NRL preview - Rd 24
August 20th 2008 10:27
Lacking the fear factor - the Sharks will have to display more bite against the Roosters
Cronulla Sharks Vs Sydney Roosters
One feels whoever wins this will secure a home semi-final and stay in the running for a top two finish. The Sharks were out muscled in an error-riddled game against the Warriors while the Roosters were humbled against the Melbourne Storm. The return of Nate Myles, Craig Fitzgibbon and Setamata Sa will give the Roosters the grunt upfront that was lacking in spades against Melbourne last week. Cronulla have been terrific at home this season but their inability to rack on the points against top sides remains their Achilles heel. The Roosters have a terrific record against Cronulla winning eight of their past ten matches.
Brisbane Broncos Vs Gold Coast Titans
Three weeks ago, this match had a Broncos victory written all over it. Brisbane had just disposed of the Raiders and looked in tune for a top four birth. Since then, they have lost to the Warriors and Dragons in consecutive weeks and face a Titans side containing messiah Scott Prince. This game has the potential to be a high scoring affair resembling the early season tussle in which the Gold Coast won. A Darren Lockyer field goal was all that separated these two sides the last time they met at Suncorp stadium. It will be close again.
Wests Tigers Vs Manly Sea Eagles
Parramatta Eels Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
If you could bet your mortgage on something, this match would be it. The Eels have been impressive in wins over the Roosters and Tigers and should build their points differential with a big victory over the Bulldogs. Canterbury have had their eyes on next season ever since Sonny Bill boarded that flight to France. There is nothing doing for the proud club and are once again up for the taking. The Eels have won six from seven at ANZ stadium, whilst they have also defeated the Bulldogs in their past three games - including rd 1 this year when the Bulldogs surrendered a 20 point lead to eventually lose. Parramatta will win no doubt.
Newcastle Knights Vs Nth Qld Cowboys
This is it for Newcastle. Their 2008 aspirations hang on the line against a Cowboys outfit welcoming the return of superstar Johnathon Thurston. Despite them running last, the Cowboys look a different unit with Thurston on board and will cause the Knights problems. Nth Qld have a good record at Energy Australia stadium, winning three of the past four matches there. Newcastle’s recent form makes them favourites here but tread carefully in this one. If the Cowboys score first, this should go the full eighty. The Knights though should sneak home.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Canberra Raiders
After such a terrific victory over the Newcastle Knights, this game represents itself as a danger match for the Raiders. Their record away from home is not too flash and it is less than so against South Sydney. The Rabbitohs are coming off a high, defeating the Manly Sea Eagles who are vying for a minor premiership. The Raiders do not have a good record against the bunnies losing six of their past eight clashes. However the Green machine have won seven from ten at ANZ stadium. If we mix in the Raiders scintillating form and the Rabbitohs knack for causing an upset or two, this clash augers well for a high scoring contest.
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs New Zealand Warriors
It seems every game this round is a toss of a coin proposition. Once again, we have two teams displaying good form at the right time of the season. The Dragons were great in defeating the Broncos away from home while the Warriors beat the Sharks to keep their season alive. The Warriors will have to make history if they are to beat the Dragons on Sunday. The New Zealand side has never won at WIN stadium, losing all five matches there. The Dragons have won four of the past five clashes against the Warriors. Despite history leaning against Ivan Cleary’s men, the Warriors are in good enough form to sneak away with the two points. The Dragons though look the more likely to win this in a canter.
Penrith Panthers Vs Melbourne Storm
Melbourne are looking ominous at the right time of the season. They are aiming for their third successive minor premiership and only have Ryan Hoffman as their major injury casualty. The Panthers are going to have their work cut out against the reigning premiers if they become ill-disciplined in defence and attack. Despite the Storm’s favouritism for this clash, the Panthers do have a good record at CUA stadium against Melbourne, having won four of the past six games played at the foot of the mountains. However, the Storm have won their past three matches against the Panthers. The Penrith forwards led by Petero Civonvieva and Frank Pritchard hold the key to Panther hopes. If they can lay the platform up front against the star studded Melbourne pack, Luke Lewis and co. should provide enough doubt in Melbourne to ensure a close contest.
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