Paully's Picks - Round 12, 2014

Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels

The worst time of year for most tipsters – except for your humble leagueunlimited ‘previewer’, who goes into every week as blind as we all are now. Welcome to the swirling, stinky, cess pool where my tipping lives. Round 14 kicks off with the battle of the west at Sportingbet Stadium and this one will be all about Jarryd Hayne. The Eels custodian deserves a week off after his all-world performance on Wednesday night and if the rumours are true and he is rested, the Panthers win.

Penrith and Parramatta sit 3^rd and 4^th on the ladder respectively so get ready for a beauty and get ready for home side to seek revenge for their round 4 shellacking at Pirtek Stadium. Things will be very different on Friday night. Jamie Soward leads the way in attack for the mountain men whilst in defence, the early return from injury of Elijah Taylor keeps the Panthers middle tough enough to handle anything.

My tip: Penrith 24-14 

Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders

Saturday evening from Allianz Stadium has the defending premiers hosting the struggling Raiders. This is a mismatch. The Chooks play a style where their forwards are mobile and control the edges in defence and attack. Very modern. The visitors, by contrast, are almost prehistoric in their attempt to complete sets, smash out a few hit-ups and let their halfback play at the line. They’ve lost 3 from their past 4 and are owners of the worst defence in the NRL.

The bookies have the home side at $1.22 and this might be generous. Unless a thousand women in yellow dresses turn up to watch this game, there will be no distractions for an almost full strength Roosters outfit and they should run away with this one. James Maloney the standout as he finds plenty of gaps in the green machine’s retreating defensive line and look for RTS and SKD to be the major beneficiaries.

My tip: Roosters 30-14
 

North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm

1300 Smiles Stadium hosts Saturday night footy this week as the hobbled Storm travel to Australia’s tropical north to face the Cowboys. With Craig Bellamy’s recent history of resting the big three during the rep fixtures, he may have no choice here with Cooper Cronk already out and Cameron Smith seemingly on one leg for most of the second half on Wednesday night. This leaves everyone guessing – except the Cowboys.

North Queensland are on a high. They’ll conveniently ignore last week’s loss in Canberra, which they should, then realise they have won 3 straight games in Townsville. If betting ever opens on this game, the home side should be favourites and should have too many weapons for the undermanned Storm to handle. ‘Should’ being the operative word here, my friends. This match could easily turn into a Q-Cup exhibition, considering there are 7 players backing up from Origin. Heaven help them.

My tip: Cowboys 24-12 

New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights

A big day for the Warriors and a huge test for the downtrodden Knights as they travel across the Tasman for Sunday afternoon football. New Zealand play their first game at Mt Smart Stadium for 2014 and will also celebrate their captain’s 200^th first grade match. Simon Mannering will lead them out to a throng of adoring fans and the visiting Knights will be in the deep end, from kick off, if they don’t get their act together.

They sit at the bottom of the table and have lost 4 in a row. The owner of the franchise has abandoned them, possibly on his way to jail, and their prize performer, Darius Boyd, has been completely disengaged at times this year. Jeremy Smith makes a timely comeback for the Knights but it won’t make a lick of difference as the Warriors celebrate with a triumphant return to their home ground. Manu Vatuvei v Akuila Uate always a fun ride.

My tip: 26-12 

Brisbane Broncos v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

2^nd v 8^th on the ladder and your match of the round comes from Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon. With Sam Thaiday and Kieran Foran slated to return, the post Origin triage has less of an effect here. Smart money says Manly will be without Anthony Watmough and Daly Cherry-Evans but truth be told, I don’t really know what ‘smart money’ means. Either way, Manly will be pilgrims in an unholy land of two-headed heathens.

Surprisingly, the Broncos have won only 2 from 5 at Suncorp this year, whilst somehow winning all of their matches in NSW. Their performance at Campbelltown a week ago was as disciplined an 80 minutes as you’ll see – and coach Anthony Griffin will know the home side will need to be just as good on Sunday to beat the most dangerous team in the NRL. They won’t be. Manly will survive without their injured superstars and come home stronger.

My tip: Manly 19-18 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George Illawarra Dragons

Souths were accused of playing the most boring game of footy ever witnessed last Monday night at Remondis Stadium. Sometimes the talking heads do that, don’t they? You beat an injury/origin ravaged team 18-0 and get abused for not entertaining the fans. Well, I usually subscribe to that theory, always hoping for quicker play-the-balls, tired forwards and more tires, but Souths gotta do what they gotta do and without Greg Inglis, they don’t do much.

Speaking of not doing much, the famous red V has done very little over the past 7 games, losing 6 of them. Exit Coach Steve Price and enter caretaker Paul McGregor.  How will the Dragons respond? Not well. For one thing, their attack is still getting to know a new halfback. So, while fans wait for Benji Marshall to get used to a new system, they’ll hopefully stop marching on St George Leagues club and interrupting my old man’s trips to the TAB inside.

My tip: South Sydney 25-18

Paully's Picks - State of Origin 2014. Game 1.

The 2014 State of Origin series kicks off from Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night and right on time, Blues supporters have gone to a dark place.  We are a broken, jaded, miserable pack of footy fans and have a finely tuned love/hate relationship with the greatest sporting event in Australia. There is nothing that can change that, no amount of social media fury, no argument about the team selected and no amount of alcohol. Only a miraculous series victory. Do we believe in miracles?

Blues coach Laurie Daley has essentially said that he picks his New South Wales team based on NRL form. There seems to be an inherent mistake in this philosophy. No footballer performs well in 1^st grade without their teammates, without training with them for an entire off-season. Queensland enters this series with a team selected on character, raw skill and history – not by how many tries they scored on the Friday night before the team was selected.  

Maroons coach Mal Meninga says a lot of things and they are mostly boring, so we’ll ignore quoting him for the minute. Good news is that all the talking will stop at 8pm on Wednesday night for the 100^th meeting between the most hated rivals in the land. What a magnificent history and a great celebration of the jewel in the crown of our code. Here’s to many, many more – or until I have a myocardial infarction.

New South Wales have it all to do and are $2.80 underdogs; but they will keep it close. The Blues’ best chance is their bench – Trent Merrin, Anthony Watmough and Luke Lewis will cause a stir when they finally get on the field, in the hope it brings composure back to the Blues’ more inexperienced starters. Ultimately, two very physical packs will sort out the pecking order for 65 minutes and then, Queensland nudge their way ahead. Jonathan Thurston the standout, just ahead of Robbie Farah.

My tip: A field of broken dreams.

Man of the Match tip: Jonathan Thurston

An Open Letter to Laurie Daley

Dear Laurie,

Huge fan. First time caller, long time viewer. In fact, I remember the 1994 Kangaroo tour, staying up to the wee hours watching you tear the Englishman apart. Game2 of that series was a particular standout, you were sensational in a do or die match.  You dominated and you regained the Ashes for your country.

I remember the first footy game played at Stadium Australia, you're last Origin in Sydney. I was there; in the rain; nosebleed section; the brand new, $100bn roof leaked on my mate.  You led us to victory. Scored a magnificent try and buried your face in the hallowed turf in celebration. You were better than the King at times, a better leader. You were better than Mal, Alfie, Walters, the lot of them.  The hit you put on that clown of a Queenslander, Andrew Gee, was a thing of beauty.

Laurie, I honestly hope the following does not sound impertinent in any way.

Please, Loz, please let Trent Hodkinson play. Don't drop him after 1 game or 1 series. Like you did with the others. Please.

Jarrod Mullen was only 19. Dropped due to injury but never picked again. Peter Wallace also deserved another chance after rupturing a testicle for his state. Terry Campese actually played well on debut, never to be seen again. Jamie Soward gave you his all, set up a match winner. Todd Carney played himself into Origin folklore, performing like a superstar in the 2012 decider. That sideline conversion, at Suncorp, to tie the game – my god. Deserved selection last year.  You owed him one.

And then you picked James Maloney. This kid has all the skills. Would have only gotten better with another shot at Origin. NRL form doesn't translate; a players’ will to succeed always does. Maloney, like the others, just needed time in the saddle to find his best. He was ready, just like Carney was.  All these guys had that will. It took some of them years to rebuild the confidence you shattered. Don't do it to Hokko, please mate.

You’ve previously gone out on a limb for Mitchell Pearce, backing him as you should; please now do the same for Hokko. Selectors went out on a limb for you after you ‘failed’ to dominate your first series. Then you played 22 more games for the Mighty Blues and you even held up the Shield once or twice. Kids now dreaming of playing for New South Wales have never seen us hold up that Shield.

Mate, Lozza, I’m not smart enough to know if this is the best team we could have picked, but with Grub, Haynesy, Robbie and Hokko playing together, they will get better if you let them. They will be great. Even if Wednesday night is the worst performance you have seen, pick Trent again and watch him run through a brick wall for you.

Sincerely

Your average rugby league punter.

Paully's Picks - Round 11, 2014

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters

Round 11 kicks off from ANZ Stadium on Friday night and it’s the top of the table Bulldogs hosting the Roosters. Having players on re duty makes this time of year less exciting and more annoying for punters. Having said that, what a wonderful opportunity for the up and coming Moses Mbye to showcase his talents and get some 1^st grade experience for the Bulldogs. Along-side Moses will be one of Belmore’s favourite sons and seasoned campaigner, Reni Maitua.

Keep an ear out for the reception given to Maitua when he returns to his roots – and while you’re watching, keep an eye out for the James Maloney/Mitchell Pearce combination with a point to prove. This will be the difference. The Roosters come out blazing to exorcize the demons of their defensive capitulation last week and after a fierce battle between the NRL’s two best forward packs, the Chooks sneak home in JWH’s 100^th 1^st grade appearance.

My tip: Roosters 22-18

 

Gold Coast Titans v New Zealand Warriors

This could be a tough night for the Titans with yet another challenge awaiting their team, their franchise and their fans. The Warriors have never been a club that fills out a stadium on the road, so whilst the Titans management work out ways to get more than 10k to CBus Super Stadium on Saturday afternoon, their players will be focussing on avoiding a 3 game losing streak for the first time this year. It will be a big ask.

New Zealand continue to improve each week and if not for Josh Morris’ remarkable try saving tackle on Shaun Johnson last week, they may have beaten the league leaders. Since getting crushed by the Sharks in round 5, the Warriors defence has miraculously improved to only allow 15 points per game since that horror show. This should get them home against an understrength Titans outfit but it will be close. Nathan Friend looking for a big one and David Mead clocks up his century.

My tip: New Zealand 18-16

 

Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos

Campbelltown Stadium comes to life with the scent of Rugby League on Saturday night; and at Campbelltown, this scent is unmistakeable. Stale beer, cigarettes, meat pies and cigarettes. These wondrous aromas will waft from the hallowed turf as about 10,000 committed Wests fans pour through the gates. The Broncos, sans origin players, are even less of a draw card than usual. And so, with this bludger of a football match set to break all kinds of pay TV viewing records, let’s have at it.

Robbie Farah will be a huge loss for the Tigers, as he always is, but there’s plenty to like about the home side and they should be too good for Brisbane here. Especially with the Broncos pre-game rituals thrown into absolute chaos, playing on a Saturday for the first time since August 2013. They’ve played on Friday night for the last 14 rounds of NRL footy. Just read that last line again and tell me how on earth this is possible. Wests win.

My tip: Tigers 24-20

 

Canberra Raiders v North Queensland Cowboys

The misery that is our mid-season fixture card continues from the nation’s capital on Sunday afternoon as the struggling Raiders host the Cowboys. The visitors’ depth will be tested here as they lose Matt Scott, James Tamou and JT to origin, as well as the one and only Gavin Cooper. Cooper has been Jonathan Thurston’s most trusted back-rower for years and forgive me if I spend a paragraph talking about blokes who aren’t even playing in this match.

The Raiders have won 1 from their past 6 and are struggling in every facet right now. They may have restored some pride last week with an improved showing against the Panthers, but it’s a season on the brink for the home side. They look headed for an early off-season and beating a reserve grade Cowboys team won’t change that. But they do anyway through a strong start from their forward pack and another half-hearted effort by Anthony Milford, which still, aint that bad.

My tip: Canberra 26-16

 

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Two days out from origin 1 and I’ll already be in the foetal position, crying into my pint glass in preparation for the series opener – but this game will surely be on TV in the background. Souths travel to the Shire to face the Sharks for Monday night football and the Bunnies are heavy favourites. In fact, even without their star playmaker and only source of entertainment, Greg Inglis, the visitors should be fair dinkum enough to destroy their hosts and walk away with an easy two points.

Cronulla may struggle in attack with Jeff Robson and Daniel ‘DJ’ Holdsworth in the halves Their only chance may be to defend well enough to frustrate South Sydney and force them into errors. Robson can handle this game plan, being a sound defender, but those around him may not be able to say the same. The Sharks play a spirited opening 20 minutes in tribute to the mighty John Morris, who plays his 300^th 1^st grade game, but Souths bounce back from a big loss last week and tear it up late.

My tip: Souths 30-12

Paully's Picks - Women in League Round, 2014.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm

Women in League round begins with a ripper on Friday night at ANZ Stadium and what better way to welcome these two teams back to form than to watch them knock the stuffing out of each other. Melbourne were lucky to sneak past the Eagles last week, avoiding a 3 match losing streak whilst the Bunnies flew up to Australia’s playground and threw the in-form Titans into the proverbial sand pit. Souths have won 4 of their past 5.

The Bunnies certainly looked good last week, leading by 22 points after 20 minutes but this week, it will be a much harder slog. Controlling possession will be the key because if you give either of these halfbacks a sniff, they’ll have you pinned down for an eternity. Adam Reynolds and Cooper Cronk deliver a possible Origin preview and show the rest of the competition what it means to lead your team around the park. Souths by a nose.

My tip: South Sydney 20-14

Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans

A pity that this match between two South Queensland rivals won’t be an asset to such a great weekend of footy. Surely, a tribute to Women in League could do without a shock jock calling the game from Suncorp. What an insult. But I’m fine with it, really. The Broncos host the Titans to finish of your Friday double header and it’s the Titans who will need all the luck here. They were flogged last week and fans quickly realised that this team is still not one of the NRLs elite sides.

This week, without Greg Bird, they’ll be hard pressed to prove that their victory over the Broncos 4 weeks ago was no fluke. Once the home side get on top through the like of Alex Glenn and Corey Parker, their halves may simply throw the ball to Justin Hodges and watch him terrorise William Zillman on the edge. A mismatch.  The Titans will keep this close but Brisbane will be out to atone for a poor showing in Townsville last week.

My tip: Brisbane 24-20

Parramatta Eels v St George Illawarra Dragons

As a Woman in League, Mum used to love Saturday arvo footy. Sunday’s were more about church but Saturday arvo, with everyone at the ground, there’d finally be some peace and quiet so she could hear the dulcet tones of Warren Boland and the great John Peard on ABC’s Television coverage. An institution. Now, decades later, what better way to celebrate tradition than two Sydney teams facing each other at 3pm.

The Dragons are hurting and no mid-season signing of a rugby league legend is gonna change that. Their defence has allowed 72 points over the past two matches and what’s worse, these matches revealed a softer middle than was once feared. The Eels, by contrast, continue to move up in the world and even though they are not quite premiership favourites, they are downright invincible at Pirtek Stadium. That’ll do.

My tip: Parramatta 30-18 

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Wests Tigers

Ask and thou shalt receive. Last week, this ‘column’ humbly requested that the black hole of time slots on the weekend footy calendar be saved for Sharks matches only. The 4 (including Mum) of you that read this weekly ‘preview’ would remember, I’m sure. Now, Women in League round continues with the Tigers heading to the Shire for the 5.30pm abomination and both clubs need a reprieve from injuries and are desperate for form.

The visitors have an edge here, with elder statesman Robbie Farah and Braith Anasta returning to guide this team around the park. Before they both disappeared, the Tigers were flying high but in the last two matches they have scored only 12 points. Ugly. Speaking of ugly, Cronulla won’t have the points in them to engage in a running game so will aim to go through the middle. The result of this will be a violent contest with plenty of old friends keen to beat the crap out of each other. Bless them all.

My tip: Wests 18-14

 

North Queensland Cowboys v Sydney Roosters

What does Daniel Mortimer have to do to get a start for the Chooks? Your 2009 surprise packet and Grand Finalist, Daniel re-surfaced to lead the Newtown Jets to a 2012 premiership and be a key interchange player for last year’s Premiers. Now, he remains benched whilst a rugby union forward gets the start at number 6. Why am I talking about this? Essentially, I’m trying to distract myself from making Mitchell Pearce jokes.

The Cowboys bounced back in a special way last week. They came out swinging against the Broncos and will need to do the same here to get over the top of the champs. The Roosters will miss their halfback, but in defence they will still be tough. North Queensland play their third straight home game and this is making them downright giddy. Great matchups all over the park with the front row contest a standout but keep your eye on Brent Tate and Michael Jennings sizing each other up.

My tip: Cowboys 20-18

 

Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers

Ah, the mighty Green Machine. When these two clubs met in round 5, it was the Panthers who got the biscuits at Sportingbet stadium in a low scoring and very entertaining battle. Since then, the Raiders have lost 3 from 4 and are completely laying down in defence, allowing an average of 39 points over the past month including a loss at home to the struggling Knights. Not great times in the nation’s capital and it could get worse.

Not only will crowds continue to diminish in Canberra, basically because nobody in the ACT has a job anymore, but their mongrel has completely disappeared and their confidence is shattered. The Panthers will aim to take advantage of this in the early going and come out swinging but there’ll be some fight left in the home side. Ricky Stuart has given up on the Jack Wighton project and promoted Josh McCrone to his rightful place in the halves. The Raiders fight back.

My tip: Canberra 24-18

 

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v New Zealand Warriors

The top of the table Bulldogs travel across the Tasman to face the spritely Warriors at Waikato Stadium and this is your match of the round. New Zealand are 2 and 2 since firing Matthew Elliott with one of these losses coming against Canterbury a month ago. In that match, the Warriors looked the better side but were subjected to some dubious refereeing in the final moments, losing by a point. Now, they look more like the imposing footy side we have grown to love.

Shaun Johnson will again be the focal point for the Warriors but on Sunday afternoon, he’ll also be the target of a thousand pounds of Canterbury forwards charging at him for 80 minutes. If the home side can protect their halfback and their middle, they are a massive chance to cause the upset here. But they won’t. The ‘Dogs conservative style will be a good foil for NZ. Keep an eye on Josh Morris v Konrad Hurrell. Awesome.

My tip: Canterbury Bankstown 26-18

 

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights

The hapless Knights head south for Monday night footy from Brookvale Oval to close out Women in League round and what a way to finish off. There’ll be plenty of white wine, cheese and low fat crackers, some organic dip and surely some instagram ‘selfies’ to share the moment. Oh, and perhaps the occasional outburst about the referees. Women in League has a different meaning at Brookvale but we thank them all the same.

Moving on. The Eagles are huge favourites here and while the visitors still have what it takes to cause an upset, they just haven’t shown any consistent or interesting form this year. Since beating the Raiders in Canberra a month ago, they’ve lost 3 straight and have looked completely lost in attack, averaging 9 points with the ball over that span. Against Manly’s aggressive defence and a Cherry-Evans led attack, Newcastle will face a big test here.

My tip: Manly 24-14

Paully's Picks - Round 9, 2014

Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers

The season proper kicks back into action this week with the defending premiers hosting the banged up Tigers. On paper, it’s a mismatch but the visitors have shown plenty of grit this season to be sitting in 4^th position on the ladder. Their forward pack deserves all of the credit. Speaking of the Tigers’ forwards, it will be up to them to keep Wests in this match but they’ll only be able to do it for so long until the class of the Roosters shines through.

The Chooks superstars turned up the heat in their last outing on Anzac Day and now, with more than a fortnights rest for their key playmakers, this could get ugly early. The Roosters will take advantage of a very young Tigers halves pairing while their big brothers aren’t there to protect them. Blake Austin and Luke Brooks will have a tough time. Pearce and Maloney should teach these kids a lesson and the rest will be Foundation Cup history.

My tip: Roosters 24-12 

North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos

A Queensland derby to finish up your Friday night double header so make sure you put this one on mute, but whatever you do, don’t switch off. The Cowboys have been mightily inconsistent this year but always tend to lift for this rivalry. They will again here and it seems like the punters are all predicting they will as well, with the home side starting as favourites. But beware the Broncos, my friends.

They have a 4-4 record but have been playing some very, very good football. They’ve not lost by more than 7 points this year and were absolutely nailed with some bad luck on three of their 4 defeats. Yes, that’s the last time you’ll hear me make excuses for a bunch of Queenslanders, but these blokes are worth a tip. Brisbane continue their good form, especially in defence and get away with a win here. Ben Barba might be due for one.

My tip: Brisbane 20-16

 

New Zealand Warriors v Canberra Raiders

Saturday arvo footy comes to you from Eden Park and what a way to start a pearler of a triple header. The Warriors will be keen not to blow their good form from round 8, where they were able to knock off the Storm in a thriller. This week, they face the visiting and struggling Canberra Raiders who choked quite badly against Manly a fortnight ago. No doubt, they would have copped a mouthful from their coach after that match. .

The Warriors won’t want to give them a head start in this one. Led by Sam Rapira and a rejuvenated Simon Mannering, the home side will be in the driver’s seat right from the start and Shaun Johnson will steer them to victory. Look for Konrad Hurrell to have a big game in this match, as he won’t want to take a back seat to his opposite number, Jarrod Croker, in this one. A good head-to-head battle here. Warriors win the tale of the tape, and the match.

My tip: Warriors 24-22 

 

Gold Coast Titans v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Jeez I wish they’d get rid of this 5.30 timeslot – except for Sharks games. It’s too early to be a night game for prime time TV and too late to be a day trip for families. This week, it’s even worse – these two clubs deserve top billing as they sit 3^rd and 7^th on the ladder, respectively, and have two of the most aggressive forward packs in the competition. It will be a ripper and for once, I’m not tipping against the bloody Titans.

The supreme kicking game of Adam Reynolds will keep Souths in great field position; their disciplined defense will be a good foil for the Titans grinding style of attack; their fullback is the greatest athlete Rugby League has seen, but gosh darn it, the Titans have a horseshoe sitting somewhere that just keeps producing good fortune. As they say though, you make your own luck and the home side will do so again here. Nate Myles v Sam Burgess and roaring highlight.

My tip: Gold Coast 19-18

 

Melbourne Storm v manly Sea Eagles

As we reach the tail end of this 10 year battle that re-shaped the word rivalry and made us actually like Manly for a few years – let’s look back at the highlights of so many unforgettable matches between these two proud clubs. Actually, just one stands out; that beautiful moment where Manly’s Brett Stewart runs 65 metres to launch a WWE style swinging arm at the head of Adam Blair, just as Blair is throwing a few poorly aimed haymakers at Glenn Stewart’s face. Beautiful.

Now, as we realise that these two teams won’t be turning this match into a similar bloodbath, we also notice that Melbourne have lost their last 4 matches. Perhaps it’s a bloodbath they need. Similarly, the visitors could be in strife without Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans in this match. Manly have never won a match at AAMI Park and without these two assassins, they won’t start now. Storm at the death.

My tip: Melbourne 17-12

 

Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers

Sunday afternoon football comes to you from Hunter Stadium in Newcastle and once again, the Knights are doing it tough. Their franchise owner, Nathan Tinkler, has long been under scrutiny from the Knights board and Knights supporters about his management of finances, and whether those finances actually exist in the first place. Now, this football clubs owner is facing charges of bribery to elected state officials. Classy guy.

Does this affect the football team’s performance? Maybe. But not this week. The visiting Panthers have not won an away game since Manly tanked at Brookvale in round 26 last year. They are 0-4 on the road this season and against the Knights on a Sunday arvo in the rain, they won’t be reversing that trend. Newcastle gets revenge for their round 1 shellacking at Sportingbet Stadium and it’s an ever improving Jarrod Mullen who leads them around the park.

My tip: Newcastle 18-16

 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Your match of the round and despite the merged entity, a true Sydney rivalry of magnificent proportions. Growing up in a house full of Dragons fans, I never had a chance when these two teams would meet – I was the black sheep. In fact, back then, when all games were played on a Sunday afternoon, there is no way my old man was driving my siblings to Kogarah and then dropping me at Belmore to watch the ‘Dogs. Alas, I spent many Sunday’s watching Saints at Kogarah.

Only when the Bulldogs came to Jubilee Oval did freedom reign. It was me against the world. 19,000 people jam packed into a stadium with about 12 seats. A spiritual experience and a lifelong memory. Now, as I teach my kids to hate Saints as much as I did, Sunday afternoon from ANZ will again be a beauty. Sam Williams becomes the 17^th halfback to start for the Dragons this year and even with plenty of talent in the squad, the home side are big outsiders. The Bulldogs defence will get them home again.

My tip: Canterbury 21-14

 

Parramatta Eels v Cronulla Sharks

The Johnny Mannah Cup. A great cause and a great tradition started by these clubs and to close out round 9, Monday Night Footy with have plenty of emotion. The Eels come into this match as justified favourites. They are undefeated at home this year, a miracle in itself, and facing the cellar dwellers of the 2014 premiership so far. Cronulla are struggling, but on the way up as more and more troops return from injury.

Luke Lewis makes his long awaited comeback to replace the (you guessed it) injured Todd Carney and whilst this will bolster the visitors defensive line, it won’t help them in attack. The Sharks will be more than competitive in the forwards but won’t have any try-scoring power out wide and this is where Jarryd Hayne will make the difference for the home side. Hayne continues his blistering start to the season and will get the Eels home. Bryce Gibbs v Darcy Lussick a hilarious side show. Watch them niggle.

My tip: Parramatta 22-14

Paully's Picks - Rep Weekend 2014

Australia v New Zealand

A rough night in the making for New Zealand Rugby League. Granted, their forward pack deserves respect but when it comes time to put points and the board, cohesion will let them down. Coach Stephen Kearney has drafted Panthers back up Isaac John to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves.  However, what’s more concerning than the beginning of a Johnson and John era is the rest of their spine. Congratulations to debutants Peter Hiku and Ben Henry but they will do it tough.

The Australians, by contrast, will showcase their famous Queensland spine and no player shines brighter in this group than Jonathan Thurston. JT, with good service from his 9, should carve up the Kiwis and the Kangaroos should win well. The biggest challenges for the home side will be filling up the stadium and deciding on their victory song. If any cane-toad tries to sing the Queensland Origin song again, expect Paul Gallen to unleash his famous right hand.

My tip: Australia 32-12

 

Country Origin v City Origin

Caltex Stadium in Dubbo comes alive on Sunday afternoon for the annual City v Country clash and this year’s version is punctuated by future origin hopefuls. More so than previous years, selectors have chosen the best of a young crop of outstanding talent. Whilst they’ve still rewarded the likes of Beau Scott and Josh McCrone to keep the culture from dying, all other representatives look likely. The wonderful folk of the New South Wales Orana Region will brave the crisp and chilly conditions and be treated to a beauty.

And most of this beauty will come from City. The Country side is dominated by footballers who win with defence, with the grind. A forward pack boasting the likes of Aidan Tolman and Adam Docker will be hoping to slow down the ruck, waiting for the visitors to err. They won’t. Brad Fittler’s team has many attacking weapons but none more exciting than their back three. Matt Moylan, Jorge Taufua and Daniel Tupou are all in brilliant form and if the Reynolds boys can steer City’s attack in this direction, they will prove too hard for Country to stop.

My tip: City 24-14