I think it’s safe to say that my ‘sliding doors’ suggestion from last week played out to a fair degree. The Bulldogs seized their opportunity to consolidate a top eight spot, while the Dragons and the Cowboys also scored important wins. By contrast, the Broncos did themselves no favours with a fourth loss on the trot while the Dolphins who couldn’t grab the chance in a key mid-table encounter. As for Cronulla, they keep us guessing – are they, or aren’t they, up to the task?
My biggest shoutout goes to the Cowboys who recorded a courageous and well deserved win against the odds away from home over the Panthers. With both sides missing their Origin players, the Cowboys dug deep to defend stoutly and seemingly endlessly against waves of Panther pressure and, I dare to add, the rub of the green, especially in the latter stages of the first half. But they refused to be daunted, held their composure, took their limited opportunities and, eventually, frustrated their opposition out of the game. A hint of things to come? We’ll see.
The Origin period continues its disruption for a few more weeks before the usual dash to the finals takes over. As I see it, only the Eels and Wests Tigers can’t make the finals – they’re too far back at this stage with little form and no real prospect of bridging the gap. The Titans are marginal but at least they’re showing enough to suggest that they’re still an outside chance. Personally, I can’t see them making the grade; they’ll play more of a spoiling role than anything. The Rabbitohs are on a bit of a roll but three wins and a big points differential deficit might be too much of a gap to overcome. But don’t write them off just yet. The Warriors? Only one and a half wins off 8th but too hot and cold methinks.
So that’s where I’d draw the line at the moment.
Round 18 begins tonight with the Eels v Rabbitohs game. Souths simply have to keep winning to feed the dream of an unlikely resurrection. Their confidence should be up and so I think they’ll be too good for the Eels whose biggest incentive is to avoid the wooden spoon.
The Sharks v Titans game will be a cracker. Cronulla will be dirty about last week’s loss and will come out firing. The Titans have the capacity to cause an upset but I think they’ve run into the Sharks at the wrong time. Cronulla for me. The Grand Final replay looks like being more woe for Brisbane. Down on both troops and confidence, I can’t see them competing against a Panthers side intent to put last week’s surprise loss behind them. Get on Penrith. (I just hope the scoreline doesn’t get ugly.)
Saturday will tell us more about the Belmore resurgence when the Bulldogs meet the Warriors. If they can’t win this one, then the Doggies are a false alarm. The Warriors – who knows which version will roll up? Either way, I expect the Bulldogs to win. Then it’s the Wests Tigers at home to the Storm. Not really much to say about this one. It’s the Storm to continue to win ugly (again). The late game has the Cowboys at home to the Sea Eagles. It’s good to see Turbo back – let’s hope it’s for an extended run. After last week’s gutsy win and with its Origin players back, it’s hard to go past the home side but they’ll have to do it all over again to get past Manly who want to get back into the top eight. I’ll stick with the Cowboys.
Sunday has the Roosters up against the Dragons. Manu will be a big loss to the Chooks while the Dragons will get Lomax back. Although St George had a good second half last week, my guess is that if they give the Roosters a half a game start this week, the result will be long gone. I’m on the Roosters. The final game has the Raiders at home to the Knights. This is a four point game if ever there was one. A loss to either side will see them as much as two games adrift of the eight. That should provide for a lively encounter. Ponga returns for Newcastle and Best is at his best. I can’t be confident about Canberra and I’m not sold on the Knights. Toss of the coin – Newcastle.
The Dolphins have the bye.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
There are just so many ifs at the moment- obviously for me the sharks and bulldogs cause tipache! The dolphins need to string a couple after the bye and Souths may be able to dream . The warriors and broncos have to win- very open comp!