While Round 7 was again marred by controversy, the two biggest stories for Round 8 are the season-ending injury of Roger Tuivasa-Scheck and, of course, the pride associated with a victory during Anzac weekend.
Without further ado let’s check out the teams that will march onto the field in honour of our diggers!
Last week’s tip total: 5/8, running tip total: 32/56, average tips per round 4.6
Broncos vs Souths
This one should be like clockwork for the Broncos, as they have really begun to click into gear in 2016, thrashing the hapless Knights 53-0 in Round 7. Souths have struggled along all year and look about as convincing as Greg Inglis’ knee.
Another loss here and Michael Maguire will have to look at making some changes; Cody Walker is waiting in the wings.
Tip: Broncos 13+
Bulldogs vs Titans
Both the Bulldogs and Titans have suffered from fluctuating form in 2016. One week they look like world-beaters, and the next they look like Newcastle.
The Titans should have defeated the Dragons in Round 7; it was a very disappointing result. The Dogs showed great fight in their loss to the Warriors, the New Zealand based team putting together their most complete 80 minutes of 2016.
Despite the loss for Canterbury, they can take solace in the fact that they have 2016’s best debutant so far in Kerrod Holland. He was sensational against the Warriors and has produced two other superb performances in his short career thus far.
The Titans actually hold an excellent record over the Bulldogs, winning four of their last five, but, even with the return of Greg Bird, I can’t go past the boys from Belmore.
Tip: Dogs 1-12
Raiders vs Tigers
Both the Raiders and Tigers are last-start losers. But, while the Raiders were shocking, the Tigers can feel extremely hard-done-by given the denial of a penalty try, the high shot on James Tedesco which led directly to a try, and the Storm’s final try coming off a forward pass. In short, the Tigers had their chance to win the game, but by the same token, they were completely dudded.
It is hard not to agree with the sentiment of Tigers prop Tim Grant, who believes his side could have won every game this season.
Conversely, the Raiders, who started the season in formidable fashion, have really fallen away. They don’t look anywhere near as dangerous without Blake Austin on the field and Iosia Soliola’s absence is hitting them hard.
The Tigers have won three of their last four matches in Canberra and six of the last nine against the Raiders at all locations.
I’m going to go for a smokey here and pick the Tigers to stop their slide in a nail-biter.
Tip: Tigers 1-12
Cowboys vs Parramatta
This game shapes as the match of the round. Two in-form teams, both with a 5-2 record, come head-to-head in Townsville.
The Eels were able to defeat the Cowboys at home in Round 2, but travelling up north is a completely different proposition. The Cowboys were relentless against Souths, flattening them 44-18. Parramatta also produced a great performance to down Manly at Brookvale Oval in one of the best games of the season.
The Eels can be a slippery customer, but I’m tipping that the Cowboys can tame them.
Tip: Cowboys 1-12
Sharks vs Panthers
Cronulla are quickly emerging as a premiership dark horse. They have racked up some impressive victories in 2016 and the form of key personnel has been incredible. Most notably, Ben Barba looks to be back to his 2012 self.
I still maintain the Panthers have been one of the better teams in the 2016 competition. They have pushed their opponents to the final siren every round and managed to snatch three impressive victories along the way, including against competition leaders the Broncos – they are the only team to have defeated Brisbane.
Cronulla have enjoyed victory in six of their past eight matches against the Panthers and I am tipping that they will make it seven from nine
Tip: Sharks 1-12
Knights vs Sea Eagles
There’s not a great deal to say about the Knights. Their roster and general team cohesion is the worst I have seen since Souths’ readmission into the competition. Make no mistake, they are a side with plenty of potential, but in far too many cases their players are still developing when they sorely need a collection of game breakers and experienced first-graders.
Manly have been impressive over the last month despite an average win-loss record. Api Koroisau has been far and away their best performer – it would seem ridiculous to drop him when Daly Cherry-Evans returns – which could Dylan Walker take up a utility position on the bench.
Tip: Manly 13+
Dragons vs Roosters
The weekend’s key fixture takes place on Anzac Day and it is set to be another ripper.
Low and behold, the Dragons finally managed to score some points in their win against the Titans.
The Roosters, despite losing to the Panthers, played some great football, and to me that suggests their second win of the season isn’t that far away. It could well be in this match, which, given the legality of two-up this weekend, is appropriately a toss of the coin.
The Dragons hold a 3-2 winning advantage across the last five seasons of Anzac Day fixtures.
Tip: Dragons 1-12
Storm v Warriors
To close out the Anzac weekend festivities the Storm take on the Warriors.
These two sides have put on some incredible matches in this fixture over the last few seasons.
The Storm got the better of the Warriors in Round 3 and, although the removal of Jeff Robson has greatly improved the form of the Warriors, the loss of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck may be too much to overcome.
Tip: Storm 1-12
What do you think Roarers? Let me know your tips in the comments!
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