The South Sydney Rabbitohs are developing a surprisingly similar make up to that of the Melbourne Storm. Stay with me people.... The Bunnies are winners of 4 from their past 5, are winning games with their defence and most importantly, are doing it all with previously unheralded 1st graders contributing to their success. The likes of Everingham, Hunt, Farrell, McQueen and Adam Reynolds have almost risen from nowhere this season.
Coach Michael Maguire and the resurgent Rabbitohs take this form to Suncorp Stadium on Friday night to face the Broncos in your match of the round. What an exhibition of quality football this will be. Brisbane were held scoreless last weekend after racking up a combined 90 points the previous fortnight. They will get back on track here with the return of some big names but it won't be easy. Souths stay close but never get ahead.
My tip: Brisbane 20-18
St George Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans
Possible panic stations for the Dragons. A club that prides itself on defence and has done so for the past 4 years seems to be facing its biggest test on this front after giving up plenty in the first half last week. Why panic now? Saints fans only had to worry about their team’s abysmal attacking record this year, but now they might be concerned with both sides of the ball. Back to back games in Wollongong could be the tonic, but most likely won't be.
The Titans make the long trip south for Friday Night Football and will bring with them a renewed feeling of confidence after winning 4 from their past 5. Some punters might be delirious with the visitors’ 4.5 start in this match and I might be one of them. Gold Coast's revival continues here as the Dragons simply cannot get their act together with ball in hand against the talented and speedy backline of the Titans.
My tip: Gold Coast 18-12
North Queensland Cowboys v Canberra Raiders
One of the great wins in club history last week for the Cowboys. A cracking game of football against their sunshine state rivals as they not only held Brisbane scoreless, but had a number of players backing up two days after origin; including both club captains. The challenge now is for Neil Henry to somehow get his players motivated for this match against the struggling Canberra Raiders at Dairy Farmers on Saturday afternoon.
The Raiders may be well rested coming off a bye but still have a spine in disarray and a less than impressive defensive record on the season. It will be a difficult test on the road against a battle-hardened opposition and one that the boys from our nation's capital will not have the nerve to pass. Keep an eye on the battle up front with four of the biggest and bravest in the game squaring off in Tamou, Scott, Shillington and TLL. Excellent.
My tip: North Queensland 30-20
Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels
Saturday night at the foot of the mountains brings you the 85th meeting between these clubs, brings you some freezing cold temperatures at Centrebet Stadium and brings you another battle of the west to savour. By savour, we mean that the bad taste in your mouth after taking a mouthful of wooden spoon might take a few days to dissipate. A bottom of the table clash but one with plenty of pride on the line.
Both clubs found themselves behind on the scoreboard early in their respective last starts; in fact, both were behind 18-0 in the opening moments so Stephen Kearney and Ivan Cleary won't be looking for the miracle cure this week. Their messages will be simple. "Somebody tackle somebody, please!" I'm paraphrasing, but smart money says you will need to keep it simple to motivate the struggling collection of footballers on show here.
My tip: Penrith 21-20
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v The Melbourne Storm
1 v 2 on the ladder and what a beauty this will be. No coach in the NRL has had more success against the might of Melbourne than Des Hasler. Des has a blueprint for overcoming the wrestle and overcoming the NRL's best in Cameron Smith. Granted, the 2012 Storm are unlike anything we have seen in the past decade with a blistering attack to go along with their swarming and controversial defensive style, but the 'Dogs will be well prepared.
So, with the scene set in Mackay on Sunday afternoon at 2pm, a rematch of the round 7 grind between these clubs will no doubt bring a similar level of drama. Low scoring, action packed and the game won or lost in the middle of the field. The Bulldogs forwards will have to be sharp in their passing game against a rushing Storm defensive line. They will be and this will create enough space for the likes of Morris and Barba to continue their good form.
My tip: Canterbury 14-12
Sydney Roosters v Manly Sea Eagles
Your Women in League Round continues with the 'wine and cheese crowd' on Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium as the battle of the Silvertails rages on for the 120th time. The Manly faithful will no doubt descend from their ivory towers in a busload to converge on the latte lovers of the Eastern Suburbs. Easy to make fun of Eagles and Roosters fans but we dare not do the same to their football teams.
Whilst not dominating the season as they would have liked, these clubs have plenty of ability and are still aiming towards September football. The Roosters would have taken plenty of confidence after being robbed at Brookvale only a few weeks ago and the Eagles will be keen to atone for a heartbreaking Monday night loss to the Storm. Kieran Foran steps up a gear to find shades of his 2011 form and that is enough for the visitors to scrape home.
My tip: Manly 22-16
Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers
Monday Night Football comes from Hunter Stadium this week in the next chapter of the drama that is the Newcastle Knights 2012 season. More rumours of a clean out of personnel in Newcastle as ex players try to defend the culture of this once proud club. Unfortunately for Knights fans, current players are the ones they want defending this culture and more importantly, their try line.
The Tigers, meanwhile, would still be struggling to focus on football this week but have named captain Robbie Farah to start. If he does, the Tigers will win behind a dominant front row surrounding him with Aaron Woods and Keith Galloway proving to big and too strong for the out-of-form big men in blue and red. The Knights, surely, must turn things around soon but it’s hard to get behind them with so many players uncertain about their future.
My tip: Wests 20-12
for live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/
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