Paully's Picks - Round 21

St George Illawarra Dragons v The Melbourne Storm

Old rivals. Saints and the Storm will have a bloody good go at each other on Friday night in Wollongong; and for good reason. Melbourne have lost 4 in row and must be getting sick of it whilst the Dragons are struggling in their own way, but still only 2 points behind 8th position. Desperate times? Perhaps. Desperate measures? No. You won't see anything different from the two best defensive units of the past 5 years.

Times and results may have changed, but their philosophies have not so get comfortable and get ready for Wrestlemania. Not the WWE version with fireworks and ladder matches and 3 hours of entertainment... we're talking about the NRL version with rolling pins and chicken wings. Actually... there might be more similarities than we thought. Cameron Smith's 'ankle hold' looks surprisingly similar to a submission move which is quite apt because watching this game could make me 'tap out'.

My tip: Melbourne 14-12

Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast Titans

Ever noticed how, after a few losses, the media can turn every club into a soap opera style drama? Parramatta's senior players don't talk to the junior players?? The Tigers dressing room is split into sections where some hang out and some can't?? And now to the Roosters... halfback Mitchell Pearce is claimed to have delivered an ultimatum - either Brian Smith goes, or Pearce does...?? Rubbish – all of it. Since when did 1st grade footballers turn into a bunch of private school kids?

Don't answer that - this rant is over. Just like the Roosters chances of any success on the field this year and on Friday night, they host a team moving in the opposite direction. The Titans are back after crushing the Raiders in Canberra and then beating the Broncos at home. They win again on Friday night at Allianz with solid defence and a forward pack ready to take on the Bullies from Bondi. Nate Myles will be especially keen to send a message.

My tip: Gold Coast 24-18

Canterbury Bulldogs v North Queensland Cowboys

Coaches in the NRL seem to be really enjoying themselves this year. Perhaps a few of them got together in March and decided to use the same phrases for every interview in 2012 and by gum, it's hilarious. We've all come to expect at least one "under the radar" reference each week and now we've lost count of all the teams referred to as 'the benchmark' or 'the yardstick'. Well, on Saturday night, we will find out whose yardstick is bigger.

The 'Dogs host the Cowboys in what will be your match of the round. Canterbury are on an unbelievable 8 match winning run where their defence has ruled the town. At 5.30pm on Saturday they face the team with the best attack in the NRL. Who breaks first? The ‘Dogs. They’ll be missing two blokes that touch the ball plenty in Kasiano and Keating and whilst the ‘dogs managed to handle this adversity last week, the Cowboys will fire a lot more bullets.

My tip: North Queensland 18-16

Cronulla Sharks v Penrith Panthers

This is where the season feels a bit too long for the Cronulla Sharks. Learning the hard way as so many have done before them that success in the NRL brings its own set of problems, the Sharks look tired. Injuries and losing players to rep season are part and parcel, but nobody expected a performance like last week's against the Raiders at Toyota Stadium. This Saturday Night, the boys from the Shire get a chance at redemption.

Paul Gallen and Jeremy Smith are named to return and the Panthers are coming to town. This has the bookies leaning heavily towards the Sharks and with upcoming road trips to Auckland and Newcastle; they'll be desperate to win at home. Almost as desperate as I am to tip correctly but unlike me, the Sharks know what they are doing and they bounce back from the horror and shame of last week to get their season back on track.

My tip: Cronulla 30-12

Manly Sea Eagles v New Zealand Warriors

The longest possible road trip that COULD be scheduled for the Warriors..... HAS been scheduled for the Warriors as they take on Manly this Saturday night in Perth. Is Ken Arthurson back in charge of the NRL? Seems like someone's done the Eagles a favour here and if you believe Geoff Toovey's post match comments last Friday, it’s about damn time. They were shafted. Everyone in the league community thinks so, because we all have a soft spot for Manly.

Since the sarcasm switch on my computer seems to be broken - let's get straight to the point. The Grand Final replay will be a beauty with both clubs keen to overcome tough losses last round. When the Warriors get over their jet lag, they'll be primed for this one but inconsistency haunts them again and the Eagles will be too good. A real highlight watching Maloney and Johnson against Foran and Cherry-Evans. Enjoy.

My tip: Manly 22-16

Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights

Having a top 8 semi-final structure in a 16 team competition has helped save face for these two teams. Both clubs have experienced some dark times this season with a number of losing streaks and more than one occasion of fans questioning the direction of the club. So, armed with the knowledge that you only have to turn up after June in the NRL these days, the Knights and the Raiders have a shot at the playoffs with nearly identical records.

Last weekend’s matches were almost like 'coming out parties' for both teams. The Knights came back from plenty down at Mt Smart while the Green Machine absolutely thumped the Sharks at Toyota Stadium. Big wins - and now the test of consistency comes again for Canberra as they hold the advantage at home. For mine, they ruin their chances again with poor discipline and underestimating the opposition. The Boyd/Mullen/ Buderus spine is warming up.

My tip: Newcastle 24-22

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers

The Bunnies are rolling. Winners of their past 4 matches and scoring an impressive average of 33 points a game over that span, they now sit equal second on the ladder. (Not sure if I've ever said those words before). Not only did South Sydney overcome the Monday night hoodoo last week, they destroyed the Dragons in what many expected to be a close one and some experts even tipped as the upset of the week. Pity - there were plenty of them.

For the Tigers, their season rests in the weary hands of Robbie Farah. Their attack looks great when he has the ball, playing from the ruck; but over the past few weeks they've not looked very fluid when others are involved. If Robbie doesn't get the platform he needs to attack Souths' defence, the Tigers will struggle. They do. Souths are heavy on the accelerator these days and won't let up for this match. Peats and Merritt are ample replacements for Luke and Inglis.

My tip: Souths 30-18

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels

A new coach for the Parramatta Eels and if you follow history, this usually means a big win for a struggling club. Usually. Interim coach Brad Arthur's first assignment is to take the Eels up to Suncorp Stadium for Monday Night football to face the Broncos. His first order of business was to bring back Ben Roberts from NSW cup and while this might confuse a few Eels fans, to the rest of us it says that Arthur is giving everyone a clean slate.

That slate is about to get very dirty. The Broncos will be keen to find some form after losing last week and halves Peter Wallace and Corey Norman, after receiving most of the criticism, will be out to atone. They do. Brisbane get off to a flying start through their forwards and they never look back. With a number of injuries to the Bronco backline, the likes of Hannant, Thaiday and Parker respond to the challenge and dominate up the middle.

My tip: Brisbane 25-12

for live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/

Paully's Picks - Round 20

Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos

Rivalry Round part 2 kicks off with the battle of South Queensland as the Broncos travel to Skilled Park to face the Titans. Newly re-signed Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin's philosophy of resting his origin stars from back to back matches during rep season will prove a stroke of genius over the coming weeks, starting with this Friday night ripper. His entire forward pack, it seems, is finally back together after weeks of tinkering with line-ups.

They will play with a freshness and enthusiasm that should be enough to break through the Titans and give the likes of Wallace and Norman all the time they need to find space for some very talented outside backs. Speaking of outside backs, keep an eye on the matchup between Jamal Idris and Justin Hodges. With time and a few injuries, these two behemoths have lost a lot of their mobility and will look like a couple of trucks having a U-turn competition. Enjoy.

My tip: Brisbane 24-12

Manly Sea Eagles v Canterbury Bulldogs

The 'good stock' from the Northern Beaches might be chomping at the bit to exchange pleasantries with former Eagles coach and favourite son Des Hasler, but on Friday night at Brookvale Oval, their bark will be bigger than their bite. I dare them to top the performance of one footy fan I witnessed a few years back; Shirtless, rubbing his naked chest up against the coach's box to celebrate his team's victory, 2 feet away from the losing coach and staff.

I'm not one to name names but Steve Folkes should have been rewarded for his self-control on this occasion, under extreme duress. Speaking of duress, 34 of the NRL’s finest will be under the pump to perform in this match as the 'Dogs travel north to take on Manly in an absolute beauty. The Eagles of 2012 have been inconsistent but are a team that still turn up for big games. You can bet they will be ready for this one and will whip their home fans into a frenzy. They win in a close one.

My tip: Manly 20-16

New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights

Much like their opposition in last year’s Grand Final, the Warriors seem to be waiting for the big games and do not look concerned with anything but late season form. They seem to be cruising along, doing just enough to make the finals and while they sit just outside the 8, have come under heavy criticism for not playing to their potential. With 7 weeks remaining in the season, it’s time to find some momentum.

That time is this Saturday at 5.30pm when the Newcastle Knights come to Mt Smart Stadium. The Knights are winners of three from their last 4, including a hammering of the reigning premiers last week at Hunter Stadium. This win does not seem to have impressed the bookies as Newcastle are still heavy underdogs but it will be close with the Warriors coming home stronger. The Timana Tahu v Konrad Hurrell matchup a mouth-watering highlight.

My tip: Warriors 24-18

Parramatta Eels v The Melbourne Storm

The Nathan Hindmarsh Farwell Tour continues on Saturday night at Parra Stadium. This is the last time Hindy will enjoy that special Storm wrestling style with a ‘rolling pin’ and a ‘chicken wing’ to bid him adieu in style. Whilst the battle of the ruck is always an important one, this match will be decided, quite simply, by the respective halfbacks and never have there been two number 7's with more opposing styles.

Chris Sandow will play off the cuff, kick well for the most part and hardly ever yell at his forwards. Cooper Cronk will play to a perfectly designed game plan, kick well for 80 minutes and yell at everyone on the field, for his entire life. Only the brave will tip against Cronk and the Storm in this one and that aint me. Melbourne continues their slow recovery from the rep season and win for the first time in a month.

My tip: Storm 18-8 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George Illawarra Dragons

For many of us with Rugby League upbringings, the dinner table would ring out with stories of Billy Smith, Eric Simms and 'Changa' Langlands; about the 1965 grand final with 78,000 people jam packed into the SCG; about how Mum and Dad were both there. Times sure have changed, but with the merged entity still flying those famous colours, what better way celebrate Rivalry Round than Saints v Souths at Homebush on Saturday night.

If Saints have got their mojo back, this could be a beauty. Dragons coach Steve Price certainly thinks his crew have found their mojo in attack; so they should be ready to face a top 4 team like the Bunnies. Speaking of the Bunnies, their biggest challenge will be getting up for this match after last Monday's miracle against the Roosters. They do. Souths are unbeaten at ANZ Stadium since round 1 and if Inglis is fit, should come home stronger.

My tip: South Sydney 20-14 

Cronulla Sharks v Canberra Raiders

Canberra travel to Toyota Stadium to meet the Sharks on Sunday afternoon and these clubs come up evenly matched on paper. Unfortunately for Raiders fans, they don't play these games on paper because in the violent world of Rugby League, the sword is so much mightier than the pen. If that piece of literary genius didn't rock your world, how about some comedy. Remember when Blake Ferguson left the Sharks because he 'wanted to win a premiership'? Gold.

Todd Carney has shown glimpses of his early season form in recent weeks but as so many before him have learnt, origin takes its toll on the body and this match against the Raiders is exactly what he needs to get his legs back. Carney leads the way after his forwards eventually get over the top of a brave but out-gunned Raiders pack and if the home side is fair dinkum, they should win well.

My tip: Cronulla 30-14

Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters

It seems that off-field distractions have been the story surrounding these two clubs for some time now. Little wonder they own places 14 and 15 on the ladder as those famous words are now being uttered to describe their semi-final hopes... 'Mathematical Equation'. With rumours swirling about a number of players looking to leave and unhappy with their coaches, these teams have a combined 1 win from their previous 11 collective matches.

So, with Mad Monday discussions all the rage at Bondi and Penrith this week, the Roosters travel west to Centrebet Stadium to face the Panthers on Sunday afternoon. If the visitors can bounce back from their soul destroying loss to the Bunnies last week, they definitely have the troops to cause Penrith some problems. The form of Boyd Cordner and Aidan Guerra get the visitors home and make you wonder why the Chooks are chasing an expensive second rower.

My tip: Roosters 24-20 

North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers

With injured players slowly making their way back to the Tigers starting side, Benji and crew make their way to Townsville as only slight underdogs. The fitness of Moltzen, Ellis and Matt Utai will no doubt help the struggling Tigers as they hope to turn around some poor form and squeeze into the top 8. The Cowboys, on the other hand, are winners of 3 from their past 4 including impressive victories over the Storm and Broncos.

So, Rivalry Round part 2 concludes with a replay of the 2005 Grand Final, when Curtis Sironen was only 12 years old...... How time flies. Speaking of flying, the home side will be ready for this game after gaining a truckload of confidence from last Saturday night’s big win and will be too good for the Tigers. Up against the likes of Matt Scott and James Tamou, the visitors pack starts to look a little skinny.

My tip: North Queensland 30-18 

For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/

Paully's Picks - Round 18

Canterbury Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels

Rivalry round begins with what was once perhaps a rivalry, but now an absolute mismatch. The Eels might be good enough one day to perhaps recapture the old hatred that exists between these two famous Sydney clubs, but on Friday night at ANZ Stadium it will be one way traffic. In what must be an insult to the great Parramatta teams of the past, this 2012 version of the Eels will take no motivation from history and continue to defend like they have somewhere better to be.

The 'Dogs are rolling from 1 through 17 and if motivated for the 80 minutes, should be ahead by plenty at the final siren. If you are curious about what 'plenty' means.... The Eels have been given an 18.5 start with some betting agencies and considering the 'Dogs have been scoring more points than that in bursts of 15 minutes this season, it is probably a tad generous. Also, let this be the last time I use 'tad' in a sentence.

My tip: Canterbury 40-12

 
Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors

The Warriors come into this match as underdogs. Even after winning 3 of their past 4, the bookies are not impressed. Perhaps understandable though as the Broncos welcome back their representative players; are at home on Friday night; and have had two full weeks to prepare for what shapes up as a beauty and your match of the round. This will be fast paced throughout with some of the best young footballers in the NRL on display.

The dazzling footwork of Shaun Johnson and Corey Norman, the youthful aggression of Josh McGuire and Ben Matulino, all mixed with the experience boasted by both clubs; we have the makings of a classic. Brisbane were basically mugged last start against the Sharks who treated their young reserves as speed humps on their way to victory. The home side will be out to atone for this treatment in front of their home fans and that intent will be the difference.

My tip: Brisbane 28-22

The Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys

It seems almost scary to imagine what Craig Bellamy has cooked up this week as he prepares to bounce back from the Storm's biggest loss of the season. A spoonful of rage, a bucket load of anger, a tank full of blue language and you have a broth ready to set on fire at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon in Melbourne. If his players respond, the Storm will be at their best defensively and this makes for a cracker against the visiting Cowboys.

Speaking of the boys from Townsville, there is no worse time to be travelling to 'Bleak City' than in the middle of winter, after the home side has been belted by 40. Thurston and company will freeze their proverbial chaps off and won't warm up in time to overcome a committed Melbourne defence. Cameron Smith returns to find enough weaknesses in the Cowboys to get his side home in a low scoring grind.

My tip: Melbourne 18-12

Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles

In your second 5.30pm match on Saturday and one with plenty of history to fit right into rivalry round, the Knights host the Eagles at Hunter Stadium. Footy fans will never forget the 1997 Grand Final and neither will the TV station showing this match. Indeed it was a beauty and wonderfully representative of the hatred that existed between the bourgeoisie from the Northern Beaches and the hard working miners of the Hunter.

Pity that none of the young men involved in this match would remember, but Manly coach Geoff Toovey would know exactly how nasty those times were. Fingers crossed that Timana Tahu and Steve Matai get a hold of each other to turn back the clock but unfortunately is seems that times have changed. The Knights attack has not. It remains as stagnant as it was early in the season and the Eagles will benefit from a glut of possession and come away with a win.

My tip: Manly 25-12

Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers

Never has the influence of Robbie Farah been more evident than in the past month. The Blues' best over three games in the origin series, Farah almost single handedly won the decider through his attack last week; and led the way with his defence in game 2. For the Tigers, he's proven to be more than their hooker and captain. Farah has fronted the media to face rampant criticism earlier this year and defended his teammates without hesitation.

Wests have lost their past three matches without him after winning 7 in a row. Lucky enough for the Tigers faithful in Campbelltown this Saturday night, Robbie is back. Even luckier for everyone wearing black and white and gold, they play the Panthers. Losers of their past 4 matches and struggling for morale after the media circus around Luke Lewis this week, Penrith will struggle to keep up. The Tigers bounce back.

My tip: Wests 30-14

Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans

The Green Machine have won three from their past four and more importantly, two in a row against noted defensive specialists, the Dragons and the Storm. The era of the grind is over as Sam Williams joins Josh McCrone to put on the free-wheeling football we've been waiting for since that dark day when the very first wrestling coach was hired. And yes, I’ve just paid homage to the Canberra Raiders for the emergence of a new era. Deal with it.

Hyperbole aside, it’s always a tough road trip to our nation’s capital and faced with a Raiders team high on confidence, this is a very big ask for the Titans. John Cartwright has them within a whisker of the top 8 after a horrendous start to 2012 and he will again have them ready for this match; but very hard to tip against the home side here. William Zillman returns to the city that made him famous but he goes home disappointed. And yes, I just called William Zillman famous.

My tip: Canberra 24-20

St George Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla Sharks

One of the last remaining 'local derbies' in the NRL and how fitting for it to be played on the Sunday afternoon of Rivalry round. WIN Stadium in Wollongong will be thumping at 2pm and the out of form Dragons might even draw a big crowd with the visiting Sharks bringing with them a travelling band of faithful supporters. Not a long drive through the 'nasho' but long enough for them to build that resentment the Sharks fans seems to have for their southern Sydney rivals.

And rightly so. The Dragons have posted some very big wins over the past few years of this rivalry until the resurgent Sharks taught them a lesson in round 6 this year. The challenge this time will be for Cronulla to bounce back from their Monday night marathon last week. They do. Saints attack still struggles and with their season on the brink, cannot break through the visitor’s defensive line. Carney the difference in a tight one.

My tip: Cronulla 18-12

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs

In the 205^th meeting between these clubs (thank you interwebs), the Roosters host the Rabbits at Allianz Stadium on Monday night to finish off Rivalry Round part 1. Brian Smith and his men have plenty of work to do mid-week if they are to be any chance here. The Bunnies are rolling along this season and sit equal 4th on the ladder but more impressively, their style of play has been consistent throughout 2012.

They do not fade in and out of games and are disciplined for 80 minutes, every week. Speaking of discipline, we've all heard about the Roosters troubles with the whistle blowers this season and if they can't rectify this part of their game, or their struggling defence, or their morale, then its curtains for the Bondi boys. Adam Reynolds continues his good form and the Bunnies forward pack fire right up for this one as they seek revenge for that round 1 heartbreaker.

My tip: South Sydney 34-18
 

For live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://leagueunlimited.com/

Paully's Picks - Round 18

Wests Tigers v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

The Tigers' struggles over the past fortnight does not fill their faithful supporters with a heap of confidence going into this match against the Bulldogs on Friday night at Allianz Stadium. But all is not lost for the boys in black and gold. The injury to Tim Moltzen against the Knights in round 16 turned the tables on what was an impressive 14-0 lead in that match and the Tigers defence never recovered from the ensuing positional change.

This week, there will be no excuses accepted by a rampant Canterbury outfit coming off a huge victory against the Storm in Mackay. The 'Dogs are rolling on a 5 game winning streak, including what most punters are saying are the two best games of the year against the Rabbitohs and Melbourne. Des Hasler will have them ready again and the visitors win an engrossing forward battle in your match of the round.

My tip: Canterbury 30-14

The Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders

Whilst horribly unlucky with injuries since that famous semi-final against the Tigers two years ago, the Raiders still have a good look about them on paper. Reece Robinson wrote himself into Green Machine folklore last week with a masterful performance against the Dragons; they have a monstrous left side attack in Blake Ferguson and Edrick Lee and the Canberra forwards can dominate any opposition pack on their day.

This Saturday will not be their day. The clinical approach to football adopted by the Storm will confuse the hell out of this young Canberra squad and make Robinson forget about his hat-trick, Ferguson and Lee look like midgets and leave the visitors forwards in a squirming, squealing, out-wrestled heap in the middle of AAMI Park. The grind proves too much for the boys from our nation’s capital and Melbourne began their charge towards September.

My tip: Melbourne 26-6

Gold Coast Titans v New Zealand Warriors

With the representative season behind us and an 8 week 'mini-season' ahead of us, it’s matches like this that have a sense of desperation to them. The pressure of job security hits coaches like John Cartwright and Brian McClennan with their respective teams on the cusp of the 8 and premiership points as vital as they've ever been. You won't hear anyone using the phrase, “it’s still early in the season" to excuse poor performance.

So, who thrives under this pressure? The Gold Coast Titans, that’s who. This club has come a long way since their wooden spoon of last year and a forgettable start to this year. They won't want relinquish this momentum on Saturday night at Skilled Park. Some magnificent talent within the Warriors camp but the experience of Scott Prince and the Titans forwards will get them home in a cracker.

My tip: Gold Coast 22-20

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights

The Knights forwards seem to have finally found their front foot and with two consecutive victories under the belt, will be confident of winning the battle of the bigs again this Sunday afternoon against the Bunnies at ANZ. Joel Edwards has provided the mongrel while Danny Buderus is finding some old form after struggling with injury. Unfortunately for Knights fans, they are up against a team on the rise and a forward pack with big names returning.

The Brothers Burgess, Issac Luke and a great leader in Mick Crocker will control this match from the opening and the Knights attack won't find the going easy. Add to this a motivated Dave Taylor who once again, will thrive on the incessant insults thrown at him by pay TV commentator Gorden Tallis and will flip the proverbial finger to his opposition. Souths win their 6th consecutive home game and take one step closer to a birth in the finals.

My tip: South Sydney 24-14

 

Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels

Sunday afternoon at Brookvale Oval where the Eagles are 4 from 6 on the season and could have their starting forward pack healthy and available for only the third time this season. Danger signs for the struggling Eels if their defence is not at its very best. Even though the past 5 encounters between these teams have been decided by single figures, the Eagles are on a different level and if the track is in good condition, will prove as much.

So, for Parramatta fans, we start the Nathan Hindmarsh farewell tour as he visits Brooky for the last time. Hindmarsh will give everything he can, as always, but this match will prove a big test for those who would lead the Eels when Hindy is gone. If the likes of Sandow, Keating and Tim Mannah are not up to the challenge, they will be found out in tough environments like the insular peninsula. Manly by a few.

My tip: Manly 32-12

Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters

Monday Night Football from the Shire. The visiting Roosters have 1 win from their past six matches and if you like it by the numbers then read on. 30, 40, 28, 52.... Not lotto numbers, nor are they Frank Paul Nuuausala's measurements. This is the Roosters defensive form line over the past 4 weeks and believe it or not, I know how to navigate the Leagueunlimited website for more than just an attack on the Bondi clubs' for and against.

The Roosters fan forum is blowing up. Words like "atrocious", "dumb" and even the dreaded "impotent" made an appearance this week and not just to describe a certain kiwi rugby player. No doubt this legion of angry fans and budding wordsmiths will make the trek to Toyota Stadium to support the Tri-Colours but this road trip will be a tough one as the Sharks prove how worthy they are of 3rd position on the ladder.

My tip: Cronulla 26-12

for live updates throughout the weekend, go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/index.php

State of Origin 2012 - Game 3 preview

Queensland v New South Wales - Game 3

And so we have come to this. The closest series in recent memory reaches its finale at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. This match will rival any decider we have seen in the greatest conflict in Australian sport.

‘Close’ is probably an understatement. The reality is that the only difference between these two teams has been the sin bin. Queensland gaining a match winning advantage while Michael Jennings sat down in game 1 and the Blues scoring two tries with Cooper Cronk off the field in game 2. So evenly matched throughout the series and it will be no different in the decider.

Not an inch given and not a moments rest. The fact that we can say this means New South Wales have come a long way. Talk has always been about passion and belief and whether the Blues have finally gone to the next level and perhaps they have, but in truth if Michael Jennings’ right hand does not dislodge the ball from Brent Tate in Sydney, then the series is over. Ricky Stuart is fired. Multiple changes called for by a confused and emotionally distraught population.

Speaking of Tate, a tip of the hat to a man who has no business being on a footy field after multiple injuries and multiple surgeries. If Queensland win he could well be Player of the Series to cap off one of the great stories in league. While we are tipping hats, here is one to Petero Civoniceva who turns up for his final origin match to celebrate a wonderful representative career. One of the toughest front rowers to ever play.

Unfortunately for Civoniceva and Tate, I cannot show any more respect than this because, basically, they both hate me as I’m born in New South Wales. That’s just what the cane toads do. So what choice do we have? Turn the other cheek? No. The opening exchanges will show that none of the 17 New South Welshman in this match will do anything but face Goliath front on and give it their best shot.
It will be violent, it will be passionate, it will be brutal and the winner will not be decided until the final moments when the cream rises to the top. Cam Smith and Jonathan Thurston have been the best in these moments for so long and if the Blues are any chance it will be Robbie Farah and Todd Carney who rise to the challenge. For the sake of all the blue believers from Broken Hill to Bondi Beach, we hope they do.

My tip: I have a heart attack after 70 minutes and miss the end.

Man of the Match: Greg Inglis