Capital Insight

INTRODUCING CAPITAL INSIGHT. Your new weekly posting from Our Man in Canberra.

OMC kicks off with a rare insight into the behind the scenes life of a Canberra Raider.

"This week in the capital Sandor Earl was spotted taking in the Toulouse Lautrec exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Australia. Sandor was particularly entranced withLa Goulue, likening her to a lumbering Tony Williams breaking through the defensive line circa 2011. Sandor looked on wondering - perhaps plunging neck lines were not restricted to the AFL. Sandor made a mental note to give his old friend Zeb Taia of the Catalan Dragons in Perpignan a call and ask him about French culture, French cuisine and of course the plunging neck line. Viva la Capital."

Pistol Pete's Lock of the Week is back!!

Pistol says

"Hasler stands atop of the coaching pecking order and drives a winning culture based on the fundamentals of the game. One of these fundamentals is never lose two games in a row.

Some big names come into the side which raises the confidence levels high enough to build belief in the players and resolve to not lose two in a row. The bunnies want to win a premiership, they feel that they were a hamstring away from making the grand final and they really see a victory here as justice.

Hasler knows this and will use the "prove that the semi last year was not lucky" speech to further lift the dogs. I don't think this game will be close, the Dogs are the lock of the week"

Paully's Picks - Round 4, 2013

Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers

Round 4 kicks off from Bluetongue stadium as the Eagles take another home game away from Brookvale to service the Central Coast league loving population… and boy do they love it. Gosford on a Thursday night with a public holiday next day? Look out Troppo and look out Tigers. The Easter break starts with a bang in your match of the round and Manly will be desperate to return to the winners circle.

They had the chocolates last week at Skilled Park, only to watch them melt away in the Gold Coast sun as Jamie Lyon missed conversion after conversion and the Eagles butchered try after try. This will have them better prepared to take on a much improved Wests outfit who are winners of their last two, albeit against Penrith and Parra. Not that form lines are much to go by… but I’m going by form lines and it’s Manly by enough.

My tip: Eagles 28-20

 

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Bulldogs’ first actual home game of 2013 and what a way to welcome their rabid collection of fans to another tilt at the title. Your Good Friday match comes from ANZ stadium and the in-form Bunnies are coming to town. A huge crowd will prove once again that traditional Sydney footy is always the NRL’s best drawcard. Speaking of drawcards, there are some big names busting out of the team sheet here.

Ben Barba makes his return along with Frank Pritchard as they join a host of superstars on either side in this monumental semi-final replay. The ‘Dogs attack has stalled at times so far this year and with too much pressure on Kris Keating to make better decisions with the ball, this will be the home’s sides undoing. Souths will punish any errors and their forwards will lead the way. Adam Reynolds and Greg Inglis won’t let Souths lose this one.

My tip: South Sydney 18-14

 

Brisbane Broncos v The Melbourne Storm

The Broncos return to Suncorp Stadium for Friday night footy and what better time to go back to a familiar place. By no means have Brisbane been disgraced in their two losses but criticism will always follow a team that fails to trouble the scorers. In particular, halves Peter Wallace and Scott Prince have had their play scrutinised whilst the Leagueunlimited forums have Broncos fans calling for mass sackings.

In response, Anthony Griffin has named a relatively unchanged side. Probably a smart move considering who is on their way up to Brisbane as we speak. The Melbourne Storm. Winners of 3 straight to start the year and 11 consecutive dating back to last year. The best defence in the land; the best attack in the land; the greatest spine ever assembled; and you are all invited to my wedding with Melbourne in the spring. We are releasing doves, it’ll be lovely.

My tip: Melbourne 24-12 

 

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons

Saturday night from the Shire has Sydney’s southern suburbs represented superbly as the Sharks host the Saints. From Carlton to Caringbah to Kiama, this local derby still gets the juices flowing and the locals will be out in force. The Dragons have some well publicised problems with their attack and the stats do not disagree. They scored an average of just over 16 points per game last season and are chugging along at 11’s this year.

Don’t be fooled, the Sharks aren’t exactly lighting it up either. Their outside backs are not really try scorers by nature but Cronulla are still defensive specialists whilst the Dragons are not. This gives them the edge and home ground advantage does the rest. A tough season in store for saints fans as they kick off 2013 with 4 straight losses whilst the Sharks completely ignore any dark clouds and get another win here.

My tip: Cronulla 24-10

 

Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans

Easter Sunday kicks off from the foot of the mountains as the 2 and 1 Titans take on the Panthers from Centrebet Stadium. A big win for the Gold Coast last week after struggling for the past two seasons, they outplayed Manly for most of the game and held on to win. The Panthers, meanwhile, after experiencing similar tough times, are still searching for their identity at this early stage of the season… they better hurry.

And they will. Penrith found plenty of holes in the South Sydney defence last week and will do the same here. Luke Walsh will find some good form after his forwards get over the top of the opposition. This will be the difference as Tim Grant aims up and points himself straight towards Nate Myles – sparks will fly and so will the Panthers. Walsh a standout just in front of Greg Bird’s new haircut. You won’t miss it.

My tip: Penrith 24-20

 

Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders

Sunday Night Football from Hunter Stadium and Newcastle are odds on. A great win over the Cowboys last week has them back in form and what better opportunity to start a winning streak than playing the Raiders. So sit back, ease into the thought that Monday is a public holiday and enjoy an evening of watching Jeremy Smith and Neville Costigan teach the Raiders forwards a thing or two about wrestling.

The Knights have been readying themselves for this style for some time now and the Brookvale glitch notwithstanding, they are getting there nicely. Ty Roberts and Jarrod Mullen have the footballing nous to mess up the visitors good and proper if not on their game. This one is about field position and the Knights make the most of their time in the red zone. Darius Boyd the standout with his forwards not far behind.

My tip: Newcastle 30-16

 

New Zealand Warriors v North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys have been spooked. Rounds 1 and 2 had them facing last year’s grand finalists and this would have had been a great motivator. They beat the dogs and played well against the Storm. Only problem there is that Melbourne still beat them by 20. Their confidence has been shaken and going into last Monday’s match at Newcastle, this doubt showed in their performance. But fear not Cowboy fans.

North Queensland simply needs to get their mojo back and what better way to do this than crossing the Tasman. Starting the season with 3 straight losses, the Warriors look frighteningly similar to other teams coached by Matt Elliott in the past. Confused, directionless and not quite sure what they are being paid to do. Thurston and Bowen have a field day and their once heralded protégés Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke do not.

My tip: Cowboys 30-14

 

Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels

Monday Night Football comes to you from Moore Park and what a way to round out your Easter Weekend of Rugby League. The Eels have to be careful here. If they deliver anything close to those first 40 minutes at Leichardt in round 3, they’ll be in trouble against a committed and vastly improved Roosters outfit. Any errors or lapse in concentration could easily unleash a number of weapons in the chooks arsenal.

Their left side is particularly scary. Williams, Maloney and Jennings are positively lethal. So good in fact that I am breaking my SBW rule and actually mentioning his name. I feel dirty. Parra give it everything they have as per instructions from Ricky Stuart but still don’t have the numbers to win this one. Chris Sandow is improving and cohesion is building, but James Maloney has the Roosters at a different level in 2013.

My tip: Roosters 30-16

for live updates throughout the weekend, go to www.leagueunlimited.com

Paully's Picks - Round 3, 2013

Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs

Thursday night football comes from AAMI Park this week as channel 9 make the most of weeknight, prime time TV. They’ll also make the most of out the multi-million dollar cheque handed to them by the Waterhouse family to continue peddling the interests of their favourite daughter, Tom. To digress, Ryan Hoffman plays his 200^th NRL game in this much anticipated Grand Final rematch as Canterbury travel south to play the Storm.

The ‘Dogs are huge outsiders. They’ve started the season showing some attacking deficiencies and there is no bigger test of your attack than The Melbourne Storm. Can the Bulldogs function without Ben Barba? Can they win the yardage game without their big name forwards? No. They showed a healthy disrespect for posession last week and anything similar this week will have Melbourne do some serious damage.

My tip: Melbourne 24-12

 

Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels

Eels coach Ricky Stuart has already worked a few minor miracles at Parramatta in his short time there. Chris Sandow looks trim: Mitchell Allgood looks big: Reni Maitua is a club captain and future star Jacob Loko looks ready to go. Unfortunately for the Eels faithful, Ben Roberts is still Ben Roberts and taking Ben Roberts into Leichardt Oval will only bring you more of some vintage Ben Roberts. It is simply baffling.

So, the Tiger’s spiritual home comes alive this Friday night: shining brightly under lights with all its wonderful suburban history firmly entrenched in the bosom of Sydney’s inner west. Robbie Farah and his crew will pick apart the Eels in quick time. Parra will be spirited, but their number 6 cannot be protected in the defensive line – just as much as their number 1 will not protect his teammates. Tigers by enough.

My tip: Tigers 30-14

 

Gold Coast Titans v Manly Sea Eagles

The 5.30pm Saturday game… at Skilled Park? Honestly… haven’t the Titans suffered enough to then be subjected to the graveyard shift of rugby league fixtures? The Titans will struggle to get a 12k crowd as it is... let alone at this time. Anyway… as we fear the NRL is dooming another franchise to the scrap heap; credit must go to John Cartwright and his men. They turn up every week with a collection of old heads & young stars, all willing to work.

Their assignment this week? The in-form and very dangerous, Manly Sea-Eagles. They’ll be tough to slow down and then nearly impossible to stop when this game gets rolling. The home sides’ only chance is to come out swinging and get some points on the board while the Eagles are still a bit dusty from their Friday night on Cavill Avenue. Either way, Manly finish stronger and start their season with 3 straight wins.

My tip: Manly 22-20

Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos

A beauty from Allianz Stadium on Saturday night has the Roosters hosting the Broncos. Both teams had plenty of work to do after a disappointing 2012 – both teams started their resurrection with a loss – and then, most impressively, both teams won their round 2 matches on the road. The Roosters crossed the Tasman and came away with 2 points whilst the Broncos left Wollongong as convincing winners.

So, it’s your match of the round and be ready for some fireworks. The ill-disciplined Roosters pack will try and get away with everything they can... and by “they”, I mean Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the cheekiest front rower you’ll ever see. JWH will go head to head with Ben Hannant and Sam Thaiday and when the dust settles, it will be the masterful James Maloney who steers the chooks home in a tight one.

My tip: Roosters 20-18 

Cronulla Sharks v New Zealand Warriors

The Sharks, with all they have been through, don’t seem worried about their apparent cloudy future. They don’t seem too concerned with whatever horrible fate awaits them. Quite the opposite, in fact, seems to be happening in the Shire and it is a remarkable sign of willpower and focus to play the way they have. Scrappy, defiant, stingy and violent. In fact, they resemble the Sharks’ side of 2009 that made the semis and looked bad doing it.

The visiting Warriors have started the year with two losses and this is not the fixture you want when looking down the barrel of a horrible season. New Zealand need an open field and an open contest to be effective. They will be confronted with the complete opposite here and suffer the consequences as the brave Sharks continue this season of uncertainty as only they can. Michael Gordon and Todd Carney the standouts.

My tip: Cronulla 18-6

 

Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Last year’s corresponding fixture between these clubs signalled the beginning of the Michael Maguire influence. The light bulb finally switched on for the Bunnies on that day as they ran right through the Panthers. Now, Souths have immersed themselves in Maguire’s philosophy and are reaping the rewards. They’ll win the wrestle, complete their sets, give you nothing and punish your errors. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

So, as Souths continue their impressive run of form, the Panthers faithful await them on Sunday afternoon at Centrebet Stadium. This will be a cracker. Penrith don’t bend as quickly as they once did and visitors to the foot of the mountains should be prepared for a fight. The Monday night turnaround will have Souths off to a slow start but they are too classy over 80 minutes. Greg Inglis continues his charge towards immortality.

My tip: 24-14

 

Canberra Raiders v St George Illawarra Dragons

How does one show their face in public after tipping the Raiders at Skilled Park last week? Well, for starters it’s always important to get back on that horse after a rough ride and that’s we’ll be doing here. Sunday Night Football from our nation’s capital has Saints on the bus to Canberra. The Raiders make their home debut for season 2013 and what better opponents to have come and visit when your season already looks shot to pieces.

St George Illawarra have a much publicised history against the Green Machine and so why not mention it one more time: they’ve not beaten Canberra since 2007 and have not won a game in Canberra since before the dinosaurs. Speaking of which… the Dragons’ attack resembles some sort of prehistoric and long extinct creature that time forgot. If the Raiders can’t get on the board here, they are kidding.

My tip: Canberra 18-8

 

Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys

A harsh lesson for both of these clubs last week. The Knights must have been feeling pretty good about themselves after a round one drubbing of the Tigers, only to go into Brookvale and not even trouble the scorers. They’ve still a lot to learn about the grind of the NRL. The Cowboys, similarly, would have been confident in the lead-up to their home game against the Storm last week, but Melbourne simply crush everyone.

How to pick up the pieces and restore confidence in a relatively young side? If any two coaches can do it, it’s these two. Wayne will have his forwards ready to rip in against a monster Cowboys pack this Monday night while Neil Henry will do as he has always done, give the ball to Jonathan Thurston and get out of the way. A beauty from Hunter Stadium will be decided in the final moments when the grinding style of the Knights gets them home.

My tip: Newcastle 22-18

 

Paully's Picks - Round 2, 2013

Parramatta Eels v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

It simply does not matter when this game is played or what form these two clubs are in – it’s always enough to stir up the heated rivalry between the Dogs and the Eels. In round 1 Parramatta went a long way towards turning around their recent horrors whilst the Bulldogs did not look as potent as they were last year. But nobody cares; they will rip in to each other on Thursday night to kick off round 2 of the Premiership from ANZ Stadium.

So, as the grind of week to week football begins, a test for the new-look Eels to turn up against a revved up Bulldogs defense. A big ask. Des Hasler won’t be keen to start the season with two losses and this desperation will get the ‘Dogs home. Hasler’s intensity could only be matched by someone like R. Stuart so get ready for the 133rd meeting between these clubs to be as hostile as ever with the Bulldogs finishing stronger.

My tip: Canterbury 22-18

 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos

All my cards on the table? I’ve lost a shirt-load whilst betting against the Dragons at Wollongong. For some stupid reason I refuse to believe they are better at this safe haven of South Coast football. The interwebs tell us that Saints actually win 66% of their games at WIN as a merged entity; and you know what they say about statistics – they’re a lot like lingerie... they reveal plenty but it’s what they conceal that matters.

If you’ve made it this far into the preview – you’ll no doubt be chasing one more pearl of wisdom from a column that has delivered very few. (9% of total attempts were actual pearls, but you know what they say about stats) The Broncos defended poorly at home last week and the Dragons weren’t much better in Melbourne, but I’m going with the 66% on this one. Saints too good at home with their young forward pack leading the way.

My tip: Dragons 19-18

 

New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters

Last week, the Roosters were defensively inept, lacked cohesion in attack, somehow more ill-disciplined than they were last year and slightly overpriced in general. Their high profile interchange forward was a weak link in the defensive line, despite what the grovelling free-to-air commentators would tell you. Fingers crossed that the coverage from Eden Park is less obtrusive and much less cringe worthy.

Some big signings and a much-heralded new coach will get the Roosters back on track and the 10 days rest won’t hurt either. Home ground advantage simply won’t be enough for the Warriors as they fumble to two consecutive losses to start the Matthew Elliott era. Konrad Hurrell v Michael Jennings a highlight but the real fun will be watching James Maloney sledge his former teammates for 80 minutes. Be entertained.

My tip: Roosters 24-18

 

North Queensland Cowboys v The Melbourne Storm

Your match of the round; and of the short season so far. The Cowboys started 2013 with a big win in Gosford over the Bulldogs while the Storm were all business at AAMI Park. Both clubs looked ready for big years and had all their superstars fit and healthy. So, a re-badged Dairy Farmers Stadium is now named after a phone number but before you praise the pure marketing genius of that idea, let’s stick to the footy.

Melbourne will be ruthless, will give away nothing and will defend like its September. The Cowboys are slowly learning what it takes to do the same and have some supreme talent on paper but not of the same ilk. Blink and you’ll miss something on Saturday night when the likes of Conk, Smith, Thurston and Bowen take your mind off the dark side of Rugby League that rears its ugly head around this time of year, every year. Melbourne by a finger nail.

My tip: Melbourne 28-26

Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders

This week’s turmoil could be a blessing in disguise for the Raiders. Reece Robinson is their lucky charm and one of the best outside backs in the game. A pretty darn good fullback, too. What stands out most about Reece Lightning is his unselfishness. It’s his instinct to pass to an unmarked teammate rather than go himself… to look after the team rather than look after himself. You can bet he’ll no longer be taken for granted by David Furner.

If the Raiders can unite as a club this week, beware their opposition on Sunday afternoon, the Gold Coast Titans. John Cartwright and crew had the perfect opportunity to slip one past the Sharks last week, who had no business playing a game of football in their condition. The Titans fell short and did not look great in the process. A small crowd this weekend will destroy any home ground atmosphere and make way for a Raiders upset.

My tip: Raiders 30-14

 

Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers

So, as the plastic of politics leaves Sydney’s west, Rugby League does not… will not. Sunday afternoon has a beauty from Campbelltown Sports Stadium as the Panthers travel to face the humiliated home side. Imagine the Tigers’ surprise… bringing in a new coach and preparing for months for a chance at redemption after a disappointing 2012 campaign, to then get busted up by 40. A big test of their mettle this week.

To make the assignment even harder, the rejuvenated Panthers are not simply one game wonders. Granted beating the Raiders at Centrebet last week is not a miracle but there is something about these Panthers that has them looking confident. A big win awaits them here as the Tigers drop two in a row. Luke Walsh and Lachlan Coote standouts for the Panthers but keep an eye on Tim Grant and Keith Galloway knocking the stuffing out of each other. Awesome.

My tip: Penrith 22-18

 

Manly Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights

Both impressive winner’s last start and both with high hopes for season 2013. Manly delivered a perfect second half at Suncorp last week whilst the Knights signalled their intentions to be a force in the NRL last Monday night. Their forwards were brutal and expect more of the same on Sunday night at Brookvale Oval. The only difference being the colourful language used by the Eagles faithful to welcome them.

So, once the big boys have their say, it will be time for a chess match to begin and what amazing pieces on show here. Kurt Gidley is finally fit and not being wasted at fullback; Jarrod Mullen shedding the expectations of the past… and a couple of kilos; and then we have DCE and Kieran Foran who can attack a weakness quicker than a Seagull on hot chips. This is what they do here and Manly win their home opener in a close one.

My tip: Manly 20-16

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Cronulla Sharks

What to make of the Sharks? An amazing week of what could only be described as soul destroying, followed by an amazing performance on the field in the face of actual extinction on Sunday. They must be congratulated. On Monday night, however, whether they ‘bring back Flanno’ or sing their team song from highest hills of Engadine, it won’t make a lick of difference here. The Bunnies don’t care.

Whoever is coaching Cronulla at the time will have a hard time getting them up for this match and if they are not completely committed up front and on defense, Souths will get quick ruck movement, good yardage and plenty of option play from Reynolds and Sutton. A danger game for the visitors as Souths continue their rise to the elite of the Rugby League world. Greg Inglis the stand out as always.

My tip: South Sydney 30-12

Paully's Picks - Round 1, 2013

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters

Your season opener comes from Allianz Stadium on Thursday night so a warning to Moore Park locals to stay away from the Bat and Ball, the Olympic and the Captain Cook. A big crowd is expected for what is fast becoming the NRLs most heated rivalry. Last year’s encounters between the Bunnies and the Roosters were nothing short of remarkable and fingers crossed for more in round 1.

Plenty of talk about that famous Rooster’s second-rower; amazingly left on the bench for this match… Boyd Cordner. Once the pride of Newcastle, this kid has emerged from last year’s ill-disciplined Bondi pack to be a standout. Captaining the NSW under 20s team to origin victory last year and making a name for himself in the process. As always, this is where the game is won. Up the middle. So, while the little men wait patiently, these two monster packs will sort each other out. Isaac Luke and the bunnies stand taller.

My tip: South Sydney 18-14

 

Brisbane Broncos v Manly Sea Eagles

A Friday night game from Suncorp Stadium to kick off the season for the Broncos. Whilst we all contain our surprise at this amazing development in the world of NRL fixtures, the Broncos may need more than some favourable treatment from the league to improve on last year. They limped home… no… not even limped. They looked like a bunch of Australian swimmers on a night out, trying to play footy in between door knocks and dope dealers.

So, as the proverbial stillnox wears off and they awake to a new season, the Manly Sea Eagles come to town. The boys from Brookvale have lost some punch in the forwards but still maintain a magnificent halves combo in Kieran Foran and DCE. This will keep them in the game but the home side’s pack and bench look bloody good on paper and what better way to start my tipping year than following this tried and tested formula. Broncos scrape home.

My tip: Brisbane 20-16

 

Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors

Some movement in the off-season for both of these clubs. The Warriors threw mountains of cash at Craig Bellamy and had to settle for Matthew Elliott whilst the Eels threw mountains of cash at Ricky Stuart and had to settle for Ricky Stuart. With the former Roosters, Sharks, Blues and Kangaroos mentor as their coach, last year’s wooden spooners will no doubt be more solid in defence, but not much else at this stage.

This is where the Warriors will sneak home. They’ll have a good share of posession and use it wisely through the likes of Shaun Johnson and Feleti Mateo to account for the home side. We’ll see a more disciplined and aggressive Parra squad as they inherit the personality of their coach but still can’t see a lot of points coming from the spine of Keating, Sandow, Kelly and Hayne. A good road win to start 2013 for the Warriors.

My tip: NZ 18-12

 

Canterbury Bulldogs v North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys bring a team of weapons to Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday night to face the 2012 Minor Premiers. With some of the most dangerous young forwards in the league combined with a supremely talented backline, North Queensland can threaten from anywhere on the field with ball in hand. They can also knock the stuffing out of you in defence and this will be their advantage here.

Canterbury’s attack will again have their forwards carrying more of the load than what is seen from other clubs; and with Ben Barba missing, the ‘Dogs will need even more from their pack than usual. The brute strength of Tamou and Scott will slow the Bulldogs down early and when Neil Henry releases the juggernauts from his bench, the Cowboys put them away late and beat Canterbury for the first time in 6 years.

My tip: Cowboys 24-14

 

Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders

Only 6 short months ago, this result would be a no-brainer. Now, in your first Sunday footy match for season 2013, the bookies cannot split them. The Panthers are coming off a re-building year when their superstars and favourite sons left the club and their entire season seemed riddled with injury. The Raiders, by contrast, finished 2012 in red hot form and bring back nearly all of their stars.

But the Green Machine are in for a shock. Ivan Cleary now has a couple of pre-seasons under his belt and has a team that closer resembles his vision. Their unproven spine will fire and their defence will be resolute. Home ground advantage will take care of the rest as the good folk from the foot of the mountains show that Sydney’s west is more than just a stage for this year’s political circus.

My tip: Penrith 30-14

The Melbourne Storm v St George Illawarra Dragons

What a machine this Melbourne Storm club has become. They move from one challenge to another and never change a thing about their football. In any climate, under any pressure and whether the bright lights are on or off, this is the most professional outfit in the country. Even if you think the trip to England may have them slightly distracted, keep the cash in your pocket and be entertained.

Melbourne host the Dragons from AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon and the visitors are at long odds. Literally. They are $4 outsiders. Just for kicks, let’s mention a few other hurdles that Saints need to overcome. They had the NRLs worst attack last year, they face the reigning premiers who boast 2012’s best defence, and this week has been the hottest week in Melbourne’s history (not fact-checked). All leading up to a 35 degree Sunday.

My tip: Melbourne 24-4

 

Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans

Sunday night football comes to you from somewhere called Sharks Stadium and what a beauty it will be. Two clubs with plenty to prove and some big signings who’ll be hoping to live up to their price tags. Cronulla have bought well, securing the services of some experienced and talented footballers whilst the Titans have done the opposite – taking big risks on some infamous names.

A healthy Todd Carney and Paul Gallen could mean disaster for the visitors, if they don’t have their house in order come game time. If recent history has taught us anything it’s that the Titans house has come crashing down more often than not in two very disappointing seasons. So, smart money says it crashes again while a new-look Sharks get the win and look good doing it.

My tip: Cronulla 24-14

 

Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers

New beginnings for both clubs. The Knights shrug off the pressure that came with signing Wayne Bennett last year and there won’t be many surprises with Newcastle as they move closer that Bennett methodology and play conservative. The Tigers unveil a new coach for the first time in a decade, but we fly blind with their game-plan. A new halfback, a new coach and…hang on…we kinda always fly blind with the Tigers any way.

Newcastle prove too disciplined and too strong in this one with their forwards winning the wrestle and winning the match. Looking at the Knights, they really have brought together a scary group haven’t they? Quinn, Costigan, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith…. This could get ugly and by “this”... I mean the Knights entire season. The Tigers will fight back though, so expect some fireworks in what will be a great start to Monday Night Football for 2013.

My tip: Newcastle 19-12


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