After a short rough patch my predictions jumped back on track for Round 5, securing the first six games in a row only to be upset at the Panthers’ last-minute win over the Eels and the Dogs’ dismal showing against Canberra.
It’s another cracking week of football, so let’s get straight into the analysis and tips for Round 6!
Last weeks score: 6/8 tips, Running tip total: 23/40 (averaging: 4.6/8)
Broncos versus Dragons
The Broncos continued trotting to premiership favouritism with pundits, holding off a fast finishing and extremely resilient Titans outfit. James Roberts enjoyed his best game yet for the club and the side remains unchanged from their victory.
Having been on the unlikely verge of three consecutive wins, the Dragons were brought crashing back down to earth as the Cowboys dismantled them 36 points to 0.
The Dragons looked completely rudderless. To date they have only scored 40 points across five games – just eight points a match.
Compounding their last place for attacking stats the Dragons sit equal ninth in defence, having conceded 102 points. So while it is an improvement compared to their misfiring attack it is certainly not a big enough difference to secure the win here.
Tip: Broncos 13+
Rabbitohs versus Roosters
This match shapes as a real test for the bunnies. They were dreadful in Rounds 3 and 4 and while they couldn’t quite put Manly away last round, their defence was admirable and will give them great confidence moving ahead as more players return to boost their attack.
The Roosters produced their best performance of a poor 2016 season thus far to push the Warriors to golden point extra time. While they didn’t come away with the two points they will have taken plenty of confidence from their efforts as their young halves continue to improve.
South’s smashed the Roosters in Round 1 to the tune of 42-10 and while I doubt we will be viewing a similar spectacle the boys from Redfern should still take the cash.
Tip: Souths 1-12
Eels versus Raiders
This is perhaps the hardest fixture to pick of the round. The Eels looked tremendous in Rounds 2, 3 and 4 but were guilty of failing to close out a game they should have won against the Panthers last round.
In the Eels’ favour is a home match at Pirtek which over the last few seasons has returned to fortress status.
The Raiders are the surprise packets of the 2016 season, but they certainly deserve their third placing on the ladder thus far. The Raiders are quickly becoming one of my favourite teams.
They have a roster that truly plays as a team and produces some really exciting football and like him or not, that is a credit to Ricky Stuart.
The return of Blake Austin and Aiden Sezer last round saw them demolish the Dogs, but as an offset this week they are without damaging second rower Iosia Solia.
At Pirtek, welcoming back Nathan Peats at hooker, with the Raiders missing Solia, I’m predicting the Eels will defy recent history (winning one of their last six against the Raiders) and claim the two points in a thriller.
However, don’t be surprised if the Raiders make it two in a row.
Tip: Eels 1-12
Warriors versus Sea Eagles
The Warriors despite having now won two in a row are still a long way off fulfilling the potential of their roster. The big news for this week is the return of top line half/utility Thomas Leuluai, who will surely add some spark and direction to the team.
If he plays he will likely replace Jazz Tevaga on the bench, although for the fifth round in a row I call on Andrew McFadden to shift Jeff Robson to the NSW Cup.
Manly provided a spirited fight back against South Sydney last round, throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the boys from Redfern.
Api Korisau was enormous at half back and that will surely make Manly fans question the contract of 10 million dollar man Daly Cherry-Evans even more so, it was the most dangerous the team has looked this year.
Feleti Mateo has dropped out of the side.
Im predicting the Warriors will continue their role with another home match at Mt Smart where they love to play. The trip across the Tasman is a dangerous one for visiting teams.
Tip: Warriors 1-12
Panthers versus Cowboys
The Panthers last-second win against the Eels will have given them a huge confidence boost going ahead. Matt Moylan’s successful return will mean that he and his team quickly get back to their best, and make sure to keep an eye on Te Maire Martin in this game against his one time potential mentor Johnathan Thurston.
The Cowboys have continued to pick off where they left season 2015. The reigning premiers were incredibly against the Dragons, blowing them off the park.
They have named the same 17 including the impressive Javid Bowen which means that for the entirety of 2016 they have still utilised just 18 players. Consistency is key in the NRL and their roster and form have been exactly that.
Tip: Cowboys 1-12
Sharks versus Titans
The Sharks produced a scintillating attacking performance to down the Tigers in Round 5 and they also welcomed back their key enforcer in Paul Gallen.
The signs are looking very good in the shire and if the ominous form of Ben Barba, who seems to be channelling his 2012 self is anything to go by then this is a team to watch.
The Titans continue to endear themselves to NRL fans. On paper they probably have one of the weaker squads in the NRL but every player is playing out of their skin, particularly Agnatius Paasi.
Cameron Cullen has been named to make his NRL debut at five-eighth which is probably a good thing given the less than ideal kicking game of stand in playmaker Greg Bird against the Broncos.
The Titans will make the Sharks work for it, but in front of their home crowd Cronulla will get the win.
Tip: Sharks 1-12
Knights versus Tigers
The Knights put in their best performance of the season against Melbourne last round, pushing the Storm to the final siren. The return of Tariq Sims from a five-week suspension will bolster their roster significantly.
The Tigers were unable to kick on from their early lead at home against the Sharks last round, but, their attack remained promising. Their defence however (13th) is another thing entirely.
Working in their favour though, coach Jason Taylor has named the strongest 17 of the season as Curtis Sironen joins the bench for an all forward rotation that will hopefully give the Tigers the extra size and punch that they need.
They will need this to over come a poor recent run against the Knights, winning just two of their past six matches against the Novocastrians.
It’s a toss of the coin job and a loss could well see Tigers management calling Ivan Cleary’s number but I’m going to go for the Tigers despite what seems the most likely first win for the Knights 2016 season to date.
Tip: Tigers 1-12
Storm versus Bulldogs
The Storm racked up yet another win against the Knights but they looked far from their clinical best in doing so. The energy brought by the Knights seemed to detract from the Storm’s cohesion despite Cooper Cronk turning in his best match yet.
On the other hand there wasn’t a single Dogs player who enjoyed a quality match against Canberra, it was a dreadful showing.
They have named the same side as Round 5, minus Round 2 debutant hero Kerrod Holland coming into the centres in place of the perpetually injured Chase Stanley.
The Dogs will not overcome the Storm at home who also welcome back speed demon Marika Koroibete.
Storm: 13+
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1. Tigers earning their stripes The Tigers played Souths last year when the Bunnies were at their very highest point. Tim Sheens coached them…
It was like a blast from the past with the Broncos not only dominating on the scoreboard, but shades of past legends.
It had all been going so well. Canberra were by far the better side for ten minutes, with Jamal Fogarty giving the Brisbane back…
Simi Sasagi couldn't believe his luck as he strolled straight past Jaiyden Hunt, who should have made a better attempt at a tackle.
In wet conditions, the Broncos were making it extremely tough for 18-year-old Chevy Stewart in just his second game.
A hit in the face is not what the Brisbane fullback needed after recently returning from a broken cheekbone.
