The past few days haven’t been great for rugby league. Players from the Raiders and the Bulldogs have been up to no good. If only the NSW media would turn a blind eye to player shenanigans similar to what happens south of the border (yep, that is sarcasm you detect).
But the image of league should not be sullied by the actions of a few players. This weekend will see those that stay out of trouble, which is most of the players, advertising the game in the best possible way. By playing footy.
It is the business end of the season. Seven rounds to go. For a few clubs the faint promise of finals footy will be extinguished with a loss. Plenty to still play for. I’ve cast the dowsing rods over the form guide so lets see who shall win.
Brisbane Broncos v Cronulla Sharks, Friday 7:45pm Suncorp Stadium
Cronulla plods along each week getting the job done more often than not but rarely showing any flair. Brisbane have flair to burn if all players a fit but injuries have dented their flash. The Broncs are eyeing a top four spot. And that means turfing out the Sharks from their place in the top four. This game could decide the top four aspirations of both teams. It will be close one but the Broncos to get the gold medal.
Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys, Friday 7:45pm Parramatta Stadium
The form (if you could call it that given how both teams are faring) says the Eels but this game worries me. The talk is about the Eels getting their act together. But the Cowboys have nothing to lose which makes them a dangerous foe. Look, the Eels are more than capable but my tip is not with confidence. If any team will lose going in well-backed favourites it is the Eels.
Canberra Raiders v Gold Coast Titans, Saturday 5:30pm Canberra Stadium
A tough week for the Raiders with the allegations against Carney and Goodwin. The Raiders were coming off a great win against the Roosters and their preparation was obviously disrupted. The Titans on the other hand are starting to fade with injuries and suspension the reason. They are plucky buggers but the Canberra cold will torment them. The Raiders will regroup and get the points.
Penrith Panthers v Wests Tigers, Saturday 7:30pm CUA Stadium
All the potential to be one of the games of the round. A Tigers win sees them say in the hunt. A Panthers win puts paid to the Tigers finals aspirations. The Tigers forward is still a worry. They can’t let Panther pack get over them. But with the form of Pritchard and the consistency of Petero the Panthers will control the ruck. And that will give them the edge in what could be an entertaining game.
New Zealand Warriors v Melbourne Storm, Sunday 12:00pm Mt Smart Stadium
With three wins in a row the Warriors confidence is back. And they will need that and their home ground advantage to have a chance against Melbourne. A bit of bracing NZ winter weather cold also help. Though being from Melbourne, that won’t affect the Storm much. This won’t be an easy game for the Storm. The Warriors will push them hard but the Storm’s all round class will get them home.
Newcastle Knights v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sunday 2:00pm Energy Australia Stadium
South’s loss last week probably put paid to the gossamer threadlike finals chances. But they will still want to play for pride. No dogging the task for the Bunnies. But the Knights still have a chance for the eight and will want to give it their best shot. Now, the Knights have not given me any real tipping love this year. They tend to do the opposite to my tipping intentions for their games. Still, I like the Knights at home.
Sydney Roosters v Manly Sea Eagles, Sunday 3:00pm Sydney Football Stadium
A few rounds ago, the Roosters seemed to be in that class above the rest of the comp, sharing a room with Manly and the Storm. But the past few weeks have seen their fortunes wane just a tad. A the moment Manly are the only team that could match it with the Storm. They are in excellent form. They have the wood on the Roosters at the moment. And that winning streak shall continue even if Orford does not play.
St George/Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury Bulldogs, Monday 7:00pm WIN Stadium
The Bulldogs off field dramas will not help the on-field malaise. Sonny Bill is to play and that will lift the Dogs but not enough for them to win. The Dragons have hit a rough patch but should use the hapless Dogs to get their race to the finals back on track.
11 responses so far ↓
Michele // Jul 25, 2008 at 9:51 am
Lets hope you on the mark with your comments - from what I have read I agreed with evrything you said I will relay to all in the office Im sure they also will agree
Bismark O'Measles // Jul 25, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Hello Shaun.. how’s the boys?
This is a particularly difficult weekend for me and, if history is anything to go by, I’m going to be disappointed one way or the other come Monday night.
However, I’ll be brave.
Broncs, Eels Raiders,: You’re on the money (..metaphorically speaking as we haven’t seen Shaun’s Sure Thing or the Golden Roughy this week)
I’m going to tip the Panthers for the same reasons you state here. Alternatively Sheensy’s got the smell of blood up his sizeable hooter and I like the prospect of slipping quietly into the 8. Hodgo’s back and the Lauries (Chris and Daine) are on fire…. I reserve the right to change this at the last minute.
I’ve got a queezy feeling about the Mount Smart game……… but have obviously tipped the Storm.
Knights.
Roosters/Sea Eagles should be the game of the week - I’m going Manly just to piss my mate Vince off.
Dragons should win easily and should stay in the 8 for this week although they’ve got some heavy traffic coming and may well struggle to stay there - round 25 should tell…
Anyhow, Buster’s skating in the State Championships this weekend - tipped to win (as he’s the only entrant at his level) but needs to do a lot of work to pull off the same trick when (and if) he goes up to Primary. Stick with the dance partner Buster!!
All the best
BOM
Mark Browne // Jul 25, 2008 at 7:04 pm
My tips are exactly as you’ve selected, but my three concerns are…
The Tigers are my tip to take 8th spot vacated by the Titans. They played well last week and the Panthers have only won 2 at home this season. However I have taken the Panthers based on the size of their pack.
The Raiders are almost unbeatable at home, but with this weeks sackings I’m concerned about the mental state of the team going into this game.
The only other game that is a concern and I have no real reason to think this, but I feel the Warriors can give the storm a real scare.
Good Luck
Shaun // Jul 25, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Michele, hope you let your colleagues understand that my tips come with no guarantee. Unless they bring you a financial windfall. Then I’d like a beer as thanks.;-)
The lads are fine BOM. Surprisingly good actually. But more on that when we meet for a few healing brews.
Yes Mark, a few have commented around the traps of unease concerning the Warriors game. The weather could be damp which will even things up.
Best of luck to all and may you team win (unless it is the Cowboys).
Bismark O'Measles // Jul 26, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Bye bye then SBW.
Australia (and New Zealand) expected more of you.
Sort of puts it into perspective when he’s on $450K at the dogs but a second-division Toulon can pay him $3Mil over a couple of years!
I sincerely hope he hasn’t started a trend although there’s a few players (Canbera’s Carney, Big Willy and Riley Brown to name a few) who I wish would go overseas and never come back!
What are your thoughts Shaun? Perhaps a thread on this subject is due - I’m sure it would provoke healthy discussion - at least a poll… something like “Top Ten Players you’d like to see heading for the South of France”.
Glad to see the Eels got up last night - not the most emphatic of victories though.
Happy Saturdays!!!
BOM
Shaun // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Done! A post is up now if you want to comment on SBW or players going to France.
Speaking of bad boys, Todd Carney has been stood down for the rest of the season and to undergo some type of rehad. Bronx Goodwin is suspended pending a magistrates hearing.
And oh god the Eels game was boring. But they won. Which is just fine at the moment.
Shaun // Jul 26, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Panthers win and 4/4 so far this weekend.
Bismark O'Measles // Jul 26, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Stup)_(&(*&$%^$#&^)_(*_(&)(*^*#@#$%^&*()_ing Tigers.
Yes….. I switched my tip at the last moment - strangely enough, had I seen the last minute news about Hodgo not playing, I probably wouldn’t have switched but too late.
The footy gods hate me.
Mexican Jumping Bead // Jul 27, 2008 at 4:22 am
The dismal fate of visiting teams to Canberra stadium continues. Given the Raiders’ off-field troubles during the week, Gold Coast were probably entitled to a bold showing but they offered little more than a tongue in cheek performance.
Similar to Sydney last week, although theirs was more A.Tongue in chook effort.
Aucklanders are expecting massive Storm damage today - jokes aside, they’re talking about a cyclone so lets hope they get through it ok.
Shaun // Jul 27, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Those, like me, with that funny feeling about the Warriors v Storm had those feelings confirmed.
Warriors won in wet and blustery conditions 8-6.
Mungo Amanda // Jul 27, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I tipped the Warriors, pity I didn’t have time to put bucks on them.
Go Knights!
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