NRL Preview - RD 25
August 27th 2008 09:10
The Eels will see if they are good for finals football when they take on the Dragons
As the Roosters tumble from a possible home final, the Melbourne Storm are now beating teams up in convincing fashion. Panthers captain Petero Civonvieva said after his side's loss that Melbourne will win this years premiership - again. Who can stop them will be the key as we approach round 25.
Sydney Roosters Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
This is it for the Roosters. They must win this game to ensure a home semi-final and maintain hope of causing a stir come September. Winning 14 from their past 16 games against the Rabbitohs will give Fittler's men confidence. What will not give them pleasure though is the fact South Sydney have won five of their past six matches at the Sydney Football stadium. Judging by the Roosters form, this will be a close contest and one the Rabbitohs will be eager to win to rub salt into the wound of a faltering rival come the finals.
Wests Tigers Vs Cronulla Sharks
The Greg Bird incident has sadly overshadowed what should have been a terrific week for the Sharks. They knocked off the Roosters in very convincing fashion and are in the position to even claim a minor premiership. They are a team playing with unison and strength. Their record against the Tigers though will give them a cold or two. They have lost the last nine matches against Tim Sheens' men and have not beaten them since 2003. Despite the Tigers form lapses, this has danger written all over it for Ricky Stuart's men.
Newcastle Knights Vs Melbourne Storm
Danny Buderus' loss to the Knights is huge. There is no denying his loss will dent Newcastle's capabilities against a Storm side who are really forming clouds over the NRL. Newcastle have had a horrible time of it against Melbourne in recent seasons, losing eight of the past ten matches including the last two at Energy Australia stadium. As much as the Storm deserve favouritism, the Knights will be eager to display the aura left by Buderus and will no doubt be cheered by a big crowd to farewell their hero. But Melbourne will not guarantee a happy ending for the Novacastrians.
Nth Qld Cowboys Vs Canberra Raiders
Look who has rode into town. The Raiders are manipulating the top eight in many ways and the public are loving it. Despite the injuries and the Todd Carney crisis, Canberra remain the surprise packets of a season where many thought they would finish last. The trips to Queensland though haven't been good ones for the Raiders in recent seasons. Canberra have lost their past five games in the sunshine state. The Cowboys put 24 points on Newcastle in the second half which shows there is now a different attitude with Thurston back in the fold. They will provide the Raiders with a few anxious moments.
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs Parramatta Eels
The most critical game of the round in terms of the makeup of the top eight. The Eels have strung three wins together for the first time this season, albeit they did do it in unconvincing fashion against the Bulldogs. The Dragons clearly look the more muscled up for the finals after they beat the New Zealand Warriors in terrific fashion with Jason Ryles having a great game. ANZ stadium holds no fears for neither side heading into this clash. The Dragons have won their past four games there while the Eels have won six from seven. The Eels must win to stay alive in season 2008.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Penrith Panthers
Two big packs will confront each other to fight for a possible finals birth. Both teams were out-played by the Dragons and Storm respectively and will be eager to make amends. The Warriors have displayed the better form in recent weeks and deserve a victory here. They have won their past four games at Mt Smart stadium and really look the goods at home. The Panthers have not beaten the Warriors since 2005 and that does not look like changing on Sunday afternoon. Frank Pritchard's eagerness to leave Penrith will not help their cause.
Canterbury Bulldogs Vs Brisbane Broncos
Despite suffering the season from hell, the Bulldogs hold the honour of producing arguably the biggest upset this season when they defeated Brisbane up in Suncorp. The only downside of it all: Sonny Bill Williams was in the side and clearly was the difference. Now, everything is against Steve Folkes' men. They have lost their past seven matches at ANZ stadium and Brisbane have won the past two between the sides there. Look for Brisbane to flex their muscles in this one. If they don't, Wayne Bennett will do likewise.
Manly Sea Eagles Vs Gold Coast Titans
You cannot blame the Titans. Who else would want to leave Queensland - the holiday spot for many tourists from all over the world. All Gold Coast players hate coming down to the windy, hollow turfs of NSW territory, particularly to Brookvale Oval where no Gold Coast team has ever won in nine attempts there. Despite the return of Scott Prince to the side, the Titans are really up against it at Manly. The Sea Eagles seem to love playing QLD sides, winning the last six matches.
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