Paully's Picks - Round 6, 2012

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury Bulldogs

A Friday afternoon belter kicks off your Easter weekend in style as the Bunnies host the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium. Big games like this bring out the best in the best and look no further than Michael Ennis to be chomping at the bit for his 150th NRL appearance. There are no doubt some players on the Rabbitohs roster who have not heard Ennis sledge his way through 80 minutes so be ready for the incumbent origin hooker to remedy that.

In other news, there is an actual game of football being played here and it will be the match of the round. A true rivalry as these storied clubs play against each other for the 143rd time and there will be no love lost. The edge goes to the 'Dogs with Frank Pritchard and Josh Reynolds the standouts. However, all eyes should be focussed directly on the opposing fullbacks as Ben Barba and Greg Inglis re-define the position altogether.

My tip: Canterbury 24-20

Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos

Not much left to be said about the Tigers as footy fans continue to wait for the preseason premiership favourites to make their inevitable run. I'm done waiting and no doubt League Unlimited readers are done hearing about so-called wretched performances and disappointed fans. So let's talk Broncos instead: A five/eighth that is coming-of-age quicker than expected and a hooker coming off his best performance in first grade.

Corey Norman and Andrew McCullough might be the early surprises for some, but when it comes to the Broncos, their forward pack is delivering no surprises. Matt Gillett is everyone's tip as a future megastar and Alex Glenn looks like a young Bradley Clyde mixed with an old Ruben Wiki. So, before I sign off as president of the Broncos fan club, the Tigers may fight hard with their backs against the wall but it won't matter.

My tip: Brisbane 22-14

Gold Coast Titans v Sydney Roosters

The only joy coming out of the Gold Coast at this point is the performance of Nate Myles. Not only for the Titan's themselves, but also for my NRL fantasy team. He continues to perform admirably under what must be difficult circumstances. The boys from Robina have injury problems now, to add the list, and won't find things any easier as the 3 and 2 Roosters come to town but this is where Nate will find an extra gear.

Playing against his former club and specifically, the former teammates who decided to axe him from the squad in 2011, Myles will turn up to Skilled Park on Saturday afternoon as a man possessed. Let's hope the fans turn up as well because this game will have a little extra niggle. The Roosters have an edge according the bookies and on paper, the bookies would be right but this is where the Titans find their resolve and follow the lead of their Queensland Origin second rower. Upset.

My tip: Gold Coast 24-18

Cronulla Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons

Local derby’s like this one at Toyota Park on Saturday night are the reason we need less talk about the Sydney market and less talk from the experts about "too many Sydney teams". Those of us born and raised on a diet of NSWRL and suburban rivalries need more of these matches. We need more respect for history and more reasons to hate our fellow Sydneysiders. In turn we will reward those who give us more by spending our hard-earned to see these games.

If you don't care about any of the above gibberish - then tune in any way to see a top shelf game of football with two teams hell-bent on winning. The Sharks are learning to believe in themselves and the Dragons have not lost any of their swagger. I'm getting back on the train to Cronulla and tipping them based on the outstanding play of Jason Bukuya and Paul Gallen. The Todd Carney v Jamie Soward matchup an absolute highlight.

My tip: Cronulla 14-12

Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors

Easter Sunday from Canberra Stadium and you can bet David Furner and his men will be keen to atone for a lacklustre performance at home last Monday night. Atonement seems a common theme in season 2012 as clubs continue to bounce back after a poor showing, continue to cause upsets and continue to destroy my dreams of ever winning a tipping comp. Sorry, this is not about me... this is about the Raiders.

The Green Machine will bounce back. Their opening 20 minutes will be key as the visiting Warriors struggle out of the blocks. Campese and co make them pay early but more importantly, the Raiders defence will be a damn site more resilient. It will have to be because if they give Johnson, Maloney and Mateo as much ball as they gave Thurston, we could have a massacre on our hands. Raiders get the chocolates, and the eggs.

My tip: Canberra 30-22

Newcastle v Parramatta

What to make of the Mighty Eels. . . . For those of you who believe in a resurrection on Easter Sunday, the story of Parramatta's 2012 season might be right up your alley. Losers of four straight, rumours of infighting within the team, a coach under pressure... and then the rising... A club stalwart announces his end of year retirement, a superstar returns and suddenly all hope is not lost. They beat the defending premiers at home.

So, Doubting Thomas is proven wrong and Eels fans see the light. But beware my very good friends west of the city, you now must travel north. Pilgrims in an unholy land. The Newcastle Knights await and a week after being blown off the park in Melbourne, you can bet the home side will be ready on Sunday afternoon at Hunter Stadium. In fact, more than ready.... The Knights combinations finally start to produce points and the Eels revival is cut short.

My tip: Newcastle 18-6

North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm

Whilst the Storm have been scoring a bunch of points this year, it is defence that once again stands out as the foundation of their success. Commitment of this kind is a sign that Melbourne, again, are the benchmark for season 2012 and again, the team to beat. Speaking of beating them, the Cowboys will be confident on Sunday night at Dairy Farmers Stadium after performing well on the road last week - and they will need to be.

Confidence, mixed with good luck, resolute defence, big games from their superstars, perhaps the Cowboys can....... blah blah blah... Melbourne too good. The home side’s forwards will give it everything they have and at times get the better of the Storm pack, but Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith simply have too much class and patience. A low scoring match with few opportunities as two of the NRL's best teams go head to head.

My tip: Melbourne 18-14

Manly Sea Eagles v Penrith Panthers

Monday Night Football from Brookvale Oval. On a public holiday and with the home team on a 3 game losing streak, you'd expect the Northern Beaches faithful to turn up in their droves. For anyone not supporting Manly; who cares?!? At 7pm on Monday night, most of us will be wondering where the time has gone. Why is the Easter break over already? Do we really have to go back to work tomorrow?

Rhetorical nonsense aside, you can bet a spirited Sea Eagles team will turn up and the opening exchanges will be vicious. This is where Manly get over the top of their guests and when DCE and a healthy Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai make the difference. The Panthers are improving slowly in all areas this season but not enough to overcome an angry group from the insular peninsula, determined to get back on track.

My tip: Manly 22-16



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