Only 5 rounds to go now. Mathematically every team bar Penrith is still in the race. In reality on those teams with positive or near positive points differentials have a chance. In fact, I’d say that in 5 weeks the only change we will see from the eight at the start of round 21 is the rise of the Rabbitohs and the further capitulation of the Cowboys. But plenty of jostling for the positions with Manly breathing down the Storm’s neck for the minor premiership now.
Onto the analysis and tips.
Bulldogs v Eels, Friday 7:30pm Telstra Stadium
What can I say? There will be no high falautin’ analysis with an air of detachment. There is too much at stake for that. All the Eels have to do is stay awake in the second half and they will smash the Dogs. Go you good things!
Knights v Dragons, Friday 7:30pm Energy Australia Stadium
Both teams are still on contention but that is only on the sheer blind faith of the loyal supporter. This game has no bearing on the race home but never underestimate the motivation of pride. Hard to pick but if Gaz is playing I’ll give it to the Dragons.
Titans v Tigers, Saturday 5:30pm Gold Coast Stadium
Geez the Tigers were impressive against the Cowboys. They are right back in the hunt (injuries permitting) for the premiership. The Titans though have faded as their lack of depth was exposed by injuries. But with Prince back they will be competitive. But it won’t be enough to beat the Tigers.
Cowboys v Raiders, Saturday 7:30pm Dairy Farmers Stadium
The Cowboys were blow off the park and I agree with comments elsewhere that Thurston is playing injured. The Cowboys will slide out of the eight by round 25. Canberra have it in them to win this game. It is whether they can handle the warmer climate. It will be a close one and I’ll keep with the away team.
Panthers v Rabbitohs, Saturday 7:30pm CUA Stadium
The Panthers are still in turmoil and probably can’t wait for the final whistle sometime in round 25. The Bunnies have the love in them and are eyeing the eight with affection. That affection won’t be extended to the Panthers. The Bunnies will come out ready to take their place in the eight. Russ will be smiling after this one.
Roosters v Warriors, Sunday 2:00pm Aussie Stadium
Freddy must be thinking that this coaching thing is a lark. Don’t underestimate the Roosters in the final 5 games. They won’t make the eight but they will be spoilers. The Warriors have been in awesome form, finally realising their full potential in attack. The Roosters won’t be walk overs but the Warriors should get the points.
Broncos v Sea Eagles, Sunday 3:00pm Suncorp Stadium
How do you pick a winner for this one? I mean, I hate both of these sides. Manly especially after last weekend. But I have one of my feelings. Why do I hear the sound of money being prepared to go in the opposite direction? Anyway, I reckon the Baby Broncs can win this one. But it will be a beauty of a game.
Sharks v Storm, Monday 7:30pm Toyota Park
The Storm are not invincible. But that fact don’t help the Sharkies none. Their traditional end of season fade is something not even a change of coaches could fix. I expect the Storm to get some of the kinks out and continue on their merry way.
7 responses so far ↓
Shaun // Aug 3, 2007 at 9:50 pm
Oh what a game. I’d say the best of the season so far. And what a satisfying victory over our old enemy. God I feel good!
And 2 up as well.
Five // Aug 3, 2007 at 11:56 pm
So, what’s with the biting in NRL? AFL players just don’t do that! Frankly, neither do rugby or soccer players.
WHAT’S WITH THE BITING?
Or is it just a Bulldogs thing?
Shaun // Aug 4, 2007 at 12:27 pm
The last player found guilty of biting was in 2001 so it is not a common thing. But rugby has had a history of biting allegations.
Still, even the Bulldogs fans are upset on the forums this morning with Morrin’s actions. Biting is something that no-one condones in league and Morrin will be facing a hefty penalty.
Bismark O'Measles // Aug 4, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Well……
I knew the weekend was going badly when I only got one of Friday night’s.
Good sense should have told me to go & revise my Saturday tips but no… I had better things to do.
I think, all in all, that the last two days have spelled the end of the 2007 O’Measles bid for the Milestone tipping comp.
Nobody’s happy with the Morrin thing, least of all him, but it was a particularly animated head-slam & may well (being devils advocate) left him disoriented enough to use the only free part of his body at the time to retaliate. I don’t however condone chomping on a nice juicy opponent… particularly an Eel shaun!
Pippy poop…
Shaun // Aug 4, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Yes, I am very disappointed in the Tigers and the Bunnies. Both teams had shockers and expected better.
As for Morrin, he is claiming he was semi-concussed and it “wasn’t that bad”.
Shaun // Aug 5, 2007 at 9:08 pm
I missed most of the Rooster v Warriors as I was napping after an exhausting morning cricket practicing. But I awoke for the last 20 minutes and the finish was incredible.
I did witness the Cowboys/Bunnies draw at Gosford a few years back. In the 10 minutes of extra time I have never saw so many awful attempts at field goals. The Roosters/Warrior’s finish was of much higher quality.
As for the Manly/Broncos game my feeling was shown to be false. But both teams were ordinary indeed with Manly the lesser hence their win. With the loss of Berrigan I don’t see the Broncs really challenging for the finals.
The good news is that the Eels are still third this week and no matter the results next week, will stay third. Another two wins should wrap up a home semi for the Blue and Golds.
Stephen Hill // Aug 5, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Any one interested in the Brad Morrin cookbook, here are the Morrin morsals
Tasty Tahu tenderly marinated in Brad’s secret herbs in spices, you’ll be asking for seconds before you know it, and with all those big three-quarters there is more than enough for the Grothe/Tahu/Smith/Hayne banquet.
Eric Grother Snr sorloin steak – comes attached with carry-home stretcher
Nathan Hindmarsh – for the moveable feast, you’ll need the perpeutal motion of this spicy treat.
Fuifui Fau Moimoi Merang – more impact that an upraised elbow, known to rattle the bones, this will give anyone there just deserts.
The Dennis Fitzgerald Feed – hasn’t he already cannibalised the club enough, as if a Dogs supporter would put him on the menu, let him sup on the club for another ten years. And bring back Brian Smith.
Health warning – excessive indulgence in the Morrin Eel diet, can have the following affects.
- Paul Carrige dropsy
- Jamie Lyons despondency (usually involved in a dangerous chemical reaction, involve a cocktail with too much Brian Smith.) Dr Clint Newton suggests this has recently mutated into a Novocastrian strain.
Semi-final palsy – A strange mutation that slowly arises after attaining mini-premiership or home semi-final, that inspires dropped ball, forward passes and sub-standard performances upon an array of levels. Is known to turn players hands to jelly some time into the second half of a game, at which time it becomes deadly unreversable affliction. Has afflicted various other teams over the years, Manly 1999, Bulldogs 2006.