Here’s my tips for the Round 9 action in the National Rugby League.
Sydney Roosters versus Wests Tigers
This game would have been described as a David versus Goliath battle prior to the start of the season. However, the nature of the competition sees both teams occupy fourth and fifth on the competition ladder.
The Tigers injuries finally hurt them last week against the Titans, while the Roosters returned to form beating the Dragons 34-14. The unpredictable start to the season makes this hard to predict.
The Tigers are fielding an inexperienced, yet very enthusiastic outfit, for the clash with the defending premiers. With the Roosters seemingly back to their best they will challenge an injury-ravaged Tigers team.
Roosters by 18.
North Queensland Cowboys versus Brisbane Broncos
The Cowboys were brilliant last round, securing a 28-point win over Parramatta, while the Broncos were unlucky not to beat the Rabbitohs when they went down in the dying minutes.
The Broncos have a great record at 1300SMILES Stadium, winning five of their seven games, and will take a lot of confidence out of their loss to the Bunnies last week. The Cowboys, on the other hand, will be looking to put together back-to-back wins for the first time this season and avenge their Round 2 four-point loss to Brisbane.
Cowboys by two
New Zealand Warriors versus Canberra Raiders
The Warriors and Raiders have both had disappointing starts to the year, both recording just three wins each. Last round, they had contrasting results. The Warriors held on for a confidence-boosting six-point win over Melbourne while the Raiders went down to Manly 54-18.
This game proves hard to predict with both teams very capable of producing stellar performances. The Warriors can easily put 50 on any team, however, I predict that Canberra will be fired up following their loss last round, and will edge out the Warriors in a high-scoring affair.
Raiders by four
Gold Coast Titans versus South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Titans maintained their spot in the top four with a comfortable 16-point win against the Tigers last round. Injuries to halves Albert Kelly and Aidan Sezer could effect the Titans if they were to be ruled out. However, their win last week was marred by injuries and proved their top eight credentials.
The Rabbitohs made a blistering start against the Broncos last week before almost giving up the game, winning by a two-point margin. Fullbacks David Mead (Titans) and Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) have been in great form and a length of the field try is not off the cards in this one, with both players specialties in producing quality four-pointers. If Sezer or Kelly are ruled out, it may just hinder the Gold Coast’s chances in this one.
Rabbitohs by 12.
Melbourne Storm versus Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
The Storm have been arguably one of the more disappointing teams this season and face a Manly outfit high on confidence after demolishing Canberra.
Injuries continue to decimate the Brookvale line-up, with captain Jamie Lyon ruled out with a knee injury and doubts hovering over halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. While the on form Manly outfit should win this match, the classic golden-point clash back in Round 1 and the rivalry between these two teams should prove a motivator for the Storm to sneak home.
Storm by eight
Newcastle Knights versus Penrith Panthers
Last time these two sides played the Panthers came out on top 30-8 against an injury-plagued Newcastle team. However, they now face an almost full-strength Knights side, who will be buoyed by their last-gasp loss to the league-leading Bulldogs.
Jarrod Mullen’s return from injury has given the Knights more direction and he will look to spark them to victory on Sunday. The Panthers inability to close out games proved too much last round as they fell to Cronulla, and they will use this week to bounce back. The form of imposing centre Jamal Idris has been superb and fullback Matt Moylan continues to improve. Both teams will come into this game hungry for the two points, and whoever puts together the best defensive effort will most likely come out with the win. I must be loyal to my team here and back Penrith to get the job done in yet another slog.
Panthers by six
St George Illawarra Dragons versus Canterbury Bulldogs
After nine rounds of the competition the Bulldogs have cemented their title as the form side in the league. Their win over Newcastle made it five wins in a row. However, the Dragons have lost four of their last five and will be disappointed after such a positive start to the year.
This game promises a great spectacle, with the Morris twins lining up against each other for the first time this year. Brett is currently leading Josh five tries to three. The performance of the halves will prove the difference in this match, and the form of Bulldogs Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson is simply too good at the moment.
Bulldogs by seven
Parramatta Eels versus Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks head into this clash with Test representative Luke Lewis returning to the line-up. He will provide much-needed experience to a feisty Cronulla forward pack. However, in other team news, the loss of Todd Carney will hurt the Sharks chances of upsetting an Eels side who has been on the decline in the past two weeks.
The Eels will be depending on stars Nathan Peats and Jarryd Hayne to be fit for this clash, with a win keeping Parramatta in touch of the eight. The Sharks, on the other hand, will be looking to climb off the bottom of the ladder. The Eels are yet to lose at Pirtek Stadium and their battleground seems to fire them to victory.
Eels by six
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