Four teams have the bye this round - the Dragons, the Roosters, the Warriors and the Tigers - but with the Anzac Test and 6 club games, the action continues in round 6.
Australia v New Zealand, Friday 7:30pm Suncorp Stadium
The first 20 minutes of this game is going to be brutal. The forward clashes will not only shake the foundations of Suncorp but will be felt in the land of the long white cloud. Australia were lucky to win the Tri-Nations last year. New Zealand will be wanting this one badly. The heart sez Australia but I won’t discount the Kiwis getting up. A cracker of a game is in the offing.
Sharks v Raiders, Saturday 7:30pm Toyota Park
The Raiders were unimpressive against the Roosters and the Sharks unlucky against the Tigers. The Sharks will bounce back at home.
Storm v Panthers, Saturday 7:30pm Olympic Park
The Storm have been setting the pace without being spectacular. The Panthers seem to have two different teams and it is bloody hard to tell which one will turn up each week. The Storm are not unbeatable but at home you have to tip them given the inconsistency of the Panthers.
Sea Eagles v Titans, Sunday 2:00pm Brookvale Oval
Manly haven’t been spectacular but they aren’t on top of the table by accident. They have the ability to hang in there and grind out the win. That is just as good as piling on the points in barnstorming displays of speed and skill. The Titans have strung some great football together but I get the feeling that they don’t travel well. Manly’s form guarantees them the tip.
Eels v Bulldogs, Sunday 3:00pm Parramatta Stadium
This is going to be a ripper. The Eels have been building over the past three wins and starting to hit their stride. The Bulldogs seem to have adopted a Penrith like approach. Up one week, down the next. But they love big games such at this one. Plenty of players backing up after the test so fatigue will affect both forward packs. Watch mark O’Meley as well. He’ll be ready for a big game. However, the Eels at home, just.
Knights v Broncos, Sunday 7:00pm EnergyAustralia Stadium
The Knights started the post-Joey era with a win but they weren’t convincing. Then again, the Broncos haven’t inspired any much confidence over the past few weeks either. Given the Broncos will have 5 players backing up and the emotion of a farewell to Andrew Johns, the Knights will get this one.
Cowboys v Rabbitohs, Monday 7:00pm Dairy Farmers Stadium
After two losses, the character of the new look Rabbitohs is being put the to the test. And the Cowboys at home is one of the toughest assignments in the comp. I’m not brave enough to tip against the Cowboys at home but it will be interesting to see how the Bunnies respond after two losses.
4 responses so far ↓
Mungo Amanda // Apr 20, 2007 at 2:55 pm
I went Titans just … well, just ‘cos is Manly. Other than that the same. Got 7/8 last weekj and am for the first time evah top of my office tipping comp. You have no idea how happy this makes me, even if its just for one week.
Club Troppo » Missing Link // Apr 20, 2007 at 5:51 pm
[...] Shaun Cronin publishes his tips for the forthcoming weekend’s NRL round, and doesn’t think much of some of the Australian team selections for this evening’s rugby league test against the Kiwis. [...]
Shaun // Apr 22, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Damn bulldogs. But one of those losses that give some confidence for the rest of the season. The forward pack muscled up against the Dogs and that is a good sign. Just those stupid errors at the wrong time.
And did anyone forward the Broncos a copy of the script for tonight’s game in Newcastle. It was obvious that they didn’t read it.
Shaun // Apr 23, 2007 at 9:04 pm
It was an ugly game but good on the Bunnies for beating the Cowboys. To get a win against the Cowboys in Townsville is no mean feat and confirms that the Bunnies are the real deal this year.