NRL Preview - Rd 13
June 4th 2008 08:46
Wendell Sailor makes his return to sport after a two year absence
The half way mark of the NRL season is upon us and teams such as the Cowboys, Bulldogs and Eels really need to start performing from here on in if they are to realise their premiership aspirations in 2008.
St George Illawarra Vs Brisbane Broncos
The Dragons are displaying the right form that should have fans finally excited for a charge in season 2008. They have been prepared to play the power game in attack and defence, and it has served them well so far. Brisbane were lucky in many ways to win the way they did, courtesy of Lockyer's brilliance. The Eels were finishing the stronger in that contest and were left with nothing due to the QLD legend's great ability to steal victory. His absence, compounded by the loss of other stars should see the Dragons win this comfortably. Big Wendell Sailor should get the first try.
New Zealand Warriors Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
What a dreadful year for the Bunnies. Everything looked so optimistic at the beginning of 2008, yet their season has spiraled out of control. They will not make the finals this season and face the very real possibility of finishing last after earlier predictions of a top four finish. Despite the Warriors missing the likes of Steve Price, Brent Tate and Manu Vatuvei, they still should be able to garner enough confidence to snatch a win. If Michael Witt returns from injury, the Warriors could rack up a score at home.
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights
The Bulldogs were in no positon to challenge the Storm last week and will be eager to make amends against a weakened Knights outfit. Newcastle will be without the likes of Ben Cross, Steve Simpson, Danny Buderus and Kurt Gidley. That loss of personel alone should grant the Bulldogs the two points on saturday afternoon. The Knights won't die fighting however and will be keen for an upset. Knights five-eighth Jarrod Mullen must fire if Newcastle are a chance of causing an upset. Stick with the Dogs at home.
Parramatta Eels Vs Canberra Raiders
The Eels produced their best performance of the season in their loss to the Broncos and should be primed for a huge attacking assault on a Raiders side that is dreadful away from home. The Raiders will be missing their most potent weapon out wide in Joel Monaghan and will be severely weakened. If the Eels are anywhere near their best, they should have too much fire power for a Canberra outfit coming off a disappointing loss to the Sea Eagles at home. The Eels should win in a canter.
Wests Tigers Vs Nth Qld Cowboys
If there ever was a game where you could bet your mortgage on an NRL match, this is it. The Cowboys have been dreadful and will be missing Johnathon Thurston. Enough said. The Tigers played gutsy in horrible conditions against the Roosters and really should put the cleaners through their 2005 grand final opponents. Both Tiger aces Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah are showing enough form to warrant a big win for the Tigers this saturday night. If conditions dry later in the week, the Tigers will wrap a convincing victory.
Penrith Panthers Vs Cronulla Sharks
The Panthers have been terrific in recent weeks and are sitting pretty in the top eight. Their form should transform CUA stadium into a fortress come Sunday afternoon when they take on the Sharks. Although bruise brothers Greg Bird and Paul Gallen will be absent for the Sharks, expect a tight contest nonetheless. Brett Kimmorley has been solid in recent weeks and looks to be the main man in deciding this contest. The Panthers should start favourites but the Sharks will give them a test.
Manly Sea Eagles Vs Sydney Roosters
The Roosters will go back to the scene of one of the clubs most disasterous moments in history. A 56-0 thrashing was bestowed upon them by a Manly outfit that went on to make the grand final. The Roosters went on a soul searching mission and they found it in legend Brad Fittler. Since his appointment as head coach, Fittler has steered the Roosters to the top of the table for the first time since 2004. They will be primed for a huge performance against the team that sunk them so low near the climax of 2007. The Sea Eagles will be cautious however and themselves will be primed after a shock loss to the Dragons at home last time round. Manly will start favourites but the Roosters will be ready to perform. The Matt Orford v Braith Anasta duel should be a cracker.
Gold Coast Titans Vs Melbourne Storm
The Titans are back at home after a road trip that saw two consecutive losses. The Storm were ruthless against the Bulldogs, but like them, they will be without many stars for this clash. The Titans should go back to their winning ways, especially with Scott Prince back in his favoured turf. The Storm will not bow easily, but their lack of depth in attack for this clash should see the Titans home in a high scoring encounter. If the Titans are fairdinkum of making the finals, they should win with little hinderance.
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