Newcastle v South Sydney
How time flies. Round 26 kicks off with a do or die match as Souths head up
the F3 to take on the Knights at Ausgrid Stadium. The Bunnies are playing a
good brand of football lately but the pressure of this match will be huge. Win
and you're in, lose and it's off to Russell Crowe's farm for Mad Monday. Looks
like the latter.
Knights fans will be fuelled up and fired up for Friday night in their
annual 'old boys' game and they will reach fever pitch as Adam MacDougall plays
his last home game. Hard to see the bunnies overcoming the early onslaught and
even though Bulldogs fans will be praying for a draw, it will be the home side
whose prayers are answered. Kurt Gidley the stand out.
My tip: Newcastle 30-20
St George Illawarra v Penrith
The Penrith Panthers come to the end of a forgettable season which started
with a 40 point drubbing in round 1 and could very well finish the same way. It’s
been a tough one for the Mountain Men and they head to Wollongong with not much
to play for but pride. The Dragons, however, are still desperate to find a
touch of last year’s September form and this is a prime opportunity.
Saints will stroll through the visitors 'b grade' front row and throttle
them right up the middle. The Dragons backline should have a field day after
this platform has been set as WIN Stadium bids farewell to Mark Gasnier. Must
make mention of Luke Lewis here, he has every reason to rest his broken body
but doesn’t need any reason to play. A credit to his love of the game and his
bravery.
My tip: St George Illawarra 28-8
New Zealand v North Queensland
With the chance of hosting a semi final all but gone, these two clubs come
together at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night looking to find some rhythm. The
Cowboys hobbled over the line against Cronulla last week and the Warriors were
unlucky to lose to St George Illawarra; they'll both be keen to warm up well
for next week.
The home side not only warm up, but they heat up at home to farewell the
Warriors faithful in their final game in Auckland. Quality football on display
from two quality teams as they give us a taste of what’s to come. Great
matchups all over the park as the Locke/Johnson combination shows the
Bowen/Thurston combination that youth can beat experience.
My tip: New Zealand 18-14
Cronulla v Wests
Saturday night at 'Shark Park' - for one more time in 2011. Fans in the
Shire have had another season to forget but they will be treated to a spirited
display as the home side does their best to finish the season on a high. In
fact they will play with no pressure at all and this could be dangerous for the
visiting Tigers. The Sharks will not lay down.
Prepare yourself for plenty of fun between noted nigglers and future Sharks,
Bryce Gibbs and Liam Fulton as they face Paul Gallen and Jeremy Smith. But once
all is said and done and the forwards get out of the way, Benji Marshall grabs
this game by the barrels and rips the home side apart. His combination with
Robbie Farah is still the most entertaining football to watch in the NRL.
My tip: Wests 28-14
Gold Coast v Parramatta
Preston Campbell's legacy to Rugby League is obvious. He is a beacon of
light and hope for the indigenous community as well as the many young
footballers who don't weigh 100kgs at age 13. As a footballer, you will
struggle to find anyone with faster feet and better instincts - Presto was a
pleasure to watch.
Speaking of which, fingers crossed the people of the Gold Coast realise this
and come to watch their captain one last time. The Parramatta Eels may not draw
the biggest crowd of the season, but this match will be played with plenty of
spirit nonetheless. Edge goes to the home side as they claw their way in front
in the closing stages of a good match to end a horrible season.
My tip: Gold Coast 20-18
Canterbury Bankstown v Canberra
If by miracle, the Knights and the Bunnies draw their match on Friday night
(stay with me here people), this match will turn into a Father's Day frenzy at
Homebush with 40,000 streaming through the gates. If not, the Andrew Ryan
farewell match will be a memorable one. He is one of toughest in the land.
The man they call 'Bobcat' will be remembered by the Belmore faithful as the
man who saved the 2004 premiership from slipping through their fingers. As a
second rower, he is up there with Kennedy, Fitzgibbon and Hindmarsh and a tip
of the hat to him. Dugan v Barba a highlight as disappointing seasons come to
an end for both clubs but the 'Dogs rip it up late.
My tip: Canterbury Bankstown 40-18
Brisbane v Manly
While the press in Sydney have basically camped out at Brookvale during the
week, the Brisbane Broncos have been preparing an official farewell for their
captain and favourite son, Darren Lockyer, in relative peace and quiet across
the border. They have secured 3rd place on the ladder and are building towards
something special.
The middle leg of your Sunday triple header will be a beauty but very
difficult to tip the Eagles without Kieran Foran. The visitors have plenty of
depth and plenty of speed in their backline to match up well with their hosts,
but without Foran they will miss some direction. Manly won't be able to spoil
the party as Lockyer shines again.
My tip: Brisbane 24-12
Eastern Suburbs v Melbourne
This booze ban seems to be working. Makes you wonder how hard the Roosters
were hitting the soup before they decided enough was enough. They have won 3
straight now and youngsters like Aidan Guerra and Jake Friend are reaping the
rewards of this healthy approach to life. One game to go and they can get stuck
in with a clear conscience.
NRL CEO David Gallop will be on hand for an awkward post match presentation
of the J.J. Giltinan shield as Melbourne wrap up the minor premiership. An
amazing effort considering what they have been through. However, that will be
nothing compared to what Kings Cross will go through when the Roosters hit the
strip for Mad Monday after a month off the drink.
My tip: Melbourne 26-6
For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/index.php
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