sidelined

This tipping business. Getting had by teams that under perform. Getting took by teams that pull out an almighty effort when you least expect it. I tell you folks, it’s harder than it looks.

And Round 9 is a tough one. The rep games will start to throw a few spanners into the form guide as a few games will depend on how players pull up after the test. I’m tempted once more to allow a coin toss to dictate my tipping fortunes. But footy tipping favours the bold so being a Thursday night, once more in the breach dear friends.

Australia v New Zealand, Friday 8:00pm SCG

Twas exactly 100 years ago tomorrow that two neighbours of the Empire first clashed in league. 99 years after that game, the Aussies demolished the Kiwis but don’t expect New Zealand to lay down this time. They are out to redeem themselves. The forward packs are evenly matched but Australia has the edge in the backs. At the time of writing, speculation is that Thurston may not play. If he doesn’t, it will even up the field and the $5.50 for a Kiwi win looks tempting. However I still expect Australia to win a tough encounter.

Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders, Saturday 5:30pm Sydney Football Stadium

After a strong start the Rooster’s shine has faded just a tad. After two losses on the trot and the luxury of the bye gives them a chance to regroup. The Raiders on the other hand committed their usual away ritual of footy seppuku against the Warriors last week. Being away again I don’t fancy their chances. With NSW Origin jumpers on the line, Pearce and Anasta will be out to impress and will get the Roosters the gold star of victory.

North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks, Saturday 7:30pm Dairy Farmers Stadium

The Cowboys suffered from an attack of complacency last week, thinking “Hmmmm, easy rabbit stew”, and went hungry as a result. With Thurston doubtful and Bowen out, the Cowboys look very vulnerable in this game. The Sharks’ problems with attack are well documented but if their defence holds they are in with the chance. The Sharks for the points in a game that won’t be the most exciting one of the round.

Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers, Saturday 7:30pm ANZ Stadium

The Panthers started well last week but true to form, lost the plot in the second half. But they aren’t as bad a side as I reckoned they would be start of the season. The Bulldogs have been up and down and all around this year. Their halves are ineffective and the attack rests with the mighty mits of Sonny Bill. If he comes out of the test with no problems then the Bulldogs are favourites. If he doesn’t play it is anyone’s game. I dunno. The Panthers?

Brisbane Broncos v Manly Sea Eagles, Sunday 2:00pm Suncorp Stadium

Game of the round. The Broncs seem to be dealing without Lockyer better than other years. Other players are stepping up and with Karmicheal Hunt back, there is still an attacking spark. But Manly will be wanting this game to show they are premiership contenders. There will be a great forward battle at the beginning of this game. And Orford may be wanting to remind NSW selectors that he is a halfback good enough for origin. Going to be a great match but gotta say Brisbane at home.

Parramatta Eels v St George/Illawarra Dragons, Sunday 3:00pm

Me boys got back into the winners circle and have a good chance to out back to back wins together. The Dragons have been true to their fans with the familiar inconsistent performance that have plagued them for a few seasons. These games tend to be tight affairs given the history between both clubs. But the mighty Blue and Gold to prevail! But please, no more home games at ANZ. It is a silly idea.

Melbourne Storm v Newcastle Knights, Monday 7:00pm Olympic Stadium

An intriguing game. The Storms at home are usually dead certs but have eight players backing up after the test. The Knights are playing above their weight this year and have the form to challenge Melbourne. The usual story in that if the Knights can slow the play the ball down and dictate the terms of the game, they could win. A tough ask but they can do it. The Storm but not with the usual amount of confidence.

Shaun’s Sure Thing: The Roosters. The Storm have the lowest odds but just don’t have much confidence in them this week.

Shaun’s Roughy: Newy tend to hurt me. If I don’t bet on them they win, if I do they fall over. So I’m not going to not pick them as my roughy. That’ll fool the footy gods.