ethos
BroncoKiwi
NRL Live Predictions - Round 4
April 3rd 2008 08:08
Category: Weekly Predictions
Broncos ($2.50) v Storm ($1.50)
The Brisbane Broncos have been the form side of the NRL over the first three rounds and they’d be brimming with confidence after their 36-2 demolition of the NQ Cowboys last weekend. The Broncos welcome Karmichael Hunt and Darren Lockyer back into the team but have lost hooker PJ Marsh (ribs) and centre Justin Hodges (hamstring) with niggling injuries. Melbourne, on the other hand, has been in poor form but will be highly motivated for this match. In particular, youngster Israel Folau will look to show that, even though he’s leaving the club and season’s end, his heart is still with the Storm for 2008. A tough match to pick but I’m going with the Storm in this encounter. They should have too much strike out wide for a Broncos team missing the physical presence of Hodges.
Bulldogs ($2.35) v Roosters ($1.55)
This match could get personal between two teams with points to prove. The Roosters have signed four high profile Canterbury players (Willie Mason, Braith Anasta, Mark O’Meley and Nate Myles) over the past few seasons and it’s no secret that they’ve lost respect from within the Bulldogs’ ranks. The young Bulldogs team will look to demonstrate that life can go on without the big names but Sydney have too much experience across the park and should win fairly comfortably.
Dragons ($1.70) v Sharks ($2.10)
The Dragons have been inconsistent over the opening rounds, while the Sharks crashed back to earth in their loss to the Titans last week. Cronulla have lost a number of key back rowers – including Paul Gallen and Reece Williams – and may struggle to gain ascendency through the forwards. If St. George can dominate up the middle, Cooper and Gasnier should plenty of time to weave their magic out wide and the Dragons should grab the two points.
Titans ($1.36) v Raiders ($3.00)
The boys from the Gold Coast haven’t lost a match at their new home stadium and I can’t see this changing against the Raiders. On paper, the Titans look better across the park and they should dominate this contest from beginning to end. Neil Henry’s decision to leave Canberra post-2008 will have a detrimental effect on the playing squad and we may see an unenthusiastic performance from the visitors.
Cowboys ($2.00) v Eels ($1.80)
The Cowboys have been absolutely dreadful this year and have scored the least, and conceded the most, amount of points in the competition. However, one can sense that it’s only a matter of time before the likes of Matty Bowen and Johnathan Thurston get back to their scintillating best and I have a feeling they could click against the Eels. I think the boys from North Queensland will secure their first victory for 2008.
Warriors ($1.50) v Knights ($2.50)
The Warriors were put to the sword by Manly last Monday night, while Newcastle were supremely unlucky to go down to the Eels in golden point. The New Zealanders always play better footy at home and I think they’ll bounce back to beat the Knights. Watch for an exciting performance from rookie back rower Sonny Fai.
Sea Eagles ($1.18) v Rabbitohs ($4.50)
I can’t see anything but a Sea Eagles victory in this match. Firstly, it’s a Brookvale Oval on a Sunday afternoon. Secondly, the Manly side will be flying high after their 52-6 annihilation of the Warriors. Thirdly, Souths have selected their fourth different halves combination in just four games. When will Jason Taylor learn that continuity brings success?
Tigers ($1.45) v Panthers ($2.65)
Monday night football sees the Wests Tigers take on the Penrith Panthers. The Tigers were disappointing in their loss to the Bulldogs and, according to the press, have been working vigorously on their defence over the past week. Believe it or not, the Panthers actually won last weekend (albeit against the Rabbitohs) and showed some promising signs in attack on the fringe of the ruck. However, overall, the Tigers look a superior rugby league team and their home ground advantage should give them a win.
Round 3 was another week of ordinary tipping for yours truly. I scored 3/8, taking my overall season tally to 10/24 (42%). Here’s to better luck this week!
Note: Betting dividends sourced from tabsportsbet.com.au and are correct at time of publication.
The Brisbane Broncos have been the form side of the NRL over the first three rounds and they’d be brimming with confidence after their 36-2 demolition of the NQ Cowboys last weekend. The Broncos welcome Karmichael Hunt and Darren Lockyer back into the team but have lost hooker PJ Marsh (ribs) and centre Justin Hodges (hamstring) with niggling injuries. Melbourne, on the other hand, has been in poor form but will be highly motivated for this match. In particular, youngster Israel Folau will look to show that, even though he’s leaving the club and season’s end, his heart is still with the Storm for 2008. A tough match to pick but I’m going with the Storm in this encounter. They should have too much strike out wide for a Broncos team missing the physical presence of Hodges.
Bulldogs ($2.35) v Roosters ($1.55)
This match could get personal between two teams with points to prove. The Roosters have signed four high profile Canterbury players (Willie Mason, Braith Anasta, Mark O’Meley and Nate Myles) over the past few seasons and it’s no secret that they’ve lost respect from within the Bulldogs’ ranks. The young Bulldogs team will look to demonstrate that life can go on without the big names but Sydney have too much experience across the park and should win fairly comfortably.
Dragons ($1.70) v Sharks ($2.10)
The Dragons have been inconsistent over the opening rounds, while the Sharks crashed back to earth in their loss to the Titans last week. Cronulla have lost a number of key back rowers – including Paul Gallen and Reece Williams – and may struggle to gain ascendency through the forwards. If St. George can dominate up the middle, Cooper and Gasnier should plenty of time to weave their magic out wide and the Dragons should grab the two points.
Titans ($1.36) v Raiders ($3.00)
The boys from the Gold Coast haven’t lost a match at their new home stadium and I can’t see this changing against the Raiders. On paper, the Titans look better across the park and they should dominate this contest from beginning to end. Neil Henry’s decision to leave Canberra post-2008 will have a detrimental effect on the playing squad and we may see an unenthusiastic performance from the visitors.
Cowboys ($2.00) v Eels ($1.80)
The Cowboys have been absolutely dreadful this year and have scored the least, and conceded the most, amount of points in the competition. However, one can sense that it’s only a matter of time before the likes of Matty Bowen and Johnathan Thurston get back to their scintillating best and I have a feeling they could click against the Eels. I think the boys from North Queensland will secure their first victory for 2008.
Warriors ($1.50) v Knights ($2.50)
The Warriors were put to the sword by Manly last Monday night, while Newcastle were supremely unlucky to go down to the Eels in golden point. The New Zealanders always play better footy at home and I think they’ll bounce back to beat the Knights. Watch for an exciting performance from rookie back rower Sonny Fai.
Sea Eagles ($1.18) v Rabbitohs ($4.50)
I can’t see anything but a Sea Eagles victory in this match. Firstly, it’s a Brookvale Oval on a Sunday afternoon. Secondly, the Manly side will be flying high after their 52-6 annihilation of the Warriors. Thirdly, Souths have selected their fourth different halves combination in just four games. When will Jason Taylor learn that continuity brings success?
Tigers ($1.45) v Panthers ($2.65)
Monday night football sees the Wests Tigers take on the Penrith Panthers. The Tigers were disappointing in their loss to the Bulldogs and, according to the press, have been working vigorously on their defence over the past week. Believe it or not, the Panthers actually won last weekend (albeit against the Rabbitohs) and showed some promising signs in attack on the fringe of the ruck. However, overall, the Tigers look a superior rugby league team and their home ground advantage should give them a win.
Round 3 was another week of ordinary tipping for yours truly. I scored 3/8, taking my overall season tally to 10/24 (42%). Here’s to better luck this week!
Note: Betting dividends sourced from tabsportsbet.com.au and are correct at time of publication.
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Comment by StephenP
We have exactly the same tips - great minds think alike!!
Although I am tempted to change my tip back to the Eels, especially now that Matt Bowen is out with a knee injury - what do you reckon, should I change my tip?
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by ethos
NRL Live
The Golden Point
Umm I'm not sure if you should change your tip. I'm going to stick with the Cowboys, mainly because I can't be bothered editing my post, but I still think they're in with a solid chance of victory without Bowen.