We’ve reached a point of the minor round that might be called ‘the moving season’, not unlike the third round of a golf tournament where players seek to climb the ladder to position themselves for a tilt at the title. This weekend’s Round 17 features a few games that may be make or break for several teams with finals aspirations.
But first, Round 16 gave us lots to enjoy with the odd shake of the head thrown in. The Dolphins may have just fallen short against the Storm but lost no fans with a wholehearted, exciting brand of footy. But they are one of the teams with a lot at stake this weekend. The Titans were ridiculously good against a woeful Warriors outfit. Everything the Gold Coast attempted worked while their opponents were utterly clueless. And didn’t Jayden Campbell look good playing at 6? The Roosters and Rabbitohs were largely untroubled with the former consolidating a place in the four and the latter continuing their climb up the ladder. Then the Wests Tigers were a revelation as they flogged the Raiders who are in a spot of strife. Luke Galvin looks a class act and it was great to see Adam Doueihi back and immediately into full stride.
Now on to Round 17 and the possible highs and lows tied to the results there. Post Origin fallout makes it all the more hazardous for tipsters as well! We start tomorrow night with the Bulldogs hosting the Sharks, 6th v 3rd. Are the Doggies worthy of that standing? They’ve hardly been convincing and don’t look very settled positionally. The Sharks have been flaky at times too but at least they have better form and a few top flight personnel on board. I’ll go with Cronulla.
Saturday footy starts with the on-the-slide Warriors (13th) taking on the recently vulnerable Broncos (7th). Can a side possibly come back from a 60-point drubbing to win the following week? Highly unlikely. But the Broncos are at a sliding doors point too, and another loss will really dent their hopes. I can’t see them being so disinterested again this week so I’ll have Brisbane as my tip and it’s ‘see you next year’ for the Wahs. The early evening game has the Knights (12th) at home to the Eels (17th). You’d have to say that the Eels are gone but they have the chance to put the Knights on life support if the home side don’t come up trumps. My tip is that the Knights will win and stay alive for at least another week. The late game sees the Storm (1st) taking on the Raiders (10th) in Melbourne. Only one winner here with Melbourne retaining top spot and Canberra on a knife’s edge unless they do something very soon!
Sunday footy begins with the Dragons (9th) hosting the Dolphins (5th). This is a key game for both! The Dolphins must win this mid-table clash to keep in touch with the top four otherwise they slip to the edge of the top eight. The Dragons are already on the edge and a loss will see them battling away a game or two out of the finals. Actually, I think this is probably the most interesting game of the round, possibly even the most important. I’ll go with my heart and tip the Dolphins. Next up is the Panthers (2nd) v Cowboys (8th) game. Penrith are cruising while the Cowboys have a lot riding on this one as they hope to retain a top eight spot. Alas, I don’t think that will happen and the northerners will be up against it in the coming month. Get on Penrith. The final games features the Roosters (4th) up against the Wests Tigers (16th). Wouldn’t you like to see the Tigers back up with another classy effort? Me too, but it won’t happen this weekend. There’s too much talent out at Bondi, so get on the Roosters.
The Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles and Titans have the bye.
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About Ian Hauser
A former teacher with a (very) modest sporting CV enjoying his retirement years. A Queenslander through and through, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, McWilliam's Cream Apera and a glass or three of wine. Footy Almanac's Thursday online editor who moonlights as a hobby editor.
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