To kick off a tremendous Friday night double header, the Dragons head up to Townsville in search of their 3rd consecutive victory and 6th overall for the season. The Cowboys, by contrast, can score 50 points one week and let in 40 the next; they can fall behind by 20 in one half, and not allow a single point the next. If you think this sounds like the resume of a schizophrenic football team, you'd be right; but the question still remains; have the cowboys taken their medication this week?
They have. The class of their opponents will bring the best out of the home side on a balmy Friday night in the tropical north. After being blown off the park last week against South Sydney, the Cowboys will use home ground advantage as a springboard to stun the Dragons in the opening exchanges behind a rejuvenated and healthy forward pack. A let down game for Saints after their ANZAC Day miracle. Weyman v Tamou upfront will be an absolute highlight.
My tip: North Queensland 22-12
Parramatta Eels v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Must give credit to Eels coach Stephen Kearney. It seems he has subscribed to a theory of showing as much faith as he possibly can in his players without losing his mind. He's decided to retain a forward pack that gets over-run every week, a fullback who has never been known for his defence, a five eighth who may or may not actually play rugby league for a living, we are not sure... and finally his halfback who is back from reserve grade this week.
So, a test for Kearney and his men comes in the form of the greatest Sydney rivalry in the NRL as the Bulldogs play the Eels at ANZ on Friday night. The Eels can either reward their coach and their fans with a good performance...or suffer further shame. Most likely the Bulldogs will pick a weak point and exploit it, perhaps Ben Roberts' left and right shoulder defence, or perhaps Jarryd Hayne as the 'last line of defence'. Either way, the 'Dogs win and win well.
My tip: Canterbury 40-14
New Zealand Warriors v Brisbane Broncos
One thing that stands out about this game is seeing the Broncos at $1.70 during the week. Almost choked on my corn flakes. Whilst the Warriors are formidable at home, this is the same Brisbane team that are winners of 6 in a row, have allowed an average of 12 points in defence for the season, have an all-star line up and a perfect mix of youth and experience. However, just before I book a hotel room for me and the Broncos... New Zealand will not roll over.
Their youthful centre combination of Ben Henry and Konrad Hurrell will be a great foil for Justin Hodges and Jack Reed and considering both clubs enjoy the expansive game, the result of these battles will be pivotal. In the end though, the battle will be won by the visitors as they outlast a committed but out-gunned home side. Corey Norman the standout as he continues to impress after following in the footsteps of an immortal. Not a bad effort.
My tip: Brisbane 30-14
Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers
The unhappiest of finishes soured the Tigers victory against the Eels last week and if not for those unbelievable scenes at Parramatta stadium last Sunday afternoon, the Tigers may have kept a clean sheet in consecutive weeks. Critics would have suddenly faded away; fans would have started to believe again, premiership odds may have thinned even more. But alas, that 15 minute massacre DID happen; it was no nightmare.
Speaking of nightmares, the Titans season continues to look, taste and sound like a journey towards another wooden spoon. For the second year in a row, John Cartwright's men have lost 6 of their first 8 matches and to make matters worse, have now lost their halfback for this Saturday night’s spectacular at Skilled Park. The talk of Robbie Farah's origin chances will have him ready for this one and if he and Benji are switched on, it could get ugly.
My tip: Tigers 30-10
Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm
One can't help but feel like we should refer to this powerhouse club from south of the border as 'THE Melbourne Storm'. They are one of a kind. Undefeated on the season and leaders in just about every statistical category known to man. Actually, that's not true... I didn't do the research to back that statement up so let's just say the Panthers are in trouble, whether you look at the stats or not. I'm rambling.
What better time for Ivan Cleary, Phil Gould and the merry band of footballers known as the Penrith Panthers to run into The Melbourne Storm... Saturday night at Centrebet Stadium will be the biggest test of Cleary's short tenure at the club so far. Although he was the architect of a plan that ended Melbourne's season last year, he can only pray not to be eviscerated by the visitors this time round. Fingers crossed the faithful Panthers fans get out of this alive.
My tip: The Melbourne Storm 42-0
Manly Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders
This young Raiders team still looks good on paper but after losing their leader for the season, the pressure put on a spine of Waddell, Williams, McCrone and Dugan could be too much to handle for these kids over the course of a long and demanding NRL schedule. In fact, it could be too much to handle over the course of 80 minutes at Fortress Brookvale as the Raiders travel to face Manly this Sunday afternoon.
After a successful return from injury for the brothers Stewart last week in a big win against the Bulldogs, Manly will be looking to win consecutive matches for the first time since rounds 1 and 2. They'll also be looking to reward the Northern Beaches faithful after losing to the Titans in their last appearance at home. So, a long bus trip for the Raiders ends in misery, as most bus trips to the insular peninsula usually do.
My tip: Manly 34-22
Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights
This fixture always seems to entertain. The rich rugby league history of the Hunter produces footballers rather than athletes... and the powerbrokers from Bondi know how to buy the best, they always have. So, history repeats itself at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon in your match of the round and what a beauty it will be. Not only do we have two teams chock full of talent, but we have Brian Smith up against his nemesis, Wayne Bennett.
A showcase of new age footballers and the type of league players sought after by all recruiters: big, strong and built low to the ground. Prototypes made for wrestling. The oversized 3 quarter lines for both clubs will add to the grind with Tahu, Leilua, Uate and Tagive all playing major roles to assist their respective engine rooms. If the forward battle doesn't knock your socks off, these gentlemen certainly will. Knights defence gets them home even without Gidley and Buderus.
My tip: Newcastle 18-14
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Cronulla Sharks
Monday Night Football from Homebush. Souths fans will be out in numbers for this home game after the Bunnies have won 3 from their past 4 including big wins over long time rivals the Tigers and Bulldogs. So too, Cronulla fans will be joyously making the trip out of the Shire with their tails up, hoping to see their club nail its 7th straight victory. So, with a big crowd on hand, ANZ Stadium should look positively vacuous.
Atmosphere aside, this will be a beauty. Souths keep finding a way to get it done and will test the Sharks all the way to the final siren, but Paul Gallen and co will prove too much. The Sharks defence has been impressive and their attack looked almost deadly against the Raiders last week. Jeff Robson's combination with Todd Carney will again get the biscuits for Cronulla and the streak continues. Carney in particular the difference again.
My tip: Cronulla 14-10
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