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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