Thursday, May 21, 2009

Round 11- NRL Preview

Tigers vs Broncos
Tigers will be ruing their one point loss last Sunday. They had a comfortable lead and let it slip. They are up against a better attacking team this week, in the Broncos and can not afford to relax.
Broncos will be desperate to get as many wins as possible before State of Origin, when they traditionally struggle, due to losing a high proportion of their team to rep football. Will have too much firepower in the backline for the Tigers.

Broncos by 6


Eels vs Rabbitohs
Eels have a unsettled halves pairing and are paying for letting Brett Finch go. Add this to the fact they are up against one of the better defensive units in Souths and have the worst attack in the comp, meaning it will be hard going for the Eels.
Souths will be riding high after their last gasp win over the Tigers, and with Michael Crocker adding extra starch to the team, should be too strong.

Rabbitohs by 4


Sharks vs Dragons
It is a sad indictment on the Cronulla club when it can be said that their teams performance on the paddock this year, exceeds by far, their performance off the field! Well, they have home ground advantage. This may count for something, if in fact they still have any supporters left. They have lost their major sponsor in the last two days. This uncertainty cannot be doing much for the players positive frame of mind, needed to play well.
The dragons have the most miserly defence of all, and up against a team that is not renowned for their attacking brilliance, this should be enough to get them the win.

Dragons by 10


Bulldogs vs Storm
Bulldogs were on the receiving end of one of the most appalling decisions yet, to be made by a video ref, last weekend. They are a tougher team mentally this year, so can be expected to survive this latest setback.
Melbourne are starting to show signs of recapturing their form of old. With Finch there, opposition sides can no longer aim to shut Cooper Cronk down, thinking he is the only playmaker. Finch adds another attacking dimension to the Storm.

Storm by 2


Penrith vs Roosters
Penrith are a better side with Walsh at halfback, which has allowed Sammut to attack from fullback and play a more ad-lib style of football. If the Panthers are on their game, expect a high scoring game.
Rumour has it, officials at the Roosters are said to be happy that players are finding activities outside of football to keep themselves busy. A case in point is big Willie Mason, who is alleged to have snared the lead role in the 2010 world premier of "Piddler on the Wall".

Penrith by 15


Raiders vs Warriors
Raiders traditionally do well in this match. Though, Campese will need to step up, who they rely on for their attack.
The Warriors have dropped Fien and brought Joel Moon back in at stand-off. If the Warriors are to be a serious threat this season, there is no better time than this match to prove they are capable.

Warriors by 4


Titans vs Sea Eagles
Titans at home are never easy, but have not beaten Manly in their short history. And they are up against a Manly side just rediscovering their form.
For manly, this is an ideal opportunity to show they are for real. That they can win consistently without Brett Stewart.

Sea Eagles by 2


Cowboys vs Knights
Both teams are in fine form. Thurston vs Gidley. For the Cowboys, Thurston is in superlative form. If this continues and the forwards lay a strong base for him to work from, they will be nigh on impossible to beat at home.
Gidley made great metres up the middle of the ruck last week. It will be harder for him this time around, up against a form team, but his team need his spark if they are to win this.

Cowboys by 6

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