sidelined

Origin is over which means the race for the top eight now begins in earnest. The Storm, barring a massive form slump, have the minor premiership. Manly in second place but eem to have the wobbles and the Eels and possibly the Cowboys have a chance to secure second spot. And down the table the Broncos and Bulldogs are showing signs of life. Of course there is still the log jam at the bottom half of the eight and the final spots likely won’t be decided till the last round.

An exciting few months are ahead but let’s delve deeper into this weekend.

Broncos v Titans, Friday 7:30pm Suncorp Stadium

The Broncos have handled Origin well this year but Wednesday was a fierce battle that may have taken it out of some. The card lists this as a Brisbane home game but expect plenty of support for the Titans. However, with Matt Rogers out the Titans lose a lot in attack. It will be a willing clash but I am not going to underestimate the Broncos again.

Tigers v Panthers, Friday 7:30pm Telstra Stadium

The Panthers slide has been remarkable and they look like getting the spoon unless there is a dramatic turnaround to their season. The Tigers however seem to be finding their way back after a bit of a slump. The Tigers have more to play for and will continue the Panthers misery.

Rabbitohs v Storm, Saturday 5:30pm Blue Tongue Stadium

The Bunnies head up my way to tackle the Storm. Alas, other commitments will keep me away from the game. Still, we could all dream of a Rabittohs upset. They have two wins on the trot and the Storm will be without Inglis. Even so, the Storm should have too much for Souths.

Sea Eagles v Roosters, Saturday 7:30pm Brookvale

The Eagles are looking a little wobbly. What better time for a club then to face the hapless Roosters? A few signs that the Roosters had some form were blown away by the Bulldogs. Manly know that second spot is not theirs just yet so they will out to reassert their position as a premiership heavyweight. Too much for the Roosters.

Cowboys v Warriors, Saturday 7:30pm DairyFarmer Stadium

The Cowboys do not like Origin so with the battle over, they will be looking to try and grab a place in the top four. The Warriors will have other ideas as they are riding some good form. A very hard game to pick. The relief that Origin is over may lift the home side but it will be a close one.

Dragons v Raiders, Sunday 2:00pm WIN Stadium
The Dragons are finding some late season form while the Raiders seem to be out of luck and out of wins. Beating Manly would have done wonders for the Dragon’s confidence and the Raiders have shown they don’t like the road this year. Dragons to improve their record in this game.

Sharks v Bulldogs, Sunday 4:00pm Toyota Park

The Bulldogs were ruthless against the Roosters and looking ominus in the run home. The Sharks are on their traditional second half of the season fade. Both sides will have players backing up after Origin (Kimmorley will be out injured) but the Bulldogs have the form on the board.

Eels v Knights, Monday 7:00pm Parramatta Stadium

The frankly strange swap of coaches last season has set up a great grudge match. Then again games between these clubs always contain a little bit extra. Smith may know every blade of grass at Parramatta but does he know enough about the new Eels? And with Smith retructuring the Knights, does Hagan still hold insights into how to overcome his old club? I reckon both coaches are unloading secrets on the players they used to coach. The Eels have the form and I can’t go past them anyway.