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BroncoKiwi
NRL Live Predictions - Round 20
July 24th 2008 04:23
Category: Weekly Tips
Brisbane Broncos ($1.40) v Cronulla Sharks ($2.80)
Even though Brisbane won last weekend, coach Wayne Bennett was very critical of his team’s lazy performance in the second half. You can be sure that the squad received a stern word from Bennett about his expectations heading into the backend of the season and the Broncos will be looking to prove a point against the Sharks. However, Cronulla are no easy team to beat. Their strength is their grit up front and the Brisbane pack will have to play intense footy for 80 minutes if they want to come out on top. The Broncos should be fired up though, and I think they’ll win.
Parramatta Eels ($1.20) v North Queensland Cowboys ($4.25)
The Eels have underachieved in 2008. A team containing Cayless, Moi Moi and Hindmarsh in the forwards and the talent of Inu, Hayne, Mateo and Finch out wide should be in the top eight at the very least. However, they still have a slim chance of making the finals if they can beat NQ. The Cowboys have also been poor this season but unlike Parramatta they have a credible excuse – injury and suspension. Star players Bowen, Thurston, Lillyman, O’Donnell, Smith, Webb and Graham have all spent considerable time on the sideline. In terms of this game, I think the Eels will win. They’ve got too much skill in the backs and their season is on the line.
Canberra Raiders ($1.33) v Gold Coast Titans ($3.15)
It remains to be seen whether the Todd Carney saga will have a destabilising or galvanising effect on the Raiders. Young halfback Marc Herbert has been called up to replace the big shoes of Carney, who has been in lethal form over the past few weeks. The Titans need a win to stay in the top eight but will struggle away from home without some of their top line players. Raiders to win.
Penrith Panthers ($1.70) v Wests Tigers ($2.10)
Both teams are last start winners and take impressive form into this clash. I’m expecting this to be a high scoring, yet close, affair. Looking at the two teams on paper, it’s hard to split them, and it will all come down to each team’s attitude on the night. I’m going to tip the Panthers though, they should have too much grunt in the forwards.
New Zealand Warriors ($3.15) v Melbourne Storm ($1.33)
Usually tipping the Storm is a no-brainer but I feel the Warriors will give them a run for their money on Sunday. If the boys from NZ can play an up tempo game and look for offloads, they should cause a headache or two for Melbourne. Whether they can actually triumph over the ruthless Storm is another matter though. Storm to win by 1-12.
Newcastle Knights ($1.40) v South Sydney Rabbitohs ($2.80)
Another tough one to pick. The Knights were narrowly defeated by the Sharks last round, while the Rabbitohs crashed back to earth in their loss to the Tigers. The Knights will be buoyed by the return of Danny Buderus. The skipper’s comeback means that Kurt Gidley can shift back to his preferred position at fullback, where he’s the most dangerous. Overall I think the Knights will win, based on the presence of Buderus.
Sydney Roosters ($1.95) v Manly Sea Eagles ($1.85)
This match is a clash of the heavyweights. Despite a horrific injury toll the table-topping Sea Eagles toppled the Eels last weekend and they’ll be without Lyon, King and possibly Orford against the Roosters. On the other hand, Sydney’s form has dropped off but they’ll be determined to bounce back. The forecast is rain, meaning it will probably be a low scoring and forward orientated encounter. In that case I think the Sea Eagles can tough it out and grab the two competition points.
St. George Illawarra Dragons ($1.40) v Canterbury Bulldogs ($2.80)
Sonny Bills Williams returns for the ‘Dogs after yet another injury enforced layoff. However, I don’t think his comeback will result in a Canterbury victory. The Dragons look too strong across the park and if they show up with plenty of intensity and enthusiasm they should win fairly comfortably.
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I picked 5/8 last weekend (63%). My overall tally for the season stands at 79/136 (58%).
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Note: Betting dividends sourced from tabsportsbet.com.au and are correct at time of publication.
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