The Prism - NRL Round 24

Hot topic

What a howler from the referees in the Manly v Raiders match last weekend. The blatantly offside by Brett Stewart went unnoticed when he scored an illegal try to keep Manly's finals hopes alive. This was at the expense of the Raiders who dislike playing at home.

The great thing about this error is that it has generated hot debate in the media and a lot of emotion from the Raiders. Mistakes make the game even more entertaining and can even become folk law. Just ask any Cowboys supporters whether they believe in conspiracy theories in the finals.

The human element is the best part of sport and I am all for the fallibility of the referees…

…except when it involves my team!

Predictions

Last week I picked 5/8. Here are my picks for this week.

Dragons vs. Panthers @ WIN Stadium
A must win for the Dragons with Benji listed to play. Dragons by 2

Rabbitohs vs. Bulldogs @ ANZ Stadium
This is a real test for both teams. Rabbitohs by 2

Sharks vs. Tigers @ Remondis Stadium
The Sharks are trying to get into the top 4, the Tigers don't want the spoon. Sharks by 2

Warriors vs. Cowboys @ Mt Smart Stadium
The Warriors can't wait until the season ends. Cowboys by 6

Roosters vs. Broncos @ Allianz Stadium
This is the game of the round. Roosters by 4

Titans vs. Raiders @ Cbus Super Stadium
Both teams are playing for pride alone. Raiders by 10

Sea Eagles vs. Eels @ Brookvale Oval
Only one team has something to play for. Sea Eagles by 4

Storm vs. Knights @ AAMI Park
One way traffic here. Storm by 20

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. Roosters (-) : meet the Broncos to extend their winning form
2. Sea Eagles (+1) : on a roll with 6 wins in their last 7 games
3. Sharks (-1) : was the loss to the Storm a blip or a sign that it is too hot at the top
4. Rabbitohs (+1) : are starting to get their act together
5. Broncos (+1) : back in the winners circle
6. Storm (+1) : have won 4 of their last 5 to be one win out of the top 4
7. Bulldogs (+1) : starting to play like the Grand Finalists of last year
8. Cowboys (-4) : back to back losses and need to win in NZ to get back their mojo
9. Tigers (-) : a loss to put them back to equal last
10. Dragons (-) : the Broncos put the Dragons back in their place
11. Eels (-) : tried hard against the imposing Rabbitohs
12. Knights (+3) : a good win for their new coach
13. Panthers (+3) : finally a win after 5 losses
14. Raiders (-2) : lost another home game to be 2 wins and 9 losses!
15. Titans (-2) : hard to see them getting any better next year
16. Warriors (-2) : 5 losses in a row and have given up

Composite Team

Last week's composite team was made up of players who have surnames that can be found in the countryside. Can you work out this team?

1. Rhys Wesser
2. Clinton Schifcofske
3. Willie Tonga
4. Josh Hannay
5. Adam Mogg
6. Ashley Harrison
7. Scott Prince
8. Antonio Kaufusi
9. Shaun Berrigan
10. David Shillington
11. Carl Webb
12. Dane Carlaw
13. David Stagg
14. PJ Marsh
15. Neville Costigan
16. Ben Hannant
17. Dallas Johnson

This team has a hard working back line, solid forwards and a handy bench. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 9th