sidelined

First off, doesn’t Nathan Brown have a great perspective on life? Dumped as coach of the Dragons his outlook was positive and a credit to him. And he was right. Bennett is a great snare for the red and whites. They would have been mad to pass him up.

And the coaching merry go round continues with the Raiders’ Neil Henry heading up to Townsville to replace Graham Murray. Check out Roy Masters column from earlier in the week on the topic of coaches and players breaking contracts to move to other clubs. He speaks some wisdom.

And speaking of wisdom, tips for the week are over the fold.

Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos, Friday 7:30pm Olympic Park

Are the Storm really on the decline or is just an early season glitch? Hard to say but the Storm are off their game. The Broncos however are in fine form, running out to 3-0 and looking good doing so. The last time these two teams met, the Storm blitzed the Broncos. But I don’t think it will happen in this game. A bit of added spice with Israel Folau coming up against his new club. The Broncos are really good value in this game so they get some money from me and the tip.

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters, Friday 7:30pm ANZ Stadium

Sure to be a genteel affair in which the chaps from both teams will have a jolly good time on the field and then sit down for a cup of tea in NRL camaraderie after the game. And the Panthers will win the premiership. Look, this game promises all sorts of action. The Bulldogs are filthy on Mason and their fans even less enamoured of the Walking Headline. The opening salvos from both teams will intense and not for the faint-hearted. I can’t wait for this game. The Dogs just don’t have the consistency in the halves at the moment and that will hurt them. The Roosters for me.

St George Dragons/Illawarra v Cronulla Sharks, Saturday 5:30pm ANZ Stadium

Not sure why the Dragons are favourites. They have been ordinary while the Sharks have been steely in defense with wins over both last year’s grand finalists. But as the Titans showed, if you put some points on the Sharks they have no reply. If Jamie Soward fires then I can see the Dragons getting this game. I was leaning to the Sharks but I might just give the Dragons some love here.

Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders. Saturday 7:30pm Skilled Park

The Raiders will be out of sorts with some disillusionment over Henry heading to Townsville. Plus the Raiders do not like travelling. Factor in that the Titans have taken a liking to Skilled Park, I don’t see much joy in the this game for the Green Machine. The Titans will be sure things at home.

North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels, Saturday 9:30pm Dairy Farmers Stadium

The Eels don’t like the run north. But what better time to go up there with the Cowboys none from three? North Queensland have look disinterested on the field. It is hard to gauge whether they will try to do something for Graham Murray or just meander till Henry comes on board. It is a danger game for Parra as they have been patchy so far. But when they get it right, the Eels show glimpses of great things. If Parra cuts out the dumb mistakes and get a roll on, they will be hard to stop. You know how I’m gonna tip.

Manly Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sunday 3:00pm Brookvale Oval

What is up with the Bunnies? After a good 2007 they have turned the clock back to 2006. And with Manly on a high after Monday’s thumping of the Warriors they are on a hiding to nothing. The Bunnies will try hard for the first 30 minutes or so but will then become road kill. If Hasler is smart then Lyon will never wear the number 6 again. He was on song back in the centres and will bag a few tries against the poor bunnies.

New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights, Sunday 2:00pm Mt Smart Stadium

The Knights have been playing out of their skins. Unlucky against the Eels, they will go to New Zealand feeling confident. While the Warriors are always tough at home, if there is any mental scarring from Monday’s drubbing they will be in danger of losing at home. But there is that unpredictability about the Warriors that sits in the back of your mind when tipping. The Knights are not bad value as Amanda has said. Hedge your bets. Tip the Warriors but throw a tenner on the Knights.

West Tigers v Penrith Panthers, Monday 7:00pm Campbelltown Sports Stadium

The battle of the big cats! The Tigers seemed to run out of puff against the Dogs while Penrith chalked up (just) a much needed win. Still I can’t see the Panthers coming away with the points here. The Tigers have the form on the board and I like them in this game. The mountain men will go home empty handed on Monday night.

Shaun’s Sure Thing: Back on track after tipping the Broncos. Staying in Queensland and putting the moolah on the Titans.

The Roughy: Actually roughies for this week. Amanda is right in that the Knights are worth a few bob against the Warriors at $2.55. But also have a look at Brisbane who are at $2.60 at the moment (Thursday evening).

Good luck with your tips and may your team win (unless it is the Cowboys).