ethos
BroncoKiwi
NRL Tips - Round Three
March 27th 2009 02:57
Category: Weekly Predictions
Round two gave fans another entertaining four days of footy; the Rabbitohs came crashing back to earth, Canterbury was dogged with the 14-man drama, North Queensland turned on the razzle dazzle, Stacey Jones inspired the Warriors to a last minute win and the wounded Knights managed to hold on against the Sharks.
Here are my picks for this weekend…
Friday 7:30pm – Wests Tigers v Sydney Roosters at Sydney Football Stadium
Wests were comprehensively thrashed by the Cowboys in Townsville, while the Roosters bounced back after a similar sized defeat in round one to beat Canberra last Sunday. As per usual, Sydney will look to dominate their opposition physically but the Tigers won’t take a backward step. If the Wests pack can hold the boys from Bondi at bay, the likes of Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah have the ability to run a cumbersome Roosters’ pack ragged. In saying that though, I reckon this is the hardest match of the round to pick but first impression was the Wests, so I’m sticking with them. Tigers to come up trumps.
Friday 7:30pm – Gold Coast Titans v Canterbury Bulldogs at Skilled Park
Essentially this match hinges on the availability of the mercurial Scott Prince. If he plays, the Titans should be too strong but if the halfback sits out the ’Dogs snatch favouritism. At this stage it is looking like Prince will be absent, with Preston Campbell having trained in the No. 7 spot all week. Opposing halfback Brett Kimmorley is the key for Canterbury – he’ll keep his team cool under pressure and he should be the one to guide the Bulldogs to victory.
Saturday 5:30pm New Zealand Warriors v Brisbane Broncos at Mount Smart Stadium
Both teams have yet to lose this season with the Broncos narrowly deafening fellow heavyweights Melbourne and North Queensland at home. The Warriors two wins have come against the Eels and last year’s premiers Manly at Brookvale Oval. Both sides are also missing some key personnel for this clash. New Zealand are without the services of Lance Hohaia, Ben Matulino and Manu Vatuvei, while Brisbane quartet Justin Hodges (suspension), Nick Kenny, Lagi Setu and Michael de Vere (all injury) sit on the sideline. In terms of tipping, I’m backing the Warriors due to extend their seven game winning streak at home.
Saturday 7:30pm – Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders at Parramatta Stadium
To be blunt, Parramatta should win this one. They were gritty against the Rabbitohs and, if they can show a similar mindset against the Raiders, should be too tough to crack. I also get the feeling that the freakish ability of trio Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo is about to come to the fore. Eels by 1-12.
Saturday 7:30pm – North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm at Dairy Farmers Stadium
Ok, I’m starting to run out of time here (university assignments dammit!) so I’m going to have to run through these final games rather quickly. Basically I think the Cowboys should win, Thurston and Bowen are starting to find their groove and Melbourne doesn’t quite have the same aura about them as in previous years. Cowboys by 1-12 in front of a packed house.
Sunday 2:00pm – South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights at Bluetongue Stadium
The return of Craig Wing gives Souths another dimension in attack off the bench and I think the Rabbitohs will have too much spark against an undermanned Knights outfit that will still be feeling the pinch from last Monday’s hard fought victory.
Sunday 3:00pm – St. George Illawarra Dragons v Cronulla Sharks at WIN Jubilee Oval
Channel Nine’s televised match may not be the most exciting. Both sides have struggled somewhat to score points but the Dragons are looking good here at the recently refurbished WIN Jubilee Oval. They posses too much speed out wide.
Monday 7:00pm – Manly Sea Eagles v Penrith Panthers at Brookvale Oval
Manly have yet to taste victory this season but will be too strong across the park against the Panthers. Penrith, well, unless they can shake up their halves pairing, they’re starting to firm as wooden spoon favourites in my mind. Sea Eagles by 13 plus at home.
...
Check out the Round three team lists with last minute changes.
And don’t forget to tip in the NRL Live Tipping Competition!
| 58 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog