Paully's Picks - Round 16, 2013

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders

Catch your breath, whack on your raincoat and get ready for round 16 of the Premiership. The NRL simply does not stop for anybody and with Origin 2 still fresh in our minds and our broken hearts, South Sydney host the Raiders from ANZ Stadium on Friday night. September last year had these two young teams facing each other for a birth in the GF qualifier and that night, Adam Reynolds’ supreme kicking game was the difference.

Some top class footballers on show here with Reynolds’ and Terry Campese’s battle a highlight, but the Raiders may fall behind everywhere else. They played well enough at Campbelltown last week to win but did not get any luck. This week, they’ll need more than luck to outplay the league leaders. Canberra’s defense will be willing but their attack won’t have enough to trouble the Bunnies. Souths run away late with Sam Burgess a standout.

My tip: Souths 22-6

 

Wests Tigers v Melbourne Storm

The Storm do not have a great record at Leichhardt but not many do. One of the few remaining suburban grounds that give you a tingle in that special place that white-collar types don’t like to talk about. They ignore that tingle and only think of the bigger stadiums and bigger profits with corporate boxes and shelter from the rain. Boring. The home of the Tigers will come alive on Saturday night. Both teams have won 3 from their past 4 but you wouldn’t know it.

It will be soaking wet and the surface may not hold up, but Robbie Farah and Cameron Smith will treat us to another master class in ruck play and toughness. There is nothing between these two and they’ll be remembered as two of the best rakes to ever play our game. On this occasion, it will be Smith who comes away with the points as the weather suits the Storm style more than it does the home side. Jason Ryles’ kicking game also a difference.

My tip: Melbourne 12-8

 

Penrith Panthers v St George Illawarra Dragons

Only a few weeks ago, the mighty Panthers marched into Kogarah’s WIN Jubilee Stadium and marched out with a smile on their face, two premiership points and a clean sheet. They’ve had two byes, two losses and a couple of Salary Cap dramas since that night whilst the Dragons have gone 1 from 3 and had their five eighth shipped to England. Rugby League can be a miserable hobby and an angry beast sometimes.

On Saturday night at the foot of the mountains, the weather might be miserable and angry but it will not dampen the spirits of the Penrith locals. They’ve a young team, a brand new attitude and playing against a team with the 2^nd worst attack in the competition. In fact, this was many league fans’ prediction as the season began and 16 weeks later, Saints are still looking for points. They won’t find enough this weekend as Penrith get their first win in a month.

My tip: Panthers 19-12

Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans

Who the hell is paying the Titans travel bills? This club was on the brink of collapse last year and now sit 5^th on the NRL ladder with a 7 and 6 record. Not great, but not bad at all for a patched together forward pack, a bits and pieces backline and a pair of halves who still look like they should be playing schoolboy footy. On the field though, Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly are playing with wisdom beyond their years and slowly learning that they need to be the leaders of this club.

The Knights, meanwhile, have all the money they could want, arguably the most respected coach in the NRL and somewhat of an all-star cast. Funnily enough, they’ve lost 6 from their past 7 matches including their last 4. They go into this game as favourites for the simple reason that they are playing at home on a Sunday afternoon. According to many of Rugby League’s talking heads, Newcastle are tough to beat in that situation. They are 2 from 3 on the season.

My tip: Knights 20-12

New Zealand Warriors v Brisbane Broncos                                         

Sunday afternoon footy comes to you from Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Could be cold. The Broncos have a few rep players backing up and the home side are heavy favourites. The Warriors’ massive turnaround is mostly due to their forwards play, but the highlight has been Shaun Johnson. His battle against Peter Wallace will be interesting. In attack, Johnson makes Wallace look like an old lady crossing the road, on crutches, with arthritis, when it’s raining, and wearing only one shoe.

I wouldn’t say that to Wallace’s face for two reasons. 1. Because I’m pretty shy in public and 2 because he is one tough bastard. Defensively, Wallace can still knock ‘em over and has never been a liability in this area, as many halfbacks are. However, what will hamper the Broncos is their cohesion in attack. The Warriors, somehow, have the momentum and in front of their home fans on Sunday afternoon, they won’t disappoint.

My tip: New Zealand 24-18

North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks

Sunday night footy from the tropical north has the Cowboys hosting the 6th placed Sharks. Cronulla have won 5 of their past 6 and behind the play of Todd Carney, are looking good. The home side, by contrast, were on a 5 match losing streak until they beat the Dragons in Wollongong a fortnight ago. A good sign, but not a great sign. They’ll need their big name forward pack to muscle up against a very physical Sharks side.

This will be their biggest challenge, but the Sharks have a challenge of their own. The Cronulla forwards are elite and work hard each week, only to watch their backline fumble about in the dark like a virgin at schoolies week. Believe me, I should know. The Sharks three-quarter line lacks ball skills and attacking nous but really, all they need to do is follow Todd Carney everywhere. They get it right this time.

My tip: Cronulla 18-16

Sydney Roosters v Manly Sea Eagles

Monday night from Allianz. Your match of the round has the Eagles travelling across the bridge to face the Roosters. 3 v 4 on the ladder but 15 v 16 in your hearts. The battle of the Silvertails has written many chapters but in round 9 this year, the Roosters put pen to paper and put Manly to the sword at Brookvale. Since that night, with a draw against Melbourne and a couple of bye weeks in between, Manly have only 1 win.

The Eagles might find some respite this week with the Roosters halves mentally fatigued and their defence not as solid as it once was, but only if their forwards aim up and get good field position. They won’t. The chooks have plenty of firepower with JWH, SBW and FPN ready to take on the Eagles. This will go down to the final moments with the Roosters holding on in a beauty. Michael Jennings v Jamie Lyon a highlight in the 122^nd meeting between these clubs.

My tip: Roosters 18-12

Paully's Picks - State of Origin II, 2013

Queensland v New South Wales

And so the New South Wales Blues find themselves only 80 minutes away from winning the 2013 State of Origin Series. It feels almost ridiculous to even contemplate. This Queensland team has been so good for so long that the image of Paul Gallen holding up the shield still seems a fantasy. Does it all become a reality at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night?

One thing is certain; it will be the toughest match these New South Welshman have played in their footballing lives. The Maroons have spoken outwardly of revenge, they’ve spoken outwardly of unfair play and their fans will be loud and angry, as usual. But this time they'll be fuelled by more than just booze and a bloodlust for victory. Maroons players and fans have a way of assuming they are hard-done-by and downtrodden in the most bizarre circumstances. It’s what makes Origin great and by gum, it is great.

You just need to look at the response to the Nate Myles affair in Game 1 to see that many people had never before witnessed the greatest rivalry in Australian sport. Origin deserves this kind of attention and will demand it again in Game 2.

Cameron Smith and his front rowers will need to stop a dominant Blues forward pack and they'll do whatever it takes to control the ruck and the advantage line. NSW will not back down and the result will be 80 minutes of high tension and high niggle as promised by the Queenslanders after the series opener. The ruck could get messy but after the Smith and Robbie Farah have their say, we’ll be quickly reminded that Jonathan Thurston played injured in Game 1.

Perhaps because Luke Lewis ran at him all night but either way, one of the most influential players in Queensland's last few campaigns was not right to go. He will be this time and he'll have 50,000 screaming rednecks behind him. A huge ask for New South Wales. With two debutants in their starting side and a rabid opponent, they’ll be on the back foot early. It’s how they finish that will matter most here but this mountain will be a tough one to climb.

My tip: I pass out before kick-off in a fit of origin excitement

Man of the Match tip: Jonathan Thurston

Paully's Picks - Round 15, 2013

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters

Round 15 kicks off with what should have been another gripping chapter to one of the great rivalries of the NRL, the ‘Dogs and the Chooks. In their last meeting, a much hyped and much anticipated round 6 match at Allianz Stadium quickly turned into a bloodbath with the Roosters winning 38-0. Since that night, the ‘Dogs have won 7 from 8, including 4 in the trot to sit 7^th on the ladder. The Roosters have hardly skipped a beat either and are still placed in the top 4.

Unfortunately, the two teams in this run of good form won’t be the teams you see on Friday night. The rep calendar has destroyed this match but both forward packs are relatively intact so be prepared of another physical contest between two powerhouses of the NRL. The Bulldogs are heavy favourites to exact revenge and with Trent Hodkinson outplaying the replacement Roosters halves combo of Dan Mortimer and Mitch Aubusson, they will.

My tip: Bulldogs 20-12

 

Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders

Tough to watch the Tigers last Monday night. Firstly because it may have been labelled in this ‘column’ as an ‘upset of the week’ and secondly because they looked like little boys playing against men. A number of soft tries in their match against the Broncos last week but more importantly, little to no resolve in their defensive middle. The Tigers simply were not tough enough and this must have been very hard to swallow for a proud club.

Well, things will only get tougher if the Tigers can’t harden up this week and the loyal Campbelltown crowd may not like what they see. The Raiders are coming to town on Saturday night in Sydney’s west and even with Josh Papalii on rep duties; you won’t find a harder pack of forwards than the Green Machine. They’ll do plenty of damage and then Terry Campese and co will take over against a retreating defensive line. Campo a standout.

My tip: Raiders 30-20

 

Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Sunday afternoon at Parramatta Stadium has the table topping Bunnies heading west to face the NRLs cellar dwellers, the Eels. Parra fans surely are at their wits end. They’ve not finished higher than 8^th since 2008 and have delivered plenty of reserve grade level performances already this year. Now, Eels fans are expected to wait another year with Coach Ricky Stuart essentially treating this season as a write-off.

Well, what better way to promote this blockbuster than to inspire your members to get out to the game the way Parramatta have. South Sydney, by contrast, have rewarded their long suffering fans with a remarkable season so far and even with their try scorers missing from this match, they’ll be very, very hard to beat. Adam Reynolds and Issac Luke lead the way again here as Parramatta realises they paid for the wrong halfback.

My tip: Souths 28-8

 

Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm

Monday night football comes from Skilled Park to close out round 15 and with a much anticipated origin II only 48 hours after this match; you’ll forgive NRL fans for not being too engaged here. Pity, there is plenty to like about the contrasting styles of the Titans and the Storm. Melbourne have been as good as ever in defence and will bring that same attitude to Robina, while the Titans have shown some streaks of excitement with the ball.

So, with the Storm development structure being tested here, we welcome five eighth Ben Hampton to first grade to partner a man 10 years his senior, Brett Finch. Fantastic. What better way to make your debut than right next to Finch for a weekend in the Gold Coast. Hampton will come away from his time with Finch a smoking, drinking, giggling, bona fide 1^st grader. Long may it continue. On the field, the Titans are favourites and their spine should outscore the replacements from Melbourne.

My tip: 18-12

 

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

 

Fortress Brookvale – A Happy Place.

The face of racism rears its ugly head once again. Last Friday night, a number of Manly Sea Eagles fans allegedly hurled, among other things, racial abuse at Ben Barba, Dene Halatau and the wife of Frank Pritchard (as she sat in the Brookvale Oval stands).

There are also accusations of spitting at Barba and Halatau. I mean, it doesn’t get much lower does it? So, where is the uproar? Where is the condemnation of this behaviour and why has the Manly board not been forced to front a rabid media scrum, waiting to fill its pages with actual drama, rather than the manufactured kind? When do we see the ramifications? Or even an attempt at justice?

Manly have nothing to hide, do they? Or is Chairman Mr Rick Penn still under investigation for racial vilification? Did he, whilst in a board meeting, use one of the most offensive terms you could possibly use to colleague and proud Samoan, Darrell Williams a month ago? Williams says yes and was insulted enough to write this letter.

So let’s not generalise at this point about the entire Northern Beaches district. Let’s just say that Rick Penn of Penn Sport, Co-owner of the Manly Sea Eagles, has his racial demons… and then let’s say that a few Manly locals have theirs as well. Let’s move on? Perhaps we are too sensitive these days? No.

26 June 2005. Bulldogs at Brookvale. Friends and I attend on a wet and grey Sunday afternoon. Second half – the crowd turns on us after we celebrate another Bulldogs try. “You rapists!”… Not so much racially charged, but at the height of Bulldogs hatred around the NRL, it was not a shock. But then this – ‘you dirty wogs, why don’t you go back to where you came from?”. A good question. It does take ages to get out of the Brookvale car park, (there isn’t one) so maybe with the result a forgone conclusion, we should leave early? No. My mate decides it’s time to make a stand against our new friend, “But I live in North Sydney!”…

Imagine if this happened at ANZ stadium and a Bulldogs fan was accused of abuse or intimidation of a visiting Manly fan. Can you even imagine what would happen if a Canterbury Bankstown supporter spat at a player? Your local tabloid would launch a six page spread and your trusted free-to-air TV station would launch a full scale investigation, hosted by the great Danny Wielder. It may have even pushed sexism and politics to the middle pages. Maybe.

So, back to Brookvale on that beautiful day - the game finishes and the lovely woman who hurled the aforementioned abuse is sitting, forlorn. Her beloved Sea Eagles trudge off the field with their heads down – but her son approaches my mate, offers him a handshake. Perhaps the next generation won’t have as tough a time.

Paully's Picks - Round 14

Manly Sea Eagles v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Half way through season 2013 – the more things change, the more they stay the same. The ‘Dogs and the Eagles have found themselves in familiar territory; in the top 8 and in elite company. The Eagles might be under a bit of pressure when it comes to the latter after winning just 1 from their past 4, but they still sit 4^th on the ladder and still own the 2^nd best defensive record in the NRL. The Bulldogs are winners of 6 from their last 7, sitting 7^th.

So, a semi-final replay from last year and if you remember that night, you’ll remember James Graham, Mick Ennis, Steve Matai and Jason King all having plenty to say to each other. A glorious occasion and one that reminds us there is no love lost between these clubs. This time, Brookvale will welcome Tony Williams and the ‘Dogs with disdain but the visitors have more to worry about than a hostile atmosphere. Manly will be ready to rip in here.

My tip: Manly 18-12

 

St George Illawarra Dragons v North Queensland Cowboys

The Soap Opera that has become the North Queensland Cowboys; a 5 match losing streak, talk of player revolt and the firing of coaches, the Bowen/Thurston injuries. Now, in the midst of a disastrous season, just when the Cowboys were hoping to see some light at the end of tunnel, all they saw were the flashing of police lights and a drunken front rower. Tough times made even tougher by a trip to Wollongong on Friday night.

If the Cowboys are be playing out a soap opera, the Dragons must be an infomercial. Still trying to entertain but mostly just boring the hell out of viewers. There is the occasional highlight in the form of Josh Dugan but otherwise, their young forwards are struggling to get it done. Fear not, Dragon army. WIN Stadium on a cold and wet evening is just what the doctor ordered to guarantee a good performance and guarantee 2 wins in a row.

My tip: Dragons 18-12

 

Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers

The Green Machine have not only won every game at home this year, but have made it look easy in recent weeks. Their performance against the Broncos last Monday night, if not for a lazy few minutes in the second half, was dominating. The visiting Panthers will know what they are in for here with Ivan Cleary again mapping out a game plan to suit his players and suit the conditions. He and the Panthers will slow this one down.

Terry Campese and the Raiders will want to speed things up in your Saturday 5.30 match from our nation’s capital but they won’t find it easy. They are huge favourites here but the visitors will brave the single figure temperatures and keep things close. In the end though, the Raiders have too much firepower over the 80 minutes. A Robinson family reunion with plenty of speed on show here but the home town forwards will decide the result.

My tip: Canberra 20-12

 

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Parramatta Eels

Saturday night from the Shire has the Sharks hosting the Parramatta Eels; looks like it will take a monumental effort from the blue and gold’s to pull off the upset here. Whilst Cronulla were bludgeoned to death at AAMI Park last week, they were previously winners of 4 straight including a huge victory against the league leading Rabbitohs. The Eels, by contrast, are missing their two best attacking weapons in Jacob Loko and Jarryd Hayne. Heaven help them.

Cronulla shouldn’t waste any time here. The visitors have a horrendous away record and the Sharks will be armed to the teeth and should use their weapons with no fear of reprisal. Skipper Paul Gallen returns from his media tour, Luke Lewis and Andrew Fafita will be refreshed and its lights out Parra. Todd Carney has been in rare form of late and should have his way with the Eels defensive line, but only if his outside backs can finish as they should.

My tip: Cronulla 30-12

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Gold Coast Titans

The Titans road show keeps on truckin’ this week as they head to Barlow Park in Cairns to take on the mighty South Sydney Rabbitohs. Your Sunday afternoon triple header kicks off in style amidst the balmy conditions from Tropical North Queensland and it’s the Bunnies who go in as favourites. Rightly so, but it won’t be easy. Both teams come off a fortnights rest and the Gold Coast are winners of 3 from their past 4 but I won’t be talking them up any more.

South Sydney are elite. Adam Reynolds has the control and patience of a Greg Alexander or Ricky Stuart circa 1991. He kicks beautifully, defends bravely and gets his forwards and backs the ball at the right times. Not a line breaker as were the aforementioned legends of Rugby League but the game has surely changed since then. Now that the Adam Reynolds fan club meeting is over, Souths defense is the difference here and they run away late.

My tip: Rabbitohs 24-6

 

Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights

The Knights. Oh dear. They’ve lost 5 of their past 6 matches and watching them last week, it seemed like the mercenaries bought in by Wayne Bennett may have lost their mojo. Beau Scott, Neville Costigan and Jeremy Smith may have won a competition with Bennett’s Dragons in 2010, but their toughness in defense seems to have slipped a little. Playing at home against the struggling red V last week, they didn't look good. Or confident.

This back row trio has not given Mullen and Roberts many options in attack, either. They seem to be missing a leader and this week will surely test them again. So, from the same laptop that bought you an ‘upset of the week’ last round with the Sharks tipped to beat Melbourne, here comes another gift of Nostradamus style predictions. Credibility, thy name is Mitry. Melbourne – please let me back on the bandwagon? Knights not slick enough to bust through the Storm defence.

My tip: Melbourne 19-6

 

Sydney Roosters v New Zealand Warriors

If you’ve got something left in the tank after a Sunday trip to Cairns and then down to Melbourne, don’t miss this nightcap from Moore Park as the Roosters host the New Zealand Warriors. A beauty. The Warriors, somehow, have won 3 straight since losing by 60 to the Panthers and it looks like someone put a rocket up the one and only Feleti Mateo. He has been relentless in his search for a weak defender or a hole in the opposition. This will be a bigger test for the visitors.

The Roosters still hold the NRL’s best defensive record and still boast an all-star squad of rep footballers, rugby union converts, young whippersnappers and old hardheads. James Maloney leads the way again here against his former teammates and if he is on his game, he’ll be keen to unleash Michael Jennings on a bewildered Konrad Hurrell as often as possible. Could be a long night for Hurrell and the Warriors.

My tip: Roosters 30-14

 

Brisbane Broncos v Wests Tigers

Father time is a horrible, horrible beast and this bastard does not relent in ageing some of our finest footballers. If that last sentence made any sense, please email me back and explain it to me. 8 years ago, Benji Marshall and Scott Prince were at the peak of their powers and together, brought the rugby league world to a standstill when they destroyed the dreams of a star-studded Dragons club and won the 2005 NRL premiership.

Dateline 2013 – Benji’s been knocked around some; Scott Prince is mired in a Broncos slump of 5 losses from their past 6 where their defence has allowed an average of 27 points per game. Both teams are in need of some inspiration from their oldest and wisest if they are to turn their respective seasons around. This Monday night at Suncorp it will be Benji and the Tigers, through sheer willpower, who continue their fight back to win 3 in a row.

My tip: Wests 24-18

 

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

 

That'll do Gordy, that'll do.

Gorden Tallis. 17 origins, 8 tests and 1 as Captain, 266 first grade games, 2 premierships, 1998 Clive Churchill Medallist and a member of the Indigenous Team of the Century. They didn’t call him the Raging Bull for nothing and if you remember watching Gorden’s eyes glaze over when he ran onto a footy field, you’ll remember why they did. Gorden Tallis can say whatever he likes, whenever likes.

This brings us to Gorden’s eruption regarding New South Wales captain Paul Gallen’s run-in with Nate Myles in Origin 1. We can call it an eruption because Tallis is letting fly with a red hot burning tongue and not leaving any New South Welshman untouched. The focus of his ire is Gallen.

To paraphrase – Tallis has essentially accused Gallen of being a cheap shot merchant, questioning his ethics. GT has told everyone who will listen that the attack on Myles was unfair because, at the time of contact, two other blues’ forwards already had Myles held down in a tackle. He then says that punches were then thrown when Nate’s arms were down. Not done yet, when responses made it clear that Gallen was seeking revenge, Tallis changed his tune and asked why Gallen didn’t attack when the initial crimes were committed.

Playground arguing at its best.

We’ve now realised that Tallis is not making any sense, so considering the history of origin and his own history, we must ask why this kind of reaction from one of the most aggressive forwards ever to play league? Easy one.

Tallis is very much aware that his Queensland forwards were completely outplayed last Wednesday night and his attack on the blues’ captain is nothing more than a smokescreen. We aint talking about how good origin is or how well NSW played are, we are too busy talking about Gorden. Smart move by Tallis. He is taking the attention away from the Maroons and Mal after a sub-par performance from the best origin team ever assembled.

His contrived outbursts also act as a distraction for NSW, who should be focussing on nothing else except being 80 minutes away from holding up the Origin shield for the first time in 8 years. We now find ourselves consumed with a discussion about ‘who started it’, rather than, ‘let’s finish it”. The Blues will need to shift focus quickly because the Maroons are still a bloody good football team and Origin II is just around the corner.

A tip of the hat to Tallis for protecting his beloved QLD but one can’t help but feel like Laurie Daley, Trent Barrett, Jim Dymock and the rest of the New South Wales squad know exactly what’s going on. One can’t also help but feel like Tallis is minutes away from giving up this sham and actually assuming his former on-field personality. That look in the eye is still there and the bull still rages on but this one is getting boring, Gordy.

State of Origin 1, 2013 - the fallout.

Back on your perch, this is Origin.

I don’t care if Paul Gallen’s action were right or wrong – I’m not that kind of blogger. But the reaction to the punches thrown by Gallen during State of Origin 1 last Wednesday have been uneducated and mostly, ridiculous.

Perhaps it’s just the fallout of new media and the exponential growth of twitter that allows traditional rugby league fans to hear the voices of those who have never seen an origin game, or perhaps a game of NRL. Or perhaps some media types have never forgiven or forgotten Paul Gallen’s murky history with foul play. Perhaps…

But what we are hearing from social commentators is basically this – if you condone the sort of violence perpetuated by the NSW captain against his QLD rival, then you are immoral. Ha? If what Gallen is saying is true, then every footballer will agree with his action. Nate Myles had taken the laws of rugby league and flushed them down the toilet. Nate Myles had gone beyond what is acceptable and Nate Myles deserved a smack in the face.

Leading with the head? Attacking a fellow competitor’s injury? What are watching here, WWE? For those commentators who see a punch thrown or a swinging arm and feel the need to lecture us all about violence in sport and bad examples set for our children, I’ve two things to say to you: 1: go jam yourselves and 2: educate yourself.

The reaction from every Origin explosion has been the same up to this point – it is discussed and replayed ad nauseam but never has one man been vilified by both states. They usually pick sides. Example – Kurt Gidley being gang bashed by 5 Queenslanders, the Brent Tate punch on a tied down, defenseless Greg Bird and then one more tiny little example you may remember – THE 7 MILLION PUNCH UPS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN ORIGIN OVER THE PAST 33 YEARS!

Am I taking crazy pills!?! What was so different about Gallen’s swinging arm and 3 punch combination to the head of a bully? That it didn’t even seem to hurt Myles? That it seemed unprovoked? I don’t get it. There are reams of footage showing Myles lead with his head in tackles and all you have to have is the basic knowledge of rugby league to see that Myles throws himself at opposition runners a little differently than anyone else.

So why the talk of violence in society? Surely with a bit more investigation, education and common sense, you'll see two sides to the story and perhaps even learn a lesson about how to take on a bully and stand up for yourself. Maybe these social commentators have never watched Origin before, never watched footy in general – perhaps too busy on the internet to play sport... So I assume our marketing is working. Congratulations to the NRL and both Origin camps for making yourselves available for promotional duties.

Rugby League is the talk of the town and the ratings for Suncorp Stadium’s Origin II will be through the roof.

Paully's Picks - Round 13, 2013

Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters

Fortress Parra? Don’t laugh. The Eels have quietly amassed a record of 3 wins from 4 starts at Parramatta Stadium this season. Quite an effort considering how bad some of their overall performances have been in 2013 but they’ve somehow been inspired when defending the Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling hills. Well, they’ll need all the inspiration they can muster on Friday night to open round 13.

The 8 and 3 Roosters are coming to town and bringing the second best attack in the comp with them. Will this attack be on song and ready to deliver? Hard to say with their 7 and 6 just 48 hours removed from one of the biggest games of their lives but if Maloney and Jennings have their legs, the Eels and their new found fortress are in trouble. Reni Maitua plays his 150^th first grade game in what must be a bittersweet moment. Maybe just bitter.

My tip: Roosters 28-12

 

Newcastle Knights v St George Illawarra Dragons

Saturday night football from the Hunter brings you another dose of Wayne Bennett v former understudy Steve Price. In their last meeting, Saints were hot to trot from the beginning and held on for a big win at Kogarah. In just two short months since that match, the Dragons have lost 5 from 7 and also lost their star playmaker. Jamie Soward dropped to the Illawarra Cutters in another example of why the NRL’s contract signing system is a failure.

The Knights have not fared much better since round 5, but will be very happy to come home after a fortnight of struggles against the Warriors and Bunnies. They’ll start favourites and rightly so with the Dragons not slick enough in attack to threaten for sustained periods. The Nathan Fein / Chase Stanley combination is unproven and unimpressive. Hunt and Weyman v Mason and Snowden one of the few highlights here.

My tip: Newcastle 24-10

 

North Queensland Cowboys v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

The Bulldogs will travel to Townsville as favourites on Saturday night and with the number of Cowboys backing up after Origin, combined with their recent struggles, it comes as no surprise. They’ve lost 4 in a row and averaged just over 12 points in attack over that span. Not good numbers for a club boasting the Australian number 6, the NRLs reigning try scoring champion and a bunch of forwards that should be beating the crap out of people every week.

So, this match pits 9 v 12 on the ladder but momentum is huge here with the visitors winners of 5 from their past 6. Good form to take to 1300SMILES Stadium and they’ll need it. The Cowboys will be desperate and with Neil Henry in his third year away from the distraction of the Queensland Origin team, the club will be expecting something positive. They may not get it. The Bulldogs forwards should enjoy the conditions up north and Ben Barba should see some space.

My tip: Canterbury 20-12

 

Penrith Panthers v Wests Tigers

The stench of democracy has finally left the foot of the mountains and it’s been replaced by the wonderful smell of dictatorial success. Ivan Cleary looked up to the heavens and said, “Gus, lemme do it my way” and the heavens responded with a resounding, “yes, yes, yes, yes, yes”. ‘Vale’ Michael Jennings, ‘au revoir’ Luke Lewis and ‘pack your bags’ Michael Gordon. What the mighty Panthers have at their club now is one voice and a 3 match winning streak.

Ladies and Gentleman, the Penrith Panthers sit in 8^th spot on the NRL ladder. Believe it; they’re in semi-final contention and in for a bright future. Speaking of the Panthers future, this Sunday afternoon has them facing the bottom of the table Tigers at Centrebet Stadium. The Tigers had lost 7 in a row before sneaking one away against the Cowboys at Leichhardt but this could be too big of a mountain to climb for Robbie Farah and his rag tag collection of footballers.

My tip: Penrith 18-8

 

New Zealand Warriors v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

The Warriors seem to be getting their flow on lately. 3 weeks ago they were flushed by the Panthers but since that moment, it’s all been golden. They dominated the Knights at home and then left a stench on the Broncos last Monday night that will be very difficult to wash off. They now take this form home to Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday afternoon to face the visiting Eagles but this task could see them again leaking points.

Ably led by whiz kids Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke, the home side will come out hoping to slash Manly to pieces, but they’ll be disappointed. The Eagles may have travelled far but to their fans relief, they’ll be ready to go in this one. DCE and Kieran Foran will lead the way here against a Warriors side busting with confidence but with the visitors defence ranked 2^nd in the competition, Manly finish number 1 in this match.

My tip: Manly 28-20

 

Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks

As always, we’ll have to wait until kick off to find out if Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy starts with, or even plays his Origin representatives. For the Sharks, we may hazard a guess and suggest that Captain Paul Gallen may miss this one and Luke Lewis might be a little too exhausted after his Man of the Match performance on Wednesday night. Either way, two defensive minded teams will look to out-grind each other on Sunday night at AAMI Park.

The Storm are heavy favourites mid-week but with the Sharks’ spine intact and on a 4 match winning streak, this one will go down to the wire. Australian Captain Cam Smith plays his 250^th 1^st grade game but while he is taking a bow at this achievement, Todd Carney and the visitors will be plotting his demise. And they’ll succeed in both your match of the round and your upset of the week. Cronulla get revenge for last year’s Melbourne miracle in the corresponding fixture.

My tip: Cronulla 12-8

 

Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos

Only in Canberra can you get this kind of promotional genius. Supporters of the mighty Green Machine, as well as the 14 Broncos fans in attendance on Monday night, can enjoy a Toboggan ride, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts. A Winter Wonderland at Canberra Stadium to celebrate the capital’s centenary but with temperatures set to fall below 5 degrees, there will be no celebration for the visitors. The Broncos are coming off the worst loss in club history.

They’ll be hard pressed to stop a Raiders team after a fortnights rest. Josh Papalii plays his 50^th first grade game whilst Blake Ferguson celebrates a big week by running out for his 100^th. The Raiders have lost two in a row but challenged in all 160 minutes. If they start with a bang here it could be trouble for the Broncos. Reece Robinson a stand out as always – if they give him a sniff it’s an automatic 4 points. Josh Hoffman v Ferguson a highlight.

My tip: Canberra 25-18

 

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

 

Paully's Picks - State of Origin 1.

New South Wales v Queensland

State of Origin. There is no more important time on the rugby league calendar and none more exciting for league fans up and down the east coast of our great nation. We’ve all been raised on it. Queenslanders have been raised on the fabricated history and the manufactured outrage of a non-existent wrongdoing. New South Welshman were raised on the storied weekend rivalries of our great clubs, as well as the excitement of the Origin rivalry itself.  Maybe that's the difference; Origin came second for Sydney-siders whilst for the banana benders, there is nothing else.

Understandable too. The cane toads could hardly get excited about Wynnum Manly v Brisbane Brothers, so they cannot possibly understand how important our history is. Parramatta v Canterbury, Saints v Souths, Manly v Wests. Well, not anymore. The Blues can't afford to think about anything other than winning this series. There are little boys and girls out there who've never seen NSW win. They'll think this is normal and be scared away from their birth-right as Blues fans - to hate Queenslanders more than they hate us.

For all you parents out there; don't let this happen. To Laurie Daley, don't let this happen. To Paul Gallen and your mighty forward pack, don't let this happen. To all proud Blues fans; don't let it happen. This group of Queenslanders are vain and lack respect for their opposition and therefore the game. It's time they are taught a lesson and if it’s this group of brave New South Welshman who are to teach them, it will be Robbie Farah, Mitchell Pearce and Jarryd Hayne who lead the way and turn their dreams into a reality.

So, if you can forgive the above emotional explosion borne from of 7 years of suffering, let’s move on. Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium will have 80,000 Blues fans praying for it, pining for it and desperate for revenge. This year’s opener will start at a frantic pace and when she settles down at the 20 minute mark, the Blues’ spine must shift into a higher gear. Then, as with nearly every Origin we’ve seen in recent times, the last 20 minutes will require yet another gear from NSW. If they have it, the visitors, despite all their experience, future immortality and confidence, will not have an answer.

My tip: NSW 14-12

Man of the Match tip: Robbie Farah