NRL Preview - RD 21
July 30th 2008 10:08
Kurt Gidley will once again be Newcastle's focal point in their do or die clash against the Eels
The most controversial week in NRL history is behind us. Unfortunately, the events of the past few days have seen one of Rugby League's best drawcards depart the country in chase of more greens. If last week's news are anything to go by, expect the unexpected in a competition desperate to find its feet.
Manly Sea Eagles Vs Penrith Panthers
This game has the potential to cause Manly some strife. They were blown off the park last week against the Roosters and were dealt a reality check. The Sea Eagles though, welcome back Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart from injury. The Panthers are starting their prowl towards the finals and look dangerous opponents. The injury to Lachlan Coote however will hurt Penrith. He has been among the main focal points in the Panthers revival this season. Still, the likes of Luke Lewis, Frank Pritchard and Petero Civoncieva are playing great football for Penrith and will ensure that this contest remains close. The Sea Eagles have a terrific record at home and with the minor premiership on the line, Manly might just be more desperate.
Melbourne Storm Vs Gold Coast Titans
The Storm came back to Melbourne battered and bruised after a physical game against the Warriors last week. The short turnaround will not do them any favours against a Titans unit always content with throwing the footy around. Melbourne welcome back Billy Slater and his influence looks set to spark the Storm into action. The Gold Coast have been valiant throughout season 2008, but it just seems luck is finally deserting them. They got walloped against the Raiders and Melbourne will be keen to do the same. The Titans did beat the Roosters three weeks ago, but the Storm in Melbourne looks a totally different proposition.
Cronulla Sharks Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Should be an interesting contest with a bumper crowd at Toyota Park. A Luke Covell penalty goal was the difference in their last encounter which resulted in a crucial victory for the Sharks. The men from the shire have had to fight tooth and nail for all their wins this season but sit pretty in the top four despite losing to Brisbane last week. The return of Sharks ace Greg Bird will beef Cronulla's mongrel in defence and add some direction in attack. The Dragons were impressive in disposing the Bulldogs two days ago, but still lack the killer punch in their performances. Mark Gasnier is a huge loss in this game. His lost presence just takes the sting out of a fiery local derby. Despite the loss, the Dragons still have enough personnel to cause Cronulla problems. This will be a tight tussle and the Sharks have shown enough this year to suggest this game will go their way.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs New Zealand Warriors
The Rabbitohs play against the team they started their memorable four match winning streak. But form could not be more contrasting. South Sydney have lost their past two games against the Tigers and Newcastle while the Warriors have won four straight, including last weeks win over the Melbourne Storm. The Rabbitohs will be bolstered by the return of Isaac Luke from suspension. His form out of dummy half is always the fuel that sparks the bunnies into action. It allows the likes of Craig Wing, Chris Sandow and Roy Asotasi room to weave their magic and post points on the board. The Warriors though are playing tough. They were very soft earlier this season, but have now found a new gear in their defence and attack. Hard men Steve Price and Ruben Wiki are playing inspired football at the moment. On their day, they can form the most formidable front row partnership in the NRL. The Warriors simply have too much to play for to drop this encounter.
Nth Qld Cowboys Vs Sydney Roosters
Enforcer Luke O'Donnell returns from his long suspension to aid the Cowboys in their quest to avoid a 13th straight loss. The Cowboys have had a year they would rather forget but they have been playing with plenty of effort. The Roosters are probably the most enigmatic team in the top eight at the moment. On their day, they are on par with Melbourne as the most devastating side in the competition. They can be ruthless in defence and skilful in attack. Brad Fittler's men showed us their potential with a crushing win over Manly. The equation is simple here. If the Roosters turn up to play, they should end this contest by half time. If they turn up 'cocky' another rude awakening could be in the cards.
Wests Tigers Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
No club over the past eight seasons has endured as much strife as the Bulldogs. First, it was the salary cap, then it was the Coffs Harbour scandal, the loss of Willie Mason and now, Sonny Bill's departure. What more can a club handle? We all wish the Bulldogs well in their recovery but this is unlikely to come against the Tigers. The Bulldogs beat the Tigers in rd 3 this season with Williams and Luke Patten playing splendid games. Seventeen weeks later and the Bulldogs are fighting to stay clear of the wooden spoon, while the Tigers fight for a top eight birth. The Bulldogs are playing for pride, but the Tigers can smell blood. If Marshall and Farah click into gear, the Tigers could win this handsomely. They have to win though nonetheless.
Brisbane Broncos Vs Canberra Raiders
If there has been a success story this season, the Raiders would have to be it. They are a side that love their footy. They are a side that love to experiment and take a shot at the unexpected. They have scored the most tries in the NRL from their side of the park. Considering they have Joel Monaghan as their lone representative player speaks volumes about their achievements this season. If Todd Carney were playing this weekend, his match up with Darren Lockyer would've been a joy to watch. Brisbane won ugly against the Sharks last week and will be keen to perform against a side high on confidence. Suncorp stadium looks set to yield plenty of points. The Raiders will not die wondering and will throw everything at Brisbane's big forwards. Despite Canberra's form, the Broncos at home will be tough to beat.
Newcastle Knights Vs Parramatta Eels
A crucial clash in the makeup for the top eight. The Knights were impressive in smashing the Rabbitohs while the Eels were less than so in disposing of the Cowboys. Both teams will be desperate to win in order to keep their finals hopes alive. A loss to either side could signal the end of season 2008. There will no doubt be a large crowd at Energy Australia stadium to cheer Newcastle's campaign for a finals birth. The Eels though, won ugly last week and could be prepared to turn on the afterburners in a game many expect will be close. The Knights will have plenty of effort but the Eels have plenty of game breakers to open this contest right up.
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