Capital Insight - Round 12, 2013

Capital Insight

“Version 1.0, have you heard of it’? Sandor asked Jarrod… Well perhaps it could be the perfect remedy for your dodgy hamstring, let’s go tonight”.

With State of Origin bye week hitting the Capital hard and the winter equinox fast approaching there have been a few lighter moments across the city. A public art tour reached its zenith at The other side of midnight a recent local acquisition.

“Perhaps it represents freedom, perhaps pure unbridled exhilaration – maybe we should make the ball sing more, get it out to Eddy” Sandor mused.

“Gee Sandor I prefer the conversions from in front, but Fergo does want more and more ball these days” Jarrod earnestly replied.

Sandor made a quick calculation, configuring the hypotenuse of a right angled triangle; perhaps I’ll score just inside the touchline, see if you can convert that.

 

Author - L. Bulks

Paully's Picks - Round 12, 2013

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v St George Illawarra Dragons

And so it begins – the mess that is our representative season. A perfect example of scheduling flatulence kicks off round 12 with one of the great rivalries in the NRL on Friday night. The Bulldogs host the Dragons from ANZ stadium. It should have been promoted up the ying yang of all Sydney footy fans. Speaking of ying and yang, Saints try to bounce back from a fortnight of a sublime performance followed by the ridiculous.

Growing up in Bexley North, this rivalry pitched one side of my street against the other. In fact I’ll never forget Brad Mackay (not the greatest goal kicker you’ve ever seen) nailing a sideline conversion to put Saints ahead in the final seconds at Kogarah in 1990. Final score 9-8. Brilliant. Moving on, the ‘Dogs should be too strong here with a forward pack in good nick after sorting themselves out last week.

My tip: Canterbury 22-14

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights

Round 12 stays at Sydney Olympic Park for Saturday night footy. Geez, they must be pretty confident of the surface out there… a few days before the biggest game of the year. Either way, the Bunnies host the Knights in a battle between two quality football teams looking to bounce back from last start disappointments. South Sydney struggled in the wet at Sharks Stadium whilst the Knights were ambushed over at Mt Smart.

Rugby League, these days, is often a battle of attrition. No longer are we entertained by exciting and gifted footballers who take risks. Now, its percentage football and limiting errors. The 4 halves in this match have certainly learnt their lessons in this regard. Now, they know what it takes to play 1^st grade and you’ll see Reynolds, Sutton, Mullen and Roberts fighting for control here. Adam Reynolds a cut above behind his dominant pack.

My tip: South Sydney 21-14

 

Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys

The entire state of Queensland must be white-knuckling their way through the week in anticipation for this one. They’ve really got nothing else to look forward to. They’ll be champing at the bit, frothing at the mouth, itching in their pants, clawing at the gates, keen as mustard and breathless with anticipation. Ladies and Gentleman, the Titans and the Cowboys from Robina for a super dose of Sunday afternoon football.

If it’s not the amazing Cowboys spine of Greenshields, Morgan, Lui and Kostjasyn that gets the juices flowing here, then it should definitely be the atmosphere at Skilled Park. It’s Queensland’s fiercest rivalry on show in front of a rabid pack of hundreds of banana benders. Confidence will be high amongst the Titans after putting 40 on Parra last week and with their halves intact, they’ll get the biscuits. Dave Taylor gets another shot at first grade in what must be his last.

My tip: Gold Coast 24-12

 

Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors

Brisbane have lost 3 from their past 4 matches to move outside of the top 8 and this is definitely the wrong time of year for the Broncos to be desperate, but they are. With the exception of a few dummy half runs from Justin Hodges, they’ve struggled to chew up metres with the ball and their forwards will need to resolve this before kick-off at Suncorp on Monday night. Perhaps the return of Scott Prince is just the rocket required by the home side.

And they’ll need one, too. The visiting Warriors forward pack are anything but pushovers and the likes of Josh Maguire and Alex Glenn will have their hands full. Specifically Maguire and Glenn, because they are capable of much more than we’ve seen in 2013 so far. So, if the Warriors stick to form, whatever that is, and absolutely crap themselves on the flight over to Australia, Brisbane gets home late. Prince and Glenn the standouts.

My tip: Brisbane 24-20

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

Paully's Picks - Round 11, 2013

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Brisbane Broncos

Round 11 kicks off from ANZ Stadium with the 13^th placed Bulldogs hosting the 6^th placed Brisbane Broncos. A danger game for the ‘Dogs with the origin period coming up and the likeliness of losing their two best attacking players high. Their offensive record this year is not good to start with, so losing Josh Morris and Ben Barba for the rep season could make matters worse. They’ll also be desperate here after last week’s shellacking.

Speaking of shellackings, the Broncos took the Titan’s best shots last week and then dished out some punishment of their own. They can be classy on their day and also grind their way to a win. It’s anyone’s guess what they’ll offer in this match but since I’m the one trying to put words together here, I’ll guess the ‘Dogs can handle whatever comes their way on Friday night. Keep an eye on Mick Ennis sledging best mate Corey Parker for 80 beautiful minutes.

My tip: Bulldogs 18-16

 

Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys

The Tigers have had their troubles recently (you’re welcome), but one way to get out of the muddy, filthy, stinky and disgusting mire they find themselves in right now is to go home to Leichhardt. Another way is to name Benji Marshall at 6, as opposed to the bench. Even another way is to offer your loyal fans a ticket, sausage sandwich and drink for $25. Take a bow Tigers – good karma coming your way. Not to mention a few players back from injury.

Their opponents this Friday night are the boys from Townsville. 4 wins and 6 losses and worse than this, rumours that their most favourite son and most famous footballer, Matthew Bowen, is keen to leave. One way to find light at the end of this tunnel is to play against the team coming last but it won’t be easy. Leichhardt Oval will be heaving with fans hoping for a miracle. The Tigers side will respond with fire but their attack just does not have it in them.

My tip: North Queensland 24-12

 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Penrith Panthers

The Saturday game at 5.30 is not a favourite of league fans and certainly not a favourite of many NRL clubs. This one is different. Kogarah’s WIN Jubilee Oval loves a Satdi arvo game and with the Dragons looking good in Wollongong last week, fans should turn up in droves. They’ll start at the Leagues club across the road – perhaps a pint at the Presidents bar and then wander over to welcome Josh Dugan to the spiritual home of the red V.

So, with the atmosphere well lubricated and the scene set, Penrith make the trip from the foot of the mountains with 2 very impressive victories behind them. A defensive win over the mighty Melbourne Storm followed by a romp through the fields of football fantasy when they put 60 on the Warriors. You wouldn’t normally have 10^th v 12^th on the ladder getting the juices flowing but this will be a beauty. Home ground advantage the difference here.

My tip: Dragons 23-16

 

Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm

Saturday night from Allianz and fingers crossed that Roosters fans will realise how good their club is this year and turn up. This match deserves more than a measly 7k crowd. With rain during the week and with Melbourne notoriously drawing small crowds, the good folk of the Eastern Suburbs may not be able to lure themselves away from some ridiculous boutique restaurant that charges $60 for a 100g scotch fillet and a sliced mushroom.

Moving on. It’s been an impressive year for the chooks and an even more impressive fortnight. After coming away from Brookvale and Townsville with 2 victories, the Roosters are now either exhausted after tackling everything that moved, or simply battle hardened. Let’s go with the latter and tip them again to win at home against the Storm whose attack is not looking good. They may not be able to dress it up in time for this one.

My tip: Roosters 18-16

 

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders

A tough one for the Eagles last week. Their attack surely does miss Brett Stewart and even though Kieran Foran seems to be doing everything in is power to get them home, they just don’t seem to have the points in them. The Raiders coming to town might be good for what ails them, but more so, pride is on the line here for Manly. They’ve lost their last two matches at Brookvale and won’t want to lose another here on Saturday night.

The Raiders can test Manly from all over the park. They can put points on easily; and when you least expect it. The danger for the home side here is if they simply go through the motions of completing their sets, chasing their kicks and winning the wrestle. You have to mean it against the boys from our nation’s capital or Campese and Co will get a sniff and leave you wondering what happened. But not this week. Manly refuse to stink up the joint again.

My tip: Sea Eagles 30-12
 

Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans

An inspiring piece of scheduling brilliance from the NRL. If their promotion of the City v Country fixture in Coffs Harbour this year was not enough to capture the minds of regional NSW, this one surely will. Send the wooden-spooners from the past two years to promote the greatest game of all in beautiful Mudgee and watch the game grow. Where the hell is the sarcasm button on this damn keyboard? Wait, here it is.

Sunday afternoon footy comes to you from the jewel of New South Wales’ central west. Now famous for its fast growing popularity with wine lovers and even more famous as the home of Henry Lawson, Mudgee Can Do No Wrong here as the Eels face the Titans. A May afternoon in The Mountains will have the Titans trying to overcome losing 3 from their past 4. The Eels have also been performing like a Child in the Dark and will not be good enough here. Titans by a nose.

My tip: Gold Coast 19-18

 

New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights

If only a Sydney club could lose by 60 – then we’d have something to read about via the media in this damn town except for the billions of pages and air space dedicated to gambling. The advertising doesn’t really work on people anyway so why all the complaining. Moving on, the Warriors are $2.30 outsiders mid-week and with the 3.5 start, you’d hope their defence improves against a Knights team who are favourites at $1.65.

Newcastle were impressive last Sunday against the Bulldogs and will need to weather an early onslaught from the home side before they run away with this one. Any club worth their salt will bounce back from what the Warriors delivered so we will see what the New Zealanders are made of here. Either way, tough to picture Wayne Bennett not preparing his side well enough for this. Aku Uate plays his 100^th first grade game and the Knights win again.

My tip: Newcastle 26-16

 

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Monday night football comes to you from the wintery wonderland that is Sharks Stadium and make sure you’re not distracted by the announcement of origin teams for this beauty. South Sydney sit atop the table as winners of 9 from 10 and the Sharks have turned a corner and won their past 3 to sit 7^th. Two clubs with pride in their defensive line and a host of superstars on their team sheet, they’ll play out a ripper here.

Adam Reynolds will be tested again as the Cronulla pack picks him out as often as they can while the monsters in the middle for Souths will do the same to Todd Carney. They won’t have much left for attack and their won’t be much space for it anyway. A defensive struggle for 80 minutes with Souths pulling away late. Sam Burgess v Paul Gallen a highlight but it will be Issac Luke and Greg Inglis who are once again a cut above.

My tip: Souths 16-8

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

Capital Insight - Round 10

Hot on the heels of Mothers’ Day Capital Insight ventured to Woden Plaza to purchase a belated present for Mum. With Women in League round in full swing why not pick up a pinked up Raiders jersey? In the frantic scrum of Woden Plaza and yes Capital Insight was looking the other way, an off the ball collision occurred.

The well tattooed offending bumper did not even stop, or look back, or consider the error of their ways. Instead the well groomed bearded man just continued on his way St George jersey in hand towards the check out. Call me old fashioned and aDownton Abbey fan, but an apology would have sufficed before we went separate ways for ever.

I felt like flicking the old fashioned bird.

 

Author: L Bulks

Paully's Picks - Women in League Round, 2013

Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans

Remember all the talk last year from the rugby league talking heads, regarding the Broncos? They looked bigger, faster and stronger than every other side? Remember all that? Probably too dangerous to talk this way in 2013. Might be too suggestive. Either way, Brisbane were starting to look like their old selves until the Rabbitohs rolled over them a fortnight ago followed by a loss to the Eels which would have put the Bronco shareholders in a very bad mood.

The Titans won last week and were also in a very bad mood. Coach John Cartwright at least, definitely did not become a member of the Daniel Anderson fan club with his post-match comments. This Friday night, with the honour of opening the Women in League Round for 2013, let’s hope the Broncos and Titans both turn up with their best offering. If so, Brisbane’s best is better. Keep an eye on Greg Bird and Justin Hodges looking for each other.

My tip: Broncos 20-18




South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers

The Women in League Round continues as the table topping Bunnies host the cellar dwelling Tigers. So, in the tradition of honouring the tireless work of all footy mums, let’s take a moment to honour the mighty DNA of the Burgess’ boys mum, Julie. Speaking of DNA – Is it time to start talking about Greg Inglis possibly being one of the best footballers ever? Honestly. He plays nearly every backline position with class and will be remembered as one of the greatest.

The Wests Tigers of 2013, by contrast, will not be remembered. Unless they find something to cling to on Friday night, this could get very ugly – and by ugly, I mean even uglier than Joel Reddy making himself eligible for Queensland during the week. Fingers crossed he gets a flying GI running at him in a battle of two men who failed basic Geography in high school. South Sydney rolls on and wins well in front of their home fans at ANZ Stadium.

My tip: Rabbitohs 36-12




St George Illawarra Dragons v Parramatta Eels

Your Saturday triple header kicks off from Wollongong as the Dragons host the Eels from WIN Stadium. The Eels continue to surprise. They seem to have bought into Ricky Stuart’s philosophy and are defending like their lives depend on it. Then, there are other times when they look like a team of reserve graders – except for Jarryd Hayne. Hayne has been an almighty influence on the Eels for years but these lasts few weeks have seen him look like a man desperate to win.

His opposite number on Saturday in none other than Josh Dugan. Ironically, Dugan looks like a couple of kids I knew from Arncliffe and Rockdale so he should fit right in at the Dragons, but that’s only half the battle. He must still earn a sign with his name on it – one that only the inventive Dragons’ fans can create. Josh 3:16? Stone Cold Dugan? Perhaps best if I leave it to the red and white army. Speaking of the army, they should have reason to celebrate here.

My tip: Dragons 18-14




Penrith Panthers v New Zealand Warriors

Saturday night from Centrebet and there should be some feeling in this one. The Panthers, somehow, beat the Melbourne Storm last week so confidence must be high amongst this team of children from Sydney’s west. Led ably by Tim Grant, they’ll need to muscle up again this week to hold out the Warriors who looked potent in attack last week but did not have the craftiness to stay in front of the ‘Dogs; Coach Matthew Elliott must be getting frustrated.

Speaking of Elliott, he returns to the foot of the mountains to a team he would not recognise. By contrast, the visitors will look very familiar to former coach and current Panthers mentor, Ivan Cleary. Cleary’s fingerprints are still all over this NZ side but they now struggle for consistency. Fortunately for Warriors fans, they won’t on Saturday night as the home side struggles to keep their end up for two weeks in a row. Shaun Johnson leads the way.

My tip: Warriors 22-12



North Queensland Cowboys v Sydney Roosters

Watching the Cowboys sometimes makes you wonder what on earth they are waiting for. Best 7 on the planet. A star-studded forward pack. The amazing Matthew Bowen and the brave Brent Tate. Feels like this team should be one of the dominant forces in the NRL. They can be in bursts but then you remember how bloody far it is to travel for these Cowboys from North Queensland. This week, they get a reprieve from the kilometres, but not much else.

The Roosters are coming to town. Winners of their last 4 on the trot and most recently, coming away from Brookvale Oval with one of the finest performances you’ll see from a defence this year. They should have too many weapons for the Cowboys on Saturday night but this will be a ripper nonetheless. Michael Jennings v Brent Tate on the edge, with SBW v Tariq Sims up the middle and you have yourself the match of the round.

My tip: Roosters 24-18



Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Canberra Raiders

Plenty of talk mid-week about a possible square up on Josh Papalii after his encounter with Paul Gallen last year. If only we lived in those famous Rugby League times, when revenge would be sought every week on every field, in every game, as opposed to these empty threats. None of the current Sharks forwards will want to wake the sleeping giant that is this Raiders forward pack. But by gum I hope they do.

Speaking of sleeping giants, the boys from our nation’s capital seem to have woken up. They’ve beaten the Storm and crushed the Knights over the past fortnight and come into this match at Sharks Stadium on Sunday afternoon with an air of confidence. They’ll need it. Cronulla have won their past two matches and come home to the shire for the first time in 6 weeks. Home ground advantage the kicker here. Sharks in a tight one.

My tip: Sharks 22-18


Newcastle Knights v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

A week ago, this column predicted the teaching of lessons by Timana Tahu to Blake Ferguson –history now reads that Ferguson scored 3 tries against the Knights legend; and that this same legend has been dumped to reserve grade. So, if its pearls of wisdom you’ve come for – if its crystal ball style previews you are after, best find a gypsy. Speaking of gypsies, Willie Mason comes up against the club that made him famous in what should be a beauty.

The Knights will be under the pump here. They’ve delivered some shoddy second half performances over the past fortnight and against a rejuvenated Bulldogs squad they will need to play the 80 minutes. They won’t. The visitors welcome back Krisnan Inu and could be back to their dangerous best for this. Trent Hodkinson is not part of that dangerous recent history, but ironically has been a major catalyst for this return to form. He delivers again.

My tip: Bulldogs 18-8



Melbourne Storm v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Round 10 comes to a close from AAMI Park in Melbourne as the Storm host their most bitter rivals for Monday Night Football. So bitter, in fact, that it might be the trigger needed by both clubs to bounce back after tough losses last week. Melbourne looked exhausted against Penrith whilst Manly could not crack the amazing defence of the Roosters. Fingers crossed Glenn Stewart or Steve Matai aim up early to stir some feeling into this one.

Either way, Manly’s attack will need to recover from the loss of Brett Stewart quicker than they would like. Melbourne’s defence will be stingy, as usual, so we’ll need to see more from the Eagles than a couple of sweeping plays for their fullback. If not, the Storm will fall comfortably back into their tried and tested formula - Wrestle the stuffing out of the opposition until they give you the ball. It worked in September last year and it should work here.

My tip: Storm 16-12

Paully's Picks - Round 9, 2013

South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys

Round 9 kicks off on Friday night with a blockbuster from Sydney Olympic Park. The 2^nd place Bunnies host the Cowboys at ANZ Stadium and this one will rock the very foundations. A mouth-watering battle between the forwards awaits us with Australia’s number 1 front rower Matt Scott, playing his 150^th first grade game, up against the recently touted number 1 forward in the world, the Rabbitohs’ Sam Burgess.

If that’s not enough to get your old bones ‘a’ rollin’, keep an eye on Roy Asotasi celebrating his 200^th NRL appearance by launching himself at this star-studded Cowboys pack. It’s matches like this that make the shoulder charge rule changes seem unforgiveable and leave us wondering what might have been. But don’t fret, footy fans, there’ll still be plenty to enjoy with Jonathan Thurston and Adam Reynolds going head to head as two of the best generals in the business.

My tip: Souths 22-18

 

Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sutherland Sharks

If the other Friday night match being played across town is a blockbuster, then this must be the lacklustre. The Tigers sit bottom of the table partly due to teething problems under Mick Potter’s new system and partly due to a horror run with injuries. They are struggling. Robbie Farah already seems burnt out after carrying the load and Benji is playing injured. They’ve 5 straight losses are averaging 7 ‘n’ change in attack over that span.

Their opponents at Allianz Stadium this week, the mighty Sharks, sit in 11^th spot on the ladder but just when you think the entire club is about to fold, they continue to surprise as they did in Newcastle last week. They’ve been doing this for decades. Speaking of history, there is a little bit in this match with a number of ex-Tigers playing against their former teammates. Always makes for good viewing so tune in to see the young Tigers try hard but unable to play the 80 minutes.

My tip: Cronulla 17-12

 

New Zealand Warriors v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

What an evening of Rugby League we have coming out of Wellington this Saturday. Two teams that have copped a hammering in the early rounds only to display great patience and finally start showing signs of turning the corner. The Warriors have looked better every week after some horror performances, whilst the Bulldogs have won their past two. They meet at Westpac Stadium this week in a battle showcasing some of New Zealand’s finest.

None finer than Frank Pritchard, who plays his 200^th NRL game in front his home fans and they’ll be turning up in droves. The curtain raiser aint so bad either with the respective NYC teams sitting 5^th and 7^th on the Holden Cup ladder. But when the big boys come out at 5.30pm, it will be desperate. Konrad Hurrell gets a call back to first grade only to face Josh Morris in what must be his greatest challenge to date but the great matchups don’t end there. A beauty.

My tip: Bulldogs 30-20

 

Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos

Your Saturday nightcap from Parra Stadium and fingers crossed the Eels fans have not given up hope just yet. Last week, if not for the miraculous performance of Jarryd Hayne, they could have easily been behind by 20 points early. This would have certainly destroyed the already fragile confidence of the Eels and opened the floodgates for a cricket score. Thankfully for Hayne and his Eels, he turned up every time they needed him.

This week, the Brisbane Broncos come to town and if the home side don’t get their act together early, they’ll be in trouble again. The Broncos get Justin Hodges back and are still sporting a pretty darn good forward pack. Combined with the ever improving halves play of Scott Prince and Peter Wallace, they are winners of 3 from their past 4 and sit 7^th on the ladder. A team of this calibre should not be losing to the 2013 Parramatta Eels.

My tip: Brisbane 18-12

 

 

Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights

Fresh off one of the club’s finest victories, the Raiders host the Knights at Canberra Stadium to kick off your Sunday triple header. This group of kids from our nation’s capital have shown potential for some time but as they say, ‘potential’ just means you haven’t done it yet. Two things about this statement; 1. I don’t know who ‘they’ are and 2. Keith Richards may have been drunk when he spoke these words.

The Knights will have their hands full here. They’ve got plenty of experience in the club to know how to handle the toughest away game in the NRL and they’ll know they need to start strong or the Raiders will run over them. Kurt Gidley celebrates his 200^th NRL match by switching, again, to halfback and he’ll trigger an upset for the visitors. Willie Mason and Kade Snowden lead from the front while Timana Tahu teaches Blake Ferguson a lesson out wide.

My tip: Newcastle 28-22

 

Gold Coast Titans v St George Illawarra Dragons

Channel 9 really are aiming high this year aren’t they? In Rugby League terms, the NRL broadcaster won their grand final last year when they offered the league a billion dollars to show the greatest game of all on your TV screen. Now, they are obviously resting on their laurels. 2^nd rate commentators, 3^rd rate sponsors, delayed telecasts and now their Sunday Match of the Round is this rotten apple from Robina.

Moving on, the Dragons showed plenty of spirit to fight back against Manly last week and they’ll need every bit of it to have any chance against the Titans on Sunday afternoon. Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly have proven they can perform, but still have not proven they can perform each week. A tough ask for any young footballer but the Titans have nowhere else to turn. They needn’t worry though; Saints don’t look to have the points in them this week.

My tip: Gold Coast 24-14

 

Penrith Panthers v The Melbourne Storm

Sunday night football from Centrebet Stadium has the reigning premiers visiting the foot of the mountains in what could be a very scary night for the Panthers. A team of relative no-names, $5.50 outsiders, their 81^st halves combination of the season and all the while the Melbourne Storm are lurking around the corner – cue jaws music. Melbourne lost their first game of the season last week and will be peaking for this one.

So, you won’t find anyone game enough to tip against the Storm here but what Penrith coach Ivan Cleary will be looking for is some spark from his halfback in what must be another tough assignment for Luke Walsh – trying to salvage his NRL career whilst being tossed in and out of the team and now, playing against the world’s best defence. The Storm will not take pity on him and will not take pity on the Panthers. Melbourne by plenty.

My tip: Melbourne 26-6

 

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters

Quite a football team the Roosters have become. Suddenly, on paper, they look to have very few weaknesses except for the occasional loose carry by Daniel Tupou. Just on this – Tupou is odds on to lose the ball at least twice a game but unfortunately there is no market to be found on this one. Moving on, the Roosters are sitting 3^rd on the ladder and also sitting pretty as owners of the best attack and defence in the NRL, statistically speaking.

Another huge challenge for them as they take on the Eagles at Brookvale. Manly sit just below the chooks on the competition table but go into this one as minor favourites with the boisterous support of their fans giving them an edge. Monday night football gives you your match of the round and what a beauty this will be. The two best five-eighths in the competition go head to head behind some very talented forwards. Speaking of forwards, this is where the Roosters have the goods.

My tip: Roosters 18-16

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

Paully's Picks - Round 8

Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Craig Coleman era, the Paul Langmack era and to a lesser extent, the ‘book of feuds’ era; Well, this sketchy and unsuccessful past is now consigned to the part of your brain that also holds memories of bad relationships, embarrassing late night antics and that time you peed your pants in kindergarten – they never happened. Why? The South Sydney Football club was referred to as the ‘benchmark’ this week by their foes on Friday night, the mighty Brisbane Broncos.

Amazing. This is more than just swings and roundabouts, my friends, this is officially the resurgence of the game’s most famous club and it’s most successful club. That said, history will mean nothing to the Broncos on Friday night as they aim to protect home turf and win their 4^th straight. Discipline will be the key here. They didn’t show much of it against the Tigers last week and anything similar this week will have them defending their line for 80 minutes.

My tip: South Sydney 18-16

 

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Wests Tigers

It has been a long, long time since the Bulldogs were $1.17 favourites in a match like this but seems fair enough considering they are playing against a team of shopkeepers from Leichardt Market Town. The ‘Dogs notched up their second win of the season last week so confidence may be high, but it’s their enthusiasm in the opening exchanges that will be tested here. Friday night, under lights at ANZ Stadium against a team with nothing to lose.

So, with the Tigers website overloaded with traffic this week, let’s dispense with the introductions to some of Campbelltown’s finest and simply say that these kids will have to be broken in a bit quicker than expected. Curtis Sironen and Jacob Miller have what it takes to play 1^st grade, certainly, but it’s the much improved Trent Hodkinson who will be the difference in this one. As always, Mick Ennis v Robbie Farah a highlight. 

My tip: Bulldogs 22-12 

 

 

The Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders 

A beauty from AAMI Park in Melbourne to kick off your Saturday night as the Storm host the Raiders. The story here must be Terry Campese. Two games back and he was in everything last week. Kicking well, tackling well. Under the skin of the opposition. Picking fights. Sledging Matt Scott. Canberra gave it a huge crack against the Cowboys and even though they came up short when the pressure was applied, this inspired attitude came from Campese.

So, with a big step in the right direction for the Green Machine, they now face the undefeated league leaders in a match where they are huge underdogs. Canberra put on a show last time they visited the Victorians but Bellamy and his boys will have revenge on their minds and the Raiders could suffer for it. Fingers crossed Campese has his mouth running and his game backs it up. He’ll do his best to inspire but there is simply no way past the Storm right now. 

My tip: Melbourne 24-6

 

 

Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys 

What an entertaining bunch these Parramatta Eels have become. Making the headlines each week for one reason or another, they seem to be a hot topic of discussion whether they win or lose. A Ricky Stuart trait. Well, coach Stuart did warn us that it could get a lot worse before it got better and by gum, he was right. Last Monday night’s performance heralded Stuart’s career as a psychic and the Eels future as bleak. 

This Saturday night at Parramatta Stadium, Eels fans have another chance to either voice their displeasure, or get behind a team of misfits. Fingers crossed for the latter because Jonathan Thurston and his all-star forward pack are coming to town. The Cowboys are also capable of some bad performances, but this won’t be one of them. Parra’s 3 debutants would do well to avoid the likes of Sims, Scott and Tamou. Good luck. 

My tip: North Queensland 32-18

 

 

New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans

 

Since the departure of Preston Campbell, the Titans seem to be missing a certain quality. Campbell was the inspirational and cultural leader of the football team. Watching them last week, one couldn’t help but think they are now in desperate need of leadership and inspiration. Nate Myles and Greg Bird should be taking the mantle from Luke Bailey. But they aren't. Injuries to Ash Harrison and others don't help, but they just don't seem inspired.  

This could eventually spell disaster for any club, especially when you are about to cross the Tasman to face a slowly improving Warriors team sitting on the bottom of the table and on a 3 match losing streak. They’ll be desperate. The Titans will bring their predictable brand to Mt Smart Stadium to kick off your Sunday triple header, but it may not be enough. Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke find some possession and find some hope. 

My tip: Warriors 23-22 

 

Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sutherland Sharks

The Knights looked every bit a Wayne Bennet coached football team last week. They took the home side’s best shots early – completed their sets – limited their errors – bored the crap out of us for 50 minutes and then ran away with the game when the opposition was completely broken down. The Sharks, by contrast, blew their best shots early and never recovered. Todd Carney set up a bunch of tries but the likes of Pomeroy, Stapleton, Ryan and Wright simply don’t have it.

Their forwards continue to plug away but everything else revolves around the grind. Not good enough these days and not good enough to beat the Knights at Hunter Stadium on Sunday afternoon. They’ll no doubt be more cohesive with Carney after last week and bring a better performance to such a big game, but in the end, don’t have enough points to cover the home side. Newcastle finishes on top and beat Cronulla for the 6^th straight time.  

My tip: Newcastle 22-14 

 

Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers

An inspired performance by the Panthers last Monday night may have shocked some onlookers but would have definitely made the people of Penrith a happy bunch. Me? It made me vomit in my mouth a little bit about how bad the Eels could actually play. But we digress. The Panthers have not lost any of their pride in a season where they’ve had a 5 match losing streak and about as many halves combinations over that time.

Stand by, Penrith fans; they may lose a little bit of that pride on Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters are 3^rd on the ladder but more importantly are playing a very scary style of football. They aim up in defence and are not scared to take risks in attack with coach Trent Robinson seemingly imploring his superstars to do what they do best. The end result is a forward pack not afraid to throw it around and a back-line reaping the rewards. 

My tip: Roosters 30-12 

 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 

Round 8 of the season comes to a close with Monday Night Football from Kogarah. WIN Jubilee Oval turns its lights on for the first time this year as the Dragons host the Sea Eagles and this one will start with a bang. The Eagles will be seething from their loss at home to the Bunnies last week and even without the explosiveness of Steve Matai to set the tone, Manly won’t be gun shy and won’t be keen to lose two in a row. 

They won’t. The Dragons might be refreshed from a 10 day break between games but they’ll need more than that to bust through the visitors’ league leading defence and when they can’t, it will be curtains. Jamie Lyon v Matt Cooper will be a highlight but the middle of the field is where the visitors will do some damage. Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart the standouts as the Eagles flex their muscle and get back to the winners circle. 

My tip: Manly 20-12

 

 

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