Oracle of Delphi
KC Hill
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Craig HillRound 26 NRL Match Previews
September 1st 2006 00:02
Round 26 Previews
North Queensland Cowboys VS Parramatta Eels, Dairy Farmers Stadium, Friday 1/9/06, 7.30pm
- Matt Bowen, Neil Sweeney, Ashley Graham, Josh Hannay, Matt Sing, Justin Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Carl Webb, Aaron Payne, Ray Cashmere, Gavin Cooper, Jacob Lillyman, Luke O’Donnell. Reserves – Clint Amos, Steve Southern, Travis Norton, Shane Tronc, Matt Scott
- Wade McKinnon, Jarryd Hayne, Ben Smith, Luke O’Dwyer, Eric Grothe, John Morris, Tim Smith, Josh Cordoba, Mark Riddell, Chad Robinson, Nathan Hindmarsh (c), Daniel Wagon, Glenn Morrison. Reserves – PJ Marsh, Dean Widders, Brett Delaney, Michael Vella, Luke Burt
Referee – Shayne Hayne
VERDICT:
Being the last round of football for seven teams this weekend makes every match a hard one to tip. One of the hardest will be this Friday night encounter, between the desperate Parramatta side and an emotional Cowboys home team.
The Cowboys will be farewelling five of their home town heroes, with Travis Norton, Johnathan Thurston and Josh Hannay being named despite being under an injury cloud. While this provides the Cowboys with more attacking options, it could also play into the Eels hands, as they will definitely be attempting to isolate these three players in defence, to see how healthy they really are. It could be a big risk playing these three underdone players, but it could also provide the spark for the Cowboys to finish their season on a high, in front of what is sure to be a huge home crowd.
The Eels on the other hand know that if they can record a win here, and the Dragons lose to the fired up Roosters, than the western Sydney team would be able to finish in sixth position, and should move safely through to week two of the semis. The return of play maker Tim Smith and stalwart Michael Vella will lift the spirits of the visiting side, after their 23-0 loss to the Broncos last Sunday.
We Think – Parramatta by 6
Cronulla Sharks VS Canberra Raiders at Toyota Park, Saturday 2/9/06, 5.30pm
- Darren Albert, Mitch Brown, Ben Pomeroy, Phil Bailey, Luke Covell, Adam Dykes, Brett Kimmorley (c), James Stosic, Kevin Kingston, Luke Douglas, Reece Williams, Lance Thompson, Paul Gallen. Reserves – Brett Kearney, Richard Villasanti, Nigel Vagana, Beau Scott
- Clinton Schifcofske (c), Adrian Purtell, Phil Graham, Adam Mogg, Craig Frawley, Todd Carney, Lincoln Withers, Michael Hodgson, Simon Woolford, Troy Thompson, Kris Kahler, Jason Croker, Alan Tongue. Reserves – Marshall Chalk, Dane Tilse, Michael Weyman, Ben Jones
Referee – Steve Clark
VERDICT:
Another intriguing battle here, with the Sharks trying to win just their second game from their last ten starts on their home turf, while Canberra could move into seventh position with a win at Toyota Park, providing the Eels lose in Townsville.
The Sharks would love nothing better to finish their season on a high against a top eight team, with the home side holding an imposing 16-5 win loss record against the Raiders at Toyota Park. This should be an extremely tight tussle in the wet, and the Raiders would be overwhelming favourites if the match heads into golden point.
Canberra has much more to play for, so they should win in a tight one.
We Think – Canberra by 2
Sydney Roosters VS St George-Illawarra Dragons at the SCG, Saturday 2/9/06, 7.30pm
- Shaun Foley, Amos Roberts, Ryan Cross, Iosia Soliola, Sam Perrett, Brett Finch, Josh Lewis, Anthony Tupou, John Doyle, Charlie Tonga, Nigel Plum, Craig Fitzgibbon (c), Chris Flannery. Reserves – Shane Shackleton, Jamie Soward, Setaimata Sa, Lelea Paea, David Shillington
- Clint Greenshields, Wes Naiqama, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Brett Morris, Trent Barrett (c), Ben Hornby, Luke Bailey, Aaron Gorrell, Jason Ryles, Matt Bickerstaff, Ashton Sims, Ben Creagh. Reserves – Danny Wicks, Justin Poore, Michael Henderson, Sam Isemonger, Shaun Timmins
Referee – Russell Smith
VERDICT:
This match will be determined by how the Roosters players aim up and try to send their departing Coach Ricky Stuart out as a winner. The Roosters players must cop some criticism for Stuart’s sacking, and you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be fired up for this contest against the fast finishing Dragons.
St George-Illawarra on the other hand will be playing for a big win, as they have the ability to move into fifth position should the Broncos lose to the Warriors. The Dragons have a fair record playing at the SCG, having won of three of their past four clashes played there. The Roosters are still chasing their 1000th premiership win, and what better place could there be, than at the SCG.
The two points for this match will go to the team who wants to win more – the semi-final competing Dragons, or the desperate and fired up Roosters team chasing their clubs 1000th premiership win.
We Think – St George-Illawarra by 4
Melbourne Storm VS Manly Warringah Sea-Eagles at Olympic Park, Saturday 2/9/06, 7.30pm
- 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, Michael Crocker
- 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, Ben Kennedy
Referee – Paul Simpkins
VERDICT:
The clash of first versus third will be an interesting prelude as to what is to come in September, with two of the most exciting backlines prepared to showdown at Olympic Park on Saturday night.
Manly are chasing their forth straight win this Saturday night, whilst the Storm will be looking for a good showing after a shaky couple of weeks. This is another tough game to pick, with both teams abundant with game breakers. The outcome of this match may come down to the availability of Sea-Eagles Orford and Kennedy – if they both don’t play, than Melbourne should win.
Too close to call, but don’t be surprised if Manly cause an upset at the Melbourne ‘graveyard’.
We Think – Manly Sea-Eagles by 4
Brisbane Broncos VS New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium, Sunday 3/9/06, 2.30pm
- Justin Hodges, Darius Boyd, 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
- 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 – Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki, Sam Rapira, Nathan Fien
Referee – Sean Hampstead
VERDICT:
The Broncos face their bogey team the New Zealand Warriors this Sunday, with the Broncos attempting to win their third straight match. This is a real danger game for the Brisbane team, as whilst they have beaten the Bulldogs and Eels convincingly over the past two weeks, they are yet to encounter a huge forward pack like the Warriors possess. Added to the fact that it has been raining all week in Brisbane, and that showers are forecast for this match, than the Warriors should feel right at home in these conditions.
This will be an interesting trial for Broncos Coach Bennett leading into the semis, to see how his forward pack respond to an opposing pack of the same size, something which the Broncos will definitely encounter in the coming weeks.
We Think – New Zealand Warriors by 6
Penrith Panthers VS Canterbury Bulldogs at CUA Stadium, Sunday 3/9/06, 3pm
- Rhys Wesser, Michael Gordon, Danny Galea, Lee Hookey, Luke Rooney, Preston Campbell, Craig Gower, Joel Clinton, Luke Priddis, Craig Stapleton, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua (c), Trent Waterhouse. Reserves – Frank Puletua, Bryan Norrie, Luke Swain, Paul Aiton
- 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, Nick Kouparitsas, Jarrad Hickey
Referee – Tony Archer
VERDICT:
On paper, the Bulldogs should win this match quite convincingly, but this game will probably be as tight as all the other matches this weekend, with the disappointing Penrith Panthers aiming to finish their season on a high.
The Bulldogs seemingly have an advantage in the outside backs, especially with Sonny Bill and Matt Utai paired together against the consistent, but defensively fragile Galea and Gordon.
Much will depend on the attitude of the Panthers players this Sunday – if they are focussed and minimise their mistakes, than they may just cause an upset. But if they play as badly as they did against the Knights last Saturday, than expect a big win for the frustrated Bulldogs.
We Think – Canterbury Bulldogs by 6
Wests Tigers VS South Sydney Rabbitohs at Leichhardt Oval, Sunday 3/9/06, 3pm
- Shannon McDonnell, Daniel Fitzhenry, Dean Collis, Ben Jeffery, Chris Lawrence, Shane Elford, Scott Prince (c), Todd Payten, Robbie Farrah, John Skandalis, Anthony Laffranchi, Ben Galea, Dene Halatau. Reserves – Chris Heighington, Bronson Harrison, Taniela Tuiaki, Ryan O’Hara, Jarrod Saffy
-David Peachey, Nathan Merritt, Yileen Gordon, Germaine Paulson, Paul Mellor, Trent Young, Joe Williams, Peter Cusack (c), Mark Minichiello, Scott Geddes, David Faalogo, Joe Galuvao, Shannan McPherson. Reserves – Jaiman Lowe, Manase Manuokafoa, Fetuli Talanoa, Kane Cleal
Referee – Tony De Las Heras
VERDICT:
Fans of end to end attacking rugby league should head out to Leichhardt Oval this Sunday, as two teams who will not be appearing in the semi-finals prepare to do battle.
The 2005 premiership winners the Wests Tigers will be hell bent on finishing their injury riddled 2006 campaign on a high, and sending off departing Tigers Prince, Skandalis and Laffranchi as winners will be their motivation. Through their horror injury toll this year, has come the unearthing of some exciting outside backs, and their speed and skill will be put to the test against the exceptionally skilful, but inexperienced Rabbitohs backline.
Souths winger Nathan Merritt will be out to create history this Sunday, as he aims to become the first player to finish as the leading try scorer for the season, whilst playing for the last placed club.
This should be an entertaining afternoon of rugby league, as both teams will be willing to throw the ball around, as they both have nothing to lose. The emotional last game at Leichhardt for the three departing Tigers should see the joint franchise scrape in with a high scoring win.
We Think – Wests Tigers by 12
* All team line ups courtesy of The Daily Telegraph
Join us tomorrow here at www.league.net.au , where we will analyse the Gold Coast Titans recruitment drive thus far.
Cheers,
StephenP
North Queensland Cowboys VS Parramatta Eels, Dairy Farmers Stadium, Friday 1/9/06, 7.30pm
Referee – Shayne Hayne
VERDICT:
Being the last round of football for seven teams this weekend makes every match a hard one to tip. One of the hardest will be this Friday night encounter, between the desperate Parramatta side and an emotional Cowboys home team.
The Cowboys will be farewelling five of their home town heroes, with Travis Norton, Johnathan Thurston and Josh Hannay being named despite being under an injury cloud. While this provides the Cowboys with more attacking options, it could also play into the Eels hands, as they will definitely be attempting to isolate these three players in defence, to see how healthy they really are. It could be a big risk playing these three underdone players, but it could also provide the spark for the Cowboys to finish their season on a high, in front of what is sure to be a huge home crowd.
The Eels on the other hand know that if they can record a win here, and the Dragons lose to the fired up Roosters, than the western Sydney team would be able to finish in sixth position, and should move safely through to week two of the semis. The return of play maker Tim Smith and stalwart Michael Vella will lift the spirits of the visiting side, after their 23-0 loss to the Broncos last Sunday.
We Think – Parramatta by 6
Cronulla Sharks VS Canberra Raiders at Toyota Park, Saturday 2/9/06, 5.30pm
Referee – Steve Clark
VERDICT:
Another intriguing battle here, with the Sharks trying to win just their second game from their last ten starts on their home turf, while Canberra could move into seventh position with a win at Toyota Park, providing the Eels lose in Townsville.
The Sharks would love nothing better to finish their season on a high against a top eight team, with the home side holding an imposing 16-5 win loss record against the Raiders at Toyota Park. This should be an extremely tight tussle in the wet, and the Raiders would be overwhelming favourites if the match heads into golden point.
Canberra has much more to play for, so they should win in a tight one.
We Think – Canberra by 2
Sydney Roosters VS St George-Illawarra Dragons at the SCG, Saturday 2/9/06, 7.30pm
Referee – Russell Smith
VERDICT:
This match will be determined by how the Roosters players aim up and try to send their departing Coach Ricky Stuart out as a winner. The Roosters players must cop some criticism for Stuart’s sacking, and you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be fired up for this contest against the fast finishing Dragons.
St George-Illawarra on the other hand will be playing for a big win, as they have the ability to move into fifth position should the Broncos lose to the Warriors. The Dragons have a fair record playing at the SCG, having won of three of their past four clashes played there. The Roosters are still chasing their 1000th premiership win, and what better place could there be, than at the SCG.
The two points for this match will go to the team who wants to win more – the semi-final competing Dragons, or the desperate and fired up Roosters team chasing their clubs 1000th premiership win.
We Think – St George-Illawarra by 4
Melbourne Storm VS Manly Warringah Sea-Eagles at Olympic Park, Saturday 2/9/06, 7.30pm
Referee – Paul Simpkins
VERDICT:
The clash of first versus third will be an interesting prelude as to what is to come in September, with two of the most exciting backlines prepared to showdown at Olympic Park on Saturday night.
Manly are chasing their forth straight win this Saturday night, whilst the Storm will be looking for a good showing after a shaky couple of weeks. This is another tough game to pick, with both teams abundant with game breakers. The outcome of this match may come down to the availability of Sea-Eagles Orford and Kennedy – if they both don’t play, than Melbourne should win.
Too close to call, but don’t be surprised if Manly cause an upset at the Melbourne ‘graveyard’.
We Think – Manly Sea-Eagles by 4
Brisbane Broncos VS New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium, Sunday 3/9/06, 2.30pm
Referee – Sean Hampstead
VERDICT:
The Broncos face their bogey team the New Zealand Warriors this Sunday, with the Broncos attempting to win their third straight match. This is a real danger game for the Brisbane team, as whilst they have beaten the Bulldogs and Eels convincingly over the past two weeks, they are yet to encounter a huge forward pack like the Warriors possess. Added to the fact that it has been raining all week in Brisbane, and that showers are forecast for this match, than the Warriors should feel right at home in these conditions.
This will be an interesting trial for Broncos Coach Bennett leading into the semis, to see how his forward pack respond to an opposing pack of the same size, something which the Broncos will definitely encounter in the coming weeks.
We Think – New Zealand Warriors by 6
Penrith Panthers VS Canterbury Bulldogs at CUA Stadium, Sunday 3/9/06, 3pm
Referee – Tony Archer
VERDICT:
On paper, the Bulldogs should win this match quite convincingly, but this game will probably be as tight as all the other matches this weekend, with the disappointing Penrith Panthers aiming to finish their season on a high.
The Bulldogs seemingly have an advantage in the outside backs, especially with Sonny Bill and Matt Utai paired together against the consistent, but defensively fragile Galea and Gordon.
Much will depend on the attitude of the Panthers players this Sunday – if they are focussed and minimise their mistakes, than they may just cause an upset. But if they play as badly as they did against the Knights last Saturday, than expect a big win for the frustrated Bulldogs.
We Think – Canterbury Bulldogs by 6
Wests Tigers VS South Sydney Rabbitohs at Leichhardt Oval, Sunday 3/9/06, 3pm
Referee – Tony De Las Heras
VERDICT:
Fans of end to end attacking rugby league should head out to Leichhardt Oval this Sunday, as two teams who will not be appearing in the semi-finals prepare to do battle.
The 2005 premiership winners the Wests Tigers will be hell bent on finishing their injury riddled 2006 campaign on a high, and sending off departing Tigers Prince, Skandalis and Laffranchi as winners will be their motivation. Through their horror injury toll this year, has come the unearthing of some exciting outside backs, and their speed and skill will be put to the test against the exceptionally skilful, but inexperienced Rabbitohs backline.
Souths winger Nathan Merritt will be out to create history this Sunday, as he aims to become the first player to finish as the leading try scorer for the season, whilst playing for the last placed club.
This should be an entertaining afternoon of rugby league, as both teams will be willing to throw the ball around, as they both have nothing to lose. The emotional last game at Leichhardt for the three departing Tigers should see the joint franchise scrape in with a high scoring win.
We Think – Wests Tigers by 12
* All team line ups courtesy of The Daily Telegraph
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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