CAPITAL INSIGHT - ROUND 7

Capital Insight;

This week in the capital with the Gonski report all the rage, a couple of Canberra Raiders thought they would transcend beyond education. To do this the idea of joining the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra was discussed over a few machiatos.

As autumn leaves began to tumble Tom Learoyd-Lars turned to Sandor Earl, “I feel we should join, perhaps even plant a few trees. As Jean Giono succinctly described in the opening lines of his great novel The Man Who Planted Trees… ‘For a human character to reveal truly exceptional qualities, one must have the good fortune to be able to observe its performance over many years’”.

Sandor looked out upon the distant churning Lake Burley Griffin waters and replied after some minutes “Yes Tom, I think you are right”. Viva la Capital.

Thanks to L Bulks

Paully's Picks - Round 7

Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons 

A week after City v Country falls flat on its face thanks to some poor marketing by the NRL; and other reasons... we come to a fixture that needs no introduction, that will never fail to deliver and that is now one of the great Rugby League traditions; The ANZAC Day match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium. I’m getting goose bumps just thinking about it.

 

A special day: and what better cause than honouring those who have served, fought and died for Australia and New Zealand in the theatre of war. 4pm. The National Anthem, the last post, a minute’s silence and then finally - kick off. Saints will be underdogs in this one with the Roosters sitting 4^th on the ladder and looking bloody good in defense. The chooks roll on with another win and their first on ANZAC day since 2007.

My tip: Roosters 28-12

 

Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors

 

AAMI Park in Melbourne hosts your night-cap and your mis-match of the round. The Warriors are 1 from 6 and are second last on the ladder. The New Zealanders have fought hard the past month. They’ve beaten the Cowboys and then lost heartbreakers to Souths and Canberra. No doubt this display of pride is due to injured players slowly returning and a forward pack that has some starch. This week though, they are up against the best in the NRL.

 

The Storm haven’t lost a game of footy for ages and they won’t be losing this one. It must be said that the Warriors do have a decent record in Melbourne, compared to other clubs, but no amount of statistical mumbo jumbo can get them out of this one. Multi-Million Dollar Man Gareth Widdop plays his first game after agreeing to leave Bellamy’s bunker but contrary to that price tag, he won’t have much work to do here.

My tip: Melbourne 24-0

 

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs

 

2 v 3 on the ladder and two Sydney teams make for the perfect formula; Friday night from Brookvale Oval. Sea Eagles fans hate nobody more than the mighty Rabbitohs and this rivalry goes back to 26^th April 1947 – the very first time the Bunnies and the Eagles met. Now, exactly 66 years later, they play for the 129th time and this one is dripping with Rugby League nostalgia. For you kids out there, look up the story of Mal Reilly v George Piggins and enjoy.

Nowadays, it may not be as violent but it will be a battle. Two monster forward packs will trade blows and two of the best young halfbacks in the NRL will put on a clinic. With Greg Inglis and Brett Stewart rounding out a full plate of superstars, sit back and enjoy your match of the round. Home ground advantage should get the Eagles home late, but only after the Bunnies make a very good account of themselves in this defensive struggle. 

My tip: Manly 14-12 

 

North Queensland Cowboys v Canberra Raiders 

For those who’ve visited our nation’s capital in recent weeks, you’ll know what is meant by the phrase, ‘colder than a witches’ teat’. There’s a breeze that flows across the ACT that fills your lungs with ice and makes you hate the city with the fire of a thousand suns. Ironic? Yes. Good weather to train in before heading to Townsville? No. A balmy North Queensland evening awaits the visiting Raiders to kick off your Saturday night at 5.30pm. 

The Green Machine have the better record of the two teams but away from the confines of Canberra, it aint looking good. The Cowboys needed the fortnight’s break and will be desperate to get their season back on track after a gut-wrenching loss to the Broncos. This is just the tonic. The Raiders have some new faces in their starting squad and Jonathan Thurston will look to exploit the ensuing confusion. North Queensland pull away late. 

My tip: Cowboys 32-18

 

Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos 

Campbelltown Stadium hosts the second game on Saturday Night and the Tigers are on the brink. They’ve come close in recent weeks, but just not close enough. They gave the Storm a scare for 60 minutes but couldn’t close the deal, only to then go to the SCG and fumble away their chance at a miracle comeback thanks to the slippery hands of Ben Murdoch-Masila. It has been a tough start under new coach Mick Potter. 

It won’t get easier against the visiting Broncos. They are 3 and 3 on the season but far from struggling. Sitting on a two match winning streak but more importantly, their attack has now moulded into something dangerous. Scott Prince seems to have found a rhythm with his new team-mates and Peter Wallace is enjoying it. The Broncos will have to contend with another almighty performance from Robbie Farah, but not much else. 

My tip: Brisbane 22-18 

 

Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights 

Sunday afternoon football comes to you from sun-baked Skilled Park as Newcastle travels north to Robina. Hard to split these two teams. They’ve both come off disappointing 2012 campaigns and have both turned their fortunes around in 2013. They hold nearly identical records this season in both attack and defense and sit right next to each other on the competition ladder. The bookies, on the other hand, are in love with the Titans. 

So, with the similarities obvious, the difference here will be the halves. Jarrod Mullen is due for one of his blinders whilst Tyrone Roberts gets better with every game. The Titans will be happy to see Aidan Sezer back in the squad but it won’t be enough. This will be a beauty as two grizzly forward packs go head to head. Mason v Myles a highlight, but for you League fans with a good memory, you’ll be hoping for another dose of Timana Tahu v Jamal Idris. 

My tip: Newcastle 18-14

 

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 

The once mighty ‘Dogs have the worst attack in the competition by quite a margin. They sit bottom of the table only 6 months after winning a Minor Premiership. Losers of 4 in a row and a CEO, they are either cursed, or simply don’t have the cattle this year to compete. Either way, their round 6 match against the Roosters signified rock bottom for this proud club. A big test of their mettle this weekend in what must be make or break. How to respond?

 

With violence, some would say. Send the forwards out there with a mission to destroy and let the rest take care of itself. Unfortunately for the ‘Dogs, they are playing against the Sharks who thrive under this kind of approach. Even more unfortunate for the visitors will be if Todd Carney suits up for Cronulla.  He will – and the lovely people of Gosford will enjoy a beauty from Bluetongue Stadium with the Sharks getting home.   

My tip: Cronulla 20-18

 

Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels 

Monday Night Football from Centrebet Stadium and for these two clubs, it’s a case of building for the future and building experience in the process. The Eels look like they are getting closer to resembling a professional 1^st grade team, compared to previous years. The Panthers, unfortunately, do not. Ivan Cleary continues to tinker with his halves but with an impotent backline outside of them, Luke Walsh and Tom Humble won’t be piling on the points here. 

The Eels could be turning a corner and if their forwards can handle the likes of Tim Grant and Sam McKendry, they’ll bounce back from last round’s heartbreaking loss to the Gold Coast and keep their fans hoping for more. If Chris Sandow plays anything close to his best, he could have a field day kicking to an in-experienced Penrith back 3 and then, unleashing Jacob Loko and Jarryd Hayne on a helpless Panthers defensive line. 

My tip: Parramatta 18-14

 

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

 

Paully's Picks - Rep Weekend 2013

Australia v New Zealand

The current core of this Australian team are a collection of footballers that we’ll have been privileged to see, in 20 years. Right now it sucks cos they all Queenslanders, but either way, the people of Canberra will be rejoicing come Friday night; as they have done all year via many events to celebrate the cities centenary. For all the Canberra haters out there, yes I can call it a city and yes it’s more than just the birth place of Brad Haddin, Mark Webber, David Campese and Ricky Stuart… wait… they’re all from Queanbeyan.

There’ll be some fireworks on Friday night and that is no reference to Fyshwick. Quite the contrary, the natives could get restless with the likes of Greg Bird and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves both starting so expect some push and shove early as the Kiwis try to win back some pride. They’ll come close to winning more than that with Kieran Foran leading the way, but when JT and Greg Inglis decide enough is enough, Australia win again. Cameron Smith v Issac Luke a highlight for the second week in a row.

My tip: Kangaroos 24-12

 

Country Origin v City Origin

Firstly, to address the same boring questions that arise around this time of year. Yes, City v Country is worth it and yes, even though we know some players choose R&R over Rep footy, it’s still an important fixture. Just ask the wonderful people of Mudgee, Albury, Wollongong and Coffs Harbour. Let’s not completely ignore country NSW and let’s not completely forget where the vast majority of our 1^st grade footballers come from.

Also, to address the theory that Queenslanders are laughing at New South Wales for playing this game… Please!… the day I give a flying footy about a Queenslanders’ opinion will be the day I….. Sorry... Rep season gets to me.

Sunday afternoon from BCU International Stadium in Coffs Harbour: What a treat for the people of the North Coast and what a proud Indigenous history represented by The Gumbaynggirr Nation. Some big names here and a great reward for the likes of Boyd Cordner and Michael Gordon; for Adam Reynolds and Jorge Taufua. They are just a few who have been in blinding form this season and deserve this accolade. Speaking of blinding form, James Maloney will stand taller than the rest and lead a lightning fast Country team to victory.

My tip: Country 30-10

Paully's Picks - Round 6, 2013

Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

The kind of event that only rugby league can deliver. Burnt bridges, broken promises, angry loyalists, all bundled up perfectly to start the Men of League Heritage Round. The Bulldogs and the Roosters. Years of history, years of hatred and just when you thought these teams didn’t need another reason; Khoder Nasser came along to mess with Todd Greenberg. Does it get any better? No. 30,000 at Allianz Stadium will attest to it.

Must be said now that the ‘Dogs are struggling with the ball. They averaged 25 points per game over the back end of last year and over 5 rounds of 2013, they are pushing 13 per game.  It seems the second man, second phase backline movement does not surprise opponents any more. Too many coaches have seen it. Too many video sessions. Now, with the defensive minded Roosters to deal with, Canterbury could be left without a plan.

My tip: Roosters 20-16

 

Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys

Heritage round and Rivalry round sometimes look the same, don’t they? Plenty of recent history here, mostly based on proximity, but these teams have been involved in some almighty clashes and what better way to celebrate the history of Queensland Rugby League than to travel to Suncorp on a Friday night. The Cowboys and the Broncos have bought into this Queensland rivalry ‘thing’ and footy fans will appreciate it.

Mores the point, this is always a cracking game and expect the same here. The Broncos have the wind at their back and a spring in their step. Scoring plenty against the Titans last week, they showed an aggression not seen this so far this season. The Cowboys, by contrast, enjoyed the bye last week so they should be fresh. But it may not be enough against the resurgent home side who will be out for redemption after losing to their rivals 3 times last year.

My tip: Brisbane 24-22

Newcastle Knight v Penrith Panthers

Watching the Panthers this year is a bit like watching a team of demolition experts preparing to blow up a skyscraper. The whole bloody lot is about to be exploded from memory and turned to dust. The next generation of Penrith footballers continue plenty of success in the lower grades whilst the seniors simply wait to collapse. They are doing it tough and it won’t get better for Panthers fans until someone pulls the trigger.

The Knights, by contrast, are nearly done with re-building and despite last week’s loss at Kogarah, are looking the goods. They are heavy favourites at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night and will not be losing two in a row, especially to a team with about 75 ex Novocastrians in the squad. Darius Boyd continues his return to form and leads the home side to their 4^th win of the season. Penrith just don’t have the points in them.

My tip: Newcastle 28-12

 

Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors

Canberra Stadium, 7.30pm – let’s hope the Raiders fans liked what they saw last week and turn up in good numbers to support an entertaining group of footballers. A plea to the Green Machine faithful in our nation’s capital - What on earth is there to do on a Saturday night that’s good enough to miss the footy!?!? In fact, damn you left leaning bunch of Public Servants… get there early because the NYC match at 5.30pm could be the best game you’ll see all year.

Moving on, Shaun Johnson seems to be finding his feet in Matthew Elliott’s new system and he’s also finally developing a relationship with his new number 9, Elijah Taylor. Ironically, just before the return of Nathan Friend. Speaking of Friend, the Warriors are desperate for some starch in their middle and if they aren’t starched up for this, the Raiders big men will carve them up. The visitors are still a few weeks away from their best.

My tip: Canberra 30-24

South Sydney Rabbitohs v The Melbourne Storm

If you’ve enjoyed the bottom of the table clash from Canberra before tuning in for this beauty, a tip of the hat to you for pushing the boundaries of delayed gratification. Its 1 v 2 on the ladder as South Sydney host the Storm from ANZ Stadium. May god have mercy on us all. Teacher v Student in the coaches’ box and a battle to see who can slow down the play the ball best on field. It’s obviously successful so let’s play on.

Craig Bellamy and Michael Maguire. Two men who collaborated to bring forth the slowest era in league history? That's a heritage worth celebrating. Bellamy and Maguire - godfather and drunk uncle of the wrestle, respectively. Would that make Wayne Bennett the creepy neighbour at this family gathering?  Don’t answer that. Just tune in for a chess match of the highest order. Slater out means Souths win.

My tip: South Sydney 18-12

 

Manly Sea Eagles v Cronulla Sharks

A danger game for the Sharks. They’ve lasted as long as they possibly can with the pressures they must be facing. As a football club, a business, a team and a group of individuals hoping to keep their jobs, this could be where it all comes unstuck. Sunday afternoon at Brookvale Oval against the scariest team in the NRL. The Eagles are rolling this year with 4 wins from 5 starts and their defence is allowing only 1 try per match.

Amazing; and combined with the Sharks’ problems scoring points without Todd Carney, things could get ugly. Cronulla are notorious for playing with enough grit and determination to keep things close, but if they are off their game by one inch, it will be over at halftime. They’ll fight hard but won’ have enough weapons across the park to trouble the Eagles. Kieran Foran back to career best form and Brett Stewart another standout performance at home.

My tip: Manly 24-6

Wests Tigers v St George Illawarra Dragons

The Sydney Cricket Ground comes to life on Sunday afternoon and what better way to celebrate our heritage. Two merged entities representing four regions steeped in rugby league history and rugby league royalty. No territory in NSW has more superstars born from its beachside bosom than Wollongong and no image is etched further into the minds of the league populace than the famous Magpies dressing room ‘slapfest’.

Our Heritage, indeed.

So, with Benji Marshall out injured and the Tigers backline reshuffle happening as we speak, it will be tough for Wests to maintain cohesion, but they will. Robbie Farah’s elite level of performance so far this season defies belief.  He is literally responsible for every single thing that happens for the Tigers and this will eventually take its toll. But not this week. The Tigers bounce back from 2 losses in a row and the loss of their favourite son to cause an upset.

My tip: Tigers 20-16

 

Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans

We still have time for a little more ‘heritage round’ bashing, so here goes. The only moment of history shared between these clubs is the 2009 semi-final played in the midst of Jarryd Hayne’s infamous run to the Dally M. And the only thing memorable about that game was hearing the Eels fans chant their anticipation for the upcoming Bulldogs encounter. You know the one. 75,000. That's heritage. Not this reheated leftover.

But we move on. Eels v Titans. Coach Stuart v Coach Cartwright. They know each other well after having spent plenty of time in charge of the Roosters and NSW together. They'll know what to expect. Ricky is building a new culture at Parramatta and Cartwright is re-building what he once broke. Not a lot of points scored here. The Gold Coast have a new respect for defending their line and that should be enough.

My tip: Titans 16-10



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

Paully's Picks - Round 5, 2013

Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles

Round 5 kicks off with an absolute scorcher. Plenty of spite between these clubs with former Eagles coach Des Hasler now in charge at Belmore and not ashamed to raid his former roster. On top of that, who can forget the first 20 minutes of last year’s semi-final between these two powerhouse clubs: they almost played some football in between the dust ups and what a sight it was. So here we go again on Friday night at ANZ Stadium.

Manly are elite. The Bulldogs will need to play their best game of 2013 if they are any chance here and this can only happen if their attack finds some of the rhythm it successfully displayed last year. Forwards going forward and the backs lighting quick. This year it seems more like the forwards going backwards and the backs doing little. Canterbury will never go quietly but they won’t make enough noise to trouble the Eagles here.

My tip: Manly 20-14

 

Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane Broncos

A remarkable start to the season for the Gold Coast and more evidence to show that times do indeed change. John Cartwright was given a chance to prove himself under extreme adversity and he has responded by producing a playing group that refuse to buckle. The Titans have the 2^nd best defensive record in the comp and whilst it’s still early days, the difference between now and 9 months ago is amazing.

What’s not amazing is my refusal to tip them. That’s just how stupid your humble weekly preview columnist really is; so why change now? The Broncos are due and with their smelly corpse showing signs of life last week against the Storm, this Queensland rivalry might be just what the doctor ordered for a failing former NRL powerhouse. Brisbane defends like they mean it and come home with plenty of spirit and a wet sail.

My tip: Brisbane 19-18

 

Parramatta Eels v Cronulla Sharks

This may not be your match of the round but the story behind this one sells itself as a beauty. For starters, and most importantly, the Eels and the Sharks play for the inaugural Johnny Mannah Cup. It will be another emotional 80 minutes for his brother Tim. Speaking of Tim, the rest of the Parramatta squad could learn a thing or two about pride and passion by watching him. Tim is one of very few Eels players to show he cares.

Problem is that he and perhaps Jacob Loko are the only ones. An even bigger problem is that their leadership group aren’t even close to that level of effort; and the biggest problem is that they are playing against the Sharks this weekend. Cronulla are bouncing back from a humiliating local derby loss last week and whilst they won’t have a bunch of points in them without Todd Carney, it will be the fear of seeing a naked Paul Gallen that drives them to victory.

My tip: Cronulla 18-10
 

 

North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers

A tough start to the season for the Cowboys and whilst their roster suggests a 1 and 3 record seems completely unacceptable, coach Neil Henry will be waiting it out with patience. In reality, he has no choice but to stick with his team of very big names. Ivan Cleary, on the other hand, has no such requirement. He has dropped Luke Walsh and promoted Blake Austin to halfback alongside Tom Humble.

What better time to blood a new halves combination? The Panthers have lost 3 in a row and travel to a notoriously tough location at a time when their hosts will be desperate. North Queensland have the strike power up front to really trouble a Panthers pack that seems heavily out-gunned. James Tamou and Matt Scott will play up to their billing and Jonathan Thurston teaches his very young opponents a lesson in 1^st grade footy.

My tip: North Queensland 30-16

 

New Zealand Warriors v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Oh Sunday triple header!! How I’ve missed you!!

2pm on Sunday afternoon has the Bunnies travelling to Mt Smart Stadium to face the Warriors and what a year the Cardinal and Myrtle are having. Undefeated on the season and impressive winners against the reigning Minor Premiers last week, Souths are 2^nd on the ladder and look like they are getting better. They’ve an insanely huge pack of forwards and a fullback who can literally do whatever he wants on the footy field.

The Warriors finally turned up last week to beat the Cowboys for their first win of 2013 and will do very well to back up here. They’ll stick with South Sydney for a while but won’t be able to match the grind. Adam Reynolds looks like some sort of Zen Master this year and will bring more of the same control whilst all around him play with fury. Souths win the wrestle and win the match to kick off a ripper Sunday arvo.

My tip: Souths 22-8

 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights

You’ve had an extra hours sleep, you’ve enjoyed the entrée from Mt Smart and now you switch over to channel 9 for the delayed telecast from WIN Jubilee. Just when you thought your Sunday was going well, some bloke called ‘Hadley’ invades your lounge room and the results are vomitus. Gone is your entrée and gone is your appetite; but fear not league lovers. Hit mute and enjoy the vision one of Sydney’s most beautiful suburban grounds.

Saints played with all the pride and spirit that could possibly come from the famous Red V last Saturday night. Some Dragons fans will tell you it merely kept the wolves at bay but either way, they face a tougher test here. Former mentor Wayne Bennett brings his new team to town and they are rolling. The Knights come off two big wins but more importantly, are becoming a formidable squad of huge forwards, speedy backs and a 5-star bench.

My tip: Newcastle 19-12 

 

Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters

Winter has finally arrived. Sunday night football in our nation’s capital and with rain predicted, low evening temperatures forecast and victory unlikely for the home side, the Raiders faithful should turn up in their hundreds. Disappointing though, as it’s a fixture like this that often gives Canberra their advantage and even more so when the visitors are travelling from the sun-drenched eastern suburbs of Sydney.

We will see how far the chooks have come by their opening and closing 20 minutes in this match. Smart money says they’ve come a long way with leadership from James Maloney and Anthony Minichiello, ably followed by a young and powerful pack of forwards. They will take a few minutes to warm up but once they do, it will be curtains for the home side. They simply can’t keep up with the younger, faster and smarter Roosters.

My tip: Roosters 34-16

 

The Melbourne Storm v Wests Tigers

Monday Night Football closes out round 5 with the struggling Tigers travelling to AAMI Park to face the top of the table Storm. True that the visitors are 2 from 4 and it’s only early, but they have a mountain to climb here and a mountain to climb all season. A back-row of Liam Fulton, Braith Anasta and Adam Blair may give you plenty of talent and plenty of courage, but they are not workers and this is one thing every pack needs.

The end result of this is an increased tackle count for Robbie Farah and this will prove too much to overcome against the Storm who, contrarily, boast a forward pack full of workers and are proud of it. The Farah v Cameron Smith battle will be tremendous as always but Robbie won’t have much in the tank when he is needed most. Melbourne pull away late and win their 5^th straight for the season and 12^th straight overall.

My tip: Melbourne 22-6



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