Canterbury Bankstown v North Queensland
To kick off a great night of rugby league in Sydney on Friday, the Cowboys head to Homebush to take on the struggling Bulldogs. With ‘Dogs skipper Andrew Ryan announcing he will be retiring at season’s end, his farewell tour begins and his troops should respond accordingly. However, we’ve seen this all year from the Belmore club.
Motivation has been there but the performance has never followed suit. The visitors are playing, still, without their superstar Jonathan Thurston but this could only mean the difference between winning by 10 and winning by 20. North Queensland will do the former through their willing pack of forwards. Plenty of speed out wide to keep you entertained in this match as Matt Bowen and Ben Barba light it up.
My tip: North Queensland 30-20
West Tigers v St George Illawarra
A replay of last year’s semi final blockbuster to be played under lights at the traditional home of Rugby League in Sydney, the SFS. It does not get any better than this. Well.... it might but one can’t help but get excited. The Tigers attack seems to be coming together nicely at the right time of the season, but it’s a much more mature attack than we’ve seen previously. They are picking their spots.
No doubt these spots will be in the final 20 minutes of this match considering a) the Dragons’ recent performances and b) reports that Saints are being flogged at training in preparation for another finals run. If given any space, the battle of Lawrence v Gasnier and Cooper v Ayshford will be second only to watching Benji Marshall take on the brick wall that is the reigning premiers’ defence. A beauty.
My tip: St George Illawarra 20-16
Melbourne v Penrith
The Storm are simply in a different class here. Their smothering defence is the envy of the NRL and seemingly the most hated in the NRL to boot. Controversial wrestling tactics seem to be an issue, again, as we creep towards the semi finals but it is within the rules and it will drive the Panthers insane this Saturday night at AAMI Park.
If Penrith are to overcome the 14.5 start set by the bookies, their only hope will be to play as if they have nothing to lose and without any pressure. Considering half the club is leaving next year, it will not be much of a stretch for the Mountain Men but unfortunately for Panthers fans, winning this match will be. The Storm strangle them early (figuratively speaking of course) and race away to win.
My tip: Melbourne 20-6
Brisbane v NZ Warriors
A possible September preview and always an entertaining encounter as the Broncos host the Warriors on Saturday Night at Suncorp. Two clubs who have found success in 2011 without defence being their gateway to victory, the Broncos put 46 on the Sharks last week and the Warriors are winners of their last 4, averaging 33 points in attack over this run.
So, with a dry track underneath and plenty of talent and speed across the park, get set for a beauty as the youth brigade of Brisbane get stuck into a disciplined New Zealand outfit. The difference in this one, however, will not be the enthusiasm of the baby broncos but rather the supreme class of Darren Lockyer who outplays Warriors leader James Maloney when the game is on the line in a close one.
My tip: Brisbane 25-24
Cronulla v Gold Coast
Seems as though Sharks coach Shane Flanagan believes it’s time to blood a few youngsters in preparation for season 2012. That or he is foxing before this Saturday night’s match against the visiting Titans. Either way, it might be worth tuning in at 9.30pm on Saturday, for those who won’t be in attendance at Toyota Park, to perhaps introduce yourself to the likes of Ricky Leutele and Tyson Frizell.
For the couple of hundred fanatics who can make it to the old Shark Park, you deserve better than what might be served up here. No doubt Paul Gallen and Jeremy Smith will come out swinging as they play for pride here but there aint much else on the line. Fingers crossed Mark Minichiello continues his form and throws a few of his now infamous right hands at an unsuspecting Shark. Home team gets the nod here.
My tip: Cronulla 24-18
Newcastle v Canberra
The Knights have won 5 of their past 7 and found themselves almost locked in to a final 8 position. More proof, really, that you don’t need to play your best football until June or July to make the semis. Newcastle are certainly doing that as they cruise through the back end of a scheduling dream run. More importantly, they will also benefit from this confidence on Sunday afternoon against the Raiders.
Canberra are now at a difficult part of their 2011 tilt, asking themselves the tough questions that need to be asked by teams out of contention... Where are they going for their end of season trip? Is Mad Monday starting at Shillo’s place or elsewhere? And finally, can they avoid a repeat performance of last years’ Mad Monday abomination? Only time will tell.
My tip: Newcastle 30-16
Manly v Eastern Suburbs
The Eagles took a hit last week. Perhaps only one or two defensive errors and one refereeing error may have cost them victory but as the duchess said to the bishop – them’s the breaks. This week, at fortress Brookvale against the Roosters, they will have to commit at least 10 or 12 defensive errors to lose again. They won’t.
Manly coach Des Hasler will have them chomping at the bit before this match and the visitors will face an onslaught from the opening whistle. Young Sydney firebrand Jared Warea-Hargreaves may come in for some harsh treatment from his old team mates in what should be a physical battle up front, just how the Sea Eagles like it. Brett Stewart a stand out again.
My tip: Manly 28-8
South Sydney v Parramatta
A couple of old Sydney teams who have learnt the harsh lessons about Rugby League this year. For the Bunnies, they’ve learnt the hard way about depth, about injuries and about bad luck. For Parramatta, one simply needs to see that they have lost 6 of their past 7 matches by an average of just over 4 points. So close but nothing to show for it: indeed a harsh lesson.
On Monday night at ANZ Stadium, the Rabbitohs will find themselves falling back down to earth after last week’s remarkable win in Wollongong. The Eels will take full advantage of this distraction and keep the match close until the final whistle, but this time luck falls their way. Jarryd Hayne puts in a blinder and Parra’s defence turns up again. Reni Maitua also a standout for the visitors as he continues his impressive return to 1st grade.
My tip: Parramatta 24-18
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