NRL preview - round 3
March 25th 2009 08:05
Reigning premiers the Manly Sea Eagles are rooted to the bottom of the ladder following last week's dramatic loss to the Warriors. As they come to terms with the pressure of defending a title, teams such as the Broncos and the Bulldogs are looking strong heading into round 3.
Wests Tigers Vs Sydney Roosters
The Tigers were blown off the park last week by a rampant Cowboys outfit that seemed to find their attacking mojo. Conceding 40 points in a game of football is indeed a big worry for Tigers coach Tim Sheens, considering his side come up against a resurgent Roosters team who defeated the Raiders in Canberra. The Roosters defended like men possessed against Canberra and took their opportunities in attack to register a 28-4 victory. The short turnaround however will make it difficult for the Roosters to hold out a Tigers side who pride themselves on their attack. A high scoring contest should await fans in this one.
Cold Coast Titans Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
The Titans once again displayed the wobbles away from home, going down in a lacklustre game to the Dragons in Wollongong last week. At home however, the Titans are a completely different unit and are bound to give the Bulldogs some immense problems in defence, considering Canterbury struggled severely against the lowly Panthers. The Bulldogs however will be up for this game and will be eager to erase the off field controversy surrounding their docked competition points. The battle between halves Scott Prince and Brett Kimmorley should decide which team comes away with the cash.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Brisbane Broncos
Two teams who are displaying terrific form should ensure this as the game of the round. There is a confidence about the Warriors that has not been unearthed before, and it showed in their come from behind victory over the Sea Eagles. New Zealand finally have the right mix in attack and defence to challenge for a premiership. The Broncos are showing that life after Wayne Bennett is indeed full of roses, beating the Melbourne Storm last week in what was a huge confidence booster for the new brigade at the club. The Warriors however have the potential to send Brisbane crashing back to earth.
Parramatta Eels Vs Canberra Raiders
Canberra are never a team that should be underestimated under any circumstances. They did however disappoint against the Roosters, conceding 28 points in a game many thought the Raiders would win. They will be underdogs again against an Eels side who were tremendous in defence against the Rabbitohs. If Parramatta repeat that effort, they should win comfortably in front of their home fans. Consistency however remains their Achilles heel.
Nth Qld Cowboys Vs Melbourne Storm
This should be a terrific game of football between two sides blessed with speed and flair all over the park. The Cowboys rediscovered their attacking spark against the Tigers, posting 40 points in what should be a huge confidence booster for key men Matt Bowen and Johnathon Thurston. The Storm were somewhat unlucky in their loss to Brisbane, but have shown they are still a formidable outfit on their day. The Cowboys will need their forwards to step up considerably against a Melbourne pack that is among the fittest in the competition. Cameron Smith and Billy Slater will tear Nth Qld apart if they are allowed room to move. Possession will be the name of the game in what appears to be a toss of a coin proposition.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Newcastle Knights
Newcastle recorded one of their finest victories against the Sharks on Monday night, playing with only one man on the bench en route to a 24-12 win against Cronulla away from home. Although that performance will reap dividends for the club down the track, it is hard to see the Knights backing that effort up against the Rabbitohs. South Sydney were bullied in defence against the Eels last week and will be hell bent on providing a weakened Newcastle unit with a lesson or two.
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs Cronulla Sharks
Wayne Bennett has installed the Dragons with character and belief that should serve them well against rivals the Sharks. Although not brilliant in attack as yet, the Dragons disposed of the Titans last week thanks mainly to their defence. The Sharks are yet to find the attacking edge in their game that will land them their maiden premiership. They struggled severely against a depleted Knights outfit, and one thinks that will be beaten to a pulp if the Dragons show up with their best form. This rivalry however has always dished up close games and this instalment should be no different.
Manly Sea Eagles Vs Penrith Panthers
The Panthers surprised many with their spirited showing against the Bulldogs and will make it their duty to repeat the dosage against the Sea Eagles. If Manly are to have hopes of defending their premiership this season, they must beat a Penrith side who look lost in the halves. The Sea Eagles did enough to beat the Warriors last week, but failed when it counted the most. A repeat dosage against the Panthers however does not look a formality.
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