Brisbane v Cronulla
The second meeting of the season between these clubs after the round 13 match at Toyota Stadium was dominated by Brisbane. In fact after this loss, the Sharks reportedly went to the room of mirrors to have a good, long, hard look at themselves and promised to turn their season around. They won their next 4 but just to prove how hard the grind of the NRL is, they have since lost their last two by big margins.
Can they get motivated by this and turn another corner in this fluctuating season that is the Cronulla tilt of 2011? No. Even though the Broncos lost the ‘wrestle’ last week against Melbourne, this week they get to play footy again and they will. Darren Lockyer edges closer towards the curtain of his career by leading his troops to another demolition of the Sharks.
My tip: Brisbane 30-12
Manly v Wests Tigers
Match of the Round for mine: and don’t the people of the Central Coast deserve it. The recent announcement that the NRL’s expansion plans for the near future involve another Queensland team, rather than the mighty Bears, would have been a kick in the guts for this Rugby League nursery. Fingers cross they find some joy when the Eagles host Benji Marshall and his boys on Friday night.
They won’t be disappointed. Manly’s methodical and almost violent approach to its football, pitted against a Tigers team looking to come home with a wet sail and rip their way into the finals. Fantastic. The on-field battles between Chris Lawrence and Jamie Lyon, Benji facing Kieran Foran and two angry forward packs going head to head will ensure this is a beauty.
My tip: Manly 19-18
Eastern Suburbs v Canterbury
In beating the Eels last Friday and notching their first victory in 4 weeks, the Bulldogs did not show a lot of improvement but did step up their enthusiasm. Joel Romelo and Josh Reynolds led the way in this department in what could be a sign of the times at Belmore. The next generation of stars could be ready to replace this current crop.
Before they do though, the ‘Dogs attack still needs an overhaul as they have averaged just over 12 points per game in the last 10 rounds. The Roosters attack can sympathise with this plight but the boys from Bondi may not be able to do much else. Their cohesion is shot but their spirit seems, somehow, intact. This will keep them in the hunt for 70 minutes on Saturday, but will not get them home. Dogs in a tight one.
My tip: Canterbury 24-22
North Queensland v Penrith
Must give credit to the boys from Townsville. With a bit of luck, a monster pack of forwards and Matthew Bowen playing out of this world, they sit 4th on the ladder and have won 2 from 3 without Jonathan Thurston. Whilst it might be too early to tell if they can maintain this form for another few weeks, a tip of the hat to them nonetheless.
Bowen, in particular, is in white hot form and considering what he has been through and how others have fared after suffering similar injuries, he is special. Not too many athletes in world sport could come back the way he has after multiple knee surgeries. So, taking a rest from my position as president of the M. Bowen fan club, the edge here goes to the home team against a Panthers squad with a less than impressive away record.
My tip: North Queensland 26-20
NZ Warriors v Canberra
The statistics tell an interesting story in this match at Mt Smart stadium on Sunday. Well, more to the point it’s an obvious story. The away team in this fixture is very often up against it and understandably so: It’s a long trip. Whilst the Raiders would be high on confidence after tasting success at this venue last year, they will come to Auckland as underdogs and rightly so.
Even after their brilliant win against the Dragons last Monday Night, the visitors will struggle against a disciplined and in-form New Zealand outfit. James Maloney continues to impress to the point where he should be mentioned in the class of great five eighths in the NRL. Speaking of impressive, two very exciting fullbacks on show here in a wonderful battle between Kevin Locke and Josh Dugan. The future looks bright.
My tip: New Zealand 30-18
Newcastle v Gold Coast
As Titans’ coach John Cartwright prepares for season 2012, the make-up of his team changes every week but the results remain the same. This week, it’s time for young Jordan Rankin to have a crack at the fullback position where a host of others have tried this season. Rankin is a much heralded star from the Titans NYC nursery and should go well.
The Knights sit 8th on the ladder and are desperate to stay in contention for the finals. No better opportunity presents itself than this match at home against the cellar dwellers of the competition on Sunday afternoon. With so much more to play for, not many will be game to back against Newcastle, even with question marks over the fitness of Jarrod Mullen. Should also be interesting to see Beau Henry against his former teammates.
My tip: Newcastle 24-22
St George Illawarra v South Sydney
Pre merger days, this fixture had more meaning and more history behind it than any other. I was weaned on its legend. The 1965 decider when 78,000 turned out at the SCG; The Semi Final in ’68; The Grand Final in ‘71. Folkes used to talk about it at the dinner table with a sparkle in the eye and sideburns in their hearts. Post merger, the bad blood still exists but in Souths’ case; oh how the mighty have fallen.
Their forward pack ravaged by injury, their coach out of ideas, their half and five eighth playing random good footy when the mood strikes and their souls with nothing left to give: The South Sydney Rabbitohs head down the Princes Highway to Wollongong to take their medicine and go home. In possibly the only highlight for Souths’ fans, Greg Inglis gives it to Mark Gasnier one last time.
My tip: St George Illawarra 32-12
Parramatta v Melbourne
A recent rivalry with plenty of feeling sees its next chapter written this Monday night when the competition leaders travel to Parramatta stadium. Eels fans simply do not like the Storm and feel as though they were robbed of a premiership in 2009. Even if they have gotten over it, we find out this week that Melbourne are apparently the ‘dirtiest’ team in the comp and this could reignite the fire.
Fingers crossed it does and sets the scene for more fireworks, more head butting, less wrestling and frequent meetings between Billy Slater and Jarryd Hayne. They have plenty to talk about I’m sure but at the end of the day, the Storm defence will do all the talking as the home side simply can’t find a way through. Smith and Cronk the standouts in a close one.
My tip: Melbourne 18-12
For live updates throughout the weekend go to http://leagueunlimited.com/
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Paully's Picks - Round 20
Canterbury v Parramatta
One week too late. There is no greater rivalry over the past 15 years and there was no bigger club football match in NRL history than the semi final played between these teams in 2009. Going back further for you historians out there, hard to argue against the fact that Canterbury and Parramatta hated each other more than anyone in the 80’s except for maybe the US and Soviet Union.
Speaking of cold wars, the last meeting between these famous Sydney clubs was in round 6 this year and what a ferocious battle it was. Hindmarsh v Ennis, Payne v Hayne and another great chapter written in the Eels v Bulldogs rivalry. This Friday, when they meet again at Homebush, we might not see as much good football played with these teams sitting 12th and 13th on the ladder, but you will get plenty of effort and this is where Parramatta have been faultless in recent weeks.
My tip: Parramatta 24-12
Melbourne v Brisbane
1st versus 4th on the ladder and compared to the other Friday Night Football game to kick off round 20..... well, there is no comparison. The Storm have rebuilt from last year using discipline and defence whilst the Broncos continue to build for the future using a perfect balance of youth and experience. Soon-to-be superstars like Josh Hoffman, Alex Glenn and Jack Reed are learning from the best each week and coming into their own.
On paper, the hosts for this blockbuster at AAMI Park don’t seem to have the same athletic ability as their opponents but they don’t need to. Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk have the highest Rugby League IQs in the NRL and this will prove the difference on the night. Home ground advantage and their resolute defence keep the Storm driving towards the finals in a cracker and easily the Match of the Round.
My tip: Melbourne 14-12
Gold Coast v North Queensland
A few weeks ago we tipped the smallest crowd in Rugby League history to turn out for a Roosters v Raiders Monday night game. If this Saturday’s match between the Titans and the Cowboys will prove anything, it will be that records are meant to be broken. The over/under betting for attendance to this one must start at about 3000 people but the poor folk from the Gold Coast won’t know what they are missing.
Beau Henry gets his first start for the Titans and in an ominous sign for his future and for the new culture of footballers; this is his 3rd club in two years. William Zillman has been named to play centre for the home side in another effort by John Cartwright to turn the club around from a disastrous season. Finally, Tariq Sims starts for the Cowboys and that is enough for many to tune in and probably enough to get the Cowboys home.
My tip: North Queensland 24-18
Cronulla v Newcastle
Plenty of league commentators have predicted that only 4 teams can win the competition this year. If this is fact, nobody came to that realisation quicker the Knights and the Sharks last week. Both teams were crushed by competition heavyweights in rivalry round after putting in good performances in the weeks before. A harsh lesson for two clubs on the cusp of the top 8 and further proof that perhaps our post season structure needs an upgrade.
Before we do that though, it is still a sign of success if you can make the semi finals and winning this match at Toyota Park on Saturday night will help one of these teams do exactly that. It could be a cold, wet and windy welcome for the Newcastle boys and the toughness of the Sharks forward pack will make the task even harder for Kurt Gidley and his crew. Cronulla bounce back from last week to keep their season alive.
My tip: Cronulla 24-14
Wests v Easts
Rugby League fans are generally a forgiving and loyal bunch. We can get over players leaving our clubs and the NRL treating us like fools, we can deal with all the off-field drama and salary cap issues... but when it comes to Leichardt Oval and the Tigers on a Saturday night, this forgiveness is thrown out the window. The place will be baying for blood with the memory of last year’s semi finals still keeping them up nights.
On that occasion it was the Roosters who stole a win from the Tigers in extraordinary circumstances and the Leichardt faithful will not have forgotten. They will turn out in numbers and Benji Marshall and co will thrive on this atmosphere and deliver for the masses. On paper, this is essentially the home side’s best 13 and they play like it to blow the visitors off the park early and cruise home to start their finals run.
My tip: Wests 40-14
South Sydney v NZ Warriors
A credit to coach John Lang and South Sydney for still finding a way to compete after injury had annihilated their forward pack. They’ve played with purpose recently but, as expected from the bunnies, played with utter confusion at times as well. What they are not confused about anymore, it seems, is how to play with Greg Inglis. “Get him the ball and get out of the way” seems to be the game plan.
The Warriors, on the other hand, have been under no illusions about how their football team should attack. Just do whatever James Maloney tells you to do. Maloney has been a star for two seasons now and this Central Coast product is the perfect link between a hard working forward pack and a very aggressive backline. His leadership in the final quarter of this match will be the difference in a close one.
My tip: New Zealand 20-18
Penrith v Manly
The Panthers are yet to lose at home since Steve Georgallis took over as head coach; in fact they have not lost at Centrebet Stadium since round 6 this year. A Sunday afternoon kick off out west has the boys from Manly very cautious this week and rightly so. If Luke Lewis is fit and ready for this match, it will be closer than the bookies are predicting and closer than competition ladder suggests.
The Sea Eagles have lost only one from their past 8 matches on the back of superb play from their spine and a pack of forwards that never lets you breath. They win the wrestle in defence and find your weakness in attack. You can bet they will be running at old teammate Travis Burns this weekend, as well as Luke Walsh in attempt to stifle the Panthers’ offence. It works, but only just. Jennings v Jamie Lyon an absolute highlight.
My tip: Manly 24-22
Canberra v St George Illawarra
Can the mighty St George Illawarra Dragons actually be jinxed? Are they really incapable of beating the boys from our nation’s capital, no matter what advantage they have? It can’t be that far a road trip from Wollongong to Bruce, can it? Can my questions get any more annoying... can they?!?! Monday night Football heads south to the ACT this week as the Dragons try to beat Canberra for the first time since round 17, 2007.
If the Raiders are any chance of another upset in this bizarre rivalry, they will have to score early and get themselves a decent head start before the visitors acclimatise to the conditions. Once they do, the near negative temperatures will not be a hindrance and Saints will finish stronger. If the home side fail to get on top early, there is a real danger that they will go 160 minutes without scoring a point. Stranger things have happened.
My tip: St George Illawarra 25-0
For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/
One week too late. There is no greater rivalry over the past 15 years and there was no bigger club football match in NRL history than the semi final played between these teams in 2009. Going back further for you historians out there, hard to argue against the fact that Canterbury and Parramatta hated each other more than anyone in the 80’s except for maybe the US and Soviet Union.
Speaking of cold wars, the last meeting between these famous Sydney clubs was in round 6 this year and what a ferocious battle it was. Hindmarsh v Ennis, Payne v Hayne and another great chapter written in the Eels v Bulldogs rivalry. This Friday, when they meet again at Homebush, we might not see as much good football played with these teams sitting 12th and 13th on the ladder, but you will get plenty of effort and this is where Parramatta have been faultless in recent weeks.
My tip: Parramatta 24-12
Melbourne v Brisbane
1st versus 4th on the ladder and compared to the other Friday Night Football game to kick off round 20..... well, there is no comparison. The Storm have rebuilt from last year using discipline and defence whilst the Broncos continue to build for the future using a perfect balance of youth and experience. Soon-to-be superstars like Josh Hoffman, Alex Glenn and Jack Reed are learning from the best each week and coming into their own.
On paper, the hosts for this blockbuster at AAMI Park don’t seem to have the same athletic ability as their opponents but they don’t need to. Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk have the highest Rugby League IQs in the NRL and this will prove the difference on the night. Home ground advantage and their resolute defence keep the Storm driving towards the finals in a cracker and easily the Match of the Round.
My tip: Melbourne 14-12
Gold Coast v North Queensland
A few weeks ago we tipped the smallest crowd in Rugby League history to turn out for a Roosters v Raiders Monday night game. If this Saturday’s match between the Titans and the Cowboys will prove anything, it will be that records are meant to be broken. The over/under betting for attendance to this one must start at about 3000 people but the poor folk from the Gold Coast won’t know what they are missing.
Beau Henry gets his first start for the Titans and in an ominous sign for his future and for the new culture of footballers; this is his 3rd club in two years. William Zillman has been named to play centre for the home side in another effort by John Cartwright to turn the club around from a disastrous season. Finally, Tariq Sims starts for the Cowboys and that is enough for many to tune in and probably enough to get the Cowboys home.
My tip: North Queensland 24-18
Cronulla v Newcastle
Plenty of league commentators have predicted that only 4 teams can win the competition this year. If this is fact, nobody came to that realisation quicker the Knights and the Sharks last week. Both teams were crushed by competition heavyweights in rivalry round after putting in good performances in the weeks before. A harsh lesson for two clubs on the cusp of the top 8 and further proof that perhaps our post season structure needs an upgrade.
Before we do that though, it is still a sign of success if you can make the semi finals and winning this match at Toyota Park on Saturday night will help one of these teams do exactly that. It could be a cold, wet and windy welcome for the Newcastle boys and the toughness of the Sharks forward pack will make the task even harder for Kurt Gidley and his crew. Cronulla bounce back from last week to keep their season alive.
My tip: Cronulla 24-14
Wests v Easts
Rugby League fans are generally a forgiving and loyal bunch. We can get over players leaving our clubs and the NRL treating us like fools, we can deal with all the off-field drama and salary cap issues... but when it comes to Leichardt Oval and the Tigers on a Saturday night, this forgiveness is thrown out the window. The place will be baying for blood with the memory of last year’s semi finals still keeping them up nights.
On that occasion it was the Roosters who stole a win from the Tigers in extraordinary circumstances and the Leichardt faithful will not have forgotten. They will turn out in numbers and Benji Marshall and co will thrive on this atmosphere and deliver for the masses. On paper, this is essentially the home side’s best 13 and they play like it to blow the visitors off the park early and cruise home to start their finals run.
My tip: Wests 40-14
South Sydney v NZ Warriors
A credit to coach John Lang and South Sydney for still finding a way to compete after injury had annihilated their forward pack. They’ve played with purpose recently but, as expected from the bunnies, played with utter confusion at times as well. What they are not confused about anymore, it seems, is how to play with Greg Inglis. “Get him the ball and get out of the way” seems to be the game plan.
The Warriors, on the other hand, have been under no illusions about how their football team should attack. Just do whatever James Maloney tells you to do. Maloney has been a star for two seasons now and this Central Coast product is the perfect link between a hard working forward pack and a very aggressive backline. His leadership in the final quarter of this match will be the difference in a close one.
My tip: New Zealand 20-18
Penrith v Manly
The Panthers are yet to lose at home since Steve Georgallis took over as head coach; in fact they have not lost at Centrebet Stadium since round 6 this year. A Sunday afternoon kick off out west has the boys from Manly very cautious this week and rightly so. If Luke Lewis is fit and ready for this match, it will be closer than the bookies are predicting and closer than competition ladder suggests.
The Sea Eagles have lost only one from their past 8 matches on the back of superb play from their spine and a pack of forwards that never lets you breath. They win the wrestle in defence and find your weakness in attack. You can bet they will be running at old teammate Travis Burns this weekend, as well as Luke Walsh in attempt to stifle the Panthers’ offence. It works, but only just. Jennings v Jamie Lyon an absolute highlight.
My tip: Manly 24-22
Canberra v St George Illawarra
Can the mighty St George Illawarra Dragons actually be jinxed? Are they really incapable of beating the boys from our nation’s capital, no matter what advantage they have? It can’t be that far a road trip from Wollongong to Bruce, can it? Can my questions get any more annoying... can they?!?! Monday night Football heads south to the ACT this week as the Dragons try to beat Canberra for the first time since round 17, 2007.
If the Raiders are any chance of another upset in this bizarre rivalry, they will have to score early and get themselves a decent head start before the visitors acclimatise to the conditions. Once they do, the near negative temperatures will not be a hindrance and Saints will finish stronger. If the home side fail to get on top early, there is a real danger that they will go 160 minutes without scoring a point. Stranger things have happened.
My tip: St George Illawarra 25-0
For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Where this is no smoke, there is no fire.
The Rugby League media exposure regarding the Wests Tigers' signing of Adam Blair has been akin to reading a tabloid magazine. Not surprising given the fact that these days, most tabloid magazines present themselves as Newspapers... however, that’s a story for another day.
Can we lay off the Tigers please...???
All we are hearing through the league media is about the apparent resentment coming from Benji Marshall and other Wests players towards Tim Sheens. Why? Because Sheens has had to release a few players to make room under the Salary Cap for Adam Blair. Basically, the Storm second rower is coming so the club has cleared the decks for him and the playing group is filthy because of this. Really?
When did the Wests Tigers 1st grade squad become a sewing circle? Why is the media trying to create a soap opera where these players are behaving like private school girls? Where they start refusing to speak to the coach and management? Perhaps journalists think every working environment is as horrible and back stabbing as their own? Unlike corporate Australia - I am guessing footballers don't bitch and complain like a bunch of office receptionists. I bet they don't discuss what the others are wearing to training.
What they do is very different to this, what they do is take up the battle for themselves, as was the case for Andrew Fifita as reported in this article. The Tigers front rower, heading to Cronulla in 2012, was happy to share with a journalist that he went looking for Blair to exact some personal revenge during the Tigers' round 15 match against Melbourne. Says he sledged Blair a few times, letting him know that he didn’t appreciate the Melbourne forward taking his piece of the Salary Cap and forcing Fifita to move to the Shire.
Fantastic. This is a great angle and one worth pursuing. On-field battles are always more exciting than off-field dramas and much easier to prove. Which brings us to the the major problem. The Sydney media have no proof of any internal squabbling at Wests but this has not stopped them from reporting as much. Remember the rumour going around earlier in the season about one Tigers player sleeping with another's wife? Ridiculous.
We understand that many league journos have personal vendettas against a certain club or a certain coach and they use and abuse their positions to 'resolve' these differences, but it’s starting to get boring. Read any Danny Weidler 'articles' lately? He thrives on gossip. Read any News Limited press? The battles they have waged on the likes of Brian Smith, Wayne Bennett and more recently on the very fabric of human decency!!!...... well, you get the idea. Personal vendetta rather than honest reporting of the news. Sensationlism and soap opera rather than searching for the truth.
Get over your obsessions with tabloid journalism and please start reporting about football or if not, perhaps the truth is a good place to start - not the latest episode of some drama you have created in your very weak minds.
How did the Tigers respond to all of this? They flew up to Townsville and put 40 on the Cowboys. Why can’t you write about that? This recent attack on Tim Sheens and his club from the media has resulted in two things happening...a) one of the great NRL coaches being harassed at a press conference with questions that deserved no response and b)... Benji Marshall being forced to explain that "yes... me and sheensy fight sometimes", what a scoop this was for one Sydney metro paper... seriously. Is this all we have to write about?
Enough with the gossip, drama, secret boardroom leaks and personal vendettas... please. Give these professional athletes a little more credit, or did Lote Tuqiri and Robert Lui actually start whispering to each other about who Robbie Farah slept with last night... or why Chris Lawrence wore those pants with that top.... or did Liam Fulton actually sleep with Bryce Gibbs' wife and if so is she pregnant with his baby whilst her mother is being arrested for murder? Tune in next week.
Can we lay off the Tigers please...???
All we are hearing through the league media is about the apparent resentment coming from Benji Marshall and other Wests players towards Tim Sheens. Why? Because Sheens has had to release a few players to make room under the Salary Cap for Adam Blair. Basically, the Storm second rower is coming so the club has cleared the decks for him and the playing group is filthy because of this. Really?
When did the Wests Tigers 1st grade squad become a sewing circle? Why is the media trying to create a soap opera where these players are behaving like private school girls? Where they start refusing to speak to the coach and management? Perhaps journalists think every working environment is as horrible and back stabbing as their own? Unlike corporate Australia - I am guessing footballers don't bitch and complain like a bunch of office receptionists. I bet they don't discuss what the others are wearing to training.
What they do is very different to this, what they do is take up the battle for themselves, as was the case for Andrew Fifita as reported in this article. The Tigers front rower, heading to Cronulla in 2012, was happy to share with a journalist that he went looking for Blair to exact some personal revenge during the Tigers' round 15 match against Melbourne. Says he sledged Blair a few times, letting him know that he didn’t appreciate the Melbourne forward taking his piece of the Salary Cap and forcing Fifita to move to the Shire.
Fantastic. This is a great angle and one worth pursuing. On-field battles are always more exciting than off-field dramas and much easier to prove. Which brings us to the the major problem. The Sydney media have no proof of any internal squabbling at Wests but this has not stopped them from reporting as much. Remember the rumour going around earlier in the season about one Tigers player sleeping with another's wife? Ridiculous.
We understand that many league journos have personal vendettas against a certain club or a certain coach and they use and abuse their positions to 'resolve' these differences, but it’s starting to get boring. Read any Danny Weidler 'articles' lately? He thrives on gossip. Read any News Limited press? The battles they have waged on the likes of Brian Smith, Wayne Bennett and more recently on the very fabric of human decency!!!...... well, you get the idea. Personal vendetta rather than honest reporting of the news. Sensationlism and soap opera rather than searching for the truth.
Get over your obsessions with tabloid journalism and please start reporting about football or if not, perhaps the truth is a good place to start - not the latest episode of some drama you have created in your very weak minds.
How did the Tigers respond to all of this? They flew up to Townsville and put 40 on the Cowboys. Why can’t you write about that? This recent attack on Tim Sheens and his club from the media has resulted in two things happening...a) one of the great NRL coaches being harassed at a press conference with questions that deserved no response and b)... Benji Marshall being forced to explain that "yes... me and sheensy fight sometimes", what a scoop this was for one Sydney metro paper... seriously. Is this all we have to write about?
Enough with the gossip, drama, secret boardroom leaks and personal vendettas... please. Give these professional athletes a little more credit, or did Lote Tuqiri and Robert Lui actually start whispering to each other about who Robbie Farah slept with last night... or why Chris Lawrence wore those pants with that top.... or did Liam Fulton actually sleep with Bryce Gibbs' wife and if so is she pregnant with his baby whilst her mother is being arrested for murder? Tune in next week.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Paully's Picks - Round 19 (Rivalry Round)
NZ Warriors v Canterbury
To kick off Rivalry Round, or as some might call it, Round 19, the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs travel to Auckland to take on a Warriors team who have not fared much better than their opponents in recent weeks. If form is any indicator, this rivalry won’t have much venom behind it when these clubs meet on Friday night but form is never important when a season is on the line.
That is exactly the case for the ‘dogs. Win and you keep the dream alive; lose your third in a row and your 10th of the year and its curtains. The likes of Frank Pritchard, Greg Eastwood and Dene Halatau will give everything they have against their countrymen, but once again the Bulldogs will lack a spark in the halves and toughness in defence. The exciting talents of Warriors pair Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke are again on display to ensure NZ get the biscuits.
My tip: Warriors 18-12
Brisbane v Gold Coast
These teams have only played each other on 10 occasions but the proximity rule ensures it falls under a ‘rivalry’ banner. Truth be told, they have already played some memorable matches but this could be something to forget for the Titans and their fans. In fact, if the Broncos are awake and ready for this one, it could get ugly and it could be embarrassing.
The Gold Coast sit on the bottom of the ladder, with the worst defensive record in the NRL and many have blamed their struggles in 2011 on the age factor. If this is true and the visitors are simply too old to compete, trying to contain the Broncos’ next generation stars will be impossible. This will be highlighted in the forwards with Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett and Ben Hannant ready to run rings around their ‘older’ opposition. Titans are in it early but simply can’t keep up.
My tip: Brisbane 30-10
South Sydney v Eastern Suburbs
To continue a genuine and historic rivalry dating back to May of 1908, South Sydney host the Roosters at Homebush on Saturday evening and whilst their respective seasons appear to be over, these clubs will definitely not play like it when the whistle blows for kick off. The Bunnies seem to be outgunned on paper, with a horrific injury toll and a slightly less horrific defensive record, but somehow still showed signs of life against Manly last week.
The Roosters meanwhile, had plenty of life in them last week and that resurgent performance against the Panthers has some tipping that Todd Carney has come out of his funk, that the Roosters can still go on a run and make the semis and that they will win their first away game of the season this weekend. Balderdash. Souths still have their spine intact and desperation gets them home in a close one.
My tip: South Sydney 24-20
North Queensland v Wests Tigers
So, we assume that this is a rivalry based on the 2005 decider? Fine with me. A total of 8 players from this match actually played in that Grand Final but considering the brutal nature of our sport, who even knows if they remember it. J Thurston’s injury aside, the Cowboys look fantastic on paper in this one. They’ve had an unbelievable season so far and even pulled off a miraculous upset last Monday night just to show they are not a one man team.
The Tigers, meanwhile, are showing too few signs of promise and are hitting a bad patch at the wrong end of the season. Their attack should be too much for the Cowboys, who will struggle for points, but should is not good enough. The Cowboys play with plenty of pride and enthusiasm led by the return of Tariq Sims and Brent Tate. Speaking of Tate, he and Willie Tonga up against Chris Lawrence and Blake Ayshord will be a highlight.
My tip: North Queensland 22-18
Penrith v Parramatta
The ‘battle of the west’ is not about League v the AFL, nor is it about cowboy hats and six shooters. It is, and always should be about the Panthers and the Eels. They face each other for the 83rd time on Saturday in a cold and wet night at the foot of the mountains. This shapes up to be a beauty. The Panthers have been playing some inspired football of late and will welcome a return to their home ground for this match.
The Eels, well, seem a little confused at the moment about who should lead their attack. They have a halfback who is leaving at season’s end and is not known for his flair with ball in hand, they have a journeymen five-eighth who is in good form but is not the answer; and then they have Jarryd Hayne. Named at fullback this week, Hayne will be the beginning and end of the Eels chances as he either gets involved in their attack, or waits for Robson and McGuire to guide him. Chances are it’s the former.
My tip: Parramatta 16-14
Canberra v Melbourne
A rivalry? Perhaps but more likely these teams have come together as leftovers. Everyone else in the NRL has picked a partner for the big dance that is ‘rivalry round’, except for the Storm and the Raiders. They face each other in our nation’s capital on Sunday afternoon in what should be a low scoring affair, just how Melbourne like it.
Josh Dugan has been named to return in this match which should heighten expectations, as will the form of Raiders prop Brett White who faces his old team-mates to inspire a very physical battle up front. Young halves Sam Williams and Josh McCrone struggle to impose their will in attack against the brick wall that is Melbourne’s defence. The Storm run away late to win and exact revenge for a round 10 loss to the Green Machine.
My tip: Melbourne 23-10
Newcastle v Manly
Plenty of history here. Namely, the 1997 Grand Final is one of those games where you remember where you were when it all happened; when you saw Darren Albert score the match winner that incited a month long celebration in the Hunter. You remember the first 10 minutes of this decider and how it resembled an Ice Hockey brawl, rather than a game of footy. Manly and Newcastle fans certainly remember and this is a rivalry in fine form.
Speaking of fine form, the Manly Sea Eagles sit second on the ladder and head up the F3 in search of their 13th win of the season on the back of a dominant pack of forwards and super talented halves. Great matchups across the park here; highlighted by Foran facing Knights super rookie Ryan Stig, Jamie Lyon up against Junior Sa’u and two very aggressive lock forwards in Joel Edwards and Glenn Stewart. A beauty.
My tip: Manly 26-16
St George Illawarra v Cronulla
Tempted to root for the underdog here. The poor sharks, they play with so much spirit but have to watch as their hated rival of almost 50 years gets all the spoils, all the glory, all the TV games and all the best players from north of Sylvania and South of the ‘Nasho’. Although despite this disadvantage, Cronulla have been more entertaining and in better form than the reigning premiers lately but that’s all about to change.
Saints hobbled through the rep calender, coming out of this 6 week horror stretch with3 losses and a draw. On Monday night at Kogarah’s Jubilee Oval, the home side start their season all over again missing only Ben Hornby from a star studded line up. Cronulla will give them everything they can handle up front in what will be a ferocious opening 15 minutes, but home ground advantage and the Dragons defence gets them home.
My tip: St George Illawarra 20-12
For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/
To kick off Rivalry Round, or as some might call it, Round 19, the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs travel to Auckland to take on a Warriors team who have not fared much better than their opponents in recent weeks. If form is any indicator, this rivalry won’t have much venom behind it when these clubs meet on Friday night but form is never important when a season is on the line.
That is exactly the case for the ‘dogs. Win and you keep the dream alive; lose your third in a row and your 10th of the year and its curtains. The likes of Frank Pritchard, Greg Eastwood and Dene Halatau will give everything they have against their countrymen, but once again the Bulldogs will lack a spark in the halves and toughness in defence. The exciting talents of Warriors pair Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke are again on display to ensure NZ get the biscuits.
My tip: Warriors 18-12
Brisbane v Gold Coast
These teams have only played each other on 10 occasions but the proximity rule ensures it falls under a ‘rivalry’ banner. Truth be told, they have already played some memorable matches but this could be something to forget for the Titans and their fans. In fact, if the Broncos are awake and ready for this one, it could get ugly and it could be embarrassing.
The Gold Coast sit on the bottom of the ladder, with the worst defensive record in the NRL and many have blamed their struggles in 2011 on the age factor. If this is true and the visitors are simply too old to compete, trying to contain the Broncos’ next generation stars will be impossible. This will be highlighted in the forwards with Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett and Ben Hannant ready to run rings around their ‘older’ opposition. Titans are in it early but simply can’t keep up.
My tip: Brisbane 30-10
South Sydney v Eastern Suburbs
To continue a genuine and historic rivalry dating back to May of 1908, South Sydney host the Roosters at Homebush on Saturday evening and whilst their respective seasons appear to be over, these clubs will definitely not play like it when the whistle blows for kick off. The Bunnies seem to be outgunned on paper, with a horrific injury toll and a slightly less horrific defensive record, but somehow still showed signs of life against Manly last week.
The Roosters meanwhile, had plenty of life in them last week and that resurgent performance against the Panthers has some tipping that Todd Carney has come out of his funk, that the Roosters can still go on a run and make the semis and that they will win their first away game of the season this weekend. Balderdash. Souths still have their spine intact and desperation gets them home in a close one.
My tip: South Sydney 24-20
North Queensland v Wests Tigers
So, we assume that this is a rivalry based on the 2005 decider? Fine with me. A total of 8 players from this match actually played in that Grand Final but considering the brutal nature of our sport, who even knows if they remember it. J Thurston’s injury aside, the Cowboys look fantastic on paper in this one. They’ve had an unbelievable season so far and even pulled off a miraculous upset last Monday night just to show they are not a one man team.
The Tigers, meanwhile, are showing too few signs of promise and are hitting a bad patch at the wrong end of the season. Their attack should be too much for the Cowboys, who will struggle for points, but should is not good enough. The Cowboys play with plenty of pride and enthusiasm led by the return of Tariq Sims and Brent Tate. Speaking of Tate, he and Willie Tonga up against Chris Lawrence and Blake Ayshord will be a highlight.
My tip: North Queensland 22-18
Penrith v Parramatta
The ‘battle of the west’ is not about League v the AFL, nor is it about cowboy hats and six shooters. It is, and always should be about the Panthers and the Eels. They face each other for the 83rd time on Saturday in a cold and wet night at the foot of the mountains. This shapes up to be a beauty. The Panthers have been playing some inspired football of late and will welcome a return to their home ground for this match.
The Eels, well, seem a little confused at the moment about who should lead their attack. They have a halfback who is leaving at season’s end and is not known for his flair with ball in hand, they have a journeymen five-eighth who is in good form but is not the answer; and then they have Jarryd Hayne. Named at fullback this week, Hayne will be the beginning and end of the Eels chances as he either gets involved in their attack, or waits for Robson and McGuire to guide him. Chances are it’s the former.
My tip: Parramatta 16-14
Canberra v Melbourne
A rivalry? Perhaps but more likely these teams have come together as leftovers. Everyone else in the NRL has picked a partner for the big dance that is ‘rivalry round’, except for the Storm and the Raiders. They face each other in our nation’s capital on Sunday afternoon in what should be a low scoring affair, just how Melbourne like it.
Josh Dugan has been named to return in this match which should heighten expectations, as will the form of Raiders prop Brett White who faces his old team-mates to inspire a very physical battle up front. Young halves Sam Williams and Josh McCrone struggle to impose their will in attack against the brick wall that is Melbourne’s defence. The Storm run away late to win and exact revenge for a round 10 loss to the Green Machine.
My tip: Melbourne 23-10
Newcastle v Manly
Plenty of history here. Namely, the 1997 Grand Final is one of those games where you remember where you were when it all happened; when you saw Darren Albert score the match winner that incited a month long celebration in the Hunter. You remember the first 10 minutes of this decider and how it resembled an Ice Hockey brawl, rather than a game of footy. Manly and Newcastle fans certainly remember and this is a rivalry in fine form.
Speaking of fine form, the Manly Sea Eagles sit second on the ladder and head up the F3 in search of their 13th win of the season on the back of a dominant pack of forwards and super talented halves. Great matchups across the park here; highlighted by Foran facing Knights super rookie Ryan Stig, Jamie Lyon up against Junior Sa’u and two very aggressive lock forwards in Joel Edwards and Glenn Stewart. A beauty.
My tip: Manly 26-16
St George Illawarra v Cronulla
Tempted to root for the underdog here. The poor sharks, they play with so much spirit but have to watch as their hated rival of almost 50 years gets all the spoils, all the glory, all the TV games and all the best players from north of Sylvania and South of the ‘Nasho’. Although despite this disadvantage, Cronulla have been more entertaining and in better form than the reigning premiers lately but that’s all about to change.
Saints hobbled through the rep calender, coming out of this 6 week horror stretch with3 losses and a draw. On Monday night at Kogarah’s Jubilee Oval, the home side start their season all over again missing only Ben Hornby from a star studded line up. Cronulla will give them everything they can handle up front in what will be a ferocious opening 15 minutes, but home ground advantage and the Dragons defence gets them home.
My tip: St George Illawarra 20-12
For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Paully's Picks - Round 18
NZ Warriors v Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Titans are about to join a long list of NRL clubs with a trophy in their cabinet that they’d rather not have. But don’t feel bad Titans fans. We’ve all been there. You start the season with high hopes after making the semi finals the year before and winning a big home semi... but then it all comes crashing down. A wooden spoon beckons.
Parramatta v Wests Tigers
The Gold Coast Titans are about to join a long list of NRL clubs with a trophy in their cabinet that they’d rather not have. But don’t feel bad Titans fans. We’ve all been there. You start the season with high hopes after making the semi finals the year before and winning a big home semi... but then it all comes crashing down. A wooden spoon beckons.
Before John Cartwright’s team begin planning their Mad
Monday celebrations, they first get to travel across the Tasman to face New
Zealand at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night. Admittedly the Warriors have lost
more than they’ve won this year; but at home on a cold and wet night in
Auckland, they produce using the speed and skill of Shaun Johnson and Kevin
Locke.
My tip: NZ Warriors 20-12
The more and more times you watch the 2011 Eels play, the
more you like their chances to turn it around. Unfortunately for Parramatta,
the more and more they play, the bigger and deeper the hole they dig for themselves.
Having lost their past 3 and not tasting victory since a round 11 win over the
Sharks, the Eels can only hope for a bit of luck to fall their way against the
Tigers on Friday night at Parramatta Stadium.
At this stage, it looks like being the opposite with Chris
Lawrence and Todd Payten named to return for the visitors. What’s more unlucky
for the Eels is that Tigers coach Tim Sheens looks like he will spring the
return of Benji Marshall on them. Either way, the Tigers have lost the ability
to entertain and the Eels average just over 15 points per game in attack. How
the mighty have fallen. Tigers at the death with Robbie Farah leading the way.
My tip: Wests Tigers 20-18
Cronulla v Canberra
Much has been made of the last meeting between these two clubs.
Twas’ round 1 of the season and the Raiders looked like world beaters at home
in a drubbing. Interestingly, after this game the Sharks went on to beat St
George Illawarra in round 2 and the Raiders went on to lose their next 8 games.
Both clubs have been a work in progress this season and have come full circle
for this match on Saturday at Toyota Stadium.
The Cronulla forward pack have become a sight to behold
whilst the Raiders have found stability in the halves with Sam Williams and
Josh McCrone combining well to win 4 of their last 6. This will be a beauty and
far too good a match to be stuck in the 5.30pm timeslot. Hard to go past the
Sharks at home in a contest highlighted by a vicious forwards battle and a
return to the shire of Blake Ferguson. Could be fun.
My tip: Cronulla 24-12
Canterbury Bankstown v Melbourne
What to make of the Bulldogs this year? Anyone’s guess what
has gone wrong at Belmore but depending on which newspaper you read.... the
coach has one more chance, the board is split and the fans are calling for
heads to roll. The truth is probably nowhere near any of this. They have the
same record as the Tigers, Warriors and Panthers but will always get more press
and more pressure. They have not handled it well recently.
If there was ever a week to turn around your fortunes in the
NRL, this is not it for the ‘Dogs. The Melbourne Storm sit top of the table and
have won their last five matches without allowing more than 8 points in
defence. Remarkable. How fitting that this match is played at the historic
Adelaide Oval because if Canterbury cannot get their house in order before 7pm
on Saturday night – it could be a cricket score.
My tip: Melbourne 22-10.
Eastern Suburbs v Penrith
Watching the Roosters capitulate to the visiting Raiders last
Monday night was truly a sad sight. Last year’s grand finalists still boast
some of the games big names and one its most experienced coaches but as they
succumbed to their 11TH loss of the season, losing the second half
20-0, you knew all hope had been lost. To Todd Carney especially, it seems like
rugby league has become a chore and this is the saddest sight of all.
But fear not, Roosters fans; here is a chance to turn out in
your hundreds to cheer on the tri-colours against the Panthers on Sunday afternoon.
By massive contrast, Penrith are heading up the ladder as they play with no
pressure and no expectations. The season seems like more of a farewell tour for
this group and on the field, they are having fun. They beat the stuffing out of
the Dogs and the Cowboys at home in the last fortnight and will do the same on
the road against the Roosters.
My tip: Penrith 30-16
Manly v South Sydney
One of the great rivalries in Rugby League. While many things change, some things stay
the same as Manly host South Sydney at Brookvale Oval on Sunday afternoon. This
is the 127th meeting between the clubs and just like the 126 before
it; there will be blood here again. Judging by betting prices through the week,
it seems that most of the wounds will be inflicted by Manly’s uncompromising
and talented forward pack.
Led by elder statesmen Jason King, this pack will beat the
stuffing out of the Rabbitohs ‘b’ team up front and make all the space in the
world for the dynamic duo in Foran and Cherry-Evans. Whilst Souths might be
able to bounce back from last week’s loss and deliver a much improved
performance, it won’t be enough as they simply do not have the firepower. Manly
by plenty.
My tip: Manly 34-16
Newcastle v North Queensland
To finish off round 18 and the official ending of the rep
season, Jonathan Thurston proves that a) luck with injury plays a part in every
club’s success and b) the salary cap does not allow for clubs to have more than
one superstar. Hence, the Cowboys are immediately huge underdogs in this match
after JT’s season ending injury on Wednesday night. This also ensures the
Knights have the advantage and form suggests the same.
Newcastle have won their past 3 matches and adopted the
‘grind’ with enthusiasm as their defence over the past month has been a
highlight. North Queensland had the best attack in the NRL before their entire
season was turned on its head but will adopt a similar approach to their football
with defence, rather than attack, being a new focal point. The return of Jarrod
Mullen and the rise of Joel Edwards should be enough for the Knights to keep
the run going.
My tip: Newcastle 18-14
For live updates throughout the weekend go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/index.php
Monday, July 4, 2011
2011 State of Origin Match Preview - Game III
Queensland v New South Wales
State of Origin III
The definition of the word ‘anticipation’ has been re-written in the lead up to this match and this is something only Origin can do, only Rugby League can do. Indeed the AFL has its Grand Final Day at the MCG, Rugby has its Bledisloe Cup and so on and so forth amongst the rival codes, but nothing matches ‘The Greatest Game of All’ when you talk of a State of Origin decider. Especially this one.
Queensland comes into this game with that familiar air of confidence now fading but enough experience to know how to bounce back. Whether they are motivated or pressured more by the fact that this is Darren Lockyer’s farewell will be irrelevant at kick-off because Lockyer himself will either not allow it, or adjust for it on the field. Either way, he is still the best there is and he is still surrounded by Civoniceva, Scott, Slater and Smith. Enough to drive fear into the broken hearts of all New South Wales fans.
Speaking of NSW fans, this series, for them, must be like watching Rocky IV. Queensland being Ivan Drago in this metaphor of course. In game 2, NSW ‘cut’ the Russian – proved he was a man, not a machine. Proved to the fans that it was OK to believe we can beat them. Now, on Wednesday night at 8.05pm in the heart of Maroon territory, we have the last round of this heavyweight match and both tribes in a frenzy, breathless with anticipation.
Come game time - nerves will consume the inexperienced in this type of pressure filled atmosphere so expect to see some signs of it early on but once the game settles down, it will be an instant classic. Desperation in defence will be the highlight. NSW coach Ricky Stuart has built his team and his philosophy on this mantra. Queensland as usual will be the proverbial brick wall. Who will break first? It does not matter. What’s more important is who will break last as this game goes right to the final minute with nothing separating these sides but a field goal.
My Man of the Match Tip: Jonathan Thurston
My tip: NSW 15-14 (difficult to type with my fingers crossed)
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