NRL Preview - RD 18
July 9th 2008 08:38
Can Craig Wing steer Souths to five consecutive wins?
Things are starting to get serious. Teams will now fight for a minor premiership while others fight for the right to play them in the finals. Others are trying to build for next season and others are trying to avoid the wooden spoon. The NRL is about to experience thrilling football from now till late September.
Sydney Roosters Vs Gold Coast Titans
The Roosters have been a revelation this season under Freddy Fittler. This time last year, they were a rabble and could only fight for redemption. Now they can fight for their first premiership since 2002. The Titans have fallen away after starting the season so well. The loss of Luke Bailey and Scott Prince for the year is a massive blow. The Gold Coast will play with spirit, but the lack of quality around the halves will severely dent their chances against the chooks. The Roosters should win this well.
Penrith Panthers Vs Newcastle Knights
A great display by the Panthers last week has been overshadowed by the racisim row Petero Civoncieva experienced. I hope the big man plays on Friday night. He will be primed for a huge performance after doing so well against the Eels. The Knights will keep this a close contest but the loss of Danny Buderus is huge. With him, Newcastle would be favourites but the Panthers should have enough points in them to take care of this encounter.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Nth Qld Cowboys
Both have had disappointing seasons but the Warriors would have the more confidence after they beat the Tigers two weeks ago at Leichardt. The Cowboys are berefit of confidence. They led by 22 points against the Rabbitohs and choked. Their season is over but their chances in this game hinge on Johnathon Thurston. After guiding QLD to a series win, Thurston can now lead the Cowboys on a mission of redemption. The Warriors though will give him a hard time, especially with Steve Price and Brent Tate high on confidence.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Parramatta Eels
The way this season has panned out, expect a close encounter between these two. South Sydney have won four on the trot but have struggled against injury riddled opposition. The Eels are at full strength and really need to get a roll on to ensure their presence in the finals. On paper, the Eels look shoe ins but the Rabbitiohs know this game ain't played on paper. Do the Eels know that? If the Eels do not win this, Michael Hagan is officially running a club full of personal issues.
Cronulla Sharks Vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
A contest that will ensure both quality and skill. This is the match of the round and both teams are flying high on top of the premiership. The Sharks have won five in a row and the Sea Eagles have won nine of their past ten. Both are great defensive units and both love grinding away victories. The match-up between in form halves Brett Kimmorley and Matt Orford will be something to saviour. The Sharks have looked the goods at home and with a big crowd behind them, Cronulla should sneek to victory.
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs Canberra Raiders
The Dragons have won seven on the trot and are looking like a team unified in both confidence and believe. Where did this all come from? They were awful earlier this season but have changed things round tremendously well. The Raiders have fallen off the wheel in recent weeks but their efforts in games remain strong. Injuries have kept shattering a young team desperate for results. Their only representative player is Joel Monaghan which says alot about the teams inability to hold on to talent. The salary cap can be cruel. The Dragons should win eight straight on Sunday afternoon and keep their top four hopes alive.
Brisbane Broncos Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Belmore already has its eyes for next year. The Bulldogs will play out season 2008 but that is all. They should have shut out the Rabbitohs last Monday but failed. Confidence has become bare. The Broncos will start to build with the return of Darren Lockyer. His presence alone should ensure a big Broncos victory for Wayne Bennett's men. Sonny Bill Williams will be the only reason the Broncos will pay the ultimate respect to their opponents at Suncorp. Brisbane by 20.
Wests Tigers Vs Melbourne Storm
This could be very interesting. The Tigers have a good record against the reigning premiers at home and will cause Melbourne some grief. This game also signifies Tigers fullback Brett Hodgson's last match at Campbelltown stadium. That moment alone will ensure Tim Sheens men are switched on for this encounter against a side capable of tearing their young pack apart. The Storm are no certainties here but will go in as favourites. For some reason or another, i sense an upset. The Tigers to win.
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