sidelined

The calm before the Origin storm. A full round this week and the big questions is how the teams hit by Origin duty will fare? I’ll be heading out to the Storm v Cowboys game on Saturday night at the great Bluetongue Stadium here in Gosford. Don’t care for either team but I love watching footy live and having a few beers.

Lets see how this round will pan out.

Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters, Friday 7:30pm Parramatta Stadium

A fair bit of feeling in this game as Anasta will be out to show selectors they made a mistake. As will Finch and Hindmarsh. The Roosters the worst of the pre-origin round, losing the three key members of their forward pack. The Eels only have lost Hayne. Parra have the wood on the Roosters, winning their last four games against the red, white and blue. I expect the run to continue in a great game of footy.

Gold Coast Titans v Canterbury Bulldogs, Friday 7:30pm Skilled Park

The Dogs are on the slide, getting bashed by the Panthers last outing. And I don’t think they will do much to improve their lot in this game. Prince will be out for a big game as another Origin snubbee and the Titans as a whole will be wanting to keep their home record intact. Even without Laffranchi, the Titans will be too strong.

Cronulla Sharks v Brisbane Broncos, Saturday 5:30pm Toyota Park

A tough one to pick. The Sharks are missing Bird and Gallen while the Broncos a host of players due to Origin and injury. I’ll lean to the Sharks for this game. The Broncos were last start losers and the loss of the Origin players will hurt them.

St George Illawarra Dragons v Melbourne Storm, Saturday 7:30pm ANZ Stadium

The Storm’s side is almost a whole new look with most the regular team on Origin duty. Even though the Dragons are missing three players to Origin, this is their best chance all year to beat the Storm and break a hoodoo. The Storm have never lost to the Dragons in Sydney. But this could be the night it all changes. I’m with the bookies and the Dragons

Manly Sea Eagles v North Queensland Cowboys, Saturday 7:30pm Bluetongue Stadium

The Cowboys season isn’t going well and with Thurston away for Origin, their season is not going to get much better. Rumours are that Murray is to be shown the door and a poor showing in this game could be the final straw. Manly are shaping up as contenders again and deserve favourtism for this game after their win against the Broncos. It will be a long night for the Cowboys I fear.

Penrith Panthers v New Zealand Warriors, Sunday 2:00pm CUA Stadium

Honestly, I though the Panthers were going to have a woeful season but they seem to be defying the pundits. They go into the game against the Warriors slight favourites. The Warriors on the other have settled into a comfortable win at home, lose on the road pattern. If they play to potential they will match it with the Panthers. But the home side gets the money this round.

Newcastle Knights v West Tigers, Sunday 3:00pm Energy Australia Stadium

The Tigers are heading back to full strength with Marshall and Farah back on deck. The Knights are missing Gidley and Buderus which swings me to the Tigers. Two players to watch this game are the Tigers’ Chris Lawrence and the Knights Jarrod Mullens. Both will be out to remind selectors that they are in the mix for Origin selection.

Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Monday 7:00pm Canberra Stadium

Checking the forecast, the Bunnies will need their winter coats heading to the capital on Monday. The bye came at the worst time for the Bunnies after their stirring first up win for the season. The Raiders were woeful in their last game which is part for the course when they are away. But at home they seem to tame their self-destructive tendencies and love it when the mercury heads for brass monkey weather. So warm your money (and monkey) with the Green Machine.

Shaun’s Sure Thing: The Sea Beagles.

The Roughy: Hate to say it but the Roosters’ odds against the Eels are not bad.