sidelined

Origin once more makes the form guide useless. But that does not mean a boring round. Teams are jostling for position in the eight and have plenty to play for. At the other end of the table, the battle for the wooden spoon has become very interesting indeed. I’ve consulted the Ouija board and the spirits have foretold the following.

Sydney Roosters v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Friday 7:30pm Sydney Football Stadium

The Roosters are missing the heart of the team due to origin. The Bulldogs in a similar predicament due to injuries. A really tough game to pick. The positive for the Bulldogs is the return of Sonny Bill. That combined with the need to recover some lost pride will be enough. Surely there is something that resembles pride left at the Dogs?

Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos, Friday 7:30pm CUA Stadium

The Broncos are starting to slip down the ladder and have all to play for. On the other hand the Panthers need to start winning if they are going to feature in the finals. The Broncos are weakened as per usual by Origin duty and that rightly makes the Panthers favourites.

Gold Coast Titans v St George-Illawarra Dragons, Saturday 5:30pm Skilled Park

Haven’t the Dragons been favoured by the draw this year? Once more they face an Origin depleted side. The Titans have built a formidable record at home but I see Fortress Gold Coast being breached this game. The Titans have too many injuries compounded by Prince being called to serve his state to be in this game. The Dragons’ run of luck to continue.

Manly Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights, Saturday 7:30pm Bluetongue Stadium

Today’s lesson in footballing ethics is whether a player who decides that they don’t want to play rep footy on a whim gets to play in the round? You case example, Jamie Lyon. A question that shall reverberate around the taverns of the land until at least the meat raffle. Newcastle aren’t too happy about the situation. And Bluetongue is like a second home as they attract good support just being down the road. However, with Buderus and Gidley out and the Sea Eagles at almost full strength, I don’t like the Knights changes. Manly to win and Lyon’s karma balance further into debt.

North Queensland Cowboys v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Saturday 7:30pm Dairy Farmers Stadium

At the start of the season who woulda thunk that the Cowboys would be staring the wooden spoon in the face? Just goes to show that player power doesn’t win games. The Bunnies have restored some pride in the last few weeks are are looking at their third straight win. And for the first time in a while, I’m going to publicly back them (last week I surreptitiously changed my tip to the Bunnies in a comp - got me the round over Bismarck). Craig Wing makes a welcome return and without Thurston, the Cowboys season of woe shall continue.

West Tigers v New Zealand Warriors, Sunday 2:00pm Leichhardt Oval

The Tigers are back at Leichhardt and so is you humble correspondent and value Sidelined commentor, Bismarck O’Measles. Bismarck is sure to be resplendent in blue and gold as he wears the colours of the mighty Eels after losing a wager from the other week. The Warriors have a big pack but their spirit seems to have gone. The Tigers were unlucky against the Broncos last week and their forward stocks have been strengthened a little. The Warriors will try and run through the Tigers but I reckon Marshall, Farah and co will lift their game and run around the Warriors.

Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm, Sunday 3:00pm Parramatta Stadium

The Eels won be taking the Storm lightly. Even with most of their players outs, the Eels season depends on this game. A win could see them back in the eight and ready for the run home. The Storm may try and bustle the Eels as Cronulla did but Parra did hang in there. The Storm will try hard and push for the first 20 to 30 minutes but after that, the Eels should stretch out and win comfortably.

Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks, Monday 7:00pm Canberra Stadium

The Raiders are the surprise packet of the comp at the moment. And they are home on what promises to be a very chilly Monday night. The Sharks had a bit of luck against the Eels and while they seem to do just enough to get over the line for a win, cutting it so close most games will hurt them eventually. The Raiders are worth the pick at home. They seem to revel in the arctic conditions and worth the punt for the weekend.

Shaun’s Sure Thing: The Eels are very short odds against the Storm. Go for ‘em.

The Roughy: A toughy. The Warriors are out to $5.00 which is very generous. However the Sharks at $2.40 are probably the best bet for the outsiders.