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NRL Preview and Tips – Round 2
Written by: Vlado MazevskiMar 19, 2009 8:36pm
Preview, teams and tips. Vlado Mazevski looks at round two of the NRL premiership. Friday March 20 - Monday March 23, 2009. STH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v PARRAMATTA EELS Friday 20 March 2009 19:35 [AEDT] - ANZ Stadium Referees: Shayne Hayne & Gavin Badger Sideline Officials: Paul Holland & Brett Suttor Video Referee: Paul Simpkins RABBITOHS: 1. Rhys Wesser 2. Nathan Merritt 3. Colin Best 4. Shaune Corrigan 5. Fetuli Talanoa 6. John Sutton 7. Chris Sandow 8. Luke Stuart 9. Issac Luke 10. Roy Asotasi (c) 11. David Kidwell 12. Shannan McPherson 13. David Fa'alogo Interchange: 14. Ben Lowe 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Jaiman Lowe 17. Garret Crossman; Reserves: 18. Jamie Simpson EELS: 1. Luke Burt 2. Joel Reddy 3. Ben Smith 4. Krisnan Inu 5. Eric Grothe 6. Jarryd Hayne 7. Brett Finch 8. Nathan Cayless (c) 9. Matthew Keating 10. Fuifui Moimoi 11. Nathan Hindmarsh 12. Weller Hauraki 13. Feleti Mateo Interchange: 14. Kris Keating 15. Joe Galuvao 16. Tim Mannah 17. Broderick Wright; Reserves: 19. Josh Cordoba The Rabbitohs have set themselves the challenge of consistent football in 2009. An impressive first up shellacking of the Roosters sees the Rabbitohs leading the competition after round 1 with an opportunity to back that win up in front of their home fans at ANZ Stadium. Impressive halves Chris Sandow and John Sutton again hold the key for the Bunnies whilst Mascot junior Eddy Pettybourne performed strongly off the bench. The Eels come into round 2 after a difficult trip away to the Warriors first up where they battled not only an imposing Warriors side but also a team with an acute focus of honouring their late team-mate – Sonny Fai. The focus again will be on Jarryd Hayne’s transition to five-eighth as he links with Eel danger men Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo. The talented trio will need to be at their best to worry the committed Rabbitohs’ defence. Rabbitohs by 8.
BRISBANE BRONCOS v MELBOURNE STORM Friday 20 March 2009 19:35 [AEST] - Suncorp Stadium Referees: Ben Cummins & Tony De Las Heras Sideline Officials: Steve Chiddy & Adam Devcich Video Referee: Bill Harrigan BRONCOS: 1. Karmichael Hunt 2. Antonio Winterstein 3. Steve Michaels 4. Israel Folau 5. Jharal Yow Yeh 6. Darren Lockyer (c) 7. Peter Wallace 8. Nick Kenny 9. Aaron Gorrell 10. Joel Clinton 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Ben Te'o 13. Corey Parker Interchange: 14. Andrew McCullough 15. Lagi Setu 16. Dave Taylor 17. Alex Glenn; Reserves: 18. Ashton Sims 19. Josh McGuire STORM: 1. Billy Slater 2. Steve Turner 3. Will Chambers 4. Willie Isa 5. Anthony Quinn 6. Greg Inglis 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jeff Lima 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Adam Blair 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Dallas Johnson Interchange: 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Aiden Tolman 16. Scott Anderson 17. Wairangi Koopu; Reserves: 18. Matt Cross 19. James Maloney Both sides come into this game on the back of one point victories in Round 1. Cast your mind back to the last time these two teams met and you will recall how Greg Inglis stole the game from the Broncos in the final seconds in an absorbing semi final. This time around, Inglis along with Dallas Johnson are under injury clouds with Johnson the more likely to play. Israel Folau also played in that semi final last year but this time he will be sporting a Bronco on the heart of his jersey as he attempts to deliver his former side some of the notorious damage and destruction he is capable of. The well-coached Storm outfit will have most things covered mentally with respect to Folau, but stopping him is another matter. Storm by 2.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v GOLD COAST TITANS Saturday 21 March 2009 17:30 [AEDT] - WIN Stadium Referees: Ashley Klein & Alan Shortall Sideline Officials: Luke Potter & Steve Carrall Video Referee: Sean Hampstead DRAGONS: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Jason Nightingale, 3. Beau Scott 4. Matt Cooper 5. Wendell Sailor 6. Jamie Soward 7. Ben Hornby (c) 8. Jarrod Saffy 9. Dean Young 10. Michael Weyman 11. Matt Prior 12. Ben Creagh 13. Jeremy Smith Interchange: 14. Dan Hunt 15. Neville Costigan 16. Luke Priddis 17. Brett Morris TITANS: 1. Preston Campbell 2. Esi Tonga 3. Josh Graham 4. Brett Delaney 5. Jordan Atkins 6. Mat Rogers 7. Scott Prince (cc) 8. Luke Bailey (cc) 9. Nathan Friend 10. Matt White 11. Mark Minichiello 12. Anthony Laffranchi 13. Ashley Harrison Interchange: 14. Aaron Cannings 15. Brad Meyers 16. Luke O'Dwyer 17. William Zillman The Dragons open their home ground campaign against a team they seemingly have the wood over. Four wins from four starts against the Titans will see the home crowd quietly confident about registering their first win for 2009. Wayne Bennett has already made some changes with Chase Stanley left out of the side and Beau Scott moving into the centres to sure up that right hand defensive side that was targeted by the Storm. Prop Justin Poore is also out for four weeks after sustaining a hand injury which will give new recruit Neville Costigan his first start as a Dragon off the bench. After a sluggish start, the Titans won comfortably against the Knights in searing conditions on the Gold Coast. The intense heat along with the travel to Wollongong may prove beyond them, but discounting a team led by Scott Prince and Luke Bailey is certainly not the wisest move. Saints by 8.
PENRITH PANTHERS v CANTERBURY BULLDOGS Saturday 21 March 2009 19:30 [AEDT] - CUA Stadium, Penrith Referees: Matt Cecchin & Chris James Sideline Officials: Peter Kirby & Russell Turner Video Referee: Steve Clark PANTHERS: 1. Lachlan Coote 2. Michael Gordon 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Tighe 5. Shane Elford 6. Luke Lewis 7. Jarrod Sammut 8. Tim Grant 9. Paul Aiton 10. Petero Civoniceva 11. Trent Waterhouse 12. Gavin Cooper 13. Nathan Smith Interchange: 14. Frank Pritchard 15. Adam Woolnough 16. Frank Puletua; Reserves: 17. Masada Iosefa 18. Matthew Bell 19. Wade Graham BULLDOGS: 1. Luke Patten 2. Hazem El Masri 3. Josh Morris 4. Jamal Idris 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Ben Roberts 7. Brett Kimmorley 8. Ben Hannant 9. Mick Ennis 10. Michael Hodgson 11. Gary Warburton 12. Andrew Ryan 13. David Stagg Interchange: 14. Lee Te Maari 15. Chris Armit 16. John Kite 17. Ben Barba The Panthers’ halves will have all the pressure on them this Saturday night as they attempt to stave off the offerings of newly signed half Luke Walsh. A number of questionable kicks by Penrith early in the tackle count last weekend relieved the Sharks of any continuous pressure and ensured the Panthers and Matt Elliott remain heavily scrutinised. Frank Pritchard returning to the line up is a massive boost for the Mountain men and his combination with the electric Michael Jennings down the left corridor will be one to watch. The Bulldogs were the most impressive side in round 1 and most surprising at the same time. A comprehensive defeat of defending premiers Manly in terrible conditions signified their end as a wooden spoon team and heralded hope for the blue and white fans that 2009 will more than make up for last season. Youngster Jamal Idris continues to generate comparisons with Israel Folau after his two try display in round 1. His clash with Michael Jennings will be one to savour. Bulldogs by 4.
NTH QLD COWBOYS v WESTS TIGERS Saturday 21 March 2009 20:30 [AEST] - Dairy Farmers Stadium Referees: Jason Robinson & Phil Haines Sideline Officials: Daniel Eastwood & Gavin Reynolds Video Referee: Russell Smith COWBOYS: 1. Matt Bowen 2. Ty Williams 3. Ashley Graham 4. Willie Tonga 5. Ben Farrar 6. Travis Burns 7. Johnathan Thurston (c) 8. Shane Tronc 9. Aaron Payne 10. Antonio Kaufusi 11. Scott Bolton 12. Ben Harris 13. Luke O'Donnell Interchange: 14. Clint Amos 15. Carl Webb 16. Matt Scott 17. James Tamou; Reserves: 18. Grant Rovelli 19. John Williams TIGERS: 1. Tim Moltzen 2. Taniela Tuiaki 3. Dean Collis 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Beau Ryan 6. John Morris 7. Benji Marshall 8. Bryce Gibbs 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Gareth Ellis 12. Chris Heighington 13. Todd Payten Interchange: 14. Daine Laurie 15. Dene Halatau 16. Danny Galea 17. Corey Payne; Reserves: 18. Rocky Trimarchi 19. Rhys Hanbury Potentially the most exciting game of the round in terms of pure attack. The quickened rucks and general game play as a result of the dual referees will suit both teams. Matty Bowen showed enough glimpses of his stellar attacking skills to suggest that he is back on track, forming the deadliest partnership in the NRL with Johnathan Thurston. Throw Aaron Payne into the mix and the Cowboys are a real threat to any opposition. The Tigers started their campaign off slowly last week against the Raiders with captain Robbie Farah starting off the bench. The Tigers’ skipper was not happy with his demotion and channelled his frustration onto the Raiders with a good first half try. English import Gareth Ellis also had an impressive start to his NRL career and certainly looks like a player that can mix it with the best. The tropical conditions of Townsville should certainly test him though. Benji Marshall had an average beginning to his halfback career but will be keen to test himself against the premier halfback in the competition in the Cowboys’ Johnathan Thurston. Cowboys by 10.
CANBERRA RAIDERS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS Sunday 22 March 2009 14:00 [AEDT] - Canberra Stadium Referees: Jared Maxwell & Gerard Sutton Sideline Officials: Mohamad Fajajo & David Abood Video Referee: Tim Mander RAIDERS: 1. David Milne 2. Phil Graham 3. Adrian Purtell 4. Joel Monaghan 5. Justin Carney 6. Terry Campese 7. Marc Herbert 8. David Shillington 9. Glen Butriss 10. Josh Miller 11. Glen Turner 12. Bronson Harrison 13. Alan Tongue (c) Interchange: 14. Stuart Flanagan 15. Trevor Thurling 16. Joe Picker 17. Nigel Plum; Reserves: 18. Brett Kelly 19. Troy Thompson ROOSTERS: 1. Anthony Minichiello 2. Sam Perrett 3. Mitchell Aubusson 4. Sia Soliola 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Braith Anasta [c] 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Mark O'Meley 9. James Aubusson 10. Nate Myles 11. Lopini Paea 12. Craig Fitzgibbon 13. Setaimata Sa Interchange: 14. Frank-Paul Nuuausala 15. Shane Shackleton 16. Martin Kennedy 17. Jake Friend; Reserves: 20. Willie Mason Disappointing is an understatement when describing the Roosters’ performance in the local derby against the Rabbitohs last Sunday. Thoroughly outplayed in all facets, the Roosters need to correct their leaking defence in a big hurry against a Raiders team that likes to play expansive league, particularly at home. For the visitors, the likely return of Willie Mason could not have come at a better time with his infectious enthusiasm much needed for the Tri-colours. The Raiders had a strong first half showing against the Tigers with Terry Campese prominent but fizzled out in the second half. The Raiders are however laden with try scoring backs in Carney, Graham, Milne, Purtell and Monaghan so the Roosters’ defence needs to be on the ball otherwise the Raiders could really hurt them. Raiders by 14.
MANLY SEA EAGLES v NZ WARRIORS Sunday 22 March 2009 15:00 [AEDT] - Brookvale Oval Referees: Shayne Hayne & Steve Lyons Sideline Officials: Steve Chiddy & Jeff Younis Video Referee: Chris Ward SEA EAGLES: 1. Michael Robertson 2. Michael Bani 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Andrew Suniula 6. Chris Bailey 7. Matt Orford (c) 8. Brent Kite 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Perry 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Glenn Hall 13. Glenn Stewart Interchange: 14. Heath L’Estrange 15. Jason King 16. Adam Cuthbertson 17. Shane Rodney; Reserves: 21. George Rose WARRIORS: 1. Wade McKinnon 2. Denan Kemp 3. Brent Tate 4. Jerome Ropati 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Joel Moon 7. Nathan Fien 8. Sam Rapira 9. Ian Henderson 10. Steve Price (C) 11. Simon Mannering 12. Jacob Lillyman 13. Micheal Luck Interchange: 14. Stacey Jones 15. Russell Packer 16. Jesse Royal 17. Ukuma Ta’ai There will no doubt be an improved Sea Eagles side on display at Brookvale Oval this Sunday afternoon after enduring the week from hell last week. All the controversies and disappointment culminated in a heavy defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs on the weekend in appalling conditions. Whilst the conditions matched the Manly performance, the Sea Eagles are a team capable of turning it all around in a space of a week in front of their adoring home fans. Brett Stewart’s fullback play will again be missed but look for stronger games from the likes of Watmough, Lyon and Orford. The Warriors had a comfortable win in round 1 against the Eels but get their first test away from home against the wounded premiers. The Warriors will miss the considerable contribution of utility Lance Hohaia but will welcome Stacey Jones into their line-up for the first time in a few seasons. New recruit Joel Moon looked comfortable in the five-eighth role but will be tested on a greater level this weekend. Sea Eagles by 6.
CRONULLA SHARKS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS Monday 23 March 2009 19:00 [AEDT] - Toyota Stadium Referees: Ben Cummins & Brett Suttor Sideline Officials: Adam Reid & Paul Holland Video Referee: Phil Cooley SHARKS: 1. David Simmons 2. Misi Taulapapa 3. Ben Pomeroy 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Luke Covell 6. Trent Barrett 16. Blake Green 8. Kane Snowden 9. Corey Hughes 10. Luke Douglas 11. Reece Williams 12. Anthony Tupou 13. Paul Gallen Interchange: 14. Brian Norrie 15. Jack Afamasaga 17. Mitch Brown 18. Jacob Selmes 19. Grant Millington KNIGHTS: 1. Kurt Gidley (c) 2. James McManus 3. Junior Sau 4. Adam MacDougall 5. Akuila Uate 6. Ben Rogers 7. Jarrod Mullen 8. Mark Taufua 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Ben Cross 11. Steve Simpson 12. Cory Paterson 13. Zeb Taia Interchange: 14. Matt Hilder 15. Chris Houston 16. Richie Fa'aoso 17. Cameron Ciraldo The Sharks have had a disruptive week going into the second instalment of Monday Night Football. They have lost prop Ben Ross to a season and potentially career ending spinal injury and speedy custodian Brett Kearney to a high ankle sprain. In addition halfback Brett Seymour has been stood down due to an incident involving alcohol. On the positive side, returning Trent Barrett had some nice touches in his first foray back into the NRL and his presence should allay any fears that the Sharks cannot score points in 2009. The Knights had an up and down start to the year in oppressive conditions in the Gold Coast. Half Jarrod Mullen tried hard taking on the line and leading his team but defence let down the Knights at crucial times during the match. Dan Tolar is out of the side with injury replaced by Mark Taufua. Sharks by 6.
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- March 20th, 2009 12:41pmBroncos did not win from golden point. Warriors will beat the eagles and the Knights over the sharks.