sidelined

As the post origin blues sets in, time to take comfort in the weekly round of the NRL. After 13 rounds the bottom teams are still only 2 points out of the eight. However that doesn’t take into account that most of those (apart from the Bunnies and the Broncos) have a negative points differential. What is interesting is out of the teams in the 8, only 5 have a positive differential as well. It reflects that this has been a very uneven competition (excluding Manly and the Storm who are romping ahead).

More wet weather is predicted for the weekend so that will even a few teams up and up the chances of a few upsets.

Onto this week’s round.

Bulldogs v Broncos, Friday 7:30pm Telstra Stadium

The Broncos have been handling the Origin period better than most years. However there is still that nagging feeling that after QLD triumphant win, there will be a bit of a let down. The Dogs will be fresher than the Broncs and Telstra, already a heavy track, will favour a tight, grind em out affair. The Doggies to be barking at the end.

Manly v Souths, Friday 7:30pm Brookvale

Manly deserve favouritism but I’d be looking at the weather. If the rain does come by the start of the game that will even things up considerably. Manly’s attack will be nullified and it will be whoever has the best kicking game on the day. I’m not brave enough to tip the Bunnies but they showed last week that rabbits don’t mind the wet. Could be a close one but I’m staying with the Sea Eagles. Late mail is that a few Manly players are suffering from a virus. If that spreads through the team ala the Eels when they played the Titans all bets are off.

Sharks v Warriors, Saturday 5:30pm Toyota Park

What has happened to the Warriors? The personnel at the beginning of the year made them a favourite for the eight but after a bright start, their season has become gloomy. I don’t think it will get any brighter facing the Sharks. Gallen will be out to push his chances for Origin III at the expense of the Warriors forward pack. While playing well, the Sharks aren’t always sure things but I’ll take them over the Warriors.

Panthers v Roosters, Saturday 7:30pm CUA Stadium

The Roosters surprised many by putting on 60 points against the Cowboys in the wet but that was a fluke rather than a stunning return to form. The Panthers haven’t been faring very well this year either. Inconsistency has cost them dearly and they find themselves at the wrong end of the table. Anasta and Minichello are out for the Roosters and that swings things towards the Panthers but who the hell really knows which version of the Panthers will turn up.

Cowboys v Storm, Saturday 7:30pm Dairy Farmer Stadium

Thurston will play which is a great boost for the Cowboys as they seem absolutely lost without him. No wonder Murray protected him during Origin. This will be a great clash and I expect at some stage to again wonder why QLD do not pick Bowen for Origin. However I do like how the Storm approach their footy. They seem to have just another gear and that will be enough to tame the Cowboys.

Eels v Dragons, Sunday 2:00pm Parramatta Stadium

Even with the Dragons down on form, an Eels fan never underestimates these great rivals. Sure the Eels were ambushed by the Raiders last week but Canberra is a tough place to get a win. And Parramatta Stadium is once again becoming a good hunting ground for the locals (5-1 this year). Jamie Soward has been playing well for the Dragons but the Eels will be out to put their final chances back on track. Go the mighty Blue and Golds!

Tigers v Titans, Sunday 3:00pm Campbelltown Sports Stadium

The Titans have had patches of good form in their first season but they haven’t exactly set the comp on fire. The Tigers have been playing well and want to keep their post in the four. A loss could see them drop back to 6 position. However after their win again the Knights you got to favour the Tigers. The Titans without Campbell don’t seem to have a lot in attack and depend to much on Prince.

Knights v Canberra, 7:00pm Monday Energy Australia Stadium

Canberra played almost the perfect 15 minutes of league I’ve ever seen against the Eels last weekend. But lightning doesn’t strike twice and they are away from home. The Knights are somehow still in the top eight but they are boosted by the return of Gidley, Mullen and Woolnough. They will get a good crowd at home, wanting a win to ease their minds from the weather inflicted woes of the region. The good Knights of the sodden Hunter to repel the Raiders.