NRL Preview - RD 17
July 2nd 2008 06:06
The Dragons will head to Newcastle full of confidence
The finals runs has begun, Once Origin 3 is over, star players will return for their respective clubs to mount a serious challenge for the right to play in this years grand final. Some exciting football awaits us.
Gold Coast Titans Vs Manly Sea Eagles
Should be a cracker. The Titans were gallant in their defeat to the in-form Dragons. They were missing Scott Prince, Ashley Harrison and Anthony Laffranchi to Origin duty plus Luke Bailey was injured. The Sea Eagles have been blessed with limited player commitments to Origin and are well placed to challenge for a minor premiership. The Titans need to win this infront of what will be a big crowd in order to secure a finals birth. In a high scoring affair, the battle between Prince and Orford should be a cracker. Titans at home.
Newcastle Knights Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Another key game in determining which teams make the cut for the playoffs. The Knights are stuck with numerous other teams on 16 points. They were solid in their loss to the Sea Eagles and never gave up. The return of Danny Buderus, Ben Cross and Kurt Gidley from Origin will see Newcastle at full strength against a Dragons side looking to win seven on the trot. Their winning streak is the best so far in the NRL this season and Nathan Brown's men are high on confidence. This game could come down to brilliance from the likes of Gidley, Soward or Mullen. With the home crowd at their side, the Knights should win.
Parramatta Eels Vs Penrith Panthers
This local derby has always thrown up some fire. The Eels beat the the men from the mountain earlier this year albeit in controversial fashion. The Panthers are coming off a draw against the baby Broncos. A game they really should have won. Nonetheless, their clash against the Eels will be close. Parramatta did nothing to silence their doubters after a lucklustre win against a depleted Melbourne Storm. They really are a jekyl and hyde side. On recent form, one has to favour the Eels but Penrith will be desperate.
Melbourne Storm Vs Canberra Raiders
Rep season is over. The Storm will start to march at full strength and the Raiders look to be the first team to get stomped. Melbourne have only lost one game at Olympic park this season and that was back in rd 2. The Raiders have a shocking record against the Storm and that looks set to continue. The loss of Alan Tongue for the Raiders is a huge blow to any chance they had in this game. The Raiders would do well to keep this close.
Canterbury Bulldogs Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Two teams that are experiencing the low of lows in season 2008. The Bulldogs in particular have nothing left in a tank that has lacked both grunt and skill. Although injuries have not helped their cause, the Bulldogs performances in recent weeks have not been up to NRL standard. The Rabbitohs on the other hand are building. It maybe late in the season but their charge for an unlikely finals birth has begun. The return of Craig Wing was a tremendous boost for their side against the Cowboys. The Rabbits really should account for the Bulldogs if they are serious about their playoff chances for 2008.
| 69 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
