sidelined

With the notes of last night’s cultural activities lingering in the ears, time to get serious regarding the weekend’s action.

The bye has a rest this round allowing the full compliment of games. Only four points separates 1st and 11th place so a few teams aren’t out of the race just yet. But a loss for a few teams means they are gong to have a hard slog to the finals. Except for the Bunnies. They are gone for the year and pride remains their only solace. And the Bulldogs and Cowboys are also looking like also rans. But it ain’t over till round 26 and hope springs eternal in the footy fan’s breast. Shall we venture forth into the precarious realm of tipping?

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels, Friday 7:45pm Suncorp Stadium

Dear Eels,

Yuse knows I love yas but something I think yas donts loves me. How about some reciprocal support here? Yes I know Lockyer is back for the Broncs but a win would get our your (our?) season back on track. A tough road to the finals but lets show ‘em what you can do.

Love,

Shaun

Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles, Friday 7:45pm Canberra Stadium

Manly put on the long johns for a chilly night against the Raiders. Canberra have had the rest, Manly the loss being burnt by the Dragons. A tough game as Canberra always play better at home. Manly have been the quiet achievers this year but there have been suggestions that they are pretenders to the throne. I’ll tip Manly but with far less confidence that the bookies.

Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs, Saturday 5:30pm Olympic Park

Oh dear. Sonny Bill is out and that is just the start of the Bulldogs’ injury woes. This game is not looking good for them. The Storm were well off their game against Souths but I suspect Bellamy has rested them just a little. This game does not look good for the Dogs and if they lost by 16 points it will be a great effort.

North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers, Saturday 7:30pm Diary Farmers Stadium

The post Muzzah era begins for the Cowboys. Will there be an euphoric “the witch is dead lets get it on” resurrection or will the suckage that is season 2008 continue. The Panthers have been impressive in their last two games and can’t be discounted for this game. A tough one to pick. I’m sticking with the Panthers given their recent efforts.

Newcastle Knights v New Zealand Warriors, Saturday 7:30pm Energy Australia Stadium

The Warriors don’t like the road and while they will eventually win a game away, it won’t be this weekend. To be honest, the Warriors have the potential to be a better side but they lack the ticker at the moment. The Knights and their Origin contingent would have welcomed the bye last weekend. They will have too much energy for the Warriors who will face another long, melancholy trip back over the Tasman.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George/Illawarra Dragons, Sunday 2:00pm Sydney Football Stadium

Compared to some of the other teams, Souths aren’t at bad odds for this game. Against the Storm they defended well and for ran the ball hard. Just that that they had absolutely no clue on the fifth tackle. The Dragons are showing some class at the moment. But they have a reputation for floundering in unexpected shoals of form. Gasnier is out which doesn’t help the Dragons. It doesn’t help the Bunnies much as this won’t give them a much needed kicking game. The Dragons have Soward and he’ll give them the field position to knock out a win.

Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans, Sunday 3:00pm Toyota Park

The Titans were startled by the ferocity of the Leichhardt crowd and that put the Tigers ten points ahead and the Titan’s attack off their game. They will be liking the relatively friendlier Toyota Park for this game. The Sharks were awful against the Bulldogs and yet still came close. I expect Gallen and Bird to step up this game but the Prince/Kimmorely battle will be a great one. Even without Laffranchi, the Titans have too much attack and should get an away win.

Sydney Roosters v West Tigers, Monday 7:00pm Sydney Football Stadium

Even though the Tigers got the win last week, it wasn’t convincing. The Roosters however are flexing their premiership muscles and showing great form. The Tigers will give a good account of themselves but I can’t fault the Roosters at the moment.

Shaun’s Sure Thing: The Storm but my money is on the Knights. The Storm are at 1.11 which doesn’t make it a decent return.

The Roughy: I might have a speccie on the Raiders. Can’t write them off at home during winter.

Oh and go the Waratahs. Yes, we don’t care for the other game that much but united we stand against the Kiwis. Tah Man to cross for two tries and kick the winning drop goal oooh yeah.