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NRL previews for round 18 (all times AEST).
FRIDAY
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v PENRITH PANTHERS at ANZ Stadium, 7.35pm
Head to head: Rabbitohs 36, Panthers 29, Drawn 1
Last clash: Panthers 26 bt Rabbitohs 22 at CUA Stadium (Rd 3, 2008)
TAB Sportsbet: Rabbitohs $1.50, Panthers $2.50
FootyTAB: Panthers +5.5 points
After a strong start to the season, things are going pear shaped for Souths coach Jason Taylor. He admitted last Saturday’s 54-20 thumping by a Wests Tigers side, whose recent form had been as poor as Nate Myles’ search for a hotel toilet, was the lowest point since he took over in 2007. Taylor must now try and prevent a sixth successive defeat. Penrith stopped their recent mini slump with a last-gasp win against the Eels last week to keep alive their finals hopes, while in Junior Tia Kilifi they look to have unearthed a new star. Both sides have two players out due to Origin commitments, but Penrith look much more capable of coping without Michael Jennings and Trent Waterhouse than Souths do without Craig Wing and Mick Crocker.
Key: Will Penrith’s exciting backline take advantage of South Sydney’s brittle defence?
Tip: Panthers
SATURDAY
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v CANBERRA RAIDERS at EnergyAustralia Stadium, 7.30pm
Head to head: Knights 10 Raiders 4
Last clash: Raiders 36 bt Knights 18 at Canberra Stadium (Rd 23, 2008)
TAB Sportsbet: Knights $1.50, Raiders $2.50
FootyTAB: Raiders +6.5 points
This should be an intriguing clash between two sides who, on their day, can be hugely entertaining to watch. Canberra are in fine form having beaten high-flying Melbourne and Gold Coast in their last two games, but playing away from home has often been their Achilles heel. The Knights have a formidable record on their own turf and were mighty unlucky to lose to the Storm at Olympic Park last week. They will fancy their chances against a Raiders side lacking Origin debutants Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and David Shillington, but a win for the Green Machine would be a massive boost to their finals aspirations.
Key: The battle between Jarrod Mullen and Terry Campese in the halves should be fascinating.
Tip: Knights
SUNDAY
WARRIORS v BULLDOGS at Mount Smart Stadium, 2pm
Head to head: Bulldogs 12 Warriors 10, Drawn 2
Last clash: Warriors 40 bt Bulldogs 20 at ANZ Stadium (Rd 19, 2008)
TAB Sportsbet: Warriors $1.40, Bulldogs $2.90
FootyTAB: Bulldogs by +7.5 points
The second-placed Bulldogs must be wishing they had a bye this week as they take a severely weakened side to Auckland in the middle of winter to face a Warriors side that desperately need a victory. Dogs mentor Kevin Moore must somehow find a way to win without Michael Ennis, Brett Kimmorley and Josh Morris, who are on Origin duty. He is also without top try scorer Bryson Goodwin and second-rower Greg Eastwood who are suspended, as well as injured duo Ben Hannant and Jamal Idris. The Warriors, who have won just two of their last nine games, welcome back massive winger Manu Vatuvei from injury and also prop Russell Packer. Packer’s return is a boost for a front row missing talisman Steve Price, who is in Origin camp with Queensland.
Key: How will the Bulldogs’ reserve grade players cope with the step up at one of the toughest away trips in the NRL?
Tip: Warriors
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v MANLY SEA EAGLES at WIN Stadium, 3pm
Head to head: Dragons 9, Sea Eagles 4
Last clash: Sea Eagles 38 bt Dragons 3 at Brookvale Oval (Qualifying final, 2008)
TAB Sportsbet: Dragons $1.45, Sea Eagles $2.65
FootyTAB: Sea Eagles by +1.5 points
It’s a real shame State of Origin call-ups and injuries have diluted what would have been a cracker of a game between the in-form reigning premiers and the most consistent team in the competition. The Dragons have three players out due to Origin commitments with Manly donating four to the NSW squad. Jamie Lyon was ruled out of Origin on Tuesday but may well make a recovery from an ankle injury to take his place in the centres. The Dragons, under Wayne Bennett, have become very difficult to beat and a red-hot Jamie Soward and Ben Hornby are arguably the best halves combination in the NRL right now. Manly have won their last four games but will have their work cut out to make it five.
Key: Can Manly stop the moonwalking, yellow boot wearing Wendell Sailor and try machine Brett Morris wreaking havoc on the wings?
Tip: Dragons
MONDAY
GOLD COAST TITANS v PARRAMATTA EELS at Skilled Park, 7pm
Head to head: Titans 2, Eels 0
Last clash: Titans 28 bt Eels 20 at Parramatta Stadium (Rd 5, 2009)
TAB Sportsbet: Titans $1.25, Eels $3.75
FootyTAB: Eels +10.5 points
The Titans have named key trio Mat Rogers, Luke Bailey and Mark Minichiello in their side after injury, but coach John Cartwright admitted they are still not certain starters on Monday. The Eels have been much improved in recent weeks, but have still failed to string together back-to-back wins since round three and travel to the fortress that is Skilled Park without NSW winger Jarryd Hayne. The Titans have looked like a finals side for most of this season and are still unbeaten at home. The Eels did manage to end Newcastle’s 100 per cent record at EnergyAustralia Stadium this season, but will need a much better defensive showing than what they produced against Penrith last week if they are to have any hope of recording a shock first win over Cartwright’s men.
Key: Exciting young Eels five-eighth Daniel Mortimer will see one of the best halfbacks in the business at close quarters when he takes on Titans ace Scott Prince.
Tip: Titans
Bye: Wests Tigers, Sharks, Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland, Roosters
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