NRL preview- RD 5
April 9th 2008 13:55
The Grandfinal rematch Between the Melbourne Storm and the Manly Sea Eagles will open what will be a desperate round for many teams trying to kick start their respective campaigns for premiership glory.
Melbourne Storm Vs Manly Sea Eagles
The matchup of the round pits last years Premiers against the opponents they humbled so convincingly on that memoriable October night at the now called ANZ Stadium. Although this matchup promises fireworks early on, expect the Storm to slowly assert their dominance through the likes of hooker Cameron Smith and half back Cooper Cronk around the ruck area. Manly have recovered well after two opening losses but the lack of a genuine dummy half will hurt them in this game. The Storm played brillliantly against Brisbane last Friday night and now look set to really amplify their attack. Billy Slater is in career best form and will need to be shut down if Manly are a chance. This sets up a really interesting battle with Manly custodian Brett Stewart who once again is starting to impress with his tremendous ability to score tries. He is a real matchwinner and Melbourne must limit the amount of possession he recieves with accurate kicking. Overall Melbourne seem to have more firepower in the backs and with a such a dominant home record, do not be surprised if the Storm win by plenty.
Parramatta Eels Vs Gold Coast Titans
The Titans have impressed everyone so far with their immaculate home record. They really do fire when playing infront of their fans and this is further proof of the power of home ground advantage. However the Titans have struggled significantly when playing on the road and that trend looks set to continue. They really should,ve accounted for the Dragon's in round two but the side keeps displaying a lack of structure and professionalism when playing away. The Eels, along with the warriors, are the most enigmatic team in the competiton. They can be dreadful for one half but brilliant the next.If this is set to continue expect a high scoring affair with the Eels eventually coming out victors.
St George Illawarra Dragons Vs Nth Qld Cowboys
The Cowboys finally got their premiership campaign on track with Thurston leading the side to a comprehensive victory over the Eels. the win will reap enormous dividends for the Cowboys in terms of their attitude in defence and attack. The off field drama at the club is over now and its time to play some exciting football starting with the Dragons on Saturday.
The Dragons suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Sharks with a penalty goal in golden point costing them dearly. Jason Ryles has escaped any wrong doing in regards to spectator abuse and is primed for a huge game against the Cowboys. The Dragons at Win stadium generally do fire up so expect a close game with a Brilliant piece of Thurston magic to set the Cowboys on course for victory.
Penrith Panthers Vs Sydney Roosters
This game will bring plenty of grit and passion from both sides as they have both scored consecutive wins for the first time this season. These two teams generally do not like each other so expect both sets of forwards to really fire up in the opening twenty minutes. Frank Pritchard had a blinder against the Wests Tigers last Monday and with Tony Puletua also showing glimpses of form,The Panther have the potential to make the trip west for the Roosters very uncomfortale. However the Roosters have won their past four games at CUA Stadium and look the form team of the competition. Despite the losses of Shillington, Mason and Minichiello, the Roosters still boost a formidable forward pack that wrecks plenty of punch and ball playing skill. On form the Roosters have shown the better composure in attack and defence with coach Brad Fittler organising the team beautifully. The Roosters to win albeit in a close encounter.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
The Warriors are still on the road to redemption after the 50-6 thumping at the hands of Manly. They showed enough character to beat the Knights in a close encounter but will need to muster much more than that to beat a Bulldogs outfit seething after the loss to arch nemesis the Sydney Roosters last friday. The clash of forwards should be a beauty with both sides fielding enough upfront to suggest a tight tussle. In a beaten side, Sonny Bill Willams and Luke Patten demonstrated enormous courage last week and will need to be stopped if the Warriors are fairdinkum of winning this one. The Warriors would have fond memories of these two players after both combined last year to tear the New Zealand outfit apart. If Williams gets a move on upfront history may repeat itself and the Warriors will be licking their wounds once again.
Canberra Raiders Vs Wests Tigers
In a chilly little territory in Australia lies arguably the most challenging venue to win a football match. Many predict the Raiders to finish last in the NRL and with such a young roster and a respected coach departing the nations capital, it is hard to argue otherwise. However the Raiders are to be commended. They are a side that never give in despite posessing young prospects and let's face it, they play great football at their homeground. The Raiders have the knack of knocking over more fancied opposition at Canberra and like the Titans, really bask in the support of their home fans. The Tigers without Robbie Farah really lack options in attack and structure in defence. They were poor against the Panthers last Monday, which draws to the conclusion that without Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah, this team struggles big time. The Raiders should continue their winning ways down south.
Newcastle Knights Vs Brisbane Broncos
A big crowd should welcome a rejuvinated Knights team that has found order and belief in their player rosture. The Broncos will provide a stern test of Newcastle's attitude in defence and attack and all in all this promises to be a great game. Broncos icon Darren Lockyer will not take his place in the side after being advised to rest for a fortnight to recover from knee soreness. Regardless of this loss, brisbane have started to assemble to life without Lockyer and the signs are looking very promising. Peter Wallace has had a brillaint start to the season and there are now claims that he is NSW'S halfback for origin. The battle between Kurt Gidley and Karmichael Hunt should be a joy to watch while Danny Buderus lines up against PJ Marsh. This match could come down to one player. Justin Hodges has established himself as the best centre in the game and if he get's his way against his opposite number, that might just be enought to grant Brisbane the two points.
South Sydney Vs Cronulla Sharks
A horrible start to the year for Rabbits fans has been compounded after Michael Greenfield joined the clubs mounting injury list. On top of that, coach Jason Taylor has come out stating that he is responsibe for the sides horrible inability to score points this season. Can things get worse? If Cronulla turn up with the aggression that enabled them to knock over Premiers Melbourne and Grand finalist Manly in consecutive weeks, things could get very ugly for South Sydney this Monday night. Cronulla must take advantage of Souths misfortunes if they are to consider themselves true premiership contenders. Ricky Stuart will have the Sharks primed for a big performance and this alone spells massive dangers for the Rabbitohs. Sharks to win comfortably.
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