NRL Preview - RD 20
July 24th 2008 08:33
Ruben Wiki and his Warriors will be primed for battle against Melbourne
Off the field, the game is in strife with the Todd Carney incident heading the list. On field action is aplenty with many teams starting to realise their best form in times of desperation. The race to the finals is generating alot of heat now.
Brisbane Broncos Vs Cronulla Sharks
Should be an enthralling contest between two well drilled sides. Ricky Stuart up against Wayne Bennett is always something to saviour. Brisbane were terrific in the first half against the Cowboys but fell away to almost let Nth Qld back in the contest. Bennett was displeased with his sides performance. The Sharks won, albeit, in ugly fashion against the Knights and will need to score alot more points to keep Brisbane at bay. Greg Bird's return for the Sharks is a massive lift for all Cronulla supporters. His wide running off the fringe of the ruck will cause Brisbane problems. The inclusion of Justin Hodges for the Broncos is equally as important. The Broncos to get the points in a high scoring encounter.
Parramatta Eels Vs Nth Qld Cowboys
The two biggest disappointments of season 2008 square off at Parramatta stadium. The Eels have been awful of late and lack structure and belief. Brett Finch is the only one that can stand tall in a side that has failed to perform on a constant basis. The Cowboys were gallant in defeat against the Broncos. They trailed by 26 points early in the second half but regained composure and mounted a terrific fightback much to Wayne Bennett's displeasure. Nth Qld's record in Sydney is awful. They have only won once in rugby league heartland and that looks set to continue. If the Eels lose this, their season is over and many at the club will be hoping to stay put at years end.
Canberra Raiders Vs Gold Coast Titans
There should be plenty of points on offer in this encounter. The Raiders have been terrific of late. They are eyeing the most unlikely of finals births and deserve to be where they are now. The loss of Todd Carney though is huge. He is the best open field kicker in the NRL judging by his exceptional rate of notching up a forty-twenty or two each game. The Titans were gallant in their loss to the Panthers. In saying that, it was an opportunity lost after beating the Roosters a week earlier. The trip to Canberra will not do them any favours. Canberra would have won this with Carney in the side but things look alot more even now. The contest should be close but the Raiders should scrape through.
Penrith Panthers Vs Wests Tigers
This is a big match in terms of the makeup of the final eight. The Panthers currently occupy the last spot in the finals race while the Tigers are just one point below. The desperation in this match should be evident from the opening whistle. Penrith were very exceptional in downing the Gold Coast. Civoncieva and Lewis are playing terrific football and their confidence will rub off on the rest of the side. The Tigers let the football do the talking against the hapless Rabbitohs and disposed them accordingly. The rise in form of Benji Marshall and hooker Robbie Farah promises to spark the Tigers in to action. The Panthers beat the Tigers convincingly at Campbelltown earlier this year but this contest will go the full eighty. The Panthers are my favourites.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Melbourne Storm
Round 20 has some very tasty match-ups. This clash is no different. Melbourne are a clinical side that will destroy any opponent below par. The Storm seem to have no apparent weaknesses at the moment. They come up against a Warriors side on a three match winning streak. Infront of a big New Zealand crowd, the Warriors will be primed for this tussle. A spot in the finals looms large for the Warriors and will be hellbent on putting a show against the reigning premiers. The loss of Billy Slater will hurt Melbourne. He has been their best player but if you can put a guy like Greg Inglis back as fullback, you know why Melbourne are favourites to take this years title. I like the Warriors chances in this clash.
Newcastle Knights Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
A critical game for Newcastle, who were gallant in defeat against the Sharks last week. Kurt Gidley is holding this team together and with it their finals hopes. If he gets injured, their season is over. The Rabbitohs were chewed up and spat out against the Tigers and a finals place does not look bright. In simple terms, they must beat the Knights to maintain the small flame of chance that is left. Newcastle must do likewise to ensure their presence in the finals. Its a recipe for a very close encounter, and one i think the Knights should win.
Sydney Roosters Vs Manly Sea Eagles
These two do not like each other. The Roosters have experienced some of the darkest days on the back of a Manly flogging. The Sea Eagles are playing inspired football and are a team full of belief and determination. Less can be said of the Roosters at the moment. They have choked in games they should have won but now find themselves in a sticky situation. A loss will certaintly rule out a second chance in the finals if they manage to hold on. Manly will be primed for a big performance, especially with Matt Orford back in the squad. For the Roosters to win this, they need a big home crowd and the mongrel that has made their pack successful this season. If those components are in check, The Roosters have what it takes to cause the upset.
St George Ilawarra Dragons Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
A do or die game for the Dragons. If they are serious about challenging for the title in 2008, they should beat the Bulldogs and do it well. The Bulldogs though have a tremendous record against the Dragons and will be primed to finish their year off in style. Sonny Bill Williams is playing well enough to keep this contest tight. He indeed could cause the upset in a game the Dragons should dominate. If Nathan Brown's men post early points, this could turn out to be a long night for the Doggies.
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