sidelined

Origin influences this round especially for the those vying for NSW selection. The word is no major changes will be made but the halfback spot is open depending on Wallace’s injury and a few forward spots could be up for contention. Those in with a chance will have a final chance to cry out “pick me!” before the NSW team is announced. I suspect the QLD team will only change pending injuries between now and Origin III.

In regards to the premiership race, things are becoming interesting. My tip is a little bit more jostling over the next two weeks before post-Origin will see about 8-10 teams start to pull away from the rest in the race for home. Remember only four points separates 1 from 8 so it is still a tight contest.

The goat entrails are ready so let the divination begin.

Brisbane Broncos v West Tigers Friday 7:45pm Suncorp Stadium

Both teams had games to forget last round. The positive aspect for the Broncos was that they did come back a little in the second half. Also, they don’t have the injury toll that the Tigers are facing. With all the wounded the Tigers have, it is hard to see them challenging until a few of their big boppers get back on the paddock. They could easily lose touch with the eight over the next few weeks. The Broncos have their own injury concerns with Lockey and Wallace out. The Tigers have the better halves but unless the forwards lay a platform then the Broncs will get this one.

St George/Illawarra Dragons v Penrith Panthers, Friday 7:45pm ANZ Stadium

The Dragons return refreshed from a bye and ready to push further up the NRL ladder. The Panthers however have hit a little bit of a slump. Combine that will a few injuries to key players it doesn’t bode well for the mountain men. Teams coming off the bye can cloud the form guide but I’m going to stay with Dragons.

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Canberra Raiders, Saturday 5:30pm ANZ Stadium

For most sides, you expect that coming off a strong win over the Broncos they would be favourites. But the Raiders are not most sides. Capable of very strong performances at home, ineptitude tends to describe their performances on the road. Then again, the Bulldogs are not the club they once were. And Sonny Bill is still on the sidelines which dulls any potential the Bulldogs have. Even with the influence of those fates, there is a temptation to tip the Bulldogs given they are at home and the Raiders do not travel well. But the Raiders are just two points from the eight. That will be their motivation and they could bely expectation.

Melboune Storm v North Queensland Cowboys, Saturday 7:30pm Olympic Park

The only questions is the Storm by how many. The Cowboys are out to $11 already and that could be considered generous odds. I can’t see anything other than their 8th straight defeat and the final nail in the coffin of their final hopes to be emphatically rammed home by the Storm.

New Zealand Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles, Sunday 12:00pm Mt Smart Stadium

The Warriors have been very disappointing in 2008. Sure they have had a few injuries but any sort of fighting spirit seems to have left them. They used to be good things at home but even that consolation now not available to them. Manly have been the quite ones this season and suddenly find themselves on top of the table. Refreshed after the bye, the Sea Eagles will return from over the ditch with the two points.

Newcastle Knights V Sydney Roosters, Sunday 2:00pm Energy Australia Stadium

Gidley and Mullen will be wanting to press their Origin credentials but Anasta and Pearce will wanting to press their claims as well. With the Knights wanting to establish their place in the finals it shapes up as a promising game. The Roosters have a better structure in attack and the Knights will be need to be careful of that inside runner ploy the Roosters love. The last game between the two the Knights emerged victories over a flat Roosters. Expect the last result to be reversed this go around.

Cronulla Sharks v Parramatta Eels, Sunday 3:00pm Toyota Park

The Eels have shaken off their patchy form and starting to flex their premiership muscles. And the Sharks are a good test for the Eels. The Cronulla side may not be the prettiest in the comp but they are effective. The forward clash will be mighty though the Eels have the edge in the backs. It will be a close one. But the Eels are timing their run into form and eight well. And they have a great record down in the shire. Note that the Boston Celctics won the NBA this year. Their first win since 1986. A portent of hope for Eels fans?

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Gold Coast Titans

The Titans have a woeful record away from home and are expected to get the points here. But should punters be that confident? The Bunnies season has some life due to the woeful record of the Cowboys. Excitement may be building with the return of Craig Wing and the notion that they may avoid the spoon with a good end of season performance. But that is not enough to put you money on the Bunnies just. I’ll play it safe with the Titans.

Shaun’s Sure Thing: Of course the Storm but they offer no value. Take the Dragons if looking for a good return

The Roughy: Maybe the Knights but they always let me down when I do back them. The Tigers if they regroup aren’t completely out of it given their halves. Throw some dirty money their way.