NRL preview - RD 22
August 6th 2008 08:23
Can Matt Orford produce against the Storm?
The Grand Final re-match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm highlights what is sure to be a cracking round of football. Tension for a place in the finals is starting to rise.
Manly Sea Eagles Vs Melbourne Storm
This is a game Manly have pencilled in since their capitulation to the Storm back in rd 5. Since then, the Sea Eagles have rolled forward with purpose and verve before stumbling at the hands of the Roosters two weeks ago. They still managed to beat the Panthers by 20 last Friday in what was the calm before the Storm. Melbourne are a lethal side, as evidenced in their disposal of the Titans. They get the job done with minimum fuss and show little compassion for what occurs on the scoreboard. What sets them out from the Sea Eagles is their individual talent. Inglis, Folau, Slater and Smith form the basis of a unit almost impossible to break down. If Manly can limit the effect of the above players, it will go a long way to achieving victory at fortress Brookvale.
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs Wests Tigers
A critical game for both sides. The Dragons surrendered a twelve point lead to the Cronulla Sharks, eventually losing 13-12. Their inability to shut out games when the chance is given has hurt their cause for a top four spot. The Tigers on the other hand play the full eighty minutes. If they manage to score early points, Tim Sheens' men continue on with the job at hand, as they showed against the Bulldogs. Mark Gasnier’s return for the Dragons is a tremendous boost for their chances. He is the one individual that has tormented the Tigers in recent seasons. If the Dragons are smart enough to offer the footy to Gasnier, he alone will cause the opposition grief. The Tigers though look to be building well and could sneak home with this one.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Brisbane Broncos
This should be a great game. Brisbane were clinical in their win over the Raiders and Darren Lockyer looks to be back to his best. He was brilliantly supported by NSW half Peter Wallace in dismantling a Canberra high on confidence. The Warriors should be filthy in letting two competition points slip by against the Rabbitohs. It was a great opportunity to gain entry into the top eight and gain momentum after beating the Storm a week earlier. Wade McKinnon's return however, could be the spark New Zealand need to regain the form that made them so potent last season. He indeed could be the difference in this encounter.
Cronulla Sharks Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Sharks have developed the thick skin that has enabled them to win many arm wrestles this season. They scraped home against the Dragons courtesy of a tough attitude that does not look like subsiding. The Rabbitohs caused an upset of sorts against the Warriors and will emerge confident from their efforts last week. Unfortunately, South Sydney will have to be switched on for the full eighty minutes if they are to beat the Sharks at Toyota Park. Cronulla have too much to play for to let this one slip.
Canterbury Bulldogs Vs Nth Qld Cowboys
The Bulldogs have done well in moving this clash up to QLD. Although they will not get much support, they will get a better crowd at Suncorp stadium compared to the cold temple that is ANZ stadium. This match is obviously the battle for the wooden spoon in season 2008. The Cowboys are two losses behind the Bulldogs, but they have at least shown some form of effort in the last couple of weeks. They could have easily defeated the Roosters if it were not for flashes of brilliance that wrecked their cause. The Bulldogs however capitulated meekly to the Tigers and are up for the taking for Nth Qld. If Johnathon Thurston returns from injury, the Cowboys should win well. If JT is not present, the Cowboys will still win.
Canberra Raiders Vs Penrith Panthers
An interesting tussle in the make up of the top eight. The Raiders were in superb form prior to their thrashing against the Broncos and will look to atone that defeat back in the nations capital. The Panthers must stay focused for the eighty minutes in this encounter. If they concede stupid penalties and become ill-disciplined, the Raiders will tear them apart. Frank Pritchard's return for Penrith will give the men in black a lot more sting in both attack and defence. On his day, he is on par with deceased star Sonny Bill Williams as the best ball playing forward in the competition. If the Panthers are to cause the upset, Pritchard must have a big hand in everything they do. Canberra though, have become formidable at home.
Sydney Roosters Vs Parramatta Eels
Parramatta fans have every right to be filthy at their clubs shocking capitulation to Newcastle. It really was a do or die game for the Eels and they just offered no resistance against a Knights side high on confidence. The Roosters were offered an almighty scare against the Cowboys but responded well with a brilliant second half that put their opponents to bed. On any given day, both of these sides can turn on a grand spectacle of football for fans. It is Brad Fittler's men however that seem more intent on producing it. If both teams play to their potential, this should be a thrilling contest, but the Roosters should hold their own.
Gold Coast Titans Vs Newcastle Knights
Newcastle are enjoying a grand form spurt after disposing both the Rabbitohs and the Eels in simple fashion. Their task for victory though will be made tougher playing against the Titans away from home. The Titans were outplayed by Melbourne where many expected them to lose. John Cartwright's men still have a great chance to qualify for the finals in season 2008. This will no doubt be a high scoring affair with both desperate to maintain life this year. The Knights to win.
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