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