My NRL Tips Round 2

What a first week of Rugby League fans had to enjoy for 2010 after what was an intense, dramatic end to last seasons.

Dragons beat last years runners-up, the Eels at Parramatta Stadium with ease. The Saints completion rate was emphatic over the Eels, 35 from 37. Soward's kicking game however was the difference on the night.

Knights upsetting the Bulldogs after horrid off-season the media gave them in the headlines.

A thriller between Queensland's rivals at Suncorp in front of a 48,000 crowd saw a last minute, stand on the edge of your seat try to Denan Kemp to win the game for the Broncos.
A Jonathan Thurston revival brought the teams to evens at 24-24, before veteran Lockyer gave a cut out ball to Kemp who backed his pace to score a long distance try.

Souths forward pack, not performing like everyone thought they would and my Dark Horses of the competition, the Roosters claiming a round 1 victory.

Lote Tuqiri back, and the Tigers playing their thrilling, what's coming next football we know them to play against Manly. It was a bitter match between the arch nemesis's and I cannot wait for the next game between these two sides.

And finally the 'Men in Black' from the foot of the mountains. Are they back? Only time will tell.

Round 1 saw me get 4/8. A few upsets dismantled me for this years competition, however it is only the first game of the season.

Round 2 is shaping up to be even more hard.

My Tips for Round 2.


Saints V Bulldogs, the re-match - From what happened in last year's game when the Bulldogs where clearly robbed from a Soward moment, it should be a physical and confronting game.

I tip the Bulldogs - I think the Dogs will get the Dragons on the bell. They will look to improve from last weeks performance against the Knights. And last year is always in the back of their minds.
I know it is being played at WIN stadium, but I think the Dragons will be lazy in defense and the Dogs forward pack will continually charge at Soward.

Rabbits V Titans - Are the Rabbitohs going to step up here or are the Titans going to finally be able to win away from their fortress, Skilled Park this season. They will want to get the voodoo off the back early on.

I tip the Rabbits - The Rabbits forwards and halve combination will bring it together this week. The forward pack needs to prove that they are a dominant force early in this competition and this will be the game that they do it.

Warriors V Sharks - No Brainer, but the Warriors at home. It is a long travel to play. Congratulations Luke Douglas on 100 games.

I tip the Warriors - I know that I tipped the Warriors to become wooden spooners this year. However I think they just might get the Sharks at home. Sharks will be late bloomers in this competition.
Also the warriors have a great back line that will dominate the Sharks out-wide.

Knights V Storm - I do like the Knights, but they will be brought back down by the benchmark side of the competition this week.

I tip the Storm - Way too clinical for the Knights to get them this early in the competition. Knights will be brought back a level this weekend.
They need a Gidley there to beat the Storm or Corey Patterson playing the role of a Feleti Mateo to dismantle their defense line.

Cowboys V Panthers - Will the Panthers be able to prove that they are not lolli-pops this year? Or are the Cowboys going to stay true to their fans and their fortress.

I tip the Cowboys - At home in the fortress that is Dairy Farmers. Jonathan Thurston will control the game and will put a young Lachlan Coote under pressure with his kicking game early.
Cowboys forwards will create havoc up the middle of the park and that will give JT room to move. Dangerous.

Eels V Sea-Eagles - Another arch rival match for the Eagles. If it was not for their last stout between the Tigers and losing half their team to foul play, it would be closer.

I tip the Eels - Only because Luke Burt 200th game and a new deal. Also if Manly did not have suspensions and injuries from round 1 it would be harder for me. But I like the Eels for this one at Parramatta Stadium.
Watch Feleti Mateo take on the defense of Manly this game and the likes of Tahu to shine with the ball.

Roosters V Tigers - Cannot pick this one. Both teams are elusive and surprising. For me, match of the Round.

I tip the Roosters - Match of the round for sure. Both teams were electric last week and will continue this early form. However I think the Roosters with the momentum of last week and the stress free football will beat the Tigers.

And finally,

Raiders V Broncos - Both teams looking to cement their place in the 2010 competition as a threat. Raiders at home though.

I tip the Raiders - Raiders at home, too strong for my mind. Baby Broncos will be taught a lesson if they go into this game to arrogant.


Good Luck to all who tip this week.

Cahn D. Cotter

Decision Time for Locky

50 Tests for Australia, including Kangaroo tours and 4 Super League Tests in 1997. Successful World Cup and Tri-Nation honours and also seven years as the Australian Captain.

30 matches for Queensland, then add a record 4 straight series wins. You would have to say Darren Lockyer is a legend of the modern game at playing representative football.

The question in mind for everybody, and yes even for us New South Welshman is will he play representative football in 2010?

Darren Lockyer is yet to give a decision on his representative playing future to either the media or the East coast border of Australia.

However, some experts believe that the ANZAC test played at the new Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, maybe the last honours for Darren.

The Dilemma...

Brisbane, if they had the team of the 90's, could be able to play Lockyer in the State of Origin. The problem this year is they are lacking the depth the Broncos once had.

Brisbane started Round one's clash last Friday Night with three debutantes. Chris Norman; played fullback and received man of the match, Mitchell Dodds and Matt Gillett.

With injury also to Justin Hodges and P.J Marsh retiring, and the hefty load Brisbane already pay with representatives like Folau, Wallace, Parker, Thaiday and Kenny.
It would be hard for Darren to play origin, giving that Brisbane have gave so much to him. Darren might feel the need to give back to Brisbane for loyalty purposes, he might decide that only playing with the Broncos this season is his due responsibility.

Darren Lockyer the veteran is hoping to play, however I feel if he does not play it is because the Broncos need him mid-season if they are a chance to make it to September.

Though, I think New South Wales are hoping that he does not play. The amount of times Darren has snatched victory in the final moments of these war's called State of Origin is insurmountable. Off the top of my head I can think of at least three.

State of Origin is the highest level of Rugby League and 'Dad's Army' is ready to play together again. However if they are a chance of winning, they need Locky to be there.

Without Locky NSW will gain something they have not touched for four years running, the prestigious State of Origin shield.

I only hope for New South Wales, that selectors can pick a team that does the job. They are getting close, but it seems they always go around in circles picking the same players.

Barrett, nope does not work. Kimmorley, does not work then back to Barrett, same problem again. As you can see, this is just the halve combination's, I cannot even begin with the forwards.

The big reason why Queensland the past four series have had so much success is that they have selected the same players. This gives opportunities like bonding, understanding individuals roles and the belief that they can win.

And with the great names like Darren Lockyer, Jonathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Israel Folau, Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday and Greg Inglis; where does the list stop? It has only helped the Maroons domination of the past series.

And then not to mention the players that are eligible for Queensland, but cannot make the side for the above reasons. Scott Prince seems to be the unlucky one amongst all of them.

Darren may path the way for a new representative player to come through the ranks of the Maroons, but it would be in just for Scott Prince. And again in just for Scott if Darren does play. What depth Queensland have.

I think Darren will play the Origin Series for one last time. He knows Queensland has the team to protect him in defense. A Queensland team with great depth, history, values and skill.
Plus a Queensland team that knows how to win and believes enough to go five series straight against the Blues.

This will be in the back of Darren's mind. I only hope Brisbane Broncos let this war veteran play one last time for us fans, who also have given Darren so much over his career.

Written Cahn D. Cotter
16th March, 2010

Showstoppers Riding a Dark Horse

In my predictions for 2010 (Go To 2010 Final Verdict Tab), I stated that the Roosters would be the Dark Horses of the competition, and that if Carney and Pearce found a relationship early that they would be hard to stop.

Well, on Sunday, the duo did against Souths Sydney. Both players were electric and kept Souths on the back foot the entire game.

The young, but mature half Pearce and entertaining fullback Carney ran the Souths forwards ragged. Souths were lethargic by the end and lacked the intensity that Carney and Pearce were setting for the Roosters.

The Roosters were called, the wooden spoon contenders by experts of the game this year. I knew from watching trials that they were far from that.

The team they have is one that should be feared. Braith Anasta, Minichiello, Kenny-Dowall, Phil Grahem, Nate Myles and Jason Ryles. Add Carney and Pearce, this is a team that will keep opposition defensive lines honest all season.

They also have an excellent, experienced mentor who understands the game better than any other coach in the business, Brian Smith.

It is also a stress free season for the Roosters, which is why I also think they will almost reach the 8, with an opportunity to play September football.

If the Roosters have an injury free season, the forwards keep going forward and Mitch Pearce and Todd Carney give outside backs opportunities. Roosters will push for the 8.

Mitch Pearce should be handed a Blues Guernsey this year. Also if Carney and Pearce continue destroying oppositions then Todd Carney will be given Blues honours also.

Written by Cahn D. Cotter
16th March, 2010

What was Coach Anderson Thinking?

When I had seen the starting Eels line-up for the Friday nights re-match clash against the Dragons, I had to sit and ponder?

Which prop forwards would Coach Anderson start with?

Without a doubt in my mind, I thought back to 2009 when the Eels in the fourth qualifying final beat the Dragons.

They defended early and squandered Saints opportunities before Moi Moi and Mannah gave them momentum late in the first half to dominate for the rest of the match.

Seeing the Eels run out onto the paddock for the first time in 2010, it was to my surprise that I saw Justin Poore and Nathan Cayless as the starting props. I was immediately shocked.

Where was the road train with a seventh gear? The cult hero, Mr Fui Fui Moi Moi?

Coach Anderson has a massive dilemma on his hands. Should he always start games with Nathan Cayless, for reasons of loyalty or bench him. This would hand the captaincy over to Nathan Hindmarsh.

I thought of reasons why and I have come to the conclusion that I am in favour of Nathan Cayless remaining as starting prop, until he does not prove otherwise.

Justin Poore should have been the bench warmer for the first game of 2010, especially coming up against his old club, the Dragons.

I knew that as soon as Justin Poore got involved, that a penalty would have been given straight away. This putting the Eels on the back foot with no one to spark a early revival. And with that, Tony Archer blew his whistle.

A selfish penalty from prop Justin Poore against old team mate Mick Weyman, saw the Eels defending immediately in their own half.

From here they never recovered momentum, and with Jamie Soward's kicking game, were not able get back into the match.

A small revival came when Moi Moi entered in the 23rd minute, but by then, Saints were playing clinical sets of six.

The Eels being favourites this season need to knock up as many wins as soon as possible or they might find themselves in the familiar position of last year. Coach Anderson should have started with Cayless and the powerful Moi Moi.

I saw Moi Moi was not pleased with being the number one prop last year, and a big reason why the Eels outfit ran in second in 2009, coming off the bench in Friday Nights clash.

It's in the best interest for the Eels to always start Moi Moi to get the momentum going forward.

Justin Poore needs to prove himself in the Blue & Gold and until he does, Nathan Cayless should still be running on when the whistle gets blown.


Written by Cahn D. Cotter
16th March, 2010