Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Paully's Picks - Round 8 (part 1)

St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters

30,000 tickets already sold; the upper decks of Allianz stadium opened up; hated rivals; the Last Post. Goose bumps.
One of the best modern day Rugby League traditions celebrates its 10 year anniversary as the annual Anzac Day match between the Dragons and the Roosters kicks off round 8. As always, the 4pm start gives punters plenty of time to celebrate the most important day in our great nation’s calendar before getting stuck into the footy. So, we honour all of the Diggers who fought so bravely, we take a moment for those who never made it home and we save a special thank you for those who came back injured.
Then, we settle in for the pre-game ritual and get set to enjoy watching 34 blokes knock the stuffing out of each other. The opening 20 minutes of this match will set the standard and it's the Dragons who get their noses in front. The Hornby/Soward combination up against the Pearce/Anasta tandem will be a site to behold but it’s the former who will finish stronger. Jamie Soward in particular has a point to prove and will do so with the able assistance of his forwards. Saints too good.
My tip: Dragons 19-6


Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors
Your Anzac Day double header continues from AAMI Park in Melbourne as the Storm continues their rivalry against the Warriors. Both teams coming off impressive wins; the Warriors put 40 on the Bunnies while the Storm played an almighty game against the 'Dogs, winning by a try. This is a danger game for the Warriors as they face a team built to defend their try line at any cost and led by the best players on the planet.
Add a touch of revenge to the home side's motivation after last year's semi-final defeat and the Warriors are in trouble. They will struggle to stop the NRL's best attack, they will struggle to crack the NRL's best defence and they will struggle to cover the 6.5 start given by the bookies. So, if your pockets are bulging from any two-up success, or they are empty after a tough day out, it’s Melbourne by plenty. Cooper Cronk the standout as he and Cameron Smith basically toy with their opposition.
My tip: Melbourne 36-12

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