Wests v Canterbury Bankstown
Are the Bulldogs due to turn things around, or are they about to fade out of season 2011 with a whimper, rather than the famous ‘dogs of war’ approach? If it is to be the latter, no better opportunity may come around than this Friday night’s match against the wounded Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.
With Benji Marshall out, the Tigers’ famous flamboyant attack not seen in months, the Bulldogs’ fans turning against their team and the Belmore club’s season and reputation on the line..... they do turn it around. Led by returning dogs Hodkinson, Ennis and Jamal Idris, the visitors hit the ground running and hold on in a thriller out west. Ben Barba turns it on after the Canterbury forwards finally wake up.
My tip: Canterbury Bankstown 26-20
South Sydney v Brisbane
A mismatch on paper, on form and on the punt. Coincidentally this is also a marketing mismatch. Apparently the NRL believes Sydney’s ‘west’ stretches out a very long distance and have scheduled this match in Perth, WA. Not exactly a territory we need to be fighting for but whatever... let’s play along. Our very good friends west of the Nullarbor will be treated to a beauty.
Fingers crossed they know what a gift it is to watch Darren Lockyer at the peak of his powers. The Broncos forwards outgun the Rabbitohs pack whilst Wallace and Lockyer out play Sandow and Sutton. The fun continues out wide for the ‘visitors’ as the youth and speed of the Broncos backline runs rings around their opposition... except for one monumental showdown between Greg Inglis and Justin Hodges. Enjoy.
My tip: Brisbane 28-12
Gold Coast v Cronulla
What to make of the Titans....? In the idiots guide to building a 1st grade footy team, this club has followed the process step by step. Build the business first with a CEO, investors and a head coach... then start with a forward pack. Bailey, Bird, Harrison, Laffranchi.... they look good enough don’t they? Then get a star halfback to lead your team around the park and a few speedsters outside him. Check, Check and Check.
Bad cheque. With a combination of bad luck and bad defence, they are languishing and the future does not look bright. The rest of the competition is producing players from their respective under 20s teams at an impressive rate. Not so the Titans. Their opponents for your 5.30pm match on Saturday are the Cronulla Sharks who are not much different when you look at the ladder but momentum is everything in this match. The Sharks have it; they win at Robina for the first time ever.
My tip: Cronulla 18-12
Canberra v Parramatta
A 5 day turnaround between matches for the Parramatta Eels as opposed to their hosts who have been resting for 13 days; Situation awful. A Saturday night game in our nation’s capital with forecast temperatures of ‘friggin freezing’; Situation getting worse. The bookies having the visitors at 8.5 point underdogs; situation horrible. Are the Eels any chance here?
No. The Raiders have been terrible at times this season but there seems to be too much on their side this weekend to go against them at home. Whilst the Parramatta spirit is showing signs of life, it won’t be enough to get them over the hump. The Canberra forwards get a roll on early and when Jarryd Hayne finally gets feeling in his legs, it will be too late. Jacob Loko v Blake Ferguson a highlight of two young stars.
My tip: Canberra 30-24
NZ Warriors v Melbourne
This will be a beauty. For those of you planning a six hour feast of Rugby League on Sunday afternoon, there is no better way to kick off than tuning in to this midday match from Mt Smart. The Storm sit atop the ladder and still look like they are just warming up, especially with their attack as new combinations are slowly forming through the season. Their defence, however, looks more than just warmed up.
The Storm have held opponents to an average of just above 5 points per match during their past four matches; all wins. Phenomenal. The home town Warriors will need to be just as stingy if they are a chance to turn their season around, again, after losing their past 3. Brett Seymour has been named to return for the hosts which should help their attack but it simply won’t be enough. Cameron Smith leads the way again as Melbourne hold off a fast finishing Warriors side.
My tip: Melbourne 18-16
Penrith v North Queensland
Sunday afternoon at the foot of the mountains. What better way to enjoy the Steve Georgallis era beginning at Penrith and just on that topic, a tip of the hat to Matt Elliott as another coach falls victim to the harsh mistress that is Rugby League. How will the Panthers respond? For starters, their first 20 minutes will be electrifying but if they don’t crack the Cowboys early, they could be in trouble.
This North Queensland team is a site to behold. Aside from injured centres Brent Tate and Willie Tonga, the visitors are strong in every position and are guided brilliantly by the Thurston/Payne combination and a highly gifted and tenacious pack of forwards. Luke Lewis returns from injury for the home side, which is usually a sign they will play well, but against the Cowboys they will need more, and won’t find it. Cowboys win a ripper.
My tip: North Queensland 30-20
Newcastle v Eastern Suburbs
As opposed to the two earlier games on Sunday afternoon, this one doesn’t quite have the same excitement around it. Might have something to do with the fact that when these teams last met in round 11 this season, the Roosters won in a stinker. A tight match that went down to the wire, but a stinker nonetheless.
Will they clear the air up in Newcastle? You bet. The atmosphere at the Knights home ground is always electric for Sunday matches and the Roosters will be keen to perform better than their 4 and 9 record suggests. Unfortunately for the boys from Bondi, they won’t. Their attack is the worst in the NRL and the Knights take full advantage using speed and strength in the form of Akuila Uate and rookie Ryan Stig.
My tip: Newcastle 19-12
St George Illawarra v Manly
Wollongong welcomes the Dragons for the first time in season 2011 for Monday Night Football in your final match of the Women in League Round. The reigning premiers are showing signs of wear and tear lately and are toiling away painfully through the rep season. Manly, on the other hand, are in white hot form and have won their past 6 including wins against the depleted Cowboys and Broncos.
This is the tipping point, literally. Whilst the Eagles again face a top 4 team at less than full strength, they are underdogs at WIN stadium this week. St George Illawarra have an intimidating record at their spiritual home ground and this should be enough to get them 2 points in an absolute bruiser. The Manly forwards will attempt to run right through the middle but will find a resolute defence and this will be no place for the faint hearted.
My tip: St George Illawarra 13-12
For live updates throughout the weekend - go to http://leagueunlimited.com/
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