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NRL preview panel for round 15 (all times AEST).
FRIDAY
BULLDOGS v PENRITH PANTHERS at ANZ Stadium, 7.35pm
Head to head: Bulldogs 45, Panthers 29, drawn 3
Last clash: Bulldogs 28 bt Panthers 26 at CUA Stadium (Rd 2, 2009)
TAB Sportsbet: Bulldogs $1.28, Panthers $3.50
FootyTAB: Panthers +9.5 points
The Bulldogs rocketed into title favouritism with last week’s mauling of Brisbane and there seems no reason why they won’t extend their lead at the top of the NRL table here. Key players Michael Ennis, Brett Kimmorley and Ben Roberts are all in top form, while the forward pack is doing a brilliant job. Penrith were abysmal against Manly last week, with schoolboy handling errors crippling their chances. Another loss here and they could drop outside the top eight. Under-manned due to key injuries and suspension, the Panthers need a big effort from their lesser-known players to upset the Bulldogs who are undefeated at ANZ Stadium this year.
Key: With Petero Civoniceva on Origin duty Penrith desperately need a leader to step up and show the way forward.
Tip: Bulldogs
SATURDAY
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 7.30pm
Head to head: Cowboys 3, Roosters 19
Last clash: Roosters 32 bt Cowboys 20 at Dairy Farmers Stadium (Rnd 21, 2008)
TAB Sportsbet: Cowboys $1.95, Roosters $1.85
FootyTAB: Cowboys +0.5 points
The Sydney Roosters were within 90 seconds of victory last week but a late try to Gold Coast winger Chris Walker broke their hearts and extended the club’s losing streak to five. But they have a big chance at an upset here with a trip to North Queensland and the Cowboys without Origin stars Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga and Luke O’Donnell plus injured fullback Matt Bowen. The Roosters have a strong record over the Cowboys and have won nine of 11 games in Townsville, but the Cowboys are running hot at the moment. They’ve scored 132 points in their last four home games and it’ll take a special effort for the Roosters to get the points here.
Key: Can former NSW Origin halves Mitchell Pearce and Braith Anasta get the Roosters attack firing bullets rather than blanks?
Tip: Roosters
SUNDAY
MELBOURNE STORM v WESTS TIGERS at Olympic Park, 2pm
Head to head: Storm 11, Tigers 6
Last clash: Tigers 16 bt Storm 6 at Leichhardt Oval (Rnd 6, 2009)
TAB Sportsbet: Storm $1.50, Tigers $2.50
FootyTAB: Tigers +5.5 points
The Tigers snapped their five-game losing streak last Monday but they venture south on a short turnaround to a ground they’ve never won in seven attempts. Melbourne are without their Origin stars, but they still boast a team with five internationals and four former NSW players. Halfback Cooper Cronk assumes the captaincy for the Storm and his battle with Tigers stand-in captain Benji Marshall will be entertaining. Melbourne’s forwards are starting to regain their dominance which is a bad sign for a Tigers pack that battles for consistency, a situation which hasn’t been helped with second-rower Chris Heighington ruled out for 6-8 weeks with a adductor muscle injury.
Key: Can Benji’s flair overcome the clinical and unrelenting pressure of Cronk?
Tip: Storm
MANLY SEA EAGLES v CANBERRA RAIDERS at Brookvale Oval, 3pm
Head to head: Sea Eagles 23, Raiders 16, drawn 1
Last clash: Sea Eagles 31 bt Raiders 18 at Canberra Stadium (Rnd 12, 2008)
TAB Sportsbet: Sea Eagles $1.70, Raiders $2.10
FootyTAB: Raiders +2.5 points
Manly’s season is back on track with four wins from their past five to sit just two points outside the top eight. But this is their biggest test. With five players in the NSW Origin side – including three key forwards – do they have the depth to beat a Canberra side desperately trying to save their own season. The Raiders were disappointing in the late loss to Cronulla last week and while they’ve lost centre Joel Monaghan to Origin, they regain dumped Blues five-eighth Terry Campese. Manly skipper and halfback Matt Orford’s form has been outstanding and he’ll need to be at his best if the Sea Eagles are to continue their surge towards the finals.
Key: Without Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart, will Manly have enough drive to overpower the Canberra forwards?
Tip: Sea Eagles
MONDAY
CRONULLA SHARKS v BRISBANE BRONCOS at Toyota Stadium, 7pm
Head to head: Sharks 15, Broncos 25
Last clash: Broncos 18 bt Sharks 12 at Suncorp Stadium (Rnd 20, 2008)
TAB Sportsbet: Sharks $1.85, Broncos $1.95
FootyTAB: Broncos +0.5 points
Three wins in a row has resuscitated Cronulla’s lifeless season but they’ll be deflated somewhat by the loss of Origin duo Trent Barrett and Paul Gallen. Rookie halfback Scott Porter, yet to taste defeat in three NRL games, will have the task of leading the Sharks into battle against one of the NRL frontrunners. But at least he won’t face Brisbane’s Origin stars with the Broncos down on personnel and halfback Ben Hunt to make his NRL debut. The Broncos confidence must be shattered after back-to-back beltings, conceding 92 points in their past two games. Another loss here could see them fall as low as eighth and well off the pace with the crucial top four.
Key: It’s a battle of the inexperienced halves. Cronulla’s duo boast just 23 NRL games, Brisbane only 15.
Tip: Broncos
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