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BroncoKiwi
NRL Live Predictions - Round 18
July 11th 2008 00:43
Category: Weekly Tips
Penrith Panthers ($1.45) v Newcastle Knights ($2.65)
Penrith will be looking to build on their win over the Eels last Sunday, while the Knights have to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Dragons. The Panthers have blooded some rookie players over the past few weeks (notably fullback Lachlan Coote, five-eighth Wade Graham and hooker Masada Iosefa) and their youthful zest seems to be having a positive effect on the team’s attack.Panthers to win by 1-12.
Sydney Roosters ($1.07) v Gold Coast Titans v ($7.50)
The Titans have been decimated with injuries to key players Scott Prince, Luke Bailey and Mark MInichiello and, after leading the competition at one stage, are now on the brink of falling out of the top eight. On the other hand, the inform Roosters sit at equal first on the ladder. In my opinion the Roosters look too strong across the park and they should be able to chalk up a relatively easy win against a Titans team that traditionally struggles away from home even when at full strength.
New Zealand Warriors ($1.25) v North Queensland Cowboys ($3.75)
What can be said about the Cowboys? Not much. Apart from the brilliance of Johnathan Thurston and the toiling efforts of prop Ray Cashmere up front, the North Queenslanders have been cod ordinary all season. Their opposition, the Warriors, are consistently inconsistent. However, the boys from NZ lift at home and I can’t see anything other than a Warriors win in this one. One player to watch is rookie New Zealand centre Sonny Fai, who has size, speed, skill and footwork.
Cronulla Sharks ($2.25) v Manly Sea Eagles ($1.60)
This could be the most physical encounter of the round. Both teams are renowned for their starch in defence and we could see plenty of brutal hits. When it comes to winning the footy game, I think Manly are slightly better placed. Their backline has more flair than Cronulla and with the likes of Menzies, Watmough, Kite and Cuthbertson in their pack, they should have too much grunt in the forwards. However, the Sharks are relentless and will pose a big challenge to the competition front runners. Sea Eagles in a close one.
South Sydney Rabbitohs ($2.65) v Parramatta Eels ($1.45)
The Bunnies have chalked up four consecutive victories for the first since 1994 but I don’t think that stat is a totally true indication of their form, as two wins have come against the lowly ranked Bulldogs and Cowboys. However, they are now a confident footy team with belief in each other. I’m going to show a little belief in the Rabbitohs as well, I think they’ll beat the Eels, who have underperformed all season.
St. George Illawarra Dragons ($1.20) v Canberra Raiders ($4.25)
The Raiders held their own against the Storm last weekend but will face a tough task against a Dragons side welcoming back representative centres Matt Cooper and Mark Gasnier. Despite their potent outside backs, the strength for St. George has been the performances of front rowers Jason Ryles and Justin Poore. I think they’ll set up the Dragons eighth win on the trot.
Brisbane Broncos ($1.10) v Canterbury Bulldogs ($6.25)
I actually tipped the Bulldogs to finish last this season and their recent form (or lack of it) hasn’t made me think otherwise. One shining light, however, has been five-eighth Arana Taumata, who has been the spark in an otherwise lackluster side. Talking about playmakers, the Broncos’ Peter Wallace and veteran captain Darren Lockyer look set to make their comeback from injury. It’s a massive boost for Brisbane who are now starting to put their best team on the paddock after a taxing Origin period. Broncos to win by a fair margin.
Melbourne Storm ($1.33) v Wests Tigers ($3.15)
This should be a good game to watch between two of the better attacking teams in the NRL. The Tigers come off the bye and no doubt coach Tim Sheens will have his side primed to cause an upset. I think this one will go right down to the wire but in my opinion Melbourne have too many big name players who will stand up when the game’s on the line. Storm to grab two more competition points.
I picked 4/5 last weekend (80%). My overall tally for the season stands at 70/120 (58%).
Don't forget to check out NRLlive's updated 2009 player movement summary located HERE
Note: Betting dividends sourced from tabsportsbet.com.au and are correct at time of publication.
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