Well didn’t Nate Myles put the NRL into the pooh? The Central Coast is unfortunately now a stop on the “Bad Boys of League” tour.
Round 18 features the final origin shortened round. Origin III:The Final Rites isn’t really being met with that much interest down here. Yes, there is the academic interest in whether the NSW selectors have any clue but most considered that issue resolved in the negative.
5 games. Let’s get stuck into.
South Sydney v Penrith Friday 7:35pm, ANZ Stadium
Origin has taken Penrith’s best strike weapon away and a host of players are out through unjury. But luckily Penrith are playing the Bunnies who seem devoid of any attacking capability. They don’t carry that much sting in defense either. So why do the bookies have the Bunnies as favourites? Penrith are depleted but not so much as to make them easy pickings for the hapless Rabbitohs. Souths are making all the right noises about winning but the Panthers are still my pick.
Newcastle v Canberra Saturday 7:35pm, Energy Australia Stadium
A Gidleyless Knights but the clash of Mullens and Campese will be worth watching. Canberra are on a roll and eyeing a run to the final but the Knights are a tough proposition at home. I really like the toughness of the Knights. Canberra are missing two key forwards and that means Newy will have the upper hand.
New Zealand v Canterbury-Bankstown, Sunday 2:00pm Mt Smart Stadium
The Dogs were gallant last week and weakened by Origin and suspension will find that they will need to be just as determined again. The Warriors have been woeful over the past month but they have a really good chance to get a win this weekend. You think with the season hanging by a gossamer thread the Kiwis will pull out a big effort.
St George-Illawarra v Manly, Sunday 3:00pm WIN Stadium
Both sides are weakened by Origin. But the Dragons have weathered Origin well with Bennett at the helm. Jamie Lyon may play and if he does, the footy gods should remind him about karma. A Dragons win could see them two wins ahead of the pack. They’ll be on their game and I reckon even with key forwards, will win this one..only just.
Gold Coast v Parramatta
The Eels have never beaten the Titans. This will still be the case around 9:00pm Monday night.
The Sure Thing: The Gold Coast. Muhahahaha.
The Roughy: Take Penrith at a couple of dollars against the Bunnies.
9 responses so far ↓
Mountain Boy // Jul 10, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Excellent – I have been waiting for when tipping an opponent of the Eels as the Sure Thing would be greeted with glee. I had initially taken Gold Coast here – but the Sure Thing is an irresistably strong lead to Parra.
Penrith – Signs of some real depth from the younger brigade and a sense of general cohesiveness and happiness within the group that has been lacking for several years – 6 to be exact. Could some “green shoots” be ready to sprout in the warmth of a September spring?
Canberra – Newcastle may fall into the trap again here of assuming they will be too strong. Mullen may himself fall into the trap of thinking that he is somehow beyond having an off day – and he is due for one.
N.Z. – Played strongly in Brisbane last week I felt. Some extra-helpful sets to the Broncos later in the match told – but will the Kiwis get caned in the penalties this week in Auckland when it matters? my prediction – No.
Manly – Both strong defensive sides but Manly may have a deciding edge in the forwards. One of these teams will get on top here and it won’t end up being close. The Sunday (daytime game) upset phemonena to strike.
Gold Coast – .. not much hope now, with the noose of the Sure Thing tightening around their necks. A loss to the Eels and would have the Platters bursting into song “Oh-oh, Yes they’re the great pretenders..” . My revised tip : Parra.
Gold Coast just received the Kiss – the Kiss… of Death!
Shaun // Jul 10, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Remember, the power of The Sure Thing can only be used for good. Hence, the choice of the Titans.
Bismark O'Measles // Jul 10, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Hang on… are you allowed to tip the Panthers AND have them as the Roughy?
Mountain Boy // Jul 10, 2009 at 10:03 pm
God, Penrith are terrible with a few players out – Not that he needs to be told. Well maybe he does, he’s probably chosen to watch the Princess Diaries instead. Very thankful Origin is only 3 games and not 9. I don’t really understand. Or I can try to. They are missing some good defenders in Lewis, Civa, and Pritchard who also offer a lot with the ball – but for all it seems, those guys are somewhat of a leadership group and without them the rest are like lost sheep. I still think they can make the eight but it will take these key players getting back on the field real soon and staying healthy. My thoughts on depth need to be re-measured!
Bismark O'Measles // Jul 11, 2009 at 11:45 am
Not the best game last night.
Sandow is playing badly, his kicks are badly timed and weighted & the urgency & passion he showed early on in the season is all gone. Even Merritt seems to have lost all the drive he had earlier in the season.
To be honest, even up against a badly depleted Penrith, the only reason the Bunnies won : Sutton.
I went along with Macca, Varooska and Gnasher O’measles & snuck into the Cauldron where the atmosphere was very up-beat. Svetlana even ran us out there & picked us up. Love that girl.
All the best for the weekend.
BOM
Shaun // Jul 12, 2009 at 1:28 pm
@ Bismarck
Yes, Article 5 paragraph 2 sub section E footnote 11 of the Sidelined charter allows for this.
@ Mountain Boy Without Petero, Waterhouse and Pritchard the forwards looked a little lost. Then with Graham going off injured, Walsh just didn’t have enough to work with. You better hope that they get back on deck soon. There is Jennings but the forwards need to fire anyway.
@ Bismark Yep, Sandow is down on confidence it seems. And why can’t Sutton play like that week in and week out? He has the size and skills to be a great five eighth.
@ everyone I’m liking the attitude of the Knights. With Mullen gone they could have crumbled but put in a great effort. Ben Rogers has always had the potential to be a good player (I rated him when he was at Souths). Let’s hope that this marks a turning point in his career and that he is consistently good from now on.
Shaun // Jul 13, 2009 at 10:46 pm
The Titans seem to like grinding out the wins at the moment. Can’t say if that will help them in the finals when they need to score points.
The difference between the sides was execution. The Titans took their chances while the Eels squandered theirs. But the Eels had a dig and came very close.
It may seem dark out at Parramatta Stadium but in the eastern sky there is the hint of a new dawn. Another year to rebuild and then a couple of really good seasons ahead.
Mountain Boy // Jul 14, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Zippo. Zilch. Zzzzz! Ouch!
Even the Sure Thing came through again. What the hell’s going on?
Remiss of me not to mention that credit should have gone to Souths for playing the more enthusiastic and positive football.
There’s definitely a lot wrong with Penrith’s attitude when certain players are out. The easiest answer is to get those players back in, and fast.
Bismark O'Measles // Jul 14, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Hey, what about Nate Miles though… he assures us that he’s not got an alcohol problem, was perfectly within his rights to be out (it was HIS night etc..) and doesn’t feel he has to work on his ‘problem’.
What that says to me is that lovely Nate thinks pooing in a hotel coridoor is perfectly OK as long as you don’t do it too often!
Such an inspiration to the kiddies……