Round 9 of the NRL sees plenty of close match-ups, and there is the potential for a plethora of upsets. In my opinion, no team is guaranteed victory in an intriguing round of footy.
Sydney Roosters versus Wests Tigers
Enter exhibit A. A winless (in their last four starts), yet professional outfit taking on a youthful Tigers team who have proven not to be easy-beats this season.
What many see as a clear Roosters victory has been clouded by the enthusiastic approach of the Tigers side.
After annihilating an under-strength Bulldogs side, the Tiger pups have gained confidence, while the Roosters have been involved in four straight losses, something unheard of in the Trent Robinson era.
The eastern suburbs side, however, has shown great commitment in all games and can consider themselves a tad unlucky to not have one at least one victory in that lot. The Roosters cause is helped by the fact they have won nine of their past ten against the Tigers, and by an average of 20.6 points a game.
I have been tossing and turning with this one, but I feel like the Roosters may get the better of the Tigers. However, Tigers fans do not give up hope because the Tigers still look the goods to lift for an upset.
Roosters by 8
Brisbane Broncos versus Penrith Panthers
The top-of-the-table Broncos meet the injury-ravaged Panthers in what should be an interesting affair at Suncorp.
The Broncos were too classy for Parramatta last round, while the Panthers (despite having an injury toll which mirrors that of the Manly Sea Eagles) overcame the Sharks in a valiant home display.
This week’s assignment, however, will prove a much greater challenge. Penrith injury reporter Shane ‘Spud’ Elford has had his work cut out for him as of late and expects Jamie Soward, James Segeyaro, Elijah Taylor and Dean Whare to be fit for their Round 10 clash with Manly.
However, expect some possible late changes with all pushing to be late inclusions, while Matt Moylan remains in doubt.
Statistics tell us that Brisbane have won five of their past ten against Penrith, with Penrith winning four and a draw also occurring.
The Panthers, however, have lost four of their past five at Suncorp.
They are a different side (despite injuries) and with expectations low the Panthers young team will be pushing to prove the doubters wrong.
I will yet again tip my Panthers for an upset, hopefully with a few players returning for action on Friday night.
Panthers by 6
Canberra Raiders versus Gold Coast Titans
Both teams tipped to fight it out for the wooden spoon in 2015, the Titans and Raiders head into this game exuding confidence following a string of victories against fancied opponents.
All of which makes this my personal game of the round. The Titans showed great determination to fight back against the Warriors while the Raiders shocked the Rabbits.
The Titans hold a slight advantage head to head winning six of their past ten against the Raiders, and the Raiders are also yet to taste victory at GIO Stadium.
It is also interesting to note that the Titans have been typically involved in tight affairs this year, having averaged 22.2 points a game, while conceding 22.1. For me, the upset seems tempting.
Titans by 10
Cronulla Sharks versus New Zealand Warriors
This is by far the hardest match to gauge any form on. The Sharks would have been well-backed favourites for this one (that is until they went down to Penrith).
Meanwhile, in a seesawing affair, the Warriors fell short against the Titans last round. Both sides haven’t started 2015 off too well either, having each won three games.
Such circumstances will mean both sides will share a desperation for victory. However, I predict a sloppy affair, with some great highlights and tries, as well as a mountain of errors.
Cronulla, however, have won five of their past six against the Warriors with the Sharkies coming out on top last season at Remondis 37-6. The Sharks have also won four of their past five against the Warriors at Remondis and seem the safer option.
The Warriors, however, could expose the fish out of water and claim a large scalp. The Sharks are known for a determined attitude to claiming victory, and it is that grit that gets them over the line.
Sharks by 2
North Queensland Cowboys versus Canterbury Bulldogs
Suspension and injuries have marred the beginning of the 2015 season for the Doggies. The Cowboys, however, will be looking to make it six on the trot after a slow start to their campaign.
However, they have well and truly hit fifth gear since then, and have averaged scoring 26 points a game in those five wins.
This is where the defensive grunt missing from the Dogs’ clash with the Tigers will need to be rediscovered.
However, the stats support the underdogs in this one. The Bulldogs have won seven of their past ten against the Cowboys and won their past three at 1300Smiles Stadium.
However, I expect the Cowboys to get home. Just.
Cowboys by 1
Manly Sea Eagles versus Newcastle Knights
The Knights offer great value here. Sure, they haven’t been that flash lately, but neither have Manly. The Sea Eagles did turn it around last week as they claimed their second victory of the year, and their second against the Melbourne Storm.
However, it too came at a cost. Jamie Buhrer has unfortunately yet again torn his ACL and is out for the season. The poor guy can’t catch a break! Neither can Kieran Foran, who has been ruled out indefinitely.
For the Knights, they key is utilising Sione Matautia.
The statistics support the Sea Eagles side. They have won seven of their past ten against the Knights and their past five at Brookie against the Novocastrians. Now, I question my original decision. However, I just feel the Knights are that bit more desperate and I’ll say they run away with this one.
Knights by 16
Parramatta Eels versus Melbourne Storm
Four letters. Four letters form one of the main reasons I am leaning towards an upset Sunday afternoon. And they are S-E-M-I. Semi Radradra returns for the Eels in a massive boost for the side, especially for their attack.
Melbourne have a good record at Pirtek, winning six of their 13 ventures out west. However, in what looks like a round of upsets I am more obliged to tip the Eels here.
This one can be put down to that feeling only, so don’t be discouraged Storm fans because this one could go either way.
Just think of that game at AAMI Park in 2013 when the Storm crushed the Eels 68-4. And the man who scored the sole try, Semi Radradra looks certain to cross the stripe this week.
Eels by 8
South Sydney Rabbitohs versus St George-Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons will be going for seven in a row this week. Who would have thought? On the back of an incredible defensive prowess the Dragons have surged up the ladder and look a great chance of appearing in September.
The Rabbitohs, on the other hand, are struggling without Adam Reynolds, and look likely to be without him again this week.
However, the Dragons hold the edge head to head, with NRL.com recording that the St. George side has won 15 of their 23 clashes with the Rabbitohs. And, despite what many may believe I yet again feel an upset. Even though the Dragons are missing Josh Dugan I feel that this could actually blow out. But, I’ll stay sensible.
Dragons by 8
There you go. My best bet for this week is the Knights 13+ at $6.00.
Unfortunately, the news of Foran’s scratching has seen them reduced from $2.55 to $2.20 in head to head betting.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has said Zac Lomax should be in the discussion when it comes to Origin selection.
Queensland often has the right mix of generational talent, playmaking brilliance and these nuts-and-bolts players that bind them together like glue.
There are few greater sledges you can give an NRL team than calling them pretenders but the Cowboys will not be contenders until they…
The Parramatta coach was furious with his side after coughing up a first-half lead and going on to lose 44-16 in an embarrassing second-half…
Jamayne Isaako missed five out of nine conversions in a huge win over the Eels - with the Channel Nine team having some fun…
The Eels led 8-4 at half-time. They lost 44-16 in a Dolphins onslaught.
