ethos
BroncoKiwi
NRL Live Predictions - Round 21
July 31st 2008 00:55
Category: Weekly Tips
Believe it or not there’s actually some footy being played this weekend! It’s proof that the show does go on regardless of the actors involved. And to be honest I’m looking forward to sitting back and watching some quality rugby league. Anyway, on with the tips…
Manly Sea Eagles ($1.28) v Penrith Panthers ($3.50)
The Sea Eagles were upset by the Roosters last weekend in torrential conditions and there’s no doubt that injured second rowers Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart were dearly missed. Stewart returns for this clash but Manly won’t have it all their own way. The Panthers have flown under the radar somewhat this season and they’ve definitely got the attacking players to break the tenacious Manly defence. However, it’s awfully hard to go against the competition leaders at home, Sea Eagles to win by 1-12.
Melbourne Storm ($1.03) v Gold Coast Titans ($10.00)
As the betting odds suggest, the Storm should be far too strong for the understrength Titans for two reasons. Firstly, the Coast is heading into this clash minus the talent of Scott Prince, Luke Bailey, Mat Rogers, Mark Minichiello and Nathan Friend. Secondly, you can be sure that Melbourne will be fired up after a lacklustre display against the Warriors. Basically, Storm by at least 20 points.
Cronulla Sharks ($1.65) v St. George Illawarra Dragons ($2.20)
The second Saturday fixture sees the third placed Sharks take on the fifth place Dragons. St. George triumphed over the uninspiring Bulldogs last week but they’ll face much tougher opposition from the gritty Sharks. Cronulla welcome back Greg Bird, while the Dragons will be without Mark Gasnier. But for some reason I can smell a Dragons victory, and I’m tipping accordingly.
North Queensland Cowboys ($3.75) v Sydney Roosters ($1.25)
A massive plus for North Queensland is the return of Luke O’Donnell from suspension. O’Donnell‘s inclusion will give the Cowboys some much needed grit and toughness up front. Whether his presence is enough to overcome Sydney’s star studded pack is another question though. I expect the Roosters to win but I reckon the Cowboys will go close.
South Sydney Rabbitohs ($2.05) v New Zealand Warriors ($1.75)
Despite New Zealand's poor form away from home in 2008, I think they’ll have too much for the Bunnies. If the Warriors forward pack can hold their own they should have too much size and power out wide.
Wests Tigers ($1.20) v Canterbury Bulldogs ($4.25)
I’d love to see the Bulldogs chalk up a win but unfortunately the Tigers will be too strong. The likes of Robbie Farah, Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence will torment the Canterbury defence on a dry Sunday afternoon.
Brisbane Broncos ($1.25) v Canberra Raiders ($2.65)
This game is NRL Live’s Match of the Round, so click HERE for an indepth preview. For the record, I think the Broncos will grab the two points.
Newcastle Knights ($1.45) v Parramatta Eels ($2.65)
The final game of the round is between the Knights and Eels, who both sit on 20 points on the competition table. The Knights trounced the Bunnies last weekend and they’ll take plenty of confidence into this clash. Parramatta, well they also won, but it was far from convincing. It’s hard to tip against the Knights at the moment, especially considering the form of Kurt Gidley. Knights to win.
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I picked 6/8 last weekend (75%). My overall tally for the season stands at 85/144 (59%).
Check out the ROUND 21 TEAM LISTS
Note: Betting dividends sourced from tabsportsbet.com.au and are correct at time of publication.
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Comment by Sharks fan
Comment by ethos
NRL Live
Believe me, that was one of the more difficult tips of the round. But the Sharks didn't really impress me against the Broncos last weekend.
It'll be a good game either way though!