sidelined

Finally the Storm have succumbed which leaves no team unbeaten and no team unbeatable in this years competition. A bit of a log jam is developing in the middle of the table with 7 teams on 8 points. The next few weeks will some some intense games as teams make sure they stay in touch with the rest. However the Roosters are gone (barring a massive winning streak) and the Dragons and Panthers in danger of also going by the wayside in 2007.

Onto the analysis and tips for round 9.

Sea Beagles v Eels, Friday 7:30pm Brookvale Stadium

The biggest gudge match since Jesus v Judas 2000 years ago. The Eels finally catch up with Jame Lyon after he walked out on them in 2004. Manly are riding high and deserve favouritism though their defence has been leaking a bit recently. But objective tipping be buggered. Go the Eels!

Sharks v Broncos, Friday 7:30pm Toyota Stadium

This could a good game. The Sharks showed plenty of spirit in overcoming the Warriors at home last week. The Broncos toughed it out in an old fashioned grind against the Bunnies (which was a good game – I don’t mind old school low scorers if they are intense). If I was a Sharkies fan, I’d be worried that the amount of footy a few of their players have been racking up may take its toll. I’m feeling the Broncos may get this one.

Knights v Warriors, Saturday 5:30pm Energy Australia Stadium

The Warriors, virtue of a bye, are above Newcastle but both teams are still struggling for consistency. Some of the Knights are playing for State of Origin spots and I reckon that will lift the team. The Knights after a very physical game early on.

Rabbitohs V Raiders, Saturday 7:30pm Telstra Stadium

The Bunnies have been playing it hard but not getting the points. Their defence has been great but lacking good options in attack. Their halves are better than that. The Raiders could spoil a few teams but the Bunnies are the better team. Russ to smile again.

Cowboys v Panthers, Saturday 7:30pm Dairy Farmers Stadium

The Panthers have been very ordinary of late. And facing the Cowboys at home won’t help them find form. Thurston has really stepped up a notch since Joey has retired. With Matt Bowen ready to show selectors that he deserves a spot in the Queensland team (and they will be mad to leave him out), the Cowboys will be way to much for Penrith.

Roosters v Titans, Sunday 2:00pm Aussie Stadium

The Roosters are a low as a team can go after a flogging by the Eels. The Titans got a footballing lesson last week and look to lacked penetration with Preston Campbell. But the sight Matt Rogers returning to form was a welcome one and that will boost the Titans. They have the better form on the board and should take this game this compounding the misery of the Roosters.

Tigers v Dragons, Sunday 3:00pm Telstra Stadium

The Dragons season is on the line in this game. A loss and they may as well start looking towards 2008. And you have to feel sorry for Benji. No player deserves his horror run with injuries. State of Origin spots are the line the Tigers won well without Benji and should be too strong for the Dragons.

Storm v Bulldogs, Monday 7:30pm Olympic Park

An interesting game. Two of the heavyweights come together. The Storm after their first loss will be out to make amends. The Bulldogs however will be aiming for two wins in a row to show some consistency. Given the game is at Olympic park the Storm deserve favouritism.