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BroncoKiwi
NRL Tips - Round Two
March 20th 2009 02:33
Category: Weekly Predictions
In round one we had two matches decided by a point, wooden spooners defeating premiers, torrential rain, oppressive heat and a good ol' fashioned thrashing for good measure. Hopefully it is just as exciting in round two. Here are my tips!
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels
Souths stunned the Roosters last week, producing the most entertaining footy I’ve ever seen from those in the red and green jersey. In particular, halfback Chris Sandow was dynamic. On the other hand, the Eels went down to the Warriors across the ditch but put up a good fight in the process and for some inexplicable reason I’m leaning towards Parramatta in this contest. A dewy night track is completely different to dry afternoon conditions and Parramatta won’t concede as easily as the Roosters last Sunday. Eels to cause an upset.
Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm
The last match between these two sides was an absolute heartbreaker for the Broncos, with Greg Inglis scoring a try on the stroke of fulltime to give the Storm a spot in the grand final. It’s shaping as another tight encounter tonight but I think the Storm will prove to be too strong. Melbourne always lift against Brisbane (having won their past four games at Suncorp) and the likes of Billy Slater and Inglis will post plenty of questions to the rookie Bronco outside backs. Storm by 1-12.
St. George Illawarra Dragons v Gold Coast Titans
Saturday sees the Dragons take on the Titans in Wollongong. St. George pushed Melbourne to the limit last round and will be looking to take the same tough attitude into this game. Their Gold Coast based opponents came back from a fourteen point deficit to beat the Knights at home. However, they generally struggle away and have never beaten the Dragons since entering the competition in 2007. For those two reasons, I’m backing the Dragons to win.
Penrith Panthers v Canterbury Bulldogs
To the surprise of many, the Bulldogs trounced reigning premiers Manly in the wet, while the Panthers couldn’t break through the tenacious Sharks’ defence. Based on form, Canterbury head into this match as favourites despite their remarkably poor record against Penrith (they have lost six of their last seven). However, I’m still tipping the Bulldogs to grab the two points but the margin will be a lot smaller than their win in round one.
North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers
The Cowboys play their first home game of the season against a Wests Tigers team that showed some very promising signs in attack on Monday night. North Queensland generally aim up in Townsville, with the usual combination of Matt Bowen and Johnathan Thurston set to pose questions to the suspect Wests defence. A player to keep your eye on is Great Britain international Gareth Ellis who, in his first NRL game, was the best forward on ground for the Tigers. Cowboys to notch their first victory of 2009.
Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters
Canberra have a fantastic record in the nation’s capital and most punters would expect that to continue against the Roosters on Sunday. However, Sydney will be hurting from their thrashing last weekend and they’ll be primed to make amends and prove that they are indeed the real deal this season. The Raiders to win though, it’s too hard to tip against them at home.
Manly Sea Eagles v New Zealand Warriors
This clash should be close to the match of the round. Manly were understandably poor against Canterbury and it was obvious that the absence of Brett Stewart not only affected their mental state but also their potency in attack. The Warriors were at their offloading best last Saturday and the return of veteran Stacey Jones gives them yet another talented ball playing option. However, injury means they’ll be without backrower Ben Matulino, utility Lance Hohaia and workhorse Micheal Luck who are all key components in the side. At home, I’m tipping the Sea Eagles but the Warriors are a big threat.
Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights
Cronulla have lost some key men for this one against Newcastle, with fullback Brett Kearney and Ben Ross both out due to injury and half Brett Seymour suspended for an alcohol related incident. The Sharks lose some direction without Kearney and Seymour and will rely even more heavily on their gritty forward pack to keep themselves in the game. I think the Knights possess too much speed and flair in the backline and should prove too dangerous for their undermanned opposition.
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Check out the Round Two team lists with last minute changes.
And don’t forget to tip in the NRL Live Tipping Competition!
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