The Prism - Round 7 2015

Hot topic

The Easter holidays took us to a NSW country town in a traditional league heartland. The town has a large Leagues Club which is a focal point for locals and holidaymakers alike.

We wanted to catch the Saturday night games with the kids and did not have pay TV in our apartment. Therefore we headed to the club for dinner and hopefully a screen to watch the games. However, in an incredible disappointment, the club elected to screen the soccer, AFL and rugby union in the family areas. When we asked for one of the TV's to be tuned to the League we were told that the other sports are more popular.

It was a sad indictment that the league is not even the third choice sport in a well-known Leagues Club! The receptionist told us that the club should be renamed as a sports club. There is nothing more to say…

Predictions

Last week I correctly picked 7/8. The Titans upset the Eels at Pirtek. Here are my picks for this week.

Dragons vs. Broncos @ Jubilee Oval
Both teams have had some great recent form. Can solid defence overcome a strong attack? Broncos by 8

Bulldogs vs. Sea Eagles @ ANZ Stadium
Two teams which are facing dramas. Sea Eagles by 2

Titans vs. Panthers @ Cbus Super Stadium
The Panthers will miss their halves. Titans by 6

Cowboys vs. Warriors @ 1300Smiles Stadium
Two Golden Boot half backs, but only one is in form. Cowboys by 6

Storm vs. Roosters @ AAMI Park
This will be a tough battle with both teams wanting to stamp their authority. Roosters by 4

Tigers vs. Raiders @ Leichhardt Oval
There will be quite a few points in this one. Tigers by 8

Knights vs. Eels @ Hunter Stadium
The Knights have Beau Scott auditioning for his new team. Knights by 6

Sharks vs. Rabbitohs @ Remondis Stadium
The Sharks have come to life but have a big test on their hands. Rabbitohs by 6

Form Guide

The form guide is based on a predictive model that gives more weight to recent performances. There is no adjustment for bias, injury or the position on the table. This may leave some fancied teams below expected positions, but that can quickly change with a string of wins.

Broncos (-) : stole a golden point win to keep their streak alive
Dragons (+1) : four on the trot and meet the Broncos next week
Storm (+2) : finally broke their win-loss pattern with a last up victory
Cowboys (+5) : a great win on the road against the Bunnies
Rabbitohs (-3) : run down by the in-form Cowboys in their second half
Warriors (+6) : picked up a much needed win
Knights (-3) : their slide continues after a perfect start to the season
Sharks (+5) : two wins on the trot
Panthers (+5) : a good win without their halves
Titans (+5) : two wins in their last three starts
Bulldogs (-5) : back to back losses and key players on the sideline
Tigers (-5) : only one win in the last month
Roosters (-5) : picked up another loss after kick starting the Sharks season
Raiders (-4) : only one win in their last five starts
Eels (-4) : again slither down the ladder
Sea Eagles (-) : stay anchored to the bottom of the table

Composite Team

Last week's composite team was made up of red heads. Can you work out the theme for the squad below?

1. Andrew Walker
2. Stephen Knight
3. Israel Falou
4. Michael O'Connor
5. Michael Cleary
6. Jimmy Lisle
7. Ricky Stuart
8. Rex Mossop
9. Ken Kearney
10. Dick Thornett
11. Peter Burge
12. Scott Gourley
13. Ray Price

14. Dally Messenger
15. Arthur Summons
16. Wendell Sailor
17. Matt Rogers

This is a solid team with speed out wide and some starch in the pack. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 7th

Flash Back

This week's Flash Back is a tough Prop who played for the Sharks, Western Reds and Storm. Robbie Kearns made his debut in 1992 and played 281 first grade games.

Kearns played 75 games over four seasons with the Sharks after graduating from his junior club the Engadine Dragons. In 1996 he signed with the Western Reds and played for them in the in the Super League competition the following season. He was selected in the NSW team and then at the end of the year he played off the bench for Australian in all three Super League Tests against Great Britain.

In 1998 Kearns joined the newly formed Melbourne Storm when the Reds folded. His performance that season earned him the club's player of the year award.

In 1999 he played in the ANZAC test as a second rower and then was selected in the State of Origin Team coached by Wayne Pearce. He fell from a horse during their ill-fated team bonding activity and broke his collar bone. Kearns was sidelined for the series. His bad luck continued when he picked up an injury that kept him out of the winning Grand Final match against the Dragons.

In 2000 he was captain in the World Club Challenge against St Helens and later in the year he was part of the Blue's whitewash of Queensland. He again played for Australia and was part of the winning World Cup team. He remained a key forward in the NSW and Australian teams for the next few years. In 2003 Kearns was on the receiving end of a high tackle from Adrian Morley who was sent off after 12 seconds of the Test (see below).

Kearns retired in 2005 after 13 years in the top grade. He played 29 tests for Australia and in 9 State of Origins. He remained with the Storm after he retired and was named in their 2007 "team of the decade".