sidelined

I have been inundated with phone calls this morning demanding to know where my tips are (well one to be exact). So after a week of distractions with La Affair de Gower and the Passion of Petero joining the Panthers, time to get down to what it is all about.

Knights v Rabbitohs, Friday 7:30pm Energy Australia Stadium

The interesting stat for this game is that the Rabbitohs have never in Newcastle in the NRL. So with the Knights missing three origin players and a few others to injury, the Bunnies are in with a chance. I’m still reluctant to tip against the Knights at home but the home team is not a sure thing anymore. The Bunnies have the defence to win this and are starting to build a little confidence. It will be a good, hard fought game with Souths to go home with the win.

Titans v Warriors, Saturday 5:30pm Gold Coast Stadium

The Warriors played to their potential last week. If they could do that every week then they would be a threat. But their away record is poor and the Titans at home is a tough ask. Some concern over whether Preston Campbell is fully fit as the Titans are a much better side when he is on the paddock. But the form of Matt Rogers over the past few weeks has been a revelation for the Gold Coast.

Panthers v Broncos, Saturday 7:30pm CUA Stadium

The Broncos were clinical in dismantling the Tigers last weekend. But they are missing their origins players so it evens up things a bit. Well, it would for most teams but this is the Panthers we are talking about. They need to pull together after the well documented internal strife but do they have the intestinal fortitude to do so? Who knows with this mob. Anyway, I’ll stay with the Broncos for this one.

Raiders v Tigers, Sunday 2:00pm Canberra Stadium

The Raiders wuz robbed last week while the Tigers got caught up in a Bronco’s stampede. Losing Hodgson has hurt the Tigers more than the loss of Marshall. The Tigers have lost their way and this is a tough road trip. Canberra are good value at home this year and worth the bet.

Dragons v Sea Eagles, Sunday 3:00pm Oki Jubilee Stadium

Dragons fans are not happy little vegemites at the moment. Their ire at the club’s poor showing is being directed at boss man, Peter Doust. Regardless, on the field, the Dragons have a chance for redemption. Manly are missing players due to Origin and are on the falter a little. I reckon they are a good chance to fade into the finals. Still, you would need to be brave to pick the Dragons even at home.

Bulldogs v Roosters, Monday 7:00pm Telstra Stadium

Games between these two clubs are often close affairs. The Roosters did get trounce by the Eels and the Bulldogs stomped the Eagles but don’t let those results fool you. Winning such games seems to take a lot out of the Bulldogs. They tend to follow such wins with a poor showing. O’Meley, Ryan and Mason are out which will hurt the dogs. I’m going for the upset. Roosters could sneak this one home.

The Storm, Cowboys, Sharks and the Eels have the bye.