Richard Michael
DeanoHarmoShow Us Your Tips - NRL, 6th-9th July
July 5th 2007 02:46
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Wests Tigers v Penrith
Telstra Stadium, Friday 7:30pm
Wests Tigers returned to form in fine style last Sunday, overcoming the bitterly cold conditions in the capital to overcome the Raiders. Robbie Farah in particular had a day to remember, building on a succesful season. This week they return home to take on a Penrith side severely lacking in form and confidence; with an injury list and exit line so long assistant coach Matt Adamson is reported to be considering a comeback. With the Tigers needing a win here to consolidate their position in the top 8, it's hard to see the cellar-dwellers troubling them here - Tigers easily.
Brisbane v Gold Coast
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 7:30pm
A huge crowd is expected for this game, a welcome sign for the NRL after several weeks of smaller than normal numbers through the turnstyles. When the sides played earlier in the season, Gold Coast pulled off what at the time looked a major upset when they took the points. The Titans have been a surprise packet this season, but a loss at home to the Warriors last week underlined the need to perform consistently every week. The Broncos, after a sluggish start to the season, have returned to form in recent weeks. Last week they took out a victory on the road against Penrith, and have their lineup of Origin stars returning to the side this week. This game will be a test as to whether the Broncos are back as a force - a test I'm tipping them to pass. Broncos to win.
South Sydney v Melbourne
Central Coast Stadium, Saturday 5:30pm
After years in the doldrums, it's been exciting times for Souths. The Rabbitohs, after an earlier slump, have won 3 on the trot to find themselves only just outside the top 8. But it gets tougher for them, with a match against ladder-leaders Melbourne. The Storm, except for their legion of Origin stars, are relaxed after the bye and enjoy the luxury of being 2 games clear on top. Can Souths cause an upset here? Morale is high in the camp, and the bye can be as much a disruption as an advantage. With the Rabbitoh spirit boiling along quite nicely, and a great Souths atmosphere likely during a rare trip to Gosford, Souths will spring the upset here and take the points.
North Queensland v New Zealand Warriors
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Saturday 7:30pm
The Cowboys started this season in explosive form, but in recent weeks that has dropped away. Heavy losses to the Roosters and Melbourne, and then an unconvincing win over Canberra where the Cowboys were lucky not to be deducted the points after an interchange bungle. The week off will have been warmly welcomed as a chance to halt the poor momentum that has seen the defence leak so many tries. This week they take on the resurgent Warriors, who have won 3 on the trot to be within sniffing distance of the finals. It's a match with potential to be a shootout, but at home the Cowboys should have the edge to rediscover their best form and take a valuable win.
Manly v Sydney Roosters
Brookvale Oval, Saturday 7:30pm
Joint ladder leaders only a fortnight ago, Manly's form has gone downhill with back-to-back losses to the Bulldogs and St George/Illawarra. But the Sea Eagles will be bolstered with the possible return of Ben Kennedy; and are taking on a Roosters side in big trouble. The Roosters were a rabble against the Bulldogs on Monday night, giving away soft penalties and fumbling around the pitch in a match where they never looked competitive. Can the Roosters turn this form around and return to the winning circle? At Brookvale, not a chance - Manly are certainties to win by a huge margin.
St George/Illawarra v Canberra
WIN Stadium, Sunday 2:00pm
The Dragons haven't had things go their way this season, but have a chance to salvage something from their season when they take on Canberra. Last week the Dragons pulled off a remarkable victory over Manly, spearheaded by mid-season signing Jamie Soward. This week they take on a Canberra side that have done well at home but struggled on the road; and have crashed from in the 8 to a lowly 13th spot. WIN Stadium has never been a happy hunting ground for the Raiders but has been a fortress in recent years for the Dragons, and that record will continue here with St George taking the points.
Cronulla v Bulldogs
Toyota Park, Sunday 3:00pm
The first clash between these teams in Cronulla since the beach riots in late 2005, and there will no doubt be some firey moments in the grandstands during this match. On the field, the Bulldogs have returned to form in recent weeks; and last week the Roosters had no answers to their demolition job. Particularly ominous for the rest of the comp was the form of Sonny Bill Williams, who put his recent off-field trials behind him to dominate the match. The Sharks,with 2 points for the bye last week, are hanging on to their position in the 8, but recent losses have nullified their early season purple patch. Recent form is all-important, and it is the Bulldogs who have it - Bulldogs to win here.
Parramatta v Newcastle
Parramatta Stadium, Monday 7:00pm
The Eels, other than their Origin players, will be refreshed after the bye; and this week take on an injury-decimated Newcastle outfit. It's been a coaching swap since these sides last met; but Michael Hagan appears to have got the better deal. The Eels are flying high, the bye taking them into third place after some big recent wins. In contrast, the Knights have been disappointing, going down to Souths last week after for much of the game they looked to have it won. It's been a nightmare recent run for the Knights, and in front of a fanatical blue and gold crowd this run should continue - Parramatta easily.
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