With State of Origin removing 34 of the top NRL players, the pre-Origin rounds are always considered something of a waste of time.
However there are still competition points up for grabs, and also interesting sub-plots to each game that will ensure there is a suitable focus on each, come game time.
Bulldogs versus Roosters
Tonight’s game between the Roosters and Bulldogs with all the Origin players would be something of a blockbuster. Without them there is obviously some gloss missing; however there will be some interesting things to watch out for.
The main one will be how James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce bounce back from Origin rejection. Will they be looking to prove Laurie Daley was wrong, or will they sulk and prove Daley correct?
On the opposite side look for Reni Maitua who has had well-documented personal issues and will be looking to prove he still belongs at NRL level.
Outside Maitua is the enigmatic Krisnan Inu who the Bulldogs are trying to move on, and this is an opportunity for Inu to put himself in the shop window before the trade deadline of June 30.
Roosters by 12
Titans versus Warriors
The Titans take on the Warriors on Saturday night, and this is one the Warriors should win. The Titans are falling quickly this year after a great start, and have key players in Greg Bird (suspended/Origin), Nate Myles (Origin) and Aiden Sezer (injured) out.
Conversely the Warriors haven’t been affected by Origin, although Jacob Lillyman is the unluckiest player not to be on the Origin stage. He is one of the form props this year, and Queensland may rue not having Lillyman come Wednesday.
With Shaun Johnson under an injury cloud, look for Tuimoala Lolohea to step up if he gets the chance, he has been killing it at Under 20 and NSW Cup level.
Warriors by 16
Tigers versus Broncos
The second game on Saturday between the Tigers and Broncos will once again test whether the Broncos can win around Origin time.
The times have changed however, and the Broncos spine is largely intact, in fact if the Broncos can cover the loss of their key forwards they will go a long way to winning the game.
Conversely the Tigers are affected by the fact they lose experience and quality in Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah. Luke Brooks at the tender age of 19 will have to step up even further, and Braith Anasta needs to turn back the clock, because the young Tigers team will need the guidance.
Broncos by 8
Raiders versus Cowboys
Ricky Stuart is $10,000 worse off this week, and if there was a round to play the Cowboys, then this would be it. Not having to see Johnathan Thurston (who derailed his Origin coaching), Brent Tate and props Matt Scott and James Tamou will help even this contest up.
If the Raiders can’t win this game at home against the depleted Cowboys they may as well make room for the wooden spoon.
Raiders by 10
Sharks versus Rabbotohs
The final game of the round is the Sharks taking on the Rabbitohs. The Sharks finals aspirations are looking as likely as Ray Hadely and Matt Parish having a beer.
The Sharks will be without inspirational leader Paul Gallen for the game and Andrew Fifitia through injury. It is hard to see them getting the two points against the Rabbotohs who will be led by the Burgess boys.
In addition Adam Reynolds and John Sutton who would have been the number one contenders to take Maloney and Pearce’s Origin spots at the beginning of the season, will be out to prove they should have been in the Blues.
Rabbitohs by 12
An interesting aspect around Origin is the importance that English and Kiwi players become. By not being eligible for Origin they are a coaches dream, and help lessen the disruption. Imagine how depleted the Bulldogs and Souths would be if James Graham and Burgess boys were eligible.
Round 11 may be missing the Origin stars but there is still enough interest in the games to ensure some exciting rugby league.
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