This week football fans thought that they were in for a treat when they watched the two great games on Friday night. But soon things went from bad to worse and fans witnessed a woeful standard of football. Monday Night Football generally produces a decent contest, fingers crossed that this one is otherwise fans will be switching off in droves. The Dragons are out of contention for the finals and there is growing pressure on their squad. Coach Steve Price does have a lot to answer for as his side has gone from a semi final team to missing the finals by a long way. They have under performed and players in their squad also have a lot to answer for. For the remainder of the season, the Dragons are simply playing for pride. Up in Townsville, the Cowboys are tracking along nicely. They have turned around their inconsistent performances to be firmly in the Top 8 and a side to be feared on their day. Their forwards are big, tough and strong. Their backs are agile, fast and good in defence. Then you have their halves. Obviously, Thurston is a player that any team wishes they were playing with, rather then against. Yet Michael Morgan is also coming into his role within the team very well. It is definitely made a lot easier by the fact that Matt Bowen at fullback is back to his amazing self. Whilst their spot in the finals is guaranteed, they are playing for momentum and confidence heading into the finals. There is three games left for them and consistency is very important for this side. If they are to do anything in the finals, this game is one that they have to win. It is a game to look forward to, lets just hope it produces the great match that all fans are hoping to see.
St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons haven't had a lot of positive news within their squad this year but they are happy to welcome back Matt Cooper for this game. He is slotted straight back into the centres at the expense of Nathan Green who has had a tough couple of weeks in the top grade. It is interesting that this is the only change to the side (including the extneded bench) for this game. You would think that with the position that they're in, they would be very quick to give a youngster a go for some exposure to the pressure of the NRL. One area that could be boosted is their forwards. Obviously Dean Young will not be dropped after announcing his retirement but this is a pack that can be considered soft. They have failed to dominate their opposition on a regular basis. Jamie Soward was dropped for a week to NSW Cup but he produced a great display to gain a recall. Nathan Fien has dropped out of the side altogether as Soward in back in the number 6 jersey. This is a change but they were already this way when they faced the Tigers. It's stated above that pride is on the line and each of their players should aim to claw some back.
North Queensland Cowboys
There is no need to change the side that hammered the Warriors by 40 points last Saturday night. It was a great performance at their home ground after a very narrow loss to the Sea Eagles in Round 22. Unfortunately, the changes that have occurred have been enforced. Ricky Thorby is out injured and instead of calling a player back into the side, the Cowboys have just reduced the size of their extended bench. There is also some news floating around that Ray Thompson is under an injury cloud and is only a 50/50 chance of playing. If he is to withdraw from the side, Anthony Mitchell will be his replacement. Mitchell will also be the player to drop out of the side if Thompson is fit. Hooker Aaron Payne this week announced that he will retire at the seasons end so there is added incentive to finish the season on a high. They are riding high on confidence and need to ensure that their winning form continues. Their forward pack is an obvious strength and will need to assert their dominance in this game early on. They are also able to play a very fast-style of football that can tire out other sides very quickly, eg. Tigers a few rounds ago.
Recent History
Overall = Dragons 11 - Cowboys 11
Last 5 games = Dragons 2 - Cowboys 3
At WIN Stadium = Dragons 6 - Cowboys 3
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Dragons $2.40 Cowboys $1.60
Centrebet = Dragons $2.40 Cowboys $1.60
Sportsbet = Dragons $2.35 Cowboys $1.62
Betfair = Dragons $2.50 Cowboys $1.65
Verdict
The writing is on the wall in this clash. The Dragons are out of finals contention with little to play for and the Cowboy are pushing towards the semi finals. If the consistent Cowboys side that we have seen in the past 5 rounds or so turns up, it could be a very long night for the Dragons. They have the ability to score a lot of points against a weak defensive line and can score them from anywhere on the field. They are guided around the park by a great playmaker in Thurston and also have Bowen to call upon when needed. Working behind a monster forward pack that continually breaks the advantage line allows them plenty of room to work from. The Dragons are not out of this contest, but they will have to play beyond any level they have been at this season. This is a Cowboys team that should aim to make a statement in this game with a very dominating display.
Suggested Bet
Cowboys @ $1.65 (with Betfair)
Cover that line = Cowboys -4.5 @ $2 - It is amazing that this line is offered on a side that can score a lot of points. Yes they are playing the Dragons at a ground where they always play well, but this option is just stealing money!
Left side, strong side = Kane Linnett First ($11) and/or Last ($11) try scorer - He is in very good form at the moment and he will be happy to avoid the great centre battle that is occurring on the other side of the field. He can also find his way to the try line from anywhere.
Good luck!
Scooby
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