Paully's Picks - Round 25, 2013

Brisbane Broncos v Newcastle Knights

A disappointing end to a disappointing year for the mighty Brisbane Broncos. They gave fans some hope for a miraculous late season salvation with an undefeated month of football, only to squander it at Centrebet Stadium last week. This week, they face a desperate Newcastle team who are hanging on to 7^th position by a thread. Suncorp Stadium hosts your round 25 opener and the Broncos are favourites.

If the Knights don’t come out of the dressing rooms with fire in their eyes and intent to shred their opposition to pieces, Wayne Bennett has surely lost his mojo after all these years. They’ve had a forgettable run home so far, winning 1 from their past 5, but surely this is the weekend where the combination of experience and toughness gets them home. Jarrod Mullen and Danny Buderus provide the experience whilst Beau Scott and Willie Mason play tough guy.

 My tip: Knights 20-18

Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs

As Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall see the end of their partnership coming and as Benji celebrates his 200^th, we look at their history. They presided over some of the most entertaining footy we had seen for ages, or may see for ages. The grind has taken over. Now the wrestle wins. Coaches, mostly, advise their teams to avoid risk, dominate the ground game and then play for a penalty or error. God help us all.

Vale Benji and thanks for the memories. It was only a few weeks ago when the Tigers showed some of their old flare in horrible conditions under lights at Leichhardt oval. Against Melbourne, no less. Beat them by plenty, too. Little did we know it could have been the last time we’d be enjoying the old Tigers style. It certainly won’t magically appear on Friday night against the finals bound Bunnies at Allianz Stadium, but you never know.

My tip: South Sydney 28-14

New Zealand Warriors v Canberra Raiders

Saturday arvo footy continues this week from Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland as the Warriors host the green rabble from our nation’s capital. Winning 3 in a row before giving up 68 points to the Storm, the Raiders then went on to lose another 3. They fired their coach, lost one of their star players, literally... and now travel across the Tasman to face a home team still believing in a semi final appearance.

The Warriors refuse to give up after a difficult year where they all but turned things around before losing 2 straight games at home in the past month. Unforgiveable so close to the business end and especially when your home ground advantage is so big. Can they continue last week’s good showing at Robina? Yes. Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke have a field day with a lumbering Canberra forward pack as big Sam Rapira celebrates his 150^th NRL appearance.

My tip: New Zealand 30-16

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers

The mighty Panthers keep finding ways to surprise punters this year. This recent resurgence comes on the back of a horrendous 4 game losing streak where they were giving up 40 points a game, to then beat the Warriors away and Brisbane at home. Amazing. So, as Ivan Cleary gets rewarded for this with a contract extension, the Bulldogs welcome the Panthers to ANZ Stadium on Saturday night and what a test it will be for the boys from Penrith.

The ‘Dogs will be dirty after a tough loss to South Sydney last week and will want to start this match with authority. Any sniff given to the upstart visitors and the Bulldogs will pay. Penrith are better than the $3.65 odds suggest and they’ll be right in this. Canterbury’s attack should be too potent for the Panthers to handle but only if they respect the pill. Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds should lead the way with their kicking game and the Dogs win their last home game of the season.

My tip: Canterbury Bankstown 24-20

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm

This magnificent rivalry has delivered some wonderful memories over recent years and Saturday Night at Brookvale will be no different. Except that it’s buried in a pay television timeslot and at 7.30 on drinking night, but we digress. Brooky will be rocking and the Eagles fans will be loud. They won’t forget the lost premierships and won’t forget the bar-room brawls that have highlighted some of the Storm’s last few visits to the insular peninsular.

So, with the scene set and the weather prediction looking pretty, Melbourne bring a 4 match winning streak to face an Eagles team who’ve won 7 from their past 8. Anthony Watmough is rested from this one and rightly so. If Jeff Lima can’t break your leg with a wrestling hold, then the Storm certainly could. Keep an eye on the kicking duel between both halfbacks and fullbacks in this game; he best in the league. Melbourne’s defence too strong.

My tip: Melbourne 18-12

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys

The Sharks play their last home game of an unbelievable season on Sunday afternoon and the Shire faithful should reward these players, whilst they are still innocent, with their attendance. Cronulla sit 5^th on the ladder at the tail end of a premiership tilt that began with doubts about the clubs future and the sacking of their coach – but now finishes with a brilliant run home including the clubs best performance for many years against the chooks last week.

What’s next for Cronulla? The red hot North Queensland Cowboys. They come to Remondis Stadium with a 4 match winning streak and a broken season all but mended. North Queensland haven’t just pulled together a few wins: they’ve dominated their opposition for 80 minutes in each encounter. So, with two teams looking to shore up their post-season chances, this will be an absolute cracker. Question marks on whether the Sharks can back up from last week’s violence.

My tip: North Queensland 22-16

Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast Titans

Spring has sprung and September football has now arrived for the best performing team of 2013 so far. The Roosters have had a mighty year and will celebrate their home finale with a bang. After being blown off the park early against the Sharks last week, Trent Robinson will no doubt have his charges revved up for this one against the Titans at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Indeed, it could be a Father’s day massacre, according to the bookies.

Chooks star five-eighth James Maloney plays his 100^th first grade game and he’ll be the one to get the home side on the front foot early on. The Titans will fight hard and play with pride, as they always do, but won’t have an answer for Maloney and the Rooters monster pack of forwards. Speaking of monster forwards, Luke Bailey plays his 250^th NRL match here and what a magnificent career it has been. Fingers crossed for ‘Bull’ that this one is a happy memory.  

My tip: Roosters 30-10

Parramatta Eels v St George Illawarra Dragons

And so, the army of Parramatta members and fans find themselves 160 minutes away from the end of a suffering they’ll hopefully never feel again. This week, the Eels play at home for the very last time in 2013 and presumably, hardly any of these current Parra players will ever have to walk out onto Parra Stadium, ever again. A pretty big farewell party, you’d expect, but judging from what the Eels board has delivered in recent memory, there probably won’t be.

Either way, the Dragons will be on hand to spoil any party that Parra had in mind on Monday night to close out round 25. Jarryd Hayne returns to play only his 15^th game for the Eels this year and the home side should be confident with the Dragons current record not looking much better than their own – but this is not something they should be proud of. Brett Morris plays his 150^th match and the Saints march towards Mad Monday.

My tip: Dragons 24-14

Paully's Picks - Round 24, 2013

Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos           

So, apparently we now head into the ‘glory rounds’, where the top 4 teams start to rest their superstars and the rest of the competition start planning for the ‘glory’ that is Mad Monday. So aptly named. To open round 24 of the competition, we have two teams who will approach Mad Monday very differently. The Broncos have plenty of experience and a city to lose themselves in – and hopefully hide in.

The young Panthers could be in trouble. They would not be used to the fame that 1^st grade football brings so will rely heavily on the calming influence of the Client Newtons and the David Simmons’ of the world. Plus, they’ll need to come up with somewhere other than Panthers. A tough ask for a young team up against the mighty Broncos. Speaking of the Broncos, they’ve not lost in 6 weeks and that has them slight favourites.   

My tip: Brisbane 23-22

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

ANZ Stadium will come alive on Friday night for this blockbuster between the Bunnies and the ‘Dogs. Souths enjoyed a mighty return to form last week against Manly when they shot home late to enrage the Eagles. Apparently, they were favoured by the referees. Canterbury were miles ahead of the Raiders last week and won well. Apparently, they were favoured by luck as we now know that the Raiders players may had been in the middle of a mutiny.

This week, no advantages for either team as 2^nd plays 5^th on the ladder and they’ll both be keen to fire a warning shot for a possible semi final encounter. Greg Inglis will be the difference here. And he’s fit. The Bulldogs have had some lapses in concentration this season and if this happens, especially up the middle of the field, GI will have a field day. Mick Ennis v Issac Luke a highlight, as always, and Souths’ defence too good.

My tip: Souths 19-12

St George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers

14 v 15 on the ladder but don’t despair, footy fans. The famous Sydney Cricket Ground pumps some blood into this match, Saturday afternoon kick off gives it CPR and finally, the loyal Saints fans will act as defibrillator (thank you spell-check) and we eventually have a spectacle. Wests are 3 games away from ending their most disappointing season as a merged entity and the Dragons will be filthy at losing to the Sharks last week.

We know they won’t be playing the percentages. We will see them throw the ball around and the weather will permit. Adam Quinlan shines again here whilst his opposite number, under some heavy criticism from the talking heads of rugby league, simply tries to get though it all. What’s happening to Benji Marshall right now is one the great disappointments of our code. The Tigers simply don’t have a direction.

My tip: saints 24-12

Gold Coast Titans v New Zealand Warriors

Saturday night from Skilled Park. The Gold Coast Titans somehow sit in 8^th position and after working their butts off all year long, won’t want to give it up easily. They were busted up by the Cowboys last week, but are slight favourites to beat the Warriors here. Speaking of the Warriors, they’ve fallen pretty hard since beating the Storm a month ago. This must have taken the wind out of their sail and their season is in ruins again.

Titans wonder kid Albert Kelly makes his return from injury here and he’ll be better for the rest. Timely too, with Greg Bird in doubt and the home side desperate for some cohesion. The Warriors may have one more good game in them before season 2013 comes to a close, but this might not be it. The lure of the semi finals will either tighten up the collective sphincter of the boys from Robina, or they beat NZ for the first time in 6 attempts.       

    

My tip: Gold Coast 30-20

North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights

Saturday night footy from Townsville and what a beauty this promises to be. Two contrasting styles in the Cowboys and Knights. North Queensland have found their passion for rugby league again and Jonathan Thurston looks as dangerous and deadly as he ever has. The Knights, well, they hate rugby league and want to drag the rest of us down to wrestle town. They’ll do everything they can to stall the free-wheeling home side.

Well, not everything. They won’t stoop to tactics that border on bringing the game into disrepute, will they? Either way, a great battle between two of the best short kicking games in the NRL. JT and Jarrod Mullen will treat you to a clinical display so field position will be the key. That’s where Matt Scott and James Tamou come in handy. The Cowboys roll along and the Knights’ struggle to keep up when they can’t slow it down.

My tip: North Queensland 20-12

Canberra Raiders v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

After winning 8 games in a row at Canberra Stadium, the Raiders have lost their last two. Apparently, this was the coaches fault so David Furner has said goodbye to the club he has been a part of since 1992. A sad story for Furner, the Kangaroos assistant coach, to be dismissed in such a manner but the visiting Eagles won’t give a flying Frisbee about this. In fact, judging by coach Geoff Toovey’s emotional state, they might still be very angry.

Manly lost a close one to Souths last week but their form has been tremendous over the past month or so. This Sunday afternoon in the nation’s capital, they’ll hit back with style. Kieran Foran plays his 100^th first grade game and the Manly forward pack aim up to put the home side on the back foot early. Jamie Lyon v Jarrod Croker a highlight but the rest could be a mismatch as Watmough, Horo and Glenn Stewart turn it up a notch.

My tip: Manly 30-14

Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels

Difficult to recall the last time we saw a 14-1 outsider in a two horse race (outside of the AFL, of course). The Parramatta Eels travel to AAMI Park this Sunday afternoon to face the mighty Melbourne Storm and what a scary thought this must be for Eels fans. Melbourne have a tremendous record at home, have won their past 3 by a total of 117-22 and have the Australian 9, 7 and 1. Good lord.

May god have mercy on the blue and gold’s and may they fight on bravely through the horrifying, bloody mess that is their 2013 season. What will motivate the Eels here? Especially when the scoreboard starts ticking over beyond their control? The pride of accomplished 1^st graders will be tested, more so than the youngsters at Parra. Kevin Proctor plays his 100^th first grade match and the Storm march towards September footy.

My tip: Melbourne 40-0

Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters

Monday night footy from the shire and the Sharks, again, have a few distractions to deal with as they try and focus on this match. They must be used to that by now, playing with a cloud over their head and playing with the fear of a dank future. Thank you. This week, they’ll have to get their heads right, very quickly. The league leading Roosters are coming to town and they are on an 8 match winning streak.

When these teams met in round 19, the chooks turned up the heat and won 40-0. This time, Cronulla will have the benefit of a home game plus the full squad that they didn’t have last time. The presence of Wade Graham, Luke Lewis and Jeff Robson will add toughness, but they’ll need more than that to keep up with a potent Roosters team.  The Sharks will play with plenty of pride in defence, but won’t have the points in them.

My tip: Roosters 24-14

Paully's Picks - Close the Gap Round, 2013.

A wonderful NRL initiative and the most inspiring event on the NRL calendar, Close the Gap Round not only highlights the issue around life expectancy rates amongst Indigenous Australians, but helps create cultural awareness. This weekend's purpose is best summed up by a quote from the Oxfam website;

Dally M Winner, Inaugural captain of the Indigenous All Stars, Ken Stephen medal winner and NRL Premiership Winner, Preston Campbell, on the impact of the gap in life expectancy, “For me, it’s been a huge impact and I only have to go back home to Tingha to see that. There’s huge issues with diabetes and heart problems in my community.”

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels

We acknowledge that this match is being held on the traditional lands of The Turrbal people, and pay our respect to elders both past and present.

Close the Gap Round kicks off with the Parramatta Eels travelling up to Suncorp Stadium on Friday night to face the Broncos. Brisbane are fighting with everything they can muster to salvage this season but it seems all they had to do was change halfbacks. After losing to Cronulla by a point in round 18, the Broncos named Ben Hunt to replace Peter Wallace in the 7 jersey and have not lost another since. A long bow – but it feels right.

This week, Hunt gets a chance to further his 1^st grade claims by aiming up at the NRL’s worst defence in the visiting Eels. Last week, Parra won for the first time in 3 months but this one seems out of their reach. They’ve not won an away game all year and if this is their first, I’ll streak Church Street next Saturday night. For all you lovely people of the west who plan to dine out at Church Street next Satdi, you’re safe.

My tip: Brisbane 30-12

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

We acknowledge that this match is being held on the traditional lands of The Darkinjung and Guringa peoples, and pay our respect to elders both past and present.

The fast finishing Eagles return to Gosford for the second consecutive week. This time, to face the Bunnies in your Friday night blockbuster from Bluetongue. Manly are rolling along to the tune of 6 straight victories and are scoring in bunches every week. Perhaps their opponents have not been up to scratch over this time, but the mighty Sea Eagles are peaking. South Sydney, by contrast, are moving in the opposite direction.

They’ve only lost 5 matches all year but 3 of those have come in the past month. They struggled with the origin hangover and now struggle with injury and suspension. A tough ask, even with their solid defensive record on the year, to stop the rampant Maroon and Whites. Greg Inglis and John Sutton have been named but are still going through fitness tests. Their return could spark a match of the round here, but Manly too hot to handle.

My tip: Manly 22-12

Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

We acknowledge that this match is being held on the traditional lands of The Ngunnawal and Ngambri Peoples, and pay our respect to elders both past and present.

Saturday afternoon footy returns to the nation’s capital as the inconsistent Bulldogs travel down to face the Raiders. The ‘Dogs did not experience their proudest moment last Monday night, to say the least, when losing to the Titans at home. Now, they lose Sam Kasiano and Greg Eastwood to injury. Their replacements aint too bad but the visitors still start as outsiders. The Raiders record in Canberra this year has only one horrible blemish.

So, the Bulldogs will want to start fast and score first. Any momentum given to the Raiders will have them run in some points. This could be dangerous for the boys from Belmore as they have not looked consistent in attack this year without Ben Barba. Speaking of struggling attack, the Raiders will miss Terry Campese but could welcome back Sam Williams, their red-hot halfback from 2012. Either way, the Bulldogs bounce back here and save their season.

My tip: Canterbury 20-18

North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans

We acknowledge that this match is being held on the traditional lands of The Bindal and Wulgurukaba Peoples, and pay our respect to elders both past and present.

A week in Rugby League can change everything. North Queensland have fired their coach and followed it up by beating the league leaders, convincingly, and then trouncing a decent Panthers outfit by 30. How? They looked free, unselfish, angry and committed in the past fortnight and even more than that, Jonathan Thurston looks like the world beater that he really is. Why? They feel bad for costing their coach his job?

A pity for Neil Henry. He deserved more. Or perhaps he deserved exactly what he’s getting for walking out in the Raiders 5 years ago. But karma doesn't exist in the NRL, does it? Moving on, the Cowboys continue their hot streak from 1300SMILES stadium on Saturday night and even with the Titans on the cusp of a miraculous semi final appearance this year, they won’t have the fire power to keep up with an unconscious home side.

My tip: North Queensland 26-10

St George Dragons v Cronulla Sutherland Sharks

We acknowledge that this match is being held on the traditional lands of The Dharawal People, and pay our respect to elders both past and present.

A local derby of the highest order. The Dragons (both forms) and the Sharks have met 90 odd times and plenty have been memorable. Round 4 this year comes to mind; when the Saints were heavy underdogs as they travelled across Tom Ugly’s bridge, only to return victorious as they shocked the home side. This time, Cronulla bus it down to Wollongong, again as favourites, to face a Saints team that have lost their last 3.

They might be struggling, but saints may have nurtured a new number 6, very slowly, to replace Jamie Soward. Adam Quinlan announced himself as a long time 1^st grader last week and now makes a triumphant return to his South Coast roots. The Sharks need to uncover a similar prospect to awaken their sleepy three-quarter line. The visitor’s forwards will play well, the Carney & Robson halves combo will work, but their speedsters lack any finishing nous. Saints will stay close but Cronulla do enough.  

My tip: Cronulla 18-16

Newcastle Knights v Melbourne Storm

We acknowledge that this match is being held on the traditional lands of The Awabakal and Worimi Peoples, and pay our respect to elders both past and present

A belter from Hunter Stadium on Sunday afternoon... and by “belter”, I mean you may want to neck yourself after about 15 minutes as the Wayne Bennett/Craig Bellamy school of wrestling is in session here. It seems to be successful though, as these two teams sit 7^th and 4^th on the ladder, respectively, but we always hope for more. Melbourne are heavy favourites here and rightly so. They've turned up the heat in their defence over the past fortnight.

The Storm will look to do the same again and slow down any progress by the Knights forward pack. This particular ruck battle will be led by two footballers not unfamiliar with each other. Danny Buderus faces the man he ‘allowed’ into the Australian hooker position; Cameron Smith now captains his country. A great matchup with over 500 combined 1^st grade games between them. A boisterous crowd expected to honour Buderus but Melbourne too good.

My tip: Melbourne 22-12

New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers

The New Zealand Warriors have climbed all the way back from the depths of Rugby League despair, only to lose their last two matches and perhaps fall agonisingly short of an unbelievable semi final appearance. They currently sit in 10^th place, still with a red hot chance of sneaking into the 8 and that’s exactly what makes this match against the Panthers a bloody big one from Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The other reason this one is big for the Warriors is that they face the Panthers, the very team that jolted them from an early season coma. Penrith beat the kiwis by 60 when they last met. That’s right, 60. If the home side has any sense of competition, any sense of revenge, they’ll aim up here and teach the struggling Penrith juniors and Ivan Cleary a lesson. $1.16 favourites means the bookies think they will.

My tip: Warriors 32-12

Wests Tigers v Sydney Roosters

We acknowledge that this match is being held on the traditional lands of The Gadigal People of the Eora nation, and pay our respect to elders both past and present.

Close the Gap round comes to an end with the Tigers facing the Roosters from Allianz Stadium on Monday night. This one could get ugly. The ‘home’ side have taken this game to Moore Park – just to make their task a bit harder. It makes sense to challenge one’s self and the Wests Tigers obviously haven’t done enough of this in season 2013. A broken board, a broken superstar, a broken fan base and Robbie Farah’s broken finger. Abject horror.

The Roosters completely outmatch them in every facet of the game. SBW returns to give the chooks’ forward pack an even bigger advantage than they already had. We wish more for the likes of Benji Marshall, Braith Anasta and Lote Tuqiri as they may not have more chances to recover from this dark time, but the Roosters won’t care. Mitchell Pearce plays his 150^th first grade match, the second youngest ever to do so, and the Roosters win well.

My tip: Roosters 42-14

Paully's Picks - Round 22, 2013

Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Round 22 kicks off from AAMI Park in Melbourne with a juicy semi final replay. On that occasion, the Storm delivered an outstanding performance to signal their intentions for the post-season. This time, there is a little less at stake – just pride and form as opposed to a season on the line. The Raiders made sure that Melbourne have now found plenty of form whilst Souths delivered arguably their worst performance of the season last week.

Two coaches who love the grind and have built their respective halfbacks from scratch to become two of the most patient in the game. Adam Reynolds and Cooper Cronk epitomise what a tenacious halfback looks like but Cooper is a robot when it comes to big games like this. He simply switches on and Cam Smith obliges with plenty of ball. In a defensive struggle with some very big forwards aiming up, Melbourne enjoy playing at home for the first time in a month.

My tip: Melbourne 14-8

Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers

The Eels have not won a football game since May 11 this year. That’s 3 months. In many other codes and many other clubs, this would have meant the end of a coaching staff and a revolt by fans. Parra supporters on the League Unlimited forums have revolted by blaming season 2012 and Stephen Kearney for a player drain. They simply don’t have enough first graders to suit up and keep up with the competition.    

  

The Tigers have lost their last 5 and have lost their only hope, to injury. Robbie Farah’s injured finger means the visitors have less inspiration and less direction than they usually have. A tough year for both teams. Statistically the two worst in both attack and defence so only the almighty knows what might happen here. We pray for any fans in attendance at Parramatta Stadium on Friday night and in reality, the Eels administration should open up the gates as an apology to their members.

My tip: Eels 15-14

Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders

A big test of character here for the Raiders and a bigger test for your humble previewer to take a stab at ‘predicting’ any outcomes, ever again. Full disclosure – I tipped the Raiders against Melbourne last week and I only hope my shame is exceeded by the Raiders pride and they respond with fury. They have a little bit more at stake than my tipping comp so we wish them the best as they travel to face the league leaders on Saturday night.

The Roosters are a joy in 2013. Even with their spiritual leader Anthony Minichiello out injured, they’ll have a truckload of firepower to throw at the Raiders here. Canberra will be willing but won’t be able. They’ll match up well with the chooks for much of this game but when the likes of Michael Jennings and James Maloney getting enough football, it could get ugly. Some magnificent talent on show with RTS and Anthony Milford lighting it up.

My tip: Roosters 30-12

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Newcastle Knights

6 v 8 on the ladder and with just over a month remaining of the season proper, this match has some added meaning. The Knights travel south to Remondis Stadium for Saturday night footy from the shire. This’ll be a ripper. With the Sharks fresh off a huge victory over the heavily favoured Warriors in Auckland last week, their confidence will be sky high and their fans will be loud. And probably not sober.

With a loss and a draw in their past two matches, the Knights will be desperate to get rolling towards the semis with a win here. They’ll come out ripping in from the first tackle and led by former Sharks Jeremy Smith and Kade Snowden, may get the home side a little frustrated. But when push comes to shove the visitors will miss the likes of Willie mason and Beau Scott. Cronulla enjoy the refreshed Paul Gallen and get another win.

My tip: Sharks 20-16

Manly Sea Eagles v New Zealand Warriors

Sunday afternoon from Brookvale Oval brings you your match of the round and an absolute beauty. The Warriors are $3 outsiders but they’ll be in this up to their eyeballs. It will be a close one, as it was in round 13 when these two clubs met at Mt Smart. The Warriors held on in that match, with goal kicking being the only difference and now, with the visitors having salvaged their season with a form turnaround, their aint much between these two.

Manly are on a 5 match winning streak and sit in 3^rd spot whilst New Zealand have only themselves to blame for not continuing their winning form last week when a remarkable comeback against the Sharks fell agonisingly short. So, with the stage set, Daly Cherry-Evans and Shaun Johnson will battle for supremacy after both forward packs aim up nicely.  Manly’s red hot form very hard to ignore here, so I won’t.

My tip: Manly 24-20

Brisbane Broncos v St George Illawarra Dragons

12 v 14 on the ladder and with Mad Monday on their minds, the Broncos and Dragons get the free-to-air TV game on Sunday afternoon. Fantastic. The Broncos have won 2 from their past 9 and rumours are swirling around the club about players coming and going. The Dragons have given season 2013 their best shot but simply could not produce points when required. So beware all patrons at the Caxton after this match, you could see some 1^st graders.

Jokes aside, Brisbane would be excited with the recent form of halfback Ben Hunt. Since the benching of Peter Wallace, Hunt has looked the part and will look good again here. Meanwhile, the Dragon’s will direct all their attack via Josh Dugan and hope their defence holds. It won’t. The Broncos come out swinging in front of their home fans and the likes of Hoffman, Hunt and Hannant could have some fun.

My tip: Brisbane 26-8

Penrith Panthers v North Queensland Cowboys

Seems like the Cowboys may have turned things around last week, with a monumental victory over the NRL’s best, South Sydney. Of course, they could only reach these lofty heights after finding out their coach had been fired and was playing out the season to a death march. Go figure. This week, they travel to the foot of the Blue Mountains for Sunday Night Footy at Centrebet Stadium and the Panthers will be desperate.

Penrith have fallen to pieces in defence. They've lost 3 in a row and allowed an average of just over 37 points per game over that span. If they don’t get their act together this week, the care free football now being played by the Cowboys could cut them to ribbons. Having said that, only the greatest of tipsters could predict what the Cowboys will deliver here, so you've obviously come to the wrong place.

My tip: North Queensland 32-20

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans

Round 22 comes to a close from ANZ stadium on Monday night as the Titans make the trip down to Sydney Olympic Park to face the ‘Dogs. Canterbury have won their past three but this streak could be fool’s gold for the boys from Belmore. They walloped an undermanned Storm outfit and then beat up on the Eels and the Dragons. This match won’t be their biggest test either with the Titans having lost 4 from their past 5.

So, if the Bulldogs deliver the professional performance they are capable of, this will be over by halftime. Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds continue to grow as a pair and former Bulldog Aidan Sezer will be hoping to out play them, but won’t get the support he needs. A good battle of talented halves but the ‘Dogs all-star forward pack gets them home here. Josh Morris the standout in his 150^th first grade appearance.

My tip: Bulldogs 30-14