sidelined

Almost half way through the season and I hope to do a report card on all the teams progress next week. Round 13 has four teams, the Titans, Bulldogs, Manly and the Broncos sitting out with the pre-Origin bye. Onto the analysis and tips.

Rabbitohs v Panthers, Friday 7:30pm Telstra Stadium

Sure the Panthers played well against Manly but consistency is not something the Panthers have mastered. They could lose by 40 to the Bunnies if this season is any guide. The Rabbitohs are killing themselves with sloppy, ill-disciplined play. All they need to do is remember back to the first three rounds when they won well playing a simple game and focused on completing their sets. I’ll tip the Panthers just on last week.

Raiders v Eels, Saturday 5:30pm Canberra Stadium

Eels fans always regard Canberra at home as a danger game and even after last week there is some trepidation. Canberra have the wood on the Eels over the past decade or so. But the Eels seem to be shedding the Smith era and embracing Haganism with gusto. If the Eels play to the conditions their forwards and kicking game will give them the platform to win.

Roosters v Cowboys, Saturday 7:30pm Aussie Stadium

The Roosters were woeful last Saturday. And even without Thurston you have to think the Cowboys will be too strong. Still, the Cowboys don’t seem to handle origin well. If the Roosters stick to basic such as, say, not dropping the ball in the oppositions 20 then they may cause an upset. But I’ll play it safe in this one.

Warriors v Storm, Sunday 2:00pm Mt Smart Stadium

The Warriors have really lost their way this season. But looking through the number of changes Melbourne have been forced to make, the Warriors have a great chance finding their way again. But Bellamy is one of the best coaches in the game and he’ll have the side prepared. Manu Vatuvei returns to first grade after his shocker against Parra. Melbourne are sure to test his mental state under the high ball, grubber, pass or simply and ball in his general vicinity. I’ll stick with form but a chance of an upset here.

Knights v Tigers, Sunday 3:00pm Energy Australia Stadium

Look, I may be a die hard Eels fan but any objective observer would understand if the Tigers are still reeling from Monday night’s drubbing. However, they have a chance to redeem themselves against the unsettled Knights. Buderus was brilliant for the Knights last week and they will miss him greatly. However the Tigers are with Hodgson so that evens things up a little. I’ll go with the Tigers in a close one.

Dragons v Sharks, Monday 7:00pm Oki Jubilee Stadium

I’m loving Monday night football and we have a celebration of 40 years of one of the old fashioned local derbies. The Sharks have lost Noddy and Bird to Origin which will harm their chances. The Dragons will have some confidence back after bucking the Broncos. Hopefully the game will match the hype and be a hard fought contest. I’m going to lean the Dragons way for this one.