NRL preview - Round 11

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NRL preview - Round 11

Thursday, May 23, 2013

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	TIGERS v COWBOYS
Leichhardt Oval, Friday 7.35pm AEST
This is a vital game for two of the most disappointing sides of the season. The Tigers have lost seven straight and own the competition's worst defensive record. The Cowboys top four hopes have dipped after winning just four games and things won't get any easier when they lose a number of stars over the Origin period. The Tigers are always hard to beat at Leichhardt and the Cowboys record in Sydney is woeful. Braith Anasta (groin) is back at lock and Adam Blair moves to prop. For the visitors, bad boy Robert Lui has been retained at halfback after the loss to the Roosters. Key: The Tigers have rallied around Benji Marshall in recent days and it will be interesting to see how he responds to his shock dumping to the bench last week. Tip: Tigers
Last clash: Round 20 2012 - Cowboys 29 bt Tigers 16 at 1300SMILES Stadium	Head to head: Tigers 14 Cowboys 12		Referees: Jason Robinson, Gavin Morris
Tigers: James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Joel Reddy, Tim Simona, Marika Koroibete, Benji Marshall, Curtis Sironen, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (capt), Adam Blair, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Braith Anasta. Interchange: Suaso Sue, Jack Buchanan, Ava Seumanufagai, Eddy Pettybourne, Matt Utai, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Shaun Spence (three to be omitted).		Cowboys: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Johnathan Thurston (capt), Robert Lui, Matt Scott (capt), Rory Kostjasyn, James Tamou, Tariq Sims, Gavin Cooper, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Ray Thompson, Glenn Hall, Ashton Sims, Scott Bolton, Ricky Thorby, Jason Taumalolo (two to be omitted).
$3.60	Odds		$1.30

	BULLDOGS v BRONCOS
ANZ Stadium, Friday 7.35pm AEST
Brisbane's 5-5 record reflects their inconsistent efforts in 2013, while Canterbury are in the same boat. Brisbane bring patchy form into this clash and will be up against a tough Dogs outfit hurting from a heavy defeat. A crucial game for both sides before the State of Origin period, Canterbury look stronger up front and in all likelihood that is where the game will be won. Centre Tim Lafai will replace the suspended Krisnan Inu for Canterbury, while the loss of centre Jack Reed (fractured eye socket) is offset by the return of Justin Hodges (ribs). Key: If the Broncos forwards can hold their Bulldogs opponents they will go some way to causing an upset. But if the likes of Graham and Kasiano are allowed too much freedom, the Dogs could turn on the points. Tip: Bulldogs
Last clash: Round 23 2012 - Bulldogs 22 bt Broncos 14 at ANZ Stadium	Head to head: Broncos 24 drawn 1		Referees: Jared Maxwell, Henry Perenara
Bulldogs: Ben Barba, Mitch Brown, Josh Morris, Tim Lafai, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis (capt), Sam Kasiano, Tony Williams, Frank Pritchard, Greg Eastwood. Interchange: Dene Halatau, Josh Jackson, James Graham, Dale Finucane, Martin Taupau, Tim Browne (two to be omitted).		Broncos: Corey Norman, Josh Hoffman, Jordan Kahu, Justin Hodges, Lachlan Maranta, Ben Hunt, Peter Wallace, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday (capt), Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Jake Granville, Scott Anderson, David Hala, Jarrod Wallace, Dunamis Lui, Denan Kemp (two to be omitted).
$1.50	Odds		$2.65

	DRAGONS v PANTHERS
WIN Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm AEST
An interesting clash between two sides who have defied early-season predictions. The Dragons looked a completely different side in attack last week with the inclusion of Josh Dugan and he will only be better for the run. The Panthers have cast aside aspersions over their claims on the wooden spoon with a shock win over premiers Melbourne and a 62-6 thumping of the hapless Warriors. Dugan's efforts have some installing the Dragons as top-eight likelies and if they are they will want to win games like this. The Dragons are tough to beat at Kogarah and Penrith's best results this year have come at home. Key: Josh Dugan. The former Raider was outstanding last week. If he can build on that and their forwards continue their good form the Dragons will be too strong. Tip: Dragons
Last clash: Round 10 2012 - Panthers 13 bt Dragons 12 at Centrebet Stadium	Head to head: Dragons 16 Panthers 8		Referees: Adam Devcich, Chris James
Dragons: Josh Dugan, Daniel Vidot, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman, Bronson Harrison, Ben Creagh (capt), Trent Merrin. Interchange: Tyson Frizell, Matt Prior, Jack de Belin, Jack Stockwell, Cameron King (one to be omitted).		Panthers: Matt Moylan, Travis Robinson, Lewis Brown, Dean Whare, David Simmons, Isaac John, Luke Walsh, Nigel Plum, Kevin Kingston (capt), Tim Grant, Sika Manu, Matt Robinson, Adam Docker. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Mose Masoe, Clint Newton, Ryan Simpkins.
$1.40	Odds		$3.00

	ROOSTERS v STORM
Allianz Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm AEST
This was always going to be another match where we found out where the resurgent Roosters were really at. But we are just as likely to find out how Melbourne are travelling. After back-to-back losses to Canberra and Penrith, the Storm looked very flat again in their Monday night draw with Manly. With the Origin period looming, this shapes as an important fixture for the Storm. But the Roosters have the best defence in the game and a five-game winning streak even without props Sam Moa (ankle) and Jared Warea-Hargreaves (suspension). Key: Sonny Bill Williams. Roosters coach Trent Robinson was questioned about SBW's "quiet game" against the Cowboys despite running for 176m, making 32 tackles and having three offloads. God help the opposition when he is on song. Tip: Roosters
Last clash: Round 4 2012 - Storm 44 bt Roosters 4 at AAMI Park	Head to head: Roosters 11 Storm 13		Referees: Shayne Hayne, Ashley Klein
Roosters: Anthony Minichiello (capt), Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Luke O'Donnell, Jake Friend, Martin Kennedy, Mitchell Aubusson, Sonny Bill Williams, Boyd Cordner. Interchange: Daniel Mortimer, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Aidan Guerra, Lama Tasi.		Storm: Billy Slater, Sisa Waqa, Maurice Blair, Justin O'Neill, Mahe Fonua, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith, Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Jason Ryles, Tohu Harris, Junior Moors, Lagi Setu, Slade Griffin (one to be omitted).
$1.60	Odds		$2.40

	SEA EAGLES v RAIDERS
Brookvale Oval, Saturday 7.30pm AEST
On paper this appears a mis-match, but the battered Sea Eagles could be vulnerable. They've won just one of their past four matches, including back-to-back losses at Brookvale. Coupled with a short turnaround following Monday night's energy-sapping 90 minute draw in Melbourne, and this has all the hallmarks of an upset. Canberra have injury concerns over halfback Josh McCrone (hip). McCrone's exit in the first half of their loss to Cronulla had a big impact, although young gun Anthony Milford provides plenty of excitement off the bench. Key: For Canberra to win, they have to kill their slow starts. The Green Machine have led only twice at halftime this season. They're the comeback kings - but too often leave themselves one try too many to chase down. Tip: Sea Eagles
Last clash: Round 9 2012 - Sea Eagles 18 bt Raiders 12 at Brookvale Oval	Head to head: Sea Eagles 26 Raiders 17 drawn 1		Referees: Gavin Badger, Alan Shortall
Sea Eagles: Peta Hiku, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brenton Lawrence, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: David Gower, Tom Symonds, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose.		Raiders: Reece Robinson, Sandor Earl, Jack Wighton, Blake Ferguson, Edrick Lee, Terry Campese (capt), Josh McCrone, David Shillington, Shaun Berrigan, Brett White, Josh Papalii, Joel Thompson, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Anthony Milford, Joe Picker, Dane Tilse, Paul Vaughan, Sam Williams, Jarrad Kennedy, Jake Foster (three to be omitted).
$1.45	Odds		$2.85

	EELS v TITANS
Mudgee Stadium, Sunday 3.00pm AEST
The last time these two teams matched up, Parramatta blew a late-game lead and Ricky Stuart's post-match tirade at the referees cost him $10,000. The Titans snatched victory there, but have slipped away recently - losing heavily to Brisbane last round. But they received a slice of good fortune with second-rower David Taylor successfully having his dangerous contact charge downgraded at the judiciary, leaving him free to play. The Eels have been particularly strong at Parramatta Stadium this year, winning three from four, but they can't rely on that this week as this "home" game will be played in Mudgee. Key: Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne is a certainty to be named in Laurie Daley's Origin squad. He's in tremendous form, especially in defence, and the Titans will have their work cut out getting past him to the tryline. Tip: Titans
Last clash: Round 6 2013 - Titans 28 bt Eels 22 at Skilled Park	Head to head: Eels 9 Titans 6		Referees: Matt Cecchin, Gavin Reynolds
Eels: Jarryd Hayne (capt), Ken Sio, Api Pewhairangi, Jacob Loko, Vai Toutai, Luke Kelly, Chris Sandow, Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Fuifui Moimoi, Reni Maitua (capt), Matt Ryan, Peni Terepo. Interchange: Kaysa Pritchard, Junior Paulo, Joseph Paulo, Mitch Allgood, Brayden Wiliame (one to be omitted).		Titans: William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Takairangi, Jamal Idris, Anthony Don, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Luke Douglas, Mark Ioane, Ryan James, Sam Irwin, Luke O'Dwyer (one to be omitted).
$2.20	Odds		$1.70

	WARRIORS v KNIGHTS
Mt Smart Stadium, Sunday 2.00pm AEST
When Warriors coach Matt Elliott watches his side run out onto the field each week, even he mustn't be able to work out which team is actually getting ready to play. Will it be the razzle-dazzle unit who push the Melbourne Storm to the limit every time they play? Or the mob of misfits who were slaughtered by 56 points at Penrith last weekend? It's impossible to know. Mind you, the Knights are no easier to predict - their hammering of Canterbury last round was preceded by a thrashing at the hands of Canberra. Tread with caution when it comes to your tips here. Key: Shaun Johnson was hooked with half an hour to play against the Panthers. At his best, Johnson is one of the NRL's true entertainers. If he fires up, the Warriors can beat anyone. Tip: Knights
Last clash: Round 20 2012 - Knights 24 bt Warriors 19 at Mt Smart Stadium	Head to head: Warriors 13 Knights 15 drawn 1		Referees: Gerard Sutton, Luke Phillips
Warriors: Kevin Locke, Bill Tupou, Dane Nielsen, Ben Henry, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Nathan Friend, Russell Packer, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (capt), Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman, Elijah Taylor, Carlos Tuimavave, Glen Fisiiahi, Ngani Laumape, Pita Godinet (three to be omitted).		Knights: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Kurt Gidley (capt), Willie Mason, Robbie Rochow, Alex McKinnon, David Fa'alogo. Interchange: Travis Waddell, Neville Costigan, Adam Cuthbertson, Korbin Sims, Kevin Naiqama (one to be omitted).
$2.30	Odds		$1.65

	SHARKS v RABBITOHS
Sharks Stadium, Monday 7.00pm AEST
South Sydney have enjoyed an entirely smooth ride in their rise to the top of the NRL ladder this year. That all changed when star signing Ben Te'o was this week accused of assaulting a Brisbane woman. How that will impact their on-field form remains to be seen. But if there is one team in the competition who is aware of what a disruptive preparation can do to a team's form, it's Cronulla. But the Sharks appear to have managed to put the distracting ASADA investigation to one side for the time being, winning three straight games. Cronulla also welcome back Test stars Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis from injury. Key: This is one of Michael Maguire's biggest tests since returning to the NRL as a head coach. How he handles the group while Te'o's name remains in the headlines for the wrong reasons will determine whether or not the Bunnies can continue their terrific start to the year. Tip: Souths
Last clash: Round 2 2013 - Souths 14 bt Sharks 12 at ANZ Stadium	Head to head: Sharks 45 Souths 40 drawn 3		Referees: Ben Cummins, Brett Suttor
Sharks: Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Ben Pomeroy, Jonathan Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jayson Bukuya, Isaac De Gois, Anthony Tupou, Tyrone Peachey, Sam Tagatese (two to be omitted).		Rabbitohs: Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, Beau Champion, Dylan Walker, Bryson Goodwin, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi, Chris McQueen, Ben Te'o, Sam Burgess. Interchange: Nathan Peats, Jason Clark, Ben Lowe, Jeff Lima, Dave Tyrrell (one to be omitted).
$3.40	Odds		$1.33