Can Scott Prince continue his midas touch against the Warriors.

The NRL currently reads like a table inverted. St George-Illawarra, Brisbane, Penrith, Canterbury and Newcastle are all in the bottom half of the table. The Roosters are in the eight only by a single for and against point. Manly and Canberra are leading the competition undefeated. Wests, New Zealand and Cronulla are well entrenched in the eight. But as John Lang said this week, eight points won’t get you to the finals.

For the first time in history, betting agency TAB has installed the team lower on the ladder as favourite in every clash this weekend. That decision reinforces not only the closeness in the league this year, but the general feeling that the usual competition heavyweights are due for a change of fortune. But is it fortunes or are we seeing a changing of the guard? The Cowboys, Sea Eagles and Storm are playing out side beating teams on the fringes and it’s working. The Roosters and ‘Dogs who like working around the ruck aren’t doing so well. Perhaps it’s tactics rather than teams that are make or break.

Panthers v Storm
Penrith have yet to hit their stride, but their bulked up pack will be in for another tough night as they take on the in form Storm on Friday night. There is no point naming names in the Storm line-up. The entire squad is playing with drive and purpose and the damage can come from anywhere. The Panthers showed glimpses of brilliance against the Eels last week but couldn’t complete which cost them the two points. It will take a robust effort from the 2003 Premiers and a less than brilliant effort from the Storm for the Panthers to take the chocolates here. Prediction: Storm by 14

Dragons v Sea Eagles
The bottom of the table Dragons come up against the unbeaten Manly side at WIN Stadium. While Trent Barrett is back in the line-up, St George-Illawarra has conceded more than 40 points in 3 or their four outings so far. The Sea Eagles on the other hand have not let more than 20 be scored against them while the Dragons haven’t managed 20 points in the last three games. On statistics alone you’d say that the Sea Eagles are a shoe-in, however statistics aren’t the be all and end all. And some would even say the Dragons are overdue for a win. Mark Gasnier returns with the Dragons this weekend too. On current form though, you would expect that the confidence levels at the Sea Eagles are high. Their fans will be hoping that the bye won’t have stalled momentum. Prediction: Dragons by 8.

Sharks v Cowboys
Two playmakers are better than one, and thus has been the story for the Sharks so far this year. Toyota Park is on course to become a stronghold once again, especially on a Saturday night. But the Cowboys are a certified force in the NRL. With a committed forward pack, a well oiled halves combination and electric outside backs, they can hit you from anywhere. Even in their first loss to the Broncos, they were dangerous with ball in hand. And they haven’t lost since. This will be a close game which could be decided late, or even in golden point. Prediction: Cowboys by 6.

Tigers v Warriors
The Tigers take another home game to somewhere else, this time it’s Jade Stadium in Christchurch. The Warriors have never won in NZ outside of Auckland, but this could be the week for it. The Tigers have beaten both 2004 grand finalists in the last fortnight with spirited displays although almost being run down by the ‘Dogs two weeks ago. The Warriors have lost to the Cowboys and Manly and are slowly growing in combination and confidence. Putting a fast starter against a fast finisher should mean this is game goes down to the wire. Prince and Marshall could be effective against the Warriors big pack. Prediction: Warriors by 1.

Broncos v Eels
It’s a tender time in the Broncos camp. After their thumping at the hands or the Storm, you would be hard pressed to tip against Brisbane. Usually, as with most of the top teams, they bounce back with ferocity after a loss. And the return of Toni Carroll would do nothing to change that view. But Parramatta beat Penrith well last week, absorbing all that was dished at them, and in clashes between the two clubs, there is a remarkable record of away wins. If the Eels have watched last week’s video, they’ll know where the Broncos’ weaknesses are. If the Broncos watched last week’s video, they’ll know where the Broncos’ weaknesses are too. Prediction: Parramatta by 7.

Rabbitohs v Knights
Two sides towards the bottom of the ladder clash at Gosford’s Express Advocate Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are lacking in the attack department, scoring less that 20 points in all bar one of the seven matches they have been involved in. Souths on the other hand have been stopping some of the attacking raids coming their way keeping most of their opponents below 30. Newcastle, on the other hand, has been convincingly beaten on every occasion. The return of the Gidley brothers will add some options to the Knights’ attack and relieve some of the frustration Andrew Johns will be feeling. But Souths will get over the line in this one as their new line-up clicks for just the second time. A game that will be won by the forwards. Prediction: Souths by 6.

Raiders v Roosters
The Raiders have not beaten the Roosters since 2001. This will be the best chance they have had to change that record. Sydney still look lost at times when trying to execute, over running the ball or changing direction at the wrong time. Chris Flannery turns back the clock with his selection at centre. Flannery played his lower grade football as a full back and five-eighth before being switched into the forwards. The return of Mick Crocker is sure to make an impact for the Bondi club who have yet to really convince. For Canberra, Jason Smith and Matt Adamson are also turning back the clock, showing form reminiscent of their representative careers in the nineties. Lincoln Withers’ return to half back has also reaped rewards with the league leaders averaging six converted tries a match. Prediction: Roosters by 8.

It’s just another week where any result is possible. Good luck in getting it right. So far, getting one right in every two has been a great effort.

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source: MasterTips