Winter is having one last go but it can’t hide the fact spring and the the NRL finals are only a few weeks to play. Last week confirmed that, as expected, the Storm are the team to beat. Not that Manly were that bad. They still have a shot. And don’t forget that Sharks.
Below them it is a real dogfight for the final 5 spots. Some teams seem to be falling of the pace and others turning on the form at the right time. Another very interesting round. I’ve looked to the stars this week for the winners. All is revealed over the fold.
Brisbane Broncos v St George Illawarra Dragons, Friday 7:45pm Suncorp Stadium
The Dragons had a great mid season run but I reckon they are going to finish the season as they started. With Soward out, the Dragons lose a lot in attack though the return of Big Dell agains his old club will provide some fun. Bennett had the Broncos well placed. They have been doing enough to win and I like the Broncos as the smokies for the premiership. The home side to push the Dragons further down the ladder.
Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters, Friday 7:45pm Olympic Park
The past few performances by the Roosters have not been convincing. And what better time to take on the Storm after their very physical encounter against Manly last week. But Bellamy is a cagey coach and no matter how battered and bruised the Storm, they will turn up for the Roosters. A few of the big name Roosters need to show some spirit. It will be a good game but you can’t go past the Storm at home.
New Zealand Warriors v Cronulla Sharks, Saturday 5:30pm Mt Smart Stadium
The Sharks have a great 2009. They have defied their usual end of season slump and have a shot at the minor premiership. The Warriors have found some form in the race home and are well in the finals hunt. The Sharks have the edge in form but the Warriors are making Mt Smart Stadium an uncomfortable place for the visitors. I’ve been off the Warriors the past few rounds and will get on them for this game. But it will be a close one.
North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans, Saturday 7:30pm Dairy Farmers Stadium
The Cowboys welcome back Jonathan Thurston. And rumours are the Titans could be seeing Prince back on the field. Cracking their first win since April, the Cowboys will be wanting to put another one together. Doing so could see them off last spot. The Titans after a great start to the year have slid out of the eight. The return of Prince could be what the Titans need. But given this is just a rumour I’ll base my tip on the team cards as is and reckon the Cowboys will get two in a row.
Penrith Panthers v Canterbury Bulldogs, Saturday 7:30pm CUA Stadium
Not sure what to make of the Panthers towelling by the Raiders last week. I reckon it was just one of those days. And playing the Bulldogs could be what the Panthers need to get their finals campaign back on track. All the Bulldogs want is the season to end. And the Panthers will just compound their misery.
Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights, Sunday 2:00pm Canberra Stadium
The Raiders’ effort last week was amazing. But they won’t have it easy against the Knights on Sunday. The Knights have been quietly toiling away this year and have three wins on the trot. This game will have a bearing on the make up of the eight. The Knights will fight hard for their season but Canberra’s form at home is irresistible. This is for sure the game of the round.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Sea Eagles, Sunday 3:00pm ANZ Stadium
The Bunnies have pulled something out of the season over the past month or so. While they have no hope to play in the finals, they will be wanting to go out on their terms. And with Manly battered and bruised after the Storm, they are in with a chance. But Manly are well coached and will be up for the match. I don’t the Bunnies are without a chance but still reckon Manly will be to good.
Parramatta Eels v West Tigers, Monday 7:00pm Parramatta Stadium
What a finish to the round. Ignore the fact that the Tigers got thumped by the Eels last time they met. The Tigers want to finish in the eight. The Eels will want to show that last week’s effort was no fluke and they still are a chance. Being at home, I’ve got to favour the Eels. But it will be classic game.
19 responses so far ↓
Bismark O'Measles // Aug 14, 2008 at 11:02 pm
So.
What is the ante on Sundays game shaun?
I can’t believe I’m actually considering it!
Bismark O'Measles // Aug 15, 2008 at 11:20 am
No point in trying to act cautious any more Shaun.
I agree with all you say above except my heart will rule my head in the case of the Bunnies and Tigers.
This was the game last year that put SS into the 8 - they also beat the Tigers & had cause for real celebration.
Not much of an analysis but it’s good enough for me to tipém.:)
Monday nights game will undoubtedly be the game of the round and I’m willing to have a small flutter on it.
Shall we say the loser buys the winner a supporters flag of their choice?
Shaun // Aug 15, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I agree to the terms of the wager! Bring Monday on.
The Storm were very clinical with their win over the Roosters. They controlled the game but wasn’t that thrilling to watch. But they are looking good for two premierships in a row.
The Dragons won meaning 1/2. I reckon it could be one of those rounds with 5 of the 6 games remaining even money bets (except Manly/Bunnies…sorry Bismarck).
Bismark O'Measles // Aug 17, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Look, on this salary cap business, I can’t see too many alternatives.
If we let the ’super-players’ get their own deal outside it, it won’t stop them buggering off to play in France SBW-stylie and will create a whole us-and-them society which is not what the working mans game is about.
If we dump the SC and let prices escalate, it will inevitably end up in bigger ticket prices, more expensive beer and pies & definitely the end (forever) of the suburban ground like Leichhardt or Oki. It’s a slippery slope to a fully commercial game.
I used to watch footy in England and had to do some serious saving to go to a match & then had to pay double for warm beer and a soggy pie - also not the sort of place you’d take the family.
So what if Di**-Hea**s like SBW want to chase the filthy luchre - there’s plenty of great players with more team spirit and love of this game who’ll stay & entertain us - look at Fitzgibbon, Petro, Slater, Menzies, Marshall, Lockyear - stalwarts and team players.
Also,so what if they give us their best for 9 years or so and go overseas for their swansong? As long as it keeps them here during their best years I’m very comfortable with them providing for their retirement by earning big bucks in France (SBW is NOT one of these).
Keep the salary cap, keep prices low and keep the suburban grounds - keep families going and keep the loyal players while they’re fresh - then let them bugger off to France. Bon voyage.
gilmae // Aug 17, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I don’t want to put the mocker on or anything, but I think maybe Melbourne ought to consider the merits of sending a percentage of the $100K to Souths.
Shaun // Aug 17, 2008 at 7:08 pm
The key to the NRL is getting its finances in order and hiring a better marketing team. The AFL leaves the NRL for dead in terms of marketing.
And you are right Gilmae. Great win by the Bunnies and Manly could be fading as the finals loom.
gilmae // Aug 17, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Everytime I drive past Wests Leagues in Leumeah I think about the endless expansions and improvements the club has put in - a tapas bar, for Zeus’s sake! - and then I think about shirt tearing from some over the pokies tax and anti-smoking legislation killing the leagues clubs and thus the sport.
What a load of tripe. If the teams are so dependant on money from the leagues club it is because they are doing something very wrong. And they are, and as you say Shaun, a lot of it is marketing. Not enough people at the games. Is the Telstra Dome ever as under-attended as ANZ was for the Souths-Manly game?
In your poll I answered that the salary cap should be scrapped but only because there wasn’t the option for “Abolish it after the NRL prove they can pull a crowd every week and the clubs are earning their way.” In the meantime, the NRL need to persuade people to come to the games, because at the moment it isn’t taxes and smoking restrictions that have the salary cap so low, it is that rugby league is only popular on TV.
Bismark O'Measles // Aug 17, 2008 at 8:09 pm
(crosses arms in quiet reflection and smirks the smirk of the vindicated upset tipper.)
I recall how I felt when they did this last year… trouble is they had something to fight for then and it’s just a good old fashioned upset.
Gilmae. The NRL will keep people coming to the games if they keep the cost down and keep it as ‘Local’ as possible. Abolishing the salary cap will change all that.
Mungo Amanda // Aug 17, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Well I don’t think the Knights will make the 8 now. Le bugger.
Shaun // Aug 17, 2008 at 9:49 pm
While Bismark is right about the cost at games, I don’t see that changing until clubs get their act together off the field.
And what Gilmae said is correct - that whining about the pokies and the smoking laws hides that the clubs are doing something wrong. Eels fans are well aware of this as we have the worst CEO in the comp. Fitzgerald whines about the pokie tax while going to a conference in Macau. Sorry, but relying on gambling is a sure fire way to kill the club which, based on Fitzgerald’s public utterances, seems to be his intent.
Shaun // Aug 17, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Amanda, the Knights have a positive differential in their favour. The Eels, Warriors, Panthers and Titans are all the red and that could hurt them in the run home. Unless they have at least two big wins.
And Canberra is on an amazing run. They could go far in the finals.
We’ll see if they Eels are still in the hunt tomorrow night.
Shaun // Aug 18, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I hope Bismarck is ok. For some reason he stopped responding to my texts after 22-0.
Wonder what happened?
gilmae // Aug 19, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I obviously can’t speak for Bismarck but you, sir, may bite me.
Shaun // Aug 19, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Still not over last week eh?
gilmae // Aug 19, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I suppose it serves me right for barracking for Souths on Sunday. It made me sick to my stomach but it was a necessary evil.
My only consolation is that next year Wests will play better but Parramatta will always be the Eels. Fondly remembering 25th September, 2005.
Bismark O'Measles // Aug 19, 2008 at 9:12 pm
He he…..
I’m warming to Gilmae.
Shaun // Aug 20, 2008 at 11:11 pm
C’mon gilmae. That sledge when Smithy went to Newy. You can do better that that.
Shaun // Aug 20, 2008 at 11:11 pm
That sledge “went out style” I what I wanted to say.
gilmae // Aug 21, 2008 at 7:11 am
I dunno. Given Parramatta have clung to their under-performing, crushing-your-soul-then-your-hopes ways despite the change in coach, I think the sledge rings true to this day.
I mean look at Paramatta’s fans right now. Hopes up. Eyes bright. A couple of wins and talk of mathematics. Hope has lifted itself off the mat and defeated experience once more. All that remains for the remainder of the year is the flattening assault by the Bulldozer of Reality.
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