The NRL Round Six Thread

[THE RED ROOSTER]

Round Six and there are a number of coin toss games coming up this round.

Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers (Thu)

For The Dogs, Bronson Xerri Comes in at Centre for the Injured Stephen Crichton.

For the Panthers Mitch Kenny returns dropping Freddy Lussick to the Bench.

Apparently, Nathan Cleary has not lost to the Bulldogs since 2019, and it is hard to see that changing with the form the Penny Panthers are in and remember the Panthers crushed the Dogs in the finals last season. It also true that the Galvin situation has still not resolved itself with now Matt Burton being shuffled around.

Tip – Panther

St George Illawarra v Manly Sea Eagles (Fri)

Played at Wollongong

For SGI, Tyrell Sloan who has been playing Full back in the NSW cup, comes in for the injured Clink Gutherson. Setu Tu in on the wing for David Fale. Kyle Flanagan returns in the halves for Lyhkan King-Togia and Toby Couchman replaces the benched Blake Lawrie.

Manly, Bring in Jason Saab for the benched Josh Feledy.

Normally I would always tip the Dragons at the ‘gong but these are not normal times, and I have been burned tipping the Dragons these past weeks. For Sure the Dragons need a win but fundamentally the halves combination is not good enough and the backline still lacks pace in addition to which Tyrell Sloan remains vulnerable under the high ball. Shane Flanagan may not wish to risk Kade Reed at this point in his career but may not have a choice before long.

I can remember a couple of seasons back being impressed by the Manly backline in a loss at Paramatta one week then seeing the same team comprehensively beaten at the ‘gong the following week \. The Silvertails have won 1 game out of 10 at Win stadium.

That said if the Manly forwards gain parity, Manly’ s backline can eviscerate the Dragons and let it not be forgotten that they need the points.

Tip – Sea Eagle

Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys (Fri) SKY

For the Bronx, Jessie Arthurs switches from the wing to fullback in place of the injured Reece Walsh and Josiah Karapani comes into the starting XII in Arthurs wing spot.

For North Queensland, Kai O’Donnell replaces Sam McIntypre in the Second Row.

Coming off the back of three consecutive wins against a Bronx team with doubts about Adam Reyniolds and with both Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt you might think the Cows never have a better chance to clock up a win at Suncorp.

But there are some things to bear in mind, firstly the Brisbane defence has been outstanding the past three games, secondly, Ezra Mam is in for the Bronx and finally, in respect of the Cows win they have been against, Gold Coast and the Dragons. This is a step up.

Tip – Coin flip but going Bronx.

South Sydney vs Canberra Raiders (sat)

Perth Game One

Souths see the return of Brandon Smith at hooker for the benched Bronson Garlick

Canberra sees Jed Stewart replace Xavier Savage on the wing.

Souths lose home advantage in this neutral site game and while probably might count on having the majority in the crowd barracking for them it is by no means certain. For Ricky’s Roving Raiders it’s getting near the point of no return for their premiership ambitions.

Souths now that they have sorted out their best combination of Jye Gray at Fullback and Latrell Mitchell in the centres and are stealthily moving up the table with a 4-1 record. Canberra by contrast, are being exposed defensively. Now as Ricky is my favourite coach, I would like to be able to post that this is the game Canberra turn things round but as a rugby realist I just do not see it.

Tip - Rabbit

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters (Sat) SKY

Perth Game 2

Cr9nulla bring in Mawene Hiroti for the injured Jessie Ramien.

The Roosters see the return of Victor Radley for the benched Ehan Butcher at Lock and Hugo Savala at Centre for Billy Smith.

If this game had been played at Shark Park in Woolloware then I would have tipped the Sharkies but it’s being played at a neutral venue and, as with the first game you have to consider the effects of travel and the loss of home advantage particularity in the crowd.

Curiously for such a highly touted team, The Roosters would probably regard it as more of a statement win to beast the Sharks than vice-versa. If you looked at the sides on paper the standout players would be on the Roosters side, but Cronulla are a settled side that play a as a team with everyone knowing their role within that team can you say the same about the Roosters with both DCE and Sam Walker used to being the main man?

Tip – Coin Flip but going Shark.

Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors (Sat). SKY

The Storm brings in Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown on the wing in place of the benched Moses Leo and Jack Howarth at Centre in place of the benched Manaia Waitere

The Wahs bring in Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves to replace the injured Luke Metcalf.

Whilst it is unconscionable to think that Melbourne could drop four in a row, there is a Fin de Siècle air about the Storm these days but you have to think that in the Victorian Capital the Storm will respond to last week’s thrashing though there is an interesting twist to this game in that the Wahs were 3-0 with Tanah Boyd and 0-2 with Tanah Boyd playing with Luke Metcalf. Now Metcalf is injured and Tanah Boyd the main man again will this mean that the Storm revert to early season form as the certainly have the forward power to challenge the Storm.

Tip – Closer than people think but Storm.

Paramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans (Sun)

 Paramatta bring in Araz Nanva on the wing for the Injured Bailey Simonsson, Will Penisini for the Injured Sean Rissel at Centre and Ronald Volkman for the injured Jonah Pezet in the halves.

Gold Coast are Unchanged.

Gold Coast will never have a better chance to turn over the battered Eels, with several players out and playing their fourth game on the bounce at Comms Babk. After his conduct towards the Ref in the Easter Monday game Mitchell Moses needs to be on his best behaviour but they still have the FOXX in their ranks.

This is a test of how far Gold Coast have come under Josh Hannay being the bookies favourite for the game and they pace aplenty in the backs. Defensively they are improved but as a side still prone to making unforced errors which a good side can capitalise on.

And what was not mentioned about Easter Monday’s classic was just how good the Parra defence was.

Tip – close game but tipping Eel.

West Tigers v Newcastle Knights

Played at Campbelltown

West Tigers bring in Jeral Skelton for Luke Laulilii on the Wing.

The Knights bring in Wilson De Courcey to replace the Injured Bradman Best at Centre.

I remember being at this game a few years ago in early season when the Knights defeated West’s it might have been Luai’s first year as a Tiger. Much as I am a fan of the direction of travel the Knights are going under Justin Holbrook, I do think that they have too many key players missing in this one For Wests, not only has the halves combination of Adam Doueihi and Jock Madden clicked but some of the ball handling by the Tigers in that game was reminiscent of the Tigers in 2005 when of course the current coach was the main man.

Tip – Tiger

Edited April 8 by THE RED ROOSTER

[Graham]

Yes, basically I agree with those selections… 

[Graham]

Anybody reading this thread who hasn’t had a go at our tipping competition, why not give it a go this week. Join in the fun and the challenge.

 

[Anita Bath]

1 hour ago, THE RED ROOSTER said:

Round Six and there are a number of coin toss games coming up this round.

Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers (Thu)

For The Dogs, Bronson Xerri Comes in at Centre for the Injured Stephen Crichton.

For the Panthers Mitch Kenny returns dropping Freddy Lussick to the Bench.

Apparently, Nathan Cleary has not lost to the Bulldogs since 2019, and it is hard to see that changing with the form the Penny Panthers are in and remember the Panthers crushed the Dogs in the finals last season. It also true that the Galvin situation has still not resolved itself with now Matt Burton being shuffled around.

Tip – Panther

St George Illawarra v Manly Sea Eagles (Fri)

Played at Wollongong

For SGI, Tyrell Sloan who has been playing Full back in the NSW cup, comes in for the injured Clink Gutherson. Setu Tu in on the wing for David Fale. Kyle Flanagan returns in the halves for Lyhkan King-Togia and Toby Couchman replaces the benched Blake Lawrie.

Manly, Bring in Jason Saab for the benched Josh Feledy.

Normally I would always tip the Dragons at the ‘gong but these are not normal times, and I have been burned tipping the Dragons these past weeks. For Sure the Dragons need a win but fundamentally the halves combination is not good enough and the backline still lacks pace in addition to which Tyrell Sloan remains vulnerable under the high ball. Shane Flanagan may not wish to risk Kade Reed at this point in his career but may not have a choice before long.

I can remember a couple of seasons back being impressed by the Manly backline in a loss at Paramatta one week then seeing the same team comprehensively beaten at the ‘gong the following week \. The Silvertails have won 1 game out of 10 at Win stadium.

That said if the Manly forwards gain parity, Manly’ s backline can eviscerate the Dragons and let it not be forgotten that they need the points.

Tip – Sea Eagle

Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys (Fri) SKY

For the Bronx, Jessie Arthurs switches from the wing to fullback in place of the injured Reece Walsh and Josiah Karapani comes into the starting XII in Arthurs wing spot.

For North Queensland, Kai O’Donnell replaces Sam McIntypre in the Second Row.

Coming off the back of three consecutive wins against a Bronx team with doubts about Adam Reyniolds and with both Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt you might think the Cows never have a better chance to clock up a win at Suncorp.

But there are some things to bear in mind, firstly the Brisbane defence has been outstanding the past three games, secondly, Ezra Mam is in for the Bronx and finally, in respect of the Cows win they have been against, Gold Coast and the Dragons. This is a step up.

Tip – Coin flip but going Bronx.

South Sydney vs Canberra Raiders (sat)

Perth Game One

Souths see the return of Brandon Smith at hooker for the benched Bronson Garlick

Canberra sees Jed Stewart replace Xavier Savage on the wing.

Souths lose home advantage in this neutral site game and while probably might count on having the majority in the crowd barracking for them it is by no means certain. For Ricky’s Roving Raiders it’s getting near the point of no return for their premiership ambitions.

Souths now that they have sorted out their best combination of Jye Gray at Fullback and Latrell Mitchell in the centres and are stealthily moving up the table with a 4-1 record. Canberra by contrast, are being exposed defensively. Now as Ricky is my favourite coach, I would like to be able to post that this is the game Canberra turn things round but as a rugby realist I just do not see it.

Tip - Rabbit

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters (Sat) SKY

Perth Game 2

Cr9nulla bring in Mawene Hiroti for the injured Jessie Ramien.

The Roosters see the return of Victor Radley for the benched Ehan Butcher at Lock and Hugo Savala at Centre for Billy Smith.

If this game had been played at Shark Park in Woolloware then I would have tipped the Sharkies but it’s being played at a neutral venue and, as with the first game you have to consider the effects of travel and the loss of home advantage particularity in the crowd.

Curiously for such a highly touted team, The Roosters would probably regard it as more of a statement win to beast the Sharks than vice-versa. If you looked at the sides on paper the standout players would be on the Roosters side, but Cronulla are a settled side that play a as a team with everyone knowing their role within that team can you say the same about the Roosters with both DCE and Sam Walker used to being the main man?

Tip – Coin Flip but going Shark.

Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors (Sat). SKY

The Storm brings in Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown on the wing in place of the benched Moses Leo and Jack Howarth at Centre in place of the benched Manaia Waitere

The Wahs bring in Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves to replace the injured Luke Metcalf.

Whilst it is unconscionable to think that Melbourne could drop four in a row, there is a Fin de Siècle air about the Storm these days but you have to think that in the Victorian Capital the Storm will respond to last week’s thrashing though there is an interesting twist to this game in that the Wahs were 3-0 with Tanah Boyd and 0-2 with Tanah Boyd playing with Luke Metcalf. Now Metcalf is injured and Tanah Boyd the main man again will this mean that the Storm revert to early season form as the certainly have the forward power to challenge the Storm.

Tip – Closer than people think but Storm.

Paramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans (Sun)

 Paramatta bring in Araz Nanva on the wing for the Injured Bailey Simonsson, Will Penisini for the Injured Sean Rissel at Centre and Ronald Volkman for the injured Jonah Pezet in the halves.

Gold Coast are Unchanged.

Gold Coast will never have a better chance to turn over the battered Eels, with several players out and playing their fourth game on the bounce at Comms Babk. After his conduct towards the Ref in the Easter Monday game Mitchell Moses needs to be on his best behaviour but they still have the FOXX in their ranks.

This is a test of how far Gold Coast have come under Josh Hannay being the bookies favourite for the game and they pace aplenty in the backs. Defensively they are improved but as a side still prone to making unforced errors which a good side can capitalise on.

And what was not mentioned about Easter Monday’s classic was just how good the Parra defence was.

Tip – close game but tipping Eel.

West Tigers v Newcastle Knights

Played at Campbelltown

West Tigers bring in Jeral Skelton for Luke Laulilii on the Wing.

The Knights bring in Wilson De Courcey to replace the Injured Bradman Best at Centre.

I remember being at this game a few years ago in early season when the Knights defeated West’s it might have been Luai’s first year as a Tiger. Much as I am a fan of the direction of travel the Knights are going under Justin Holbrook, I do think that they have too many key players missing in this one For Wests, not only has the halves combination of Adam Doueihi and Jock Madden clicked but some of the ball handling by the Tigers in that game was reminiscent of the Tigers in 2005 when of course the current coach was the main man.

Tip – Tiger

Titans unchanged despite the full back not being able to catch bombs. Its cost the team big time and the lads confidence is lower than a snakes belly. He didnt even leave the ground for some of the kicks last weekend. Its crying out for Brimson to move to fullback.

Expect a bombardment by Parra.

There is a bit of a feel of what do you have to do to be dropped by Hannay.

[Futtocks]

An aggressive start for the Dogs, and Kikau's try means the Panthers trail for only the second time this season.

[Futtocks]

McLean binned!

[Futtocks]

Kiraz in at the corner now. 

[Futtocks]

Hughes in by the post, converted for CAN 16:0 PEN.

[Futtocks]

A Bulldogs binning and two quick Panthers tries (Jenkins and Edwards), and it's beginning to look like business as usual.

[MZH]

The NRL really is just a touch and pass league these days isn't it. That might be the softest try I've ever seen.

[Futtocks]

Tom Jenkins with his sixth(!) consecutive try double, but Cleary hits the post and it is 16 all.

[Futtocks]

Galvin to Preston - try!

22:16

[Futtocks]

Preston spins through the defence and sends Tupouniua in!

28:16, but the Panthers have time to claw this game back if the Bulldogs go off the boil.

This is going to be a problem for those Jeremiahs in the press who have been talking up Penrith's dominance as a sign of doom for the NRL. Still, I'm sure they can waffle their way out of it, or pretend they never wrote what they wrote.

Edited April 9 by Futtocks

[Futtocks]

Nathan Cleary's 200th game has not gone according to plan.

[Futtocks]

Final score Canterbury 32:16 Penrith.

[THE RED ROOSTER]

Kudos to the Bulldogs while I did come on here and state in a previous thread I did not think the Penny Panthers were going to go through the season unbeaten. I certainly did not think it was going to be this game they came unstuck.

The NRL continues to provide shocks and controversy each week. and in a sense this works for Penrith in that any complancency at the club has now received a firm jolt back to reality.

[Futtocks]

Looks like another upset is not on the cards for the first Friday match.

[Futtocks]

26 minutes ago, Futtocks said:

Looks like another upset is not on the cards for the first Friday match.

Ooh, hang on a bit, though.

SGI 12:16 MAN at HT

[Graham]

Dragons getting best of penalties and six agains use it to apply pressure to score two tries that could have been three tries had there not been a knock on in the process of going over.

Edited April 10 by Graham

[Futtocks]

The Dragons briefly took the lead, but Manly capitalised on sustained pressure with a try of their own.

It is only 18:22 though.

[Graham]

Manly deserved their 10 point victory. Overall they were the better team.

Full Time

Dragons 18 - 28 Sea Eagles

 

[Graham]

Score Summary

L. Leilua 31, J. Liddle 36, S. Tu 45	Tries	R. Garrick 7, T. Trbojevic 16, R. Garrick 17, K. Hetherington 55, L. Hopoate 66
V. Holmes 33, V. Holmes 38, V. Holmes 47	Conversions	J. Fogarty 17, J. Fogarty 19, J. Fogarty 56, J. Fogarty 67

[Graham]

Cowboys ahead against Brisbane as we move towards half time.

Drinkwater has just extended their lead with a lovely try.

24-12 Cowboys

4 tries to two too.

[Futtocks]

The Dragons were a bit better than previous showings, albeit still too full of errors.

Setu Tu looks a likely young talent.

[Futtocks]

BRI 18:24 NQC at HT.

The Cowboys look like the better side overall, but the Broncos have dangerous moments.