Brett Finch is gone for two weeks. Can the Roosters chalk up a win?

With Kangaroos left out of the annual battle of the big smoke versus the bush, some of the state’s best players will get a chance to play against team mates and alongside others whose dazzling talents usually are used against them. And with the game taken to country rugby league bastions, like Lismore this year, this traditional event is a great advertisement for Rugby League as a whole, bringing the superstars to the grass roots. Young, up and coming types like Ryan Hoffman and Anthony Tupou might get their chance to shine in elite company. And plenty of incumbent Origin reps get their chance to prove that they belong in the sky blue of NSW again this season. Yes folks, it’s the trial for Origin. Or so they say.

But ask John Skandalis about City/Country as an origin trial. Possibly the best forward in the match for the past two seasons, and with the usual representative forwards out with injury, he still couldn’t get a run. Likewise, Scott Hill, outstanding for Country past seasons couldn’t even get past the retired Brad Fittler last season. But baring injury, the Tigers’ big man and the Storm’s elusive five-eighth will again line up in the hope of securing a start at Suncorp in a month’s time.

Broncos v Sea Eagles
This top of the table encounter, while seemingly lopsided, should produce a riveting football spectacle on Friday night. Manly’s no nonsense approach and ball security is making some bigger names look foolish in the early part of the season. Brisbane’s expansive game will miss Brent Tate who has finally succumb to the dodgy shoulder that has plagued him giving Justin Hodges another chance in the starting side. The battle of the back-rowers could set the tone of the match with a couple of old heads and a rising star in action on both sides of the ruck. But this will be the biggest test for the Sea Eagles who have only played away twice this season, yielding their only loss. Brisbane won’t have Tonie Carroll protecting Darren Lockyer, but Manly have Terry Hill back. Prediction: Sea Eagles by 2.

Storm v Sharks
With the Storm see-sawing from outstanding to ordinary, the Sharks are primed to continue their assault on the top four. The Dykes and Kimmorley show has pushed several of the Sharks lesser lights into the frame for City/Country selection. Two solid forward packs should set the scene for an entertaining tug of war between the duelling outside backs. Both teams have experienced half/five-eighth combinations promising a high scoring encounter. It would be no surprise if the Storm aimed down the Sharks right side defence with Matt Geyer and Steven Bell seemingly able to use speed to exploit a weakness in Paul Mellor and Luke Covell. Prediction: Storm by 8

Bulldogs v Eels
The defending premiers have possibly spent the same amount as the salary cap on medical treatment this season with a raft of high profile and long term injuries. Mark O’Meley has become the latest addition with an ankle concern ruling him out for a 12 week stint. Parramatta couldn’t be travelling to Telstra Stadium at a better time. Tim Smith and Glenn Morrison particularly, have been in top form and Eric Grothe continues with a good try strike rate since returning to the Eels. And the bench has been coming on with great effectiveness. The ‘Dogs will struggle with Andrew Ryan the only real forward leader. A four point win over a Johnsless Newcastle isn’t a great sign leading into a match that Parramatta will want to win to stay in the top half of the league. Prediction: Eels by 12.

Cowboys v Roosters
North Queensland will roll up to Dairy Farmers Stadium this weekend with plenty to gain from their battle with the Roosters. Not only would they like to chalk up only their second win against Sydney in their history, but avenging last year’s semi-final loss while cementing their place in the top four would come as a bonus. And the form is on the board for the Cowboys. An emphatic win against the Panthers at Penrith, a well versed backline and 22,000 screaming fans should be sufficient catalyst for a hat trick of wins. The Roosters, who have shown ball security is not their priority this season, will pay for any mistake they make against a team of potent broken field experts. Brett Firman will move into the number seven role with Brett Finch banned for two games. He’ll need to stand up if the Roosters are to be counted. Prediction: Cowboys by 14.

Warriors v Panthers
The return of Ruben Wiki couldn’t have come at a better time for the Warriors who didn’t have as much of a break over the bye weekend. The Panther’s were battered by the Storm last weekend, so the trip across the ditch comes at a dangerous time for the 2003 premiers who will be without Tony Puletua for the rest of the season. Danny Galea is also absent for Penrith. Jerome Roparti’s battle with Rhys Wesser should be a doozy. Anyone who saw the Kiwi fullback in his Test debut against the Kangaroos last weekend will understand how exciting his play can be. Nathan Fien pulls on the number six jersey confirming the playmaker role he has been playing for most of the season. Both sides have a completion rate of less than 70% so you can expect a bit of dropped ball in this one. Prediction: Warriors by 10.

Knights v Raiders
Canberra’s first test of depth didn’t bode well for the next few weeks. Smashed by Manly, the predicament became just a little worse as the men from the nation’s capital lost Clinton Schifcofske for a handful of weeks with rib problems. On the other hand, Newcastle almost pulled of a upset, falling four points short of beating the Bulldogs without Andrew Johns. Danny Buderus’ return was timely and against a rudderless Raiders outfit, it’s a great chance for the Novocastrians to rack up their first win of the season. The backline is showing glimpses of what is possible and the defensive ethic has improved. The injured list from these two sides is enough to fill the roster at an expansion club. If someone gets out to a lead, it could be a demolition. Prediction: Knights by 18.

Tigers v Dragons
Two weeks in a row the Tigers have been outgunned. Some fatigue may have been to blame with several instrumental figures playing two games in as 24 hours. A third could start a slide that most realistic Wests fans thought would have already been well underway by now. But defying the odds has almost been a trademark of Tim Sheens’ men as they defeated last year’s grand finalists in successive weeks. The Dragons have the makings of a roll after a last minute conversion got them over the line against the Roosters. With their entire roster available, St George-Illawarra’s stars are getting back into the groove of playing together, but will need to keep control of the football to beat the Tigers who will be eager to remain in the top eight. Prediction: Dragons by 12.

Who can pick ‘em? From one week to the next, form is fleeting and flashiness fades. Only time will tell, but in the tipping game, we don’t get the luxury of time.

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source: MasterTips