NRL Preview - RD 19
July 16th 2008 10:32
United for the cause - Manly are playing inspired football at the moment
If last week was anything to go by, the remaining matches should ensure the closet finish to a season on record. All teams have shown their capabilities to string upsets and maintain hopes of a finals birth. Only Manly and Melbourne look the real goods at the moment.
Manly Sea Eagles Vs Parramatta Eels
If the NRL based its overall points for effort and determination, the Eagles would finish minor premiers and the Eels would finish with the spoon. The gap in player class is small between these two but the overall mentality Manly possess at the moment should get them home here. Feleti Mateo's loss in this game is huge for Parramatta. Without him, their attack suffers immeasurably. His absence though should finally force others to stand up and take notice in a do or die game. The Sea Eagles deserve favourtisim at Brookvale and should wrap this up after beating the Sharks in what was the warning of the season to opposing teams.
Nth Qld Cowboys Vs Brisbane Broncos
Simple formula here - no Thurston, no Cowboys, no hope. Brisbane will be desperate to atone for such a dissapointing loss to the Bulldogs last Sunday. Lockyer will no doubt be the focal point of a Broncos side desperately in need for victory to keep top four hopes alive. The Cowboys got walloped by Brisbane earlier this season and, although it won't be by the same margin, the Broncos should get home.
Gold Coast Titans Vs Penrith Panthers
The Titans are the most courageous side in the comp alongside Newcastle. They should have never beaten the Roosters last friday night but their belief is second to none. Coach John Cartwright has transformed his men to a bunch of Warriors capable of causing pain to any who underestimate them. It is no doubt if Prince was not injured, the Titans would be in the running for top four honours. The Panthers are badly inconsistent and let a golden opportunity slip when they lost to Newcastle at home. Their heads have to be in the right place for this encounter. Judging by last weeks effort, the Titans are my logical choice for victory.
Canterbury Bulldogs Vs New Zealand Warriors
After the upset of the round last week, the Bulldogs will come in full of confidence, not to mention with Sonny Bill Williams in inspired form. They really let the football do the talking against Brisbane and we should expect a similiar showing here by the Bulldogs. The Warriors have won two in a row and always perform well with Steve Price and Ruben Wiki on a high. The match will be close but it seems the Warriors have alot more to play for than their australian counterparts. The Warriors look the goods here, albeit in a very close encounter.
Cronulla Sharks Vs Newcastle Knights
The Sharks were out played by a Manly side oozing premiership material. At home, the Sharks crumbled in what should have been the game of the season. In the end, Cronulla are left to lick their wounds and must refocus their energy on the Knights. Newcastle were courageous in their win over Penrith and Kurt Gidley has proven to be one of the game's elite players over the past month. If he gets his way early, the Knights are a chance. The Sharks though really have too much going for them to screw this match up.
Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters
The Raiders produced their best performance of the season in downing the Dragons at Wollongong. Their youthful exuberance serves them well and will cause the Roosters a fair share of worry come Sunday afternoon. The Roosters were out enthused by a Titans outfit that wanted it more. Brad Fittler's men really need to take a good long look at themselves to see where they stand in the competition. The chooks must up the tempo to be considered a true premiership force with the likes of Manly and Melbourne. If their heads are straight, the Roosters should win but the Raiders will ensure a contest at home. Do not right the Canberra outfit off by any means.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Wests Tigers
Two classic rivals going head to head. This will be tense due South Sydney's golden run and the Tigers desperate need for victory to keep their top eight hopes alive. The emergence of gun half Chris Sandow has led an attacking revival from the Rabbits this season. The return of Craig Wing has also boosted confidence around the red and green. The Tigers were gallant in their loss to the Storm and will cause their fair share of grief. Benji Marshall is slowly finding his feet after injury and is looking more like the player that steered the Tigers to that memorable premiership in 2005. Overall, South Sydney will go in favourites but this contest looks set to go all the way.
Melbourne Storm Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
As much as the Dragons have improved this season, their loss to the Raiders was both unexpected and unacceptable. They let a golden two premiership points slip by their grasp and will be hard pressed to find any gold in the graveyard that is Olympic Park. Melbourne are starting to roll now and look set to wreck havoc in front of their fans. The Storm have the most potent backline in the comp and really should claim victory against an outfit that does not like playing against them.
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