ethos
BroncoKiwi
NRL Tips - Round One
March 13th 2009 00:10
Category: Weekly Predictions
It’s finally here!
The start of the season is upon us and hopefully the on field action will be in the headlines come Monday morning. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up for NRL Live’s inaugural tipping competition.
Without further adieu, here are my picks for Round One. Follow them at your own peril..
Melbourne Storm v St. George Illawarra Dragons
The Storm have a fantastic record at Olympic Park and it’s always very difficult to tip against them at home. But, in saying that, the Dragons will be determined to start new era and impress Wayne Bennett in the first regular season hit out. Favouring the Storm to grab the two points but only just.
Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys
The Broncos have been installed as favourites by the betting agencies but I’m going to have to disagree with their assessment. Brisbane have an extremely inexperienced line-up – three players make their first grade debut, while four will don the maroon and yellow for the first time after switching from previous clubs – so it may take some time before they ‘click’ on the field. The North Queenslanders have a monster pack, a great deal more experience out wide plus a winning record over the Broncos in season openers. I’m going to take the Cowboys in this one.
New Zealand Warriors v Parramatta Eels
The Eels have been dealt a very harsh draw – they face the daunting challenge of the Warriors in Auckland. The Kiwis did not lose a trial game in the preseason and I can see them starting the season in a confident manner. New Zealand’s pack should be able to get on top of their opponents, paving the way for the likes of Denan Kemp and fullback Wade McKinnon. Warriors for the win here.
Canterbury Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles
The big question is: how will Manly respond following the Brett Stewart and Anthony Watmough saga? Will the players be understandably distracted? Or will adversity unite team mates? Only time will tell. I’m going to stick with Manly here though, they’re very professional.
Cronulla Sharks v Penrith Panthers
Cronulla will be tenacious in defence and I can’t see the substandard Penrith halves pairing causing too many troubles. Sharks to win in a low scoring game.
Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights
The Gold Coast have traditionally started the season well and 2009 has been no exception with the club winning all trial games. One feels the Titans have too much potency in attack for the Knights at home.
Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs
I thought Souths showed some very promising signs in the Charity Shield (throwing doubt onto my prediction of a twelfth to sixteenth finish on the ladder for the Bunnies). Tipping a slight upset here, I think the Rabbitohs will win based on their little men, hooker Isaac Luke and playmaker Chris Sandow, who should terrorise a cumbersome Roosters pack.
Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders
The trial form of both teams was fairly even but the Tigers always lift at their traditional home of Campbelltown. The fact that enigmatic superstar Benji Marshall has recommitted to Wests for a further two seasons will also boost their confidence levels. Tigers by 1-12.
And by the way, the rain is absolutely pelting down up here in Brisbane, conditions will be rather damp tonight at Suncorp.
| 59 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog