Paully's Picks - Round 4, 2014.

Sydney Roosters v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Your Grand Final replay kicks off round 4 of the premiership from Allianz Stadium and this one is a beauty. Both clubs scored miraculous victories last week, just to show us again what the mentality of a champion looks like. These two teams have it all; superstar backlines and a couple of forward packs that are mobile, agile and hostile. Friday night footy this week will be un-missable so let’s hope the Eagles fans travel and the Roosters fans come out in numbers.

Manly will start as heavy outsiders which is a shock considering their calibre, but this will inspire them to a fiery opening 20 minutes. Cue the chess match between two great coaches and a couple of resourceful halfbacks and there won’t be much between them. Kieran Foran unlikely to play is a huge loss for the visitors but we still get to see Jared Waerea-Hargreaves against Brenton Lawrence. This will be your match of the round.

My tip: Roosters 19-18
 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos

The Dragons are undefeated and looking like the professional outfit they should be. With the army of south coast juniors slowly improving their depth and the signing of quality halves, this team now represents a club with belief. So you can bet your last dollar that I won’t have the barrels to tip against them facing the Broncos as a home game, let alone at Wollongong. The Illawarra will come alive on Friday night with the Saints on a 3 match winning streak.

To put this into perspective, the red V lost their first 3 games last year and only won 7 games all season. Brisbane will travel south with plenty of confidence after 3 solid hit outs to start their season and their defence has been the catalyst. Saints won’t bust them open easily, but will find a weakness through superior performances from Gareth Widdop and, after getting his stinker out of the way for 2014 last week, Sam Williams delivers.

My tip: St George Illawarra 22-18

 

New Zealand Warriors v Wests Tigers

The Warriors shocked the world last week when they travelled to Townsville as long-shots, only to steal a win from the Cowboys and get their season back on track. This will give them plenty to run with on Saturday as they host the visiting Tigers. Wests were magnificent last week and made it look downright easy at times against a heavily favoured Souths team. They will again start as outsiders and rightly so, considering the geographic hurdle, but it won’t stop them.

The Warriors still have a few problems in their forward pack, which has been their strong point for so long. Wests will take advantage of superior go forward to give their kids in the 7 and 1 the space they need. This is Luke Brooks’ first trip to NZ and it will challenge him but with a bit of luck, some guidance from Robbie Farah and some help in defence, things will work out. Brooks and the Tigers are your upset of the week.

My tip: Tigers 30-20 

 

Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers

The 5.30pm Saturday nightmare slot returns for 2014 and these two teams deserve better. The battle of the west comes to us from Parramatta’s Pirtek Stadium as the Panthers scoot down the M4 for 20 minutes to face the Eels. Parra turned up with their pride on the line, last week. They went to Brookvale and should have come away with the biscuits but according to their captain, Jarryd Hayne, they were robbed.

This week, he may have even more opportunities to chat to the officials as he spends plenty of time behind his own try line. The Panthers won’t be messing around here. They’ve won 2 from 3 with a farce in Melbourne their only loss and they’ll be too good for the home side here. Parra lose a bit of cohesion with Chris Sandow named as their half but even more so, the Eels will need to protect Sandow in the defensive line. Ivan Cleary will be sending plenty of traffic his way.

My tip: Penrith 30-12

 

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Melbourne Storm

The lovely folk of Western Australia get a treat on Saturday night as the Bulldogs take their home game across the Nullarbor to NIB Stadium in Perth. And there will be nothing but bad news for them upon arrival. Melbourne don’t have the flashiest form these days and at times, they’re more painful to watch than a West Coast Eagles match, but they know how to get the job done. They’ve won their opening 3 matches so my criticism of their style is about as worthless as a West Coast Eagles match.

The ‘Dogs are improving every week, but still have trouble converting good field position. They won’t get any advantages in that area against Melbourne and if the likes of Aiden Tolman and James Graham can’t bend the line, they’ll be in trouble. Keep an eye on notorious sledgers Billy Slater and Josh Reynolds yapping at each other in this one and while you’re at it, watch the way Cameron Smith aims his ball runners at Tony Williams; could be a tough night for T-Rex.

My tip: Melbourne 16-12

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders

This Sunday, the Raiders could feel the full extent of wrath and rage sitting idle in the angry, boiling and bursting veins of Bunnies coach Michael Maguire. Souths have lost 2 in a row after destroying the Chooks in round 1, including giving up 25 points against Wests last week and this won’t make ‘Madge’ happy. Their defence in recent times has almost been, dare I say, the benchmark and now, the Green Machine could be in some trouble.

The Raiders were completely outplayed on their home turf last week and whilst the absence of Shaun Fensom was a good excuse, it’s not a great one. Fensom returns to harden up Canberra’s soft underbelly but it won’t make a lick of difference. John Sutton plays his 211^th first grade game for the mighty Rabbitohs, the most ever played by anyone in the history of the club. This is massive. A tip of the hat to ‘Sutto; his teammates won’t let him lose this one.

My tip: South Sydney 28-14

 

Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sharks

15 v 16 on the ladder. It’s been rough going for these two clubs so far with injury destroying their jump out of the gates. Playmakers, try-scorers and Captains have all gone down with ailments and with a combined 1 win from 6 starts, they are reeling. It will be survival of the fittest at Hunter Stadium on Sunday afternoon as the Sharks head north to face the Knights. Don’t expect a lot of flash in this one – there will be grind.

Todd Carney returned from injury last week and had a hand in everything but unfortunately for Carney and the Sharks, he had a hand in plenty of errors as well. While Carney continues to shake off the rust, Cronulla will struggle. He’ll be better this week and if Newcastle doesn’t hold on to the football, Carney will find a way.  They will. He won’t. The Knights play with a renewed sense of purpose in front of an emotional home crowd and Newcastle finally get off the mark.

My tip: Newcastle 18-16

 

Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys

Monday Night Football comes to you from Robina as the Titans host another Queensland derby against the Cowboys to close out round 4 of the Premiership. Gold Coast were methodical last week when they travelled down to Canberra as heavy underdogs to embarrass the Raiders. They do that sometimes, the Titans, just find a way to confuse the crap out punters and make my tipping week a miserable one. But I’m holding up OK, thanks for asking.

The Cowboys, by contrast, were on the opposite end of the ledger. After having their pants pulled down by the Warriors in Townsville, pride will be on the line here. A great battle up front with the Titans’ veteran trio of Myles, Harrison and Bird up against the raging young bulls Jason Taumalolo and Tariq Sims. If the latter, along with Tamou and Scott, can improve their ruck speed and give Jonathan Thurston a retreating defensive line, the Cowboys bounce back.

My tip: North Queensland 24-20 

The Return of Pistol Pete's Lock of the Week.

Round 1 - Melbourne over Manly - correct
Round 2 - Penrith over Melbourne - agonisingly incorrect
Round 3 -

"Souths are 1 from 2 and are showing their top four pedigree. Their brand of football involves 4 hit ups one off the ruck and kicking for field position. Wrestle the other team out of the game and hope that Greg Inglis can score enough points. This will once again get them in the top four.

The Tigers w are capable of beating any team on any given day. The Balmain leagues club is also in a bit of trouble, this will rally the tigers players with speeches such as "the leagues club funded your boots and jerseys in the juniors so yous better get out there and give back to the community" this will fire the Tigers up for a big win.

Eventually the Leagues clubs funds will run dry and player payments will be put at risk, and the Tigers will not make the four, but this week they are the locks of the week."

Pistol

Paully's Picks - Round 3, 2014

Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs

What a pity we don’t get to enjoy this match with the added bonus of something like, say, atmosphere. Plenty written this week about where teams should play and plenty of offal from the talking heads of rugby league about what’s best for clubs regarding big grounds v small grounds. Unfortunately for all footy fans, we won’t get to see the Tigers and the Bunnies from Leichhardt but here’s an idea, perhaps these clubs play in the area they are named after?

Speaking of crazy ideas, the Tigers are a chance here. Last week, we witnessed the coming out party of Luke Brooks and James Tedesco. They were downright dangerous and eviscerated the Titans on the road last week. Robbie Farah must have had a ball watching them share the load. This week....they face the mighty South Sydney Rabbitohs as very heavy outsiders but if they can bust the bunnies open early, anything is possible. Possibly.

My tip: Souths 20-14 

Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters

Who do the Broncos know at Rugby league headquarters to get this kind of preferential treatment? Who did they grease up to get another Friday game at home in prime time? Why are they part owned by the same media company that paid for the TV rights to the game? And while you’re ignoring silly questions, ignore this one, why in the blue hell is the one they call ‘Hadley’ still invading my lounge room on a Friday night?

An absolute belter comes to you as round 3 kicks into gear with the premiers travelling north to the unholy lands to face the undefeated Broncos. The Roosters found their step last week, putting 50 on the Eels whilst the home side somehow managed to beat JT and the Cowboys. All signs point to a couple of very confident teams happy to throw the ball around and defend like they mean it. Once the Chooks get over the advantage line though, they’ll be too hot to handle.

My tip: Roosters 18-12
 

Penrith Panthers v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Saturday afternoon from the foot of the mountains as the mighty Panthers host the ‘Dogs and this one could be special. Penrith gave everything they had in Melbourne last Saturday night and with any luck, or any attention paid to the ruck tactics of Cameron Smith in the last 10 minutes – they would have walked away with two points. But we don’t hold grudges in rugby league, especially against Queenslanders.

Moving on, Penrith have clicked over into the elite. They play a rampaging style that does not stop for 80 minutes and they’ll be too much for the visitors here. Canterbury will travel west with a spring in their step after dropping 40 points on the Engadine Dragons but this confidence will be short lived. They have the firepower but their cohesion in attack won’t be fluid enough to trouble the Panthers when the game is on the line.  Matt Moylan the standout.

My tip: Penrith 24-14

 

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons

Put your hand up if you’re also 0-2 tipping Dragons games. Just me again? Great. Saints have found a way. Last year, they chewed up and spat out enough temporary halves to make any recruit think twice about signing with the famous red v. Now, somehow, this is where they shine the brightest. Gareth Widdop seems to have broken free from the creative shackles put upon him in Melbourne to become downright flashy.

This week, we get a taste of rivalry round a little early and it tastes like fish. The Sharks are in trouble. They’ve scored 3 tries in two games this year and two of them were lucky. In fact, their attack seems to have inherited the Dragons woes from 2013 and we all hope, for Rugby League’s short term future in the Shire, that things turn around soon. This Saturday night, Todd Carney has been named again but either way the visitors keep their roll going.

My tip: Dragons 30-12

 

North Queensland Cowboys v New Zealand Warriors

Saturday night from a wet and steamy Townsville sees the struggling Warriors travel across the globe to North Queensland. It certainly is a long trip to make and if these pilgrims aren’t ready for a fight, they’ll be in trouble. New Zealand are winless and according to their coach, somewhat gutless. Matt Elliott has taken a shot at his players mid-week and we assume it’s a challenge he hopes will ignite them. 

Unfortunately for Elliott, he has the likes of Dane Nielsen, Jerome Ropati and Chad Townsend sitting in front of him, looking for inspiration. These are not names that will trouble the home side but there are even bigger problems facing the Warriors. Have a geez at the Cowboys back row, would you? If they are close to their best, this is an all-world forward pack that could absolutely tear shreds of anyone in the NRL. Sit tight, NZ fans and try a whisky before kick-off.

My tip: Cowboys 40-14.

 

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels

Take note, rugby league critics. This is the kind of fixture footy fans love; Two traditional Sydney clubs on a Sunday afternoon with kick off set for 3pm at a suburban ground that is about to be upgraded for political reasons. Aaah… the tradition. Manly v Parra at Brookvale Oval and we just can’t wait for this one. Pity these two teams are headed in opposite directions right now with Manly coming off a brilliant win and Parra having given up 50, but it won’t matter.

Keep an eye on Will Hopoate as he faces up to former mentor, Jamie Lyon and while you’re at it, let’s keep an eye on Parra and see what they’re made of. Has Brad Arthur changed anything? Has Jarryd Hayne assumed the leadership role he’s been groomed for and inspired his teammates at training mid-week? Eels fans hope for a resounding yes because if not, the Sea Eagles could do some serious damage to an already fragile blue and gold psyche.

My tip: manly 30-18

 

Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans

Sunday night from the nation’s capital and I couldn’t be more excited. The Raiders have been tremendous in both starts so far this year, especially in attack, which is unlike the Ricky Stuart coached teams we’ve seen in the past. The young, fresh legs of Jack Wighton and Anthony Milford have sparked some of the older, more jaded footballers wearing lime green into action. This week, they begin their home season against the visiting Titans.

The Gold Coast were quite the farce last week but judging by the experience in their roster, they’ll be ready to turn things around here and will start with plenty of fury. But it won’t sustain them for 80 minutes. Terry Campese finds his legs and the Raiders find some more holes in the visitors defence. Milford again the destroyer. Keep an eye on Nate Myles v Brett White in the middle of GIO Stadium, things could get physical.

My tip: Canberra 32-20

 

Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights

So it’s time to lay off the Knights, I guess. Superstars dropping like flies and their once heralded powerhouse forward pack now going down without so much as a chicken wing or a prowler. But perhaps they weren’t heralded, perhaps it was only this ‘column’ that said they were the toughest forward pack in the league? Perhaps it was said last week? Well, pity they don’t keep any records on the Leagueunlimited website so no point checking. No point at all.

The Storm will enjoy the 9 day turnaround and be ready for anything Wayne Bennett can throw at them here. In fact, we wonder what these two coaches will throw at each other, now that the wrestle seems to be moving towards the obsolete. Bellamy and Bennett have spent plenty of years finding loopholes in the rules so you should keep an eye on Monday night football for something creative and slightly dubious. Melbourne outlasts a brave Newcastle squad.

My tip: Storm 18-12

Paully's Picks - Round 2, 2014.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Round 2 of season 2014 kicks off from the Central Coast and already we’ve had heartbreak, controversy, judiciary issues and some abject failure in tipping competitions across the land. Granted, that last issue might only be my problem, but nonetheless we should get back on the horse and go all in on the home side here. And by we, I mean me. The Sea Eagles ‘host’ South Sydney in Friday night footy from Gosford.

This is your match of the round and another big test for the Bunnies. They made a mess of the Roosters first round title defence last week after being set as outsiders and now, they travel up the M1 as heavy favourites here. Manly will be seething after letting one slip at Brookvale last week and they will again start fast. Souths five eighth Dylan Walker should get a heavy dose of traffic coming his way and Manly will go on from there.

My tip: Manly 22-20 

 

Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys

Both last start winners and both eagerly looking forward to another Queensland derby from Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos fought hard last week to beat Canterbury and register their first win on NSW soil since beating the Tigers at Campbelltown in round 7 last year. Considering the horrible eye-watering stench that was their 2013 tilt, this is a good sign; as were the performances of their spine. Josh Hoffman in particular looked dangerous and Ben Barba also showed signs.

This Friday, they’ll need all signs pointing their way again. The Cowboys showed plenty of gumption to beat Canberra in round 1 and with Jonathan Thurston healthy and as good as he has ever been, it’s tough to tip against North Queensland here. Matt Scott sets the tone early with help from the mighty veteran that is Gavin Cooper. Cooper continues to outperform his younger and more heralded back row partners from Townsville and he leads this pack to victory.

My tip: North Queensland 24-18 

 

New Zealand Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons

Saturday afternoon Rugby League from Eden Park and why the hell not. If Saints can reproduce their great form from last week, it could be a run-and-gun affair across the Tasman to open your Saturday triple header. The run could come from the visitors, after scoring 44 points against Wests last week, whilst the gun will most certainly come from the Warriors. They will be out to atone from a miserable showing at Parramatta Stadium last week.

And what better way to kick start your season than in front of a rabid pack of kiwis who may or not have been drinking all day and don’t have to go to work the next day. That’s right; my new tipping system is based on whose crowd is the drunkest and by jobe, any travelling red V fans probably can’t afford an ale after flying that far. Moving on, Sam Williams makes his debut for Saints but it’s his opposite number in Shaun Johnson who steals the day.

My tip: Warriors 30-12 

Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers

The Melbourne Storm haven’t changed a bit. Only this club could start a halves pairing of Hampton and Roberts up against the mighty duo of Foran and Cherry-Evans and come away with the most unlikely of victories. In driving rain and with a mountain to climb at Brookvale, they somehow manufactured a victory and now, celebrating Billy Slater’s 250^th first grade match and their captain’s new contract, it could be bad news for the visitors.

Penrith are methodical, entertaining, talented and are primed for a very bright future and it’s this kind of logic that leads me to tip against them. Logic might not be the right word to use – this ‘columns’ tips are more akin to a virgin trying to feel their way in the dark. That’s me. So here’s to you Billy Slater and whilst the Panthers will give this an almighty crack and no doubt scare the Storm some, Cooper Cronk’s return should lead to another win for Melbourne.

My tip: Melbourne 18-12

 

Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels

Your Saturday evening night-cap comes from Allianz Stadium in Moore Park as the best team of 2013 hosts the worst. Speaking of worse, the Roosters can't play any worse than they did last week, right? Granted they defended well but could not stop coughing up possession to a disciplined opponent. They won’t dwell on this for too long; rather they will simply enjoy the 10 days’ rest in between games, get over a loss to their most bitter rivals and come out ready.

If the chooks have indeed gotten rid of their hangover, Parramatta could be in trouble here. The Eels failed to win a single away game last year and will be hard-pressed to turn that form around. Let’s just try that again for the cheap seats – Parra were 0 from 12 on the road. Speaking of cheap seats, fingers crossed that Roosters fans fill up plenty of them and remove the bad taste in our mouths from round 1 crowd figures. Chooks get off the mark here.

My tip: Roosters 32-22

 

Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers

The Wests Tigers embarked on their first season without Benji Marshall in 11 years by marching right into ANZ stadium against the team under the most pressure in the comp – the team who averaged 15 points per game in 2013 – and gave up 44 points. Not great. And it won’t get any better this Sunday afternoon when they travel to some place called CBUS Super Stadium to face a Titans team who showed plenty of good signs last week.

Albert Kelly and Aidan Sezer have another year in 1^st grade under their belt and John Cartwright’s patience might be paying off. They’ll prove too much for the Tigers here, especially late in the game when the 32 degree temperatures might cause a bit of damage to their constitution. A tired visitor’s pack won’t be able to keep up with speed and talent of the Titans halves and speedy wingers. Kelly the standout.

My tip: Gold Coast 25-18

 

Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders

A tough start to the season for Ricky Stuart and his Raiders. On the road last week in Townsville and now at Newcastle on a Sunday night for round 2, they are a long way from home. They’ve been diabolical on the road in recent years and this week, they are heavy outsiders and rightly so. The Knights may be missing their two most influential attacking players in Jarrod Mullen and Darius Boyd but you can bet that Wayne Bennett won’t be keen to lose two in a row.

And it will take all of Bennett’s defensive nous to stop Anthony Milford and the Green Machine. They looked downright spectacular at times last week and if given enough room, they’ll go well again here. Unfortunately for the Raiders, they’ll see some home town refereeing and some rotten old ruck tactics from the likes of Beau Scott and Jeremy Smith. In fact, when this starts to get under the skin of the likes of Joel Edwards and Brett White, we might see some fireworks. If only.

My tip: Newcastle 18-4

 

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Cronulla Sharks

Round 2 comes to a close from Sydney Olympic Park on Monday night as the Bulldogs host the Cronulla Sharks from ANZ. Both round 1 losers and both struggling with their attack, it’s tough times for these two Sydney clubs. The Sharks may have had an excuse though, missing Todd Carney and Jeff Robson last week to go along with a number of other injuries. The Dogs? Well, they started slow last week and never really recovered.

Led by Josh Reynolds and an inspirational performance from newly minted captain, Frank Pritchard, they fought back well, but something about their attack still seems stalled. They were unpolished in this department and against an undermanned opponent this week, after 10 days rest; they should look a bit better. And they’d want to because Todd Carney has been named. Canterbury win with muscle first and Josh Reynolds later.

My tip: Bulldogs 20-14

 

Paully's Picks - Round 1, 2014

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters

Finally, Rugby League. Season 2014 kicks off with arguably the greatest rivalry in the NRL between the only two foundation clubs still in existence. The Roosters meet the Bunnies at ANZ Stadium on Thursday night and they won’t take long to warm up. Two very talented and very passionate football teams guarantee a beauty to get us going and the atmosphere will be magnificent. They meet for the 208^th time to get the season rolling.

As noted during the week, the Chooks are essentially unchanged from their last NRL start. This Grand Final winning team now has the swagger it was missing and will have the upper-hand in this match. They are the favourites here and with a fire breathing forward pack, an all-star halves combination and a backline from hell, it’s no surprise. South Sydney will do all they can to contain the Roosters but it proves too tough over the 80 minutes.

Roosters 20-12 

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Brisbane Broncos

A test for the dogs – after finishing season 2013 like an unwanted, flee ridden mongrel, the Bulldogs will need something new and fresh to bolster their attack. It was not a pretty site in this department last year and their best attacking weapon from recent history now bats for the other team. Not that there is anything wrong with that – young Benny Barba can play for whoever he likes, obviously, but the Blue and White faithful won’t forget.

Speaking of the other team, the Broncos needed a similar spark and have decided on the Ben Hunt/Josh Hoffman halves combination to lead them around the park on Friday night at ANZ Stadium. How lovely for the Broncos that they finally get a Friday night game – it feels like an eternity since they earned the prime time position. My bitterness aside, old heads Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker will contribute as always but the visitors will fall short.

My tip: Bulldogs 19-18 

Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights

A cracking game of footy. Obvious to anyone watching that Panthers Coach Ivan Cleary has a master plan for this club and each year, he gets closer to turning Penrith into a contender. This year, another experiment begins. Cleary seems like he has that perfect balance of youth and experience with the likes of Brent Kite, Jamie Soward and  Peter Wallace on board. But make no mistake – the spark will be provided by the juniors that Penrith have been preparing for a couple of years now – Matt Moylan in particular the standout.

The Knights already have this balance right. They fell just shy of a GF appearance last year after a glorious semi-final run. They are good. Whilst the loss of Jarod Mullen will be difficult to overcome, it will be just another challenge for this battle hardened collection of footballers. They have the toughest forward pack in the league and with Kurt Gidley now anchoring the likes of Snowden, Mason, Scott and Smith – they’ll wrestle and rumble their way to a win.

My tip: Newcastle 18-8 

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm

Another great Rivalry to kick off your Saturday night bottler from Brookvale Oval. The Eagles and the Storm have a celebrated recent history, with many bloody chapters highlighting some of the best players of the modern era. They’ve been the standard by which success is measured and now, another glorious chapter gets written by a new addition to this great contest of the NRL’s elite. Ben Roberts makes his debut for the Storm so try and contain yourselves, Storm fans.

Manly are placed well in this one. They have both Stewart brothers healthy and a forward pack lead by 2013’s breakout front rower, Brenton Lawrence. This kid has it all. Lawrence’s combination up front with Justin Horo and Anthony Watmough will be too much for the visitors. Out wide, Manly’s field position with allow the likes of Jamie Lyon to measure the Storm defence and then destroy them late in the game. Home side wins.

My tip – Manly 24-14 

North Queensland Cowboys v Canberra Raiders

A couple of old cheeky halfbacks make their respective debuts in new coaching roles and we’d expect their personalities to shine through on Saturday night at 1300 Smiles Stadium in Townsville. Paul Green makes his NRL coaching debut for the Cowboys while ‘Sticky’ Ricky Stuart coaches his 4^th NRL team, the mighty Green Machine. Canberra could actually be morphed into a defensive powerhouse, if all the planets align, whilst the Cowboys are a mystery.

What does Paul Green have in store for us? Well, if the Auckland Nines are anything to go by… actually… they’re not, so let’s move on. As has been the case since 2005, everything and anything good that happens in Townsville will happen because Jonathan Thurston says so. He’ll kick the Raiders out of this contest and when the likes of Papalii, Fensom and Edwards are too hot and too tired, the Cowboys run away.

My tip: North Queensland 30-12 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers

These two former powerhouses of the NRL finished 14^th and 15^th, respectively last year. Now, the long and painful road back begins on Sunday afternoon for a couple of blokes who’ve been given a second chance. Mick Potter is tasked with designing a Tigers structure without Benji Marshall and for the first time in more than a decade, Tigers fans will look to someone else for their reason to live. The Dragons’ Steve Price has more problems.

Price’s team had the worst attacking record in the competition last year and if the Red V are to drag themselves out of this stinking pit of drudgery, it will have to be via a strong halves combination, as it always is. Plenty of doubts about the Widdop/Witt combination. Speaking of doubts, there are absolutely none related to the Tigers captain Robbie Farah. He will pick apart the inexperienced Dragons defensive combinations and Wests win.

My tip: Tigers 30-20 

Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors

Sunday night footy from the wild west as your 2012 and 2013 wooden spooners, the Parramatta Eels, gear up for a shot at the three-peat. At this point it would be great to research some stats to find out if any club has won three consecutive wooden spoons, so I did. Not since the mighty Gold Coast Seagulls teams of the early 90’s, has an NRL team achieved what still seems like the unachievable – but they did.

So, if Parramatta can repeat the performances of Wally Lewis, Dale Shearer and the mighty Adrian Vowles, they are well on their way history and let’s hope Jarryd Hayne’s name can be uttered with as much reverence in 20 years’ time. Speaking of time – it’s time to talk about the Warriors. They’ve apparently looked good in trials and with Chad Townsend taking some pressure off Shaun Johnson; they could be dangerous this week. Johnson the difference.

My tip: Warriors 24-22

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Gold Coast Titans

Your first edition of Monday night football comes from Remondis Stadium in the Shire with Cronulla in the same place they’ve always been, in deep doo doo. Perhaps a chance for the visiting Titans to catch them off guard, or perhaps not. The Sharks seemed to take it all in their stride last year as their season and individual careers looked threatened more every week. This year, even with people using words like ‘doo doo’ to describe their situation, they’ll be fine once more.

The usual suspects will give them the go-forward they need and Andrew Fafita leads this charge. Fafita is not only being included in ‘best front rower’ conversations, he is winning them. For the Titans – even more so than the Sharks – it’s the same faces up front. You’ll get plenty of courage from Bird, Myles and Harrison, but not much charisma. If Todd Carney is 90% healthy, the class and mobility of the home side proves too good.

My tip: Cronulla 20-18