By CASEY O’CONNOR
As Round four unfolded, it became obvious it was going to be a round of upsets. The Eels set the pace on Friday night when they burst the Bunnies bubble. The carnage continued throughout the round. The Cowboys capped off the weekend of upsets on Monday night. They crawled off the canvas to get their season up and running with a nail- biting golden point win over Melbourne.
Their best season start in 15 years has Newcastle top the table at the end of round four.
The Bulldogs and Bunnies get the Easter parade underway on Good Friday in a re-match of the grand final. The Doggies hung on grimly for a win in golden point extra time against the Tigers but not before they squandered an 18-point lead. The Bunnies will be smarting after their first loss since round 26 last season. The Bunnies, wounded after last weekend’s loss will be in the hunt for the chocolates here.
The Titans were another team to open their winning account in round four with a narrow win over the Sharks.
The Titans never gave up believing they could win this game. An intercept try broke an 18-all deadlock late in the game to give the Titans win number one.
The Broncos handed the Kiwis their first loss of the day on Sunday, fighting off a spirited Warriors second half comeback. Brisbane should be too strong for the Titans but will be without Hodges.
The Sea Eagles host the Raiders at Brookvale on Saturday night. Manly are battling a mounting injury toll and may recall Dave (Wolfman) Williams for this clash.
The Raiders were outclassed by the Roosters in round four. Canberra is yet to win a game and despite Manly’s injury woes, it is hard to see a change in that trend this weekend.
Newcastle and St George clash at Hunter Stadium in the inaugural Alex McKinnon Cup. McKinnon played with great success for both sides and his journey is sure to provide inspiration for both teams.
The Knights are off to a flying start this season and are not done with yet. A three-try blitz early in their game against Penrith set up their 26-14 win.
St George is coming off a comprehensive win over Manly. This will be a tough game. If the Knight can keep the emotion under wraps they can keep their unblemished record in tact.
The Rooster and Cronulla go head to head at Allianz on Sunday afternoon. In Canberra last week, the Roosters played almost the perfect game to blitz the Raiders.
Blake Ferguson made a triumphant return to Canberra but the in-form centre is facing several months on the sideline after suffering a foot injury.
Cronulla showed glimpses of improvement against the Titans but suffered their 10th consecutive home ground loss. Not form that suggests an upset here.
At ANZ Stadium on Monday the Blue and Gold army will be out in force when the Eels and Tigers do battle. Chris Sandow engineered Parra’s win over Souths, showing the Eels can upset any team on any given day.
The Tigers came within a whisker of stealing a win against the Bulldogs. The Dogs saw an 18-point lead evaporate in the second half as the Tigers dominated. This could be a game with plenty of adlib footy. A tough game, but the Eels perhaps.
Melbourne and the Warriors clash at AAMI Park on Easter Monday. Cam Smith is chasing his 200th and went so close in Townsville. The Warriors are also coming off a loss after failing to reel in the Broncos. Shaun Johnson was outstanding in that game and if Melbourne can keep contained and off the ball, they can give Smith win number 200 here.
A sluggish Penrith were shell shocked after the Knights burst out of the boxes and blitzed them early in last week’s game.
The NQ Cowboys finally have the monkey off their back after their heart-stopping win on Monday night.
The Cowboys and JT stole the win with an inspirational final few minutes of football. The win was vital for their 2015 season.
Thy will need the guile and skill they showed against Melbourne when they take on Penrith on their home turf.
Back in the saddle and full of confidence after Monday’s win, the Cowboys can add another win here.
Casey’s tips
Round 5
Bunnies
Broncos
Sea Eagles
Knights
Roosters
Eels
Storm
Cowboys
