sidelined

Back to your regularly scheduled NRL after the hype of Origin I. A full round this weekend so let’s get to the analysis and tips.

Bulldogs v Cowboys, Friday 7:30pm Suncorp Stadium

The Bulldogs have transferred their home game to Suncorp. The Cowboys should get some significant local support if the locals aren’t Origined out. Both teams have been misfiring of late so hard to separate them. O’Meley makes a welcome return for the Bulldogs especially that Mason is out. However I’m going to lean to the Cowboys a little. It will be a close one.

Raiders v Dragons, Friday 7:30pm Canberra Stadium

The Dragons won well last week and the Raiders had a bye but still lost a player after he fought the law and, well, you how that always ends. Both teams are hard to pick at the moment but Canberra are usually pretty tough at home. I’ll take the Raiders but with not much confidence.

Sea Eagles v Storm, Saturday 5:30pm Brookvale Oval

Easily the match of the round and one I am very much looking forward to. Manly will suffer a little less from post-Origin blues. Also a few Manly players have something to prove to the NSW selectors. But Bellamy is a canny coach so you can’t write off the Storm. Manly get the tip playing at home but I don’t care who wins. I’m just going to sit back and enjoy this one.

Sharks v Roosters, Saturday 7:30pm Toyota Park

Third plays dead last and it is time that the Sharks are given their due in this year’s comp. You do hate to say those sorts of things as, traditionally, the Sharks will then crumble. And the Roosters could start their run back into form. The qualifier is could and lets be real and term such a run unlikely. Again, the Sharks are another side with a few players who will want to say “Pick me!” to the NSW selectors.

Titans v Rabbitohs, Saturday 7:30pm Gold Coast Stadium

The Titans really miss Preston Campbell. Prince is trying hard but the spark has gone out of their attack. But at least the Titans have an attack. The Bunnies seems to have misplaced theirs. Defensively, the Rabbitohs have been great but they can’t score points. Luck also has been against them. The Titans deserve to be favourites at home but I get the feeling Souths could steal this one.

Broncos v Knights, Sunday 2:00pm Suncorp Stadium

There will be a few tired Broncs backing up after Origin. But Newcastle will be missing Gidley who was injured Wednesday night. And that tips me to the home side even though I’m wary of Brisbane’s usual post origin slump. It will a close one and it will be interesting to see how Mullen backs up.

Panthers v Tigers, Sunday 3:00pm CUA Stadium

With the bye and Penrith’s infamous inconsistency you have no idea. But the Tigers are in great form and deserve to be favourites. The Tigers will also have some players battling for the affections of the Origin selectors. I’m interested in seeing if Gower still fancies himself for Origin but I think the Tigers are more the selectors’ type.

Eels v Warriors, Monday 7:00pm Parramatta Stadium

The Warriors really touched up the Eels in round 1 but the fortunes of both teams seem to be changing. The Eels just announced the signing of 5 players (including Tim Smith and Feleti Mateo) and also Fuifui Moimoi is back. Given the Warriors don’t like travelling and the Eels seem to be building a little, go the blue and golds!