Round 2 was always going to be a difficult one for punters due to a series of surprising performances in Round 1. The plot now thickens for Round 3, with injuries affecting several teams.
Tip Total – 10/16, last weeks tips – 4/8.
Storm vs Broncos
The Storm weathered their namesake in a great Round 2 victory over the Warriors, while the Broncos suffered at the foot of Johnathan Thurston in yet another brilliant Queensland derby.
The big story in this match is the return of Billy Slater. Aside from the joy neutrals will have in watching one of the greatest all-time fullback’s return, we get to have a look at master coach Craig Bellamy’s preferred backline, with Cameron Munster officially shifting to five-eighth in what becomes perhaps the most potent backline in the game.
The Broncos have named Benji Marshall as 18th man and many will be hoping that the former Golden Boot winner finds his way into the final 17.
The Broncos have won the last two encounters at AAMI Park but they won’t be making it three in a row.
Tip: Storm 1-12
Bulldogs vs Warriors
The Bulldogs have been hit hard by injury with Brad Abbey and Marcelo Montoya deputising for Will Hopoate and Kerrod Holland respectively. Abbey is one to watch.
The Warriors welcome back Manu Vatuvei but will have to wait another week for Kieran Foran’s debut. Despite being listed as an away match the Warriors won’t have to leave New Zealand with this match-taking place in Dunedin.
Tip: Warriors 1-12
Titans vs Eels
Both teams suffer from injuries, the Titans have lost Jarryd Hayne and Anthony Don while the Eels have lost arguably the form player of 2017 in Corey Norman.
For all the hype and legacy, the loss of Hayne won’t hit the Titans that hard; he has been poor over the first two rounds. Norman, on the other hand, is a huge blow and while Jeff Robson provides a steady hand the task is perhaps to great for he and promising young playmaker Clinton Gutherson.
The Titans have won their past two matches at Cbus Super Stadium against the Eels.
Titans: 1-12
Knights vs Souths
The Knights were the feel-good story of Round 2, producing an excellent effort in front of a vocal home crowd to break a 336-day winless streak.
Souths also managed to right the wrongs of Week 1 and put in a strong performance against Manly, with Cody Walker the architect of the Sea Eagles’ demise.
The Knights have not defeated South Sydney since 2011 having lost their past seven against the Bunnies. But, that victory came in Newcastle.
If ever there was a week to go back-to-back this season, this is it for Newcastle.
Tip: Knights 1-12 (as an aside, this is the first time I have tipped the Knights since 2015.)
Panthers vs Roosters
The Panthers bounced back from a terrible Round 1 showing to trounce the Tigers by 32 points.
Their forward power will have sent shockwaves through the competition, while Nathan Cleary and Te Maire Martin demonstrated what they can achieve when given room to move.
The Roosters have maintained a perfect 2-0 start to the season, with Luke Keary the standout player. This week they will be missing one of their best attacking weapons in Blake Ferguson and in such an even contest that edge could well see the Panthers home.
Tip: Panthers 1-12
Cowboys vs Manly
The Cowboys relished a golden point victory over the Broncos in another classic encounter, but it wasn’t without costs.
Matt Scott will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL, and both Lachlan Coote and Antonio Winterstein will miss this match with injury.
Fortunately for league lovers, Coote’s injury means we get to see more of excitement machine Kalyn Ponga.
Conversely, there is nothing exciting about Manly, who are firming for wooden spoon honours early. Injury and suspension to the likes of Marty Taupau and Lloyd Perrett exposed their forward depth and unfortunately their $10 million man, Daly Cherry-Evans, is struggling to create without the go forward.
It will be an 0-3 start for the maroon and whites.
Tip: Cowboys 13+
Raiders vs Tigers
Both teams produced inept displays in Round 2 but the signs for the Tigers were far more concerning.
It was the same lack of concentration and application in defence as in years gone by, and once again coach Jason Taylor handled his bench appalling.
With Penrith reduced to 16 men early, Taylor left Jack Littlejohn and Jamal Idris on the bench for the entire opening 40, despite his troops obviously struggling at the 30-minute mark, with several players out on their feet. By the time fresh legs were brought on, the Panthers had raced to 18-2. That two points next to the Tigers name was another tactical blunder.
As for the Raiders, they fell apart in the second half. But with quality personnel on deck, including the return of Jarrod Crocker, and a trip back to Canberra this one should be a certain two points.
Tip: Raiders 13+
Sharks vs Dragons
It’s a local derby to close out Round 3, with the Sharks back in the winners’ circle and the Dragons unfortunately plummeting back down to earth.
Cronulla were relentless against the Raiders in the second half, with Wade Graham producing an infallible display.
There was plenty to fault about the Dragons’ performance on the other hand, once again lacking creativity.
Jai Field has been added to an extended bench as Paul McGregor looks for some spark.
Tip: Sharks 13+
Wolly
Roar Guru
As a Roosters fan I agree with you. Our defence is definitely a concern, conceding 42 points against the Titans and Bulldogs is just not on for a serious premiership contender in today's game. It seems we don't have that mature leadership within the team to steady the ship and control the game.
James Preston
Roar Guru
@Roberto - I agree with you I feel I have certainly taken some upsets here, namely Titans and Knights to get up. Same with Warriors, far from confident they will perform.
The Barry
Roar Guru
They do but those replacements don't make up for the loss of four internationals in such a short period of time. But yeah, I think they'll have Manly covered with AFB and Taupau out. Wish the dogs were playing them in the next fortnight...
Joe
Roar Rookie
No RTS for Warriors surely means that Dogs should now be favorites. They lost all direction when he was off the field against the Storm last week.
Albo
Guest
But the Cowboys have some pretty able replacement options in Hess, Fensom, Kaufusi, Hoare & Asiata, to fit in with in-form regulars Lowe, Cooper, Bolton & Granville, all under the watchful eye of JT . And its not like they meeting a powerhouse pack in opposition this week ?
Albo
Guest
Yep ! Still too early to be real confident about selections. Especially regarding the first 5 games this week. I will be taking Storm, Warriors, Eels, Souths, Panthers, Cowboys , Raiders & Sharks, but without any great expectation of grabbing a perfect round.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah, agreed. I don't think DCE was the lone ranger though. Walker started on fire and then disappeared. So did Green. I think Dan Ginnane tweeted a stat on the weekend that Green's W-L partnering Cronk was 34-13. With all other halves partners it's 1-23. It will be interesting to see how Manly deal with so many missing from the Cowboys middle third. I guess theyve got problems of their own in the middle. Scott, Taumalolo, Tamou, Hannant - gee, that's a lot of quality to lose. Surely must test the Cowboys depth.
Sam Knox
Roar Rookie
To be honest though, the panthers should have more in defence and attack than the teams the roosters have played so far as well and in both games the roosters havent turned up for 80 minutes
BlakeW
Guest
LOL yes, but let's not bring logic into it now. What I meant was against Souths, DCE went alright early, but then Manly shipped 36 points in 60 minutes. I can see something similar happening here.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Won't DCE's performance impact Manly's ability to score points more than the Cowboys?
BlakeW
Guest
James I'm with you for 7 of those but I just can't see the Eels getting done by the Bears...I mean, the Titans. Interesting to note that the Dogs v Warriors is INDOORS in Dunedin. On a dry track and with Manu back, this could get ugly for the Dogs. Cowboys could also run up a big score if DCE goes missing again.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Can't wait to see Abbey and Montoya in action. I think BMoz and Abbey will rotate through fullback / wing. A trip to NZ is always tough - especially for a home game. Bulldogs are yet to win a game but have gone toe to toe with two of the toughest teams in the comp and in trying circumstances. Should get a better read of where they're at this weekend. I think they'll be too strong for the Warriors. Storm in a tight one against the Broncos. Should be interesting, both like to control the speed of play, one team looking to speed up, the other slow it down. Parra to scrape home - Norman is a huge loss but I'm not overly impressed with the Titans so far. Souths too strong for the Knights. Roosters to edge out the Panthers in the game I'm looking forward to the most this weekend. Both teams have threats all over the park. Cowboys to put Manly to the sword in North Queensland. Raiders to bounce back well. Sharks will win but I think it will be a tight game.
souvalis
Guest
may be wrong but I'm far from convinced that the Roosters are a threat on what they've shown in both second halves thus far..they've got 2 of the clumsiest players in the comp,SKD and Tupou,playing wet weather this weekend with a rookie centre outside a 5/8 with defensive read problems...should be an interesting final 40 minutes of football..
Joe
Roar Rookie
Quite a few upsets there. I'm not sold on Warriors, Titans, Knights or Panthers. I thought Dogs did very well in their losses whereas Warriors scraped home against the Knights and struggled without RTS against Storm. Titans just too many injuries. Hayne fullback is a key position and Anthony Don has been their best outside back so far and hooker position is still an issue. Knights although they won struggled to put away a Titans side with 1 forward on the bench and who had lost their best two outside backs and had forwards out on the wing. Against a red hot Rabbits side they'll struggle. Panthers still to convince me, they folded against a enthusiastic St George and the Roosters defense and attack will be a lot better than both the teams they've faced so far.
Glenn
Guest
Maybe Des can get the vet to excise a few of the problem areas with the dogs, namely the halves and hooker. Rumours suggest Reynolds contract will not be renewed at end of the year but the ridiculous $800k asking price means Reynolds is on....what? Delusion pills. Interesting to see if Abbey can fix one of the problem areas with slow poke Hopoate injured.
Roberto
Guest
Jamesy boy, round 3 will be another unexpected toss up again. The first 5 games could easily all go the visiting teams. This round, you would be lucky to match more than your 4 from last week
kk
Roar Pro
The tom tom telegraph from Belmore tells us that Des has engaged the services of the club chaplain and a highly experienced veterinary surgeon to accompany the team to Dunedin. It is hoped they return blessed in victory and most importantly, intact.