After tipping just the Roosters and Cowboys correctly last round, I will look to gain some form – while still opting for a few upsets.
Canterbury Bulldogs versus Sydney Roosters
The Bulldogs welcome back skipper James Graham in this clash in a massive boost, while controversial five-eighth Josh Reynolds returns at the expense of young gun Moses Mbye.
The Roosters are unchanged following a massive victory over the Tigers. Neither side has been winning games as of late, with 1 of their past 5 each. However, in order to trouble the Roosters, the Bulldogs need to rediscover their defensive grit. They have conceded 22 points a game compared to the Roosters 14.
It’s hard to distinguish the sides of recent games head to head, with the Bulldogs having won 5 of their past 10 against the Roosters.
I am given the impression that the Bulldogs are building off their tight loss to the Cowboys last week, and with James Graham back I was leaning towards them. However, now I believe the attacking ability of the Roosters will see them claim back to back victories.
Roosters by 8
North Queensland Cowboys versus Brisbane Broncos
Tipping doesn’t get any easier here as two in-form teams square off in a Queensland derby. It is defensively where the Broncos hold the edge, and this is where I believe the difference may be.
On average, the Cowboys have conceded just over 21 points a game this year, the Broncos on the other hand, are averaging just 16.
This defensive strategy claimed victory last week, as my Panthers fell in the dying seconds to a rampaging Corey Oates.
The Cowboys made it six in a row with a conservative 23-16 victory over the Doggies.
The Cowboys forwards have aimed up this season and will face a stern test against a Broncos side minus wrecking ball Josh Maguire. Recent head to head battles are split at five a piece, however in Townsville the Broncos have won 2 of their past 6.
Broncos by 2
Parramatta Eels versus New Zealand Warriors
It’s a battle between two of the most attackingly brilliant yet unpredictable sides in the competition on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors gained form with a last minute victory over Cronulla, while the Eels fell to the Storm 28-10.
The battle between wingers Semi Radradra and Manu Vatuvei is one to watch, with both a great chance of crossing the line and lining up some massive hits. However, an injury cloud hangs over Vatuvei.
The last time these two sides met, the Eels claimed a Round 1 36-16 victory at home. However, the Warriors appear to be in better shape both in form and confidence in this one. It looks to be a high scoring one.
Warriors by 14
Gold Coast Titans versus Cronulla Sharks
Right when it seemed like the Titans were looking to secure a spot in the Top 8, they fell to the Raiders in a 56-16 hiding. Regaining confidence here will be tough. However, they will gain some hope from the fact they are playing a Sharks side who have not been in the best form recently either.
It is interesting to note the Titans are 4-12 at home over the past two seasons. The danger for the home side lies in their defensive woes having conceded an average of 26 points a game this season. For this, it is clear the Titans will need attacking rhythm in order to trouble a more experience Sharks outfit.
The last time these sides met at the Gold Coast in 2011, the Sharks demolished the Titans 36-12. Much of this clash will depend on the form of fullback Ben Barba who will face a tirade of swirling bombs from Sezer and Elgey. I will back the home side here, with little confidence.
Titans by 10
Melbourne Storm versus South Sydney Rabbitohs
The exclusion of Adam Reynolds may prove the deciding factor here. Reynolds brings stability and direction to the Souths attack and will need Luke Keary to step up in his absence.
This Rabbitohs side still exudes class and will provide a tough test for the clinical Storm. South Sydney are 1-5 without Adam Reynolds since his debut in 2012 and have won 2 of their past 10 against the Storm. The Storm should edge this one out in a clash dominated by rampaging forward packs.
Storm by 12
St George Illawarra Dragons versus Canberra Raiders
This game proves quite compelling as the Dragons – whose winning streak was snapped last round by the Rabbitohs – take on a Raiders side looking to build four consecutive victories.
The Dragons have won their past 2 against the Raiders, however, before that the Raiders have dominated their past 10 meetings having won 8. The difference in this one will be that the Dragons must repel the best attack in the competition.
Having only averaged conceding 11 points a game to Canberra’s 20, the Dragons will need to continue their defensive edge to hold out an exciting Raiders side.
The Raiders however average 23.4 points a game compared to the Dragons 13.6. The loss of unheralded halfback Sam Williams has been overlooked as he provides the Raiders with stability. The Raiders have won 4 of their 5 with Williams this season, while winning 1 of 3 with Cornish.
The momentum is building in Canberra and despite Williams’ absence, the Dragons look like they may just drop 2 in a row.
Raiders by 4
Newcastle Knights versus Wests Tigers
After winning four straight, the Knights have now dropped five consecutive games and will be desperate for victory here. The Tigers were outclassed by the Roosters in their previous outing and will look to regain some form on the back of their enthusiastic young roster.
If I was Jason Taylor, I would be bringing in returning winger David Nofoaluma at the expense of either Chris Lawrence or Delouise Hoeter. He is just too talented and skilful to be left out of this side.
The Tigers have won 5 of their past 7 against the Knights including last year’s 23-20 upset victory on Mining Day. The Tigers will be hoping for a big game from prop Aaron Woods who has averaged just under 200 metres a game, a number that no Knight comes close to accomplishing.
However, the clash of the halves proves more interesting with under fire Tyrone Roberts coming up against young Luke Brooks. If Brooks controls this game, the Tigers have the confidence to take this one.
Tigers by 10
Manly Sea Eagles versus Penrith Panthers
Monday night sees the in-form Sea Eagles taking on a determined Panthers outfit at Brookvale Oval. The Sea Eagles have brought life to their 2015 campaign after being under more pressure than the belt buckle of Homer Simpson.
The Penrith side on the other hand can consider themselves proud following their loss to Brisbane. Heartbreaking to say the least, without many seasoned players the Penrith side offered little in attack, however, this was made more prominent by the impressive Brisbane defence.
This is an area that the Panthers need to improve on and the return of hooker James Segeyaro should help that cause. Recently, the Panthers downed Manly 22-12 and in Round 25 of 2014 the Sea Eagles pipped Penrith 26-25. However, after a metre-eating performance by the Penrith forwards, the Panthers should claim metres up the middle and Jamie Soward and James Segeyaro can weave their magic.
Panthers by 7
My bet of the week is the Broncos at $3.75 to emerge victorious 1-12.
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