In answer to last week’s question, I think it’s fair to say that there was no real cull in Round 7 in terms of teams having their finals aspirations extinguished, apart from what we already knew – the Wests Tigers are stuffed. That’s even more the case now that Adam Doueihi is gone for the season. Admittedly, the Cowboys are making it increasingly hard on themselves with only two wins to date but even they are only 4 points away from 8th position. The loss of Jason Taumalolo for several weeks won’t help their cause. Otherwise the other 16 teams are either in the top 8, outside of it only on points differential, or only one win away. I like it!
Round 7 round-up
Perhaps the biggest losers of the weekend were the Dolphins. A solid first half disintegrated into indiscretions and errors (and one very tough call that favoured Souths) which allowed the Rabbitohs to turn the game on its head and run away to a good win. Injuries and suspensions plague the Redcliffe-based team but they’re still 4-3 with a very winnable game this weekend. Have Souths now woken up? Like Rabbit in the Vineyard, I think they need to start playing from kick-off in the first half! What do we make of the Roosters? Too talented to be at 3-3 but lacking the final punch. Meanwhile the Sharks, although they’re also 3-3, look the more likely to build from here. Take a bow, Nicho Hynes.
The Sea Eagles found something extra in their slugfest with the Storm to leave us guessing about both sides. Munster must play at No. 6 for the Storm to be at their best. I’m not convinced by Manly…yet. But they certainly made a statement when the game got tough. The Warriors continue their rejuvenation and their clash with the Storm this week should be a ripper. The Knights did everything but win against the powerhouse Panthers – they must have been gutted! But they may have found the way to contain the Panthers which other teams will learn from in the coming weeks.
The Broncos took a while to wake up but, when they did, they were razzle dazzle. How good is Reece Walsh going? Let’s hope he can stay fit and uninjured. The Titans? Enigmatic! If they can’t beat the Dolphins this week there will be BIG questions being asked. The Raiders were the other big winners from the round and there was much to admire about their spirit. But like a couple of other clubs, they have to be more disciplined – too many penalties conceded! The Eels looked the best they have all year and may have turned the corner. The Bulldogs, however, are in a bad patch with long-term injuries hurting their chances – and it doesn’t get any easier for them this weekend.
Overall, there’s plenty to keep us interested!
Round 8:
We start tonight with Souths hosting Penrith, the match of the round! Both like the free flowing game but I fear this will turn into a battle of attrition. Perhaps Penrith has the better defence; perhaps Souths have the ‘X factor’ in Mitchell. I’ll be watching Cody Walker to see how he handles the pressure and the niggle. Will Jai Arrow start this week? Can the Bunnies contain Nathan Cleary? Edwards v Mitchell; To’o v AJ; Burgess v Leota; Yeo v Murray. Mouth-watering! I’ll go with my head and pick Penrith.
The Eels are at home to ladder leaders Brisbane tomorrow night. Have the Eels turned the corner or were the Doggies off their game (and depleted in personnel)? Can Brisbane step up from the opening whistle rather than have to chase points? Parramatta, strong in the middle with Paulo and RCG, look a lot better with Shaun Lane on the edge. Brisbane have talent everywhere, speed to burn and Reece Walsh in electric form. His opposite, King Gutho, will keep him honest and then attempt to put on his own show. Mitchell Moses? Only as good as his forwards. Toss of the coin here even though it’s 6-1 v 3-4. I’ll stick my neck out and go with Parramatta at home.
Saturday starts with the Bulldogs v Sharks. Given their respective available personnel, you’d have to say the Sharks comfortably. So will I – too well organised and tenacious.
Later the increasingly desperate Cowboys take on the Knights who are due for a bit of good luck to reward their whole-hearted efforts. But when did the code ever operate that way? I’m worried that the Cowboys have been so underwhelming. Can they possibly revive their campaign, especially without JT for several weeks? I’ll have to go with the Knights.
The Dolphins v Titans game on Sunday is critical to both. The Dolphins are barely holding on to 8th spot and this is just the type of game they have to win to stay alive in the competition. If only they could get their best 17 on the paddock! No team has been more disrupted by injuries and suspensions. Kaufusi returns to add a touch of enforcement. The Titans have all too often lost games like this, the ones that they, too, should be winning. Let’s just say that the loser will miss out on more than two premiership points here – authenticity is on the line. Lang Park, Wayne Bennett, against the odds – Dolphins!
Wests Tigers’ next mauling comes at the hands of the Sea Eagles. Period.
On Anzac Day we have two games. The Roosters square off against the Dragons in the traditional clash. One team is not convincing; the other is prone to self destruct. Ben Hunt will probably be the best player on the ground but I think he’ll be on the losing side. The Roosters are just waiting to click; they’ve too many good players to continue to be ordinary. I think they’ll run away with it after some serious easy engagements.
Finally it’s the Storm at home to the Warriors, a real ANZAC encounter. This is the other highlight of the round. The Warriors have been this year’s revelation thus far – energetic, full of flair, better organised than usual – and well coached, I might add! I like what I see, even if it does look a tad bazball and chaotic at times. They compete for the full 80 minutes. The Storm have been uneven and I’m finding them hard to fathom. But that’s when they’re at their most dangerous. Munster must go back to No. 6 – that’s the bottom line. If he does, they’re a real chance; if he’s still at the back, then it’s advantage Warriors. These clashes have a history of the Warriors getting under Melbourne’s skin. I think that might happen again.
So my winners this week are their Panthers, eels, Sharks, Knights, Dolphins, Sea Eagles, Roosters and Storm. (I got 7/8 last week.)
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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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