Will EvansNRL Round 8 Preview
May 1st 2009 02:55
Manly vs Melbourne
Few could have predicted the start to 2009 for the grand final combatants of the past two years - 2007 premiers Melbourne are ramping up the bottom of the top-8, while defending champs Manly are languishing in 12th equal with three other clubs. Tonight's grand final rematch takes on far greater importance than bragging rights or a psychological edge, particularly for Manly, who face a tough road trip to Brisbane next weekend. The key match-up is in the front-row, with under-performing Kangaroo incumbents Brent Kite and Josh Perry taking on the Storm's Kiwi Test duo Adam Blair and Jeff Lima.
Prediction: Melbourne by 10
Parramatta vs North Queensland
North Queensland - and in particular Jonathon Thurston - rediscovering their attacking thrust in the last fortnight spells danger for Parramatta, who have conceded 88 points in their previous two games. The Eels were much improved against a red-hot Broncos side last weekend, but need a big game from Jarryd Hayne, who is marking Willie Tonga in a mouthwatering centre battle. Parra's workhorse Nathan Hindmarsh and in-form Cowboys back-rower Luke O'Donnell will miss the match through suspension.
Prediction: North Queensland by 14
Gold Coast vs South Sydney
The Titans and Rabbitohs both let their respective improved defences slip last weekend, and whoever can tighten up on Saturday should take out this clash between 4th vs 5th. The halves battle between Gold Coast's Prince and Rogers and Souths' Sandow and Sutton shapes as a thrilling one, while opposing No. 9s Nathan Friend and Isaac Luke are in-form and capable of busting a game wide open.
Prediction: Gold Coast by 1 in golden point
Cronulla vs Sydney
A vital match for two of the premiership's cellar dwellers. The Sharks finally found some attacking potency against Souths last week, but unfortunately leaked 32 points. The Roosters were kept to nil by the Dragons, and desperately need to bounce back. Expect a tight struggle between two teams that need a win, or risk losing sight of a finals berth just a third of the way into the competition.
Prediction: Cronulla by 4
Canberra vs Penrith
Penrith are riding a wave of confidence after their impressive win against the Titans, with attacking guns Michael Jennings, Jarrod Sammut and Luke Lewis in sparkling form. The addition of Luke Walsh to the Panthers' squad has added another dimension, and eased the organisational pressure on Sammut and Lewis. Buth the Mountain Men are on a short turnaround, and Canberra Stadium represents one of the toughest road trips in the NRL. The Raiders have been playing well despite their lowly position on the table, and put 70 on the Panthers when these sides last played. Terry Campese is the centre of the Raiders' universe at the moment and will be looking to wrap up the NSW No. 6 jumper with another strong display.
Prediction: Penrith by 6
Newcastle vs Brisbane
The Broncos are on fire and will be desperate to mark the great Darren Lockyer's 300th premiership match with a victory. Newcastle need to contain Brisbane's red-hot backline to have any chance, particularly as their own attack has been blunted by the injury to Jarrod Mullen. Brisbane's back-three of Hunt, Folau and Winterstein have 17 tries between them from just 7 matches. The Knights are looking to bounce back after relinquishing a 14-point lead to lose to the Tigers, just a week after downing competition heavyweights St. George-Illawarra.
Prediciton: Brisbane by 24
St. George-Illawarra vs New Zealand
The big question is whether the Warriors have any petrol left in the tank after two arduous golden point matches in consecutive weeks. On the plus side, they will have gained plenty of confidence from their win over the Roosters and drawing at the graveyard of Olympic Park, after coming from behind in both matches. A better start is imperative for the Warriors. The Dragons are the hottest team in the comp along with Brisbane, while five-eighth Jamie Soward is the NRL's form player. This game will be won up front, with NSW Origin hopefuls Michael Weyman and Justin Poore matching up against Warriors' captain Steve Price and Jesse Royal.
Prediction: St. George-Illawarra by 4/B]
[U]Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers/U]
This shapes as the match of the round, and one of the games of the season. The most obvious drawcard is the match-up of NSW No. 9 contenders and fierce rivals Michael Ennis and Robbie Farah, after Ennis escaped suspension during the week for an alleged chicken-wing tackle. But there are great contests all over the park - particularly at halfback with lynchpins Brett Kimmorley and Benji Marshall squaring off, two in-form No. 7s with such differing styles, but equally important to their side's chances. A stack of other representative hopefuls will also be using this match to press their claims for Anzac Test and City vs Country selection.
[B]Prediction: Bulldogs by 2
Few could have predicted the start to 2009 for the grand final combatants of the past two years - 2007 premiers Melbourne are ramping up the bottom of the top-8, while defending champs Manly are languishing in 12th equal with three other clubs. Tonight's grand final rematch takes on far greater importance than bragging rights or a psychological edge, particularly for Manly, who face a tough road trip to Brisbane next weekend. The key match-up is in the front-row, with under-performing Kangaroo incumbents Brent Kite and Josh Perry taking on the Storm's Kiwi Test duo Adam Blair and Jeff Lima.
Parramatta vs North Queensland
North Queensland - and in particular Jonathon Thurston - rediscovering their attacking thrust in the last fortnight spells danger for Parramatta, who have conceded 88 points in their previous two games. The Eels were much improved against a red-hot Broncos side last weekend, but need a big game from Jarryd Hayne, who is marking Willie Tonga in a mouthwatering centre battle. Parra's workhorse Nathan Hindmarsh and in-form Cowboys back-rower Luke O'Donnell will miss the match through suspension.
Prediction: North Queensland by 14
Gold Coast vs South Sydney
The Titans and Rabbitohs both let their respective improved defences slip last weekend, and whoever can tighten up on Saturday should take out this clash between 4th vs 5th. The halves battle between Gold Coast's Prince and Rogers and Souths' Sandow and Sutton shapes as a thrilling one, while opposing No. 9s Nathan Friend and Isaac Luke are in-form and capable of busting a game wide open.
Prediction: Gold Coast by 1 in golden point
Cronulla vs Sydney
Prediction: Cronulla by 4
Canberra vs Penrith
Penrith are riding a wave of confidence after their impressive win against the Titans, with attacking guns Michael Jennings, Jarrod Sammut and Luke Lewis in sparkling form. The addition of Luke Walsh to the Panthers' squad has added another dimension, and eased the organisational pressure on Sammut and Lewis. Buth the Mountain Men are on a short turnaround, and Canberra Stadium represents one of the toughest road trips in the NRL. The Raiders have been playing well despite their lowly position on the table, and put 70 on the Panthers when these sides last played. Terry Campese is the centre of the Raiders' universe at the moment and will be looking to wrap up the NSW No. 6 jumper with another strong display.
Prediction: Penrith by 6
Newcastle vs Brisbane
The Broncos are on fire and will be desperate to mark the great Darren Lockyer's 300th premiership match with a victory. Newcastle need to contain Brisbane's red-hot backline to have any chance, particularly as their own attack has been blunted by the injury to Jarrod Mullen. Brisbane's back-three of Hunt, Folau and Winterstein have 17 tries between them from just 7 matches. The Knights are looking to bounce back after relinquishing a 14-point lead to lose to the Tigers, just a week after downing competition heavyweights St. George-Illawarra.
Prediciton: Brisbane by 24
St. George-Illawarra vs New Zealand
The big question is whether the Warriors have any petrol left in the tank after two arduous golden point matches in consecutive weeks. On the plus side, they will have gained plenty of confidence from their win over the Roosters and drawing at the graveyard of Olympic Park, after coming from behind in both matches. A better start is imperative for the Warriors. The Dragons are the hottest team in the comp along with Brisbane, while five-eighth Jamie Soward is the NRL's form player. This game will be won up front, with NSW Origin hopefuls Michael Weyman and Justin Poore matching up against Warriors' captain Steve Price and Jesse Royal.
Prediction: St. George-Illawarra by 4/B]
[U]Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers/U]
This shapes as the match of the round, and one of the games of the season. The most obvious drawcard is the match-up of NSW No. 9 contenders and fierce rivals Michael Ennis and Robbie Farah, after Ennis escaped suspension during the week for an alleged chicken-wing tackle. But there are great contests all over the park - particularly at halfback with lynchpins Brett Kimmorley and Benji Marshall squaring off, two in-form No. 7s with such differing styles, but equally important to their side's chances. A stack of other representative hopefuls will also be using this match to press their claims for Anzac Test and City vs Country selection.
[B]Prediction: Bulldogs by 2
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