Well, what a weekend it was in Vegas for the NRL but, unfortunately, the Trumpster never made it to the games. However, I’m sure whilst he was sitting in the Oval Office, he would have taken time out to watch the games alongside operating the world body politik! The NRL were happy with their crowd figures, up 5000 on last year, but apparently slightlybelow what was hoped for. Certainly, there was plenty of activity in Las Vegas tied to rugby league and that can only be a good thing. The footy on the other hand was a bit of a mixed bag with the English and the Women’s games fairly one sided but the two men’s games were good and there was plenty of action.
The Canberra versus Warriors game again showed just how difficult it is to tip either of these sides. At times, the Warriors just could not go the pace and the Savage intercept 8 minutes before halftime was a real blow for them as it looked as though they were about to score. Clearly, when Savage is in open space, he does not get caught from behind and he is a genuine speedster. The Raiders worked hard and played a solid game, however I fear that without Tarpine for the next two weeks it will have a massive impact on their side. The Warriors are again a side you just cannot follow. Their half back, Metcalf, I thought was particularly disappointing. In patches they looked reasonable and at other times they just did not seem to have it. They are a tipster’s nightmare!
The second game was a cracker and Cronulla (my bogey side) certainly showed that they are still going to be a force this year. Fonua-Blake made a difference in the middle of the field for them, and he has given the Sharks plenty of extra punch. He was dangerous when he had the ball and on first look, he seems to be well worth the dollars they splashed out on him. Trindall was his tricky self and the Sharks tried very hard. A poor decision by Katoa to involve himself in nonsense was very costly in the second half.
What can you say about Penrith? They seem to be able to win games with a little in reserve and that must worry other clubs. Each time Cronulla came at them the Panthers found something, staved off the danger and ended up getting points up the other end. Their backrow of Yeo, Martin and Sorensen were outstanding, as was Smith who moves to fill the boots of Fisher-Harris. Edwards was uncharacteristically rusty and Cleary of course is a dominant force in this competition. They certainly look like a side that is intending to win 5 in a row.
So, this takes us to the second half, so to speak, of the round. First up the Roosters play the Broncos in a match that clearly the Broncos would be aiming to win. The Roosters have a relatively new line-up and if you do read and believe what the Courier Mail has written for the last two weeks it should be a walk in the park for the Broncos. Interesting to see Ben Hunt back at the Broncos and, like many, I’ll be looking to see how he goes on Thursday night as the club’s major signing. Paix at hooker is a coach statement and Staggs out will have an impact. Broncos should – almost must- win this one!
Friday night has a doubleheader with the first game seeing the Tigers playing the Knights at Campbelltown. We will get to see whether Jerome Luai can make the impact that he’d like to for the West Tigers. They certainly have a decent spine wit at fullback, Galvin and Luai in the halves and Api at hooker (although Bulla and Api are out this week) but how the rest of the side fits around them will be so important for the Tigers fans if they are to get off to a good start. The Knights of course rely very heavily on Ponga and if is on song they should be a bit too strong for the Tigers at this stage of the season.
The second game on Friday night has Wayne Bennett up against his old charges at the Dolphins. I think they may struggle this year. Whilst the Rabbitohs had some bad news re their two star players last week I think the old master will have them right for a KO that has been shifted from Kayo to CommBank.
Saturday has a doubleheader with the Dragons playing the Bulldogs in the early game where I think the Bulldogs will be too strong, even though I do have concerns about their ability to make metres in the middle. The Dragons, on the other hand, in my view are a team that may struggle this year without Hunt who was their best player last year. They have signed a number of ageing stars who will have to fire every week.
The most interesting game in the round is the Sea Eagles versus the Cowboys at Brookvale where both teams will want to start well as they see themselves as serious contenders for the Top 8. With Turbo back and fully fit and with Manly at Brooky it might just be enough to get them over the line. Both teams have reasonably settled line ups although Taumalolo is a big out. Good to see Hess back and hopefully he can be dominant in the middle. I think if the game was in Townsville I would tip the Cowboys but at Brookvale I lean to Manly.
The final game has the Storm up against the Eels and it is impossible to tip against Bellamy in the first game of the season. He is heading for his 23rd straight win to start the year! What a record that is. You have to feel for Jason Riles. Imagine seeing the season draw and noticing that you start your coaching career up against your old maestro and supercoach in the first round.Then your highest paid player and half back is out injured!
I thought Owen Pattie made a good start for the Raiders last week even though he had little time and this week I’m looking forward to seeing Jai Gray and Lachlan Hubner at the Rabbits, and Jaxon Purdue and Thomas Duffy at the Cowboys as they start to strut their skills.
Top Eight: (in no particular order): Penrith, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cowboys, Manly, Roosters, Cronullaargh, Souths (with great trepidation).
Stat for the day:
Wayne Bennett has lined up against his former clubs for the first time on 5 occasions (I am not counting Canberra v Broncos in 1988 – Canberra won 36-16). The results are as follows: 2009 Saints 25-Broncos 12; 2012 Newcastle 14-Saints 15 (Soward kicked a field goal in the 5th minute of extra time); 2015 Broncos 44-Knights 22; 2019 Souths 36-Broncos 6; 2023 Redcliffe14-Souths 36.
So, after all that the old master has 100% when the Broncos are involved and a 3-2 record overall. I’m not sure that fact means anything at all!! But maybe someone can enlighten me.
Finally, if you want to compete with me on the Almanac Tipping comp, download the ESPN tipping app, find the Almanac 25 tipping comp and use the password Sattler. My name in the competition is Flying Mattress!
You gotta love footy!
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A couple of nightmares this week alright, Prop. Now a couple of the Dolphins have dropped out. Enough to make a difference? I’ll be brave/courageous/stupid and stick with my original tip.