Oracle of Delphi
KC Hill
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Craig HillRound 25 NRL Previews
August 25th 2006 02:09
Round 25 Previews
Manly Sea-Eagles VS Canterbury Bulldogs at Brookvale Oval, Friday 25/8 7.30pm
- Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Steve Matai, Chris Hicks, Travis Burns, Matt Orford (c), Jason King, Michael Monaghan, Brent Kite, Steve Menzies, Anthony Watmough, Luke Williamson. Reserves – Shane Dunley, Kylie Leuluai, Mark Bryant, George Rose
- Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Andrew Emelio, Sonny Bill Williams, Matt Utai, Daniel Holdsworth, Brent Sherwin, Mark O’Meley, Corey Hughes, Chris Armit, Nate Myles, Andrew Ryan (c), Reni Maitua. Reserves – Dallas McIllwain, Adam Perry, Brad Morrin, Jarrad Hickey
VERDICT:
The highly anticipated clash between the second placed Bulldogs and the third placed Sea-Eagles has had some gloss taken of fit by the loss of key Bulldogs Mason, Tonga and Asotasi. While the ‘Dogs have named handy replacements, the loss of those three not only detracts from their on field attacking arsenal, but also diminishes the impact from their bench. While Sonny Bill is a handy fill in at centre for the Bulldogs, his impact is somewhat diminished due to the lack of action that he sees out wide.
Manly on the other hand eased past the Rabbitohs last weekend, and seem to be the competitions real dark horses for the premiership. All their players are in strong form, and the impending return of inspirational lock Ben Kennedy, will only make them stronger cum semi-final time. They have a creative, speedy backline, and the Sea-Eagles possess a pack of forwards that can match the Bulldogs in size and skill.
This game will be real dour affair due to the forecast rain in Sydney tonight, but we think the Sea-Eagles will be too strong for a Bulldogs team down on key personnel.
We Think – The Sea-Eagles by 10.
Canberra Raiders VS Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium, Saturday, 26/8 5.30pm
- Clinton Schifcofske (c), Adrian Purtell, Phil Graham, Adam Mogg, Craig Frawley, Jason Smith, Lincoln Withers, Michael Hodgson, Simon Woolford, Troy Thompson, Kris Kahler, Jason Croker, Alan Tongue. Reserves – Todd Carney, Marshall Chalk, Dane Tilse, Michael Weyman
- Billy Slater, Matt Geyer, Matt King, Greg Inglis, Steve Turner, Scott Hill, Cooper Cronk, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Smith (c), Brett White, David Kidwell, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Reserves – Garrett Crossman, Jeremy Smith, Adam Blair, Nathan Friend, Jake Webster
VERDICT:
An extremely difficult game to pick, as the eighth placed Canberra side attempt to secure their spot in the semis, against the 2006 minor premiers, the Melbourne Storm. This will be an interesting match, as the Storm were last round losers against a big Warriors outfit, and another loss here may have the alarm bells ringing for Coach Craig Bellamy. While the Storm have enjoyed a tremendous season, easily dominating the competition, the only question mark about their premiership chances is – have they peaked too early?
Canberra are always tough to beat in the nations capital, and if the game comes down to a golden point situation, than the Raiders will be close to certainties to claim their fifth golden point win of the season. The big question for the Raiders is whether they have enough points in them to out score the attacking brilliance of the Melbourne Storm backline.
We Think – Melbourne by 8.
Newcastle Knights VS Penrith Panthers at Energy Australia Stadium, Saturday 26/8, 7.30pm
- Milton Thaiday, Brian Carney, Matt Gidley, George Carmont, Anthony Quinn, Kurt Gidley, Jarrod Mullen, Josh Perry, Danny Buderus (c), Adam Woolnough, Steve Simpson, Clint Newton, Kirk Reynoldson. Reserves – Luke Davico, Regan Tanner, Todd Lowrie, Riley Brown, Daniel Abraham
- Rhys Wesser, Michael Gordon, Danny Galea, Lee Hookey, Luke Rooney, Preston Campbell, Craig Trindall, Joel Clinton, Luke Priddis, Craig Stapleton, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua (c), Trent Waterhouse. Reserves – Frank Puletua, Bryan Norrie, Luke Swain, Paul Aiton
VERDICT:
The Penrith Panthers faint chance of making the top eight all but diminished yesterday afternoon, when inspirational half back Craig Gower withdrew form this game with a knee injury. The Panthers have the team on paper to beat the Knights, but much will depend on the combination between halves Preston Campbell and Craig Trindall. If these two can get the Panthers firing like the last 15 minutes of last weeks game against the Sharks, than they may just be able to jag an upset result in front of the parochial Knights home crowd.
Newcastle proved last week that they can win without Andrew Johns, and the plan of playing a forwards dominated match paid dividends for the Novocastrians. If they can hold the Panthers in the forwards, than look for a big game from centre Matt Gidley and winger Brian Carney. Gidley will be playing in his last home match (unless the Knights can jag 4th spot for the semis), and he will be determined to put on a show for the Knights faithful who should turn out in droves to farewell the Knights stalwart.
It will be a close game, so it will be no surprise to see the Knights adapt the same power game as last week in what will be a low scoring, dour, forward battle for ascendancy. The Knights at home are always strong, and the lure of a possible top 4 spot ahead of next weeks final round bye, should be enough incentive for them.
We Think – Newcastle by 6.
St George-Illawarra Dragons VS Cronulla Sharks at WIN Stadium, Saturday 26/8, 7.30pm
- Clint Greenshields, Wes Naiqama, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Brett Morris, Trent Barrett (c), Ben Hornby, Luke Bailey, Dean Young, Jason Ryles, Matt Bickerstaff, Ashton Sims, Ben Creagh. Reserves – Danny Wicks, Michael Henderson, Sam Isemonger, Aaron Gorrell
- Darren Albert, Mitch Brown, Ben Pomeroy, Phil Bailey, Luke Covell, Adam Dykes, Brett Kimmorley (c), Richard Villasanti, Kevin Kingston, Luke Douglas, Beau Scott, Lance Thompson, Paul Gallen. Reserves – James Stosic, Brett Kearney, Cameron Ciraldo, Nigel Vagana, Reece Williams
VERDICT:
These two sides always produce a close match, and with the attacking arsenal that both teams possess, we could witness a high scoring match. The Dragons bounced back to form last week against the injury ravaged Tigers, and they would love nothing more than to rack up a similar score line against a Sharks side low on confidence. The Dragons desperately need to improve their point’s differential over their next two games, otherwise they will have to face either Melbourne or Canterbury away from home in the first week of the semi-finals. The Dragons three quarter line was on fire last Sunday, and look for Gasnier and Cooper to get on the outside of the Sharks slower centres, in order to allow the Dragons winger plenty of room down the sidelines. If Gasnier is in the same mood as last week, then Phil Bailey could be in for a busy night.
The Sharks will definitely be fired up after last weeks capitulation to the Panthers, but whether they have the strike power to stay with the Dragons is another story. Hopefully, Nigel Vagana can come off the bench and provide some spark for the Sharks, as he would have to admit himself that his form has been patchy at best this season.
We Think – St George-Illawarra by 10.
New Zealand Warriors VS Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium, Sunday 27/8, 12pm
- Brent Webb, Patrick Ah Van, Lance Hohaia, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati, Grant Rovelli, Ruben Wiki, George Gatis, Steve Price (c), Awen Guttenbeil, Michael Luck, Louis Anderson. Reserves – Cooper Vuna, Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki, Sam Rapira
-Shaun Foley, Amos Roberts, Ryan Cross, Iosia Soliola, Sam Perrett, Brett Finch, Josh Lewis, Anthony Tupou, Heath L’Estrange, David Shillington, Nigel Plum, Craig Fitzgibbon (c), Chris Flannery. Reserves – Shane Shackleton, Jamie Soward, Setaimata Sa, Lelea Paea, Vince Mellars
VERDICT:
This should be one of the games of the round, as the much improved Warriors outfit take on a young but talented visiting Roosters team. There will definitely be plenty of points in this match, as both teams have shown in the latter half of the season that they are willing to throw the ball around and unleash some of their amazingly big and fast outside backs. Both teams are in decent form, with the Warriors beating the Melbourne Storm at the Olympic Park ‘graveyard’ last start, whilst the Roosters competed with the red hot Parramatta Eels for much of the game, only to let tries in at crucial points of the match.
The clash on the left hand side between the Roosters Roberts and Cross opposing the Warriors Mannering and Vatuvei should be a fantastic spectacle, and expect a big game from departing Warriors fullback, Brent Webb in what will be his last home game.
We Think – New Zealand Warriors by 10.
South Sydney Rabbitohs VS North Queensland Cowboys at Telstra Stadium, Sunday 27/8, 2.30pm
- David Peachey, Nathan Merritt, Yileen Gordon, Germaine Paulson, Paul Mellor, Todd Polglase, Joe Williams, Peter Cusack (c), Trent Young, Scott Geddes, David Faalogo, Joe Galuvao, Mark Minicheillo. Reserves – Shannan McPherson, Manase Manuokafoa, Fetuli Talanoa, Kane Cleal
- Matt Bowen, Neil Sweeney, Mark Henry, Ashley Graham, Matt Sing, Justin Smith, Aaron Payne (c), Matt Scott, David Faiumu, Shane Tronc, Gavin Cooper, Carl Webb, Luke O’Donnell. Reserves – Clint Amos, Steve Southern, Jacob Lillyman, Ray Cashmere
VERDICT:
The dispirited Cowboys outfit was hit with more turmoil this week, wit the sacking of bench forward Mitchell Sergeant for recreational drug use. The Cowboys are already down on key personnel, and the loss of the hard running Sergeant, will be a big loss for their bench impact. Coach Graham Murray has shifted hooker Aaron Payne in an attempt to arrest his teams alarming lack of creativity with the ball, which should also alleviate some pressure off fullback Matt Bowen.
The Rabbitohs competed strongly for most of the match against the third placed Sea-Eagles last Sunday, only to again fall to their customary mistake riddled last quarter of matches. Coach Shaun McRae has his young charges playing positive, expansive football, and all the signs look promising for season 2007. The Bunnies need to learn how to control possession for longer periods of games, and with that possession they will than be able to work on their combinations.
With nothing to play for for either club, expect Souths to really stick the boot into the disconsolate Cowboys team.
We Think – Souths by 14.
Parramatta Eels VS Brisbane Broncos at Parramatta Stadium, Sunday 27/8, 3pm
- Luke Burt. Jarred Hayne, Ben Smith, Luke O’Dwyer, Eric Grothe, John Morris, Jeremy Smith, Josh Cordoba, Mark Riddell, Chad Robinson, Nathan Hindmarsh, Daniel Wagon, Glenn Morrison. Reserves – PJ Marsh, Dean Widders, Wade McKinnon, Brett Delaney
- Justin Hodges, Steve Michaels, Brent Tate, David Stagg, Karmichael Hunt, Darren Lockyer (c), Shane Perry, Shane Webcke, Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva, Sam Thaiday, Brad Thorn, Tonie Carroll. Reserves – Corey Parker, Dane Carlaw, Ben Hannant, Casey McGuire
VERDICT:
The most crucial game of the round in terms of top four rankings sees the rampant Parramatta Eels side host the rejuvenated Brisbane Broncos, in what has become an annual grudge match. The outcome of this game will all but determine who will finish in fourth spot, and thus be awarded a vital home semi-final.
Unfortunately for the Eels, they have lost skipper Nathan Cayless for the rest of the season to a fractured eye socket and badly broken nose, incurred form last Sundays win against the Roosters. It is a huge blow for the Parramatta side leading into the match against the Broncos huge forwards, as their front row stocks are already severely depleted thanks to injury, retirement and suspension. The only bonus to come out of this injury crisis is that the Eels now possess a mobile pack of 80 minute players, similar to the 2005 Wests Tigers premiership winning pack.
The Broncos returned to the winners list in emphatic style last Friday night, recording a 30-0 drubbing of the Canterbury Bulldogs. However, a true gauge of their current form will come this Sunday, as it must be remembered that the Bulldogs basically only had one fit interchange for the majority of the match, after injuries to Tonga, Asotasi and Myles. A win against the in form Eels on their home turf, will skyrocket the Broncos confidence leading into the semi-finals.
If the Eels can hold the rampaging Broncos forwards in Webcke, Civoniceva, Carlaw, Thorn, Hannant and Carroll, than they should have the strike power out wide to beat the Broncos. In what will be an extremely close, tough game, look to the experience of Lockyer, Hodges and Hunt to get the Broncos home.
We Think – Brisbane by 4.
Join us tomorrow here at www.league.net.au , where we will analyse the Gold Coast Titans recruitment drive thus far.
Cheers,
StephenP
Manly Sea-Eagles VS Canterbury Bulldogs at Brookvale Oval, Friday 25/8 7.30pm
VERDICT:
The highly anticipated clash between the second placed Bulldogs and the third placed Sea-Eagles has had some gloss taken of fit by the loss of key Bulldogs Mason, Tonga and Asotasi. While the ‘Dogs have named handy replacements, the loss of those three not only detracts from their on field attacking arsenal, but also diminishes the impact from their bench. While Sonny Bill is a handy fill in at centre for the Bulldogs, his impact is somewhat diminished due to the lack of action that he sees out wide.
Manly on the other hand eased past the Rabbitohs last weekend, and seem to be the competitions real dark horses for the premiership. All their players are in strong form, and the impending return of inspirational lock Ben Kennedy, will only make them stronger cum semi-final time. They have a creative, speedy backline, and the Sea-Eagles possess a pack of forwards that can match the Bulldogs in size and skill.
This game will be real dour affair due to the forecast rain in Sydney tonight, but we think the Sea-Eagles will be too strong for a Bulldogs team down on key personnel.
We Think – The Sea-Eagles by 10.
Canberra Raiders VS Melbourne Storm at Canberra Stadium, Saturday, 26/8 5.30pm
VERDICT:
An extremely difficult game to pick, as the eighth placed Canberra side attempt to secure their spot in the semis, against the 2006 minor premiers, the Melbourne Storm. This will be an interesting match, as the Storm were last round losers against a big Warriors outfit, and another loss here may have the alarm bells ringing for Coach Craig Bellamy. While the Storm have enjoyed a tremendous season, easily dominating the competition, the only question mark about their premiership chances is – have they peaked too early?
Canberra are always tough to beat in the nations capital, and if the game comes down to a golden point situation, than the Raiders will be close to certainties to claim their fifth golden point win of the season. The big question for the Raiders is whether they have enough points in them to out score the attacking brilliance of the Melbourne Storm backline.
We Think – Melbourne by 8.
Newcastle Knights VS Penrith Panthers at Energy Australia Stadium, Saturday 26/8, 7.30pm
VERDICT:
The Penrith Panthers faint chance of making the top eight all but diminished yesterday afternoon, when inspirational half back Craig Gower withdrew form this game with a knee injury. The Panthers have the team on paper to beat the Knights, but much will depend on the combination between halves Preston Campbell and Craig Trindall. If these two can get the Panthers firing like the last 15 minutes of last weeks game against the Sharks, than they may just be able to jag an upset result in front of the parochial Knights home crowd.
Newcastle proved last week that they can win without Andrew Johns, and the plan of playing a forwards dominated match paid dividends for the Novocastrians. If they can hold the Panthers in the forwards, than look for a big game from centre Matt Gidley and winger Brian Carney. Gidley will be playing in his last home match (unless the Knights can jag 4th spot for the semis), and he will be determined to put on a show for the Knights faithful who should turn out in droves to farewell the Knights stalwart.
It will be a close game, so it will be no surprise to see the Knights adapt the same power game as last week in what will be a low scoring, dour, forward battle for ascendancy. The Knights at home are always strong, and the lure of a possible top 4 spot ahead of next weeks final round bye, should be enough incentive for them.
We Think – Newcastle by 6.
St George-Illawarra Dragons VS Cronulla Sharks at WIN Stadium, Saturday 26/8, 7.30pm
VERDICT:
These two sides always produce a close match, and with the attacking arsenal that both teams possess, we could witness a high scoring match. The Dragons bounced back to form last week against the injury ravaged Tigers, and they would love nothing more than to rack up a similar score line against a Sharks side low on confidence. The Dragons desperately need to improve their point’s differential over their next two games, otherwise they will have to face either Melbourne or Canterbury away from home in the first week of the semi-finals. The Dragons three quarter line was on fire last Sunday, and look for Gasnier and Cooper to get on the outside of the Sharks slower centres, in order to allow the Dragons winger plenty of room down the sidelines. If Gasnier is in the same mood as last week, then Phil Bailey could be in for a busy night.
The Sharks will definitely be fired up after last weeks capitulation to the Panthers, but whether they have the strike power to stay with the Dragons is another story. Hopefully, Nigel Vagana can come off the bench and provide some spark for the Sharks, as he would have to admit himself that his form has been patchy at best this season.
We Think – St George-Illawarra by 10.
New Zealand Warriors VS Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium, Sunday 27/8, 12pm
VERDICT:
This should be one of the games of the round, as the much improved Warriors outfit take on a young but talented visiting Roosters team. There will definitely be plenty of points in this match, as both teams have shown in the latter half of the season that they are willing to throw the ball around and unleash some of their amazingly big and fast outside backs. Both teams are in decent form, with the Warriors beating the Melbourne Storm at the Olympic Park ‘graveyard’ last start, whilst the Roosters competed with the red hot Parramatta Eels for much of the game, only to let tries in at crucial points of the match.
The clash on the left hand side between the Roosters Roberts and Cross opposing the Warriors Mannering and Vatuvei should be a fantastic spectacle, and expect a big game from departing Warriors fullback, Brent Webb in what will be his last home game.
We Think – New Zealand Warriors by 10.
South Sydney Rabbitohs VS North Queensland Cowboys at Telstra Stadium, Sunday 27/8, 2.30pm
VERDICT:
The dispirited Cowboys outfit was hit with more turmoil this week, wit the sacking of bench forward Mitchell Sergeant for recreational drug use. The Cowboys are already down on key personnel, and the loss of the hard running Sergeant, will be a big loss for their bench impact. Coach Graham Murray has shifted hooker Aaron Payne in an attempt to arrest his teams alarming lack of creativity with the ball, which should also alleviate some pressure off fullback Matt Bowen.
The Rabbitohs competed strongly for most of the match against the third placed Sea-Eagles last Sunday, only to again fall to their customary mistake riddled last quarter of matches. Coach Shaun McRae has his young charges playing positive, expansive football, and all the signs look promising for season 2007. The Bunnies need to learn how to control possession for longer periods of games, and with that possession they will than be able to work on their combinations.
With nothing to play for for either club, expect Souths to really stick the boot into the disconsolate Cowboys team.
We Think – Souths by 14.
Parramatta Eels VS Brisbane Broncos at Parramatta Stadium, Sunday 27/8, 3pm
VERDICT:
The most crucial game of the round in terms of top four rankings sees the rampant Parramatta Eels side host the rejuvenated Brisbane Broncos, in what has become an annual grudge match. The outcome of this game will all but determine who will finish in fourth spot, and thus be awarded a vital home semi-final.
Unfortunately for the Eels, they have lost skipper Nathan Cayless for the rest of the season to a fractured eye socket and badly broken nose, incurred form last Sundays win against the Roosters. It is a huge blow for the Parramatta side leading into the match against the Broncos huge forwards, as their front row stocks are already severely depleted thanks to injury, retirement and suspension. The only bonus to come out of this injury crisis is that the Eels now possess a mobile pack of 80 minute players, similar to the 2005 Wests Tigers premiership winning pack.
The Broncos returned to the winners list in emphatic style last Friday night, recording a 30-0 drubbing of the Canterbury Bulldogs. However, a true gauge of their current form will come this Sunday, as it must be remembered that the Bulldogs basically only had one fit interchange for the majority of the match, after injuries to Tonga, Asotasi and Myles. A win against the in form Eels on their home turf, will skyrocket the Broncos confidence leading into the semi-finals.
If the Eels can hold the rampaging Broncos forwards in Webcke, Civoniceva, Carlaw, Thorn, Hannant and Carroll, than they should have the strike power out wide to beat the Broncos. In what will be an extremely close, tough game, look to the experience of Lockyer, Hodges and Hunt to get the Broncos home.
We Think – Brisbane by 4.
Join us tomorrow here at www.league.net.au , where we will analyse the Gold Coast Titans recruitment drive thus far.
Cheers,
StephenP
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Comment by Anonymous
Craig H
Comment by StephenP
And even though I am a diehard Eels supporter, even I am going to concede a loss to your mighty Bronx!!
Thanks for the comments mate,
StephenP.