Paully's Picks - Round 21, 2014

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos

Friday night from the insular peninsular and this will be a beauty. The Broncos have a great record on the road this year and have a number of young footballers who’d be willing to test themselves against the best in the Eagles. Pity nobody in Brisbane feels the same way. The Broncos decision makers certainly think it’s time for change and with Anthony Griffin on his way out, it’s hard to imagine how he will motivate these youngsters against the league leaders.

Manly have won 5 from their past 6 under a cloud of player dissatisfaction with the board. Whatever. This weekend is supposed to be about superheroes, or something, so let’s talk about them. DCE and Kieran Foran will once again strike fear into the opposition defence and after they’ve had their say, Manly will walk off into the sunset after beating the bad guy (Justin Hodges), saving the world (the Northern Beaches) and winning the girl (Tom Waterhouse).

My tip: Manly 26-18

 

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers

As the Panthers continue reeling from the news that Peter Wallace will miss the remainder of the season, coach Ivan Cleary has given up on the Matt Moylan five eighth experiment and promoted 22 year old Newcastle junior Will Smith to the number 6 jersey. Fingers crossed he plays like a superhero to get Penrith’s season back on track. I’m thinking one of the cats from Voltron. Voltron was awesome. I think we had the Blue one at my house.

Moving on. The Bulldogs come into this match as favourites but with the Panthers already having beaten them once this year and the ‘Dogs in some poor form of late, it’s hard to agree with the bookies. More so, if you watched the Bulldogs attack against North Queensland last week, it’s even harder to agree with them. Both teams needing a lift this Friday night after both losing 2 in a row. It’s not a time in the season when you want to be slumping.

My tip: Bulldogs 18-16 

 

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Parramatta Eels

Mad Monday time for the Sharks. Granted, they’ve won 3 of their past 5 including a few magnificent comebacks and amazing upsets, but its still Mad Monday time. So, as Todd Carney goes to Bali on scouting missions for this team’s end of season preparations, the rest of the Sharks get set to face the Eels on Saturday afternoon at Remondis Stadium. Parra are only slight favourites but certainly will be the hot tip considering Superman himself is wearing the blue and gold number 1 jersey.

The Eels are specials here. Even though their away record doesn’t inspire confidence, a dry track in the shire on Saturday should inspire plenty in Jarryd Hayne. The Eels forwards should give him a head start with Tim Mannah fully fit and the legendary Fui Fui Moi Moi playing his 200^th first grade match. So many great memories, thanks Foo. The Plane the difference again here after proving he is not a bird or an actual plane, just super.

My tip: Parramatta 26-16

 

North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans

The Cowboys had lost Co-Captain Matt Scott and then Brent Tate after game 2 of the origin series; they were counted out as a premiership threat because of their paltry away record over a decade; Johnathan Thurston was exhausted and they had been destroyed by the struggling Newcastle Knights. Falling to pieces. But then -– somehow, after the bye, they beat South Sydney at home and went on to win 2 away games in a row?

That’s not really a question. Just some punctuation to explain the upwards inflection in my voice when yelling in disbelief at my computer. Congrats to Paul Green and Jonathan Thurston for believing and never giving up. Just like Iron Man, or something. This week, the Cowboys head home to face the 13^th place Gold Coast Titans and they won’t get a better chance to solidify a spot in the 8. Matt Scott has been named and the home side will be riding high.

My tip: North Queensland 30-12

 

Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons

Saturday night at Allianz Stadium and its Iron Man v Captain America. The Kids love it. What they don’t love is how the Roosters lost last week. Chooks fans cooked themselves up into an oily mess watching their heavily favoured, defending premier, star studded football team lose to the Knights in Newcastle and get shafted by the referees at the same time. Hilarious to the rest of us footy fans who support clubs with no cash, but not so funny for the tri colours.

This week, they head home to Moore Park to face a very dangerous Dragons team. Saints seem to be playing with a weight off their shoulders and some freedom in their attack. They’ve won four from their past 5 and the Gareth Widdop/Benji Marshall combination is shining. It will need to shine a hell of a lot brighter against James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce. Smart money says they will. Michael Jennings returns and the Chooks bounce back.

My tip: Roosters 28-18

 

Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors

Sunday afternoon in the nation’s capital and you won’t hear me mention the weather, for once. The Raiders and the city of Canberra have bigger problems to deal with aside from the occasional bloody cold snap that lasts for 3 months, and can awaken the dead, and make you wish for the fires of hell to consume you, and make your ears fall off your face like shiny, frozen crystals and then watch them shatter on the icy ground. Canberra, feel the power.

Sorry, the Raiders have bigger problems. They’ve lost 6 from their past 7, they are getting dressed up like Hulk this weekend and more depressingly for the green machine, the Warriors are coming to town. Granted, New Zealand have lost two in a row but they are getting dressed up as an actual Warrior. So, this is a mismatch right from the start with the home side representing a doctor who can’t control his rage and the visitors turning up to GIO Stadium to get back into the top 8.

My tip: Warriors 32-22

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights

Barlow Park in Cairns will host your Sunday afternoon match as the Newcastle Knights continue one of the most difficult seasons in their proud history. After an improbable victory last week, they take up the fight against the heavily backed Rabbitohs in the tropical north. Perhaps a tough week for Souths with a short back up from Monday night in Canberra to travel to Cairns, but that’s not their biggest concern.

If Sam Burgess, John Sutton and Greg Inglis are struggling with injury, the Knights could be in this up to their eyeballs. Burgess 50/50 they reckon, Sutton certainly out and GI – well, you never know. Keep your eye on the market in this one. If it’s just Sutto who’s missing, Souths will welcome the ever improving Luke Keary into the halves and they will be too good. Kurt Gidley returns for Newcastle to replace the injured Jarrod Mullen but the Bunnies defence gets them home.

My tip: Souths 26-10

 

Wests Tigers v Melbourne Storm

Round 21 comes to a close with Monday Night Football from Campbelltown Stadium and what can the visiting Storm possibly expect to see here? It could be anything, really. The Tigers are limping to the finish line in 2014. Emotionally, physically and mentally. Or as Phil Gould would say, ‘Mently’. They can’t possibly be emotionally ready for this match; their captain won’t come to training and their board of directors won’t back their coach.

Physically, they are in even more strife with at least 7 first grade players out with injury. Lucky it’s only the likes of Cooper Cronk and Craig Bellamy coming to town – both very sensitive souls who don’t take winning very seriously and will take pity on the Tigers and not want to embarrass them too much. Melbourne by 50. Jokes – but this will be a test of character for everyone in the Tigers franchise; a greater challenge they will not face.

My tip: Melbourne 30-12

Paully's Picks - 'Rise for Alex' Round, 2014.

As we prepare for round 19 of the Premiership, Rise for Alex round is dedicated to Alex McKinnon and also reminds us of the sacrifice, the danger they face each week and the bravery of those we love to watch play the greatest game of all. Perhaps something the likes of ‘buzz’, ‘kenty’, ‘bulldog’ and the rest of those lads from a nameless ‘newspaper’ might want to remember. This is for Alex, and this is for them: Roosevelt said it best:

“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

 Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys

Your Friday night double header has both games from Sydney. You beauty. Firstly, from Remondis Stadium in the Shire comes the Sharks and the Cowboys. Both teams under the pump here. Cronulla are struggling and …. Well… you know the story. The Cowboys are still searching for their first road victory of season 2014 and they won’t get a better chance to turn that horrific record around than on Friday night.

As always, any success they have will come from Jonathan Thurston. The poor bloke – he must be buggered by now. Carrying his club side and his state for a decade and then, when each season is over, representing his country and his People with pride. Fingers crossed his forwards aim up against what will be a brave Cronulla pack boasting the return of Andrew Fifita. If Jason Taumalolo and Tariq Sims his peak form, Cowboys win.

My tip: Cowboys 24-12
 

Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Feels like it’s been ages since Greg Inglis played for the bunnies. Well, not only is GI back for Friday night’s beauty from Pirtek stadium, he’ll be joined by Souths’ number 7 Adam Reynolds, reportedly back to full fitness. The visitors have been great to watch at times this year, with their defence being the standout again, but it will be their attack that will return to good form here. GI will threaten the Eels all over the park.

Speaking of threatening fullbacks, on the opposite side of the field to GI will be none other than his holiness Jarryd Hayne. ‘The Plane’ will have enjoyed the 10 days’ rest since origin 3 and his team will need him, desperately. Of the very few moments that Souths let Parra into the flow of this game, the home side will need to take advantage. They won’t. The Bunnies forwards control this match from start to finish and Souths win their first match in a month.

My tip: South Sydney 20-12

 

Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers

Saturday afternoon from Allianz Stadium. Broad daylight. 2^nd v 5^th on the ladder and some of the brightest stars in the NRL suiting up for your match of the round as the Panthers head to town to play the defending premiers. RTS set to return and Josh Mansour should prove his fitness. The magical footwork of Dean Whare against the toughness of Mitch Aubusson. Matt Moylan moves into the halves and will be able to hear James Maloney sledge him for 80 wonderful minutes.

You get the picture. But while the outside backs and the halves play tickles with each other, the real highlight here will be the premiership winning forward pack of the Roosters taking on another pack trying to steal their glory, as they have all year long. This time, they’ll come up winners for the first time in 4 weeks. SBW and Boyd Cordner get the wood only slightly over Elijah Taylor and Sika Manu on the edges. Tough bastards. Cracking game.

My tip: Roosters 19-18

Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders

Saturday night from AAMI Park and I haven’t tipped this contest right for about 5 years. The Raiders have won their last two at this ground and have beaten the storm 3 out of their last 4 encounters. What the hell?! This time, Melbourne are coming off a heartbreaking loss at home to the Bulldogs where they did everything but score the match winner. Their attack won’t find the going as tough here against Canberra’s league worst defence.

But who knows – with the mighty Shaun Fensom playing his 100^th game for the Green Machine, they may just be fired up enough to continue their good run in Victoria. I’m not game enough to tip them, but the 4 of you reading this (hi mum!) won’t be punting on me anyway. So, Cooper Cronk has one of those games where he controls everything from turning on the stadium lights to selling the hot dogs and leads the Storm back to the winners circle.

My tip: Melbourne 30-12

 

Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors

Saturday night from Suncorp. Read that again you magnificent people – the Broncos play their first Saturday night game in Brisbane since 1991 (not fact checked). So, get comfortable for the final leg of your triple header as the seemingly unstoppable Warriors travel across the Tasman to face the Broncos. And they are coming over on a 3 match winning streak and as underdogs. This could only be due to the injury cloud hanging over Sam Tomkins.

If Tomkins plays, you’d be forgiven for leaning towards a punt on the visitors, but the Broncos are due. They will be desperate to avoid a 4 match losing streak and considering the form of Ben Hunt and Corey Parker, they look like winners here. A great battle between a couple of oversized centres in Konrad Hurrell and Jack Reed but the return of Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough will be the catalyst for the home side’s victory here.

My tip: Brisbane 30-20

 

Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans

A special day in Newcastle. Sunday afternoon footy comes from Hunter Stadium as the Knights pay tribute to the courage of Alex McKinnon and raise a few quid for his battle. The Titans are in town for the occasion and they won’t let anyone down. They’ve been able to salvage some pride in recent weeks as injuries and plenty of bad luck have destroyed their season. But the bookies don’t care – they are rank outsiders here.

Much more at stake than a game of footy, but the Knights turn up and play like a team on a 3 match winning streak, cos they are. Kurt Gidley is enjoying his return to the 7 jumper and Jarrod Mullen looks like he has more space every week. He might be due for one of those games where he appears to have the ball on a string. If he doesn’t, the Knights forwards will be knocking the stuffing out of Nate Myles and the Titans so it may not matter.

My tip: Newcastle 32-12

 

Wests Tigers v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Your second Sunday match comes from Sydney Olympic Park as the Tigers host the Bulldogs. Tigers’ home game – but they are struggling. They’ve won only 1 from their last 4, a 1 point win over Canberra, and are giving up over 27 points a game in defence over the past 5 weeks. For those of you who love the numbers, here is one more – the home side has not beaten Canterbury in their last 5 attempts. You’re welcome.

The bookies know this. They have the Bulldogs set as very firm favourites and even without their star front rower in Aidan Tolman, their representative half in Josh Reynolds and their captain in Frank Pritchard, they should get home here. Expect a good shake from Robbie Farah and his crew as they try to get their season back on track, but the Bulldogs defence will be too good. Kasiano and Graham against Woods and Galloway an absolute highlight.

My tip: Bulldogs 21-14 

St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

The Dragons have somehow won 4 from their past 5 matches and what a pity former coach Steve Price isn’t around to enjoy the fruits of his efforts to bring Benji Marshall to the famous red V. Benji looks like a leader and is showing the characteristics that highlighted his last years at Wests. It helps that Saints have played their last 3 games at home and with the bye in between, have been sleeping in their own beds for a month.

A danger game for the Eagles. Saints will be well rested and as underdogs at Kogarah’s Jubilee Oval, they will be primed for a big one. Either way, this will be an absolute cracker and one of the best Monday night games we’ve seen for ages. Jorge Taufua and Anthony Watmough return for the visitors to add more exciting ingredients to the broth that is already spilling over with the thought of Josh Dugan up against Steve Matai.

My tip: Dragons 17-16

Paully's Picks - Round 18, 2014

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers

Friday night at Brooky where the Tigers have not won in more than a decade. The home side will be keen to respond to last week’s shock loss to Des Hasler and the Bulldogs. And they’ll be keen to do this with an aggression that will not only look like the Manly we’ve grown to hate, but will atone for the treatment they received from the ‘dogs pack last Friday night. Forwards never forget. This aggression should come from Brenton Lawrence first and Justin Horo second.

The Tigers may match this in the opening 20 minutes and when they do, you’ll have your match of the round. Just another sign that today’s NRL players continue to deliver whilst begging for more time off. Amazing. Speaking of amazing, Jamie Lyon plays his 250^th first grade game and league’s gentleman Dene Halatau plays his 200^th. Fantastic. The Tigers will bounce back well from last week’s disappointment at Leichhardt but it won’t be enough.

My tip: Manly 22-20

 

New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels

Keep an eye on all the news sources you can to see if Jarryd Hayne is on the plane to Auckland for this match – because that could be the difference between the Warriors winning by 50 or 15. Chris Sandow has been named at fullback for this match and if he plays there, you won’t want to miss the treatment he gets from Shaun Johnson, Chad Townsend and the Warriors kick chase. It might be hilarious, or it might put young Chrissy Sandow in hospital.

Who’s in charge of Parramatta’s travel insurance policy? Is there a section that prohibits putting yourself in harm’s way? In Manu Vatuvei’s way? In Konrad Hurrell’s way? Either way, the Warriors have only lost 2 matches since mid-April and the Eels have an abysmal defensive record away from Pirtek Stadium. That’ll do. Some big bodies up front in this match so tune in at 5.30pm Sydney time for a Saturday night smash up.

My tip: Warriors 36-12

 

Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Saturday evening from AAMI Park in Melbourne as the 3^rd place Bulldogs hit the road to face the 8^th place Storm. Plenty of blokes backing up from Wednesday night here so once again, stay tuned to the LU website or twitter page to keep updated. If everyone plays, this could be a beauty with the Storm still hoping to spark their season; and they usually do soon after rep season is finished. The Bulldogs will have plenty to say about this.

They’ll start with Tony Williams running very direct lines at Ben Roberts and Ben Hampton, no matter where Melbourne are hiding them in defence. Combine this with the visitors forwards aiming up, as they often do, to keep bending the line. Melbourne will win the battle for field position if they can control Canterbury’s monster pack, but Des Hasler has a history of beating Craig Bellamy coached teams and he can out think the wrestle better than most. Dogs win for the first time ever at AAMI.

My tip: Bulldogs 20-16

 

Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders

If you thought the crowd at Cbus Super Stadium against the Storm was anaemic, have a crack at the Robina faithful turning up in their droves on Sunday afternoon for this one. Yes, ladies and gentleman, it’s the Raiders coming to town and they are on a 4 match losing streak; with the Titans winners of 1 from their past 7; and rain predicted. But don’t be fooled by the ever increasing pile of evidence to suggest this won’t be entertaining.

The Titans were good enough to beat South Sydney last week and with Daniel Mortimer playing his 3^rd game for the home side, cohesion might be improving. If so, you’ll see a rejuvenated Albert Kelly off the bench, a fired up forward pack and some very fast blokes out wide. David Mead and Kevin Gordon might finally stop begging for some footy while James Roberts is enjoying his longest ever stint in first grade. This kid is starting to live up to the billing.
My tip:  Titans 19-18

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Newcastle Knights

If you thought Sunday’s fixture card couldn’t get any better than the 12^th placed Titans hosting the 15^th placed Raiders, think again. Round two of this festival of footy has the 16^th placed Sharks up against the 14^th placed Knights. We cannot be in any doubt who is in charge of Rugby League now, can we? The broadcasters are so desperate to keep people away from games and tuning into their TVs, it’s becoming insulting.

Last week, the Sharks celebrated like a team who’d been through the wars, and by gum, they have. Here is a chance to reward their small army of supporters with a win at home for the first time since round 8 and notch up an improbable 3 game winning streak. The Knights are in a similar boat and fighting just as hard to stay afloat and it’s this gumption that will get them home. The Mullen/Gidley combination should be too good.

My tip: Newcastle 18-12

 

Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos

Round 18 comes to a close with Monday night football from Sportingbet Stadium and this should be a beauty. The Panthers are the talk of the town and are sitting atop the ladder. They’ve won 6 from their past 7 and have uncovered a few footballers headed for stardom. The Broncos, meanwhile, have become the road warriors of the NRL. They are undefeated in NSW this year and will have the added motivation of their unbelievable last start loss to the Sharks. They’ll be ready.

A huge loss for the home side with Peter Wallace out injured and the Panthers’ attack will suffer. They’ve benefited from his leadership and kick chase so now, they’ll be hoping the spark provided by his replacement in the halves, Tyrone Peachey, will be enough. It won’t. I’ll go the upset here and back the Broncos to enjoy the 17 days’ rest between matches, plus the 5 days’ rest for their origin stars. Ben Hunt back to his best.

My tip: Brisbane 22-16

Paully's Picks - State of Origin 3, 2014.

Queensland v New South Wales

In the wash up of game 2, we heard from the talking heads that QLD were gracious in defeat and should hold their heads up high. Garbage. These blokes are absolutely filthy about the Sam Thaiday ‘try’ and Aaron Woods’ phantom touch. Queenslanders face the media with class and composure but if you look and listen a bit harder, you’ll see them talk subtly about the refereeing and fall back comfortably into feeling hard done by.

NSW, by contrast, would say that we are still not even, by any stretch of the imagination. We still owe them one or two bits of bad luck. The Inglis knock-on ‘try’? You guessed it. The Justin Hodges obstruction ‘try’? You got it. Brad Fittler’s pass to Tim Brasher in game 2 of the 1995 series called back for being forward? We won’t forget. Brasher’s try would have won that game and tied this famous series. I don’t sound jaded, do I?

To digress, history is just that, history. On Wednesday night we will see more history being made as New South Wales hold up the Shield for the first time in looong tiiiime… This will bring Goosebumps to all Blues’ fans who have been hard done by in reality, as opposed to a fantasy wrong-doing from 100 years ago. Rejoice, my friends, as Paul Gallen hoists up the spoils of victory for himself, his team, an entire state and for all those who could not do it before him for 8 horrible years.

The 80 minutes preceding this moment is probably what I should be talking about, so here goes. Prepare for 50,000 cane toads to pretend they want revenge. To pretend they are the good guys and to start drinking from 10am. If you thought game 2 had some niggle, keep a close eye on the ruck in this match as Queensland show their true sporting colours and do everything they can to turn this match into a street fight, before throwing the ball to Jonathan Thurston and begging him to flourish.

New South Wales, conversely, will win the forward battle as they have done in games 1 and 2, and then use a fired up Boyd Cordner and origin hero Ryan Hoffman to target the QLD halves. With a more expansive game being predicted by many pundits, we may even see the ball spread further to Josh Morris and Josh Dugan, if we’re lucky. Their battles with Greg Inglis and Justin Hodges will be a highlight.

So, sit back and enjoy this celebration of the greatest sporting event in Australia but be prepared for the grind to take over again. Another defensive struggle could take place but the first team to give an inch or make a mistake will pay for it dearly. The Blues’ spine will look more cohesive, now that they’ve had 3 camps together, but it may not be enough to overcome a very angry and very ruthless home team. Fingers crossed they shake hands afterwards.

My tip: The shield comes home

Man of the Match tip: Ryan Hoffman

Paully's Picks - Round 17, 2014

Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Friday night footy from ANZ Stadium to kick off round 17 of the premiership and what a beauty this would have been. Rather, we’ll see an undermanned Bulldogs outfit defend bravely for as long as they can but ultimately, won’t have enough points in them to trouble the competition leaders. The dangers of playing mid-season rep footy, I guess – but no doubt you’ve read plenty about this topic of late so let’s get past it, people.

Michael Ennis has been named at halfback so it’s not gonna be pretty, but it won’t be a blow out. The ‘Dogs are battling their way through the rep season and like many good teams before them, are learning how to use their depth. Manly, meanwhile, have grown accustomed to it and will be on another mission to put the sword to Des Hasler’s team. Keep an eye on Kris Inu facing Steve Matai. They’ve had some battles in the past – none better than the 2011 GF and this could be another one.

My tip: Manly 22-12
 

St George Illawarra Dragons v North Queensland Cowboys

Saturday night in Kogarah. The visiting Cowboys have not won a game away from 1300Smiles Stadium all year and the bookies think they are absolutely no chance again here. The visitors have some decent depth, these days. Michael Morgan subs in well for JT and their forwards don’t look completely horrible without Matt Scott and James Tamou, but you just can’t bet on them against a rejuvenated Dragons outfit.

Benji Marshall will never be the player from those highlights packages they keep showing, but he is most definitely back from the ugly, horrible and stinky caper that was his Rugby Union career. Benji is creating formidable combinations with Mitch Rein and Gareth Widdop, the two most important people in the Dragons’’ playbook and this is great news for the Jubilee Avenue faithful. Saints win their 3^rd in a row and go into the bye with a fire back in the belly.

My tip: Dragons 24-12

 

Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sutherland Sharks

Tough times again in the Shire. In fact, the stink just seems to get stinkier from Caringbah to Como to Kurnell and beyond. With the cloud of PED’s hanging over them; their superstars’ contract torn up; their captain and coach not able to keep things in house and a wooden spoon in the mail, it cannot possibly get worse. Unless you have a game on Saturday night against the reigning premiers at their home ground, without your rep players. Good god.

The Sharks may have had their backs against the wall for what seems like forever, so they’d be used to the struggle, but it won’t make a lick of difference here. The chooks will be stinging from last week’s loss to Manly and will thrive on 8 days’ rest. It will be just a matter of time before the floodgates open in this match with James Maloney and Sonny Bill Williams the key destroyers. A tough start to James Shepherd’s coaching career but it can only get better for the Sharks, right?

My tip: Roosters 36-12

 

Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers

Sunday afternoon from Leichhardt Oval – the sun will be shining, the crowd could be drinking and the home side will be underdogs. Sound familiar? Hell yes. The Tigers come into this match without their captain Robbie Farah and are heavy outsiders with the bookies. They host the 2^nd place Panthers who lost for the first time in months last week and will be keen to atone and even more keen to celebrate Brent Kite’s 300^th first grade appearance. They will be confident.

But many have been at this graveyard in Sydney’s inner west and if the visitors are not prepared for a blistering open 20 minutes from the likes of Keith Galloway and Martin Taupau, they’ll be chasing from the outset. Braith Anasta almost single handedly won the game for the Tigers last week with his defence and his right boot; and he will once again lead the young Tigers around the park for an unlikely victory. Wests pull an upset and beat the Panthers for the 8^th straight time.

My tip: Tigers 17-16

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Gold Coast Titans

The poor Titans get another game 48 hours out from origin – when nobody is really watching and nobody really wants to go out to the game on a Monday night. They’ve lost 6 in a row and now face the huge task of beating the Bunnies at a vacuous ANZ Stadium. They are $5.50 outsiders and the grim picture just paints itself. This is a mismatch. Souths might be missing GI and a couple of back rowers, but they have ample depth to cover them.

Michael Maguire has benched Issac Luke and for some reason; maybe he is bored. The Titans certainly are not, they’ll be desperate to get their season back on track and will give it a good shake. They also welcome back Paul Carter from a drink driving charge only 2 matches after the incident (some people have all the luck). It won’t be enough; but make sure you keep an eye out for Gold Coast’s James Roberts playing against his old teammates – should be interesting.

My tip: Souths 24-0