By CASEY O’CONNOR
WHEN the curtain came down on the superhero round on Monday night, results left some tipsters wounded. Several of the wins and losses in round 21 had a significant impact on the leader board as teams jostle for their place in the top eight.
The Broncos were hobbled by the more enthusiastic Sea Eagles who have caught an updraft in recent weeks. Against all odds they (Eagles) have given themselves an outside chance at making the finals, but it will need a superhuman performance in the final rounds.
Brisbane relinquished their outright lead and now sits narrowly ahead of the all-conquering Cowboys on for and against. The Roosters and Rabbitohs round out the top four.
At the start of the season, few would have considered the Sharks contenders however they are circling just outside the top four and ahead of many more fancied clubs. Melbourne, the Dragons and Dogs round out the eight with plenty snapping at their heels. Only Five rounds left and plenty to play for.
To retain their no 1 position, Brisbane must improve on their sluggish effort against Manly. History shows Bennett-coached premiership winning teams all suffered a mini slump prior to the finals. Broncos fans will banking on a repeat of that history. Brisbane began poorly and never recovered against the Eagles. They will need to be on their mettle against the Bulldogs who are hanging grimly to their eighth spot. The Dogs had all the momentum in the second half against the Roosters but failed to hold out the tri colours and now must fight tooth and nail to stay in the eight. Brisbane is in for a tough game here but the stats favour them.
If they are on song at Suncorp they can send the Dogs back to their kennel, tail between the legs.
In the second Friday night game, the Sea Eagles host the Bunnies. The Bunnies looked tired and out of sorts but still found a way to grind out a win against the Panthers. The Eagles, on the other hand, were full of running and back to their best at Suncorp. Back to Brookvale and with a passionate crowd on hand to support sacked coach Toovey, I think the Bunnies have a big task ahead. Another egg in the Eagles nest here.
The Warriors host the Dragons at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, and despite the season-ending injury to Shaun Johnson, they believe they can play a role in the 2015 finals. They lost their last home to the Sharks in a nail-biting finish. The Dragons snapped a seven-game losing streak with a win in high-scoring game against a more enthusiastic Newcastle. The Dragons have a good record against the Warriors and will retain their position in the eight with a win here.
The Sharks have been circling hardly making a wave this season, and have themselves in a position to hunt for a top four finish. Their real test comes this week when they host the Cowboys. The NQlanders, led by Thurston overcame an 18-4 deficit against Canberra to race away with a big win and joined the Broncos at the top of the ladder. Teams should be wary if they finally put together a full 80 minutes of football.
The Sharks are somewhat a bogey side for the Cowboys and this will be a solid test for both sides. The Sharks beat the Cowboys in round 16 adding to their growing list of impressive scalps this season. The Cowboys will be keen to post another win and keep their buffer at the top of the table. They should win but an upset should not shock.
The Eels take their round 22 clash with the Panthers to the Top End when they play at TIO stadium Darwin. They have a short turn around and will be searching for a more positive outcome than their loss to the Titans.
The Eels were not short on effort but poor execution cost them the points against the Gold Coast. Penrith, after several dismal performances, pulled out some of their best against the Bunnies. They held an early lead and forced the premiers to earn their win. The Panthers injury woes continue but they have shown they are a gutsy outfit. If they take their “A” game to Darwin, the Eels will find themselves back in the race for the wooden spoon.
Melbourne Storm put themselves under pressure to remain in the eight after their soft and shock loss to the Tigers. Taking nothing away from the Tigers, it is hard to imagine Melbourne turning in back-to-back performances as poor as that. The Titans got a win against the Eels but have much stronger competition here. If Melbourne can’t win here, Craig Bellamy might need therapy.
Newcastle and the Roosters wrap up Sunday football at Hunter Stadium. Roosters fans have plenty to crow about after their recent wins. The Roosters were their own worst enemies against the Dogs. A raft and penalties and errors gave the Dogs a sniff and for a moment it looked like it might prove costly. Although the Knights showed improvement and look to be on the same page as their interim coach, they have a long way to go before challenging the top teams. Another Chookies victory is looming and the premiership odds will be shortening.
Monday night football heads to the Canberra when the Raiders host the Tigers in what is predicted to be typical mid-winter conditions in the capital.
The Tigers showed what they are capable of when they trounced Melbourne at their last outing while the Raiders gave the Cowboys a fright. The Tigers lead the way on the head-to-head stats here, but were beaten by the Raiders in round 15. Canberra sits just outside the eight and will be looking for a win to force their way back into finals contention. They suffered a blow last weekend with injuries to Josh Hodgson and back rower Sia Soliola. Blake Austen escaped sanction from the review panel, but Edrick Lee is suspended for tripping.
Tough game to finish the round. Canberra should win at home but don’t discount the Tigers.
CASEY’S TIPS
BRONCOS
SEA EAGLES
ROOSTERS
DRAGONS
COWBOYS
PANTHERS
STORM
RAIDERS
