By CASEY O’CONNOR
THE Brisbane Broncos sit alone at the top of the table after the completion of round nine of the NRL.
For many the focus now shifts to selections for game one of the State of Origin.
Injuries, suspensions and form are set to play a vital role in Laurie Daley’s selection of the Blue’s team.
In the Maroon camp coach Mal Meninga is giving every indication that it will be business as usual for the Maroons with few changes.
Players have just one more opportunity to impress the SOG coaches.
Friday night is shaping as a battle within a battle as the incumbent Blue’s paring of Bulldogs Trent Hodkinson Josh Reynolds battle for their Origin spots against the in-form partnership of Trent Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney.
The Dogs pair has been out of sorts while the Roosters combination will be out to make a statement.
The Roosters were in spectacular form when they trounced the Tigers in the last round.
The Bulldogs will be bolstered by the return of their captain James Graham from suspension.
Their performance against the Cowboys where they mounted a strong second half challenge was an improvement.
This is sure to be a torrid take-no-prisoners game. Perhaps the Roosters.
On Friday night in Townsville the Cowboys will have the welcome mat out for Cowboys fans as the club celebrates its 20 year anniversary.
The all-Queensland blockbuster against the Broncos will serve as the backdrop to the club’s celebrations.
The Broncos toughed out a low scoring game against a much improved Penrith outfit last week while the Cowboys made it six in a row with an impressive win over the Dogs.
The Cowboys are in red hot form and against the Dogs showed they are becoming less reliant on Thurston for their scoring opportunities.
The Cowboys have come a long way in 20 years and on Friday night they might take one more step towards their first premiership with a win over the Broncos.
The Eels managed to stay with the Storm in the first half of their clash at AAMI Park but faded badly against the relentless Storm attack.
Things won’t be easier for the Eels this week when they host the Warriors.
After playing a starring role in the Anzac Day Test half back Shaun Johnson came up with the big plays when they were needed against the Sharks.
The Warriors will be without Konrad Hurrell who faces a lengthy ban for a knee lift that left Cronulla‘s Anthony Tupou with a broken jaw.
It is hard to see an Eels win here.
With just three minutes remaining on the clock, Shark’s fans believed prop Andrew Fifita had sealed a win against the Warriors.
After the Sharks had worked hard to put themselves in a winning position, Shaun Johnson stepped in and spoiled the party.
This was an improved performance from the Sharks.
This week they play the Titans but will be without Anthony Tupou who is sidelined with a broken jaw.
The Gold Coast was less than impressive against the resurgent Raiders.
Without suspended Greg Bird, the Titans lacked aggression and go forward.
On the back of that performance it is hard to see them troubling the Warriors.
One of the highlights of the round looks to be clash between the Bunnies and the Storm.
On Monday night the Bunnies notched up their first win in three weeks.
There was an air of confidence around the Bunnies that has been missing in recent weeks.
It is no coincidence that the win coincided with the return of halfback Adam Reynolds.
John Sutton’s return from injury was short lived.
An accidental poke in the eye has him in grave doubt this weekend.
The Bunnies showed glimpses of their 2014 premiership form.
Billy Slater returned for Melbourne and made an immediate impact.
Slater grabbed the headlines but the Storm’s Kiwi Test players Jesse Bromwich, Tohu Harris and Kevin Proctor all played decisive roles and will need to be at their best here.
Melbourne continues to build momentum and although the Bunnies looked good I think the home side will get the chocolates.
The Dragons looked on track to extend their six match winning streak at half time on Monday night against the Rabbitohs.
In the second half the Bunnies had a glut of possession close to the line.
The Dragons could hold out the Bunnies but lost no admirers going down 16-10 in a tough game.
In round 10 they host the Raiders who only weeks ago were being touted as contenders for the 2015 wooden spoon.
The Raiders have won four of five since Sam Williams replaced Mitch Cornish in the No.7 jumper.
Williams played most of the game against the Titans with a collapsed lung and will be sidelined for this game.
The Raiders thrashed the Titans but have a tougher task here.
Caberra has always been a bogey side for the third placed Dragons and this will be a tough game for tipsters.
I am leaning towards the Dragons only because of the loss of Williams.
After a flying start to the season the wheels have fallen off the Knights.
This weekend they host the Tigers who were disappointing against the Roosters after posting a big win over Canterbury.
Friday night’s walloping at the hands of the Roosters was a wake up call for the young Tigers players. They were outmuscled and outplayed.
The Knights’ problems in defence were exploited by Manly at Brookvale Oval. Perhaps it is time for the coach to show some players some tough love.
Hard to have the Knights here.
Manly’s attack finally clicked into gear against the Knights as Daley Cherry Evans turned on a masterclass.
Brett Stewart, one of Manly’s favourite sons, joined the exclusive 150 NRL tries club.
He becomes only the 10th player to reach the milestone in the history of the game. Manly has a host of players to return from the casualty ward as does its Monday night opponents Penrith.
Last week the Panthers welcomed Jamie Soward back to the paddock and they looked ominous against the Broncos at Suncorp.
Soward’s astute kicking game was a welcomed addition to the Panthers’ game plan.
Penrith back-rower Tyrone Peachey has possibly earned a stint on the sidelines after a nasty tackle on Adam Blair.
Penrith looks like a side that is ready to win a game and it could come at the expense of the Sea Eagles.
Casey’s tips
Roosters
Cowboys
Warriors
Sharks
Storm
Dragons
Tigers
Panthers
NRL PREMIERSHIP LADDER ROUND 9
Pos.
Team
Pts
1. Brisbane Broncos 14
2. Melbourne Storm 12
3. St George-Illawarra Dragons 12
4. North Queensland Cowboys 12
5. Canberra Raiders 10
6. South Sydney Rabbitohs 10
7. Sydney Roosters 8
8. Warriors 8
9. Penrith Panthers 8
10. Wests Tigers 8
11. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 8
12. Gold Coast Titans 8
13. Newcastle Knights 8
14. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 6
15. Parramatta Eels 6
16. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 6
