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BroncoKiwi
NRL Live Predictions - Round 19
July 17th 2008 01:36
Category: Weekly Tips
North Queensland Cowboys ($5.00) v Brisbane Broncos ($1.15)
Believe it or not, the season has gone from bad to worse for the Cowboys with the news that captain Johnathan Thurston will miss a month due to injury. The Broncos went down to the Bulldogs in a massive upset but I’m confident that they’ll bounce back in Townsville. NQ will play tough and gritty footy but they simply don’t have the strikepower to score points with Thurston on the sidelines. Broncos to win by 1-12.
Manly Sea Eagles ($1.22) v Parramatta Eels ($4.00)
Manly were clinical in their demolition of the Sharks last weekend and head into this clash with the underperforming Eels as heavy favourites. However, despite their recent poor form, adversity can often bring the best out in teams and I think Parramatta will be determined to give Manly a run for their money. I can’t tip against the Sea Eagles but it will be tight.
Gold Coast Titans ($1.90) v Penrith Panthers ($1.90)
This game is the definition of 50/50. The Titans caused the upset of the season with a gritty win over the Roosters, while Penrith were disappointing in their loss to the Knights. Although the Panthers have the better team on paper I believe the Gold Coast have the edge when it comes to motivation, belief and tactics. Add in a parochial home crowd and the Titans should win.
Cronulla Sharks ($1.50) v Newcastle Knights ($2.50)
Another tough one to pick. Cronulla will be desperate to show that last week’s poor performance against Manly was just a one off. On the other hand the Knights would have gained great confidence from their victory over Penrith. One player to watch for the Knights is fullback Kurt Gidley, who gives 100% every minute of every match. But overall I think the Sharks will prove too strong.
Canterbury Bulldogs ($1.70) v New Zealand Warriors ($2.10)
The Bulldogs upset the Broncos and will be full of enthusiasm going into this contest against the Warriors, who disposed of the Cowboys last round. Traditionally, the Warriors struggle to win away from home but I can see them playing well on Saturday. Warriors to grab the two points and continue their push for the top eight.
Canberra Raiders ($2.35) v Sydney Roosters ($1.55)
Canberra shocked the Dragons last weekend and if the Roosters have any thoughts of complacency they’ll face the same fate. However, I think Sydney will be focused, knowing that a win is required to remain near the top of the ladder. Canberra are usually very tough at home but the Roosters have enough experience to tough it out.
South Sydney Rabbitohs ($1.80) v Wests Tigers ($2.00)
Yet another tantalising match-up in a weekend that looks set to be characterised by close encounters. Remarkably, Souths are shooting for their sixth consecutive win, while the Tigers will be looking to build on Monday night’s impressive showing against the Storm. If the Bunnies forwards can trample the Wests’ pack, then the likes of Wing, Isaac Luke and Chris Sandow will prove too hot to handle. Rabbitohs to win (again!).
Melbourne Storm ($1.18) v St. George Illawarra Dragons ($4.50)
Greg Inglis inspired the Storm to victory last weekend and I can’t wait to see him take on the Dragons. St. George were woeful against the Raiders and it remains to be seen whether the fuss surrounding Mark Gasnier will destabilise or galvanise the team. It’s impossible to tip against the Storm at home but the Dragons’ backline may pose a few problems for the Storm defence.
I picked 4/8 last weekend (50%). My overall tally for the season stands at 74/128 (58%).
Note: Betting dividends sourced from tabsportsbet.com.au and are correct at time of publication.
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