The Prism - Round 15 NRL

Hot topic

Can referees police niggle between players during the course of a game? It is very difficult at times to judge whether an action is deliberate or incidental, and whether a dominated player is overreacting to cover up for their own shortcoming.

Players usually can tell if something does not feel right; like additional pressure being applied in a tackle to an unusual spot, or being hit a fraction too late after passing/kicking the ball. However, it is a player's response to an incident that determines the outcome of mini battles.

Should a player overreact, brush it off and take later revenge, or make a statement in front of their teammates? It may be a combination of all depending on the situation of the game. The real masters know how to play the games within the game.

Opposition players seek to taunt their opponent to put them off their game. It is amazing how a tap on the head or a few comments can get in the mind of a physical specimen. The fact that NSW are so focused on the play of the Queensland veterans rather than their own deficiencies shows how effective they have been over the years. Can NSW focus on their own game and rise to the occasion?

Predictions

Last week I picked 2/4. Here are my picks for this week.

NSW vs. Queensland @ MCG
For the sake of the series, the Blues will match the intensity of the Maroons. NSW by 1

Sea Eagles vs. Tigers @ Brookvale Oval
The Tigers have shown some promise, but DCE will have something to prove. Sea Eagles by 6

Raiders vs. Cowboys @ GIO Stadium
Two high scoring teams in a shoot-out in the Capital. Raiders by 2

Titans vs. Warriors @ Cbus Super Stadium
The Titans have a lot of good youth who will have a point to prove after missing on DCE. Titans by 6

Bulldogs vs. Panthers @ ANZ Stadium
The Bulldogs are too big, too strong. Bulldogs by 12

Knights vs. Sharks @ Hunter Stadium
The Knights need a major overhaul. Sharks by 6

Storm vs. Broncos @ AAMI Park
These teams will be tired after the State of Origin. Storm by 4

Dragons vs. Roosters @ Allianz Stadium
The Dragons have thrown away their home ground advantage. Roosters by 14

Byes: Eels, Rabbitohs

Form Guide

The form guide is based on a predictive model that gives more weight to recent performances. There is no adjustment for personal bias, injury or their position on the table. Byes are given a 50% weighting.

1. Cowboys (-) : 10 wins leading to their bye
2. Broncos (-) : the bye has topped off a great run
3. Roosters (+6) : their overtime win against the odds has turned around their season
4. Titans (+6) : two good wins to regain their momentum
5. Dragons (-) : their second bye was timely after a flat performance against the Bulldogs
6. Rabbitohs (-3) : flogged by a resurgent Tigers
7. Sharks (-) : had a win leading into their bye
8. Storm (-4) : their depleted squad almost beat an almost full strength Eels
9. Raiders (+2) : timely bye to regroup for the second half of the year
10. Bulldogs (-4) : lost against a determined Titans without their representatives
11. Eels (+2) : beat an under strength Storm at a high injury cost
12. Warriors (-4) : lost in a game stacked in their favour
13. Tigers (+2) : can they leverage off their last up impressive win?
14. Panthers (-2) : can they salvage their season with a injury ravaged squad?
15. Sea Eagles (-) : had a bye this week
16. Knights (-) : only one win in the last 9 rounds leading into the bye

Composite Team

Last week's composite team was made up of hair challenged players. Can you work out the theme for the team below?

1. Sam Tompkins
2. Martin Offiah
3. Ellery Hanley
4. Garry Schofield
5. Brian Carney
6. David Bolton
7. Tommy Bishop
8. James Graham
9. Mike Stephenson
10. Kevin Ward
11. Adrian Morley
12. Gareth Ellis
13. Malcolm Reilly
14. John Gray
15. Sam Burgess
16. Dick Huddart
17. Cliff Watson

This team has a slick backline, tough halves and a brutal pack. The bench does not give any quarter. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 4th

Flash Back

This week's Flash Back was a gifted halfback who played with much enthusiasm. Ewan McGrady played for the Bulldogs and Western Suburbs during the early 1990's.

McGrady was born in Moree and was selected for Northern Division against the 1998 touring British Lions. He scored two tries in the team's 36-12 thrashing of the visitors.

In 1990, McGrady joined the Bulldogs in reserve grade and got called up to first grade when Kevin Moore broke his arm. He played the rest of the season scoring 13 tries in his 16 appearances.

His next season was sensational. He scored 14 ties in his 23 matches, switching between fullback and halfback during the season. He captained the team on four occasions, and his performances won him the Rothmans Medal and he was named Rugby League Week's player of the year.

In 1992 he settled into the fullback role, but his scoring fell away with only 4 tries in his 20 appearances. In 1993 he was relegated back to reserve grad and only played one game off the bench in round 7.

McGrady finished his career with four games with Western Suburbs in 1994. He ended up with 32 tries in his 64 game first grade career.

McGrady was a naturally gifted player with great speed and good defence. His star rose quickly to the be the best in the 1991 season and just as quickly he departed the NSWRL, leaving us with some great memories.