NSW Cup Previews - Round 12

NSW CUP MATCH PREVIEWS - ROUND 12

Balmain Ryde-Eastwood Tigers Vs Windsor Wolves
Leichhardt Oval, Saturday, May 28
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Shane Charman
Broadcast: NSWRL Match of the Round to be aired on Fox Sports 2 HD and Fox Sports 2, Wednesday, June 1, 4.30pm
Broadcast: Hawkesbury Radio 89.9FM (Link available via www.nswrl.com.au's Weekend Game-Cast)

Summary: The Tigers returned empty handed from their trip across the Tasman last weekend which saw them thoroughly defeated by a rampant Auckland Vulcans outfit who now sit top-of-the-table. The Wolves had a well earned bye where they were able to nurse a few niggling injuries. Dayne Weston, Sandor Earl and Yileen Gordon have all been named on an extended Penrith Panthers bench for their clash against South Sydney on Monday night so you would assume these players may drop off and head to Leichhardt Oval should Matt Elliot not require their services.

For the Tigers, crafty hooker Chris Corby returns to the fray after an extended period out and will no doubt add some much needed impetus into the Tigers ruck play. Corby was on the verge of first grade selection last year when Robbie Farah was unavailable and Paul Fletcher will be happy with his return at such a crucial time of the season.

Game Breaker: Daine Laurie - Laurie returns from a stint in France in a bid to re-establish his NRL career. Can be one of the most devastating forwards going around on his day and a forward showing is to be expected here.

Prediction: The Wolves in a close one.


Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Vs Cronulla Sharks
The Crest Stadium, Saturday, May 28
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Henry Perenara
Broadcast: www.nswrl.com.au's Weekend Game-Cast, proudly brought to you by Teamm8

Summary: This was scheduled to be a first versus second match up before both teams suffered shock losses last weekend at the hands of Newtown and Manly. The Dogs looked pedestrian against an under strength Jets side and Coach Justin Holbrook better have his chargers back for this game because the Sharks can be a dangerous outfit.

Part of a three match program including Bundaberg Red Cup and NYC, this game shapes up as an absolute cracker. The last time they played the Dogs snuck home by two points at Toyota Stadium so expect another close one here. Josh Reynolds returns from his NRL debut with the confidence he can compete at the highest level.

The Dogs will be further boosted by the return of classy outside back Jonathan Wright from injury. The Sharks are in the midst of an injury crisis at present but still field a quality team. All in all, Saturday at The Crest will be a smorgasbord of Rugby League for any Bulldogs fan.

Game Breaker: Gary Warburton - Warburton has quickly established himself as one of the biggest hitters in the NSW Cup. He has also been floating around the fringes causing havoc for opposition defences. A return to the NRL won't be far away.

Prediction: The Dogs don't lose two in a row often (or ever) so expect that trend to continue.


Manly Sea Eagles Vs Western Suburbs Magpies
Brookvale Oval, Saturday, May 28
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Gavin Morris

Summary: Both sides are coming off hard-fought wins against good opposition here in the second