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Craig HillNRL News Footy tips - Round 5
April 10th 2008 13:35
Round 4 was a little bit kinder to NRL tipsters, with the favourites in most games getting the two competition points. With this year’s competition well and truly the closest on record, I am struggling on a score of 17 for the season – unfortunately 9 points off the pace in our NRL News Footy Competition! I may well just resort to a game of head-or-tails to help me this weekend!
Please check back here Friday night for full match summaries of both the Eels v Titans and Storm v Sea-Eagles matches, whilst be sure to visit back over the weekend for further Round 5 coverage.
For the remaining NRL fans, I will still be covering the other weekend matches, however due to time constraints; I will be only posting match reports for one Sunday match, as well as the Monday Night Football game. I will be providing short match summaries for the other three matches though, as well as complete results and NRL Table updates throughout the weekend.
Fans of the new Toyota Under 20 competition should check back each weekend, as I will be providing complete match reports on select games each round.
Remember, it’s not too late to enter the NRL News Footy Tipping competition, with the first prize being a 2008 NRL jersey of the team of their choice. We have a clear leader after the fist four rounds, with igornodrog following up their Round 3 perfect round with a 7/8 result in Round 4. Igornodrog leads the pack on 26, 4 points clear of the second placed Anth3000. PMell is 5 of the leader, with both NZTiger and Yugogirl even in fourth on 20 points.
Just follow the link below, and register.
Oz Tips
Comp Name - 2008 NRL News Footy Tipping (comp number -131369)
Password – nrlnews
Which leads me into my tips for the Round 5 action!
Cheers,
StephenP
The Titans will struggle without the services of inspirational prop Luke Bailey, and may struggle even more given their shocking away record. Parramatta has been far from impressive in season ’08, and will want to quickly find their best against an in-form Titans outfit.
I am going with the Eels in a Friday night thriller.
Parramatta by 4
The 2007 Grand Final replay is sure to be a cracker, with both sides beginning to gain momentum after a slow start to season ’08. The Storm will start slight favourites given their proud record at Olympic Park, with Manly still yet to taste victory after four starts at the Melbourne graveyard.
In yet another Friday night thriller, I am sticking with the reigning premiers in what should be a brutal, close encounter.
Melbourne by 4
The Cowboys bounced back to form with a 24 point thrashing of premiership heavyweights Parramatta last Saturday night, and will fancy their chances against a demoralised St George-Illawarra outfit. The Dragons keep finding ways to lose matches, including an extra-time loss to the Sharks last Saturday after leading the game comfortably.
I am going to stick my head out here and predict the Dragons to finally show some fire in front of their home fans, and arrest their two game losing streak with a high scoring win over the Cowboys.
St George-Illawarra by 10
The Panthers have bounded back into form over the past fortnight, and should provide tough opposition for a Roosters side devoid of a few key players. The loss of Minichiello, Mason and Shillington means that Sydney could struggle with their go forward, with Penrith one of the few teams that can compete with the Roosters in the muscle stakes.
I am sensing an upset on the cards here, so I am going to stick my neck out and declare the Panthers to win by 6 points.
Expect a brutal encounter at Mt Smart Stadium this Sunday, as the rejuvenated Warriors square off against the inconsistent Bulldogs. With both teams close to full strength, this match may well be decided by the clash between each team’s superboots – Hazem El Masri and Michael Witt. Look to the Warriors continue their imposing record at their Auckland home, with the home side seemingly possessing a bit too much forward firepower for the visiting Bulldogs.
New Zealand by 8
This clash pits two struggling, injury riddled units against each other in another classic encounter, with the Tigers surprisingly having the wood on their opponents in the nation’s capital. Much will depend on the availability of Wests Robbie Farah – if the crafty Tigers hooker plays, then the Tigers should get the points, otherwise expect a Raiders victory.
I am sticking with the Raiders, in a real toss of the coin job.
Canberra by 6
In yet another tough match to tip, the luckless Knights play host to a Broncos outfit missing the inspirational Darren Lockyer. Brisbane have a superior recent record (including a 71-6 carve-up last season), but the Knights are always a tough proposition on their home turf.
Despite Hodges, Marsh and Clinton returning, I think the Knights may finally breakthrough for the victory that has just eluded them in recent weeks.
Knights by 6
The struggling Rabbitohs will be looking to open their 2008 account with a victory over a Sharks side hit by both injury ad suspension. While Cronulla has been one of the form teams to date, they did struggle without seven of their regular line-up, scratching their way to an extra-time victory over the Dragons last Saturday. Even though Souths are winless for the season, I have a feeling that this Monday night encounter may see a reversal of fortunes for Jason Taylor’s men, so look to a Souths victory by 6.
Please check back here Friday night for full match summaries of both the Eels v Titans and Storm v Sea-Eagles matches, whilst be sure to visit back over the weekend for further Round 5 coverage.
For the remaining NRL fans, I will still be covering the other weekend matches, however due to time constraints; I will be only posting match reports for one Sunday match, as well as the Monday Night Football game. I will be providing short match summaries for the other three matches though, as well as complete results and NRL Table updates throughout the weekend.
Fans of the new Toyota Under 20 competition should check back each weekend, as I will be providing complete match reports on select games each round.
Remember, it’s not too late to enter the NRL News Footy Tipping competition, with the first prize being a 2008 NRL jersey of the team of their choice. We have a clear leader after the fist four rounds, with igornodrog following up their Round 3 perfect round with a 7/8 result in Round 4. Igornodrog leads the pack on 26, 4 points clear of the second placed Anth3000. PMell is 5 of the leader, with both NZTiger and Yugogirl even in fourth on 20 points.
Just follow the link below, and register.
Oz Tips
Comp Name - 2008 NRL News Footy Tipping (comp number -131369)
Password – nrlnews
Which leads me into my tips for the Round 5 action!
Cheers,
StephenP
Parramatta v Gold Coast
The Titans will struggle without the services of inspirational prop Luke Bailey, and may struggle even more given their shocking away record. Parramatta has been far from impressive in season ’08, and will want to quickly find their best against an in-form Titans outfit.
I am going with the Eels in a Friday night thriller.
Parramatta by 4
Melbourne v Manly
The 2007 Grand Final replay is sure to be a cracker, with both sides beginning to gain momentum after a slow start to season ’08. The Storm will start slight favourites given their proud record at Olympic Park, with Manly still yet to taste victory after four starts at the Melbourne graveyard.
In yet another Friday night thriller, I am sticking with the reigning premiers in what should be a brutal, close encounter.
Melbourne by 4
St George-Illawarra v North QLD Cowboys
The Cowboys bounced back to form with a 24 point thrashing of premiership heavyweights Parramatta last Saturday night, and will fancy their chances against a demoralised St George-Illawarra outfit. The Dragons keep finding ways to lose matches, including an extra-time loss to the Sharks last Saturday after leading the game comfortably.
I am going to stick my head out here and predict the Dragons to finally show some fire in front of their home fans, and arrest their two game losing streak with a high scoring win over the Cowboys.
St George-Illawarra by 10
Penrith v Sydney
The Panthers have bounded back into form over the past fortnight, and should provide tough opposition for a Roosters side devoid of a few key players. The loss of Minichiello, Mason and Shillington means that Sydney could struggle with their go forward, with Penrith one of the few teams that can compete with the Roosters in the muscle stakes.
I am sensing an upset on the cards here, so I am going to stick my neck out and declare the Panthers to win by 6 points.
New Zealand v Canterbury
Expect a brutal encounter at Mt Smart Stadium this Sunday, as the rejuvenated Warriors square off against the inconsistent Bulldogs. With both teams close to full strength, this match may well be decided by the clash between each team’s superboots – Hazem El Masri and Michael Witt. Look to the Warriors continue their imposing record at their Auckland home, with the home side seemingly possessing a bit too much forward firepower for the visiting Bulldogs.
New Zealand by 8
Canberra v Wests
This clash pits two struggling, injury riddled units against each other in another classic encounter, with the Tigers surprisingly having the wood on their opponents in the nation’s capital. Much will depend on the availability of Wests Robbie Farah – if the crafty Tigers hooker plays, then the Tigers should get the points, otherwise expect a Raiders victory.
I am sticking with the Raiders, in a real toss of the coin job.
Canberra by 6
Newcastle v Brisbane
In yet another tough match to tip, the luckless Knights play host to a Broncos outfit missing the inspirational Darren Lockyer. Brisbane have a superior recent record (including a 71-6 carve-up last season), but the Knights are always a tough proposition on their home turf.
Despite Hodges, Marsh and Clinton returning, I think the Knights may finally breakthrough for the victory that has just eluded them in recent weeks.
Knights by 6
South Sydney v Cronulla
The struggling Rabbitohs will be looking to open their 2008 account with a victory over a Sharks side hit by both injury ad suspension. While Cronulla has been one of the form teams to date, they did struggle without seven of their regular line-up, scratching their way to an extra-time victory over the Dragons last Saturday. Even though Souths are winless for the season, I have a feeling that this Monday night encounter may see a reversal of fortunes for Jason Taylor’s men, so look to a Souths victory by 6.
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Comment by ethos
NRL Live
Definitely agree with the Panthers though, they should win.
Comment by StephenP
I am actually changing to the Broncos now that I know that Buderus (cork), Mullen (leg) and Dureau (ribs) are under an injury cloud!!
Cheers,
StephenP
P.S. - I just think Souths are due!