By CASEY O’CONNOR
THE polar storm that is causing us all to freeze at the moment was nothing compared to the perfect Maroon Storm that hit Suncorp last week as Queensland wrapped up yet another Origin in spectacular style.
For Queensland supporters, the Maroon glow of a sensational win will be enough to ward off any winter chills for a very long time. The majority of players came out of that Origin storm unscathed and starred in round 18 although there were some still suffering maroon shock.
The focus now shifts squarely to the business end of the season, and who will be in and who will be left to rue missed opportunities.
On Friday night, Parramatta and Canterbury go head to head at ANZ, and in Melbourne the Storm host the Panthers to open the Heritage Round.
The Eels are coming off a round 18 bye but prior to that were big winners over the Tigers in an impressive win. They have since re-signed a raft of current players so the vibe in the playing group will be positive. One glaring omission is Chris Sandow who is yet to be offered a contract and rumours indicate his future may lie with Warrington in the UK.
The big Canterbury forwards were expected to dominate in their clash against the Broncos last Saturday but Brisbane played the edges and the Dogs were made to look tired and lethargic. Their last option kicks were unimpressive, and they had difficulty getting out of their own half for much of the game. If the Dogs are to remain in the top eight, they need a far better performance this week. The Eels looked impressive winners in round 17, but a poor performance from the Tigers added to the gloss. I am prepared to forgive the Dogs and expect them to bite back here.
Melbourne and the Warriors treated fans and TV audiences to one of the most entertaining games we have seen this season. Melbourne played well but return to AAMI Park this week looking to break their recent losing sequence. Melbourne finished the game with better possession and a better completion rate, but behind on the scoreboard. They are obviously missing Slater and must adjust quickly if they are to remain in the eight.
Panthers’ fans were left bitterly disappointed after their side was thumped by the Roosters. The 20-point loss highlighted their poor defence and lack of discipline. Don’t see much joy for them at AAMI Park. Melbourne played well enough in NZ to turn the losing tide here.
On Saturday, the Sharks leave the safe haven of Remondis and head to icy Canberra to tackle the Warriors.
The Raiders Origin duo, Papalii and Lee returned from camp Maroon full of confidence in their own ability. It showed on the field as the Raiders continued their climb up the ladder with a win over the Knights in a high scoring game. Their opponents this weekend, the Sharks are another side building in confidence and sneaking closer to a top-eight spot. There are glimpses of the Ben Barba magic that won him accolades in past seasons and against the Dragons he pulled off one of the tackles of the season, highlighting the confidence he is playing with. There is a lot riding on the outcome of this game. Despite a poor home record this season and the loss of Sam Williams with a pec injury, I think the Raiders are more likely to handle what are expected to be ordinary conditions at GIO Stadium.
The Knights suffered another loss at Hunter Stadium last weekend, but impressed in the second half. They bounced back from a 24-4 deficit and made the Raiders work for their win in the second half. The Knights dominated possession throughout the game, but could not turn that into points. The Knights look to be moving closer to a win, and that should come against the Titans who could not have been less impressive on Monday night against Manly.
The clash between the Dragons and Rabbitohs at the Sydney Cricket Ground was billed as headline act of this Heritage Round at the start of the season.
Injuries have decimated the Dragons who last weekend struggled to out a team on the park. In their last game, the Bunnies looked out of sorts without GI and were no match for the Panthers. They have slipped out of the top four, but look for a form turn around here from the Rabbitohs. The prospect of the clash between the Roosters and Warriors should have every league fan salivating. The Roosters played like a side with their eye on another premiership when they humbled the Panthers and the Warriors were sensational in a thrilling win over Melbourne. Sean Johnson was outstanding and the acrobatics try assist from Jake Friend has ensured he will be remembered long after he hangs up his boots.
The Warriors are into the top four and snapping at the heels of the Roosters. However I am going to stick with the Roosters in what should be another fabulous game but a Warriors win will come as no surprise.
The Broncos are enjoying a stellar season. They have weathered the Origin storm unscathed and are riding high four points clear at the top of the table.
Their win over Canterbury was full of class. Their Origin players backed up well doing all that could be expected of them. There is no doubt they are well and truly in the premiership hunt, but with eight rounds to play till the finals their coach is adamant there is still room for improvement. After a well-earned eight day break they host the Tigers this weekend. Justin Hodges returns from a break and Bennett will have the side focused on the upcoming games not their recent successes. On recent form, this could be a tough game for Tigers fans.
The resurgent Sea Eagles host the Cowboys at Brookvale on Monday night in what could be a defining game this season for the home side.
After a horror start to the season, Manly has two strong wins on the board, however facing the Cowboys is a far cry from trouncing the Titans.
The Cowboys Origin heroes should be well rested and ready to fire for the run to the finals. The Cowboys put paid to the Dragons at their last outing notching up a win without the services of JT and highlighting their depth and level of confidence. Manly backed up their tough win over Cronulla in Round 17 with a whitewash of the Titans on Monday night. While Manly have certainly returned to form, I want to see more from them before saying they have turned the corner. I am not prepared to declare them good things to make the eight just yet.
A game at Brookvale on Monday night is a big advantage and both these sides have plenty at stake. If the Cowboys are genuine contenders, these are the games they must win. If Manly is to make the eight and has truly returned to form, they need to beat the Cowboys. In a split decision, I am leaning towards the Cowboys to continue their ride towards the finals.
Casey’s selections
Bulldogs
Storm
Raiders
Knights
Bunnies
Roosters
Broncos
Cowboys
