We had Kimmorely, they had Thurston. What more can you say? I was at the game and from bay 123, Kimmorely tried hard but he just doesn’t have that ultimate bit of class that Thurston can provide. The thing was that the NSW forwards made ground often during the match. But when the attack is predictable and you also keep your best attacking player in the wing for most of the game forward advantage means nothing.
Full credit to Queensland as they were the better side and deserved the win.
Now back to the regular footy.
St George v Parramatta, Friday 7:35pm, WIN Jubilee Stadium
Both teams were last time losers without their Origin players. This game will be a good test of MB’s theory that the Dragons have a relatively poor record against teams in the top eight. Bennet knows how to nurse his Origin players through a short turnaround. But Anderson is a cagey coach as he showed last year when the Eels beat the Dragons first week of the finals. Hopefully both teams will turn up to play and give us a beauty of a game. Eels of course.
Wests v New Zealand, Friday 7:35pm, Campbelltown Stadium
I really can’t get a fix on the Warriors this season. They bemuse me, sometimes amuse me but mostly confuse me. And they have won their last three games against the Tigers. But will Wade McKinnon spill some secrets to his new found friends? I’m tipping the Tigers but only just.
Cronulla v Brisbane, Saturday 5:30pm, Toyota Park
Cronulla played with a new found freedom last week and expect it to continue. Especially after the announcement that Ricky will be leaving at the end of the season. A few of the Broncos will still be coming down from the Origin high and that may make it hard to get up for what could be a tough game. The forecast is for rain so expect this to be a tough grind which the Sharks like.
North Queensland v Manly, Saturday 7:30pm, Dairy Farmers Stadium
Interesting game. You’d think Manly but I’m thinking otherwise. Some might say a crazy tip and in line with the form I’ve shown lately. But I’ve got to get it right sometime soon. And I reckon the Cowboys can score an upset in this game.
Melbourne v Canterbuy-Bankstown, Sunday 2:00pm AAMI Park
Both teams have key players backing up after Origin. But the Bulldogs just don’t have the ability to make much of a dent in the Storm. But Idris and Inglis will be interesting. A good reason to tune into this game.
South Sydney v Penrith, Sunday 3:00pm ANZ Stadium
Penrith is doing all the right things at the moment while Souths seem to learn a lesson one week and then promptly forget it the next. It really depends on how the Bunnies turn up for this game. I have no idea so will stick with Penrith.
Gold Coast v Easts, Monday 7:30pm, Skilled Stadium
This game features two of the forgotten Origin half backs. Prince unfortunate being behind Thurston. Pearce unfortunate that injury ruined his chances. Both will want to remind selectors that they are still around. This should make an entertaining game but while the Titans can be ordinary, the Roosters can be woeful.
The Sure Thing: Melbourne
The Roughy: The Warriors
And thankfully no Knights this weekend. The curse has the bye (as do the Raiders).
13 responses so far ↓
Mountain Boy // May 28, 2010 at 1:27 am
Parramatta – Something I read today shows damning attitudes in the Dragons camp. Telling us they need to concentrate on certain Parra players is always a sign that you have shifted focus away from yor own game, and onto something other than that. Then there’s Cooper, the only injured player from Wednesday night after feigning injury prior to City-Country so that he could help out the Dragons that week. Karma is a funny thing.
New Zealand – I think McKinnon leaving NZ tells me there’s some stability in the Warriors line-up of late. Also wouldn’t be a big surprise if a Kiwi or two knew the secret to keeping Benji quiet. History backs it up.
Brisbane – News of Stuart’s imminent departure has not relieved any pressure valves in the Shark tank. They are still doing their best to push &%$ uphill. Broncos a bit too complete here.
Manly – Thurston is not playing behind an Origin pack here. This one makes a lot more mistakes. Manly a real tough test for a struggling Cowboys unit trying to make something happen.
Canterbury – Feel a bit strange using Penrith as a guide, but they performed well last week without their state players against the Equal 2010 Premiership Leaders.
Penrith – Probably the biggest test yet. Petero to show big Sam who’s boss. Wouldn’t surprise to see Souths win as they are top 8 material this year, sometimes.
Gold Coast – A team chock full of potential Origin players, they just don’t get the call-ups so are left to concentrate on club games.
Mountain Boy // May 29, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Not sure about the premiership odds for Saints and Parra. Saints should be much less, Parra much more.
gilmae // May 30, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Roughy: Shaun gets more than one tip in any given week
Shaun // May 30, 2010 at 2:13 pm
And given the way I’m tipping I need it though I still get that one wrong.
Mountain Boy // May 30, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Well done BM cashed up this week I imagine.
gilmae // May 31, 2010 at 7:46 am
There you go, two wins. Maybe even three.
Bismark O'Measles // May 31, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Thanks MB. No, I lost my cash by popping a boxed multi on St George, the Sharks and the Cows.
would have come in at around 8-1… worth a try!
I didn’t see the game but did anyone see the Roosters come back? looks like they scored 3 times in the final six minutes (but only converted once) to win by 2 points.
That’s got to be some kind of record!
Bismark O'Measles // May 31, 2010 at 10:01 pm
eeek – that was Toyota Cup!
Never mind – it was impressive anyhow.
BOM
gilmae // May 31, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Nope. just the two
Shaun // May 31, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Yep. Getting despondent about the season. Can’t tip to save me life. Lost Origin I. All sorts of rumours coming out of the Eels re certain players leaving and even more bizarre ones concerning coaches. Tough road at the moment.
gilmae // Jun 1, 2010 at 5:13 pm
*sigh* If Shaun is getting despondent about the season it means the stupid Eels are about to start on the path that leads to the grand final. FML.
Mountain Boy // Jun 2, 2010 at 8:50 pm
I think following the Socceroos will be what gets me through June / July. Else it might be following the AFL or Rugby Union.
Shaun // Jun 2, 2010 at 10:44 pm
At work the other day got into a conversation with the local Penrith fan and he seemed just as resigned as you did MB.
Chin up. Still 14 rounds to go. A lot can happen before then and the finals.