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Roosters v Dragons
By Matthew Johns
7.35pm Friday
The weekends action throws up so many must see matches, it is near impossible to choose the Match of the Round. With the stuttering Broncos taking on the surging Knights, the fading Roosters matching it with the persistent Dragons and the desperate Warriors clashing with the oh so close Eels. Who do you choose…
I have to go with the St George Illawarra Dragons match against the Sydney Roosters.
The Tri-colours had the making of this year’s championship winning team. They had a forward pack that wouldn’t look out of place in the Australian side, with past and present representatives spread throughout the team . Their line up was arguably the envy of most NRL coaches. But following an outstanding start to the season, they have recorded increasingly poor performances when least expected, and as I’m sure Brad Fittler would agree, when it was least needed. With losses against the Titans, Raiders and Eels in fairly quick succession, it looked like the wheels were coming off. They scrapped home against the Rabbitohs during the round after starting so promisingly. Willie Mason seems to have clocked off - they need him to switch back on again or else they will become easy pickings for the other Finals bound teams.
It looks like Fittlers gamble of stripping the captaincy from Craig Fitzgibbon and handing it to Braith Anasta may have paid off, with Fitzy stepping up a gear both in training and on the field.
This last round match up against a Dragons side who look like they are on a mission is supremely important to the Roosters. Not only for their confidence, but also to ensure the Broncos don’t leap frog them on the table to steal a home ground Semi in the upcoming Finals series.
They will be grateful the dynamo Mark Minichiello is back in the number 1 jersey. Hopefully to add a little spark to a side in desperate need of it.
The Dragons are on a role and though Mark Gasnier may not be at his usual best, he is still the top centre in the game. Matt Cooper may have something to say about that with what I believe to be the most accurate angle running attack I’ve seen in years. He makes whole defensive lines look like they are standing still.
Big Wendell Sailor too is loving his time back in the NRL, and will be looking to step up another notch this Friday night.
So much can happen this weekend. The Roosters can secure their fourth spot and not worry about other results, but gee if they lose this one they will be sweating on the result of the Broncos match being played at the same time. If the Dragons win they will move out of the hot zone of 7th and 8th. No one wants to be there – everything is stacked against you in the finals series. In fact if a few results go their way they could even sneak into the home semi spot.
This is going to be a cracker…
Sharks v Roosters
By Matthew Johns
7.30pm Friday
This game should be a beauty.
Both teams can smell the top spot but neither to date have kicked on when it’s really needed.
The Roosters run so hot and cold one could mistake them for a set of bath taps. But when the team take stock of who they have in the tri-colours, suddenly they realise they should be blitzing every other team in the comp. That may well include the Storm, who in spite of their freakish talent, just seem to have a stable game plan that works week after week.
The Sharks seem to have a knack of stealing close scoring games. This surely demonstrates the mentality at the club, with a never say die attitude that wouldn’t be out of place in a Queensland State of Origin side. They have a great record of early wins including picking off the reigning premiers and Manly, but dropped the ball on the return match against the Sea Eagles with a 34-6 loss in June.
The Sharks must be happy with their run into the finals with no second match up with the Storm, but instead meet the Roosters, the Tigers and then the cellar dwellers North Queensland, to round out the regular season. They do however need to clock up a win tonight against the Roosters at home to put them in the winning spirit before finals time. They simply cannot afford to doubt their ability going into the finals.
Look for Brett Kimmorley to lead the way, and hopefully find space for the speedster full back Brett Kearney. Greg Bird too has been improving, finding the form of old.
For the Roosters it’s time to put up or shut up. Big Willy has to lead from the front. I’d like to see him play the ball a little faster to let the back row get a roll on. That is about his only natural weakness, that he pushes through the line, but then seems to stand up with little urgency. If he rectifies that – look out.
Sydney have some superb talent in their back line with the likes of Mitchell Pierce, Braith Anasta and Amos Roberts. Given space these guys can cut anyone to shreds.
This will be a real test of mental strength and determination and should be such an exciting visual display of two very different teams looking to establish bragging rights before the business end of the season kicks in…
One not to be missed!
Broncos v Dragons
By Matthew Johns
7.30pm Friday
This shapes up as the most interesting matchup of the round. Of course the top of the table clash between pace setters Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters cannot be missed, but personally I’m excited to see just how next year’s Dragons coach Wayne Bennett chooses to attack his future club.
It’s been an up and down season for the men in the red V. Showing glimpses of outstanding form, only to be hit by injuries and flat patches.
Jamie Soward and full back Brett Morris have been ruled out late for the match through further injury, causing more headaches for coach Nathan Brown. He is now left with a distinct lack of kicking options to work with. Soward would have been looking for a big match with halves buddy Ben Hornby, but will now be replaced by Ben Rogers.
Curiously Ben Rogers hasn’t played since round four, when he played against Brisbane as a South Sydney Rabbitoh. It’ll be the opportunity Rogers has been waiting for to show why he was recruited mid season for the Dragons. They also welcome back the inspirational Jason Ryles from a quad complaint. The timing couldn’t be better with the Dragons desperate for some quality ball from the forwards. Ryles will add the grunt.
Good news for both teams is the late inclusion of Bronco legend Wendell Sailor on the wing for St George. He is sure to bring some real passion to the game after smashing his cheek bone in his first hit out against Brisbane in round 13.
Big Dell's presence will swell the crowd numbers at Suncorp Stadium with fans lining up to catch a glimpse of the dual international. He too will be looking to prove himself after being left floundering in the lower grades.
New dad David Stagg returns for the Broncos who have their own injury issues, with Tonie Carroll, Greg Eastwood and Karmichael Hunt sidelined with niggling problems. Hodges has one more week to sit on the sidelines after his contrary conduct charge.
Even with all the injuries, this match wll be all about attacking flair, and the winning side will be the one less affected by injury, or at least the one who adapts more effectively. Darren Lockyer plays his 298th game in the Broncos jersey, passing Michael Hancock on 297. And although Lockyer will be part of a pre match celebration to mark the achievement, his focus will be on demonstrating why he is considered the master of the game. His increasingly successful combination with Denan Kemp may be on show with Kemp replacing the injured Hunt in the number one jersey.
It’s important for the Dragons to start the game well, otherwise they may find themselves playing catch up. It’ll be interesting to see if they through caution to the wind early, or look to grind out a win. Either way I can’t wait…
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Comment by BroncoKiwi
on 2009 NRL Player Movements (Updated 18/03 - Eastwood joins Bulldogs)
Gee I'm gutted that Hodges is out this weekend, but it's not like we dont have some awesome replacements! Yippie kai Yow Yeh!