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With an acceptable six from eight in last week’s tips, one would hope that upsets may cease in the near future of the 2015 Telstra Premiership. However, only few look certainties for the win this week.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs versus Manly Sea Eagles
Friday Night’s opening clash sees two depleted sides battling it out for form following a string of losses. For the Bulldogs, they struggled to capitalise on good field possession (53%) and were only able to score a meagre 6 points.
This was not helped by the Dragons’ relentless defensive style in the past couple of weeks. The Sea Eagles showed great promise with an improved performance against an injury-plagued Panthers outfit, yet Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran lacked confidence in steering their side to victory.
When these sides met at Brookvale, the Dogs took out a tight one 16-12. However, their forward pack is severely weakened, likewise the Sea Eagles will be missing key playmakers in Jamie Lyon and Brett Stewart. It’s a flip of a coin. The inclusion of Lyon sways me towards a reversal of the thrilling 2014 semi.
Sea Eagles 17-16
St George Illawarra Dragons versus Brisbane Broncos
Two sides who are flying through the early rounds of the season meet in a bumper clash which deserves the 7.30 timeslot. However, for those who will brave the dark night, this is set to be a ripper. The Dragons have proved to be defensive machines so far in 2015. Despite only completing 68 per cent of their sets, the Dragons exhibited patience to achieve a 25-point victory last start.
They have only conceded 10 points in their past three matches, a stat in itself which suggests another victory. However, they face a stern test against a Broncos side looking for six straight wins. Ever since that 36-6 defeat to the Bunnies, Brisbane have been superb, average 25 points a game.
A grinding, low scoring contest looks likely. I believe the Broncos may have the attacking edge to claim victory.
Broncos 24-10
Gold Coast Titans versus Penrith Panthers
The Titans showed attacking prowess with a 22-point victory over the Eels, with former Panther James Roberts starring with a hat-trick. He is certainly one to watch this weekend and looks a good bet to cross again.
The Panthers have yet again been cruelled by injury, which is a severe blow to their chances of another top four finish. However, they showed courage last week with a comfortable victory over Manly.
As a Penrith fan, the one difference I noticed was a step-up in order to battle the loss of halves Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace.
With big Jamal out for the season, 19 year-old Robert Jennings will receive the call up in Dean Whare’s absence whilst tackling machine Elijah Taylor also looks set to spend time on the sideline. It’s a very young Penrith backline with an average age of just 21.
The Panthers look to have turned a corner and will be desperate to continue their winning ways. One thing is for sure, this game will not mirror that of the Bathurst demolition in Round 2.
Panthers 30-20
North Queensland Cowboys versus New Zealand Warriors
The Cowboys have found form following three straight victories against tough opponents. This week they return to Townsville to face a Warriors side who have justified their tag in this competition of being ‘hot and cold’.
1300Smiles Stadium in Townsville has not been a happy hunting ground for the Warriors side, who before their stunning four-point victory last year, had not won at the ground in their previous eight attempts. They will need to stop the Cowboys rampaging trio of forwards (James Tamou, Jason Tamoulolo and Matt Scott) in order to control the mastermind Johnathan Thurston. However, despite claiming victory last weekend, the Cowboys look destined to continue their scintillating form with a large victory.
Cowboys 42-18
Melbourne Storm versus Sydney Roosters
This match sees the Roosters attempt to avoid dropping three games straight, going up against arguably the most consistent side of the 2015 season. The Storm have been unlucky to drop matches against the Cowboys and Sea Eagles and seem a good chance of yet again figuring in this competition come September.
Kurt Mann will fill in for injured fullback Billy Slater. The Roosters were in command against the Broncos for the majority of the eighty minutes last week, before a Ben Hunt dummy sunk the Eastern Suburbs outfit. They will be out for revenge, but it is equally difficult to tip against Melbourne.
I am backing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to be the difference and give the away side a much needed win. But, I am not confident.
Roosters 14-12
Wests Tigers versus Canberra Raiders
Great news for Raiders fans with Shaun Fensom and Josh Hodgson cleared of serious injuries. Both remain a good chance of playing this week and are pivotal noticing the difference in attitude from the home side following their absence. The Tigers were valiant in defeat and look the better bet here. Note, this may be one of the Tigers’ last games at Leichhardt for the short term, with their game against the Panthers being considered to be relocated.
Such rumours should spark the home side. Youthful sides meet in what should be an entertaining clash. It is the Tigers for me, but look out for revenge from former Tiger Blake Austin who is in great form in the nation’s capital.
Tigers 34-18
Newcastle Knights versus Parramatta Eels
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The Knights have crashed back down to earth following two embarrassing defeats at the hands of the Dragons and Sharks, only scoring a mere 6 points.
The Knights attack has suffered and looks to be in jeopardy with five-eighth Jarrod Mullen in doubt for this clash. The Eels have been no better, capitulating at the hands of the Tigers and Titans. Luckily for them, flashy winger Semi Radradra is rated a chance of return and it would be a timely boost to their attacking issues.
In the first four rounds of the competition, the Knights had averaged 22 points per game. However, they have lost their enthusiasm and youthful intent for victory. One would suggest this could change in front of what should be a strong crowd at the Hunter.
Knights 28-12
Cronulla Sharks versus South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs produced an uninspiring second half against the Cowboys as they fell 30 points to 12, emphasising the loss of halfback Adam Reynolds. Isaac Luke looked to have stepped up in order to steer his side around the park, yet they now lack that attacking flair.
Souths fans will hope that will be countered by the timely return of Dylan Walker and John Sutton from injury. They scored 36 and 34 points against the Broncos and Roosters respectively, with Walker in the team and will be hoping he is fit for Monday night’s clash.
The Sharks, on the other hand, have gained momentum, with courageous victories over the Roosters and Knights. Cronulla have a horrible record at home, after breaking a ten-game losing streak last week. However, the influence of youngsters Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes will give them hope of another upset.
Sharks 18-16
For me, it’s the Sea Eagles, Broncos, Panthers, Cowboys, Roosters, Tigers, Knights and Sharkies. The only certainty however is the Cowboys, as the rest of the results could go either way.
The flip of the coin chose the Dogs, Broncos, Panthers, Warriors, Storm, Raiders, Knights and Sharks.
My best bet is the Manly versus Bulldogs game to go to Golden Point at $26.00
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