NRL- preview round 7
April 23rd 2008 11:22
Thurston must perform against the reigning premiers
With four teams with the Bye this week, round 7 of the Telstra Premiership will be an opportunity for some key players to stamp their return to the NRL. Benji Marshall and Darren Lockyer's performances will be watched by Australian and New Zealand selectors alike.
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs Sydney Roosters
The traditional Anzac day clash will pit the struggling Dragon's up against the Roosters who are still smarting at their collapse at the hands of Newcastle on Sunday. The Dragon's without Mark Gasnier are really vulnerable both in defence and attack. Their only real attacking weapons seem to be through the likes of Ben Hornby and Matt Cooper out wide. Other than that the famous red "V" look to be starved of offensive options which make the Dragons real hard to tip in this clash. The Roosters on the other hand have a very short turn around this week, having played the Knights last Sunday afternoon. Their fitness levels will be tested around the ruck by the Dragons smaller men such as Soward and Dean Young. However if the Roosters can control their composure in attack and defence, they have more than enough strike power to get the job done. Anthony Tupou, with his future decided, will be primed for a huge performance in his final season with the tri-colours. The Roosters, despite their short turn around should win this comfortably.
Brisbane Broncos Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Glory Glory to South Sydney!!!
It is a recording that has not be played at all this season due to the Rabbits shocking start to 2008. This is a team that is lacking confidence with every passing game. They led the Tigers 10 zip until they once again collapsed when the game was well and truly in the balance. They now have to muscle up against a Brisbane side that is welcoming back Darren Lockyer from injury. He will be primed for a huge performance on friday night in order to stake his claim for the conveted five-eighth position in the Centenary test. The Broncos forwards look fit and strong, their backs look fast and skillful. This game has the potential to be a blow out if South's leak early points. The return of Issac Luke and Nigel Vagana will bring confidence to South Sydney's line-up. Whether it will bring their first win of the season remains to be seen. Broncos to win by by 18 .
Manly Sea Eagles Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
This contest looks destined to go the length after both teams posted impressive wins on the weekend. Sonny Bill Williams has become invincible, leading the Dog's pack around very impressively with his ability to offload and run. He made the Dragon's look ordinary on Saturday night. Manly were extremely gutsy in their win over the Eels. Their defence is one of pure class and strength. Their attitude is sublime and with these components of their game in check, the Sea Eagles at fortress Brookvale really look the goods in this one. In Brett Stewart they have the game's premier exponent of tries and will once again look to him to provide a moment of brilliance in this game. Manly's ability to score the first try in games is also serving them well. The Sea Eagles are my favourites but the Bulldogs will be no pushover.
Nth Qld Cowboys Vs Melbourne Storm
The match-up of the round pits the reigning premiers up against a rejuvinated Cowboys outfit coming off three straight wins. Their performance against the Warriors on Saturday night signalled the return of attacking genius Matt Bowen, who scored a hat-trick. On his day, Bowen is the most skillful player in the NRL and he will be primed for a massive performance against the in form player in the competition in Billy Slater. These two custodians have the potential to provide an attacking spectacle that is not to be missed. The Townsville faithful will pour in their thousands to witness individual brilliance that will leave them in awe. Just look at the match-ups that will be in show. Thurston vs Cronk, Bowen vs Slater and Smith vs Payne. This match looks set to go the full eighty minutes and with plenty of points to be scored, i feel the Cowboys home crowd could play a significant role in getting the Cowboys home. Expect points from this match to draw over the 60 mark.
Gold Goast Titans Vs New Zealand Warriors
The Titans are riding an aura of confidence that would embarrass Maykbe Diva on any given day. They are playing with a speed and energy that has flustered their opponents into submission and look set to post a big score against a gun shy Warriors outfit. In saying that, their win over the Broncos could have the potential to take alot out of them after such a draining game that seemed to be played over 100 miles an hour. The Warriors will know that they must rectify their abismal record across the ditch if they are to contemplate being in the finals race. The Titans look set for a below par performance and i feel the Warriors could surprise some tipsters here. The Warriors won this clash at the Gold Coast last year.
Cronulla Sharks Vs Wests Tigers
This has the potential to be a very dangerous game for the Sharks. After their loss to Penrith on the weekend, there will be grave doubts on their ability to maintain momentum against a Tigers outfit that clicked into gear last week. Overall the Sharks look the more solid up front with the return of Paul Gallen and recruit Danny Nutley into their ranks. The Tigers will have to match them early on if they are a chance in this game. The return of Benji Marshall has the Tigers looking very dangerous. Marshall in the past has played some blinders against the Sharks, none more evident than in 2005 when one of the best tries was scored of a Marshall run and pass that left everyone confident of a Tigers legacy. Since then though he has succumb to setback after setback and will be eager to impress the Kiwis selectors for selection in the Centenary test. The Tigers have a great record against the Sharks but the Cronulla outfit will be desperate to win infront of their fans this season and provide hope for a bumper year in 2008. Sharks to win albeit in a very close encounter.
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