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NRL Round 11; Game of the Round

May 162012

By Guest Writer Stephen Gallagher

GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND 11 – Wests Tigers V New Zealand Warriors – Friday, Leichhardt Oval 19.30 local time.

LAST WEEK: Wests got an easy two points with a bye. Struggled up front early but eventually strolled through and got the result.

New Zealand had a hard fought victory at home over the Sydney Roosters. A game which saw the lead change multiple times. Eventually winning 30-26.

THIS WEEK:The Tigers will be looking to get the middle of their season on track after what can only be described as a poor start for their standards. Sitting in ninth with only four wins, this is not good enough. It will be hard without their play-maker Robbie Farah who was selected for State Of Origin. The pressure will be on the Tigers to perform. They have a solid young team with the players to get them where they need to go, but it’s about time that players stopped looking around at each other and stand up and make a difference.

: A little bit good

The Warriors will go in to this one with back to back wins. Hardly consistent enough this season to call that good form but with both games over difficult opponents this means they will be blessed with the confidence they need. Warriors need only to look back to last year as they contested the Grand Final. Slowly they are finding the right dynamics in their forward rotation to become a massive and deadly side. Their young players are certainly putting their hands up too, and this is such a good look for any club.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Wests have a good record over the Warriors. However they need more than history on their side to get up for this one. Wests have the ability to create space outside from anywhere on the field with such good backs. They have a lot of pace to burn, and that is such a good advantage to have. Making the Warriors turn around is key. Get their big guys going backwards on strategic kicks and force the errors. Wests will be lacking at dummy half due to the absence of Farah but they have big names such as Marshall, Moltzen, Blair and Woods to step up and be the x-factor for this side.

New Zealand are one of the biggest sides in the competition. A lot of teams fear them because they just have size all over the field. If they can use that to their advantage this will give them a big shot at taking this game too. A quick play the ball is the key factor to this. The Tigers will be doing their best to slow this section of the game down. They need to be disciplined too, it has been a few silly penalties lately which could have cost them games. It was the Warriors who knocked the Tigers out of the playoffs last year, so they know they can do this.

THE BATTLE OF: The fabulous five-eighth’s. Benji Marshall and James Maloney will go head to head. Everyone knows Marshall. He is the face of rugby league. The things he can produce, only he knows. I doubt we have seen everything this man has to offer. He is a game changer and a game winner. This is exactly why we love to watch Benji play. A little out of sorts this season but that means nothing for him. He can win this one by himself.

James Maloney some would say unlucky for Origin selection, but with his feet firmly grounded on the field this sensation is the backbone of the Warriors. Pin point accuracy with his kicking and a solid running game. His direction leads the Warriors well. Works well off Mateo when he has the ball in hand, so is Maloney gets any space on Friday night he could blow the game wide open.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Aaron Woods – A fine front rower who has really matured this season. Many more minutes, and has stood up as being one of the Tigers best.

Glen Fisiiahi – Saw him earlier in the year when the Warriors were out of form, but if he can get any space he will run a mile. A try scoring machine.

PREDICTION:

The difference between a win and a loss this week is form. The Tigers have had a bye and that can work either positively or negatively the week after. The Warriors winning two in a row will give them the belief they need. Warriors 32-16.

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Queensland Origin Team Prediction

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May 112012

By Guest Writer Stephen Gallagher

This side has been the best for the last six years of the State Of Origin as much as it pains me to hear that. Queensland will once again be the team to beat, a side which is dominant from 1-17. There are no flaws when it comes to Queensland, so New South Wales will definitely have a challenge on their hands.

Fullback: Billy Slater (Storm)

Part one of the Big Three, Slater is the best fullback this game has ever seen. Freakishly talented, you think he can’t get any better than pulls one out of the hat that’ll stun everyone. He has a worth ethic of a race horse and could run like one too. Slater is a game winning player that can make anything a possibility when the pressure is on. You can never write off Slater. He is a modern day footballing genius.

Wingers: Darius Boyd (Knights) and Brent Tate (Cowboys)

Boyd flourishes in this side. No matter what form he could bring in to Origin, he will become richer once the whistle is blown for game on. Brilliant footwork is the key to Boyd, this making his very hard to shut down. Darius Boyd is very powerful too, which works well in his favour in every situation.

Tate will play Origin, and after a horror run of injuries in his career he always seems to bounce back twice as good and picks up where he left off – with so much potential. Tate is the experienced head which will keep cool through this game. A rugby league brain on him which gives him the one up on most of his opponents it seems. Great with ball in hand.

Centres: Justin Hodges (Broncos) and Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs)

Justin Hodges has been electrifying for Brisbane. After only playing Game 3 last year due to injury he will have a point to prove in this one. The second best centre in the NRL, he has everything. Pace, physicality, strength, sidesteps. It’s hard to know just how to shut down Hodges, as when you close down one option he will give you another.

Now, the best centre in the NRL. Inglis is nothing short of a beast. That’s the only way I can describe him. The hardest man to put down, so devastating he can rip any team apart with a simple sidestep or a tackle bust. Impossible is nothing for Inglis. He is the game breaker for this outfit.

Halves: Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys) and Cooper Cronk (Storm)

Thurston is nothing short of world class. Every touch of the ball seems to be with ease. Has the best vision in the game and knows what to do in every situation. This makes him so very hard to stop when he is running the game.
Cooper Cronk, part two of the Big Three. Every time he plays I think he sees the game in slow motion because everything he does is always so right. Partnered up with Thurston in the ANZAC test, he will go with him in this one too. No Lockyer this season is not a worry for Queensland as they have perfectly moulded Cronk in to this role.

Props: Matthew Scott (Cowboys) and Ben Hannant (Broncos)

Matthew Scott was the best forward for Queensland in their sixth title in a row last year and will once again be up for the task. Having injury concerns the last couple of weeks will not be a problem for him. Scott relishes the chance to don the maroon jersey and is such a hard player he will lay everything on the line for his state and his team mates.

Hannant has been oh so good this season. It seems with every performance he puts on the field his stats increase. He is a valuable member to this team. Knows what his job is, and knows how to do it with the best of his ability. Hannant is hard to stop whether it’s the first minute, or the last.

Second Rowers: Nate Myles (Titans) and Sam Thaiday (Broncos)

Nate Myles always quietly goes about his work. Always making tackles and always making metres – Myles is a hard worker. It seems whenever he plays, he can make every tackle in a set of six. A workrate that is simply incredible and is a necessary cog in this rolling wheel.

Sam Thaiday is captain at his club, and for all the right reasons. A humble leader on and off the field, it’s what he can produce on that is the most influential. Wind him up and set him crashing in to the defence time and time again. He does not get tired. A true workhorse.

Lock: Ashley Harrison (Titans)

Ashley Harrison is a seasoned campaigner when it comes to Origin. Everything about his performances is a positive thing. No sign of weakness when running the ball, he has a lot of aces up his sleeve with an offload or tackle bust. Such a gutsy player that every team needs.

INTERCHANGE:

Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)

So many times we saw Cronk come off the bench for Queensland in the shadow of the great Darren Lockyer and how it’s Cherry-Evans turn to mould in to a brilliant player. We all know how good he is, but this is the true test for him. Cherry-Evans will only grow bigger and better with this opportunity off the bench for his state.

Dave Taylor (Rabbitohs)

If someone learns how to control this animal, let me know. Every team needs a Dave Taylor. He is so hard to put down, and when you think you have he passed the ball 5 seconds ago and there’s a break up the field because of it. Never once lacked in confidence, this human steam roller always puts out a mammoth performance.

Jacob Lillyman (Warriors)

Despite only having played one game this season, Lillyman is made for this sort of contest. A solid defender, he has made the great transition to the front for playing for the Warriors which has seen him flourish and get given the chance to represent his state last year. Hits the line with plenty of force and loves the contact.

Corey Parker (Broncos)

This wise head made his Origin debut last season, and has become a richer player from the experience. Parker has an all round game equivalent to any halfback. Watch him with awe as he does everything right. Also can kick goals, another reason to keep him on this bench.

18th Man: Petero Civoniceva

I picked Civoniceva at 18th man because as he is retiring this season, he has already formed the way for the youth. Being included in this squad however will be enough for the man, and more than enough motivation for Queensland to make it 7 in a row.

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Concussion and Depression – the debate continues

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May 112012

The suicide of former NFL player Junior Seau last week has raised a national debate in the USA sports media around the long term effects of concussions sustained during careers of NFL players. No one actually knows if Seau was affected by long term concussion issues, which some studies show can lead to depression. Generalizations abound and all of a sudden NFL is portrayed as a risky sport and no one wants their kids to play the game.

Wearing a helmet leads to the head being used as a weapon in some people’s eyes. Head to head clashes have been outlawed in recent years and have lead to large fines or bans.

Yes concussions lead to shortened careers not only NFL players however in a number of sports and closer to home, both in rugby union and rugby league. The late Jock Hobbs All Black career was cut short due to concussions sustained and more recently Cronulla’s Reece Williams in the NRL suffered a similiar fate.

The question needs to be asked …..do concussions really lead to depression ? The lifestyle of NFL players do not always have happy endings financially once thir careers finish. Large entourages during their playing days and a number of bad investment decisions are common. Domestic and paternity issues are also common which lead to financial distress. Also the fact that their days are free and they are no longer centre stage may also be a factor to adjusting to life outside of football or indeed any pro sports.

It would be foolish to say that getting jolted in the head by a 300 pound defensive tackle will not have any effect however it’s easy to shed the blame when it may be just a small factor in the cause of both depression and other related issues.

Regardless the NFL lost one of the best and most professional players last week. RIP Junior

NSW Origin Team Prediction

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May 102012

It’s been an agonising six years for me, and the other New South Wales supporters. Probably has been a long six years for the players and coaches too. On the verge of this side being named on Sunday – I will put my best Blues team forward which I would like Ricky Stuart to pick for game one.

Fullback: Anthony Minichello (Roosters)

Watching the Roosters fullback this season is like turning back a clock. Minichello has been in brilliant form. No trouble finding the line and has no fears of being the last line of defence. Seeing him in the sky blue jersey last year showed us all that ‘The Count’ is not finished in representative football. I back Mini to be the custodian for this Blues side and have 100% faith that he can do the job.

Wingers: Brett Morris (Dragons) and Akuila Uate (Knights)

Brett Morris has been getting back in to form this year after shifting to fullback. His confidence seems to be sky high and has found his try scoring mojo again. Hitting the line with a quick turn of pace leads to many line breaks. Exactly what NSW need.

Uate has been solid, but nothing flash this season for Newcastle. Perhaps his form is a bit dented due to his side under-performing too but we all saw how comfortable he was last year in Origin. He is the type of player that can change a game with a single barnstorming run. He stepped up to the mark for the Kangaroos earlier in the year too and I expect just that once again from the Fijian.

NSW. Trying to bridge the gap

Centres: Josh Morris (Bulldogs) and Michael Jennings (Panthers)

Josh Morris too has taken his form up another gear this season. Renowned for being able to find the line in seasons gone by, his involvement levels this season are a vital ingredient to success. Also with the loss of Mark Gasnier to retirement he needs to step up and fill that gap.

Michael Jennings has had his fair share up injury concerns and disciplinary actions in the last season, but take all that away and what to you get? Michael Jennings – game breaker. Ominous with ball in hand and has the ability to make something out of nothing. A game breaker.

Halves: Todd Carney (Sharks) and Mitchell Pearce (Roosters)

Todd Carney has a new lease on life at Cronulla. His form has been league leading and is flourishing in a successful environment. One of my personal favourite players to watch, he has a wide range of skills that can make him such an unbeatable player. Whether he has the ball on a string kicking, or running to the line Carney is a devastating player.

Mitchell Pearce with every performance this season has shown he is the halfback for the Blues. A tough defender as well as a brilliant leader, Pearce has the wisdom handed down from his father. These two also had a lot of chemistry at the Roosters together which will only add good things to this combination.

Props: Paul Gallen (Sharks) and Michael Weyman (Dragons)

The heart and soul of this side, Gallen is up there as the best forward the game has seen in decades. I picked him at prop due to this being the best fit for the side. He proved himself worthy in Origin last year as a decent prop and is a player who others thrive playing off. He is New South Wales.

Michael Weyman is the fittest he’s ever been I think, and this is playing him in to the starting side. An outstanding season so far, Weyman needs to carry this form over to represent his state. A big game player with the passion and dedication for success.

Hooker: Michael Ennis (Bulldogs)

With Danny Buderus sidelined currently with an Achilles injury, Ennis will step up to the Origin plate. He has proven to be capable and with his niggle to get under the Queenslanders skin his fit is perfect for this role once more. Has spilt more than enough blood for his state, he is more than prepared to do it all again too. A gutsy player who is a great leader too.

Second-Rowers: Ben Creagh (Dragons) and Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles)

Ben Creagh is a proven hard man with a thirst for Origin. A player who really stood up last season. Always able to get the offload away, he is hard to wrap up and with his team mates aware of this it can lead to points. Defensively sound also, he is an 80 minute player who knows what to do when the pressure is poured on.

Glenn Stewart has been an angry man this season, and this has been good to watch. Totes himself as a ball playing second rower, he does not lack confidence or ability and is a danger man for me in this side. You never know quite what you will get with Stewart, but I know he has what it takes to make himself counted.

Lock: Luke Lewis (Panthers)

Luke Lewis was the best player the Blues has last season. Filling a spot off the bench, he added an undeniable influence on the game. Lewis has always been a great player, but steps it up big time when it really counts. Just think about his performance against the Kiwis in April. Lewis is a ball player with immense talent and experience who has reckless abandon for his body on defence.

INTERCHANGE:

Robbie Farah (Tigers)

Early on I would have been a bit sceptical about adding Farah to this side, but the way he has been playing he cannot be left out. Winning games with his attack and saving games with his defence I think Farah is in the best form of his career and has the added spark this team needs to succeed.

Trent Merrin (Dragons)

One of the most outstanding players in Origin last year, I think Merrin will be back once more. The representative appearances last season has only made the man grow as a player. He does not understand backwards and packs a powerful punch with the ball.

Tariq Sims (Cowboys)

A bolter. Sims has been dying to prove his worth and I believe he will get a shot. This kid has the world at his feet and deserves a shot to show it. His form has been menacing and even after returning after a broken leg last season he has not lost anything in the way of confidence or power. A mature player who has been punching well above his weight in his career.

Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles)

A monster of a player who will just be waiting to be unleashed on to the field. Has a physical presence which I certainly fear and Watmough has the ability to defend his heart out if need be. A hard running player who has only one goal which is to go forward. Hard to stop.

18th Man: Tom Learoyd-Lars (Raiders)

There it is, my team that I hope Ricky Stuart picks on Sunday. A bit thin on props but I think the way all forwards can be rotated, that this will not be an issue.

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NRL Game of the Round

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May 092012

GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND TEN – Cronulla Sharks V Melbourne Storm – Sunday, Toyota Stadium 15.00 local time.

LAST WEEK: Cronulla fall short against South Sydney Rabbitohs in a game which had everything. Succumbing 34-28 in a thriller.

Melbourne extended their perfect start to the season with a simple win over the Penrith Panthers 44-10.

THIS WEEK: The Sharks back to reality after a loss, will come out even sharper. Silly errors which they had put away for the majority of the season came out last weekend which saw their demise. An injury cloud over Paul Gallen will have the media’s attention. The Sharks are looking very good though, and with arguably the biggest forward pack in the competition they can bank on that stellar platform to perform.

The Storm will just continue to be the Storm. They won’t get sucked in to any mind games this week. They will not underestimate their opponents. They will prepare as if this was a grand final, just like every other week. The Storm have been a cut above everyone else this season and it’s hard to find any faults with this unbeatable juggernaut.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Cronulla will be up for the challenge at home. This is such a huge advantage in this one. Toyota Park will be sold out I can guarantee that. The fans will be riding them home, so it’s down to the finer points of the game. Nothing short of perfection will be acceptable by Stuart Flannagan’s men. The competition rate must be next to perfect, the kick chase, the hit ups. Everything needs to go Cronulla’s way and they definitely have the personnel to pull it off.

Melbourne will be as sharp as a tack. The big three will be up for the challenge, they dictate all of the success this outfit has. Craig Bellamy is a world class coach with a recipe for success. Melbourne will go about their game plan which has seen them go perfect in nine rounds. Force the opposition back with each kick, force an error with the powerful defence and pounce. Rinse and repeat. This is what Melbourne do so well but easier said than done.

THE BATTLE OF: The niggly number nine’s. Isaac De Gois and Cameron Smith will go head to head as well as toe to toe. De Gois is so good at getting under his opposite’s skin. A fine example of that was Monday’s match up against Isaac Luke. De Gois is a good player so it’s not all lip for him. Cameron Smith is the best hooker in the world arguably, and knows everything that needs to happen well before it does. His vision is second to none and defensively is brilliant.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Jeff Robson – Don’t let Todd Carney take all the wraps for Cronulla’s success this season. Robson has been solid thrown in the deep end after Cronulla were winless after two games. He knows how to get things done. I don’t know if there’s a halfback who tackles more than him either.

Justin O’Neill – Not only a try scoring machine of late, but his involvement levels are increasing with every game. He will beat most players for pace, and he is such a good strike weapon.

PREDICTION:
I am going to go out on a limb and say Cronulla will win this with flying colours. Maybe I have been sucked in by the feel good story so far, but so be it. Cronulla 30-10.

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