sidelined

I’m loving the footy at the moment. The season is winding up nicely. The only sure thing is the Storm to be minor premiers. The top four is still up in the air as is the final eight. Let’s get straight into it. This weeks tips being decided by using the Bible code.

Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters, Friday 7:35pm Toyota Park

I question whether the Sharks will have enough for the finals. Sure they can grind out a win but the fact they win by so few could be an issue when the other teams turn it on. But the Roosters are looking shakey as well. Their much touted forward pack going hiding when needed. Their places in the eight are assured but the Roosters especially need to find some form. It is to be cold and possibly wet tomorrow which will favour the Sharks.

Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans, Friday 7:35pm Suncorp Stadium

The Titans do like to play brash upstarts against their elders. Disregard their patchy form of the past few months. With Prince back they are looking much better. But the Broncos welcome back some of their mainstays that will strengthen the side. I’m tempted by the Titans but reckon the Broncos will see their position in the eight on the line and respond accordingly.

West Tigers v Manly Sea Eagles, Saturday 5:30pm ANZ Stadium

The first game of the double header at ANZ. Both sides had 40 points put on them last weekend and will be keen to rectify their erroneous ways. Manly will want to keep in the race for the minor premiership but that is looking likely to go to the Storm. Another loss could see them slip into third. A loss for the Tigers will end their final hopes. At least Manly had the excuse of taking Souths lightly. They won’t make the same mistake two weeks in the row.

Canterbury Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels, Saturday 7:30pm ANZ Stadium

A season or two ago, this would have been the clash of the round. But the Dogs have fallen mightily from grace. The Eels are starting to stir realizing that the comp doesn’t end in round 26. Question marks remain about their commitment but if they bring the form from Monday night to this game the Dogs will spend most of their time milling around their own in goal.

Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys, Saturday 7:30pm Energy Australia Stadium

The Knights are still in the hunt for a finals spot. But the Cowboys won’t be pushovers. They still have the motivation of not being the wooden spooners to keep them going. I reckon the Cowboys have one good win left in them. But I don’t think it will be this game. The Knights are always better at home and should get the points.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders, Sunday 2:00pm ANZ Stadium

An interesting clash. The Raiders are living up to their name as they have been plundering the NRL in recent weeks. The Bunnies however aren’t just waiting around for the season to end. Their win over Manly showed that they still have commitment. A little more of that mid-season would have seen them well in the hunt for the eight. This will be an open game. Canberrra have the form that you can’t resist at the moment.

St George Illawarra Dragons v New Zealand Warriors, Sunday 3:00pm WIN Stadium

Two teams whose form is hard to pick. The winner of this game will be only one win from a finals berth. The Warriors have a woeful away record and that is what counts them out in this game. The Dragons have been stumbling since their unbeaten run came to an end but they seem to have the goods. Hard to pick but I’ll stay with the red and white.

Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm, Monday 7:00pm CUA Stadium

If you are battling for a finals spot then the Storm are the last team you want to play. The men from the mountains have one to climb if they are to make the play offs. They have to win but it is unlikely. The Storm will let Penrith know that the won’t be in the mix for post September glory.