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Official NRL 2006 Thread
- Thread starter Simon
- Start date
vic_orthdox
Global Moderator
Is it just me or has Tharmi's attitude about Orford and Bell changed since they moved clubs?
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Burpey
Cricketer Of The Year
I just think that if Queensland are any chance of winning they need points in them. Forget this 'war of attrition' State Of Origin stuff. They need to outscore NSW. As a result, I would put Payne in, or even Marsh if he were to be available. Smith is awesome, an absolute workorse, but won't give enough in attack.broncoman said:
Simon
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Friday
North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers @ Dairy Farmers Stadium
The match of the round on friday night is between last years grand finalists Nth Qld and Wests. Theres plenty riding on this match with the Cowboys unbeaten record under threat and the Tigers improving form put to the test. The home ground advantage is worth 10 points to the cowboys, but i dont think that will worry Tim Sheens' men, they will play their natural style of football. Marshall showed last week just how much he means to the Tigers and if they are to win hes got to be the one to spark them, ive been a bit disapointed with Scott Prince this year but i think hes in for a big one against his former team. Goalkicking could come into it as well, Brett Hodgson is kicking at under 40% while Thurston has barely missed one, so if its close Cowboys will get up. Cowboys penalty goal as the first scoring play is a good option @ $9.
Result: Cowboys by 10
First try: Paul Whatuira (Tigers)
Saturday
Brisbane Broncos vs South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane will be looking to bounce back from last weeks loss to the Dragons while Souths are still searching for their first in of the season. Brisbane start heavy favourites and it would take a brave man to bet against them, they werent all that bad last week and were pretty impressive the week before against Parra, they are still one of the benchmarks of the NRL. Souths contniue to struggle and this week will be no different, its been 17 years since Souths beat Brisbane although they did have a draw 2 years ago, Souths defence has been shocking this year and if the Broncos halves can get good ball to the outside men Hodges, Berrigan and Boyd we could see a big score. If Souths can compete early a halftime margin of Broncos 5-8 paying $6.50 is chance.
Result: Brisbane by 26
First try: Brett Seymour (Broncos)
Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters @ Toyota Park
An interesting clash in the making here, Sharks havent looked that great so far, only beating Souths by 2 points, while the Roosters have been patchy. They have competed for 30 or 40 minutes in all their matches and this has been enough to win two games, however it did cost them against Manly last week. Shark park is a tough place for teams to visit, a strong wind is expected on Saturday night so the kicking games will be vital, Sharks small men Dykes ad Kimmorley will be vital and if they can get them enough repeat sets they could get the cash. Jamie Soward has been in good form for the Roosters but he hasnt had enough support from Finch, Wing and Anasta, if none of these guys lift Roosters will continue to struggle. The Roosters have a pretty good record at Toyota of late, so this game is really an even money prospect, however i think the sharks could scrape home of the back of a better kicking game. Sharks to win by 1-12 @ $3.75 is good value.
Result: Sharks by 6
First try: Phil Bailey (Sharks)
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Newcastle Knights @ WIN Stadium
God knows why this is the delayed game on Fox at 9.20 this week, if Johns plays its certainly the match of the round, however hes again rated only an even money chance of playing despite beting named. Like any match he plays in hes the key to both sides, its well known that Newcastle cant win without him, but the Dragons won take much notice of that. St George changed their team a bit last week and i think it worked well, the attacking presence of Gasnier in the middle of the field had a big impact on the match and this is likely to continue this week. I really think St George broke through last week, they had struggled a bit in the opening rounds but the win against Brisbane proved they will be competition favourites come September. Even if Johns plays i dont think he can get his side home, hes a great player but playing with an injuy will be a hinderance, if the Dragons big men run at him all night it could negate his impact in attack. Dragons paying $1.70 on the head to head is pretty good value in my eyes.
Result: Dragons by 12
First try: Mark Gasnier (Dragons)
Sunday
New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles @ Ericsson Stadium
Two teams who are both improving, Warriors showed a lot in their win against Newcastle last week and this win shouldnt be discounted just because Johns didnt play. I really think the Warriors could be starting to mount a challenge towards the top 8, a win this week should see them move off the bottom of the table after starting on -4. Im sure most Warriors fans would take a 3-2 record after 5 weeks if offered before the start of the season. Manly made a good come back against Roosters last Saturday, but i still feel they arent the same team away from brookie. Matt Orford finally showed what hes capabale of, but like he generally does he'll probably follow that up with a quiet game this week. Both these teams have plenty to work on but neither can be discounted yet, the Warriors will need to use their outside men more often if they are to score points. Manu Vatuvei has been wasted this season, he towers over most of his opponents but hes not being utilised the way he should. Steve Bell has scored in all his games for Manly and will fancy his chance against the Warriors centres this weekend. I think it may be close and if you like a crack at some good money a full time/ half time double of Draw/Warriors paying $19 is a good chance.
Result: Warriors by 16
First try: Steve Menzies (Sea Eagles)
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers @ Parramatta Stadium
Two golden point matches in a row for Penrith, could it be three? no. Parramatta will start strong favourites despite Penrith sitting well above the Eels on the table. Parra need to start winning if they are gonna prove to be a top side in 2006. Penrith are already over achieving this season, but i wonder how much last week's loss to Canberra will hurt. Penrith have a poor record at Parramatta winning onnly one of their past seven, this trend should continue this week. The keys for Parramatta are their fowards, Hindmarsh and Cayless need to go foward and make plenty of tackles, they have to set the example and should be able to over power the Panthers pack. Penrith really need their three quarter line to fire up, Rooney and Lewis are rep players and need to lift, if they continue to play the way they are i doubt we'll be seeing either in any sort of rep jersey's this year. Parramatta to lead by 104 at half time paying $7 is my best bet.
Result: Eels by 8
First try: Rhys Wesser (Panthers)
Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs @ Canberra Stadium
A pretty good game is on offer here i think, Canberra have shown an ability to score some tries this year (not to mention concede a couple) and the Bulldogs are always entertaining. No team has won this season coming off the bye and its the Bulldogs turn to prove that theory wrong this week. Reni Maitua is back in first grade after playing Premier League last week, O'Meley is also back. The Raiders suffer a huge loss with Simon Woolford losing his case at the judicary last night, this is a blessing in disguise imo, Todd Carney is an exciting propsect and he gets his chance to start at halfback with Lincoln Withers moving to hooker. The Raiders young fowards were impressive last week, Thurling, Learoyd Lahrs and Jones all had good matches, they will be hoping for more of the same this week. Like always the Bulldogs will give as much ball as they can to their outside men, i just wonder if the dumping of Brent Sherwin to reggies will hurt them, Daniel Holdsworth isnt a natural half and playing in 7 will be a much bigger challenge than hes had playing in 6 so far. This is a game i expect Canberra to win, Raiders by 1-12 paying $3.75 is a good option.
Result: Raiders by 8
First try: Craig Frawley (Raiders)
Melbourne have the bye.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers @ Dairy Farmers Stadium
The match of the round on friday night is between last years grand finalists Nth Qld and Wests. Theres plenty riding on this match with the Cowboys unbeaten record under threat and the Tigers improving form put to the test. The home ground advantage is worth 10 points to the cowboys, but i dont think that will worry Tim Sheens' men, they will play their natural style of football. Marshall showed last week just how much he means to the Tigers and if they are to win hes got to be the one to spark them, ive been a bit disapointed with Scott Prince this year but i think hes in for a big one against his former team. Goalkicking could come into it as well, Brett Hodgson is kicking at under 40% while Thurston has barely missed one, so if its close Cowboys will get up. Cowboys penalty goal as the first scoring play is a good option @ $9.
Result: Cowboys by 10
First try: Paul Whatuira (Tigers)
Saturday
Brisbane Broncos vs South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane will be looking to bounce back from last weeks loss to the Dragons while Souths are still searching for their first in of the season. Brisbane start heavy favourites and it would take a brave man to bet against them, they werent all that bad last week and were pretty impressive the week before against Parra, they are still one of the benchmarks of the NRL. Souths contniue to struggle and this week will be no different, its been 17 years since Souths beat Brisbane although they did have a draw 2 years ago, Souths defence has been shocking this year and if the Broncos halves can get good ball to the outside men Hodges, Berrigan and Boyd we could see a big score. If Souths can compete early a halftime margin of Broncos 5-8 paying $6.50 is chance.
Result: Brisbane by 26
First try: Brett Seymour (Broncos)
Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters @ Toyota Park
An interesting clash in the making here, Sharks havent looked that great so far, only beating Souths by 2 points, while the Roosters have been patchy. They have competed for 30 or 40 minutes in all their matches and this has been enough to win two games, however it did cost them against Manly last week. Shark park is a tough place for teams to visit, a strong wind is expected on Saturday night so the kicking games will be vital, Sharks small men Dykes ad Kimmorley will be vital and if they can get them enough repeat sets they could get the cash. Jamie Soward has been in good form for the Roosters but he hasnt had enough support from Finch, Wing and Anasta, if none of these guys lift Roosters will continue to struggle. The Roosters have a pretty good record at Toyota of late, so this game is really an even money prospect, however i think the sharks could scrape home of the back of a better kicking game. Sharks to win by 1-12 @ $3.75 is good value.
Result: Sharks by 6
First try: Phil Bailey (Sharks)
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Newcastle Knights @ WIN Stadium
God knows why this is the delayed game on Fox at 9.20 this week, if Johns plays its certainly the match of the round, however hes again rated only an even money chance of playing despite beting named. Like any match he plays in hes the key to both sides, its well known that Newcastle cant win without him, but the Dragons won take much notice of that. St George changed their team a bit last week and i think it worked well, the attacking presence of Gasnier in the middle of the field had a big impact on the match and this is likely to continue this week. I really think St George broke through last week, they had struggled a bit in the opening rounds but the win against Brisbane proved they will be competition favourites come September. Even if Johns plays i dont think he can get his side home, hes a great player but playing with an injuy will be a hinderance, if the Dragons big men run at him all night it could negate his impact in attack. Dragons paying $1.70 on the head to head is pretty good value in my eyes.
Result: Dragons by 12
First try: Mark Gasnier (Dragons)
Sunday
New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles @ Ericsson Stadium
Two teams who are both improving, Warriors showed a lot in their win against Newcastle last week and this win shouldnt be discounted just because Johns didnt play. I really think the Warriors could be starting to mount a challenge towards the top 8, a win this week should see them move off the bottom of the table after starting on -4. Im sure most Warriors fans would take a 3-2 record after 5 weeks if offered before the start of the season. Manly made a good come back against Roosters last Saturday, but i still feel they arent the same team away from brookie. Matt Orford finally showed what hes capabale of, but like he generally does he'll probably follow that up with a quiet game this week. Both these teams have plenty to work on but neither can be discounted yet, the Warriors will need to use their outside men more often if they are to score points. Manu Vatuvei has been wasted this season, he towers over most of his opponents but hes not being utilised the way he should. Steve Bell has scored in all his games for Manly and will fancy his chance against the Warriors centres this weekend. I think it may be close and if you like a crack at some good money a full time/ half time double of Draw/Warriors paying $19 is a good chance.
Result: Warriors by 16
First try: Steve Menzies (Sea Eagles)
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers @ Parramatta Stadium
Two golden point matches in a row for Penrith, could it be three? no. Parramatta will start strong favourites despite Penrith sitting well above the Eels on the table. Parra need to start winning if they are gonna prove to be a top side in 2006. Penrith are already over achieving this season, but i wonder how much last week's loss to Canberra will hurt. Penrith have a poor record at Parramatta winning onnly one of their past seven, this trend should continue this week. The keys for Parramatta are their fowards, Hindmarsh and Cayless need to go foward and make plenty of tackles, they have to set the example and should be able to over power the Panthers pack. Penrith really need their three quarter line to fire up, Rooney and Lewis are rep players and need to lift, if they continue to play the way they are i doubt we'll be seeing either in any sort of rep jersey's this year. Parramatta to lead by 104 at half time paying $7 is my best bet.
Result: Eels by 8
First try: Rhys Wesser (Panthers)
Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs @ Canberra Stadium
A pretty good game is on offer here i think, Canberra have shown an ability to score some tries this year (not to mention concede a couple) and the Bulldogs are always entertaining. No team has won this season coming off the bye and its the Bulldogs turn to prove that theory wrong this week. Reni Maitua is back in first grade after playing Premier League last week, O'Meley is also back. The Raiders suffer a huge loss with Simon Woolford losing his case at the judicary last night, this is a blessing in disguise imo, Todd Carney is an exciting propsect and he gets his chance to start at halfback with Lincoln Withers moving to hooker. The Raiders young fowards were impressive last week, Thurling, Learoyd Lahrs and Jones all had good matches, they will be hoping for more of the same this week. Like always the Bulldogs will give as much ball as they can to their outside men, i just wonder if the dumping of Brent Sherwin to reggies will hurt them, Daniel Holdsworth isnt a natural half and playing in 7 will be a much bigger challenge than hes had playing in 6 so far. This is a game i expect Canberra to win, Raiders by 1-12 paying $3.75 is a good option.
Result: Raiders by 8
First try: Craig Frawley (Raiders)
Melbourne have the bye.
chaminda_00
Hall of Fame Member
If Queesland pick a backrow of say Stagg, Johnston, Crocker and Harison they have the moblie forward pack and enough work rate in their pack to drop Smith. But Payne really has to get back into the starting line up first, to even be considered IMO.
howardj
International Coach
I really enjoy your previews each week, Broncoman. They're much appreciated. Anyway, my tips:
Cowboys to beat Tigers - Nth Qld are the form team in the comp, and the home ground advantage should be enough to get them across the line. Although, with wet weather predicted, this could bring the teams closer together.
Broncos to murder Rabbits - Souths are woeful. We can move on.
Roosters to beat Sharks - I just think the Roosters will be a little more desperate this week, after coming off a loss - I love the 'bounce-back' theory. They also have more scope for improvement than the Sharks, who I think will struggle in 2006.
Dragons to beat Knights - See Broncoman's comments!
Eagles to beat Warriors - Could go either way, this match. However, I never back the Warriors to win too many consecutive games. They always seem to lack hunger. Manly also have the better players in the key positions.
Eels to beat Penrith - This is a must-win game for Parramatta. They're specials - put your farm on them. They'll be much more hungry than Penrith, and on paper I believe have the better team.
Dogs to beat Raiders - The Dogs are specials.
Cowboys to beat Tigers - Nth Qld are the form team in the comp, and the home ground advantage should be enough to get them across the line. Although, with wet weather predicted, this could bring the teams closer together.
Broncos to murder Rabbits - Souths are woeful. We can move on.
Roosters to beat Sharks - I just think the Roosters will be a little more desperate this week, after coming off a loss - I love the 'bounce-back' theory. They also have more scope for improvement than the Sharks, who I think will struggle in 2006.
Dragons to beat Knights - See Broncoman's comments!
Eagles to beat Warriors - Could go either way, this match. However, I never back the Warriors to win too many consecutive games. They always seem to lack hunger. Manly also have the better players in the key positions.
Eels to beat Penrith - This is a must-win game for Parramatta. They're specials - put your farm on them. They'll be much more hungry than Penrith, and on paper I believe have the better team.
Dogs to beat Raiders - The Dogs are specials.
BoyBrumby
Englishman
My tips as entered into Kyle's comp:
Cowboys
Broncos
Roosters
Dragons
Warriors
Bulldogs
Eels
It's pretty cool actually, gives you a break down of how you get on tipping each team: I'm running @ 100% for The Eels, Souths & Cronulla, but 0% for Penrith! Get your money on them now!
BTW, how likely is Berrigan to start for The Broncs? Heard he was carrying a knock & I'm tempted to make him my skip in the Dream Team comp.
Cowboys
Broncos
Roosters
Dragons
Warriors
Bulldogs
Eels
It's pretty cool actually, gives you a break down of how you get on tipping each team: I'm running @ 100% for The Eels, Souths & Cronulla, but 0% for Penrith! Get your money on them now!
BTW, how likely is Berrigan to start for The Broncs? Heard he was carrying a knock & I'm tempted to make him my skip in the Dream Team comp.
Blaze
Banned
My Round Two PIcks (The Bulldogs game had already been completed at the time of my post but none of the others had started,Mister Wright said:
Winners From Round TwoBlaze said:
Bulldogs
Eels
]Broncos
Cowboys
Roosters v Storm (can't remember)
Knights
Panthers
If you can't put the tips in now that's fine... just thought I would try.
Burpey
Cricketer Of The Year
Sutton? The bloke is a lock playing five-eighth because Souths don't have one. He may be a player fo the future but he has to show some form before he is even a chance for Origin. Just compare his form so far this season to Barrett's. Not even close.chaminda_00 said:
My team:
1 Anthony Minichello
2 Matt King
3 Mark Gasnier
4 Matt Cooper
5 Eric Grothe
6 Trent Barrett
7 Craig Gower
8 Mark O'Meley
9 Danny Buderus
10 Luke Bailey
11 Nathan Hindmarsh
12 Luke O'Donnell
13 Craig Fitzgibbon
Reserves
14 Jason Ryles
15 Willie Mason
16 Steve Simpson
17 Ben Creagh
Probably forgot someone but that's roughly the side I would be looking at.
Burpey
Cricketer Of The Year
I don't thin Barrett going to Wigan would affect anything.BoyBrumby said:
However, some people are calling for Gasnier not to be picked if he signs with union. Personally, while he is still a league player and the best centre going around, he should be picked for rep teams. The rep teams are becoming too much like club sides in my opinion. Their purpose is to select the best players available as a reward for their efforts.