Match of the Round. 1 v 2 on the ladder and no coincidence
that these powerhouse clubs own the two best defensive records in the
competition. Can the city of Melbourne handle another blockbuster Rugby League
fixture in the same week? No. Those miserable bunch of 'bleak city' dwellers
couldn’t appreciate a blockbuster if it busted them in the block. Not too sure
what that means but I’m sure you've followed the way I’ve drifted.
Scheduling issues might have had this game played on the
Sunday rather than making the rep players back up two days after origin, but we
did have a rest weekend for the test match only a few weeks ago so expect the
best from the Broncos backups and expect even better from the Storm as they
bounce back from their first loss of the season. The visitors give it a good
shake but may miss their starters when under pressure. Storm in a close one.
My tip: Melbourne 14-12
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders
So, perhaps it’s time to discuss the 'drinking culture'
in our nation's capital? Perhaps, if any of the league media from Sydney could
ever travel down there, they might find out. Alas, they only hover around the
Eastern Suburbs to report any alcohol related incidents and for so long, it
seems the Green Machine have been enjoying themselves discreetly. Not anymore.
Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan stood down from this match against the Bunnies
and ruling out any chance of an upset.
Having said that, Souths would have deserved to be $1.30
favourites at any rate. They have demanded the NRL's attention. They start
strong; Hit hard; Getting troops back; and of course Greg Inglis. They've
literally and figuratively lost their collective baby fat. This maturity was
never more evident than last week when the Rabbitohs became the first team
since Round 14 last year to leave Jubilee Oval with two points. Speaking of
which, they notch up another 2 here.
My tip: South Sydney 30-12
This match from Hunter Stadium on Saturday afternoon may
not be the highlight of your round 12 fixtures, but will definitely be worth
watching. Kade Snowden and Luke Douglas face each other after spending many
years in the Shire together; perhaps they might share a common sadness after
seeing the success of their former teammates and the realisation that they were
never worth more than 300k. Or, perhaps not.
Just to keep the interest peaking, Willie Mason re
acquaints himself with former Bulldogs and Roosters teammate Nate Myles and let’s
not forget old friends Jamal Idris and Timana Tahu going head to head in the
centres. Should be interesting. Personal rivalries aside, the better team wins
here with Danny Buderus returning from injury and Jarrod Mullen steering the
struggling Knights attack well enough to get the job done.
My tip: Newcastle 20-18
St George Illawarra Dragons v Parramatta Eels
Two of the most famous clubs in the NRL; One of Sydney's
best rivalries; They've played some of the most memorable matches in recent
history; the most passionate fans; All going up in smoke... or down in flames,
depending how you look at things. Whatever your perspective, the Dragons have
lost their past 3 including a couple of 1 point heartbreakers and the Eels...
well... there isn't much left to be said about Parramatta's 2012 tilt.
So, with both clubs out of form and outside the 8,
desperation will be key at Jubilee Oval on Saturday night. If the Eels get off
to a good start behind some momentum from Tim Mannah and Justin Poore, anything
is possible with the likes of Sandow and Hayne able to play well for 10 or 15
minutes at a time. What's more probable though, is that the Dragons refuse to
lose 4 in a row and defend their line with pride. Brett Morris and Mitch Rein
the standouts.
My tip: St George Illawarra 18-6
Penrith Panthers v Manly Sea Eagles
The round 6 meeting between these clubs had Manly bust a
3 game losing streak by beating the Panthers 30-0. It also started a horror
stretch of big losses for the mountain men, a painful slump they are only just
recovering from. It's been a very difficult year for Ivan Cleary at Penrith and
it won’t get any easier on Sunday afternoon when the reigning premiers look to
win their 4th straight against the home side and 5th straight overall.
The Panthers scraped home a fortnight ago against Saints
and came within a whisker of winning at Dairy Farmers last week. However, any
confidence gained from these performances could be very easily crushed by a Sea
Eagles team with, barring origin injuries, will have their starting forward
pack together for only the 2nd time this season. Danger signs for he Panthers
if the visitors make it safely from the Northern Beaches to Penrith with their
luggage still on the bus.
My tip: Manly 34-14
Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys
Sydney's west comes alive on Sunday afternoon as the
Tigers host the Cowboys from Campbelltown, just as the Penrith faithful are
biting into their hot dogs only a short drive away. This will be a beauty. Tim
Sheens' patient approach in front of relentless questioning about the
shortcomings of his players is justified, again. The Tigers are winners of
their past 4 matches and have broken into the top 8. You don’t win premierships
in March.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, are on a roll of their own in
winning their last 3 and owning the 2nd best attacking record in the
competition. They will take some stopping from a Wests club that has enjoyed,
dare we say, a 'soft' month of fixtures in beating the bottom teams before last
week but confidence would be sky high. Tamou and Scott v Aaron Woods and Keith
Galloway will be a highlight but Thurston shines brighter than the lot.
My tip: North Queensland 28-20
Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs
The Roosters v Dogs fixture from Moore Park finishes off
4 matches held in Sydney in 3 days. Magnificent. What better way to celebrate
the rich history that is NSW Rugby League than by finishing work on Monday and
rather than struggling through the horrible commute back home, make the trek to
Rugby League headquarters at the Sydney Football Stadium to enjoy the 159th
meeting between these two clubs.
Perhaps start with a refreshing beverage at the KB hotel
on Foveaux; then you'd be silly not to pop into the Forresters for a breather;
then, Roosters fans would turn right at Crown St to enjoy the Surry Hills leg
of the journey but real footy fans will continue on to The Cricketers Arms,
followed by your rendezvous point inside the Captain Cook. Rugby League tradition
at its finest and kick off will find you ready for a beauty.
My tip: Roosters 22-14for live updates throughout the weekend, go to leagueunlimited.com
No comments:
Post a Comment