Richard Michael
DeanoHarmoShow Us Your Tips - NRL, June 8-11
June 7th 2007 03:24
Category: No Category
NRL
South Sydney v Penrith (Telstra Stadium, Friday 7:30pm)
The Rabbitohs were no match for Melbourne last week, and return home to Sydney with their tails between their legs after a disappointing performance against the Storm. The confidence of a Rabbitoh resurgence which was so strong in the early rounds in 2007 has gone now as Souths have crashed out of the 8. This week they take on a Penrith side sky-high in confidence after a convincing win over Manly last week and looking to rebuild their form after a slow start to 2007. Penrith have the form, and with no Origin players out are able to continue that momentum. Panthers comfortably.
Canberra v Parramatta (Canberra Stadium, Saturday 5:30pm)
The Raiders were disappointing last week, held scoreless in the first half against the Titans. They have put on some solid performances at home, and a bright spot for the Raiders is the return to Bruce Stadium this week. But it’s hard to see just the home ground advantage being enough here. Parramatta are on a roll, and their demolition of Wests Tigers last Monday night was an exhibition of sublime form. The loss of Hayne and Hindmarsh to Origin duty will be a blow to the Eels which may tighten the scoreline, but there is still too much class available for the Eels to drop this one.
Sydney Roosters v North Queensland (Aussie Stadium, Saturday 7:30pm)
It’s been a disastrous season for the Roosters, and another chapter in their tale of woe was written in Gosford last week when their defence was too flimsy to hold out a late charge by Newcastle which gave the Knights the points. Even with the home ground advantage, in what is forecast to be a cold, wet and windy night, it’s hard to see the Roosters holding out the Cowboys here. The Cowboys have lost playmaker Jonathan Thurston to Origin duty, but should still have enough to get home in this one.
New Zealand Warriors v Melbourne (Mt Smart Stadium, Sunday 2:00pm)
As if letting in 40 points at home against the struggling Bulldogs wasn’t pain enough, the Warriors now find themselves having to take on league leaders Melbourne without Steve Price. But the Storm have plenty of losses to Origin duty as well, and the trip across the Tasman has been a disaster area for them in the past. But the Warriors of 2007 are battlers, their form well below their giant-killing status of years past. The Storm to win this one easily.
Newcastle v Wests Tigers (Energy Australia Stadium, Sunday 3:00pm)
The Knights finally recorded a win last week, with a 22-18 result against the Roosters in a lacklustre game in Gosford. But it was a rare moment of joy in what has been a disappointing season in Newcastle, with coach Brian Smith sweeping a broom through the club. With Buderus away on Origin duty, Adam Woolnough finds himself captain, despite being unwanted by the Knights after this season. They take on a Tigers side that has been inconsistent in 2007, but suffered a bad loss to a red-hot Parramatta last Monday night. But the twists in form for the Tigers have been unpredictable – and I have a hunch they will take the points here.
St George/Illawarra v Cronulla (Oki Jubilee Stadium, Monday 7:00pm)
The Dragons had a rare win last week, taking an 11-4 upset over the Broncos. The midweek recruiting of Jamie Soward worked wonders for the Dragons, with the helmeted halfback being their best and kicking the field goal that put the result beyond doubt. Meanwhile the Sharks went down to the Cowboys in Townsville, despite a purple patch after half-time where they ran in 4 converted tries in 19 minutes. Much of the drive for the Sharks’ fightback came from Kimmorley and Bird; and those players have been recognised with selection in the NSW Origin team. It’s a welcome promotion for both those players, but it won’t do the Sharks any good this week, and with the Dragons having some form on the board the home side will take an upset win here.
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