My weekly NRL predictions. I hope you agree and enjoy them.
Parramatta vs. Sydney Roosters
Parramatta hit the news this week with news that they have told 12 of their players that they would not be re-signed for next season, a sign that Ricky Stuart intends to rebuild the club from the steaming mess that Anderson and Kearney left it in. The impact of this could be interesting. Might some of them play hot to save their contracts or put cases for another club to pick them up? Or will they fade away?
On form, you have to go with the Sydney Roosters. Before a loss to the Storm, they had won their past five matches, and were ranked 2nd. They are still in the Top 4, whereas Parramatta are currently 15th, equal with the last-placed Tigers, and were blown out by the Gold Coast Titans last start. Everywhere, except for the fullback position, the Roosters look superior on paper.
Last 5 rounds:
Sydney Roosters: BLWWW
Parramatta: BLLWL
Prediction: Sydney Roosters by 14. Expect commentators to fap over Peace/Williams like they did with Pearce/Lewis.
Newcastle vs. St George Illawarra
It has been a strange year from Newcastle. On one hand, they've been very good at home - only losing by one, and that was by a point in golden point. However away from home, they've been quite poor - only beating the Titans, and losing to some average teams such as the Warriors and the Dragons, and despite a strong start to the season have lost four of their last five.
The Dragons form similarly has been all over the shop - they've traded impressive wins, tight losses and blowout losses. Worrying, they are tied with the Warriors, North Queensland, Parramatta and the Wests Tigers for last, ranked 13th on differential. They have won one of their last six, over the lowly Parramatta.
Both sides played last week rather than enjoying a bye, making this game more interesting in terms of fatigue, as well as a lack of form
Last 5 rounds:
Newcastle: LLWLL
St George Illawarra: LLWLL
Prediction: Newcastle by 8. Both sides have had tough games lately, and it could be interesting as the Dragons have an excellent record in Newcastle, but the Knights should have too much skill for the Dragons. Both sides probably need a win here to keep their season from going off track.
North Queensland v Canterbury
Are North Queensland the premier underachievers this season? Expected to fly this season, they've really lacked a spark in attack this season, losing their last 4 and being down the bottom of the ladder. While they've been good defensively, they're really lacking an attacking spark.
Canterbury were also struggling severely at the start of the season - winning only one of their first six, but have since won five of their last six, partly because their draw has significantly eased up, and partly because of many of their best players returning to the side and in form.
Worse, Thurston either won't play the game or be very underdone, as he only has a 3-day turnaround, as well as playing injured in Sydney, whereas the game is in North Queensland. Another game where both sides did not have the bye last week.
Last 5 rounds:
North Queensland: LLLLW
Canterbury: WWLWW
Prediction: Canterbury by 8. Yes, it is in North Queensland, but Canterbury have an excellent record there anyway, and they simply are in better form and have better players.
Warriors v Manly
Things are looking up for the Warriors, having convincingly beaten Newcastle and flogging Brisbane since their flogging for Penrith. Can they go three in a row?
The bad news for the Warriors is that they are facing Manly and their record is poor against them. Even in New Zealand, they are up against it. And while Manly's form has somewhat flattered to deceive this season, they have still generally won.
Worse for the Warriors, they are playing a team which had a bye last round, whereas they haven't.
Last 5 rounds:
New Zealand: WWLLW
Manly: BWDLW
Prediction: Manly by 10. Their record is too good for the Warriors, and the Warriors are still fairly inconsistent. Expect the Warriors to challenge for a while but then fade away.
Penrith v Wests Tigers
What a great past few weeks it has been from Penrith. About a month ago, they seemed to be a certainty for the wooden spoon. But with big wins over the Warriors and Parramatta and an upset over Melbourne, they have won their past three and
In contrast, the Tigers are floundering despite a win over North Queensland, and they will be missing Robbie Farah too. Despite a strong record against Penrith, it is hard to see how the Tigers can avoid Penrith winning four in a row.
Last 5 rounds:
Penrith: BWWWL
Wests Tigers: BWLLL
Prediction: Penrith by 12. While their recent run of run will run out eventually, I doubt it'll happen here, particularly against the Tigers.
Melbourne v Cronulla
An absolute blood match. Who will back up for the sides though? We know Gallen is out due to his boxing match with Nate Myles. Will Fifita, Lewis, Hoffman, Slater, Cronk and Smith play? Probably most of them do play, albeit with restricted minutes.
Cronulla really pushed Melbourne last year and have won their past four games. Five in a row? We shall see.
Notably, this game is at the MCG rather than Ethiad or AAMI Park.
Last 5 rounds:
Melbourne: BWDLL
Cronulla: BWWWW
Prediction: Melbourne by 4. It's close, particularly given that both sides have similar strengths and weaknesses, but I feel that Melbourne has more class.
Canberra v Brisbane
The wheels are falling off Brisbane, losing four of their last five games. But Canberra have lost their last two as well, admittedly against strong teams. It could be interesting here.
However, Canberra at night is not a great trip for most teams. Brisbane will also have several players potentially missing.
Last 5 rounds:
Canberra: BLLWW
Brisbane: LLWLL
Prediction: Canberra by 10. They should have too much for a struggling Brisbane side.
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