NRL Round 25 South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels Preview

The "match-of-the-day" takes place out at ANZ Stadium as the Rabbitohs look to get their season and charge to the finals back on track against the Eels. In recent weeks, the Rabbitohs have suffered consecutive losses at the hands of Manly and Cronulla, but more alarmingly is the fact that they have only scored 6 points in both games. They were out muscled and out played by sides that they could potentially face in the semi finals. People are now beginning to question whether or not they are the real deal in the run for the finals or just pretenders. It is definitely not time to hit the panic button yet and a win here could get them back on track, even if it is against the Eels. The Eels are a side that is sitting at the bottom of the table and has little to play for, other than sending their retiring stars out on a high and trying to avoid the wooden spoon. No doubt that is still their motivation now as well. There is also the interesting side story of Chris Sandow facing his former club for the second time this season. He would have hoped that the roles would've been reversed and his side would be the one in contention for the premiership. This is not the case and the Rabbitohs fans will no doubt be creating a very hostile environment for their former halfback. You can all cast your minds back to their first meeting this season where he was rundown by the new 7, Adam Reynolds just metres from the line. There is a lot riding on this game for both sides and two points is very important at this stage of the season. Hopefully the game is exciting for the fans to view. One thing is for sure, this game will be watched by fans from other clubs and it could impact more so than the sides in this game. Only two games to go this season so time is definitely running out to make things happen.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Rabbitohs made a very big call this week as they dropped hooker Isaac Luke from the side and back to NSW Cup. Maguire has to be commended for this decision because this policy can only put all players on notice about their performance. He has only just returned from suspension as well. His place in the side is taken by Nathan Peats. Roy Asotasi is also recalled back into the side after returning from the bench last week after a long lay off through injury. He takes Luck Burgess' place in the side who is shifted back to the bench. Winger Justin Hunt is not the utility player on the bench and although he has been playing wing, he is a regular 5/8 in their NSW Cup side. Expect to see him on the field playing hooker at some point. He is joined on the extended bench this week by Dave Tyrrell. Apart from that, the Rabbitohs will field the same team that has played in recent weeks. In the past two weeks they have looked like a completely different side to the one that got 6 wins in a row. They need to go back to basics and do what works best for them, dominating their opponents in the forwards and allowing room for their exciting outside backs to finish off. Don't forget Inglis is at the back also and with the more games he plays, he can only get better as the finals approach.

Parramatta Eels

The Eels are still putting in some decent performances since their coach was sacked. Players are obviously playing for contracts and a position at the club next season. Searching for greater consistency, the Eels have again named the same side that faced the Titans last week. There is no extended bench this week as Taulima Tautai is dropped from the side altogether. Expect Sandow to try and dominate this game more than any other he has this season. But as I have mentioned in the past, Ben Roberts needs to ensure that Sandow gets the ball when he wants it. Both players strive on their individual roles within the side and Roberts cannot dominate the game as much as Sandow can and have a positive effect on the outcome. One positive for the Eels at this point of the season is that they are blooding a lot of youngsters that will no doubt help them in 2013 and beyond by giving them a taste of first grade. Special mention has to be made of hooker Nathan Friend who is playing very well at the moment and is doing everything possible to get the forwards over the advantage line. If they are to surprise the Rabbitohs and get a win, they will have to win the battle up front in the forwards and cut out the silly mistakes from their play.

Recent History

Overall = Rabbitohs 62 - Draw 3 - Eels 50

Last 5 games = Rabbitohs 4 - Eels 1

At ANZ Stadium = Rabbitohs 6 - Draw 1 - Eels 2

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.18 Eels $5.00

Centrebet = Rabbitohs $1.18 Eels $5.15

Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.18 Eels $5.15

Betfair = Rabbitohs $1.23 Eels $5.20

Verdict

The Rabbitohs are the shortest steam this week in the NRL. There is no secret made that the Eels are down the bottom of the table for a reason and whilst they have shown a bit of fight in their play this year, they have a long way to go. People are beginning to question the Rabbitohs and they need to make a statement here. A narrow win will not silence those critics and a loss will only make them grow louder. With Manly winning on Friday night they are now bumped down to 4th spot and they need to get a win here to ensure a "second chance" in the semis. They have had their two losses to refocus them, it is now time for them to stand up and show why they are a side that is to be feared in the finals. Souths to get the win here. 

Suggested Bet

Rabbitohs 13+ @ $1.75

Bit off more = Rabbitohs 19+ @ $2.40 - Its stated above, if they are to make the rest of the competition take notice of them they need to beat the Eels comprehensively. They have the class of player to do so and if they get away to a good start this could get ugly.

Point to prove = Nathan Peats First Try Scorer @ $26 - He has been given an opportunity in place of Isaac Luke and he has played some good football in his absence. When they get close to the line, he is also a player that like to take the ball himself and get him on the scoreboard.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 25 Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers Preview

Sunday footy action kicks off with a game which a lot of other teams in and around 8th spot on the NRL Ladder will be focusing on. The Roosters were out of contention for the finals along time ago and now find themselves hanging out for the end of the season whilst trying to keep themselves away from the spoon. No need to focus on them for this game. All the attention will be on the Tigers as they are currently sitting in 8th spot (prior to Round 25 beginning). They too are trying to keep themselves afloat. At the moment they are suffering a few injuries as they have for most of their season. Normally, the Tigers would be flying high at this point of the season and be a team that could win the competition. Unfortunately, things have not gone to plan for them. They are still hanging in there at the moment and if it wasn't for the belief within their squad that they can actually do something, then they would've been out of contention a long time ago. Last Friday night they put in a very gallant performance to lose to the competition leaders, the Bulldogs, in golden point. Having only one recognised half in this side is certainly taking its toll and was the difference between them winning and losing that match. There was already a mountain of pressure on Marshall and there is sure to be more as Robbie Farrah is set to have a stay on the sidelines with a broken hand. Their one strength within their side is their forward pack. They have monsters running around the field that can assert their dominance over their opposition to get their side moving forward. This is where they will also lose their games if they don't come ready to play. The pressure is now on the Tigers is a position that they are definitely not accustomed to. Lets see if they have the calibre of player to rise above it all state their case heading towards the finals.

Sydney Roosters

The Roosters took the extraordinary step this week of naming Anthony Minichiello after he was sent off for an elbow on Raiders fullback Josh Dugan. Somehow though, after contesting the charge at the judiciary, he got off. Even Roosters fans were amazed at the ruling from the judiciary. There isn't enough time in a day to talk about that problem but consistency has to be a priority for the NRL Commission. The Roosters are still a side that is searching for answers to their problems. There is again a few changes to the Roosters side from coach Brian Smith who is trying to pull them from the slump. There is only one change in the backline, Adam Henry is dropped from the wing and his spot is taken by Daniel Tupou. In the forwards, Martin Kennedy is recalled from the bench into the starting side and will start in the front row. Fran Paul Nuuausala is moved back to lock and Boyd Cordiner is shifted back to the bench. Lama Tasi is dropped fromthe bench and there is no extended bench named so all players are expected to take the field at some stage. The Roosters also welcome back Aidan Guerra from injury and he is shifted back into the second row and Jack Bosden is dropped out of the side altogether. 

Wests Tigers

The Tigers are still under the pump to make the finals and things to not get any easier this week as they are to be without their hooker and captain Robbie Farrah who is out with a broken hand. The Tigers "Mr Fix-it" at the moment, Liam Fulton is the man to fill Farrah's void at hooker. Big shoes to fill and he has done it at times this season along with Masada Iosefa, but after a stint at 5/8, he will definitely relish the opportunity to move back into the middle of the field. Expect Iosefa to get more minutes than he normally would. As Fulton is moved from 5/8, Tim Moltzen has shifted from fullback to fill that role. As Chris Lawrence returns from injury, he is returned to the centres and Beau Ryan is moved back to fullback. There is no extended bench named this week so Ray Cashmere and Tim Simona are the two players that disappear from the squad. The Tigers still have a very good forward pack to get them going in this game and they need to ensure that they dominate the younger and less experienced Roosters pack of forwards. Even without Farrah, they will have to set some platform for Marshall and Moltzen to build off. Attack has been some problem for the Tigers this season and they will not want to allow the Roosters to score too many early points. Their defence has to be as strong as ever. More so because this game will serve as a momentum builder as they move towards the semis.

Recent History

Overall = Roosters 13 - Tigers 8

Last 5 games = Roosters 4 - Tigers 1

At Allianz Stadium = Roosters 7 - Tigers 3

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Roosters $2.40 Tigers $1.60

Centrebet = Roosters $2.50 Tigers $1.56

Sportsbet = Roosters $2.40 Tigers $1.60

Betfair = Roosters $2.66 Tigers $1.59

Verdict

Everything continues to go against the Tigers. They are without Farrah and their team is under a mountain of pressure to get a win here after the Raiders defeated the Bulldogs and clawed their way into the Top 8. The good things here is they are starting to get some combinations between their key forwards going. They have a good pack of forwards and should look to play the game here and allow plenty of room for Marshall and Moltzen to get the ball to the outside backs. This is another combination that the Tigers are trying this season and of past weeks, the Tigers look as though this will be the combination that works best for them. The Roosters are not without their inspiration as this game marks Minichiello's 250th and Braith Anasta's last home game for the club. They have been playing pretty poorly of late and perhaps this may lift them to get a win. It would be brave to take the Roosters though, the Tigers have a lot more to play for with a spot in the finals on the line. It's time for them to stand up. Tigers to get the win here, but they will have to work for it.

Suggested Bet

Tigers -4.5 @ $2

Tough game, close game = Tigers 1-12 @ $3 - The Tigers should get the win but they will have to work for it. The Roosters have their things to play for and will not lie down easily. Their attacking potency is also weaker but enough to get over the line.

Put 2 & 2 together = Tigers 7-12 @ $5.50 - Combine the two bets above and if you want a bit of value, this is the bet for you. It would be a good leg to add to a multi on a Sunday (or even a Saturday)

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 25 St George Illawarra Dragons v NZ Warriors Preview

At this stage of the season, this game is one that means absolutely nothing. As harsh as it sounds, the teams involved only have themselves to blame for people making those assumptions. Both sides were teams that were capable of giving this competition a real shake. Things have not gone to plan and both sides now find themselves only playing for pride. The Dragons have been gallant in their recent defeats, although they can blame their inability to win close games this season for their current predicament. They have been lacking an "X-factor" in their attack that yields them points. Normally, they would rely on their tough defence to keep their opposition to a minimum total and then score only the neccessary points. Now that their defence has also weakened, they find themselves having to score more points than they are use to. Then you have the Warriors. They are currently last in the Power Rankings and with good reason. This was the team that was runner up in last years Grand Final and was positioned very nicely to make a bold run for the semi finals. Things have not gone according to plan and they are on a terrible slide at the moment. All is not well at this club and this all came to a head earlier this week as coach Brian McClennan announced that he was standing down from the coaching position. This was no doubt the polite way of sending him off with some dignity still remaining. You can clearly see from their play,  the players are unhappy about something. The only positive thing to happen out of this game is that it is something that punters can have a bet on. With a "nothing game", there may be a lot of value floating around for us to hopefully grab.

St George Illawarra Dragons

You think that with the season that the Dragons have had, they would look towards rebuilding for 2013 and beyond. Nope...not this side. The Dragons have gone with the same side that lost to the Cowboys on MNF. Granted, the Dragons would not have had time to assess all of their injuries before naming their side, so expect that there could be a few changes right before kick off. Perhaps the reason for the minimal changes is the fact that the Dragons have not really brought anyone for next season and will have to deal with the fact that they will have a relatively similar squad for next season. You can almost hear the vocal Dragons collectively groan at that thought. As there is not much to now play for, the Dragons should turn their attention to sending their retiring stars out with a victory. This is the last time that they will play a Dragons home game so expect the side to be pumped for a victory. There will also be a great crowd on hand to send them off as winners. Check the record at this ground, a bigger crowd can only work to ensuring that amazing record continues.

NZ Warriors

The new coach for the final two rounds of the season for the Warriors is Tony Iro, and he has already come in and made a few changes to the side. Konrad Hurrell has been recalled, albeit to the extended bench, after a stint in NSW Cup where he scored two tries. Ben Henry and Lewis Brown will play centres and as I have mentioned in the past, this severely limits their potency in attack out wide. Michael Luck has been recalled to the starting side at lock and Elijah Taylor has been shifted up into the second row. Hopefully Luck plays the full 80 minutes in his final 2 NRL games of his career. He has been a great servant to the game and deserves as much as Hornby and Young. Pita Godinet is also called from the bench into hooker as a replacement for Nathan Friend who dislocated his shoulder and is out for the remainder of the season. There are also a few changes on the bench to go with the inclusion of Hurrell. Alehana Mara, Ukuma Ta'ai and Sione Lousi are all new faces on the bench and is definitely a statement to put under performing players on notice.

Recent History

Overall = Dragons 14 - Warriors 4

Last 5 games = Dragons 5 - Warriors 0

At WIN Stadium = Dragons 8 - Warriors 0

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Dragons $1.47 Warriors $2.75

Centrebet = Dragons $1.48 Warriors $2.72

Sportsbet = Dragons $1.48 Warriors $2.70

Betfair = Dragons $1.52 Warriors $2.74

Verdict
How often do you see a team that has sacked their coach lift for the following game? It happens a lot and has even occurred this season when Parramatta won a few games after sacking their coach Stephen Kearney. That is a major factor in the selection that I am placing on this game. All things considered though, I am going to take the Dragons. They have a fantastic home record at WIN Stadium against the Warriors and they have a lot more to play for in front of their home fans as Hornby and Young are playing their last home game. They also have to lift again from a MNF defeat. Things will not be easy but they are ahead of the Warriors, just on effort alone this season.

Suggested Bet
Dragons @ $1.52 (with Betfair)

Covered Up = Dragons -4.5 @ $1.75 - They should be able to beat the Warriors by more than a converted try. Their defence is far superior and they will lift in front of their home fans.

Sentimental favorites = Hornby First & Last @ $34 and/or Young First & Last @ $34 - Both blokes would desperately want to cross the line in their last home game. Why not jump on the bandwagon and hope that either player gets the send off they deserve. Sorry about the lack of betting prowess, this is what "nothing games" offer.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 25 North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights Preview

Super Saturday is capped off with a great battle from Townsville as the Cowboys host a Knights side that is down on confidence after watching their season slip away. Last week it was all ahead of them. They certainly had a tough task ahead of them in facing Manly at Brookvale Oval, but if they were wanting to be considered as a premiership contender, it was a game that they would have to win. Fast forward to HT in that match and the game was over. Manly suffered a lot of injuries and they even had the luxury of playing the second half with only 14 players. The Knights did win the second half but that means nothing. The Cowboys on the other hand were started extremely well against the Dragons on MNF but let the Dragons back into the contest. They eventually prevailed by 10 points but they were down by 4 with around 20 minutes to play. The thing that got them over the line in the end was the fantastic play from Thurston and Bowen. When these two blokes control the game, anything is possible for the Cowboys. They also look most dangerous when the game is played at speed, you only have to look at their best passages of play against the Dragons. It is now time for the Cowboys to consolidate their position on the competition ladder and they should aim to take care of the Knights with relative ease. The Knights are not a dangerous team, it is just the possibility that the Cowboys can slip back into their old habits and play inconsistent football. Hopefully for their fans, this is not the case. It is sure to be a good contest and a good preview for the other sides that may face the Cowboys in the finals. 

North Queensland Cowboys
It is no surprise to see the Cowboys again name an unchanged starting side. The only changes that have occurred are on the bench as Anthony Mitchell is called into the 17 as Ray Thompson has succumbed to an injury. The other new face on the extended bench is Ricky Thorby, who was a late inclusion in the game against the Dragons. Remember though, the Cowboys had to submit this side on Tuesday and probably were not in a position where they could completely assess their injuries. Thorby actually limped off the field towards the end of the game so it would be surprising to see him play this game. Thre is also speculation over the fitness of Michael Morgan who also left the field and appeared to suffer more than one injury. The Cowboys were clicking for the first 15 minutes of the Dragons game but they then let things slip. They looked at their best when their forwards were smashing the defensive line and bending it backwards. It just gave more room for Thurston and Bowen to move around a create things for their side.

Newcastle Knights
Playing for their season, the Knights received some great news this week with the return of James McManus from injury. He is immediately slotted back onto the wing and Kevin Naiqama is shifted back to the bench. This is the only change to the side that was comprehensively beaten by the Sea Eagles before HT. They will be looking to salvage some pride early but have their work cut out for them having to head up to Townsville for this clash. Their forwards will have a tough job as well. The Cowboys have one of the best packs in the game and they will have to lift to another level to get their win. They have the size but will struggle to maintain a high intensity with the players coming off the bench. Then again, they are also a side that is building towards 2013. With not many players being purchased for next season, perhaps this will be the side that is taken them into next year. With some of their attention on next season, how much does 2012 mean to them?

Recent History

Overall = Cowboys 11 - Knights 16

Last 5 games = Cowboys 3 - Knights 2

At Dairy Farmers Stadium = Cowboys 6 - Knights 6

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.30 Knights $3.60

Centrebet = Cowboys $1.30 Knights $3.65

Sportsbet = Cowboys $1.34 Knights $3.40

Betfair = Cowboys $1.32 Knights $3.65

Verdict
It is hard to go past the Cowboys in this game. They have a hell of a lot more to play compared to the Knights. Yes they are a chance (mathematically) of making the Top 8 but the Cowboys have a home final in Week 1 of the semis on the line here. Not only that, they can build on some team combinations and defensive patterns that they've developed to this point. Furthermore, they can continue to get consistency back into their performances for the full 80 minutes. Throw in the fact that they are at home and the Cowboys are starting to stick out like a sore thumb.

Suggested Bet
Cowboys -7.5 @ $1.70

Be specific, get value = Cowboys 13-18 @ $5 - They could possibly pile on the points in this game in front of a good home crowd. The Knights won't exactly be pushovers in the early part of the game but if the Cowboys get to a good lead, they could very well switch off. Cowboys by 14 points sounds good.

Left side, Strong side = Kane Linnett First Try Scorer @ $9 - Yes, I have been recommending this bloke for a few tries this season and he has a very good habit of finding the try line more than once in a game. Better still, the Cowboys love to move the ball to this side of the field.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 25 Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans Preview

Two weeks out from the completion of the regular season and NRL fans are treated to the second 3:30pm kick off within a few weeks. One would think that with the current broadcasting rights settled, this is a trial run for things to come. It probably won't be the most entertaining clash either but it will be interesting to see what type of numbers attending this game. The game itself does have some importance but both sides would admit that their current place on the table is very disappointing. The Panthers are still locked in a battle for the spoon and they dragged themselves two points ahead of the Eels with a tough in against the Warriors over in NZ. Then again, it was only against the Warriors. Nonetheless, confidence will be taken away from that win and this is very important for this squad as they look to build towards 2013 and beyond. Up in the Gold Coast, the Titans have had their fair share of injuries which has effected their season immensely. Regardless, they have been a major disappointment when you consider the amount of talent they have within their squad. They are still an outside chance to make the Top 8 but do need a few things to go their way. They will be trying their best to get a win to keep those hopes alive. This is all against a side that is desperate to avoid the spoon. The Panthers players do appear to have some belief within themselves and this is reflected within their play. Good to see this too. The Titans have a lot more to play for here but the Panthers will not want to suffer a loss in front of their home fans who have been through so much with them this season.

Penrith Panthers

The Panthers come back from a tough win against a Warriors side that is definitely going through a very tough form slump. But regardless, you can only play what is in front of you on the day. The good thing for the Panthers was that a lot of the moves that they were trying early on in the game were just not coming off for them. Had they've stuck, they Panthers could've won that match by a lot more points. There is some good news as well heading into this game as Michael Jennings is returning from suspension and is immediately shifted back into the centres at the expense of Travis Robinson. Nigel Plum is also promoted back from the bench into the start side to start at lock. As a result, Cameron Ciraldo has moved up to second row and Matt Robinson has moved back to the bench. They have only named 4 on the bench and there is a new face this week in Adam Docker who will make his NRL debut. This is the result of an injury to Mitch Achurch. The Panthers are building some nice combinations all over the park and it is very important that this continues as they move away from the spoon and into 2013, hopefully as real contenders.

Gold Coast Titans

The Titans know what they need to do and what lies in front of them. Coach John Cartwright has gone with the same starting side that has gotten the job done in the last few weeks. There is only change to the entire side is the addition of Brenton Lawrence to perhaps cover them for the trip down to Sydney. Things are looking up for them apart from the fact that they're going to find it extremely tough to make the finals. Scott Prince is starting to form a good partnership with Aidan Sezer in the halves and they are working well with Matt Srama at hooker. Srama is getting the forwards moving over the advantage line with his dynamic play out of dummy half. Then you have the players in their side who are now mirroring their representative level of play. This is Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird. It is just a shame that it has taken this long to occur but granted that it has been a tough season for them injury wise. They need to keep their eyes on their main objective here and hope that the rest can take care of itself.

Recent History
Overall = Panthers 3 - Titans 3
Last 5 games = Panthers 3 - Titans 2
At Centrebet Stadium = Panthers 1 - Titans 1

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Panthers $2.45 Titans $1.57
Centrebet = Panthers $2.50 Titans $1.56
Sportsbet = Panthers $2.45 Titans $1.58
Betfair = Panthers $2.52 Titans $1.62

Verdict

The Panthers are certainly trying very hard to avoid the wooden spoon. A lot of people have been having a go at them for their current place on the table but it is the rebuilding phase that they are now going through which will put them in a good position in years to come...hopefully. It is for that reason alone that I think that the Panthers will find a victory very hard to come by in this instance. The Titans have far more to play for and will be trying to keep their finals hopes alive for another week. The Panthers will put up a fight but the Titans will previal in the end.

Suggested Bet
Titans @ $1.62

Titanic Line value? = Titans - 3.5 @ $1.72 - The Titans have a lot of points in them and can definitely get the win here. The line offered is a very funny one too. I'll be interested to see if they readjust it.

By more than a try = Titans Over 6.5 points @ $2.15 = Again this bet is chosen on the fact that the Titans will be able to win by more than 8 points. The Titans will be pushed by the Panthers but surely they can cover this points spread as well.

Good luck!
Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 25 Canberra Raiders v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Previews

The penultimate round of the regular season kicks off down in the nations capital as the competition leading Bulldogs, are hosted by a Raiders team fighting to keep their season alive. Playing "sudden death" football for many rounds now, they have put themselves back into contention with some decent footy. One thing has to be remembered though, their wins have come against sides which are outside those contending for a spot in the Top 8. Yes they have beaten the Sharks and Broncos but both victories came on days when the Raiders were at the best. The problem is though, you can never be sure which Raiders side will show up. Inconsistency has been the best player for the Raiders this season and they must look to build on their good performances if they harbor any thoughts of giving this competition a shake. They could learn a lot off the Bulldogs. Going for 13 wins in a row now they have all but sown up the minor premiership in 2012. They have played tough football that has brought a new dimension into the game with forwards now being ball players to the halves to build upon. At the back for them is the Dally M favorite Ben Barba who has shown on more than one occasion this year that he can score a try from anywhere. Despite their fantastic play, they have also made their own luck to get them over the line in close games. None more so than last Friday night when they prevailed against the Tigers in golden point. Bulldogs fans would want to hope that they are not using up all of their luck just yet. Some people even believe that a loss is ahead for the Bulldogs and is perhaps needed before the finals begin. If the Raiders were to grab a win here, they would have to dominate the Bulldogs in every facet of the game. It is a very rare occasion that the Raiders get a Friday night game so perhaps they are waiting to spring a surprise on the viewers and make a case for more games in this time slot. It will be a tough and exciting game, so lets try to profit from it.

Canberra Raiders
As mentioned above, the Raiders are pushing hard for a finals spot. After a few half decent performances that has seen them rise up the table, they have almost named exactly the same team each week. This week see's a similar occurrence with subtle changes. Glen Buttriss is back into the starting side at hooker for Travis Waddell and will be looking to nail down this spot on a perminant basis with a very dominanting performance. He has to get the big Canberra forwards rolling over the advantage line each tackle to give their outside backs ample room. They have named an extended bench this week and the good news there is that one of the players which has been added is Tom Learoyd-Lahrs who is making a return for injury. It was only two seasons ago that this guy was pulling on a NSW jersey and he would be desperate to return to that same vain of form. It would be very unlikely that he will be the player that is dropped off the bench. Another big game will be needed from their halves. McCrone and Williams can steer the team around the park very well but they are yet to be proven as a quality combination when working under pressure. The Bulldogs defence will be sure to test them here. If they are off, it limits how much ball their outside backs see with room to move.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
With a winning side that is getting the job done, why would there be a need to change the side. Des Hasler has always thrived on consistency within his squad and he has certainly reached a level this year that he can be proud of. They have named an extended bench, like last week, but it is just 5 players this week in stead the 6 named in Round 24. The player that makes way altogether is Joel Romelo. Each week people have expected the Bulldogs to fall over and suffer a lost which would bring them "back to earth". Yet their defence has won them several tough games and their ability to get through the pressure games has served them well. A little bit of luck has seen them through as well but when you are playing great football, you almost make your own luck. At other times, individual brillance from Ben Barba and a few others has done the job for them. Either way, their position is well deserved and you would expect them to be a big chance of winning any game at this stage. Hopefully they have not peaked too early. 

Recent History

Overall = Raiders 25 - Bulldogs 33

Last 5 games = Raiders 2 - Bulldogs 3

At Canberra Stadium = Raiders 11 - Bulldogs 7

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Raiders $2.70 Bulldogs $1.48

Centrebet = Raiders $2.72 Bulldogs $1.48

Sportsbet = Raiders $2.70 Bulldogs $1.48

Betfair = Raiders $2.80 Bulldogs $1.49

Verdict

The Raiders are going to be desperate in this game and will be pulling out every possible option to get a win to keep their season alive. Their team is very volatile at the best of times and it would still take a brave person to take them in this clash. The Bulldogs are a very quality side as their position on the table suggets. Before betting though, you need to put their recent form into perspective. They have only beaten two sides in the Top 8 in the Sharks and the Broncos, both sides who were on a very big slide at that time (and still may be). They really need to lift themselves remarkably here to get a win here. The one thing that may bring the Bulldogs closer to them will be the home ground advantage. Still, the Bulldogs will be hard to beat and are a better side all over the park.

Suggested Bet
Bulldogs @ $1.48

Closer than you think? = Bulldogs 1-12 @ $3 - Yes the Bulldogs can score a lot of points when needed but some teams are beginning to work out how to handle them defensively. The Raiders will be boosted by a home ground advantage and if they can keep the Bulldogs under a tight hold for a while, can limit their winning margin.

First try scorer = Krisnan Inu @ $11 - He should be facing Blake Ferguson in a good centre battle but Ferguson certainly does have his weaknesses in defence. If he gives Inu any room to move he could easily get around him for the first try in this game.

Good luck!
Scooby

@scoobystips

NRL Round 25 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos Preview

The business end of the season is greeted with a fantastic battle that will kick off an action packed weekend. There is only one game this weekend where there is "nothing" to play for. Take a quick look at this game and you will immediately see that this game is far from a "nothing" contest. The Sea Eagles are one of the form sides of the competition (see Power Rankings), just behind the Bulldogs. Each week they are seemingly sending a louder message to their competition rivals that they are to be feared. They are getting their full squad back on the park and are looking very dangerous. In saying that, they did suffer a few injuries is Sundays dominant display against the Knights. They now meet a side that is struggling to find their early season form that had them sitting very pretty on the table. After 5 losses in a row, the Broncos have slipped from the Top 4 to be on the brink of dropping out of the Top 8. One win should get them into the finals but with two games remaining, they should have an eye on finishing either 5th or 6th and gaining a home ground advantage. It was stated last week that they should have the more experienced men within the squad lifting the young players and lead the way out of this slump. It still avoided them with another loss to the Storm. It was a tough way to lose but they were beaten by a better side. Without Lockyer, they are struggling to win the tight games. There is a certain "X-factor" missing from their side, but there is no clear indication of which player will lead them out of the slump. This will be one of the "games of the round" and a great look at what lies ahead in the semi finals. Make sure that you not only enjoy the game, but also use it as a guide to betting in the finals.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles suffered a few injuries in their dominating win over the Knights. They got out to a very demanding lead early and were able to cruise to the finish. Don't read to much into their second half performance as that was a limiting factor. It is certainly not a situation you want to be in at this point of the season, especially when the Sea Eagles perhaps may not have as much depth as other clubs. This week see's a few changes but there could even be a few late changes to rest a few players for the semi finals. Interestingly, all players that were injured (except David Williams) have been named. Coming onto the wing for Williams is Dean Whare who has definitely proven himself capable of playing more than one position this year for the Sea Eagles.  That is the only change in their starting side. They also have good news in welcoming Darcy Lussick back from suspension. He only has a few starts left in Manly colours before shifting to Parramatta so expect a big return here from the fiery forward. In recent weeks the Sea Eagles have been able to dominate sides in the forwards and allow their young and very talented halves control the game. Expect this to happen again.

Brisbane Broncos

Still searching for any possible answers to his sides recent form slump, coach Anthony Griffin took the unusual step this week of giving his side an extra day off to freshen up. They also travelled down to Sydney earlier than normal to prepare for a ver big game. A win here would mean a lot more than two points. It would also mean a reinstallment of confidence and momentum into their squad. There is also a few changes to the side from Round 24. Corey Parker was not named in that side but did play a full game. He is named at lock and Ben Te'o who was named at lock pushes up into the second row where he played. Matt Gillett has moved back to an extended bench of 6. It is good news to have Josh McGuire and Alex Glenn back from injury. This is sure to boost their side and impact them off the bench. There is still a very big question mark hanging over the heads of their halves and their ability to play quality football. At the end of the day, they have lost an immortal in Lockyer and are struggling to replace him, something that was inevitable. But they still need to produce when it matters most. I hate to say it, but it will be the difference in them winning this game, and more importantly, how deep they go into the finals.

Recent History

Overall = Sea Eagles 17 - Draw 1 - Brisbane 17

Last 5 games = Sea Eagles 3 - Broncos 2

At Brookvale Oval = Sea Eagles 8 - Draw 1 - Broncos 5

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Sea Eagles $1.45 Broncos $2.85

Centrebet = Sea Eagles $1.48 Broncos $2.72

Sportsbet = Sea Eagles $1.48 Broncos $2.70

Betfair = Sea Eagles $1.50 Broncos $2.88

Verdict

This is a very dangerous game to be betting on. The Sea Eagles have a lot of factors to contend with which will make it tough for them to get them a win. They had a very tough game on Sunday where they suffered a few injuries. Yes they were in cruise control in the second half but it would have taken a lot of energy for those players on the field to get through the game. The Broncos will be desperate to get a win here too. It means a lot more to their season at this point then a win to Manly does. Realistically, they cannot finish any higher than 3rd and therefore cannot win a home semi final in Week 1 of the Final. Would it be silly to think that the Sea Eagles might just rest a few players that are under an injury cloud in this game to rest them up for the semi finals. It's a very bold thing to do, but I am going to take a real gamble here and take the Broncos.

Suggested Bet

Broncos @ $2.88

If they win, has to be close! = Broncos 1-12 @ $4 - It would be an absolute surprise to see the Broncos go to Brookvale Oval and win by 13+. I am already tipping an upset so why not try to get a bit more value with them in a margin.

Take them with a big start = Broncos +10.5 @ $1.55 - If you are worried about taking the Broncos to win this match then consider taking them with a very big start. It will perhaps make your mind rest a little easier and still gives you some value.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips