If Xavier Coates’ last minute match-winning effort didn’t float your boat then you’re an incredibly tough marker! The length, height and changing angles of the leap were incredible enough. That he simultaneously moved the ball from one hand to the other mid-flight made it even more sensational. DWZ did everything right as a defender and there’s no blame attached to him for not stopping the play. No-one could possibly have anticipated those acrobatics. It will take something really amazing to top that for best individual effort for the year.
There was plenty else to like about Round 2. The Sharks had a few tricks up their sleeves as they hammered the Doggies; Penrith rediscovered their mojo with a brutal forward display coupled with a sweeping backline; the Cowboys showed that they may have rediscovered the will to win with their late charge; does any team handle late game pressure as well as Melbourne? Is there a player who gives more to his every performance than Clint Gutherson? Manly are looking pretty good after a good display up front against the Chooks. But in spite of their overall dominance, the Sea Eagles still won by only 7 points.
On the other hand, there were more than a few worrying signs as well. The Rabbitohs are not travelling well and Mitchell’s post-match spray didn’t do him or the club any favours; the Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers face a long, cold, hard winter; the Eels did a few good things but did they look a yard short for pace? The Knights, a very capable side, had better start winning soon before they get left behind. Is Briton Nikora the JWH of the Sharks – a little too vigorous for both his and his team’s best interests? Have you ever seen the Roosters play so poorly? Is Joey Manu carrying an injury? Should both the Dragons and Dolphins be swabbed after their complete performance turnarounds from Round 1 to Round 2?
Let’s move on to Round 3. There’s a certain unpredictability for tipsters after two rounds and, I have to admit, I’m trying to make educated guesses at the moment. 6/8 last weekend wasn’t bad but I still managed to drop six places on the wall chart! Looking ahead to this week’s games, I think I’d be happy to take 6 again if it was on offer.
I can’t see a Reynolds-less and Haas-less Broncos beating the Panthers tonight. It’s as simple as that. The loss of Haas for several weeks will really test the Broncos while Walsh, for all his brilliance, needs to get rid of the mistakes in his game otherwise Penrith will run up a big score. Penrith for me. Their replacement production line seems endless.
The Warriors were stiff last week and I can’t see them letting it happen again. Pity the Raiders who will be on the receiving end of their wrath. A Shaun Johnson masterclass coming up as the Warriors inflict a first loss of the season on Canberra. The Roosters and the Rabbitohs are both coming off very poor performances. The Bunnies are staring at 0-3, the Roosters want to put the horror of Sunday well behind them. I’m afraid I can’t be positive about Souths even with the advent of Wighton this week. The Roosters have a greater potential for improvement plus the celebration of JWH’s 300th game as motivation so I’ll go with them.
On Saturday afternoon the Doggies host the Titans in an early season battle to stay relevant. I’m going for the Bulldogs but only because the Titans, historically, are not very good on the road. Their main chance is if Foran can get into the game early to put doubt into the minds of the Dogs. Can’t see it happening! The Dragons got whipped ever so badly by the Dolphins. It will be more of the same against the Cowboys who were lucky to get away with a win in golden point last time out but still managed to win in spite of a so-so effort. Wests Tigers will become the next Sharks victim on Saturday night. Only 24 rounds to go, Benji! Shark frenzy ahead.
The Eels v Sea Eagles game is match of the round. The Eels competed well against Penrith and didn’t get the rub of the green but, ultimately, class won out. Manly dominated the Roosters but scored only 21 points and won by just 7. There’s a great forwards battle coming up in this game and, perhaps, therein lies the winner. IN the backs, Parra have Gutho, the Silvertails have Turbo, it’s Moses v DCE, Brown v Brooks. Lots to look forward to here. I’ll go for the Eels at home. Then we finish up with the Knights at home to the Storm, another goodun’. The Knights were stiff last weekend, the Storm found a way to win. Is that the tale of these two sides? I’ll go with the Storm.
The Dolphins 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.
another great round of NRL, Ian!
The Tigers winning on Saturday night at the 8th wonder, Newcastle holding off the Storm on Sunday night!
As expected, Peter Garrett, and his band the alter egos – were in much better form on Friday night than the Bunnies …