NRL Preview - round 5
April 9th 2009 07:47
Brett Stewart’s return for the Manly Sea Eagles this Sunday will be the talking point in what is becoming a critical round of NRL action. The Sea Eagles are in desperate search for a maiden victory while sides like the Sharks and the Warriors are starting to struggle with injury and suspension.
Sydney Roosters Vs Brisbane Broncos
The Roosters once again answered their critics with a morale boosting victory over the Parramatta Eels last Friday night. They needed to win that game to have any chance of upsetting the Brisbane Broncos this week, who themselves are coming off a loss to the resurgent Dragons. Indeed Good Friday has only ever been good to the Broncos, but the Roosters should still approach this game with confidence.
Parramatta Eels Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Brett Finch’s shock resignation from the side this week is bound to unsettle the Eels when they meet a red hot Dragons outfit this Friday. The Eels were awful in attack against the Roosters last week and will have to display their best form against the Dragons, who have probably become the new favourites for the competition. Regardless, this game represents a huge opportunity for Parramatta to show up with their A-game.
Cronulla Sharks Vs Canberra Raiders
Surely if there was a time to defeat the Sharks at Toyota park, it is this week. Cronulla have been torn down to the bone in regards to their player roster, losing Paul Gallen, Misi Taulapapa, Ben Ross and Brett Kearney to injury and suspension. The Raiders were their usual flamboyant selves at home against the Cowboys on Monday and recorded their first win of the season. Their away record is bad but they can take heart from their showing against the Eels two weeks ago.
Melbourne Storm Vs Penrith Panthers
The Storm were buried in their own graveyard against a Gold Coast Titans side missing Scott Prince. Coach Craig Bellamy gave them a huge spray and will be hell bent on providing an inform Panthers side with a lot of pain. Penrith though are not to be discounted. Their attack is slowly coming together, while their player roster in general is breathing enthusiasm. Confidence can be a wonderful alley.
Nth Qld Cowboys Vs Gold Coast Titans
Preston Campbell’s injury was the only sour note in an otherwise terrific display against the Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park. The Titans should now make the eight on the back of that victory, let alone defeat an inconsistent Cowboys outfit in Townsville. The Cowboys failed to snatch victory against Canberra, with their defence no where near premiership material. They will turn up though at home, which leans this game in their favour, just.
Newcastle Knights Vs New Zealand Warriors
After winning their first two games of the season, the Warriors have hit a wall, with suspension and injury all playing apart in their recent losses against the Rabbitohs and Brisbane. They face a Knights side this week that are coming off a great win over the Sea Eagles at home. This game has the potential to be a big win for Newcastle, or a close win for New Zealand. Either way, expect a big score line in this one.
Manly Sea Eagles Vs Wests Tigers
The return of Brett Stewart for Manly will have the Sea Eagles faithful out in droves to perhaps witness the spark that could ignite their faltering season. Manly come up against a Tigers side that breath points, but also bleed them as fast as anyone in this NRL competition. Regardless though, this has the makings of a great game and it is one the Sea Eagles must win.
Canterbury Bulldogs Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
South Sydney are on top of the ladder and breathing new found confidence following their gutsy victory over the Warriors last week. Their defence has been a real strength in a 2009 season that is seeing points scored at will. That strength should serve them well against a Bulldogs side who failed to put the Sharks to the sword last week. They really should have won that game by 20, but their attack misfired. Still, this game should be close and could possibly go down to golden point.
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