NRL Round 7 Preview

The Saints shouting to the top - photo: source - www.forums.raiders.net.au

And then there was one, the Dragons are the only unbeaten side left and sitting pretty on top while the Eels are the solo winless bottom dwellers in the cellar. It’s a tipster’s nightmare as teams are failing to read the preseason scripts. The Tigers continue to play brilliant footy and the talk is now where they’ll finish in the finals not whether they’ll make it, while everyone continues to wait for the Cowboys to dig their spurs in and start riding up the ladder. They are playing like their foot is caught in the stirrups and they are being dragged along a long dusty trail to the playoffs. Champions respond with their backs to the wall and while I’m not writing the Cowboys off if they were a horse you’d put a curtain round them.

Is JT A-OK? - photo: source - www.wwos.nine.com.au

As for the ultimate competitor, the way Jonathan Thurston is passing that ball from left to right, I’ll be buggered if his shoulder is OK. Here’s a conspiracy theory for you, if JT is sweet tickety-boo why are the Cowboys pushing so hard for the NRL to tick off Todd Carney’s return? They have Michael Morgan and Te Maire Martin waiting in the wings… they don’t need another half, just sayin’. I hope I’m wrong which is often if you follow my tips, on that note here’s mine for round seven!

Raymond Faitala-Mariner killed the Cowboys - photo: source - www.bulldogs.com.au

Canterbury Bulldogs v Sydney Roosters

Who let the Dogs out in North Queensland? Revved up the Bulldogs prised open the pound gates and went gangbusters! They clicked big time, the defence was solid and Raymond Faitala-Mariner hit the lines Kieran Foran has been crying out for all year. Now the job for the Bulldogs is to back it up. Unfortunately for Dean Pay’s men they run into the underperforming, inconsistent Roosters coming off a woeful loss to their arch enemies the Rabbitohs. The Roosters cannot string two good games together. The Roosters were roasted through the ruck and the forwards will yet again be the focus of the wrath of coach Trent Robinson. They need to fire up and if they don’t then David Klemmer and Aaron Woods, who ran into some form against the Cowboys, will rack up some serious stats and set the platform for Foran and Moses Mbye to punish any lax defensive efforts. I’m expecting the bounce back factor to come into play here. Look to Dylan Napa and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from the bench to bash the Bulldogs helped by the return of Frank-Paul "the wrecking ball" Nuuausala, and off the back of this, I predict Luke Keary will pull out a five-star stunner after stinking it up massively against the Bunnies. Ditto Jake Friend he was unusually tres ordinaire for the Tricolours. The Chooks have some serious firepower with lethal left centre Latrell Mitchell and it’s here they have the advantage to get the job done over the improving Doggies.

Roosters by 8

Matt Dufty's speed demolished the Sharks in the derby - photo: source - www.abc.net.au

New Zealand Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons

The Warriors winning run has ended but they were not poor, the Broncos were just flat out too good. They meet the ladder leading Dragons at the top of their game, the Saints slayed the Sharks with the most magnificent footy and will take some beating. The Warriors found it hard to break down the Broncos and won’t find it any easier here against the rock-solid Red V brick wall. Poor handling and discipline cost the Kiwis, that is fixable but they’ll need to be on top of both these stats to take down the Dragons. Shaun Johnson is a late out which places huge pressure on Blake Green who now has Mason Lino beside him, they did the job against the Roosters a few weeks ago but it's a huge task up against stellar halves Ben Hunt and the superb Gareth Widdop playing his 100th match in the famous Red V. Most games are won up front and the Dragons strength is they have a pack firing who could slot into an Origin side with ease, all are in fine form and have James Graham relentlessly riding them, nothing but 100% effort placates the English Ginger Ninja. The Dragons Matt Dufty at fullback continues to produce freakish plays and if the Warriors don’t hold their line, Dufty will destroy them. His speed is remarkable and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck better have his skates on, their duel will be a major highlight. The Warriors may need more than a calm breathing huddle to deal with the Dragons, as panic sets in a halftime pep talk from Dr Phil may be in order, heck he might be required to be the Warriors water boy for the day. The streaks to continue, the Dragons seven wins and the Warriors two defeats.

Dragons by 7

Billy Slater puts Brock Lamb on the rack - photo: source - www.foxsports.com.au

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm

What’s Wayne going to pull out of his pants this week? The coach with the magic wand is the best man-motivator this game has seen and inspired an under-siege Broncos to lay waste to the Warriors. Unluckily the Broncos meet the super side run by the man who has Bennett’s number. Craig Bellamy pulls the right rein more than most and in resting Brodie Croft (look he’s been dumped but this generation can’t handle hard truths) and promoting Ryley Jacks the Storm settled back into their renowned rhythm. Cameron Smith was sensational running from go to whoa and when he decides to play that way the Storm are almost unstoppable. Billy Slater is in startling form inspired by the Commonwealth Games expect a higher degree in difficulty of his dives that have sent opposition players to the sin bin twice this season. I’d love to see the referees send Billy to the bin if he performs another double somersault with reverse pike.

Holy tuck! Billy Slater has been pushing the boundaries - photo: AFP / Getty Images

The Broncos have been the Storm’s whipping boys for years, a fact that must cut Bennett deeply but in Jack Bird the Broncos have the man on the ball who could be the X factor that swings this one. He’s not a classical five-eighth but that is Bird’s appeal, a natural footballer and with partner Anthony Milford, will run plays not found in any textbook. Hard to defend against this is just the ticket to break the well-drilled Storm. Tevita Pangai Jr’s form has dropped and he needs to lift a notch if the Broncos are to salute at home. There were signs last week the Storm have finally adjusted to the rules crackdown, their speed and discipline was back. No one has faster finishers than the Storm and via the inside men of Cameron Munster and Billy Slater, Melbourne will power over the top of the Broncos.

Storm by 14

The bouncing Bunnies loved cooking the Chooks - photo: source - www.wwos.nine.com.au

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders

The Rabbitohs hit the road taking this home game against the Raiders to the Central Coast. The Bunnies are in a bright mood after flogging fierce rivals the Roosters and welcome back talisman Sam Burgess which automatically makes this rough road trip tougher for the Raiders. While away Slammin’ Sam’s twin brothers lifted, George and Tom roared back to their bullocking best. Greg Inglis responded to the embarrassment of letting Euan Aitken slip past him posting his best game of the season by far and if he can continue to raise his game the Rabbitohs will be hard to topple. GI combatting a raging Joey Leilua could be the battle royale that decides this rumble. The beach sprinting skills of Damien Cook ripped the Roosters to shreds, if this grommet cuts loose at Gosford he'll pierce the Raiders to pieces if they don't control the ruck area. The Raiders are rebuilding their slow start to 2018. Two wins on the trot have been based on an improved attitude to defence and better decision making, the spectre of Ricky Stuart on the sideline has helped morale. Nothing better than the threat of a plastic chair being thrown or kicked to up your effort. Sia Soliola has been at the forefront in the ruck area and his confrontation with the Burgess Triple Beef Burger will be a key to triumph. Luke Bateman might only be a cheeseburger in comparison but has a heart the size of Shannon Boyd’s gargantuan glutes and epitomises the marked turnaround in Canberra’s plight. Expect a plethora of points in this game, both teams have plenty in them. This will be a belter of a contest and the Raiders are on a roll that the Rabbitohs won’t control.

Raiders by 12

Benji is at the height of his magical powers - photo: source - www.wwos.nine.com.au

Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights

Ivan Cleary drives the bus to regional Tamworth to take on the Knights and if you are not on board by now you’re as stubborn as I’ve been. Week after week I’ve been waiting for the Tigers tyres to puncture, well I’ve stuck a pin in my ego and swallowed my pride. I’m not only on the bus, I’m taking tickets! Wests are the real deal now genuine playoff contenders. These Tigers have proved you can change your stripes and rapidly. On the back of vigorous effort on effort tackling, endless one percenters and sensational team spirit Luke Brooks and Benji Marshall are cashing in. Brooks is playing like a man possessed, running for huge metres, kicking beautifully in complete control of his game. While Benji is the maestro enjoying his second coming at the Tigers. His calmness and street smarts orchestrating valour and victory as he conducts his cubs with aplomb allowing Brooks to blossom.

Peter Beattie is: a) with a Knights fan b) with a Barca fan c) with a Crystal Palace fan or d) a dickhead - photo: source - www.foxsports.com.au

The Knights are trying to recover from a wild Storm that blew them away last start and NRL boss Peter Beattie confusing Newcastle’s playing strip with Barcelona. Another gaffe from Beattie in what’s been a Messi week after botching the Comm Games closer. In Beattie’s defence I often confuse the Knights alternate strip with Real Madrid and let’s face it with that headgear on Kalyn Ponga is a dead ringer for Ronaldo. Despite the Storm thrashing there are good signs for the Knights with the ball, Ponga’s combination with Lachlan Fitzgibbon is going from strength to strength. Defence is the obvious area they’ll focus on this week. Tamworth is the home of country music and the city usually strums to the beat of songs about the land and love lost, anticipate a ballad about Browny’s beaten band of brave Knights while Peter Beattie dances a flamenco. On the flipside the Cleary bus will bounce to sweet beats as the Tigers trip hop all the way back to Sydney and continue to rocket up the NRL charts.

Tigers by 14

Beattie: Barcelona by 2 goals

The Titans need some flash from Michael Gordon - source - www.titans.com.au

North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans

JT say it ain’t so, prove ‘em wrong bro! The rugby league world is watching to see if Jonathan Thurston has gone one season too many or just starting the season slowly as he recovers confidence from major shoulder surgery. The Cowboys are in crisis, sitting in 15^th position with a 1 and 5 record. That is unacceptable from a squad this talented. Paul Green needs to make changes from the rigid structures and the stars like JT, Michael Morgan, and Jason Taumalolo need to shine. The effort is there but the issue is the Cowboys look tired, tattered and torn. Morgan and Taumalolo have gone public with their disappointment which spells bad news for the visitors! Taumalolo's stats are still better than most, wish I underperformed like that at my work. The Titans were pummelled by the Panthers last start and are in the Cowboys crosshairs. Ash Taylor is a gun and will revel taking on JT and Morgo and the Goldie that glitters most has a punishing pack to play behind. Hard man Ryan James returns from suspension in a big boost to triumph in the NRL’s toughest road trip. James and his fellow forwards have a titanic task in combatting the colossal Cowboy forwards and the key to causing an almighty upset is ruling the ruck. NQ’s Jake Granville will sniff about all game and the Titans need to snuff him out. We will know after these 80 minutes whether the Cowboys season is alive. They just need to find a way to win, the style doesn’t matter it’s down to substance.

Cowboys by 16

No glory for Corey in 2018 so far - photo: source - www.foxsports.com.au

Parramatta Eels v Manly Sea Eagles

The Eels season goes on the line against their old enemy the Sea Eagles who walloped them 54-blot only a matter of weeks ago, another defeat and the Eels are shot ducks. Losing six straight the inevitable Brad Arthur has lost the dressing room chatter has begun, well he could counter the players have lost their way to the try line. The defence improved against the Raiders but an attack led by misfiring halves Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman was insipid, they never looked like scoring. The Eels need to find their mojo now or they can start mapping plans for 2019. Needless to say hearts need to found and efforts tripled or the playoffs will bypass the Eels. The Eels are holding out for a hero, welcome back Jarryd Hayne!! The Hayne Plane returns on the wing and with a prayer could be the Eels saviour!

Hastings and DCE in happier times, before Daly gave Jackson five - photo: source - www.nrl.com

Manly were embarrassed by the Tigers last week at home, not helping was the spectacular falling out between Daly Cherry-Evans and Jackson Hastings. Originally named in the 17, after the Battle of Hastings we had a clear winner, Jackson pulled out citing an Achilles injury and Manly en masse refusing to play with Hastings. DCE says it’s just a tiff, well if that’s what happens when DCE falls out of love he’ll be known as the Black Widow as Hastings Manly career is likely dead. Tom Trbojevic’s ankle didn’t look right last week and for Manly’s sake fingers crossed he’ll be fit because Manly need both Trbojevic brothers firing. As the embers in both camps flicker after much soul searching, questions abound. Can the Eels erase the horror of the opening rounds and belatedly kick start their season or will the Sea Eagles travel back down Parramatta Road having left the Eels in the gutter by the boulevard of broken dreams. Call me crazy, call me a foolish dreamer, I’ve had a vision, it’s the blue and gold army marching to victory!

Eels by 6

About the only time James Maloney was collared last week - photo: source - www.penrithpanthers.com.au

Cronulla Sharks v Penrith Panthers

Hey Penrith, you know that player swap we did with Matt Moylan and Jimmy Maloney, forgot to tell you we had our fingers crossed behind our back… does that void that deal?!? Boy the Sharks would love to have Maloney back in their struggling side. Lacking direction, battling to create point scoring opportunities, and devastated by injury the Sharks are floundering. The forward pack has been ravaged with Paul Gallen, and Wade Graham missing and concerns around Andrew Fifita and Luke Lewis. This is going to require a classic Shire Bermuda Triangle performance to wrangle the two points off the high-flying Panthers. Teams get caught up in the Sharks net of wrestling, grappling and forget to play footy. Now would be a great time for Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan to display their undoubted star power that thus far has not burned too brightly. Moylan is back at five-eighth so will come across Maloney's path regularly in a juicy match up dripping in intrigue. The Panthers led by the magnificent Maloney are firing on all cylinders right across the park. Dylan Edwards is sticking to Maloney like a barnacle on a boat as he slices through shaking and baking like one JT used to do and hopefully will again. The Panthers edges are huge, Viliame Kikau, Isaah Yeo and Corey Harawira-Naera are damaging all opposition and with a weakened Shark pack facing them Penrith should account for Cronulla, with a kicker: don’t walk on the field thinking the two points are in the bag. This is the Shire weird stuff happens it’s the twilight zone of the NRL.

Panthers by 16

Twitter: @stick_beetle