Round 7 of the NRL gets off to an early start due to the Anzac Day game between the Roosters and the Dragons. I must admit that I’m a little disappointed with the NRL and its scheduling. There is no game scheduled for Thursday! What am I supposed to do tomorrow with no league to sustain me?
Oh well. Onto the round 7 analysis and tips
Roosters v Dragons, Aussie Stadium 3:00pm, Anzac Day
The traditional Anzac Day clash sees both teams not in the best of form at the start of the season. The Roosters must win this game if their season is to have any meaning. A win to the Dragons could see them get their season back on track. Might not feature the best the game has to other but there will be intensity given what is at stake. Plenty of rain overnight and the possibility of some more will even things up. Have to go with the Dragons in a close one.
Broncos v The Storm, Suncorp Stadium 7:30pm Friday
With the Broncos seemingly starting to find a way up the ladder this will be a mighty test. The Storm seem to be a class above and almost coasting at times on the top of the ladder. On form I’ll tip the Storm but don’t count against the Broncos pushing the Storm all the way.
Bulldogs v Tigers, Telstra Stadium 7:30pm Friday
On paper, the Bulldogs should win this easily. However the one weakness I see with the Doggies is that they tend to rise for the big games and then drop the intensity the next week and lose. If the Bulldogs aren’t careful the Tigers sneak away with a win but the Bulldogs pack is impressive and on that I’m going for the Doggies.
Panthers v Raiders, CUA Stadium 5:30pm Friday
The Panthers haven’t been setting the NRL on fire but they’ll have too much for the Raiders.
Cowboys v Sea Eagles, Dairy Farmers Stadium 7:30pm Saturday
Never has a blogger had some much difficulty in typing so few words but…oh, this hurts…Manly have been…I can’t say it…I just can’t say it..just push through the pain…impressive. The upside to Manly’s early season good form is that we all can hate Manly again. The Cowboys will be dirty after their loss to the Bunnies and intent on reestablishing Dairy Farmers as a graveyard for the visitors. The clash between Orford and Thurston will be compelling. The home side in a great game.
Rabbitohs v Warriors, Aussie Stadium 2:00pm Sunday
The Warriors all rested will be keen to show they can win on the road. The Bunnies though will have their confidence back after grinding out the win against the Cowboys. The Warriors have a physical pack and it will be another test for the Rabbitohs. With the Warriors aversion to crossing the Tasman and the Bunnies confidence back, I like the home side.
Titans v Eels, Gold Coast Stadium 3:00pm Sunday
The Eels showed that they have the pack to match it with the best, they lack confidence to put the game away. The Titans on the other hand have been playing a nice brand of league that isn’t perfect but exciting. If the Eels dominate the forwards and close down the edges of the ruck (preventing Preston showing off his skills) they should win. All they need to do is trust their instincts and go for the victory.
Knights v Sharks, EnergyAustralia Stadium 7:00pm Sunday
Two questions going into this game. One is how well the Sharks are going and the other is can the Knights be competitive this season? The Knights may be a bit flat after all the hoopla accompanying Joey’s retirement but are always a handful at home. If Kimmorely and Dykes can work out their combination, the Sharks have the form on board to suggest they will win.
11 responses so far ↓
Shaun // Apr 27, 2007 at 8:31 pm
wtf Channel 9?! Not showing the grand final replay live believing that the NSW league fans are so parochial that it wouldn’t rate? What petty provincialism. Pathetic.
Mungo Amanda // Apr 27, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Speak for yourself, Shaun — on a complete whim I put $20 on Wests today @ $3. I wanted to see this one!
Woot.
Shaun // Apr 27, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Good call on theTigers. Any chance of letting us other punters in on the special a bit earlier?
I’ve got a multi this week with Souths, Eels and Newcastle (I know I tipped the Sharks but change my mind).
Mungo Amanda // Apr 27, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Heh, decided this morning when reading the paper and saw the odds. And there’s a TAB just down the round. And I happened to have a $20 in my pocket. I don’t bother betting on anything other than clear outsiders. That, combined with being : stingy + fraidycat means I very rarely bet.
As for my office tips as yours except of course the Knights and randomly, Titans (although really, I think the Eels will win.)
2/2 — which is already as well as I did last week.
Mungo Amanda // Apr 28, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Stupid Raiders.
Shaun // Apr 28, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Agreed. Penrith were woeful.
But I had a tenner on the Brumbies so wasn’t a bad night.
Mungo Amanda // Apr 29, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Titans (although really, I think the Eels will win.)
Or not.
Shaun // Apr 29, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Did the Eels turn up? It seemed that way on tele but the performance suggests otherwise. Only bright spot was Hindy flinging Preston Campbell around like a rag doll.
And the Warriors grabbing the match winning try in the final minute. Russell wasn’t a happy person.
Mungo Amanda // Apr 29, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Hagan said on the wahless they all had a virus.
Shaun // Apr 29, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Heard that. 8 Eels were affected and that didn’t help. But credit to the Titans. Prince was very good.
Esmarelda Rant // May 4, 2007 at 2:42 pm
I tipped the Raiders and the Tigers.
But, rather stupidly, didn’t put too much thought into the Roosters and Titans games so I lost my advantage!
Better luck next week.