NRL Round 16: Revelling in the uncertainty

 

 

The tyranny of distance caught up with me last weekend with a bad take on the injury problems confronting the Rabbitohs at the moment. It’s tough to win when at least five first choice players are watching from the stands. There’s just not enough info readily available for the tourist-cum-rugby league tipster. In fact, the paucity of news from or about Australia is so bad that the final of the World Test Cricket Championship received no television news or free to air coverage here at all! I’ll be interested to see what happens when the Ashes series starts tomorrow.

 

After 15 rounds we know this much, that is if NRL history is any guide: having had more than 50 points put on them in a single match so far this season, the Cowboys, Raiders, Dolphins, Bulldogs and Sharks will not win the premiership. Add to that list the Wests Tigers and Dragons based on their ladder positions, points differential and gap outside the top eight. Theoretically, the other 11 teams are still in it.

 

Round 16

There are only five games this weekend starting with the Cowboys against the Panthers tomorrow night. Both teams lose several players to Origin duties but the Cowboys regain Taumalolo from injury. Past experience suggests that Penrith will cover their losses better and I expect them to carry on regardless.

 

On Saturday afternoon the enthusiastic Knights host the battling Roosters, the latter without their talisman Tedesco and also Collins. All is not well at Bondi and I expect Newcastle to say ‘good (k)night’ to the Chooks. Watch Gagai play another blinder.

 

Later on, the Eels are at home to the Sea Eagles with both sides missing their key playmaker, Moses and DCE respectively, and Manly also losing Turbo to Origin. Anything could happen in this one and, depending on which side gets the early ascendancy, could be a blowout either way. Gutho is the key and will lead the Eels to a win.

 

On Sunday it’s the Wests Tigers up against the Storm who were cyclonic last week. It’s hard to see any result other than a Melbourne win, even though is may not come easily.

 

Finally the Sharks host the Bulldogs with both teams having a lean time of late. The Sharks were embarrassed and embarrassing last week, the Doggies were ordinary. Nicho Hynes has a point to prove after his omission from the Origin team, so watch for another match-winning effort from the reigning Dally M player of the year.

 

So my winners this week are the Panthers, Knights, Eels, Storm and Sharks.

 

State of Origin

Both States have made several changes to their line-ups for Game 2 in both the men’s and women’s series. With any number of players from all four teams under injury clouds, let’s wait and see what happens as the next several days pass. I can’t see any of the teams lining up as currently named.

 

Queensland appears to be in the box seat in both series but can State of Origin ever be that uncomplicated? Great, isn’t it?

 

 

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