sidelined

An early version as once more I find myself in a heathen land. Which could make it any where in Australia outside the Sydney CBD at the moment but in my case it means Melbourne once again.

But sipping a Belgian beer earlier this evening (one can only drink so much VB) I over heard a conversation of hope. Some pagans were discussing the merits of league over rugby and in this town of unenlightened, league was high on the merit order. Sure there was a comment that the aesthetics of league can’t match AFL, but that will change when we find a Victorian Constantine.

A pleasant hearsay followed by some Greek lamb cutlets and a meeting with the delegate from Delphi to help with some NRL oraclising. Results over the fold.

North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos, Friday 7:45pm Dairy Farmers Stadium

The Cowboys have lost 10 straight. They’ll have to win one soon. Could this be the game? The Broncos were flat against the Bulldogs but they will lift against their northern brethren. So will the Cowboys. The odds are firmly in favour of the Broncs. Maybe it is the memories of last weekend when the roughies got most of the game but I sense danger. I’ll tip the Broncos but reckon it will be a close game.

Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels, Friday 7:45pm Brookvale Oval

It was Nietzsche who said “Hope is is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torments of Eels fans.” Yep, you have it right. I refuse to prolong my torment any longer. I can’t see my boys winning this game. Oh, my heart screams in hope, that some miracle will happen. But yet, my head states the obvious. It does hurt…mightily, but the home side has the goods.

Gold Coast Titans v Penrith Panthers, Saturday 5:30pm Skilled Park

The Gold Coast have made adversity their friend and with their best players out, have summoned up a great will. The Panthers, like the other teams fighting for eighth spot, hold hands with inconsistency forgoing the chance opportunity have provided. Their fate is in their legs and a good showing against the Titans could see them in outright eighth spot. This will be a great game. The Titans just for the home town advantage.

Canterbury Bulldogs v New Zealand Warriors, Saturday 7:30pm ANZ Stadium

Wiki lifted the Warriors last week. But with the ebbing of that emotion and the prospect of travelling, life becomes harder for the men from Enzed. On the other hand the Bulldogs have seemingly rediscovered their inner bulldog. The Warriors aren’t off the scent in this game but I suspect the Bulldogs to have picked up some confidence after last week. The Belmore lads to win.

Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights, Saturday 7:30pm Toyota Park

I tip the Knights and they let me down. I don’t tip ‘em and they still let me down. What’s a poor ol’ tipper to do? I have no real idea but the Sharks are the safe ones. There is nagging sense of “is this the start of the usual Cronulla end of season melt down” but rationally, they should be beyond that. The Knights have been gallant as usual this season and jousting for eight spot. But the Sharks will be wanting to reassert their finals credentials.

Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters, Sunday 2:00pm Canberra Stadium

The Raiders on their day are a great over achievers.Their home in the land of ice and snow (though not much in the way of midnight sun or hot springs) can be a fortress but more so at night when brass monkeys stay indoors in fear of being rendered incomplete. I’ve said before I like the Roosters structure. Fittler understand the limitations and coaches to their strengths. They will bounce back after their loss last week.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v West Tigers, Sunday 3:00pm ANZ Stadium

Six in a row. Can it be? I don’t know but am tipping them. Souths are riding high. The Tigers did hold their own against the Storm last week for about 45 minutes but wilted in the end. But there is no doubt with their commitment. But that may have been a “One for Hodgo” and find it hard to lift for this game. I dare say the Bunnies this week.

Melbourne Storm v St George Illawarra Dragons, Monday 7:00pm Olympic Park

The last time these two teams met, the Dragons got over an Origin depleted Storm. This will be a real test of the Dragons. Suggestions that they have had an easy run will be confirmed if they lose. A win will make their bona fides. But I reckon their bona fides (I love this word) are suspect. The Storm will be their ultimate test this season. Of interest will be the performance of MBG given he had taken thity pieces of French silver. Folau will show him what a real centre is like.