The Late Mail: Rabbitohs v Bulldogs
116 mins ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Warriors v Gold Coast Titans
Friday 8 July 2011, kickoff 6:30pm AEST; Mt Smart Stadium
Match History, Team Lists, Officials and LIVE score updates: click here.
The Gold Coast Titans are about to join a long list of NRL clubs with a trophy in their cabinet that they'd rather not have. But don't feel bad Titans fans. We've all been there. You start the season with high hopes after making the semi finals the year before and winning a big home semi... but then it all comes crashing down. A wooden spoon beckons.
Before John Cartwright's team begin planning their Mad Monday celebrations, they first get to travel across the Tasman to face New Zealand at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night. Admittedly the Warriors have lost more than they've won this year; but at home on a cold and wet night in Auckland, they produce using the speed and skill of Shaun Johnson and Kevin Locke.
My tip: NZ Warriors 20-12
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Canberra Raiders
Saturday 9 July 2011, kickoff 5:30pm; Toyota Stadium
Match History, Team Lists, Officials and LIVE score updates: click here.
Much has been made of the last meeting between these two clubs. Twas' round 1 of the season and the Raiders looked like world beaters at home in a drubbing. Interestingly, after this game the Sharks went on to beat St George Illawarra in round 2 and the Raiders went on to lose their next 8 games. Both clubs have been a work in progress this season and have come full circle for this match on Saturday at Toyota Stadium.
The Cronulla forward pack have become a sight to behold whilst the Raiders have found stability in the halves with Sam Williams and Josh McCrone combining well to win 4 of their last 6. This will be a beauty and far too good a match to be stuck in the 5.30pm timeslot. Hard to go past the Sharks at home in a contest highlighted by a vicious forwards battle and a return to the shire of Blake Ferguson. Could be fun.
My tip: Cronulla 24-12