NRL real competition, no bull
July 14th 2008 06:07
The Bulldogs bite as they upset the Broncos
Rugby league has always been competitive ever since it was invented.
Fans have lived to see some epic performances from teams all equally matched in terms of desperation and honour.
In the NRL, some records this round have been set straight as supporters witness a weekend full of surprises, let alone upsets.
The Gold Coast Titans got tipsters mad, while the Newcastle Knights scribbled on the Panthers script for victory.
At the Sydney football stadium, it was the Preston Campbell, Matt Rogers show, while at Penrith it was all Kurt Gidley.
Then the known blockbuster between Manly and Cronulla ends up being a riot on Saturday night. The Sharks talent non-existant as the Sea Eagles firmed their status as premiership favourites.
Round Olympic Park way, South Sydney beat Parramatta by 12 points after the Eels themselves lead 10-0 early. Tipsters accounts bereft of cash.
Across the ditch, the New Zealand Warriors put normality in charge as they beat the hapless Cowboys. An expected result.
Come Sunday afternoon, big things occur once again.
No soul could've predicted a Raiders victory against the Dragons. Especially in Wollongong against a team on a seven match winning streak. Impossible.
Come game time, the Raiders were playing like the living team they were in the early 90's. Colin Best scores a brilliant individual try, fending off Origin centre Mark Gasnier and fullback Josh Morris.
It didn't take much for the curse to flow to Brisbane. The Broncos were expected to be all smiles and handshakes against the Bulldogs come fulltime.
The industry that is the NRL thought of different plans. The Bulldogs would be the ones greeted with victory full of open arms.
The likes of Reni Maitua, Sonny Bill Williams and Andrew Ryan clicked into the gear that made the most feared second row partnership in the NRL two or so years ago.
Please believe this competiton is the most unpredictable in the world.
There is simply no place for arrogance in Australian Rugby League. Upsets such as the ones witnessed this round keep the NRL hot and ,in turn, maintains its aura as the toughest comp on the planet.
While critics, journalists and fans alike will be drunk with disbelief, best believe now the Tigers could give the Storm more grief than Bali airport security.
Tonight's match could see the Tigers finally pop into the form that made them the NRL's most watched team in 2005.
A young side, the Tigers do have what it takes to cause another upset in a round full action and uncertainty.
While the Sea Eagles are a block ahead in terms of form and the overall ladder, The Storm have a chance to vacate the long jam their currently in and sit pretty on second position.
The Storm have been a team deserted with upset results such as been their consistency to destroy all those infront of them.
But i suppose if the Storm are going to tumble and get cocky, it could come dealing in the presence of 18,000 Tigers fans hoping to see their side sock the premiers into silence.
Can tipsters handle another upset?
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