NRL Round 27: Room for one more only

Artwork by John Campbell

 

I seldom get stirred up watching the footy these days. Call it ‘mellowing’ in my advancing years, a certain weariness with the ever increasing corporatisation of the game or whatever you want. Only State of Origin sets my pulse racing at this stage of life.

 

But I have to say that last Sunday’s Roosters v Raiders got me going more than a bit. A gutsier win I haven’t seen for a long time, and three big cheers for Sticky’s boys who overcame enormous odds to get the win. They had only 40% of possession, played a quarter of the game with only 12 men, were on the wrong end of a 12-4 penalty count, couldn’t buy a 50/50 decision all day and, at one stage, held their opponents out for eight consecutive sets! Yes, the Roosters had their share of setbacks, but with all the possession, all the field position, all the opportunities and all the talent at their disposal, they still couldn’t get the chocolates. It would have been a travesty of justice if they’d snatched even a draw at the death. Cameron Smith used to be vilified for his alleged ability to referee the game. If so, the Roosters have been avid students of the approach. Now, given the injuries to Walker, Smith and Radley, their title hopes are in real danger. No tears from me, I’m afraid!

 

Elsewhere, the Cowboys got the better of an understrength Storm and the Sea Eagles exposed the Bulldogs’ limitations (watch for Prop’s take on that!). The Panthers were far too classy for the Rabbitohs and the Eels prevailed over the Dragons in a game when defence must have rolled up at a different venue by mistake. 44-40! What is this, basketball? The Dolphins stayed alive after a clinical disposal of the bumbling Broncos and go on to meet the Knights in a play-off for 8th spot. The Sharks could have/should have racked up a cricket score against the Warriors but one poor pass robbed them of a totally dominant position which they then managed to completely surrender as SJ said farewell with a second half reminiscent of Nathan Cleary in the Grand Final. A great way for the champion to bow out! But what a blow to Shark morale leading into the finals.

 

Round 27 starts tonight with the Broncos taking on the Storm who will be back to near full strength. Can Brisbane hold them to below 40? I doubt it. Get on the Storm. Friday evening footy has the battle for the spoon between the Wests Tigers and the Eels. Actually, it could be a very good game with both sides showing patches of form of late. Can Benji’s boys send their fans into a promising off season or will Gutho lead one more last stand for Parra? With absolutely no confidence, I’ll go with the Eels. The late game features the Rabbitohs against the Roosters, usually a match of the round encounter but this time a shadow of past glories. Both sides are down on key personnel but the Roosters have greater depth and will make up for last week’s loss.

 

On Saturday, the Dragons take on the Raiders with the prospect of another good game between two ‘almost but not quite’ finalists. Expect it to be spicy as both look for a morale boosting end to their season. Not too sure here, but I fear Canberra used up a lot of juice last week and won’t be able to get back up for this one. I’m on the Dragons. Then the Bulldogs face up to the Cowboys in the twilight game. Another good contest here. The Cowboys should have done better against the below strength Storm last week while the Bulldogs were too readily dismantled by Manly. Toss of the coin……Bulldogs. The late game will see the Panthers roll over the ‘once were promising but ultimately were disappointing’ Titans.

 

Sunday footy kicks off with the Seas Eagles v Sharks clash – injuries at Manly v insecurities in the Shire. Is this about the third or fourth toss of the coin for the final round? The forwards will cancel each other out leaving the halves to battle for supremacy. Enter the old dog, DCE, and Manly sneak home. Finally, it’s the match of the round with 8th spot on the line. Could be a classic! Ponga v Hammer will be worth the price of a ticket. Newcastle have home ground advantage but will the wily Bennett spring another upset? As much as I’d love to see the Dolphins play finals, I think they’ll have to wait until next year. I’m going for Newcastle.

 

In the NRLW, the Sharks continue to gorge on the opposition while Brisbane have fought back from a 0-2 start to be in second spot at 4-2. The Knights and Roosters got back into some form and it looks like these four will emerge as finalists with the Titans nipping at their heels.

 

In Round 7 the promising potential of the Cowboys take on the disappointing Wests Tigers. I can’t see this panning out any other way than that which the form guide dictates. Get on the Cowboys. The Dragons meet the Raiders and, after last week, you’d have to tip the Dragons to fire. The Sharks meet the Roosters in the match of the round which will give us a better idea of just how good the Sharks are. Again, I’ll go with form and tip the Sharks. The Eels play the Titans with the visitors keen to stay in contention for a finals spot. I think that will be enough to see Gold Coast home. Finally, the Knights meet Brisbane in the other big game of the round. Although well placed on the ladder, neither has been totally convincing this season. But the cream rises to the top eventually, so I expect Newcastle to prevail.

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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