NRL Round 23
Brisbane v Parramatta, Friday August 13th Suncorp Stadium, 7.35pm
There is no doubt this is the final throw of the dice for the Eels. It now looks as if 30 points is the number to qualify for this year’s final series and if that is the case Parramatta must win there remaining four games. They have a great chance with Brisbane missing their inspirational skipper Darren Lockyer through injury. I can see this game coming down to the wire but the Broncos seem to be gaining momentum and I think they will win and end the season for Parramatta.
No Bet: There is talk Lockyer may play and that changes things significantly. I do believe Parramatta are a chance but not a match to get involved in.
Cronulla v Roosters, Friday August 13th Toyota Stadium, 7.35pm
Cronulla were simply awful last week against the Warriors and again run into a team with everything to play for. The Roosters were fantastic last Sunday against the competition’s benchmark the Dragons. It would be a major upset to see the Sharks win this they are simply not putting in and the Roosters are eyeing off a top four position.
Bet: This is our first bet for the weekend. We will be having 3 units on the Roosters at -9.5 at the 1.91. They look too classy for the Sharks all over the park. I thought they really played fantastic against the Dragons and will be far to strong for the Sharks.
Gold Coast v North Queensland, Saturday August 14th Skilled Park, 5.30pm
I can’t praise the Titans enough this season a month ago many thought they were about to slide out the back door. But the Titans thought different and will be looking for four wins on the trot this week and will get it. With Thurston out injured the Cowboys will struggle for points and this could be a very easy win for the Titans.
Bet: The Titans will win and win well we will be having 2 units on the Titans here to win by 13+ currently 1.73. They have too much to play for and with the Cowboys missing Thurston I can not see them scoring enough points to compete with a red hot Gold Coast team.
Bulldogs v Canberra, Saturday August 14th ANZ Stadium, 7.30pm
The Bulldogs slim finals chance was put to rest last Sunday when they were smashed by a rampaging Newcastle. The Dogs have recruited well for season 2011 and that now looks the focus. The Raiders were fantastic on Monday night scoring 18 unanswered points in the second half to defeat Penrith. I see the Dogs looking for some much needed pride at home and that will be enough to end the season for Canberra.
No Bet: We will not be betting in this match. The Bulldogs at home will be hard to beat but they have nothing to play for. I see the Raiders being hard to beat but but away from home I will suggest we sit this one out.
New Zealand v Newcastle, Sunday August 15th Mt Smart, 12.00pm
This shapes as a fantastic game with both teams playing some good football in recent weeks. The Knights are coming off two weeks of blistering attack against Canterbury and Manly and may have to much for the home team. The Warriors are always hard to beat at home but with the Knights needing to win their remaining four matches to play finals football I see the dream at least extending a week.
Bet: This is a betting match and I think we should be on the outsider. I think we should have 2 units on Newcastle to win at 2.80 they are playing some really impressive football and away from home will make things harder but I think they will be too fast for the Warriors.
Melbourne v South Sydney, Sunday August 15th AAMI Stadium, 2.00pm
What a win last week by South Sydney scoring a try in the final second of golden point time. It send the crowd into raptures and gave their loyal fans hope of a dream semi final appearance. The Bunnies have been hit hard by injuries and will simply not have the talent to overcome the Storm. Melbourne seem to only turn up at home these days and will again put in solid effort which will see them winning.
No Bet: Simply staying out of all Melbourne Storm matches for the remainder of the year. I thought they would beat Manly last week and to be blunt they didn’t have much of a go. Who can blame them nothing to play for so let’s also not play.
Wests Tigers v Penrith, Sunday August 15th Campbelltown, 3.00pm
Penrith were missing Coote and Walsh last week and that halted their attack in the second half as Canberra ran them down late. The Tigers were average against the Bunnies squandering a massive lead and I can see the Penrith team with their two playmakers back from injury scoring a comfortable win.
Bet: 3 units on Penrith to win at 1.95. They are ready to go and with Coote and Walsh back this week I expect a very big performance from the Panthers. The Tigers are struggling of late and I don’t think they can go with Penrith who will be desperate to stay in the top four.
St George Illawarra v Manly, Monday August 16th Kogarah Oval, 7.00pm
Without a doubt the game of the round. Manly hit back hard with a great performance over the Storm and are always a chance every week they play. The Saints were brilliant against the Roosters and with the minor premiership in their sights will prove to strong at home. I expect Manly to come out blazing but unless they can get a couple of tries ahead the Saints will wear them down
No Bet: I do think the Saints will win this and they were close to being a bet but with the minor premiership all but in the bag I just worry how desperate they will be, fantastic game hopefully we are sitting back Monday with a profit and we can just enjoy.