Panthers v Broncos preview
52 mins ago | Rhys Sullivan
This season has been one of streaks. A string of wins or losses can mount upon each other and launch or deflate a team. This becomes habitual, leading either to a winning culture or a spiral downward.
The most notable have been:
Usually there is something that creates the catalyst for a streak; self-belief, administration issues, injuries, strength of draw, or signings/backflips. A number of these events come from outside the playing group.
The Cowboys have their stars shining through, the Dragons have tightened their defence but their attack has been exposed, the Roosters have remembered their class, the Tigers and Eels have had off-field dramas, the Broncos have the favourable draw and the Sea Eagles have had a circus with their halves.
The Knights are an interesting case study. They have a classy backline, veteran forwards and some good youth coming through. The coach is one of their own and the club is again owned by the community which is bringing about stability off the field. It is baffling looking from the outside what has caused their woes.
Last week I picked 5/8. Here are my picks for this week.
Panthers vs. Rabbitohs @ Pepper Stadium
The Panthers meet an Origin depleted team, but will have their hand full. Rabbitohs by 8
Dragons vs. Cowboys @ WIN Stadium
Both teams will be impacted, but the Cowboys will struggle again without Thurston. Dragons by 4
Sea Eagles vs. Sharks @ Brookvale Oval
The Sea Eagles need the win, but the Sharks are coming good. Sharks by 6
Tigers vs. Eels @ ANZ Stadium
The Tigers let the last one get away from them. Eels by 4
Byes: Broncos, Bulldogs, Knights, Raiders, Roosters, Storm, Titans, Warriors
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.
Last week's composite team was made up of players with over 300 games. Can you work out the theme for the team below?
This team has lots of football IQ but is not star studded. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 15th
This week's Flash Back was a try scoring back rower. Hugh McGahan played in the Auckland Rugby League competition under Graham Lowe before moving to Eastern Suburbs in 1985.
McGahan made his New Zealand debut in 1982 against Australia and rose to prominence with his next two matches against PNG. He scored two tries in the 1982 match and then followed it up with a six try performance the next year. In 1984 he played in three tests against Great Britain, winning all by comfortable margins.
1985 was a busy international schedule with 8 tests, including a World Cup, against Australia, Great Britain and France. They won four and drew one. The next year included another 5 tests, including a shock loss to PNG.
McGahan's first two seasons in Australia were in an average Roosters team; losing more games than they won. However, in 1987 as captain he was named the Dally M backrower of the year. After winning the mid-year test against Australia, he led the Roosters to the Preliminary Final against Canberra, going down 24-32, after having won their previous encounter in the Semi Final. In the semi he scored two tries including a flying performance (see the video).
In 1988 McGahan won the Golden Boot Award along with Peter Sterling. Unfortunately he only managed 5 games for the Roosters that season. He was back in 1989 with 5 tests and a full season with the Chooks. 1990 was another long season with 4 tests, taking his international career to 32 games and 16 tries. This included a field goal in his second last test win against Great Britain. His 16 tries made him the leading try scorer for New Zealand at the time of his retirement.
1991 was McGahan's last with the Roosters. He ended the season as captain-coach after the departure of Russell Fairfax. He ended up playing 117 matches with 20 tries. After his retirement he ascended to be a Director of East's leagues and football club.