Ah, Easter. Four days of rest, relaxation and rugby league. Another intriguing round is ahead of of us so on with the preview and tips (as per usual my choices in bold).
Rabbitohs v Bulldogs, Friday 7:30pm Telstra Stadium
South Sydney hit prime time for the first time since 2002. Their confidence is sky high but they do face a challenge against the Bulldogs. However with O’Meley suspended the Dogs lose a lot up front and that will hurt them. The Easter Bunnies to win and send Souths supporters unto uncharted territory.
Roosters v Broncos, Friday 7:30pm Aussie Stadium
Both teams are running none from three. However the Roosters have been shocking whereas the Broncos just seem a little out of sorts. Broncs to open their account for the season.
Knights v Storm, Saturday 5:30pm EnergyAustralia Stadium
The Storm have looked quite good and had no trouble overcoming the Warriors last week. The Knights were blown off the park during Canberra’s second half romp. The head says the Storm but the hear reckons Joey is out for revenge. He had a shocker and will want to redeem himself. I’m on a very unstable limb but with a good home crowd, the Knights.
Cowboys v Tigers, Saturday 7:30pm Dairy Farmers Stadium
The Cowboys first half against the Dragons was brilliant, the second half ordinary. Whilst the Tigers did all they could to beat Parra but were still denied. I’ll tip the Cowboys but it won’t be a walkover. The Tigers frustration is focused on Benji but don’t forget the work of Farah and Hodgson around the ruck could be just as damaging as Thurston and Bowen.
Eels v Raiders, Saturday 7:30pm Parramatta Stadium
The Raiders were great last week while the Eels scrambled to a untidy but relieving win. And getting their first win will give the Eels a bit more confidence. This could be a great game and while the Raiders trouble the Eels, time go with the heart and home team.
Sea Eagles v Warriors, Sunday 2:00pm Brookvale
The Warriors don’t seem to travel well. They were impressive at home but ordinary against the Storm. The Sea Eagles have been winning their games without too much fuss and don’t seem to have suffered with Orford’s injury. The Sea Eagles in a game that the quality will depend on how many of the Warriors turn up.
Panthers v Titans, Sunday 3:00pm CUA Stadium
A tricky one. The Panthers amazing win last week will still have them fired up. The Titans were ordinary in an ordinary game last week. But with the Panthers you are never really sure what they will do. And the Titans do not have a bad roster with Preston Campbell returning back to his old home. A tip for the Panthers but not with confidence.
Sharks v Dragons, Monday 7:00pm Toyota Park
Both teams have been a little ordinary this season and both have one win. With little to separate the two, I’ll take the easy option and go with the Sharkies at home.
12 responses so far ↓
Mungo Amanda // Apr 6, 2007 at 12:14 pm
I’m with you until the final three where I went Titans, Warriors and Dragons. Living a little on the wild side. I’m surprised you went Knights, I did out of loyalty but you can’t be confident against the cursed Storm …
Shaun // Apr 6, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Yeah, the Storm deserve favouritism but why not pick an upset this round.
Amanda // Apr 6, 2007 at 2:28 pm
The Titans was my token upset, although the Warriors and Dragons would count also.
Ken Parish // Apr 6, 2007 at 4:20 pm
OK my selections:
Souths v Canterbury – Bulldogs even without O’Meley (but I hope I’m wrong)
Easts v Brisbane – Brisbane
Newcastle v Melbourne – Melbourne
NQ v Tigers – NQ
Parramatta v Canberra – Parramatta
Manly v Auckland – Manly (but I’m not very confident – Manly didn’t look very good against Easts until the latter just threw in the towel in the second half)
Penrith v Gold Coast – Penrith (on the strength of their great comeback last week)
Cronulla v Dragons – Dragons (they haven’t had a very impressive start, but on paper they’re still a very good side even without Gasnier).
Ken Parish // Apr 6, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Test test test
Ken Parish // Apr 6, 2007 at 9:03 pm
I wonder what happened to the predictions I posted earlier? Anyway, I reckon Bulldogs, Broncos, Storm, Cowboys, Parra, Manly, Penrith, Saints.
Shaun // Apr 6, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Akismet got you Ken.
Bulldogs and Broncos so far. Bulldogs were fired up and were great in the second half. For the Bunnies a game that should be a positive for them.
Any bets on how long Chris Anderson will last at coach if the Roosters?
Also news that Andrew Johns has suffered an injury at training and is out of tomorrow’s game.
Amanda // Apr 6, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Knights without Joey this season: 2/2
Knights with Joey this season : 0/1
Get yer money on now!
Amanda // Apr 7, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Bugger.
Shaun // Apr 7, 2007 at 11:41 pm
Yay Hindy! 70 metre effort for first try. Haven’t seen the game (apart from highlights due to drunkedness) but what an effort by the Eels.
Ken Parish // Apr 8, 2007 at 12:34 am
They should drug test Hindmarsh for amphetamines. He’s never run that fast in his life.
Shaun // Apr 9, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Sharkies have buried the Dragons to complete the round. The Sharks looked quite good while the Dragons were awful.