Pistol Pete's Lock of the Week - Round 5, 2012

It is hard to tip the tigers as the lock of the week, seeing as they started as favourites to win the premiership. The tigers will re group and make a run once again, however the lock is always dedicated to an under rated under dag. I see no herald tipsters picked the raiders last week, a sharks into raiders multi would have been a great bet as per my lock. 

The question that must be asked is when will the Eels get their first victory? The coach is under fire, there is a question about hindy's capability, the dogs supporters are glad that Ben roberts is not in blue and white (despite the last time that the dogs made the finals, roberts was the key to one of the most potent left hand side attacks in the competition) and the Eels fans have started to boo.

Enter the Manly Sea Eagles, current premiers with their own board and player problems. The Eels get up for this one and grind out a victory for Hindy, the "he gave his life for this club, with no premiership and now yous are gunna let him retire with two wooden spoons cause you cant beat a bunch of north shore yuppies in front of our hard working supporters!!!! Well are yous!!!!!" The parra rable screams "yeah lets do this for hindy, lets make it his season"  

The Eels by 16

Paully's Picks - Round 5, Heritage Round

Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights

Get through your sets; kick to the corners; play mistake-free football and control the ruck.... both teams are coached by men who live and breathe the basics. "Bennett Ball" and "Bellamy Ball" may look boring to some, but these coaches’ success cannot be denied. Wayne Bennett has made a change to his forward pack with Richie Fa'aoso starting up front. Along with Kade Snowden, we have two very hard and very straight ball carriers whose purpose will be to bend the Storm defensive line and minimise wrestling opportunities for the home side.

Challenge accepted. This match will be a battle of ruck tactics and speed of the play-the-ball. If Snowden and Fa'aoso are successful, Jarrod Mullen will have all the space he needs but if Melbourne wins the wrestle, as always, they win the game. Either way I'm tipping some niggle in the ruck with both packs fully aware of the task at hand and both hookers with very good memories. Mullen's kicking game v Billy Slater a highlight for the tacticians out there.

My tip: Storm 13-12

Brisbane Broncos v St George Illawarra Dragons

A rematch of last year’s epic semi-final. A golden point thriller only decided when Darren Lockyer slotted the game winning field goal with one half of his face cracked open. Obviously this match will not have the same intensity, but a Friday night beauty from Suncorp nonetheless. The Dragons are coming off an impressive performance against the reigning premiers but it will be difficult to back up after playing in such a superb and draining encounter.

This is where Brisbane have the edge and why they are slight favourites. Peter Wallace is once again flying under the radar as one of the most controlled and intelligent halfbacks in the game. Both Wallace and opposing halfback Ben Hornby will play chess masters here and the game within the game will be a thing of beauty. Wallace gets the 2 points on the back of a dominant display from the NRL's most lethal back row in Glenn, Thaiday and Gillett. Top shelf rugby league.

My tip: Brisbane 18-14

Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks

I'm now punting 0 from 4 on the Sharks. This means that a) my tipping is about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike and b) the following paragraph of 'opinion'... and we use the term loosely.... may as well be written by a Peruvian Guinea Pig. They could probably tip better. So here goes... I'm getting back on the Sharks and this time I'm staying on them. The promotion of Jeff Robson to the starting halfback role is a stroke of genius by Shane Flanagan.

Robson may not get much attention but he is defensively sound, has played in a Grand Final, won't take possessions away from Todd Carney and will never shy away from yelling at his forwards. Speaking of the Sharks forwards, they will outplay the Panthers pack led by the rugby league machine that goes by the name of Paul Gallen. The Panthers will start strong at home but 40 tackles and 30 hit-ups later, Gallen stands victorious and the Sharks are winners of 3 in a row.

My tip: Cronulla 24-18

Parramatta Eels v Manly Sea Eagles

Essentially, this is the only match that qualifies for "Heritage Round" status, so in honour of fallen clubs who actually did have a proud heritage... i.e. the Steelers, Bears and Magpies, let's ignore every other match this weekend and call this one the match of the round. Why? Watching Parramatta play football this season and then watching the backlash from fans and talking heads alike has been a great source of comedy for everyone who doesn’t actually support the Eels.

This match should be no different. Chris Sandow and Ben Roberts continue to their stand-up routine whilst the Eels forwards simply cannot catch a lucky break. This week? Jarryd Hayne returns but defending premiers and losers of their last two, the Manly Sea Eagles come to Parra Stadium. Or perhaps, considering the state of the playing surface at the Eels home ground, they have to play this match in the car park... should be plenty of space out there. Tough times ahead for Hindmarsh and company.

My tip: Manly 30-12

  

Sydney Roosters v New Zealand Warriors

Another team off to a slow start in season 2012, the Roosters have largely avoided criticism at this early stage of the year. Perhaps because they have somehow won two from four. One of those wins was a miracle against the Rabbitohs in round one and other could have been one of the worst games of footy ever played. So, moving on from exaggeration and getting to the point, Brian Smith does not look like a man in a panic, and neither do the Roosters players.

In fact, both clubs seem like they have bigger plans for September and are simply chugging along at this stage, but both clubs are capable of an exciting brand of football and that's what we see here. The Roosters’ lack of urgency plays into the Warriors hands, as does the open brand of football played at Allianz stadium on Saturday night. Shaun Johnson and Feleti Mateo relish the freedom and take over when it counts.

My tip: Warriors 30-20

Gold Coast Titans v Canterbury Bulldogs

What a proud history between these clubs and what a shining example of the marketing genius that is this week's 'Heritage Round". These teams have played each other a whopping 7 times and it must be said, nothing can really compare to this. So, to the lovely people of the Gold Coast and the faithful Bulldogs fans making the trek up to Robina, brace yourselves for centuries of history coming together at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.

Sarcasm aside..... both clubs are without their starting halfbacks and playmakers so we could have a rabble on our hands here as Jordan Rankin inherits a team on the skids and Kris Keating gets another chance to resurrect his first grade career. The Titans have a good chance to turn their season around and give their fans a reason to turn up, but they'll need more than a chance. Frank Pritchard and Ben Barba go to town as the 'Dogs bounce back from their first loss of the season and win big.

My tip: Canterbury 30-12

Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Tigers have heard it all this week. They are 'soft', 'horrible', 'pathetic' and to quote the League Unlimited forum.... "Weak as p__s". Fans are turning on them, Tommy is unloading on them, the universe is collapsing on them but through it all, Benji won't give up on them. The emotional and spiritual leader of the club, Marshall continues to protect his teammates in the face of unrelenting pressure and this could only be a good sign for fans.

Speaking of Benji, important to note that he has been essentially knocked unconscious two weeks in a row without mention, and without protection from his forwards. This is probably the most surprising from the Tigers. If they don't toughen up this week against a rampaging South Sydney forward pack, it could get worse. It does. Souths are improving every week and have a good balance of youth and experience. Inglis and Burgess the standouts in a quality win for the Bunnies.

My tip: South Sydney 30-20

Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Cowboys

One of the toughest road trips of the season for the Cowboys. They've won 3 times in 14 starts at Canberra Stadium with the most recent victory coming in round 13 last year; a 40-24 thumping after being down 22-0. On that day, the comeback was led by a rampaging Tariq Sims and a fired up forward pack that ran over the top of the tiring Raiders. You can bet the Green Machine will start well again on Monday night in front of their home fans.

This time, they hold on. The visitors travel without young Sims and more importantly without their co-captain and best forward, Matt Scott. This puts them in a hole they can't get out of and puts the Raiders back on the map with their 3rd win of the season and a reminder to everyone how dangerous they were two years ago; before Terry Campese's knee gave way. Keep an eye on Reece Robinson, member of the Lebanese National Rugby League team and star of last week’s win at Campbelltown.

My tip: Raiders 26-20


For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/

Parramatta fan has emotional breakdown.

My mate Ritcho... a lifetime Eels fan has finally cracked after Parra lose their first 3 games and the Sydney Morning Herald publishes this survey.

How has he cracked? Please read the following quote from Ritcho after I accused him of not caring about footy this year:

"Haven’t stopped caring, it’s just like one of those blokes who has been in a relationship for 20 years and is so brow beaten he doesn’t fight back//leave her/find someone else. From time to time she is that woman you fell in love with. And you hope that everything goes back to the way it was. BUT NO. Things don’t change. She still tells you off in public. Yells at you at home. Demands her permission being granted for outings. Those rare blissful moments become more fleeting. And you lose your lust for life.

I’m that bloke.

Parramatta is that heartless wench."

Paully's Picks - Round 4, 2012

Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers

Your Friday night 'prime time' game features a couple of footy teams with defence on their minds. Both the Eels and the Panthers gave up 40 points last week, which means this match is a battle of pride. We've all heard coaches say that defence is about attitude and you can bet Ivan Cleary and Steve Kearney have been drilling this philosophy into their charges all week long. The pressure of NRL football rears its ugly head early this year.

So, with the Eels already wooden spoon favourites and the Panthers struggling for consistency, be prepared for a grind in this year's Battle of the West at Parramatta Stadium. Other notable 'battles of the west' include the time I tried to get into the old Argyle St Hotel wearing sneakers; and the famous battle between myself and 2 security guards at The Mean Fiddler. Just like me on these particular occasions, the Parramatta Eels will come off second best, again.

My tip: Penrith 20-16

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos

A different kind of 'battle of the west'. This is apparently a fight between the NRL and the good folk of Perth. The NRL's plan of attack revolves around shoving rugby league down their throats until something gives, whilst the jewel of Australia's west responds politely by turning up in their hundreds. If we must persist, then let's have at it with the resurgent Bunnies facing the superstars from Brisbane. NIB stadium will be rocking with anticipation.

Speaking of rocking, Souths put together their best performance for some time last week at Penrith. Their opening 20 minutes was a site to behold as a star studded forward pack ripped the opposition to shreds. This week, they will need to be even more ruthless against the likes of Hannant, Glenn and Thaiday. Backing up proves too big a challenge for the Red and Greens but they go down swinging in a close one.

My tip - Brisbane 22-18

New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans

This is what they call a 'moment of truth' for the Titans. As a franchise, a football club and a team, they face the biggest challenge so far in their short history. Off the field rumours about financial duress, an ageing leadership group, struggling for form and struggling for points, they travel across the Tasman with a 14.5 point start to face a talented Warriors team with their own point to prove after starting the season 1 and 2.

The visitors will need to be almost perfect with their completion rates, they'll need a sublime performance from their spine and they will need their forward pack to stand up and completely dominate the Warriors for 80 minutes.... 14.5 suddenly seems a little small now doesn’t it? James Maloney continues his career best form and Feleti Mateo chimes in at just the right time to send the Titans home with another loss and even more questions to answer.

My tip: Warriors 30-14

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Sea Eagles

A challenge of consistency for the Dragons. It's not often we've said this about the Red V in recent years as they have been one of most reliable outfits in the NRL but after their round 2 debacle against the Bulldogs, this will be a good test of character. And no better challenge exists than facing the reigning premiers after a loss as the Manly Sea Eagles come to Kogarah for a Saturday night special and your match of the round.

Aside from the Storm's questionable success, Manly and Saints have been the benchmark in the NRL over the past 5 years. Three premierships between them and some of the most talented footballers in the land. Jamie Lyon v Matt Cooper will set the standard, the two fullbacks will set the grass on fire and the King/Kite v Hunt/Weyman battle up front will entertain us all. The Dragons make it two in a row at Jubilee but only by a whisker.

My tip: Dragons 19-18

 

North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks

I'm 0 from 3 tipping Cronulla matches this year so for those of you still reading these previews, or even remotely basing your tips around these ramblings, ignore the following paragraphs of bitter and twisted reasoning. With a bit of luck and a bounce or two of the ball, the boys from the Shire could have easily been winners of 3 straight and delivered the change in fortune their fans have been praying for. Alas, Rugby League can be a cruel pastime.

With a win over defending premiers Manly last weekend, the Sharks’ luck seems to have changed but just when you think the dawn has arrived; Thurston, Bowen and Matt Scott await at Dairy Farmers on Saturday night. Whilst Jeff Robson brings some defensive resolve to the visitors and Jason Bukuya continues to impress, they simply won't have enough in the tank to hold out the Cowboys for 80 minutes. A cracking game of footy but the home side too good.

My tip: North Queensland 18-16

Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters

The Roosters are slowly getting their house in order. They have the look of a team very much aware that 26 rounds of NRL football is a long struggle and one they can't rush into. In other words, their form over the opening 3 weeks has been shoddy, but you can see a method to their madness. In attack, they have looked out of position and out of focus. In defence, they have been willing and able but giving the opposition too much ball.

Apologies to all readers, the above paragraph was written in an attempt to convince myself to take the Roosters with 12.5 start in my multi this week. Smart money says to avoid betting against the Melbourne Storm, in Melbourne, after a week when Craig Bellamy has challenged his team to raise the bar, when they are currently undefeated. This bloke is a maniac and the Roosters are little chance to break down the Storm defence.

My tip: Melbourne 20-12

 

Canterbury Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights

Canterbury have impressed so far this season and surprisingly, it's more thanks to the next generation of Bulldogs as opposed to the bigger names on their roster. Josh Reynolds has brought an aggression in both defence and attack; his performance against the Warriors last week, in Auckland, was more than noteworthy. Joel Romelo and Sam Kasiano are also playing at high level giving coach Des Hasler a loaded team and a deep bench.

The Knights seem to be going a different way; their forwards struggle to breach the advantage line and subsequently their attack is stalling. With marquee names still on their roster and Jarrod Mullen due for one of his big games, it's tough to count out the visitors but I will anyway. A great battle of hookers with Ennis up against his former mentor in Danny Buderus. The 'Dogs forwards continue to roll over their opposition and win 4 in a row.

My tip: Canterbury 24-14

Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders

The Tigers and coach Tim Sheens are lucky to escape some of the early season pressure that the likes of Parramatta and the Titans are facing. By all rights they should be without a win this season and whilst they might be notoriously slow starters, this year's form reeks of a different problem. The toughness of Keith Galloway and Bryce Gibbs cannot be replaced and whilst Galloway is due back in round 8, there is a hole in the Tigers' bravado.

Playing against a depleted Raiders’ squad, at Campbelltown Stadium, is just what the doctor ordered for the home side. With no Josh Dugan and more importantly, no Shaun Fensom, Benji Marshall and crew have the stars aligned and a perfect opportunity to build some momentum and confidence. Speaking of Marshall, we are yet to see a signature performance from the kiwi superstar so he must be due. Raiders beware.

My tip: Wests 36-22

For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/index.php

Paully's Picks - Round 3, 2012

St George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers

We love a sub-plot in the NRL, don't we? Living in hope that despite the many, many changes our great game has experienced, deep down we long for the golden age of Rugby League when two Sydney clubs genuinely hated each other and displayed this hatred on the field. Alas, you will not see any of the Dragons players go after Tim Moltzen in the opening exchanges on Friday night at Kogarah. A shame, really.

Gone are the days of the ‘Traditional Softening Up Period’, gone are the days when the word 'rivalry' meant that two teams hated each other, rather than tweeted each other and gone are the days when I can actually tip a game of footy correctly. So, to that end, I'm putting my gun back in the holster and going for the home team. Kogarah is a tough place for visitors and Saints will bounce back from a horrendous performance last week.

My tip: Dragons 18-16

Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos

Beware Wayne Bennett fans - the following material contains some Bennett Bashing.... Is it just me or does anyone else think the Knights attack was pretty entertaining last year, compared to being slightly, well, boring this year. Change is inevitable, yes; but new coach Bennett did not inherit a rabble, like he did with the ill-disciplined and inconsistent Dragons of 2007. In fact, you could say the Knights were only missing a couple of good forwards.

So, instead of tweaking an already talented Newcastle team, their new coach seems to be starting from scratch, which means their attack may not kick into top gear until July. If so, the Broncos defence will enjoy a night out in the Hunter on Friday and bounce back from a last minute loss in round 2 to the Cowboys. Highlights in this one include the Hodges v Tahu matchup and Akuila Uate v the Bronco's kick chase for 80 minutes of pure entertainment. A beauty.

My tip: Broncos 20-12 

Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm

Something terrible has to happen to the Storm if the Titans are any chance of winning this game. And by terrible, I mean, ridiculous. And by ridiculous I mean something along the lines of franchise-wide food poisoning. Perhaps the Storm's in-flight meal is not the beef/chicken they assumed it would be... perhaps an bacteria outbreak in their surfers paradise hotel, perhaps Craig Bellamy is asked a question about the 'chin-strap' upon arrival at Coolangatta airport and in the ensuing rage, he pulls out a machine gun.

Perhaps, but probably unlikely. So, aside from any instances of 'Robina Belly' or some sort of media mass murder, the Storm for mine. Even if Titans halfback Scott Prince can miraculously find his old form and get the club's attack in order, their defence is not up to handling Smith, Slater and Cronk for 80 minutes on Saturday afternoon. Judging by the home side's efforts defending their line last week, this could get ugly.

My tip: Storm 24-6

North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels

Watching the Parramatta team play this year, you can't help but feel they would make a fantastic touch footy team. Chris Sandow and Ben Roberts can be elusive and their young wingers are fast in open spaces. However, unfortunately for the Eels, I don't think anyone plays touch footy anymore; so maybe Tag is a better option for this famous Sydney club.

To dispense with the nastiness, it must be said that any team with a new scrum base combination will take time to gel so we remain hopeful that the Eels can turn the corner, but it won't be this weekend. The Cowboys are elite. They have a proven spine, the world’s best half and a chip on their shoulder from a forgettable round 1 performance. All signs point to Saturday night being 'all you can eat seafood' night at Dairy Farmers.

My tip: Cowboys 30-14

New Zealand Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs

Your Match of the Round and part 1 of a Sunday afternoon triple header that will help you ignore any ideas of watching millionaires drive really fast around Melbourne for 4 hours. Forget about Albert Park and focus on Mount Smart Stadium as the undefeated Bulldogs head across the Tasman to face the Warriors. Two evenly matched premiership contenders and a whole bunch of superstars across the park.

The Warriors come off an impressive performance last week where they picked apart the Eels defence for 80 minutes. Fair to say at this point that the 'Dogs defence will be tested to a much higher degree than they have experienced so far this season and this is where the home side's advantage lies. Mateo, Johnson and Maloney will attack the edges of the visitors defence more times than the ‘Dogs can hold out. Shaun Johnson the difference but it won't be easy.

My tip: Warriors 24-20

Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders

For those of you with pay TV access and harbouring plans to get involved in all 3 matches on Sunday, this is where your motivation to watch 6 straight hours of Rugby League will be tested. The 2pm game is a tough one. You might be fighting the urge for a nap after the hearty Sunday lunch, you might see that only 4,000 odd fans have turned up to Allianz Stadium or, strangely enough, you might not have had a punt on this game.

They are all excuses, really. Nowhere else in the world will you see this many blokes wanting to knock the stuffing out of each other. The unnaturally huge forwards from our nation's capital will rip in as usual but this ferocity will be met with joy by the likes of JWH, Martin Kennedy and Frank Paul Nuuausala. All makes for a violent encounter in the East but after the big men have had their say, it will be Josh Dugan and Terry Campese who shine for the visitors.

My tip: Raiders 30-20

Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs

South Sydney are 0 from 2 to start season 2012 and coach Michael Maguire has now begun tinkering with his line-up. Usually, changes this early in the year would be a bad sign for any club but these changes seem only cosmetic with the Bunnies talented forward pack remaining untouched. This is where they have an advantage on Sunday afternoon at Centrebet Stadium and this is where they open their account for the year.

Issac Luke starts at hooker and his aggression will compliment the likes of Burgess and Crocker as the visitors show a desperation not seen from the famous red and myrtle green for some years. Defence will be the key in this match... and it will have to be because you won't see anything in the order of eye-catching attack from these two clubs. The Reynolds and Sutton combination continues to struggle and the Walsh/Burns combination... well.. it continues.

My tip: South Sydney 14-12

Cronulla Sharks v Manly Sea Eagles

The few bright spots in recent seasons for Cronulla have come via huge upset victories on Monday Night Football, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Bookies give them a slim chance of victory which means a slim chance I’ll be tipping the Sharks three weeks in a row. They've been close in weeks one and two, but unfortunately for the Shire faithful and my back pocket, not close enough.

The defensive minded Shane Flanagan has chosen a defensive minded halfback in Jeff Robson to give Todd Carney the freedom he needs to excel at number 6, but it won't matter. The reigning premiers will take the home side's best shot in the first half and return serve with plenty of points in the second half. Brett Stewart the standout from another blistering performance by Daly Cherry Evans and Kieran Foran.

My tip: Manly 30-16


For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/

Paully's Picks - Round 2, 2012

Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers

Two great teams head up the F3 to showcase the 'greatest game of all' for the Central Coast faithful as the Tigers and the Eagles kick off your round 2 fixtures. Bluetongue stadium will come alive as arguably the best five/eighths in the NRL go head to head in what will be the match of the round. Kiwi comrades Kieran Foran and Benji Marshall bring contrasting styles but both need the help of their big men to win.

And this will prove the difference for Manly. Wests front rowers Woods and Groat may not have the gumption to get over the top of grizzled old veterans Brent Kite and Eagles leader, Jason King. The mobility of the Tigers pack will cause some problems for the defending premiers, but not enough to get the two points. Manly in a tight one.

My tip: Manly 20-18
 

Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys

An early challenge for Jonathan Thurston and company. A challenge made more profound for the Cowboys because their post-match comments last week were angry, to say the least. Words like 'disgraceful' don't usually make an appearance in press conferences this early in the season, but after losing 18-0 at home in round 1, it's a case of fear and self-loathing in North Queensland.

No doubt they will respond against Queensland rivals, the Broncos on Friday night and no doubt this response will be led by Matthew Scott. Possibly the NRLs premier prop, Scott faces a Broncos pack built for the kill and boasting the likes of Hannant, Thaiday and the great one himself, Petero Civoniceva. Scott gets outnumbered and the Broncos make it two in a row to start life after Lockyer.

My tip: Brisbane 14-12

 Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders

Difficult to tell from the Titans win last week whether they have improved out of sight, or if they benefited from the Cowboys starting their 2012 tilt with a flurry of errors... One might lean towards the latter and the bookies seem to agree. They've got the visiting Raiders as only slight underdogs in your Saturday opener from Skilled Park.

Credit where it is due... the Titans were slick out of dummy half last week, patient with the football and used their strengths to advantage. They will do so again here as the big Raiders forwards melt in the Queensland heat and simply can't keep up for the 80 minutes. The Titans finish stronger with Nate Myles and Luke Douglas finding easy metres when it matters most.

My tip: Gold Coast 22-16

 

Canterbury Bulldogs v St George Illawarra Dragons

If we are judging performances from round 1 as an indication for this week (you bet we are!), then the Bulldogs will benefit from the maturity they displayed last Saturday. Canterbury played the last 20 minutes against the Panthers like a professional outfit and came away from the foot of the mountains with two points. A difficult task.

The Dragons, meanwhile, have not moved away from their winning formula of recent years. Discipline was the key to their win in Newcastle and you can be sure this will not change. It all makes for a beauty at ANZ stadium in Homebush on Saturday night. A beauty that, as always seems to happen with these storied rivals, will be decided in the dying moments. Saints get out to a lead and just hold on.

My tip: St George Illawarra 19-18

Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights

Last week, the Sharks should have left Leichardt Oval with a win. Not many teams have even come close to doing this and the Cronulla fans will hopefully see this potential and turn out in droves for the club's home opener. Sunday afternoon at Toyota Stadium could be wet, could be windy and could be wild. For Kade Snowden, it will be hostile.

The Knights front rower will play in front of a Cronulla crowd out for revenge after he famously accepted an 11th hour offer from Newcastle to leave the Shire. Whilst this adds some flavour to the footy, it will be Todd Carney and a superior forward pack that gets the Sharks home. The Newcastle attack looked stagnant last week and this won't turn around quick enough for mine.

My tip: Cronulla 22-18

Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers

The Panthers played well enough to win last week but desperately needed an injection of creativity when the result was up for grabs. They still don't seem to be equipped to challenge the opposition defence for prolonged periods and this has been a consistent criticism for some time. Travis Burns and Luke Walsh will play with vigour, but not much else.

Now that the Panther bashing is over, Luke Lewis is still wearing the Penrith colours and still has the 'c' next to his name. Which means anything is possible for the visitors on Sunday afternoon at the SFS. Alas, one man can't tackle everything and whilst Lewis will try, he and his team will fall short against a talented spine and formidable bench. Roosters finish stronger again.

My tip: Roosters 22-18

Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Sunday Night Football in Melbourne as the Storm host the Bunnies in what will be a violent encounter between two angry football teams. Melbourne are once again being accused of unsportsmanlike tactics in the ruck and after watching them tie down the Raiders forwards in Canberra last week, it's hard to argue against this; but they will no doubt try.

South Sydney would be seething for very different reasons. They coughed up two premiership points last Monday night against the Roosters and will be looking to make amends. They won't. Souths have never won in Melbourne and even with their new coach being a former Storm assistant; they will fall short on the field as Cooper Cronk leads the way and teaches his opposing halves a rugby league lesson.

My tip: Melbourne 18-14

Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors

Another challenge for Chris Sandow and Ben Roberts to play above themselves and lead an attack in dire need for speed. The Eels once again have no plane, no train and no Hayne on Monday night as they host the Warriors at Parra Stadium. If the visitors bounce back from their opening round loss to Manly and play anywhere near their peak, they'll fly home with the two points.

They do. The Eels will defend bravely and play with what now looks like a customary Kearney discipline, but cohesion between half and hooker is where things will fall apart for the home side. This match will stay close for the majority but Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke will takeover in the final quarter. Feleti Mateo a standout against his old club.

My tip: New Zealand 20-16

For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/index.php