Round 3 was the round of upsets and it didn’t bode well for many tipsters, myself included (2/8).
In fact my fellow preview tipster counterparts similarly struggled with mastermind securing the same amount of tips (2) and Riley Pettigrew also feeling the brunt of the upsets with 1/8 with that pesky draw failing to reap dividends.
But alas I feel all of us, you included my dear Roarer, are in for a bounce back week. It’s the Easter long weekend and that means some glorious games ahead, so without further ado let’s take a look at Round 4!
See last week’s Preston’s preview on The Roar here.
Running tip total: 13/24, last week’s total (2/8) – last week’s ‘against the odds’ tip: Manly to defeat the Sharks.
Rabbitohs versus Bulldogs
It was ironic that I began last week’s previews with a weather-based metaphor indicating there was nothing but clear skies for South Sydney. Well, it turns out the weather hates me and so do Souths as they managed a loss against a tough but awkward Dragons.
The Dogs were completely outclassed by Parramatta and it is safe to say they are seriously struggling with the absence of Michael Lichaa. Obviously they couldn’t match the offer Souths threw at former back-up hooker Damien Cook but unfortunately Craig Garvey is offering next to nothing for the Belmore boys.
The return of Greg Eastwood will be a massive boost and you can expect an improved showing from the Dogs. While Greg Inglis may have failed maths in primary school a field goal to get Souths home in this one may actually come handy.
Tip: Souths 1-12
Broncos versus Cowboys
Last year’s grand finalists face off against each other and both are sitting with a 2-1 winning record, although the Cowboys have come off a huge win against the Roosters.
The Broncos suffered from an unstoppable wave of momentum from the Panthers during the second half in their 23-22 loss but looked well in control in Rounds 1 and 2.
For the fourth consecutive week the Cowboys have named the same 17 as last year’s grand final, however this time I’m tipping Ben Hunt will hold onto the ball and we will see a slightly different result. This one will go down to the wire in a game that could realistically go either way.
Tip: Broncos 1-12
Raiders versus Titans
The Raiders are surprisingly one of only two teams along with the Melbourne Storm to remain undefeated in 2016, however last week’s draw with Newcastle is nothing to crow about.
As it stands they are seriously missing their first-tier halves combination in the form of Aiden Sezer and Blake Austin and losing their second string five-eighth in Lachlan Croker hasn’t helped matters either.
The Titans are certainly flying under the radar. They put on a score in Round 1 against a struggling Newcastle, put up a fight for 50 minutes against the Storm in Round 2, before storming home in the second half against the Tigers to sit with a 2-1 winning record.
Ashley Taylor was superb against the Tigers and he and Tyrone Roberts have combined brilliantly thus far meaning the Gold Coast club hasn’t really missed Kane Elgey at all.
This one is really a toss of the coin, however on a Saturday evening in Canberra as the autumn chill starts to emerge it should be the green machine in a tight one.
Tip: Raiders 1-12
Roosters versus Sea Eagles
The Roosters completely cocked up Round 3 as they were thoroughly plucked by the Cowboys to the tune of 40 points to nil. At present they look rudderless, due in no small part to the lack of an experienced half and the continued absence of leaders in their forward pack. But given the roster they still have at their disposal their 0-3 start to the season is unacceptable.
Until Round 3 Manly were equally rudderless but Dylan Walker has now finally remembered to take on the line and the return of Brett Stewart has immediately instilled confidence across the park. Manly’s winning effort over the Sharks was like watching another team compared to the first two rounds.
The boys from the northern peninsula should make it two in a row.
Tip: Sea Eagles 1-12
Dragons versus Panthers
Both teams collected their first wins of the season and completed huge upsets in the process.
The Dragons’ grinding style of football was allowed to flourish over the fancier South Sydney during last Sunday’s downpour as defence came to the fore – which was a blessing for the Dragons as their attack looked more awkward than ever with Benji Marshall missing.
The Panthers were tremendous in the second half against the Broncos with their forwards building a ton of momentum and allowing their crafty backs to put the sword into the pony. Te Maire Martin was outstanding and it again begs the question as to why the Tigers let him go, given he was still contracted as a youth player.
The mountain men to win away from home with Martin potentially called upon again to break a deadlock.
Tip: Panthers 1-12
Warriors versus Knights
Being the NRL’s most disappointing side is a tag most teams would not like to have but year in year out the Warriors seem to have a lease on it. Their 0-3 start to the season is now putting enormous pressure on Andrew McFadden who continues to persist with the incredibly uninspiring Jeff Robson, despite having creative genius Tuimoala Lolohea catching a cold on the wing.
The Knights managed to scrape a draw which pretty much no one saw coming. I couldn’t pick a fixture in the near future I could see the Knights winning and given the draw last week, technically I’m correct and for that matter I still can’t see who they are going to beat.
But their draw against the Raiders proved where there is life there is hope and with such a young team they can only get better. Nathan Brown will also take time to sort his best 17, in which there is clearly competition for spots given Cory Denniss’ two-try debut.
If there was ever a match the Warriors surely could not lose (now I’ve put the curse on them) it is this game against the Knights.
Tip: Warriors 1-12
Wests Tigers versus Eels
Thirty-five minutes into Round 3 it appeared the Tigers’ roll was going to continue uninhibited. Their stellar form was continuing, but just before half-time the Titans got on the board and didn’t let off. They racked up 30 unanswered points.
The Tigers weren’t necessarily that bad but their deficiencies in stopping the Titans’ momentum were concerning nonetheless. Robbie Farah’s return will help steady the ship if a similar situation is to occur but unfortunately that could be the case against a red hot Eels outfit.
Parramatta were absolutely sensational against the Dogs, completely blowing them out of the park. Two stellar performances in a row has given evidence to the theory that Kieran Foran and Corey Norman are a perfect pair and the double should ensure the Eels make it three on the trot.
Tip: Eels 1-12
Sharks versus Storm
The Sharks will be smarting about their loss to NRL rivals Manly in Round 3 but Round 4 only gets tougher as they take on Melbourne who they have a dismal record against.
The Sharks lost both matches to Melbourne in 2015 including failing to post a try in their most recent clash, a 30-2 loss in Round 23.
This means the Sharks have lost five consecutive matches to the Storm with their last win over the Melbourne club coming in Round 10, 2012, by a two-point margin at the then Shark Stadium.
Melbourne have continued their ‘pinnacle of consistency’ mantra for the 2016 season, as the only team to have won every match. They should continue this streak by notching their fourth win in a row against Cronulla to close the round.
Tip: Storm 1-12
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