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 4th 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 26th 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 1st 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
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