Pardon the delay (and the shortness) of this post. Here is a much quicker round preview than last week’s. But don’t worry: next round we’ll be back to normal operation.
Round two is always a peculiar one for footy tippers. Teams that shone come plummeting back to terra firma, while some teams that floundered get their heads above water and begin to find the right direction. Form is still a non-issue, but the foundations of a strong season are generally created here.
Game 1: Brisbane Broncos v. North Queensland Cowboys
After watching the epic facepalm of a match that was the Cowboys-Titans clash last weekend, it’s clear that North Queensland has a lot to improve upon against a Broncos team who showed great patience in wearing down the Eels last Friday night. Even if the Cowboys rectify their ball-handling deficiencies they will still have to overcome the strong defensive line of the Broncos.
My tip: Broncos.
Game 2: Manly Sea Eagle-Warringah Sea Eagles v. Wests Tigers
Manly will miss both Glenn Stewart and Steve Matai for this match, but in defeating the Warriors last week they showed that they will not crumble under pressure. The Tigers were lucky to pull off a win last week, but the Sea Eagles will be a much bigger challenge. And with Tom Humble now occupying the fullback position after James Tedesco’s injury it means that the Tigers will have new combinations to work on, both in attack and in defence.
My tip: Sea Eagles
Game 3: Gold Coast Titans v. Canberra Raiders
Don’t be fooled by the Titans’ victory against the Cowboys team last weekend. With 57% of the possession they were only able to put 18 points on a team with a 46% completion rate. Canberra on the other hand almost pulled off a gutsy victory over the Melbourne Storm. While the Titans will be buoyed with confidence after a winning start to the season, don’t think that the Raiders will come to Skilled Park without their own boost to their self-belief.
My tip: Raiders
Game 4: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v. St George Illawarra Dragons
Who else was impressed with the Bulldogs’ new English import James Graham last weekend? Even though they will be without Frank Pritchard for the match with the Dragons, the Bulldogs still have a strong forward pack with backs capable of capitalising on their go-forward. The Dragons will yet again put in a disciplined, focused performance, but I have a feeling that it may not be enough on Saturday night.
My tip: Bulldogs
Game 5: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v. Newcastle Knights
Have the Sharks finally found the right chemistry to become a competitive force in the NRL? They certainly put in a brave showing against the Tigers and can consider themselves unlucky not to walk away with a win. Against the Knights it will be a different style of game altogether: the Knights made crucial mistakes in crucial moments last week against the Dragons and will be determined to improve on what was an otherwise strong performance. This is a game that can really go either way.
My tip: Sharks
Game 6: Sydney Roosters v. Penrith Panthers
The Roosters may have won last week, but they only did so in the dying minutes against Souths. On the other hand, Penrith ran out to an early 12-0 lead against the Bulldogs and squandered it. It was a scratchy performance by the Panthers, and while they may improve this week, it’s going to be a tough task to take down the Roosters who will be looking to do the same. The difference between the two teams is that one won last week while the other lost. Mentally, that may prove to be the difference.
My tip: Roosters
Game 7: Parramatta Eels v. New Zealand Warriors
While the Eels may have put in an impressive first half against Brisbane, they were still only able to score one try all night which came from a Gerard Beale mistake close to his own line. The Warriors on the other hand were very courageous in defeat, going toe to toe with Manly to the very end of the match before the premiers were able to claim victory. While Warriors teams in the past would have a disappointing showing after such a tough loss, the side in 2012 appears a lot more consistent – and that means nothing but a hard challenge for the Eels to overcome at home.
My tip: Warriors
Game 8: Melbourne Storm v. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Put aside the fact that they were able to win the game in the final five minutes for a moment: Melbourne had a very un-Melbourne performance against the Raiders, but don’t think that Craig Bellamy will let them do it twice in a row. Against one of the more inconsistent teams of recent years, it’s the perfect opportunity to do so. The Rabbitohs are so hit-or-miss that you never know which team will show up on any given round. Against Melbourne at AAMI Park on a Sunday night, even an on-song showing by the Bunnies may not be enough.
My tip: Storm
