By CASEY O’CONNOR
ROUND 14 threw the cat among the pigeons for this tipster and plenty of others. Upsets were the order of the round and the fallout from Origin II is set to impact on Round 15.
The Tigers upset many tipsters as they mauled the reigning premiers on Friday night. Without their Origin duo of Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah, the Tigers were expected to struggle. But it was the Bunnies who were under the pump as the Tigers controlled the game.
Martin Taupau was sensational for the Tigers. He scored two powerful tries and led the side with power and aggression through the middle.
While the win was a boost to the side and their supporters, there was more unsettling news early this week from the Tigers den as the board announced the resignation of CEO Grant Mayer. Jason Taylor seems to have found the key to this talented young side. Hopefully, the recent boardroom antics are not a distraction as they prepare to take on Manly at Brookvale.
Manly are still basking in the afterglow of the DCE signing. While they may have their man, there is still unrest in the nest. Rumours persist about the future of embattled coach Geoff Toovey and must be taking a toll on players and coach. I can see back-to -back wins here for the Tigers.
On Saturday, the all conquering Cowboys face a big test when they take on Canberra in the capital. The Raiders have been building momentum and have climbed to ninth on the ladder with expectations of a top-eight finish. Blake Austin is proving one of the signings of the season. His form at five-eighth has been outstanding.
The Cowboys notched up a perfect 10 when they played an amazing get-out-of-jail card to beat Parramatta. While the outside emphasis has been on the Origin stars, coach Paul Green who has re-signed for three years has been working to improve his side’s right edge defence. Much will depend on post Origin fitness, but this is the perfect opportunity for Ricky’s boys to grab another win here.
Who needs DCE – that was message after the Titans win over the Bulldogs. The Gold Coast is undoubtedly the most resilient and perhaps the toughest side in the NRL. After a season where anything and everything has gone awry, they let their football do the talking, and it spoke volumes about the players and their attitude. Both sides were down on troops sans Origin, but in the end the Titans out bulldogged the Bulldogs in a get down and dirty grind. This week they host the unpredictable Warriors who blew their chances against the Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium.
Warriors Manu Vatuvei created a milestone becoming the first player to score 10 or more tries in 10 consecutive seasons, but it was not enough to give the Warriors a win.
The Warriors controlled the game, leading 14-0 at one point. How often have we seen it – NZ were their own worst enemy. They let in soft tries and invited the Roosters to the party. It spelt the end of their brief spell in the top eight. The Titans welcome back their Origin players and should continue their scramble to remain in the top eight.
The vanquished Bulldogs will be looking for redemption when they travel to Panthers territory on Saturday. Des Hasler has been doing some howling about Origin, but is he merely deflecting criticism away from the Doggies?
Hasler will have his Origin stars back in the kennel this week, however they were not beaten by the Titans because of the absent contingent. The Dogs fielded a huge side but discovered speed and stealth sometimes out gun sheer strength. The Panthers hold a narrow lead in the head-to-head clashes between the two teams however the Dogs have current bragging rights.
Penrith is suffering from the scourge of injury. It is uncertain whether five eighth Jamie Soward has recovered sufficiently from the shoulder injury suffered against the Eels to play in this game. Penrith are tenacious but I think the Dogs have plenty to prove to themselves and will get a win here.
On Sunday, the Knights host the Sharks at Hunter Stadium. Both sides are looking for consistency in the back half of the season.
The Knights released centre Joey Leilua this week. Whether this has a positive effect on the playing group is to be seen.
In hindsight, Cronulla’s win over the Roosters should come as no surprise.
They are an experienced hard-nosed team who can graft and grind wins. They have the champion’s niggler Michael Ennis in their ranks and could get under the skin of their opposition. It was a well executed win and if they bring their A Game to Hunter Stadium should leave with the points.
Origin II is sure to have a say in the result of the Melbourne Storm Brisbane game. Melbourne fielded their youngest ever side and did not disgrace against the Eels earning praise from their coach who is a task master. Things step up a notch for them here. The Broncos are experienced at dealing with Origin fallout. Ben Hunt has been leading the Broncos around the paddock in fine form, and they look to have the depth in their ranks to counter any issues that arise post Origin.
To win here, the Broncos must overcome their Melbourne misery having not beaten the home side since Round 9 of 2010. Despite that stat, I think Brisbane will notch up another win here but it will be tough.
There will be pride not just points on the line when the Roosters and Dragons go head to head on Monday night in the final game of round 15. The two sides last met in the traditional Anzac Day clash and the Dragons came away victorious.
At their last outing, the Dragons went down to the Cronulla but there was much to like about their performance. Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop worked brilliantly together and are becoming a lethal combination. Against the Sharks, the Dragons goal line defence was at times brittle and they cannot offer the Roosters any opportunities this week.
It should have been game over at halftime in the Roosters Warriors clash, however the tri colours managed to get back into the game. They were forced to come from 14-nil down, and despite fewer attacking opportunities they snatched a win.
Origin representatives from both sides have a good recovery period, and there will be no Origin excuses here. The Dragons hold a slight advantage in the head-to-head clashes, and I think they might breathe fire into this game and come away with another two points to cement their spot in the top four.
Casey’s tips
Tigers
Raider
Titans
Bulldogs
Sharks
Broncos
Dragons
