sidelined

Is it just me or has the chill left the Sydney just a tad? The run home to the finals promises some glorious weather and games to match. Round 24 is one all league fans should saviour as it is the annual Bunnies v Tigers game at Leichhardt Oval. It is a true reminder of the halycon days of surburban footy. But that is a month away. We live for the now (and the weekend) so let’s get into it.

Raiders v Panthers, Friday 7:30pm Canberra Stadium

The Panthers season is over and 4 point adrift of everyone else, a loss will all but guarrantee them the spoon. If they have any pride left then they will be fighting to avoid this most unwelcome trophy. The Raiders may have delusions of the finals to sustain them but realistically, they are also on the slide. However, Canberra at home have been a reasonable bet and the Panthers won’t like the chill.

Roosters v Storm, Friday 7:30pm Aussie Stadium

Somewhere in the eastern suburbs, a Roosters fan awoke with hope that Freddy’s fantastic run will continue. Poor deluded bugger. The side the Rooster are facing is a rolling thunder, pouring rain and coming on like a hurricane. Hells bells, it is the Storm. Sorry Roosters fans but your faint finals hopes are gorn.

Warriors v Knights, Saturday 5:30pm Mt Smart Stadium

The Warriors are looking very good and are the smokies for the finals. They are capable matching it with any team, including the Storm on their day. The Knights however are looking forward to their end of season trip which will start in September. Their season is fading and the Warriors at home and in form will be too much for them.

Dragons v Bulldogs, Saturday 7:30pm WIN Stadium

Not the lay down misere for the Bulldogs as it may seem. The Dogs are doing ok but I have a funny feeling about this game. But that may be the after effects of a few beers with regular Sidelined commenter, Bismarck O’Measles last night. Or it could be that the Dragons may get the money? I reckon they will.

Rabbitohs v Titans, Saturday 7:30pm Telstra Stadium

The Titans can be proud of their first year in the NRL. However their lack of depth has been exposed and they are looking a sore and sorry bunch at the moment. The Rabbitohs though seem to be coming good and have a chance to climb into the eight this weekend. The Bunnies will be way to strong for the depleted Titans.

Broncos v Sharks, Sunday 2:00pm Suncorp Stadium

Who knows what cranky Wayne will find to whinge about this week. At least it shouldn’t be a loss. The Sharks just can’t seem to keep up with the rest at this time of they year. And the depleted Broncos are still a strong team, especially in the forwards. The Broncs may win but a smile from Wayne? Not likely.

Eels v Sea Beagles, Sunday 3:00pm Parramatta Stadium

Rugby league tribalism at its purest. There is no love lost between the two sides and a lot on the line as well. A loss to Manly will give the Eels a sniff at second spot. This will be a cracker of a game but the Eels are going to get some revenge.

Tigers v Cowboys, Monday 7:00pm Leichhardt Oval

Monday night footy goes to one of the last great suburban ovals. And the surprising thing is that the Cowboys are out to about $3.00. Not bad odds as the Cowboys still have points in them even though their form has been ordinary. The Tigers however welcome back Marshall and Hodgson. They tigers have looked very ordinary in attack over the past few weeks and their return should spark things a little. I’ll tip the Tiges but a lazy tenner on the Cowboys is tempting.