharks’ second string line up and origin cast-off Jarryd Hayne will reap the rewards. The Eels play well at their traditional home ground and do so again here with Jacob Loko and Hayne the standouts.
My tip: Parramatta 20-12
‘The Brave 300’ is what we should call the band of Bulldogs fans heading down to Canberra Stadium to watch Friday nights round 11 opener. Even more brave if they dress like the original Spartans who coined the phrase in the first place! Unfortunately for the home town Raiders’ fans, there will be no scantily clad pilgrims from Bankstown heading down the Hume for this match but rather a Bulldogs team hungry for victory.
Last week’s loss would have left a bad taste in their mouths and to wash it out, Ben Barba will need to be at his best and Frank Pritchard will need to provide the sizzle to Barba’s steak. He does. The dogs win their third straight in Canberra and Aidan Tolman has another blinder. Great matchup out wide as Joel Thompson faces Jamal Idris in very frosty conditions.
My tip: Canterbury 26-18
Wests v Penrith
Campbelltown Stadium hosts only its second game of the season on Saturday night when the Panthers make the short trip to play the Tigers. You’d think the lovely folk of the Macarthur region would deserve more than just two games when they are being harassed by an inferior code. But unlike some, they won’t hold a grudge against David Gallop, rather they will embrace Rugby League as only the old Magpies fans can. Drunk and excited.
Speaking of excitement, there is plenty on show in this match in the form of Benji Marshall and Lachlan Coote. The Tigers will bounce back from last week’s loss and it will start with their defence and finish with their superstar running rings around a tired Panthers forward pack. The return of Luke Lewis continues to inspire the visitors, as will this week’s return of Coote, but they will fall just short in a beauty.
My tip: Tigers 24-20
NZ Warriors v South Sydney
Who is your halfback? And what does he dooo? Has Chris Sandow been on some sort of steroid recently... or has he just gotten off them? Either way his form of late has been scintillating and Souths fans would be reaching for a different form of medication knowing this is Sandow’s last season at Redfern. However they will need to up the dose this Sunday afternoon when the bunnies cross the Tasman to play the Warriors at Mt Smart.
Match of the Round for mine. Anyone who saw the Warriors beat Newcastle last week would have seen a football team in form. Winning in Newcastle and keeping the home side scoreless for an entire second half? Impressive. Wearing the opposition down and scoring a bunch of points in the final moments? Top shelf. The Warriors will again display this discipline and confidence to come away with the win against Sandow and co.
My tip: New Zealand 26-24
Eastern Suburbs v Newcastle
For those who remember the way Newcastle five-eighth Beau Henry played in rounds 1 and 2 this year, before he was injured, you would have seen a player announcing himself to first grade with more than just the two tries he scored. Henry displayed a level of class and patience not often seen in a footballer his age. The rookie was also a big reason why Jarrod Mullen’s early season form was so impressive and why the Knights won their first two games.
They have since gone 2 and 5, beating Cronulla and the Raiders. Beau is back this week and barring match fitness issues, will give the visitors the edge in this one. The Roosters will be without halfback Mitchell Pearce and will rely on Todd Carney to steer them to a rare victory but he won’t be enough. Newcastle plays with too much enthusiasm for John Ibrahim’s men... sorry... Brian Smith’s men and their horror season continues.
My tip: Newcastle 20-18
Parramatta v Cronulla
13th v 11th on the ladder might suggest that Monday Night Football at Parramatta Stadium this week won’t be the greatest game of footy you will ever watch... but the recent history between these clubs might have fans singing a different tune about this match. The Sharks have won 4 out of the last 5 matchups including both meetings last year as heavy underdogs. Will they be able to continue this trend again the Eels?
No. The visitors have been hit hard by injury and the representative calendar. Their formidable forward pack has been whittled away to the bare bones and this is where they will struggle. Parramatta will work hard up the middle of the field and expose the Sharks’ second string line up and origin cast-off Jarryd Hayne will reap the rewards. The Eels play well at their traditional home ground and do so again here with Jacob Loko and Hayne the standouts.
My tip: Parramatta 20-12
Paully's Picks - Round 10
Canterbury Bankstown v St George Illawarra
A number of the Dragons players line up for their 4th match in 12 days here, a big ask for some but standard procedure in the NRL these days as the representative season begins. What will it mean for the reigning premiers? Simply another test that they will pass and another reason why they sit atop the ladder.
This blockbuster on Friday night at ANZ Stadium will live up to its billing though. The Bulldogs ‘spine’ of Barba, Keating, Hodkinson and Ennis are well rested and will test the reigning premiers’ resolute defence for 80 minutes. However, even with their attacking weapons ready to fire, the home side will hit a brick wall and fall just short as they did in round 5. Saints grind it out.
My tip: St George Illawarra 19-12
Penrith v Brisbane
A tale of two cities as the ever-changing Panthers of Penrith host the Brisbane Broncos at Centrebet Stadium in Friday Night Football. It truly is the worst of times for the boys from the foot of the mountains and very much the best of times for Darren Lockyer and his men. The Broncos play with discipline, control and toughness whilst the Panthers give away penalties in their hundreds and lack direction.
This is where Brisbane will dominate. Peter Wallace and Lockyer will combine to march their team downfield and then unleash the speed and strength of an amazing set of outside backs that will have the Panthers reeling. By contrast, the struggling duo of Luke Walsh and Travis Burns will continue to feel around in the dark, trying to find the light switch of their attack.
My tip: Brisbane 28-12
Melbourne v Canberra
Do we have a fan revolt on our hands? Are the Raiders fans actually preparing to ‘strike’ against their football team as has been reported this week? If so, the Canberra faithful need to get into the room of mirrors and ask themselves the hard questions, rather than chase your halfback’s car down the street like an English soccer hooligan. Having said that, great to see your passion for the ‘greatest game of all’ still lives.
If the boys from our nation’s capital are to turn things around, it must start as it always should, with defence. The Raiders forward’s will be motivated to save their season and their reputations. This should have them launching themselves fearlessly at the Melbourne forwards and give it everything they have. If they do.... I’m still giving the visitors 20+ start. Any takers? You know you are. Cam Smith the standout as Melbourne puts on a clinic.
My tip: Melbourne 30-6
North Queensland v Parramatta
Before anything else, it would be negligent not to mention Nathan Hindmarsh’s performance in commentary during the City v Country fixture in Albury last Friday night. As you would expect from this workhorse second rower, Hindmarsh was insightful, hardworking and combined well with his halfback/co-commentators to make the experience worthwhile.
Why is this relevant? One can’t help but admire him and feel it necessary to compliment him by any means available. He simply won’t get anything out of running off Mortimer and Robson for the Eels this Saturday night in Townsville and won’t get the credit he deserves from NSW selectors. What a waste of one of our finest. To this end, Hindmarsh will again work his tail off for 80 minutes but all to no avail as JT and the Cowboys win again at home.
My tip: North Queensland 24-10
South Sydney v Wests
The Tim Sheens v John Lang record is interesting. The Wests v Souths record is interesting. Souths’ injury toll is also interesting in a horribly unlucky way.... but the most interesting thing about this match is the duel between Benji Marshall and John Sutton. Interesting because it is a complete mis-match, rather than a duel. With the much maligned Sutton a constant target of criticism from the Rugby League community, I thought I’d jump on that train and have a crack myself.
The reasons for this mismatch will be on show this Saturday night at ANZ Stadium. Benji Marshall has improved as a footballer and leader in every one of his 8 years in 1st grade. Sutton has not. Benji will guide his forwards and backs around the field for 80 minutes and turn up when his team needs him most. Sutton will not. Benji will play this game with as much intensity as he delivers every week for his club. Sutton will not.
My tip: Wests 26-18
Newcastle v NZ Warriors
Ivan Cleary looks to have his side heading in the right direction after 10 rounds and more importantly did not succumb to the pressures that must have been mounting after the club’s slow start to 2011. The Warriors lost their opening 3 matches and have since won 5 out of six including impressive wins over the Storm and Titans, both away. They now travel to Newcastle on Sunday afternoon in what will be a cracker.
At home, the Knights are difficult to tip against but this smells like an upset of the week and even though some of the Warriors haven’t been home in a couple of weeks, they turn up again here. James Maloney was a standout against the Titans last week and will be again here against 19 year old Knights five eighth, Tyrone Roberts. Manu ‘the beast’ Vatuvei against Akuila ‘the killer’ Uate sounds like an episode of X-Men, in reality it is the best match up on the park. Enjoy.
My tip: New Zealand 30-22
Cronulla v Eastern Suburbs
The Roosters have simply not been able to find any consistency on the field this year. Off the field, however, they seem pretty consistent and this could be a reason for their struggles so far in 2011. It is interesting to note, however, that Brian Smith has changed his squad nearly every week and whether this is due to injury or not, it seems to be affecting them more than anything that happens after midnight around Coogee.
A new wing and centre combination in Kane Linnett and Steve Naughton, another change in the makeup of his starting front row and the return of Todd Carney could mess with the Roosters’ cohesion but against the Sharks on Sunday afternoon at Toyota Stadium, it will not matter. If the visitors can withstand the onslaught from a monster Cronulla forward pack, they can completely outclass the Cronulla backline. They do.
My tip: Roosters 20-16
Gold Coast v Manly
To close out round 10 and officially begin the origin ‘silly season’, the Manly Sea Eagles travel up to Skilled Park to face Titans. John Cartwright’s men got the better of Manly twice last year but are big outsiders to do the same again here. The bookies must like Manly and it’s not hard to see why; Brett Stewart back in form and scoring tries means the Eagles can beat anyone.
A fit Stewart also means less pressure on the young halfback, Daly Cherry Evans. The Eagles attack simply has more options for their number 7 and an experienced voice at the back when in defence. The Titans got beaten at home by 20 last week but will lift for this match with the winner decided at the death. Perhaps even some golden point footy on the cards...
My Tip: Manly 21-20
A number of the Dragons players line up for their 4th match in 12 days here, a big ask for some but standard procedure in the NRL these days as the representative season begins. What will it mean for the reigning premiers? Simply another test that they will pass and another reason why they sit atop the ladder.
This blockbuster on Friday night at ANZ Stadium will live up to its billing though. The Bulldogs ‘spine’ of Barba, Keating, Hodkinson and Ennis are well rested and will test the reigning premiers’ resolute defence for 80 minutes. However, even with their attacking weapons ready to fire, the home side will hit a brick wall and fall just short as they did in round 5. Saints grind it out.
My tip: St George Illawarra 19-12
Penrith v Brisbane
A tale of two cities as the ever-changing Panthers of Penrith host the Brisbane Broncos at Centrebet Stadium in Friday Night Football. It truly is the worst of times for the boys from the foot of the mountains and very much the best of times for Darren Lockyer and his men. The Broncos play with discipline, control and toughness whilst the Panthers give away penalties in their hundreds and lack direction.
This is where Brisbane will dominate. Peter Wallace and Lockyer will combine to march their team downfield and then unleash the speed and strength of an amazing set of outside backs that will have the Panthers reeling. By contrast, the struggling duo of Luke Walsh and Travis Burns will continue to feel around in the dark, trying to find the light switch of their attack.
My tip: Brisbane 28-12
Melbourne v Canberra
Do we have a fan revolt on our hands? Are the Raiders fans actually preparing to ‘strike’ against their football team as has been reported this week? If so, the Canberra faithful need to get into the room of mirrors and ask themselves the hard questions, rather than chase your halfback’s car down the street like an English soccer hooligan. Having said that, great to see your passion for the ‘greatest game of all’ still lives.
If the boys from our nation’s capital are to turn things around, it must start as it always should, with defence. The Raiders forward’s will be motivated to save their season and their reputations. This should have them launching themselves fearlessly at the Melbourne forwards and give it everything they have. If they do.... I’m still giving the visitors 20+ start. Any takers? You know you are. Cam Smith the standout as Melbourne puts on a clinic.
My tip: Melbourne 30-6
North Queensland v Parramatta
Before anything else, it would be negligent not to mention Nathan Hindmarsh’s performance in commentary during the City v Country fixture in Albury last Friday night. As you would expect from this workhorse second rower, Hindmarsh was insightful, hardworking and combined well with his halfback/co-commentators to make the experience worthwhile.
Why is this relevant? One can’t help but admire him and feel it necessary to compliment him by any means available. He simply won’t get anything out of running off Mortimer and Robson for the Eels this Saturday night in Townsville and won’t get the credit he deserves from NSW selectors. What a waste of one of our finest. To this end, Hindmarsh will again work his tail off for 80 minutes but all to no avail as JT and the Cowboys win again at home.
My tip: North Queensland 24-10
South Sydney v Wests
The Tim Sheens v John Lang record is interesting. The Wests v Souths record is interesting. Souths’ injury toll is also interesting in a horribly unlucky way.... but the most interesting thing about this match is the duel between Benji Marshall and John Sutton. Interesting because it is a complete mis-match, rather than a duel. With the much maligned Sutton a constant target of criticism from the Rugby League community, I thought I’d jump on that train and have a crack myself.
The reasons for this mismatch will be on show this Saturday night at ANZ Stadium. Benji Marshall has improved as a footballer and leader in every one of his 8 years in 1st grade. Sutton has not. Benji will guide his forwards and backs around the field for 80 minutes and turn up when his team needs him most. Sutton will not. Benji will play this game with as much intensity as he delivers every week for his club. Sutton will not.
My tip: Wests 26-18
Newcastle v NZ Warriors
Ivan Cleary looks to have his side heading in the right direction after 10 rounds and more importantly did not succumb to the pressures that must have been mounting after the club’s slow start to 2011. The Warriors lost their opening 3 matches and have since won 5 out of six including impressive wins over the Storm and Titans, both away. They now travel to Newcastle on Sunday afternoon in what will be a cracker.
At home, the Knights are difficult to tip against but this smells like an upset of the week and even though some of the Warriors haven’t been home in a couple of weeks, they turn up again here. James Maloney was a standout against the Titans last week and will be again here against 19 year old Knights five eighth, Tyrone Roberts. Manu ‘the beast’ Vatuvei against Akuila ‘the killer’ Uate sounds like an episode of X-Men, in reality it is the best match up on the park. Enjoy.
My tip: New Zealand 30-22
Cronulla v Eastern Suburbs
The Roosters have simply not been able to find any consistency on the field this year. Off the field, however, they seem pretty consistent and this could be a reason for their struggles so far in 2011. It is interesting to note, however, that Brian Smith has changed his squad nearly every week and whether this is due to injury or not, it seems to be affecting them more than anything that happens after midnight around Coogee.
A new wing and centre combination in Kane Linnett and Steve Naughton, another change in the makeup of his starting front row and the return of Todd Carney could mess with the Roosters’ cohesion but against the Sharks on Sunday afternoon at Toyota Stadium, it will not matter. If the visitors can withstand the onslaught from a monster Cronulla forward pack, they can completely outclass the Cronulla backline. They do.
My tip: Roosters 20-16
Gold Coast v Manly
To close out round 10 and officially begin the origin ‘silly season’, the Manly Sea Eagles travel up to Skilled Park to face Titans. John Cartwright’s men got the better of Manly twice last year but are big outsiders to do the same again here. The bookies must like Manly and it’s not hard to see why; Brett Stewart back in form and scoring tries means the Eagles can beat anyone.
A fit Stewart also means less pressure on the young halfback, Daly Cherry Evans. The Eagles attack simply has more options for their number 7 and an experienced voice at the back when in defence. The Titans got beaten at home by 20 last week but will lift for this match with the winner decided at the death. Perhaps even some golden point footy on the cards...
My Tip: Manly 21-20
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Paully's Picks - Round 9
Country Origin v City Origin
And so the Jamie Soward NSW representative experiment begins. As is the case every year it seems, a new half gets a chance to prove that they should be the next option to lead NSW in its most controversial and luckless position. With 1 Country jersey already in his wardrobe, Soward gets another opportunity to prove he can perform outside of the St George Illawarra system in Albury on Friday night to open the season’s rep calendar.
If you don't believe that this match is a true blues selection trial, then tune in to see the code’s best battle against each other in what should be a beauty. Robbie Farah will also get his best chance yet to prove he belongs when the cream rises to the top. Indeed it will when players like Josh Dugan and Jarryd Hayne throw away the shackles of club football to entertain the people of Country NSW. Speaking of Country, they win.
My tip: Country 24-20
Australia v New Zealand
Ordinarily, this is simply a fixture that allows the Kangaroos to punish an under-prepared and seemingly unmotivated New Zealand squad. There is no reward for this one-off test and it has faded as an Anzac tribute behind the Dragons v Roosters match. Although the players still give their all, it is obviously not what the Kiwis truly aim up for... but this year there is a special reason to tune in.
Unfortunately for Rugby League fans of history, gone are the days where our best players can cement their place in the pantheon of great footballers through international competition, but Darren Lockyer is the exception. For tortured NSW fans, he is the exception... for an era where 'one club men' are a rare breed, he is the exception... and finally for those of us who have enjoyed watching Lockyer dominate at all levels with class and determination, this is our chance to say farewell as he says farewell to the Kangaroos jersey. Australia by plenty.
My tip: Australia 30-12
Brisbane v Melbourne
A travesty that this top of the table clash will not get the attention it deserves, but league fans are getting used the shambles that is our representative calendar. So what could have been, will not be and what will be is the Broncos on a 7 match winning streak up against the team with the league's best for and against record, the Melbourne Storm, at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
The Broncos have set an interesting precedent by not even bothering to name their rep players to back up for this match which is the best indication yet that changes need to be made. But enough of that... Smith, Slater and Cronk will back up and lead from the front as they always do and prove once again that they have the best combination in the NRL. Too much for the young Broncos.
My tip: Melbourne 20-10
Gold Coast v NZ Warriors
Simply ridiculous to expect the Warriors to be at their best for this match at Skilled Park on Sunday afternoon, but if they were coming in fresh you would be in for a beauty. Having said that; they still have a 7 and 6 in good form and the club has 4 wins from its last 5 matches. The visitors will not go down without a fight and the Titans will need to play the full 80 minutes to get a win here.
They do. William Zillman's star continues to shine bright and this has in turn brought Scott Prince out of the doldrums to have the Titans turning their season around. Look for this to continue, starting with their defence as the Warriors throw everything at the home side early but all to no avail. The Titans professional and disciplined approach has them pulling away in the final moments again as their 2011 momentum builds.
My tip: Gold Coast 24-18
St George Illawarra v North Queensland
Back to back matches at Kogarah Oval will greatly help the reigning premiers get through this weekend. Hard to believe they need it, but Saints will grow an extra leg at home when they face the North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday afternoon. A ripper. Arguably the competition's best attacking player in Jonathan Thurston against the best defensive team of the last 3 years. But that's not the only matchup worth watching out for.
Marc Gasnier v Willie Tonga in an 80 minute long battle that will keep you glued to your seat, if not jumping out of it. Michael Weyman v Matt Scott will see Botany Bay shake from the collision in a matchup between two props (aged 26 and 25 respectively) who will meet many times more in much bigger games than this. When all is said and done though, hard to go against the home ground advantage and the Dragons defence. Only just.
My tip: St George Illawarra 18-12
Manly Warringah v Canberra
David Furner is copping plenty from Raiders fans. In fact they have been brutal on the leagueunlimited forum and one can only wonder how much more they can take if the losses continue to pile up. Well, my very good friends from our nation's capital, you better prepare to suck it up for one more week as a full strength Manly team puts the sting from last week's painful loss right back into you.
The home side has young and talented halves surrounded by experienced campaigners who will seize this opportunity to strangle the life out of a struggling opponent. Furner has made a few changes mid-week to put an end to these struggles but the visitors' general lack of testicular fortitude in defence will be their undoing. Keep an eye on Anthony Watmough as he reminds rep selectors he is healthy and willing. A big test of pride for the Raiders.
My tip: Manly 30-14
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