By CASEY O’CONNOR
WHEN Matt Moylan slotted a field-goal on Monday night, breaking the 10-all deadlock to give the Panthers a one-point win over the Sea Eagles, it brought down the curtain on a thrilling round of football.
Fans were treated to golden points, golden tries and a host of tough games where results could have gone either way.
The top of the NRL table is as crowded as Central Station at peak hour with four teams sitting on 14 points. Melbourne leads the way but the news is not as good for Sea Eagles fans. Their team has bottom billing behind the Eels.
As we head into Origin season, the results of the split rounds could have a major impact on the outcome in September. Most teams face a real test of depth and strength of character. The Bunnies and Eels go head-to-head in the first of the four fixture games in round 11.
The Bunnies came back from AAMI Park last weekend empty handed, having never won at the venue. They may not have got the points but there were some positive signs for Bunnies fans. They bounced back to within four points of Melbourne after trailing by 14 points at the break and held their opponents scoreless in the second half. Penalties and errors cost the Bunnies dearly.
Without Inglis on Friday night (and perhaps others) they need to dig deep. Halfback Adam Reynolds looks set to be sidelined for up to four or five weeks with a thumb injury and they, (Souths) have a poor record without him. The Bunnies must find a solution quickly or face the prospect of dropping further games.
The Eels went agonisingly close to a win against the Warriors. The Warriors try in extra-time was cloaked in controversy but provided a thrilling end to a great game. It was a game of attrition with Ryan Hoffman severely concussed in the opening minutes and both hookers seriously injured.
The Eels coach has indicated that there will be no recall for Chris Sandow despite his man-of-the-match performance in NSW Cup game last weekend.
Parra is likely to be close to full strength for this game however Wil Hopoate is set to be named in the Blues line-up. It is a big call but I feel the big forward pack at the Bunnies could dominate here.
The Cowboys were sensational at Dairyfarmers against the Broncos. A perfect completion rate set up their win, making it seven wins on the trot. In past seasons, NQ has struggled when JT, Matt Scott and Tamou are on Origin duty however this is a different Cowboys side. Several in-form players are set to be overlooked for Origin, and Michael Morgan and several others will be out to keep the club’s winning streak in tact against the Tigers who desperately need a win.
After their loss to the Knights, it is difficult to see where a win is coming from for Tigers fans. They will be up against it here as they lose captain Robbie Farah and prop Aaron Woods for the Origin games.
The Tigers halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses continue to develop into a solid pairing, but were outplayed last week. Pat Richards is in a purple patch of form and many are suggesting an unlikely call up for him to Origin.
The Cowboys have a poor record without JT but are showing real premiership potential and another win here will be no surprise.
On Sunday, the Dogs and Raiders do battle at GIO stadium in what is one of the toughest of the four games for tipsters. Much will depend on the Blues Origin selectors. As we go to print, Laurie Daley is yet to announce his side, however it seems apparent he will stick with incumbent half back Trent Hodkinson. In-form Canterbury forward Josh Jackson looks likely to make his Origin debut as will David Klemmer and Josh Morris should be an automatic Blue’s inclusion. The Doggies will certainly be down on fire power.
After showing good form in recent weeks, the Raiders were on the back foot against the Dragons last weekend.
The Dragons dominated in the kicking department, making life difficult for the Raiders from the outset. Despite showing plenty of potential, it is time for Jack Wighton to increase his involvement and step up if the Raiders are to continue their climb up the ladder.
Despite being down on manpower, the Doggies will have the services of their captain James Graham, who took no part in last week’s game, after he was knocked out in the opening minutes. Bulldogs fans will be hoping he makes the difference here but an unchanged Raiders line-up will be difficult to toss.
The Broncos lost no admirers despite their loss at Dairyfarmers. It was one of the most entertaining games this season with many players liking it to semi final intensity. Five key Broncos are expected to be named in the Maroon squad. It is a situation Wayne Bennett has dealt with many times in the past, and we have seen plenty of young Broncos getting their chance in the Broncos line-up over past weeks.
The Knights snapped their losing streak last weekend with an impressive victory over the Tigers and have every chance to add another win here. Bennett will no doubt get a cool reception when he returns to Hunter Stadium, but it is unlikely to be of concern to either himself or his team. The Broncos are up against it here, but if they are to be contenders in September these are games they need to win.
The elephant in the room this round is State of Origin. There are unlikely to be any surprises when Mal Meninga officially announces the Queensland team on Tuesday afternoon. It is anticipated Laurie Daley will announce up to five changes in the Blue’s line-up with NSW players unavailable due to injury and suspension while poor form is set to rule out others.
Origin One is set to be another epic encounter.
South of the border, the Blue army will be confident they can begin the 2015 campaign on the right note.
There is no tougher cauldron than Origin, and most tipsters will be following their heart, and I am no different. The Maroons players will bring outstanding personal form into this game but there will be no complacency after losing the 2014 series. I expect the old firm to exact their revenge and get the job done here on the way to another series win.
Up the Mighty Maroons
CASEY’S SELECTIONS
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
RAIDERS
BRONCOS
MAROONS
NRL Ladder Round 11
Pos. Team Pts
1 Melbourne Storm 14
2 St George-Illawarra Dragons 14
3 Brisbane Broncos 14
4 North Queensland Cowboys 14
5 Sydney Roosters 10
6 Canberra Raiders 10
7 South Sydney Rabbitohs 10
8 Warriors 10
9 Penrith Panthers 10
10 Newcastle Knights 10
11 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 8
12 Wests Tigers 8
13 Gold Coast Titans 8
14 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 8
15 Parramatta Eels 6
16 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 6
