sidelined

Origin is upon us one more making the form guide a useless document by which to divine the intentions of the footy goods. It also makes us almost halfway through the season. For some teams, it is time to strike out for the eight. For tipsters, time to make that play to get to the top of the leaderboard. Exciting times are ahead. So what teams will be taking myself up the ladder this long weekend?

New Zealand Warriors v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Friday 6:00pm Mt Smart Stadium

You gotta go the Warriors. The Bunnies will win another match or two before the season is out but how do you pick them? The Bunnies have elevated young Chris Sandow into the number 7 position for this game. He can’t go any worse than others that have tried this position on for size. Even though the Warriors aren’t in the best of form, they are at home and the Bunnies are toothless.

St George/Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos, Friday 7:30pm WIN Stadium

Hello Sailor! Big Dell have served his time and back where he belongs. It was rugby that lead him astray. And he picks a fine time to return to the fray. Not just against his old club but with a Saints team that is traveling very well as the moment. The Broncs will be on a high after last week’s epic against the Eels but the loss of players to Origin and Hodges via tackling shenanigans will bring them back to earth. Saints to show Benny what they are capable of.

Canterbury Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights, Saturday 5:30pm ANZ Stadium

The Bulldogs can pretty much write off 2008. They may even write off Sonny Bill as well. The famed Bulldog spirit has not been enough to overcome internal dramas and injuries. Nor will it be enough to overcome the Knights. The Knights are without their Origin players and that will even the teams up. But the Dogs have no bark and the Knights will put them to the sword.

West Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys, Saturday 7:30pm Campbelltown Stadium

The Cowboys suffered the death of a dodgy field goal attempts last week. It was a game they needed to win. With Thurston out, I don’t see them getting anywhere near the Tigers. Monday night’s game was scrappy in the wet but the Tigers did well. With Hodgson, Marshall, Head and Farah holding the plays, they should run riot against the visitors from the north.

Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders, Saturday 7:30pm Parramatta Stadium

The Eels turned in a performance their fans had been waiting for last week. Unfortunately it was against a Lockyer inspired Broncos. Canberra is a bit of the bogey team for the Eels even if they are not in the best form. If the Eels can hold their form from last week, they should have an easy win.

Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks, Sunday 2:00pm CUA Stadium

I’ve said it before but what about the Panthers this year? They are quietly sneaking up the ladder. The Sharks are holding their own as well. The trouble for the Sharks is this is time of the year for their traditional second half of the season slump. With Bird and Gallen in camp with NSW, you gotta swing for the Panthers.

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

The Beagles have been honest toilers this season. A few good wins but somehow not grabbing the wraps of other teams. Suddenly they are third on the table. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m enjoying the footy the Roosters are playing this year. They key is Anasta and Pearce and this is why the Roosters won’t suffer even missing some key forwards. It will be a cracker of a game. I’m thinking Sea Eagles given their great home record against the latte sippin’ interlopers.

Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm, Monday 7:00pm Skilled Park

The price of success is a team ripped apart at Origin time. The Storm were out of their depth last time they lost their stars and this game won’t be any different. The Titans were off their game against the Sharks but will bounce back at home. I can’t see the Storm upsetting the Titans home record.

Shaun’s Sure Thing: The Titans.

The Roughy: Really hard this round. You may want to look at the Sharks at $3.00 or while not the biggest odds against a team, the Roosters at $2.35