2015 NRL Match Previews - Round 2

Round 1 was a bit of a mixed bag. Some teams performed better than expected, while others were... well, disappointing. The match of the round is obviously Sunday's clash between the Rabbitohs and the Roosters, but there are some other great games to be played as well.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels
ANZ Stadium - Friday 7:35pm

The Eels came out firing on all cylinders in Round 1, and I can't see them taking a backwards step in this one. Sandow, Radradra and co took the game away from the Sea Eagles in the second half, however the opposition they were up against were distracted to say the least. That takes nothing away from the Eels though, they were fantastic, and the addition of Anthony Watmough to their pack really adds some starch.

The Bulldogs struggled early in their match against the Panthers, but seemed to come good in the second half. Unsurprisingly, it will likely take the big Bulldogs forwards a few weeks to get themselves collected, what with the heat and the new ruck changes to contend with.

As reported earlier in the week, Josh Reynolds is out for 6-8 weeks with an injury sustained in round one. Moses Mbye will take his place in the side. For the Eels, Joseph Paulo was unsuccessful in his attempt to have his dangerous throw charge downgraded, and will miss a couple of months as well. Ex-knight and ex-con Danny Wicks may take his place in the side.

Who to watch: I like the clash of the outside backs in this game - the Morris brothers, Perrett, Lafai and Rona, versus Hopoate, Radradra, Champion, Takairangi and goalkicking king Reece Robinson. Plenty of size, plenty of skill, and plenty of opportunity for fireworks.

The favourite: Surprisingly, the Bulldogs are favourites in this clash, despite the outcomes in Round 1. Can't say I agree with that.

My tip: The Eels should win this one, although it won't be anywhere near as comfortable as their win in round 1. Eels by 2.

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Brisbane Broncos
Remondis Stadium - Friday 8:35pm

This will be an interesting encounter, with both teams 1st round losers in contrasting fashion. The Broncos were in a tough first half battle only to fall away at the back end to the premiership heavy weights South Sydney 36 to 6. The Sharks went down in a tight, fiery clash with the Raiders 24 to 20.

Both teams will go into the game desperate to get a win and their premership campaign underway. The Sharks recruited Ben Barba from the Broncos to play pivot, the position in which he made his first grade debut, while for the Broncos Anthony Milford moves from fullback to pivot. It's an eagerly anticipated clash clash between these two young guns. Barba will be out to show Broncos coach Wayne Bennett he was wrong to sack him for Milford.

Sam Thaiday being named on the bench is an interesting move. Is he carrying an injury, or is Bennett looking to utilise Thaiday when the opposition are tired. The Broncos forwards will need to stand up to a Sharks pack boasting Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita.

Ben Hunt was a standout for the Broncos in Round 1, but he needs his forwards like Adam Blair producing better than last week.

Last meeting: The Sharks won the last encounter over the Broncos 24 to 22 at Suncorp, the Sharks also winning three of the last five clashes between the two clubs.

Who to watch: Ben Barba is the playing to keep an eye on with a point to prove to Bennett, he is a player capable of the X factor when on his game.

The favourite: The Broncos should be the favourites for this clash but only beacause of the difference in the quality of opposition the previous week. Not sure the Sharks can sustain the pressure the Rabbits did last week. Having said that, the bookies have the two teams almost neck and neck and this stage.

My tip: I'll be putting a lazy $5 on the Sharks to win by 7, but purely on the back of Barba.

Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans
Carrington Park - Saturday 4:30pm

For the Penrith Panthers, the pre-season couldnt have really gone any smoother. A few players came and went, but that was really the only highlight. And thats the way the Mountain Men like to do it, away from the spotlight. The "underdog" tag was well and truly lifted when they beat the Bulldogs 24-18 on a balmy afternoon at the fittingly titled Pepper Stadium. The Titans' off-season has been well publicised, but the players put that aside as they came out with a spirited performance only to lose 19-18, thanks to a last gasp field goal from Pat Richards, to the Tigers on the Gold Coast.

For the second season in a row, Penrith will be taking a home game to Carrington Park in Bathurst, where they were beaten by eventual wooden spooners Cronulla last season. They will be looking to make amends this time around, as they look to expand their already increasing support west of the famous Blue Mountains. Jamie Soward was absolutely instrumental in round one's win over Canterbury, stamping his authority on the match quickly by having a hand in three of the sides four tries. The little five-eighth will no doubt have Titans coach Neil Henry worried, and with such a solid pack in front of him, as well as a very young, fast back-line, the Panthers will be a very intimidating side on Saturday afternoon.

As for the Gold Coast boys, round one's performance would have pleased coach Henry despite the narrow, heartbreaking loss. The Titans at times looked like they were going to win the match, but just couldn't get over the line in the end. A deflated line-up was void of star Greg Bird and behemoth David Taylor, as well as winger Kalifa Fia Fia Loa who all await court hearings this week. If last weeks loss wasnt enough motivation to win this week against the red hot Panthers, up to four former Panthers will be on show in the Titans 18-man squad. Flying cente James Roberts, second rowers Matt Robinson and Ryan Simpkins as well as young hooker Keirran Moseley were all Panthers just last season, and will want to show their former employers what they can do.

Who to Watch: Jamie Soward and Matt Moylan are just too good not to watch. The dynamic duo took the Panthers to a Preliminary Final last season, and have kicked on from where they left off at the end of 2014. Blink and you'll miss it, these two blokes are the real deal at the foot of the Mountains.

The favourite: The Panthers will start as undeniable favourites.

My Tip: Panthers by 12+

Manly Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm
Brookvale Oval - Saturday 7:00pm

The start of 2015 has been one to forget for the Manly Sea Eagles. Geoff Toovey's men suffered through a disrupted, disjointed pre-season, then came out were thumped by the Eels in Round 1, and then to top things off, their star playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans informed the club he was heading out the door. To add the cherry to the crap sandwich that was Round 1, Manly suffered two injuries - Clint Gutherson damaging his ACL, and Kieran Foran his hamstring. In the only piece of good news for the Sea Eagles, Steve Matai will make his return, and take his place in the centres.

The Storm's start to the year was slightly better - that is to say, they scraped a win. The Melbourne boys were far from impressive, and far from their usual polished performance, however their defence was absolutely staunch. They'll be tested more in defence this week against a side capable of putting together some attacking plays, but the Sea Eagles attack looks a lot less imposing without Foran and one G Stewart.

Who to watch: Steve Matai's return could be interesting. He loves nothing more than putting on a big hit, and some of the straighter running Storm players might find themselves on the end of Matai's frustrations.

Eyes will also be on Cameron Smith - while not bad in round 1, he was quiet by his own standards, which usually means he's about ready to explode.

The favourite: The Storm will start as favourites in this one, although how much of that is based on past glory, and how much is their defence, well, that's anyone's guess.

My tip: The Sea Eagles to win by 8.

North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights
1300SMILES Stadium - Saturday 9:00pm

A late withdrawl from Kurt Gidley last week thrust Sione Mata-utia into the starting side for the Knights. While clearly not in his element at fullback, the youngster was far from embarassed. There were several stars in his backline that took attention away from his performance anyway. Dane Gagai was devastating, Akuila Uate looked back to his best, and the rest of the backline were solid. Starting props Sims and Snowden were impressive, supported by Robbie Rochow - althought the Knights dropped a gear when the starting front row were replaced.

Kurt Gidley walks back into the side this week, with Mata'utia pushed back to an extended bench featuring Tyler Randell, Chris Houston, Jack Stockwell and David Fa'alogo.

The Cowboys were ambushed at home last week, torn to pieces by an impressive Roosters outfit. They were then further ambushed in the media all week, smashed from pillar to post about their lame performance. There's plenty of incentive for them to lift this week, and the Knights are a much more realistic opposition to put a good performance in against. Coach Paul Green has opted for the same starting side in Round 2, replacing Glenn Hall with Kelepi Tanginoa, and adding Lachlan Coote to the extended bench.

Who to watch: The Cowboys outside backs will have their hands full trying to contain McManus, Gagai, Leilua and Uate, all of whom were impressive last week. They do have their own strike weapons, however, and when they're running off the back of Johnathan Thurston, anything is possible.

The front row battle should also be a good one - Snowden and Sims up against the experience of Ben Hannant and Matthew Scott.

The favourite: The Knights start this game as massive outsiders. The Cowboys were beaten in Round 1, but they had some tough competition to contend with. That said, the Knights were impressive right across the park. My only explanation is that the Cowboys are the home side, although the disparity still seems excessive.

My tip: The Cowboys to win in a close one. 4 points the difference.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters
ANZ Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

If this isn't the match of the round, then I'm not here. Yes, I know, we're only in Round 2, but I've been pumped for this one since it was announced. The Sydney Roosters, one of the powerhouses of the NRL over the past decade, up against last year's fairy-tale, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Even when the Rabbitohs were rubbish (don't judge, you know it's true), clashes between these sides were heated torrid affairs, full of feeling and emotion. Add to this the fact that both teams are now actually good, and we're in for a belter.

The Rabbitohs unleashed their new game plan in Round 1, the addition of Glenn Stewart proving a good one - while the Rabbitohs still boast an imposing forward pack, their tactics have shifted slightly, and their game is more one of finesse. And with a set of halves effectively on each side of the field, Greg Inglis will have a field day at the back.

Both sides come off a commanding win last start, the Roosters embarrassing the Cowboys, and the Rabbitohs making an absolute mess of Manly.

Who to watch: The battle of the fullbacks. Greg Inglis, Australian representative and Queensland superstar, up against Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, the man in Minichiello's position. Tuivasa-Sheck was impressive last week, setting up tries and making line breaks seemingly at will. The freedom of playing in the centre of the field seems to suit him. On the other hand, the Goanna, Inglis is an imposing opposite number for a green halfback.

The favourite: The Rabbitohs are favourites in most markets, and I think that's fair, based on performances in Round 1. There's a bee's... stinger... in it though, it's as close as it could possibly be.

My tip: The Rabbitohs by 6

Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors
GIO Stadium - Sunday 6:30pm

We travel to the nations capital for the first time this year as the Canberra Raiders will look to go 2-0 to start the season for the first time since 2005. Canberra, who laboured past the hapless Sharks last Saturday 24-20, will hope that the points continue to flow.

Jack Wighton was a stand out last week for the Green Machine, creating attacking opportunities at will and Ricky Stuart will hope there is more of the same from the former Junior Kangaroo.

Canberra have no injury concerns or fresh suspensions. Although someone might want to have a word with Jack Wighton after his brain explosion last week... or at least give him some boxing lessons.

The Warriors will be desperate to get the win this week. Despite racing to a 14-6 lead early in the second half last week against the Knights, the wheels well and truly came off, as they made consistent errors and were ill disciplined all over the park. They proceeded to concede the last 18 points en route to a 24-14 defeat. The NZ boys will be without barnstorming centre Konrad "Hurricane" Hurrell but will gladly welcome back superstar fullback Sam Tomkins who was sorely missed against the Knights. Young gun Tuimoala Lolohea was certainly a standout in round 1 and will be hoping to continue that form into this game.

Last Meeting: Round 21 New Zealand Warriors 54 Canberra Raiders 18 at GIO Stadium.

Who to watch: For the Raiders watch out for Mitch Cornish to come back and have a ripper match. All of the talk has been about Wighton and his first up effort at fullback, however Cornish is vital to the Raiders if they want to have any success this year. He was solid without being outstanding last week against the Sharks. Keep an eye out for his short kicking game and his combination with his outside men, specifically big man Josh Papalii. Cornish has the ability to be a quality halfback in this league.

For the Warriors Fullback Sam Tomkins is the man to watch. The Englishman will be chomping at the bit to get involved after missing last weeks game. He was one of the Warriors best last year finishing the year with 13 tries, an amazing 102 tackle busts averaged 102 metres a game added 13 line break assists and 12 try assists to showcase his playmaking ability. His capacity to break the defensive lines of opposition teams sets him apart from many other fullbacks. Add to that his strength which for a small guy is immense and his expolsive speed then he will be the Warriors x-factor.
Also keep an eye on Manu Vatuvei, the beast has a phenomenal 12 tries in his last 5 games games against the Raiders.

The Favourite: Canberra may be at home and upset the Sharkies last week but the explosiveness of the Warriors attack (Tomkins, Vatuvei, Johnson) is scary and if they can get on the same page it could be a very difficullt evening for the Green Machine. Interesting to note that in the last three games the Warriors have racked up half centuries against Canberra, winning all three games. I'm tipping this trend to continue.

My tip: Warriors by 14

Wests Tigers v St George Illawarra Dragons
Campbelltown Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

St George Illawarra will have gun Fullback Josh Dugan playing in this one, after he avoided an injury scare after hurting his ankle in the 12-4 defeat to Melbourne on Monday Night. Rookie Euan Aitken will have to wait to get his first grade debut.

The Dragons will be very keen to get into the winners circle after a disappointing defeat to Melbourne in round one. The Dragons attack again looked one dimensional and this will need to be rectified if they hope to collect the 2 points against a youthful and confident Wests Tigers side. Despite the addition of George Rose to the forward pack, the big man only played 23 minutes and had minimal impact. Dragons fans will be hoping for an improved effort this week in a game that the Red V won't want to lose.

The Tigers meanwhile will be buoyed by a resilient 19-18 come from behind win against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday Night. The young combination of Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks will again look to continue to build their partnership and find points for their team (something they did regularly in the Holden Cup).

Keep an eye on veteran winger Pat Richards who again was the hero for the Tigers with a thunderous drop goal that broke the Titan's hearts. The monster winger isn't slowing down and fans of the Tigers will hope this form continues well into 2015.

The Tigers have no fresh injury concerns and no suspensions and will line up as they did last week.

Last Meeting: St George Illawarra 28 Wests Tigers 12 at ANZ Stadium, Round 20, 2014.

Who To Watch: Along with Josh Dugan the Dragons will look to exciting half Benji Marshall to provide that vital creative spark for the Dragons attack. The fact that he is playing against his former club for just the 3rd time will add that extra incentive, and it will also be Marshall's first game at Campbelltown since leaving the Tigers in 2013. Look for Marshall's short balls to his outside men and his deft kicking game to help the Dragons score some points.

As for the Tigers, it's hard to go past James Tedesco. The kid is a pure excitement machine. If he can stay fit then the sky is the limit for him in 2015. In 7 games last year Tedesco scored 6 tries and had a phenomenal 35 tackle busts. Look for his explosive kick returns and runs off short kicks from the Tigers halves. If the Dragons can't contain Tedesco then they could be in serious trouble.

The Favorite: I don't think you can go past the Tigers in this one. The home ground advantage and the size of their forward pack should see them over the line in this one. The experience of Keith Galloway and Aaron Woods will be vital to this clash.

This game is going to be a tight one though.

I just can't see the Dragons scoring many points, even with the inclusion of Josh Dugan, although they did score a combined 72 points in two games against The Tigers last season. If the Red V can't score many points on Monday Night then they will need to rely on their stingy defence to keep them in the contest.

My tip: Tigers by 2 in a thriller.