By CASEY O’CONNOR
THE Broncos and Cowboys cemented their position as contenders for the 2015 premiership with wins in round 11.
Traditionally this is a tough time for these clubs with their top guns on Origin duty. Both teams showed that there is plenty of depth in their ranks this season with wins on the weekend. The Bunnies and Bulldogs also wrapped up wins amid more calls for a standalone State of Origin series. Poor crowds and some uninspiring football have strengthened calls for a change to the Origin format.
The post-Origin games are perhaps the toughest to look at without knowing the outcome of Origin and if there will be injury concerns.
So with no real confidence, I have given the crystal ball a touch up and am hoping for the best.
Friday night the Panthers host the Eels in the opening game of the post Origin round.
In round 10, a late Matt Moylan field goal gave the Panthers an unlikely win at Brookvale. The Panthers have struggled with a host of injuries to key players but with the mercurial form of Moylan and the return of some of their roster they are beginning to show some authority in the competition,
The Eels woes continued in round 11 with a narrow loss to the Bunnies. Both sides struggled in the wet conditions in what was a lacklustre game.
The Eels have failed to nail a conversion in their past two games, and it has cost them victory. This was a game that was there for their taking as the Bunnies struggled without key personnel.
The Panthers have snuck into the top eight and look likely winners here. Expect to see them clawing their way further into the top eight as the weeks progress.
The Titans face a big task when they host the Bunnies at Cbus Stadium on Saturday. In round 10, they were involved in a thrilling game against the Sharks where only a point separated the teams at the end of the game. Unfortunately for Titans fans, the result did not fall in their favour and they were beaten 23-22 in a golden point thriller.
The make-up of the Bunnies team will depend on Origin. Greg Inglis was floored by illness early in the Origin camp, spending several days in hospital and whether he bounces back from Origin to play here is doubtful and Adam Reynolds is sidelined with a serious thumb injury. The Rabbitohs ended their dismal record without Reynolds when they edged out the Eels. Despite their best efforts to get beaten, the Bunnies hung on for a win. Although they were missing Inglis and Reynolds and the conditions were dreadful, it was a poor performance from Souths. A win is a win but the Bunnies look to have plenty of work to do. Cbus stadium has not always been a happy hunting ground for the Bunnies and that could well continue this weekend. A Titans win is not out of the question although they will have to do it without their enforcer Greg Bird.
The clash between the Raiders and the Broncos looks one of the highlights of round 12.
In an amazing game where 75 points were scored, Canterbury hung on to snatch a win over the Raiders last Sunday. It was a crazy rollercoaster ride for fans of both sides. Canberra came back from an almost impossible 26 points to nil to almost pull off an upset. It was an amazing second half of football where the Raiders five eighth Blake Austen and Shaun Fensom showcased their talents. Unfortunately for their fans, the Raiders could not put the game to bed when scores were locked up late in the game.
Many expected the Broncos to struggle against the Knights without their Origin stars. The Knights, however, had their own problems. They lost back-rower Joseph Tapine to a back injury in the warm and Kurt Gidley did not return from a concussion in the first half.
Broncos’ five-eighth Anthony Milford was outstanding and orchestrated a memorable win for the club. Milford and fullback Jordan Kahu terrorised the Knights who dominated early but fell away late as the game progressed. It is likely Brisbane will start without some of their Origin contingent but they have great depth and can add another win to their tally here.
Kick of the match could likely come from Raiders coach Ricky Stuart who showed he has lost none of his kicking skills last weekend on the sideline.
The Cowboys win in round 11 was a real boost for a club that has traditionally struggled at this time of the year. The Cowboys toughed out a win in a dour contest against the Tigers. It was far from pretty but the two points will be important as the season progresses. The Cowboys defence was outstanding to keep the Tigers scoreless.
This weekend they host the Sea Eagles at 1300Smiles and welcome back their Origin players. The Sea Eagles are desperate to turn their fortunes around as they wallow in unfamiliar territory at the bottom end of the ladder. Rumours that Trent Barrett is set to join the Eagles coaching ranks continue to gain momentum but their issues run deeper than coaching. If Daley Cherry Evans does not play, Eagles fans should prepare for more pain.
Across the ditch, the Warriors host the Knights at Mt Smart Stadium. The Warriors come into this game after a bye last weekend. With their limited exposure to Origin, they should field a fresh and fit side. In their last game, they snatched a win from the hapless Eels.
Their opponents here, the Knights were hammered by the Broncos on Monday night and although Beau Scott returns from Origin duty they have serious injuries to a host of players. It is hard to see any joy here for the Knights.
The Dragons and Sharks go head to head at Jubilee Oval on Sunday afternoon. Cronulla has been playing some entertaining football recently. After being overlooked by the Blues for Origin, Luke Lewis will be looking to prove selectors made the wrong choice. Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes have both been outstanding in recent weeks for the Sharks. The Dragons are defying all the pre-season dire predictions and are challenging in the top four. Depending on the outcome of other games this weekend, they could find themselves at the top of the table with a win here.
The Roosters and Storm wrap up Round 12 on Monday night at Allianz.
Barring Origin injuries, both should be almost at full strength for this game. Both sides had wins in round 10 and enjoyed a bye last weekend.
Melbourne is such a professional outfit, it is tough to tip against them however with not a lot of confidence I am leaning slightly towards the Roosters. Like so much this round, a lot will depend on the Origin fallout.
Casey’s tips
Panthers
Titans
Broncos
Cowboys
Warriors
Dragons
Roosters
