NRL Preview - Rd 16
June 25th 2008 09:01
Jamie Lyon's Sea Eagles should continue their winning form against a depleted Newcastle
As the representative season comes to a close, teams such as the Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles and Bulldogs must take advantage in order to meet their respective goals this season. The run to the finals has began.
Penrith Panthers Vs Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos were gutsy as per usual in beating the Wests Tigers. Even if a thousand players are out of their side, Wayne Bennett's men consistently put in the required effort to seize victory in the most unlikely circumstances. The Panthers were gallant in defeat against the Dragons but are now on a 3 match losing streak. Without Civoncieva, Luke Lewis has to take charge for the Panthers to ensure his side stays in the race for the finals. Penrith should win but it will not be fancy.
Sydney Roosters Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Its frightning to think what the score could've been if this game was played in two weeks time. The Bulldogs are a rable at the moment and really lack confidence. Their fourty point loss to the Raiders last week was not of NRL standard. The return of Sonny Bill Williams should give the Dogs enough spark to win this game. The Roosters are missing six players to Origin, including halves pairing Anasta and Pearce. It would be quite the effort if the Roosters won this one.
Gold Coast Titans Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons were lucky to beat the Panthers last week. They won nonetheless and are now riding high after a five match winning streak. Despite playing away from home, the Dragons should extent their winning form by beating the Titans minus Scott Prince, Ashley Harrison and Anthony laffranchi to Origin, not to mention Luke Bailey to injury. The Titans had a supreme opportunity to gain two competition points against Souths but they failed away from home again. The Dragons should account for the Titans in a close affair.
Manly Sea Eagles Vs Newcastle Knights
The Sea Eagles are looking strong at the right time of the season. They lead the comp due to their consistent effort that keeps most teams at bay. Newcastle fell just short of the Roosters in a tight contest, but without Buderus, Gidley and Cross, the Sea Eagles could post a score here. Expect a winning margin of 18 for Manly.
Nth Qld Cowboys Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Craig Wing is back. The Rabbitohs start favourites and they've won two on the trot. Are things turning around for the red and green? If you're playing a side without Johnathon Thurston and Matt Bowen, South Sydney should fancy their chances. With Wing at the helm, the Rabbitohs could win this fairly comfortably and revive the faintest of hopes for a finals birth. The Cowboys are suffering a season of sorrow. Pride is the only thing worth playing for now. Maybe 2009.
Wests Tigers Vs New Zealand Warriors
Back at home, the Tigers have a great opportunity to gain two points. They play a Warriors side missing Steve Price and Brent Tate to Origin and their record away from home is dreadful. The Warriors concede an average 40 points a game away from home. If that's the case, the Tigers could rack up 50. The key men for the Warriors are Michael Witt and Manu Vatuvei. If those two fire, the New Zealanders are a chance if anything. The Tigers should still win this.
Parramatta Eels Vs Melbourne Storm
Oh what could have been. Imagine these two teams at full strength? It would have been the most enterprising game of the season. The two most flamboyant backlines going head to head. Unfortunetly though, the Eels will rack up a score. The Storm have no one in particular to wrestle a game that looks likely to get away from them very early. If the Eels are fair- dinkum, they should win this well. Oh what could have been. The Storm will fire when the rep season is at a climax. Maybe September.
Canberra Raiders Vs Cronulla Sharks
A very interesting encounter to say the least. Both teams are in great form. The Sharks are solid and are proving to be very difficult to break down. Their pack is winning at the play the ball and Kimmorley is leading well. The loss of Bird and Gallen will hurt them though. The Raiders are coming into this game with their best form since Neil Henry took over. The Raiders with Todd Carney are going places, so expect a big Canberra crowd to cheer them on. This game should have plenty of points and could go right down to the wire. At home, the Raiders look the goods.
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