What a glorious competition it has been this year so far. Just on halfway and only two teams, Manly and the Storm, seem to be guarranteed a place in the eight. While only 4 points seperates 8th and 16th spot, the points differentials are going to be important this year for the top eight. Only two teams outside the 8 (the Bunnies and Broncos) have a postive differentails while the Knights and the Raiders have negative differentials but are inside the 8. I expect the Knights and Canberra to drop out of the 8 this weekend. For the Dragons and Roosters, a loss will see them done for the year as they will be 6 points off the pace and with a massive differential to overcome.
Onto the games.
Panthers v Sea Eagles, Friday 7:30 pm CUA Stadium
Manly’s form suggest that this will be an easy win. But the Panthers are wildly unpredicatable and could just do it. The bookies have the Panthers at about $2.80 which is a little better then expected. But the odds aren’t that tempting so I’m going with Manly.
Dragons v Broncos, Friday 7:30pm Oki Jubilee Stadium
If the Dragons lose their season is done and possibly Nathan Brown’s stint as Dragons’ coach. The Broncos were incredible last weekend against the Knights. I don’t expect the Broncos to rack up a another score like last week but they should account for the Dragons easily.
Roosters v Knights, Saturday 5:30pm Blue Tongue Stadium
The turmoil at the Knights is well documented. From what I gather Smith has support as the Knights as the management is looking long term. However the effect on the players morale is a big question. As for the Roosters, they will be buoyant after their narrow win over the Sharks. This will be at Gosford where the Roosters have a good fan base but with both teams not travelling well it may not be a good crowd. I reckon the Roosters in this one.
Cowboys v Sharks, Saturday 7:30pm Diary Farmers Stadium
The respective forward packs are pretty even so it will be won in the backs. With Mullen out injured from Origin II, Kimmorely will be wanting to show what he has got against Thurston. For some reason the Sharks have lost the ability to score points and that will count against them. The Thurston/Bowen combination will get them home.
Storm v Rabbitohs, Saturday 7:30pm Olympic Stadium
As I was saying to Bismarck O’Measles last night, the Bunnies are probably 2-3 wins better than they are currently placed. Defense has been not bad, just an inability to score points. No such problems for the Storm. They fought hard against Manly. The bookies have the Bunnies out to $6.00. I expect the Storm to win but no harm with placing a lazy tenner on the Rabbitohs.
Titans v Raiders, Sunday Gold Coast Stadium, 2:00pm
The Titans were lucky against the Bunnies. Prince was the difference but with Campbell, Gold Coast have been out of sorts. The Raiders have defied expectations and are in the 8. I’m not sure about either side but will give the Titans the points due to home ground advantage.
Warriors v Bulldogs, Sunday Mt Smart Stadium 2:00pm
Both teams aren’t really firing at the moment. Whispers of turmoil at the Bulldogs will test the clubs famed inner strength. The Warriors will be hoping that someone does not a Manu Vatuvei this weekend. Potentially a good clash in the forwards. Another one hard to pick but I’ll got again with the home team.
Tigers v Eels, Monday Telstra Stadium 7:00pm
The game of the round. The Tigers are six on the trot while the Eels have racked up two impressive wins and are finding form. The Eels have lost Tahu but Krisnan Inu is no slouch in the centres. Parra will have to watch out for Farah and Hodgson. If they can be contained then the Eels have the forward to give them the territory they need to win.
9 responses so far ↓
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 1, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Firstly, there’s no ‘C’ in Bismark.
Secondly, I think you’ve ‘Bolded’ the wrong team in the Dragoooons/Bronso’s game.
Other than that, nice picking again.
My one fear is that I’ve tipped the Bun Bun’s for the last four games & they’ve managed to scrape a defeat every week… this week I’ve gone the good-old dependable Storm…. I’m tempted to put a buck or two on an upset for this reason alone!
Happy hunting this weekend.
Pip Pip
Shaun // Jun 1, 2007 at 10:28 pm
No mistake. It was the divine hand of prophecy.
Geez, the Penrith/Manly game was a cracker. I though Manly were going to run away with the game early one but Penrith were magnificent. Orford blew his chance to play Origin as well. When Manly needed him he went to pieces.
RedRider // Jun 2, 2007 at 1:52 am
What a lot of under performers the Broncos are…….makes you wonder how 3/4 of the side can perform that well in the Queensland team and so badly in club games. Shows me that they are just want to turn up to collect their pay packets and show no heart or pride in thier Broncos jerseys.
Mungo Amanda // Jun 2, 2007 at 9:38 am
Fug. 0/2 thus far and worst.hangover.evah. Not a good saturday morning.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 2, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Agreed.
0/2 as well and, in my rush to get my tips in and bolt down the pub before the game last night, I didn’t complete the round so now I’m stuck with the NK’s whether I want them or not!
What about that freak Shaun though! Jeez he can pick ‘em even by mistake!
Pip Pip
Mungo Amanda // Jun 2, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Go Knights!!! Wheeeeeeeeee!
Shaun // Jun 3, 2007 at 10:06 pm
I was at the Roosters v Knights and both teams were woeful in the first half. The second half was better and good on the Knights but it could have easily gone the other way.
I felt asleep during the Titans v Raiders. That wasn’t an indication though of the quality of the game. I got up at 5:20am to go fishing this morning and was a little knackered.
The Bulldogs v Warriors was a fierce contest. Sonny Bill was tremendous for the Dogs. The Warriors..well the promise fades as usual.
Go the Eels!
Shaun // Jun 4, 2007 at 9:27 pm
So Gus, reckon the Eels are the real deal now?
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 4, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Gloat while thee may Fish-Boy…..