NRL Round 22 Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels Preview

After a very interesting round of fixtures, Monday Night Footy hots up out at Campbelltown as the Wests Tigers host an Eels side that is pushing to get themselves off the bottom of the table. They've played well in recent weeks and have deserved their upset victories against two Top 8 sides. This has all come after the sacking of coach Stephen Kearney and the hiring of Ricky Stuart for 2013 and beyond. What is disappointing to see is the same players who were under performing under Kearny now seem to be playing above their means. So where was this form to begin with? Maybe many have been put on notice with the impending arrival of Stuart, that their contracts may be null and void if they don't fit into his plans. Make sense to play for you future now. At the start of this season, many would have looked ahead to this game with great excitement and anticipation but after a very disappointing season by both teams standards, interest has disappeared. The Tigers have failed to live up to the preseason hype and billing as competition favorites. While they have definitely been affected by injuries, they still should be sitting higher on the ladder. But after results went their way in other NRL games this weekend, a win could propel them back into the Top 8. A loss wouldn't be disastrous as they still would be in contention, but they have an appalling "for and against" at the moment which has them behind all teams they're level on points with. Fans will be hoping for a dominating performance and those that brave the cold of Sydneys west will be treated to a good clash. The Tigers are desperate and need to pull things together in this game, otherwise the Eels will get the jump on them and could spring an upset. 

Wests Tigers

Again there is doubt over the fitness of some players leading into this clash. Keith Galloway and Tim Moltzen will have to under go a fitness test to see if they can take their spot in the side. In terms of the changes for the team from last week, Marika Koroibete is named to start on the wing and Beau Ryan shifts into the centre as Chris Lawrence is out injured. Liam Fulton will play 5/8 with Curtis Sironen out through injury and Benji Marshall will play at half. As Galloway is named in the pack, Adam Blair moves back to the second row which covers Fulton's move to the halves. The Tigers have also called upon Tim Simona on the bench to replace Ben Murdoch-Masila who is also out through injury. The only thing the Tiges should worry about is their own form. They certainly have a very good forward pack but they were delivered a "wake up call" last week as they were pounded by the Rabbitohs. Their pride also took a hit and if they are to win, the forwards must control and win the game for them. Be sure that having Farrah at hooker will definitely help their cause and he will be in for a big game after demonstrating how disappointed he was last week. Its time for the Tigers to stand up and press their claim for a finals spot.

Parramatta Eels

No surprises that there is no changes to the starting team that got the job done against the Broncos last Monday night. It was a very spirited performance but whilst they still have a long way to go to claw back some credibility, it certainly did help. The one change that does occur is on the extended bench where Justin Horo has been recalled to the team but could also be dropped prior to the kick off. Having consistency will definitely help the Eels and they should still focus on their final fixtures and hope they win to perhaps send Hindmarsh and Burt off in their last season without winning the wooden spoon. You can never be sure how they will turn up though and as they're going for 3 wins in a row, they could get ahead of themselves. They have no excuses anymore and should aim to take the fight to the Tigers in the forwards.

Recent History

Overall = Tigers 9 - Draw 1 - Eels 15

Last 5 games = Tigers 4 - Eels 1

At Campbelltown Sports Ground = Never played

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Tigers $1.60 Eels $2.40

Centrebet = Tiges $1.62 Eels $2.35

Sportsbet = Tigers $1.57 Eels $2.45

Betfair = Tigers $1.63 Eels $2.54

Verdict

I still need one more week to look at the Eels before deciding whether or not I will invest some money on them. Yes they have had some very good victories in their past two starts but that will mean nothing unless they turn up ready to play. On the other hand, you have the Tigers who need a win here to remain in touch with the 8, or even move into it. People are saying that the Tigers are not far away but they need to get moving soon. This will be a very close game with a lot of points scored so aim to bet in and around that, with the Tigers being too strong.

Suggested Bet

Tiger 1-12 @ $3

Narrow Victory = Tigers 1-6 @ $5.50 - If this is going to be a close run thing, you may want to consider being more specific on the winning margin of 1-12 and go for a little more value with this option. Also consider 7-12 @ $5.50 if you think it will be more than a converted try in this.

Even then victory = HT/FT Draw/Tigers @ $17 - Plenty of value here and it is definitely a long shot, but worth the consideration. The Tigers can lead from start to finish but that is only paying $2.20.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 22 Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos Preview

What's that?! Another game away from Friday for the Broncos?! No wonder they were off guard against the Eels, they're not accustomed to playing on any other day. But throw that thought aside because the Broncos pride was battered and beaten last week as they went down to the Eels. They will definitely want to erase that memory as quick as possible and the best way to do it will be with a win over the Raiders. Admittedly the Broncos had a lot of players missing through injuries, but they still had the class of player that could've gotten them through it. It was a shame that they didn't produce against a lesser opponent but perhaps there is a positive to take away from the loss. Maybe it was a wake up call that they needed in their run home to the finals to ensure that their minds remain on the job at hand. With the competition so close at the present stage, they can ill-afford to drop another game in the run home. Especially against a team like the Raiders. A team like the Raiders however, could very well spring an upset onto them if they're not careful. Their season ended with an embarrassing loss to the Knights at home and with their season going like a yo-yo, you can never be sure which team will show up for them. There has been no talk of a change of coach so perhaps the players are just hanging out for the end of the season. It has been a disappointing season for them with a host of injuries affecting their performances, they have underachieved. With 5 games remaining, they can only salvage pride from their final performances. All they can do is ruin the hopes of teams above them. The Broncos will want to make sure that this is not the case, and with very cold conditions expected down in the nations capital,  anything can happen in this game.

Canberra Raiders

The Raiders have named Josh Dugan, despite him being under an injury cloud in this game. It would be a shame if he played and he wasn't ready as their season is over and nothing positive can be achieved. The Raiders have also lost Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and his spot in the front row is taken by Dane Tilse. Apart from that, the Raiders have named an unchanged lineup for this clash. It is amazing to see that happen to a team that is extremely disappointing. Their season was on the line last week and they just couldn't deliver. Maybe the reasoning behind Furner's persistance with the same lineup is to build consistency for 2013. If that is the case, he should wield the axe if the player cannot continue to perform at the desired level. 

Brisbane Broncos

There were a host of late changes for the Broncos last week that came on the day before their clash. Corey Parker was ruled out late and as a result is out of this clash. Josh McGuire was the player who replaced Parker before kickoff and will do the same again here. Aaron Whitchurch has lost his spot on the wing (moved to the bench) as Gerard Beale shifts to the wing as Ben Te'o is moved into the centres. But the same squad of 17 has been retained. There is no extended bench named so perhaps Anthony Griffin has put his players on notice. He came out and slammed their lacklustre performance and said that they were wel below their best. It was clearly a lack of application and the Eels made the most of it. As stated above, they will want to erase that memory as quick as possible. It isn't a "sure thing" by any stretch. They will have to work for this one. Their strength is in their forwards and they must set a platform early for their halves to work off. A platform that was non-existent on MNF.

Recent History

Overall = Raiders 17 - Draw 1 - Broncos 24

Last 5 games = Raiders 2 - Broncos 3

At Canberra Stadium = Raiders 10 - Broncos 8

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Raiders $2.20 Broncos $1.70

Centrebet = Raiders $2.20 Broncos $1.70

Sportsbet = Raiders $2.25 Broncos $1.67

Betfair = Raiders $2.26 Broncos $1.74

Verdict

You can never be sure what Raiders team will show up in this game and I doubt there would be any punters out there that could back them with confidence. The Broncos need to  get their season back on track after a very embarrassing loss to the Eels. They're still not back to full strength but Anthony Griffin has sent his squad a very powerful message. They lacked the right attitude against the Eels and apparently they have been put on notice. If they can get out to an early lead, the Raiders will probably switch off and they could coast to a large victory.

Suggested Bet
Brisbane -2.5 @ $1.90


Get out and coast home = Broncos 13+ @ $3.75 - I was very surprised to see the prices offered on the Broncos. Is there something that the punters don't know about this clash? Regardless, the Raiders are woeful and hard to back. As stated above, the Broncos could make the Raiders switch off.


Tri bet = Brisbane Over 6.5 points @ $2.50 - This is just another valued bet where money can be won. The reasons are all mentioned above.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips

NRL Round 22 NZ Warriors v Cronulla Sharks Preview

After a "Super Saturday" with three consecutive NRL games live, NRL fans are teated to a very rare "Super Sunday" which kicks off at Noon EST from across the ditch. The Warriors are back home in front of their fans who must be asking a whole host of questions after giving up 18-nil leads in consecutive weeks. If they do eventually miss out on the Top 8, they can only blame themselves as they have capitulated at crucial points in the match. They're failing to put teams away when it matters most and it has cost them 4 competition points, which would have them firmly in the Top 8 by now. But that is the nature of the NRL. You cannot rest for a minute if you want to be a premiership contender because there are teams out there who will be desperate to turn the tide. The Sharks on the other hand are not going through a period of "needless losses" but rather a slide that needs to be halted as soon as possible. Admittedly, they have had their fair share of injuries of late. You wouldn't even have noticed it, but since the beginning of the SOO period, Paul Gallen has only played one game for the Sharks (if that!). Then the players that have been stepping into their positions are also falling victim of a tough schedule. But if there are any positives, it looks as though they're beginning to get players back to full health. Some people have even suggested that they've purposely rested players with niggling injuries or given them the extra week to recover, so that they're ready for a tough run home. Despite this, they would've been hoping to have a few more victories against lesser opponents to their name. They were once (a few weeks ago), firmly in the top 8 and now are at the wrong end of it. Both teams will be desperate in this game, yet for very different reasons. The Sharks want to stay alive in the 8 and push themselves back into the Top 4. Whereas the Warriors are fighting to keep their season alive. One more loss could very well sound the end of their campaign. Surely they wouldn't put their fans through another "come-from-behind" loss. As the Olympics do not start until the night, get ready for a great afternoon of rugby league. This game will have an impact on not only the two teams involved, but also the hopes and dreams of those teams around them on the table. Stay tuned for a great battle.

NZ Warriors

So the time has come when the Warriors must step up to the mark. It seems as though they go through a similar thing each season and all bar last season, it doesn't end to well for them. They are definitely under achieving this season and should be much higher on the table but have failed to capitalise at crucial points in games. There is a few enforced changes this week unfortunately but the Warriors will look to adapt which ever way possible. Boom rookie Konrad Hurrell is out of the side with injury and he is replaced by Ben Henry who moves from the second row join other "forward", Lewis Brown, in the centres. Sebastine Ikahihifo comes into the starting side from the bench this week to start at lock as Elijah Taylor shifts up to the second row for Henry. Carlos Tuimavave, Steve Rapira and Ukuma Ta'Ai are the new faces on an extended bench. They have lost some firepower off the bench but can consolidate by getting longer minutes off their starting players on a regular basis. There could be a vulnerability out wide also with two back rowers playing there. The Sharks should look to isolate this if they're to win. But the Warriors will be tough to beat up front with a massive forward pack and should look to take the battle to the Sharks here.

Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks will welcome back a host of stars this weekend as they look to get their season back on track. Gallen is the most notable inclusion, closely followed by Carney. There is no question about it, Gallen is returning back from injury early because the Sharks desperately need him. Carney was rested last week as a precautionary and should be able to get through this game again with no worries, perhaps even dominate it in attack. Jason Bukuya is shifted back to the bench and Anthony Tupou is named to make a start in the second row along with Jeremy Smith. Apart from that, the Sharks side remains the same with an extended bench of 6. Jon Green and Sam Tagataese look the likely option to miss out. They're at a point where their season can easily go the wrong way with a loss here. It will be a tough battle for them as well. They're over in NZ which is a hostile environment at the best of times. But they do have a lot of tough players and as they get back to full strength, they will look to regain some of the form that had them as a very tough defensive team at the start of the season.

Recent History

Overall = Warriors 14 - Sharks 14

Last 5 games = Warriors 3 - Sharks 2

At Mt Smart Stadium = Warriors 8 - Sharks 4

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Warriors $1.47 Sharks $2.75

Centrebet = Warriors $1.55 Sharks $2.50

Sportsbet = Warriors $1.50 Sharks $2.65

Betfair = Warriors $1.56 Sharks $2.66

Verdict

This is a game to select a winner in. You have to look at which team deserves it and will be wanting it more. With a loss, the Warriors will bow out of finals contention and the Sharks could very well slip out of the 8 if results don't go their way. I am going to have to stick with the Sharks though because of the quality player that is returning to the lineup. They have class around the field also in their halves. Throw in a more dynamic and capable bench, and they have what it takes to get their season back on track. I also am reluctant to back the Warriors as they have two back rowers playing in the centres. Whilst they will be up to it defensively, it really does limit their attacking potential.

Suggested Bet
Sharks @ $2.75


Worried about a win = Sharks +6.5 @ $1.90 - It may just put your mind at ease that little more. If they do go down, it will probably be a very close call. The Warriors will be hoping to play for the 80 minutes, unlike the two previous rounds.


By a close margin = Sharks 1-12 @ $4 - As stated above, this will be a cose run thing. So why not take the very juicy odds stated above. It would be very surprising to see the Sharks win by 13+ here.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips

NRL Round 22 Newcastle Knights v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Preview

The Knights have managed to keep their season alive for another weekend and now they face their toughest test this weekend as they host the competitions leaders. If they want to make a dash for the final 8, they must win this game. They have been impressive in recent weeks winning on two of the toughest road trips in the NRL, across to NZ and down to Canberra. Wayne Bennett is coming into his own as his players are beginning to play under his successful structure that has allowed him to be one of the best coaches this game has ever had. But then you look at the transformation made by Des Hasler at the Bulldogs in such a short period of time and it has been nothing short of amazing. Hasler has turned a team around that was failing to live up to potential into premiership favorites. They're playing some fantastic football which has their competitors trying to replicate their ball play through their forwards which is giving their outside backs extra room to move. Then there is Ben Barba. If there was every a guy in form who should be favorite for the Dally M with 5 games to go, it is this guy. Everything is working for him at the moment and his support play is outstanding and yielding him a nice bag of tries to date. But his defence has also been great. The Dogs have things moving nicely at the moment but some people are suggesting they need a loss to refocus them in time for the semis. Looking at their run home after this game, perhaps they won't have one. You never want a team to lose because they may lose momentum but they have the added advantage of Des Hasler on their side who can switch their focus back to anything he wants...he said after their win against the Cowboys that they were "not the benchmark"!!! Great work Des and this could be his new "under the radar" statement. What is normally the first game of Super Saturday is now the second but fans will be definitely be watching this one with interest.

Newcastle Knights
For the third consecutive week, the Knights have named an unchanged lineup. This is great for the third week that they can continue to build some consistency on the field and combinations are now beginning to come together. They've overcome two very tough road trips in recent weeks and now return home to hopefully continue on their winning ways.  Like a few other teams at this stage of the season, they're playing sudden death football and can ill-afford a loss. But that is evident in their defence, they're been holding sides well within their means. It does take some time to get into a game for them but when they do they can look dangerous. They have all basis' covered on the field too, apart from a solid halves pairing. Tyrone Roberts is playing well though but he is yet to prove himself a quality halfback. Their strengths are a monster forward pack and monster outside backs. Get the ball to them and they can make easy metres up the field.


Canterbury Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have no changes to the team that took the field last week against the Cowboys, yet there are to the team that was named. Kris Keating was always going to be out of the match aginst the Cowboys with a hamstrin injury and his place was filled by Joel Romelo, who played very well. The Bulldogs though that were promoted to the starting side filled their roles very, very well. James Graham, who has always been a superstar, continued on his fantastic form this season by leading from the front. The other forward who was promoted to the side, Josh Jackson, also proved his worth and will definitely be a player to watch it the future. They have again named an extended bench but the player expected to drop off the bench will be Harlan Alaalatoa, as he missed out for the Cowboys game. It doesn't matter which players they lose from their squad, Des Hasler can bring another player in who he motivates to reach his potential. But some pundits are suggesting that a loss to the Dogs wouldn't hurt them and could perhaps be a positive as they roll towards the finals. This is some suggestion although you should never wish a loss upon a team as it may take away some of their momentum.

Recent History

Overall = Knights 17 - Draw 1 - Bulldogs 18
Last 5 games = Knights 3 - Bulldogs 2
At Hunter Stadium = Knights 11 - Bulldogs 5


Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Knights $2.45 Bulldogs $1.47

Centrebet = Knights $2.50 Bulldogs $1.55

Sportsbet = Knights $2.45 Bulldogs $1.57

Betfair = Knights $2.52 Bulldogs $1.56

Verdict
The Knights are one of the form teams in the competition but if you look at the quality of opposition they have beaten, they certainly haven't proved themselves against too much. It was only a few weeks ago that they were outclassed by a far superior Rabbitohs team that also kept them scoreless in the second half. This will now be a good measure of where the Knights are actually at. If this is a game whereby the Dogs need to lose to refocus them for the semis, having one 5 games out from Week 1 would be the best case scenario for them. It is extremely hard to knock the Dogs with the quality of football they've been playing of late. They're forcing their opponents to try certain plays that they would normally never try but the pressure of the Dogs defence is just too much for them. Looking at the two team it is hard to take the Knights, the Bulldogs are a far superior outfit across the park. In saying that, an upset by the Knights who are storming home this season wouldn't surprise one bit. They're at home and the Bulldogs did have a tough game the previous week against the Cowboys and are still without their halfback. Romelo is named at half this week and he made a host of errors last week with his kicks...the same here could mean a loss. But how can you go past the Bulldogs?

Suggested Bet
None...tipped the Dogs but will want to see how the Knights have progressed. Just put on a few mystery "pick-the-score" tickets and use this as a guide for future weeks.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 22 North Queensland Cowboys v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Preview

Super Saturday finishes off with a great match between the Cowboys at the Sea Eagles up in Townsville. Make no mistake about it, this game is very important this week to the make up of the Top 8. Both teams are inside the 8 and will be looking to nail down a finals spot with a win here. They're also level on 26 and a good win here could also have an impact on the "For and Against" for both teams. Fast forward a few weeks and these two teams could also be playing sudden death footy in Week 1 of the semi finals. Only time will tell but they should only worry about controlling things here. The Cowboys were gallant in defeat against a stronger and inform Bulldogs side who were at home. They were not without some promise in that match but were just lacking a killer blow. Maybe they had it and they were just held very well by the Bulldogs. They are a dangerous team though and shouldn't be treated lightly by anyone. Especially considering they have Thurston and Bowen in their side playing behind a good forward pack. The Sea Eagles are a similar team that seems to ooze a little more quality than the Cowboys. Yet they haven't been too dominate this season. They can push the big side in close games and will surely rise to the occasion here, although they weren't exactly convincing in their come-from-behind victory against the Warriors in Perth. Some might even say they were lucky as the Warriors gave up another 18 point leading in consecutive weeks. Perhaps it is still that attitude problem that was suggested in the Power Rankings all those weeks ago. They will want to be on song here, because facing a red hot Cowboys team at home could have a bad effect on the momentum they will look to build in the run for the semis.

North Queensland Cowboys
The best thing for a team that is aiming to play consistent football is that they have again named the same team. As mentioned above, the Cowboys were not without promise last week. They're beginning to play better and more consistent football that isn't solely relying on the skill of Thurston. They are now having a platform set for them early by their monster forward pack that is able to make meters with ease up the middle of the field. Hooker Aaron Payne also has the ability to create extra space and they also seem to lift a level when replacement hooker Anthony Mitchell comes onto the field. Having a good bench is also a strength of the Cowboys. This is going to be a great physical contest so why not take it to the Manly pack early and assert their dominance? It will certainly be something they look to do in big, semi final matches.


Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

The great news for the Sea Eagles this week is the return of Brett Stewart at fullback, which also means that they're back to full strength. He immediately shifts back to the number 1 jersey and Dean Whare, who has been good in his absence, moves back to an extended bench. Jason King has been named but there is a lot of doubt over whether or not he will play. He suffered a back knock to the chest last Saturday and it looked at one point as though he may not be able to fly back. Darcy Lussick looks the likely replacement for King so another player named on the extended bench will come into the final 17. The bench contains 7 at this stage so there is definitely a lot of things to be sorted out before their final squad is named. Having their halves firing will also be important to Manly and playing off the back of a match winning performance, Cherry-Evans will look to get his team over the line again in this match.


Recent History
Overall = Cowboys 7 - Sea Eagles 11
Last 5 games = Cowboys 2 - Sea Eagles 3
At Diary Farmers Stadium = Cowboys 5 - Sea Eagles 4

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.72 Sea Eagles $2.15

Centrebet = Cowboys $1.77 Sea Eagles $2.10

Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.75 Sea Eagles $2.10

Betfair = Cowboys $1.81 Sea Eagles $2.18

Suggested Bet

Cowboys -3.5 @ $1.95


Value in the margin = Cowboys 1-12 @ $3 - This is going to be a good, tough and close game. Better for punters is that there is also a lot of value to be had in trying to pick a margin. For those who are thinking the Sea Eagles 1-12 (it'll be surprising to see a win 13+) they're at $3.50.


First Try Scorer = Kalifa Faifai Loa @ $11 - He will be playing outside Brent Tate on the right hand side and the Cowboys certainly do like to kick to the corners when close to the line. Tate also has the ability to draw in two defenders and get an offload away if needed (if they aren't scoring off kicks).

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 22 Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers Preview

Double check your Saturday afternoon schedule because fans will be given a real treat this weekend when "Super Saturday" kicks off at 3:30pm. It will start down in Melbourne as the Storm clutch at straws and try to get their season back on track against a Panthers team that is sitting second last in the competition and whilst rebuilding for next season, they will certainly want to avoid the wooden spoon. Things are becoming very interesting for fans of other rugby league fans as they are hoping the Storms poor performances continue because everyone know what they're capable of. They possess a strong lineup but do have the "Big 3" in Smith, Cronk and Slater. But things are not going to plan for them at the moment and there a many people suggesting the reasons behind their slip in form. It does seem like a "post-SOO" hangover and the pressure of NRL football week in and out and beginning to show. You can also draw parallels between this season and the ones that would affected the Wayne Bennett coached Brisbane Broncos of the 90s and 2000s. Bellamy would be desperately searching for the answers but having a look at the Storm in their game on Friday night against the Dragons, they looked out of ideas and frustrated with their performance. The Panthers will be lucky considering the Storm aren't in the best form this season but they should also be very worried considering the Storm could play themselves back into some form. That's what this game can become, a "back to form" training run for the Storm. In saying that, the Panthers will not give up a result too easily. Whilst things haven't been working well for them this season, they're still playing with pride and their players are giving it everything possible. Maybe because some of them are playing for their careers. What ever it is, its working for them. The rest of the Top 8 competitors will be watching this game with a lot of interest and maybe this could be a trial run for future Saturday afternoon fixtures to return for NRL fans.

Melbourne Storm

The Storm have pushed on towards playing more consistent footy with maintaining an unchanged lineup for this clash. They have named an extended bench of six, so there has to be two people that have to drop off prior to kick off. This should be it for the Storm. They have five games remaining and without winning this one, may struggle to find form in another clash. They're also very vulnerable at the moment so they need to be careful. They looked the better side early against the Dragons but were quickly dropped from it. Maybe it is true that other teams in the competition have figured out not only how to hold the Storm, but how to beat them. Be sure though, the Storm will keep coming up with ideas and ways around oppositions defensive patterns. It is going to interesting to see how they actually to respond in this clash.

Penrith Panthers

Still no Luke Lewis for the Panthers but there is some fantastic news for them as Michael Gordon makes his return from terrible leg injury to start at fullback. His days are numbered at Penrith but it will be great to finish his stint off there at the club that gave him his first start. Josh Mansour shifts from fullback, back to the wing and Etu Uaisele drops out of the team altogether. The "Coote Experiment" at 5/8 also continues as news comes to hand that Travis Burns is suspended for 9 games. Apart from that the Panthers team remains exactly the same. This is a positive for a team that is undergoing a "rebuilding" phase and they definitely look like they're heading somewhere next season. If they can continue to get wins now, it will change the attitude of the place during the offseason and give them some much needed confidence. If they are to win this game, they should play this game in the forwards, despite not being at full strength, they still boast a monster pack that can win a game by simply setting a platform for their speedsters out wide to take advantage of.


Recent History

Overall = Storm 18 - Panthers 6

Last 5 games = Storm 5 - Panthers 0

At AAMI Stadium = Storm 2 - Panthers 0

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Storm $1.26 Panthers $4.00

Centrebet = Storm $1.26 Panthers $4.00

Sportsbet = Storm $1.28 Panthers $3.75

Betfair = Storm $1.29 Panthers $4.00

Verdict

This game is going to be the game that the Storm return to the winning circle. The Panthers will put in a spirited performance but will eventually fall victim to a team that is desperate to return some pride into the performances. As of late, they have been extremely disappointing to say the least. Returning to their home ground should also help. Back to the Panthers though, they will keep themselves right in this game up until the end so expect the winning margin to be smaller than you think. They are not afraid to try things at certain times and with uncertainty over some of their futures, they won't even begin to think of giving up.

Suggested Bet

Storm @ $1.29 (with Betfair)


Closer than you think = Storm 1-12 @ $3.10 - It's all mentioned above in the "Verdict". The Storm have to take a few steps backwards if they're to go forward in this game and that may mean going back to basics and things that were working for them at the beginning of the season.


First Try Scorer = Will Chambers @ $11 - If it wasn't for Brett Morris (98m intercept) last week, there would have been a lot of punters queuing up to collect after I suggested to get on him for the first try.  This week he is against Michael Jennings who isn't the best defender so expect the Storm to head that way early.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 22 Sydney Roosters v St George-Illawarra Dragons Preview

There is only one game this Friday night and that can be put down to the fact that NRL action might take a back seat to the Olympics for a few weeks. True rugby league fans will know though that their interest never wains from a good game of footy, but it appears that they've again been robbed as the Roosters appear in another free-to-air game. These two teams are seemingly out of contention for the Top 8 (only a mathematical chance really) so maybe this game needs to be on a Friday night when there will be a greater focus on what is occurring in London. But then again, think back to the last time these two teams met and you will remember what a fantastic game of football that was witness on one of the greatest days in the Australian and New Zealand calendar, ANZAC Day. The Dragons fought back to win the game in the dying stages and the Roosters were left gobsmacked. Looking at that game you would have thought that the second times these two teams met in 2012 would again be a very important clash. But that is the way the NRL operates and you must be good for the entire season to even think about making the Top 8. But there is money to be won so lets hope we can grab a winner or two from this match. It could be a dour affair but sometimes games that mean nothing can throw up a surprise or two. If you're not focused on watching the events unfolding in London, tune in and see how long you can last in this game. 

Sydney Roosters

With all the problems going on in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, the Roosters have amazingly named an unchanged lineup from last week. It is good to see rookie Roger Tuivasa-Sheck maintain his position on the wing but a lot can be said for the rest of the squad. The only change that is hinted at by coach Brian Smith, is that he may opt to try a different captain with Anasta departing at the end of the season. If Smith is looking to remain at the Roosters for the remainder of his contract, he should start putting under performing players in the squad on notice. But that brings you back to the main point that continues to surface, the players are fed up with Smith. You can see it just in their performances as a very talented roster which is not living up to its potential. Things have to change for the Roosters otherwise they will have to start worrying about avoiding the spoon now that they cannot make the Top 8.

St George-Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons suffered further injury woes after their bruising encounter against the Storm last Friday. As a result, they have lost key players Beau Scott and Jamie Soward. Scott is said to miss the remainder of the season and his place in the centres is taken by Nathan Green. Scott was already a replacement for the injured custodian Matt Cooper, so their depth out wide will now be tested. Nathan Fien comes from the bench into the starting side to replace Soward. As Fien's utility spot is vacated on the bench, Cameron King is called onto the extended bench. Jake Marketo is also added and Leeson Ah Mau is dropped altogether. The Dragons are at a point where each week is almost sudden death. Their fans will be calling for blood if they miss the semi finals and they should look to play towards their strengths. At the moment, it is in their hooker Mitch Rein who is definitely a representative player of the future and his fellow forwards. The Dragons need to play it up the middle of the field and must ensure they are playing tough defence in and around the ruck.

Recent History

Overall = Roosters 9 - Drawn 1 - Dragons 17
Last 5 games = Roosters 1 - Dragons 4
At Allianz Stadium = Roosters 8 - Dragons 9

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Roosters $2.65 Dragons $1.50

Centrebet = Roosters $2.50 Dragons $1.55

Sportsbet = Roosters $2.50 Dragons $1.55

Betfair = Roosters $2.72 Dragons $1.56

Verdict

The Roosters season is sliding very fast and as Penrith and Parramatta begin to get a few wins late in the season, they're now in contention of the dreaded wooden spoon. All is not well within the camp either so they will be searching for something in this clash. Another factor working for the Roosters is that they will also be looking to revenge the loss to the Dragons on ANZAC Day. If you haven't already guessed it, I am tipping an upset. Yes the Roosters have been woeful of late but the Dragons aren't exactly at full strength either. Without Soward's kicking game and Scott's solid defence out wide, they will find things tough. Why not take the Roosters at very juicy odds?

Suggested Bet

Roosters @ $2.72 (with Betfair)


Want more value? = Roosters 1-12 @ $4.00 - It would be extremely surprising to see the Roosters really hand it to the Dragons in this game. There won't be much attention drawn to this game so maybe the option for the Roosters to go "under the radar" and win by a narrow margin is appealing to you.


Lead them home = Roosters/Roosters HT/FT Double @ $3.75 - I cannot see the Roosters fighting back from a HT deficit so they're going to have to lead all the way here. If you do want a roughy for this game, also consider Draw/Roosters ($17).

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips