sidelined

One of the coldest weeks I can remember in Ole Sydney town but it was warm off the paddock with JT and Hages stoushing after the Eels v Souths game. On a slightly more serious note, 75 NRL players are on the sidelines through injury at the moment. While the NRL is moving to address player burnout, in the run the the finals this could impact a few the chances of a few teams.

So onto the prognostications for round 19 (that’s there some fancy talk for tipping. This blog has edjumacation).

Sharks v Sea Eagles, Friday 7:30pm Toyota Park

Manly are trying to stare down a 21 year hoodoo. That is how long since they have won a game in the Shire. And with the Sharkies fielding a pack of virtual unknowns they have a good chance. Will the Gods of League bless the Sharks with an inspirational win? Not likely. Capricious as they are sentiment does not often sway them. Plus the Sea Eagles are in great form and they have the voodoo to win.

Titans v Bulldogs, Friday 7:30pm Gold Coast Stadium

Both teams are feeling the long season with injuries decimating both teams. While the Bulldogs pack is weakened with the loss of O’Meley and Mason, the absence of Prince is a savage blow to the Titans’ final chances. The Bulldogs don’t have the aura of past seasons but they should get up here.

Panthers v Dragons, Saturday 5:30pm CUA Stadium

Gaz returns for the Dragons but too late to do any good. At least we can entertain ourselves with watching the great Gaz at 5/8 experiment unfold. As for Penrith, let’s see. They won against all odds last week so that means they should find some dramatic way to lose this week. To be honest, I haven’t a bloody clue on this game. I’ll take the Panthers after some divination based on the bubbles in my beer. Actually, that is the secret to most of my tipping.

Knights v Roosters, Saturday 7:30pm Energy Australia Stadium

Fittler has fanned the hopes of the faithful. The Knights however were thumped by the Storm and that has ended their season. A faint hope but their differential will kill any chances given how close the race for the eight will be. The loss of Buderus is a big blow to the Knights. I’ll take the home team just because it is the easy way out.

Storm v Raiders, Saturday 7:30pm Olympic Stadium

The Storm are simply an awesome this year. Canberra did well against the Titans but this will be a different game. You can’t tip against the Storm at home so I won’t. But if Canberra are serious about the finals then they will give it all they have got.

Tigers v Warriors, Sunday 2:00pm Campbelltown Sports Stadium

The Tigers are not in good shape. They are drifting with no real direction and their lack of size will hurt them in this game. On the other hand, the Warriors have turned their season around on the back of some sparkling footy. The Warriors will be too physical up front and too fast out wide.

Rabbitohs v Cowboys, Sunday 3:00pm Aussie Stadium

An interesting game this one. The dash of the Cowboys against the grind of the Bunnies. To win, the Bunnies need to find points in their game or shut Thurston and Bown down and make the game a slog. Souths are no pushovers this year and make teams work hard for the points. But the potential the Cowboys have in attack will be the difference.

Broncos v Eels, Monday 7:00pm Suncorp

Always a great clash. With Tony Carroll selected a five eight to replace the injured Lockyer, Brisbane will lead form the chin. It does suggest Brisbane will try and take Parra on in the forwards. It is a gamble as without Lockyer Brisbane will suffer a lot in attack. The Eels don’t mind the trip up north and showed some good signs against Souths. just need to capitalize on the opportunities and the game is theirs. Go the Eels!