NRL preview- Rd 8
April 30th 2008 09:52
Ben Hannant well on the way to representing QLD this season
The representative season kicks off this friday night as City play Country for the right to play for NSW this origin series. Many have different views but this game has always been an Origin trial. As for the other games, teams such as the Eels, Tigers and Warriors really have decent chances to get momentum this weekend and make 2008 count.
City Vs Country
A game that is destined to be a close affair after recent tussles have gone the distance. The focal point of this match will be to see how young guns Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce handle their representative debut. Although Matt Orford is a leading contender for the Blues half-back position according to Tim Sheens, Both these young men will be eager to impress in front of Blue's selectors to really give them food for thought. Nathan Hindmarsh makes his representative debut for Country aswell after being dropped by the Australian selectors for the centenary test. The way he responds to recent criticism will determine whether he still has what he takes to compete with the demands of representative football. All in all it should be a fascinating encounter with plenty of points, but Country look to have the defence to hold the City boys out.
Newcastle Knights Vs Gold Coast Titans
Newcastle have surprised many this year with their commitment in defence and their potent ability in attack. They really are a side that cherish its eighty minutes of football and always seem to give consistent effort. Jarrod Mullen's return from injury is big news for the Knights and their offensive will be more difficult to contain. However they come up against the competition leaders in the Titans who, i must say, are playing extremely attractive football. Scott Prince is at the peak of his powers and if he gets his way, the Gold Coast could win this by plenty. That is unlikely to happen due to the fact that Newcastle are at home and will have plenty of wind in their sails due to their astonishing victory over the Roosters two weeks ago. Expect plenty of points and a Knights victory.
Penrith Panthers Vs Parramatta Eels
A real toss of a coin job this one. Both teams on their day can play mesmorising football, but when they are off, just switch off the tele. This game looks set to have plenty of emotion and flair with the likes of Mateo and Moi Moi for Parramatta coming up against Civonicieva and Pritchard of Penrith. Both teams have big sets of forwards and a quality set of backs. The key to this game may well be down to Brett Finch who has been in good form of late. If he backs up from Friday's City- Country affair, the Eels will fancy their chances away from home. The Panthers however will be looking to build on their morale boosting win over the Sharks and really could threaten infront of their home fans. This game could go down to the wire but the Eels have the X factor in Finch.
Wests Tigers Vs Brisbane Broncos
The Tigers have been real gutsy after recent wins over the Sharks and the Rabbitohs. Benji Marshall once again re-injured his knee after appearing to make a successful comeback. His loss will be felt throughout the Tigers outfit who consistently struggle to score points without him. Compound Marshall's loss with a bruise buckling Broncos outfit hitting town and things could get real ugly for the Tigers. Brisbane are in superb form and really look the real deal in 2008. Hannant, Sims and Thaiday have been absolutely outstanding for the Broncos and look to set to have dominant seasons which will coincide with representative selection. With Darren Lockyer back in the side, Brisbane look set to role nice and smoothly. The Tigers have plenty of tries in them but in the end, the Broncos defence looks far the more secure.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Canberra Raiders
Despite their loss to the Titans on the weekend, the Warriors still managed to score twenty four points and that alone suggests they have the attacking arsenal to worry anyside in the comp. Their defence at times is deplorable but the Warriors can be a menacing machine when on song. It is ironic that when they are on song, the momentum usually starts at Mt Smart with the New Zealand outfit building an impressive record at their home ground. They are yet to lose there this season. The Raiders will offer plenty of problems to the Warriors defence with the likes of Carney and Withers eager to gain an advantage around the ruck. If Canberra are successful, they will be in with a shot of an upset but they will have to post points early on if they are a chance in this one. Despite the Raiders consistent efforts, that alone will not be enough against a Warriors outfit that play like premiership contenders when in New Zealand. The Warriors could win this by plenty.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Nth Qld Cowboys
Blacks clouds are hanging over South Sydney's head at the moment. In any given instant this team could really start to implode. Players are breaking club rules and captain Roy Asotasi has stated that his team are playing like schoolboys. These are really dark times for Jason Taylor's men and they now must find something quickly in hope of restoring their fultering premiership campaign. The Cowboys have struck some form and despite the loss to the Storm, the likes of Thurston and Bowen continue to show encouraging form that looks set to terrorise the Bunnies on Sunday afternoon. The only flickering light that can be seen in South Sydney at the moment is Issac Luke. When he plays, the Rabbitohs look a dangerous unit but that in the end will not be enough to save them from an eighth consecutive loss this season.
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