John Hopoate suspended for nine weeks after abusing an official.

Mind games. We see them all over football now, coaches clamouring for underdog status or talking it up about how the referee will rule this way or the opposition have asked for that. The psychology is almost as important in the media as it is to the player’s well being. Phil Gould is a master, pushing the 10 meter issue all week in the media in the hope the Sean Hampstead would be watchful of the Queenslanders creeping offside. Phil knows, as most of us do, that most referees are consistent with their calls. What he looks for on one side of the field is looked for when the official crosses the ruck.

But mind games are part of the game now. Sledges, team psychologists and of course press conferences all count toward the result of a match. With confidence playing so much a part of all NRL matches, the ability to undermine your opponent’s confidence, to out psyche them, put the referee on side and get on your own roll going can win a tight game … or put an opponent on the canvas early. So thanks for the show ‘Gus’. It didn’t work this time around, but game three is just around the corner.

Nine combatants from Wednesday run out on Friday, assuming Matt Gidley passes a fitness test. Matt’s brother Kurt has just resigned with the Knights for two more years providing an able backline utility for the Novocastrians. Newcastle has a solid level of first grade experience for the first time in plenty of weeks although missing Ben Kennedy. And the Roosters have a huge number of players including their halves backing up. The Knights have three of their own, but both sides should be used to the rigors of the Origin period to overcome the tiredness and maintain focus. Michael Crocker returns from suspension for the Roosters. The depth of the bench should swing things the Roosters way. Prediction: Roosters by 14.

The Bulldogs meet the Raiders who’s for has been a mystery over the last month. A strong finish over Manly was followed by a loss to the Warriors. Then last weekend the boys from the Nation’s capital bounced back to beat the Sharks who were on a winning run. Canterbury is bringing five Origin players into the match. The last time they did so, the ‘Dogs dropped off in the last few minutes and were over run by the Panthers. This is likely to be one of the closest games of the round. If the Canberra forwards aim up and play for eighty minutes, the Bulldogs will need to dig very deep to maintain any advantage. Prediction: Bulldogs by 4.

Arthur Kitinas was rated as the second worst coach in the NRL by a Rugby League Week fan poll during the week. It just shows that being linked with an under performing club has its problems. One game, one win. The Warriors’ Tony Kemp had the same record until week last when his team were demolished by almost 50 points by the Tigers. It’s unlikely that the Bunnies will suffer the same fate, but the Eagles have been in reasonably good form and will be eager to forget the pasting Parramatta gave them last weekend. The absence of John Hopoate should mean less needless penalties given away by the Sea Eagles. Prediction: Sea Eagles by 8.

Parramatta and Brisbane have an interesting history of the away team winning. The Broncos have won and incredible 10 times in their last eleven trips to the Cumberland district. Brisbane is used to the demands of having six players running out for the second time in four days. After Origin I the Broncos outclassed the Dragons but run into the Eels who have been reminiscent of the 2001 team in the last couple of weeks. Confidence is an amazing thing, and as long as Parramatta doesn’t rely completely on Nathan Hindmarsh, this will be another close match. But in a close match, the Queenslanders have the stuff and should sneak home. Prediction: Brisbane by 7.

How the Warriors can start favourites against the Cowboys is anyone’s guess. The team has had over 100 points put on them in their last two losses. Something is very wrong on the Eastern side of the Tasman. An impressive side on paper is anything but on the turf. North Queensland, after a rocky start, has begun to find stride. In the top eight for the first time since round one, the new forward pack members are starting to gel. The return of Matt Sing and the performances of youngster Aaron Payne could mean that the boys from the Far North may finally deliver on some of their promise. Paul Bowman equals the club record for most first grade games should he take part this weekend. Prediction: Cowboys by 18.

After losing a game while not having their Origin stars available, talk back radio was flooded with Panthers fans wanting Origin to stand alone again. Welcome to the role of Premiers Panther fans. If Craig Gower makes his way back to the game against the Sharks, the Premiers are certainties against a Kimmorley-less Cronulla side. If Gower doesn’t play, the dynamic forward play of the mountain men should still ensure victory. But the Sharks have enjoyed some reasonable results recently and should not be underestimated. Jason Stevens may have a point to prove after playing only 20 minutes in Origin. Prediction: Panthers by 22.

The most hotly contested match of the round should be the final encounter of the weekend. Two joint venture clubs meet at Oki Jubilee Oval and both have plenty of reason to believe they’ll come away with the points. For the Dragons’ the scintillating return of Trent Barrett augurs well for the remainder of the season, assuming he can stay fit. With a support cast of Hornby, Head, Ryles, Riddell, Kite and Co, quality is not an issue. This side can put 40 points on just about any team in the competition. But the Tigers have been led by Scott Prince and Brett Hodgson, both of whom are in the sort of form that earned them representative honours. An honest pack of hard working forwards can set the platform for Wests, but rolling over the St George-Illawarra front six is a big task. Prediction: Dragons by 12.

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source: MasterTips