NRL Preview - Rd 12
May 28th 2008 10:22
Braith Anasta's clash with Benji Marshall looks set to be a beauty on Monday night
As we approach the halfway mark on what has been tough and gruelling season, expect some teams to approach these next few rounds with a finals like intensity as they fight their way into the eight or top four.
Brisbane Broncos Vs Parramatta Eels
On paper this game looks set for something special as both teams try to recapture some form after last start losses. The Broncos, despite losing their last two matches, have clearly outshown Parramatta in form this season and will be eager to take advantage playing infront of a vocal crowd at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. The Eels have to click into gear now after a very lucklustre start to 2008. Krisnan Inu's return from a lengthy ankle injury looks set to give Parramatta the flair in attack it has lacked for the best part of 4 weeks. The Broncos look to have the inside running with Peter Wallace high on confidence and the likes of Hannant and Thaiday producing career best form. The Broncos will start strong favourites but the Eels look set to perform.
Canberra Raiders Vs Manly Sea Eagles
If every NRL game was played in the nations capital, there is no doubt that the Raiders would be in contention for a top four finish. They play the game with speed and skill at home and look set to give Manly a stern test. The Sea Eagles were solid in their loss to the Dragons but not many expected them to lose at Brookvale last friday. Their attack has mulfunctioned at times this season, and against good opponents, Manly will suffer. In saying that, expect plenty of points in this encounter with the likes of Brett Stewart and Matt Orford to play a leading hand in a tight Manly victory.
Melbourne Storm Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
The Storm were tested last week against the bunnies but once again come up trumps. They really are the benchmark team in the competition as far as true grit and determination goes. Almost nine players backed up from Origin for the Storm ,yet they continue to produce solid performances. The Bulldogs were terrific against the Sharks last Monday but the short turnaround will not do them any favours against a side that rarely offer mistakes to opposition. The Bulldogs will have to be disciplined and error free on Saturday night if they are a chance against the reigning premiers. The Storm look to have too much strike power for the doggies in this contest.
Newcastle Knights Vs New Zealand Warriors
The Knights have displayed terrific effort at home this season and look set to continue that trend against the Warriors. The week off will have done Newcastle the world of good as they look to get the likes of Gidley and Cross back as soon as possible. The Warriors were dreadful against a red hot Roosters outfit that did not show mercy in attack or defence. The only good news out of that game was the return of inspirational forward Steve Price, who played well in his comeback from injury. Although the Knights look the smart pick, Michael Witt's return for the Warriors is massive to say the least, and he will provide his side with much more depth and structure in attack. His goakicking prowess will also be welcomed back by the New Zealand faithful. Witt's battle with Jarrod Mullen looks set to be the deciding factor in this one.
Nth Qld Cowboys Vs Penrith Panthers
The Cowboys have been dreadful this season and really look a tired team at the moment. Stars such as Johnathon Thurston and Matt Bowen are having very little input in a side that was expected to make the top four in 2008. Penrith have showcased promising form in the past few weeks and look set to give the Cowboys a run for their money if Matthew Elliott's men are on song. Luke Lewis's resigning at Penrith for the next four years will give the club a massive boost in confidence heading to Townsville, and will fancy their chances away from home. This game looks to have tries written all over it, so this contest is set to be decided on defence. Penrith look the more solid side defending their tryline and that should grant them the two points on form anyway.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Two clubs enriched in history go head to head but the Dragons look to have it all over their rivals in this encounter. The Dragons have been in terrific form of late and will revel at a great chance to get their season well and truly back on track. Souths on the other hand have suffered the week from hell with Peter Holmes a Court sacked and Luke Lewis turning his back on Souths to stay at Penrith. In all reality, the Rabbitohs season is over and will be playing for pride against a Dragons side that contains the two best attacking and defensive centres in the game. If Gasnier and Cooper are on song, Expect the Dragons to win by 18 .
Cronulla Sharks Vs Gold Coast Titans
The Sharks were awful against the Bulldogs on Monday night. If they were playing the Storm, they would have lost that by thirty but the Dogs aren't as lethal in attack as their counterparts. Ricky Stuart was a very annoyed coach at fulltime and stressed his side's performance as "disgraceful". That spray alone should have the Sharks primed for an assault against joint competition leaders the Gold Coast Titans. The Titans were solid away from home against the Tigers, but their record away from Skilled Park leaves lot to be desired. They have only won 3 out of 16 clashes when travelling and that leaves them vulnerable against a Sharks side that likes to get down and dirty for the full eighty. The Titans won the earlier clash against the sides 18-4 this year, but expect a similiar scoreline in favour of the Sharks.
Sydney Roosters Vs Wests Tigers
These two teams have always put on a show when they confront each other. It was only late last year when Braith Anasta set up the try for Joel Monaghan to seal a golden point victory for the Chooks against the Tigers. Although the Tigers have looked solid in recent victories over Newcastle and the Titans, their opponents have been dazzlying to say the least, with Braith Anasta and Mitchell Pearce arguably possessing the deadliest kicking game in the competition. The Roosters lead the competition with most tries scored from kicks and the Tigers will have to be weary. The Roosters on the other hand must contain Marshall and Farah if they are any chance of running out victors in this clash. Both are lethal exponents around the middle of the field and will look to get an edge around the ruck area. In saying that, the Roosters forwards have been outstanding this season and look the most dominant pack in the the NRL. If the likes of Mason, O'Meley, Myles, Fitzgibbon and Tupou get their way early on, the chooks will have it takes to post a big score.
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