NRL Preview - Round 4
April 1st 2009 08:14
After suffering the upset of the season against the Penrith Panthers on Monday night, the Manly Sea Eagles will do well to back up against a determined Knights outfit in Newcastle this Sunday afternoon. While the Eagles suffer, the Brisbane Broncos are on top of the ladder and have so far set the first benchmark for teams in season 2009.
Brisbane Broncos Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Wayne Bennett returns to Brisbane in an historic moment that will see the master coach plot the Broncos downfall, after leading them for so many seasons. Brisbane on the other hand seemed to have adjusted to life after Bennett and should no doubt be favoured to ruin his homecoming. The Dragons though will provide stiff opposition against a side which they have a very good record against. Although Brisbane's attack is at its peak, their point scoring prowess will meet its best challenge against a stern Dragons defence breathing confidence.
Sydney Roosters Vs Parramatta Eels
Roosters coach Brad Fittler is now facing the toughest of tests to see if he can really crack it as a first grade coach. The fairytale ride is over for Freddy and he now must marshal his misfiring Roosters to victory against an Eels side on a two game winning streak. Parramatta won an ugly affair against a spirited Canberra Raiders side last week and should be prepared for a similar type of game against the Roosters. Based on the early season trend, the Roosters should beat the Eels, but the loss of forwards Willie Mason and Nate Myles will make things hard for the chooks to overcome a powerful Eels pack.
Penrith Panthers Vs Wests Tigers
Benji Marshall arguably played his finest game of football last week since 2005, where he guided the Tigers to a premiership. His performance against the Roosters should lay the platform for him to dominate opposition from here on in. The Tigers though do face a stern test against a resurgent Penrith Panthers side, coming off a huge win over the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval. Expect a close game and a big crowd for the Panthers, as they strive to continue their great record against the Tigers.
Melbourne Storm Vs Gold Coast Titans
Only home ground advantage allowed the Titans to beat a Canterbury Bulldogs side still scratching their heads over their lost competition points. Regardless, it was a spirited effort against a vastly improved Dogs team, and they won without talisman Scott Prince. His absence this week against the Storm however will hurt the Titans a lot. Melbourne are coming off a confidence boosting win over the Cowboys in Townsville and should make it two in a row against a spirited Gold Coast outfit.
New Zealand Warriors Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Craig Wing inspired South Sydney to a come from behind victory against a gallant Newcastle outfit in Gosford last week, giving indications that he will be an integral part of South Sydney's attack when they meet the Warriors this Sunday. The Warriors were given a reality check by the Broncos and have lost key players Steve Price and Brent Tate to injury. New Zealand still boost enough fire power to worry the Rabbitohs, but the away side should fancy their chances against a Warriors team just a little down on confidence.
Canterbury Bulldogs Vs Cronulla Sharks
The return of Sharks half Brett Seymour from suspension is a huge boost for Cronulla, heading into their key match against the Bulldogs. The Sharks were gallant in defeat against the Dragons, but have only scored five tries so far this season to indicate that their attack is nowhere near where it should be. The Bulldogs have more points in them, but have lost attacking weapon Jamaal Idris to suspension. The Bulldogs should be favourites in a tight contest, with Brett Kimmorley the point of difference between the two sides.
Newcastle Knights Vs Manly Sea Eagles
Manly have had their wings clipped since the start of Brett Stewart's much publiced alcohol incident and are facing a shocking 0-4 record to start their premiership defence. It will not get any easier against a Knights side who have been courageous in all their showings so far in 2009. Based on form and character alone, Newcastle should be favourites for this one, but one feels the Sea Eagles should be desperate enough to respond positively now.
Canberra Raiders Vs Nth Qld Cowboys
Points will be the name of the game in this encounter which features two of the most flamboyant attacking sides in the NRL. The Raiders were tremendous against the Eels last week, and probably should have caused the upset. The Cowboys failed in the big moments against the Storm and will be rueing their lost opportunities against a world class unit such as Melbourne. This is a danger game for the Cowboys. If the Raiders show up with their best form, it could be a long night for Neil Henry's men.
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