Taking out the woeful form of the Eels, the first two rounds of the NRL have been quite entertaining with some good footy. The Warriors, the Cowboys and the Rabbitohs are the three form teams (Melbourne, Newcastle and Manly also have 2 from 2 but not as impressive).
But bursting of the blocks doesn’t mean that the season is yours. The Cowboys faded after a good start last year. As Parra showed in 2006, you can overcome an ordinary start as did the Tigers in 2005. Which brings us to the first game of the round. My tips in bold.
Eels v Tigers, Parramatta Stadium Friday 8:00pm
Both teams have been very disappointing in the first two rounds. But one will walk away with the points. Being a home game and the return of Nathan Hindmarsh, the Eels will open their account for the season.
Broncos v Panthers, Suncorp Stadium Friday 8:00pm
I’m really not sure on this one. The Broncos have yet to win a game and while the Panthers thumped the Bulldogs, I get the feeling that there is an element of inconsistency to their side. I’ll got with Broncos but not with absolute confidence.
Dragons v Cowboys, WIN Stadium Saturday 5:30pm
The Cowboys were great in demolishing the Roosters last weekend and deserve to be favourites. The Dragons welcome back Matthew Head but that won’t make up the difference in quality between the sides. Cowboys to slay ‘em.
Sharks v Rabbitohs, Toyota Park Saturday 7:30pm
Who woulda thunk that in 2007 you go into a game seriously thinking about the Rabbitohs chances? And is this game you would have to favour them over the Sharks. The Bunnies have a lot of confidence and that will get them over the line in this one.
Storm v Warriors, Olympic Park Sunday 12:00pm
The Storm have turned Olympic Park into a graveyard for visiting sides. But the Warriors have been very impressive in their first two outings. I’ll tip the Storm but I won’t be surprised if the Warriors get up.
Bulldogs v Titans, Telstra Stadium Sunday 2:00pm
The Bulldogs were surprisingly ordinary last week. They’ll be up for it this weekend and will do it ok against the Titans. I like the look of The Titans and while they’ll win few games this year but this won’t be one of them.
Roosters v Sea Eagles, Aussie Stadium Sunday 3:00pm
Manly in this one. The Rooster have been ordinary and I don’t see that changing under coach Anderson.
Raiders v Knights, Canberra Stadium Monday 7:00pm
I’m quite liking the idea of Monday Night Football. Have league over 4 days of the week is just blissful. But it won’t be a happy knight for the Raiders. The return of Joey will continue Newcastle’s unbeaten run.
9 responses so far ↓
Esmarelda Rant // Mar 30, 2007 at 12:12 pm
I agree with all of these Shaun.
Tough matches to pick :
* Tigers/Eels : Home ground advantage only.
* Broncos/Panthers : Last week was a fluke.
* Manly/Roosters : Manly played with ticker last week.
The others look like good games though & I’m particularly looking forward to seeing how the Titans go in Sydney.
As always, Go Bunnies!
Amanda // Mar 30, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Yeah, I tipped all those too.
It’s tough though with teams like Penrith, atrocious one week, giving the Doggies a lesson the next. It depends which team shows up. (as they say in the classics)
Shaun // Mar 31, 2007 at 1:27 pm
It was ugly but we’ll take the points. To be honest the Tigers were probably the better side but there were some glimpses of Parra getting a few things right.
But WTF the Panthers again.
I tuned into the last 10 minutes (knowing the result) and with 3 minutes to go, the Panthers were 8 points down and I was thinking that it was some hoax.
Poor Broncs. The premiers 0-3.
Amanda // Mar 31, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Curses Panthers. Again ruining my tips.
The words ‘poor Broncs’ will never pass my lips.
Shaun // Apr 2, 2007 at 9:59 pm
What is the sarcasm tag again?
But good Knight, did Canberra come home in the second half in Monday Night football. I thought Newcastle were going to come back but the Raiders just turned it on.
Full wrap of the round tomorrow. Also my prediction for the first coach to be sacked this season. Any guesses?
Mungo Amanda // Apr 3, 2007 at 6:23 am
Bugger. But at least the loss is out of the way now, this gives us a solid psychological edge over the top four teams. the pressure is off.
Mungo Amanda // Apr 3, 2007 at 6:55 am
Chris Anderson?
dare i say it, Wayne Bennett? Heh.
No, wait. Michael Hagen.
Shaun // Apr 3, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Brian Smith!. Not really though after last night… I reckon Anderon is in trouble if the Roosters don’t win soon.
Amanda // Apr 3, 2007 at 5:54 pm
nelsonmuntz HAH HAH
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/lame-and-lamer-swap-notes/2007/04/03/1175366230229.html
/ nelsonmuntz