Category: Sportal

North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels Round 8 Preview

Posted on by Sam Alexander

What: NRL Round 8
Who: North Queensland v Parramatta
When: Saturday April 26 – 5.30pm
Where: 1300Smiles Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports

Form guide:
Cows: WLLLWLL
Eels: WLLWWWL

Things You Need To Know:
Ray Thompson shifts to halfback for Robert Lui who has been dumped to reserve grade. Rookie Kyle Feldt also finds himself on the outer, making way for Kane Linnett.
Following the Eels’ heart-breaking loss last week, Brad Arthur has only made one change with back rower Pauli Pauli moving into the starting line up. Peni Terepo shifts to the bench. Kenny Edwards is set for a lengthy stint in the injury ward following a fracture to his hand, with reports that he could miss 4-6 weeks. The Cowboys have won their past three against Parra.

Reason To Watch:
When the Eels are in this sort of form, they are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the competition. Jarryd Hayne is in irresistible touch while we’re enjoying Chris Sandow’s revival.

Reason To Turn Away:
The only thing turning away NRL fans recently is the constant refereeing blunders. The match officials look like they are controlling the game with zero confidence. Both these teams copped raw deals last start. Maybe steer clear of the post-match press conference – it could prove ugly if there is another contentious issue.

Say What:
“Our fans want to know they are getting a fair rub of green.” – Paul Green following last week’s controversial loss to the Eagles. Surely the old NSW conspiracy theory won’t fire up again will it?

Final Word:
Parramatta has blown away better sides than North Queensland this year, so be wary of discounting them. The Cowboys showed their potential last week against Manly but they continue to blow hot and cold and butchered another potential win – with considerable help from the video refs. Eels by 8.

Sam Alexander

Published on sportal – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314085/nrl

Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks Round 7 Preview

Posted on by Sam Alexander
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What: NRL Round 7
Who: Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters
When: Saturday April 19 – 7.30pm
Where: Remondis Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports

Form guide:
Cron: LLLLWL
Roosters: LWWLLL

Things You Need To Know:
Both sides come into round seven with the less said about their recent form the better. The Sharks’ only change is Jonathan Wright in for Nathan Stapleton on the wing. Enforcers Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis and Anthony Tupou are still missing, leaving obvious holes in their go forward. Although there is a whisper Tupou might return. Daniel Mortimer and Dylan Napa are added to an extended bench for the Roosters, who are looking to break a three match losing streak.

Reason To Watch:
James Maloney’s form has come under the microscope and he will be primed to turn things around. His NSW jumper may hinge on him doing so

Reason To Turn Away:
Other than the fact that both sides have left a lot to be desired in recent fixtures, there’s also the question of Todd Carney’s new Eminem-style haircut, making him stand out for all the wrong reasons against Manly. Carney only put a huge target on his back. Between a mix of a below par performance and his new ‘style’, critics were more than happy to pounce on the enigmatic five-eighth. Why give them added ammunition?

Say What:
“We need to be a lot better. It was embarrassing for us, that first half … (I am) terribly disappointed. As far as energy levels goes, other teams have enthusiasm and we don’t have it week to week,” – Sharks coach Peter Sharp sums up Cronulla’s woes in brutal fashion.

Final Word:
Although the Roosters have had a modest start to the season, they are still a genuine premiership side. The time has come for them to hit their straps and to put it simply; they are too tough for the Sharks. Cronulla’s recent form speaks for itself. Roosters by 18.

Sam Alexander

Find the preview published at http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314075/nrl

Farah Injured as Tigers Maul Cowboys

Posted on by Sam Alexander
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An elbow injury to Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah soured his side’s 16-4 victory over North Queensland at Campbelltown Stadium.

What: NRL Round 6
Who: Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys
Result: Tigers 16-4
When and Where: Saturday April 12, Campbelltown Stadium – 7.30pm
Match Rating: 6/10

80 Minutes in 80 Seconds: The Tigers’ great win has been overshadowed by the departure of captain Robbie Farah who left the field in the dying minutes nursing a hyper extended elbow. The injury wasn’t pretty – early reports suggest he may have dislocated it – and comes on the back of a serious ankle injury to full-back James Tedesco last week. The Cowboys were completely outclassed in a match where the Tigers dominated possession and field position. Johnathan Thurston won the first round of his duel with Luke Brooks, scooping up a Brooks error and sending Brent Tate over. Things were looking good for the Cowboys but errors proved costly as they let the hosts back into the game. Farah called for ‘more energy’ at half-time and the Tigers certainly delivered, sealing their fourth win of the season.

Who Killed It? Robbie Farah produced a brilliant captains knock before the injury. He controlled the game beautifully, picking up a try through some super vision at dummy half and setting up another for rookie half Blake Austin. James Gavet was a standout off the bench, making crunching tackles and some barnstorming runs.

Who Stank It Up? Rookie fullback Michael Morgan had yet another rough night, rarely looking comfortable under the high ball. In the moments you would expect the experience of Johnathan Thurston to pull through; it was nowhere to be found. Thurston’s most prominent failure being when he butchered a certain try on the back of a Brent Tate line break.

What Do I Need To Know? Martin Taupau limped off the field in the 40th minute with a hip flexor injury along with Kurtis Rowe who was later replaced at fullback by Tim Simona. Antonio Winterstein’s hamstring injury in the 63rd minute looked ugly and the flying winger could find himself in some trouble.

Look Out Up Ahead: The hot-and-cold Cowboys take on the dangerous Sea Eagles Friday night at Brookvale Oval. Wests Tigers are against the rampaging Eels in a Monday night match up at Parramatta.

Check out the review published on sportal.com.au http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/robbie-farah-injured-in-wests-tigers-victory/1p292rwdcdlmh1wrwbaknxdgjs

Titans Upset Storm in Thriller

Posted on by Sam Alexander
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Melbourne Storm have suffered their second straight defeat with a 28-26 loss to the Gold Coast Titans in their NRL clash at AAMI Park.
What: NRL Round 5
Who: Melbourne Storm v Gold Coast Titans
Result: Titans 28-26
When and Where: Sunday April 6 – AAMI Park
Crowd: 11,930
Match Rating: 8/10

80 MINUTES IN 80 SECONDS
This one see-sawed thoughout before ending in a nail-biter. Sisa Waqa’s 7th minute try set the tone for the match up, with the Titans hitting back in the 15th minute through a Kevin Gordon four pointer and again in the 18th minute thanks to a Brad Tighe try. The Titans opened up a handy lead but the Storm fought their way back to level at 26-all in the dying stages. A contentious late penalty goal saw the Titans sneak home for a memorable win – and pole position on the competition table.

WHO KILLED IT
Cooper Cronk had a massive impact on his side’s performance just when they needed an experienced head to lead the troops. Unfortunately for the Storm it wasn’t enough as an inspired Titans outfit, led by Albert Kelly, proved impossible to see off. Special mention to Sisa Waqa and David Mead for standout performances on the wing. Brad Takairangi’s crunching defence, continually shutting down Ryan Hoffman, also deserves praise.

WHO STUNK IT UP?
Although his overall performance was not bad, Ryan Hinchcliffe will be feeling horrible after conceding the penalty that led to the Titans winning conversion.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
Dayne Weston was placed on report following a crusher tackle.

WHAT THE?
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will be ropeable after a suspect penalty went the Titans’ way in the dying minutes, gifting them the win through a last minute goal, nailed by Greg Bird.

LOOK OUT UP AHEAD
The inspired Titans take on neighbours Brisbane on the Gold Coast on Friday, while the Melbourne Storm will be looking to bounce back against the Dragons at AAMI Park on Monday.

Sam Alexander

Published on sportal.com.au – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans-upset-melbourne-storm-with-last-gasp-penalty/1q7do123jjq361bkleu3uimmtt

Snake lingers as Titans down Cowboys

Posted on by Sam Alexander
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What: NRL Round 4
Who: North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans
Result: Titans 13-12
When and Where: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Crowd: 9482
Match Rating: 6/10

80 MINUTES IN 80 SECONDS
We told you to watch out if the Cowboys scored first considering their tendency to get points on the board early, only to drop like flies. Well, they certainly kept tradition going. The Cowboys came out flying with an early try to Johnathan Thurston following a Robert Lui high ball, but it was all downhill from there. With the Cowboys consistently butchering chances in the opposition 20, and a very sloppy exchange between both sides, it was shaping up to be a long night.
Kevin Gordon’s first try (courtesy of a Michael Morgan shocker) set the tone for the Titans who kept the momentum going, which soon led to Brad Tighe bagging a four pointer.
And the Cowboys, well it’s safe to say they had a shocker. They showed unbelievable consistency, all for the wrong reasons. The Cowboys threw away possession in the first or second tackle, nearly every set. A completion rate of 25/47 sums it up for the Cowboys. Unbelievably they scored a Hail Mary try after the siren, but that didn’t stop JT giving the boys an absolute spray before converting the two. They allowed an extremely average Titans side to roll over them.

WHO KILLED IT
It was hard to find a standout in such an ugly contest, but man-of-the-match Aidan Sezer did the job for his team. Both Titans tries came from his boot, and then he sealed the match with a cool as they come field goal. Albert Kelly was also a standout, always looking dangerous in attack, often seen haring down field.

WHO STUNK IT UP
There were more than a few Cowboys who should be featuring in this section, but Michael Morgan and Kyle Feldt come on down. Their blunders led to both Titans tries. But they shouldn’t feel too bad – most of the Cowboys were woeful.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
Paul Green’s Cowboys side are going to be a tough one to pick this season, continuing their hot and cold form.

WHAT THE?
Spectators were astounded to see a 1m brown snake take the field in the 13th minute as it occupied the south-east corner. No wonder the crowd was sparse in that area.

LOOK OUT UP AHEAD
The hot and cold Cowboys take on the Knights at 1300SMILES Stadium Monday night, while the Titans look to continue their winning form against the Storm at AAMI Park on Sunday.

Sam Alexander

http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/snake-lingers-as-titans-down-cowboys/1jvnpy901jply1509bycb2ge3d

Eagles Edge Lacklustre Roosters

Posted on by Sam Alexander
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What: NRL Round 4
Who: Manly Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters
Result: Manly 8-0
When and Where: Friday, March 28  – Allianz Stadium
Crowd: 14,902
Match Rating: 7/10

80 Minutes in 80 Seconds:
The Eagles have done it again. Not even the loss of enforcer Glenn Stewart could stop the rampaging Sea Eagles who won yet another hard-fought battle. In a game where they dominated possession, with an 11-2 penalty count and 51% off possession, it’s hard to say they didn’t deserve it. The woeful completion rate of 17/33 didn’t offer any help for the Roosters either.  It was quite obvious why these two were in the grand final last year, and they picked up where they left off. Roosters fans will feel the refs were against them, and who can blame them, but standout performances from Daly Cherry-Evans and Steve Matai sealed the win.
Who Killed It:
It’s hard to go past Daly Cherry-Evans in this one. His brilliant vision, playmaking and never-say-die attitude has shaped him into the superstar he is today. His desperate try-saving tackle on Boyd Cordner in the fifth minute showed was outstanding and really set the tone for the Manly boys. Matai was also a standout, most notably having a hand in Cheyse Blair’s try in the corner through distributing a brilliant pass for the Extradited Eel to go diving over.

Who Stank It Up:
In a game where his team needed him to stand up, Michael Jennings found himself suffocated out wide. Jennings only made 8 runs for 50 metres. Although he finished with a solid 20 tackles, he didn’t offer that attacking genius he possesses, in which we have seen him tear backlines apart. Roosters’ fans will see the referees as the biggest mishap, but their lack of discipline was ultimately their downfall.

What Do I Need To Know:
One incident led to a huge blow for both sides with a Jared Waerea-Hargreaves high shot on Glenn Stewart landing both influential players in hot water. Waerea-Hargreaves was put on report for the shot that left Stewart dazed and requiring medical attention which ultimately led him off the field due to the new concussion guidelines. Given his record, Waerea-Hargreaves could struggle to get out of this one.

Look Up Ahead:
The hot and cold Roosters outfit takes on the Bulldogs, Friday night at home. The Sea Eagles play Wests Tigers in a classic Sunday afternoon fixture at Leichhardt Oval.

NRL Round 3 Preview Cowboys v Warriors

Posted on by Sam Alexander
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What: NRL Round 3
Who: Cowboys v Warriors
When: Saturday, March 22 – 8.00PM (QLD Time)
Where: 1300SMILES Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports

Form guide:
Cowboys: WL
Warriors: LL

Things You Need To Know: Notoriously strong at home, the Cowboys will be coming into the match looking to bounce back from their disappointing Round 2 loss against neighbours Brisbane Broncos. The Warriors will be searching for some form following two big losses to start the season, both against slightly lacklustre line-ups of the Dragons and Eels. Cowboys’ enforcer Tariq Sims moves into the starting line-up, while Glenn Hall shifts back to the bench. The Warriors receive a massive boost in the return of rampaging winger Manu Vatuvei, while Sione Lousi joins the bench. Konrad Hurrell wears the number 18 jersey with Ben Henry (knee, round 10) and David Fusitua out of the side.

Reason To Watch: The Shaun Johnson factor. After a quiet start to the season, dynamic half-back Johnson is due to deliver one of his memorable standout performances for the Warriors this week. Johnsons attack leaves players, and spectators, speechless. His impact can be just what the Warriors need to overcome their losing ways. However, it really is going to have a standout performance, as the Cowboys at home are going to be one monstrous task to overcome

Reason To Turn Away: If you’re a NSW fan, the only thing you will take out of this game is seeing two rampaging, rival forward packs tearing shreds out of each other. Furthermore, there is also the fact that there will be some serious cross-town talent on display, with high-profile outsiders Johnathan Thurston, Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins all displaying their immense talent, that sadly, will never grace a New South Wales origin team.

Say What: “Shaun Johnson is a freak. He’s the reason why people come through the gates and if we are 5 or 10 per cent off our game, he will make sure we get beaten again.” – Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston as he prepares for his much anticipated duel with Shaun Johnson.

Final Word: Shaping up to be an absolute cracker of a match between two very exciting attacks, the X-Factors from each side are going to play a massive part in their team’s performance. Players like brutal forward Jason Taumalolo, who has been in remarkable form this season, and hard hitting back-rower Tariq Sims are going to have to do the dirty work in the middle for the Cowboys. Warrior’s marquee men Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins will need to link together, using their influence in attack to give their team a chance. Slightly favouring the Cowboys, with a home ground advantage and some steady on-field form they are looking just too tough for the Warriors, who will be playing their first game in North Queensland since Round 23, 2012.

http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/nrl-round-3-preview-north-queensland-cowboys-v-new-zealand-warriors/11550lb4s08ib1ebi182o62yu2

 

NRL Round 4 Preview Eels v Panthers

Posted on by Sam Alexander
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Things You Need To Know:
Following a nail-biting win over the Bulldogs, the Panthers will be looking to build on that momentum. The Eels have endured an interesting start; a strong win over the Warriors, a huge loss to the Roosters, and a heart breaking last minute loss to the Sea Eagles. Chris Sandow makes his return in place of Luke Kelly. Ken Sio comes in on the wing in place of Vai Toutai and Joseph Paulo moves into the starting side in place of Ben Smith. Mitchell Allgood makes his return on the bench. The Panthers only have one change with boom halfback Peter Wallace reforming his prosperous new partnership with Jamie Soward, in place of Isaac John.

Reason To Watch:
All eyes will be on Chris Sandow as he steps back into the spotlight in his return to first grade. Sandow will be put to the test against Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward. Look out for Fijian bulldozer Semi Radradra as well…just don't go getting in his way.

Reason To Turn Away:
If you’re an Eels fan, this one could be ugly. Although the Eels have been playing some exciting footy, and have some brilliant attacking options, their inconsistency could prove to be their downfall Sandow’s return from an eight-month exile, designed to ignite the Eels, also has the potential to de-rail their chances.

Say What:
"To see him (Sandow) back in first grade will be good for the whole team…I know he’s been working really hard on his game” Parramatta teammate Willie Tonga on $500,000 a season halfback Chris Sandow’s return to first grade.

Final Word:
Comparing the form of the two outfits this season, the Panthers are looking just too hard to beat. Their footy has been brilliant, both in attack and defence, and they are shaping up to be top four bolters. Who knows what the Eels will dish up this Saturday, but it's the Panthers for us. Penrith by 10.

http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314043/nrl

NRL Round 4 Preview Warriors v Tigers

Posted on by Sam Alexander
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What: NRL Round 4
Who: New Zealand Warriors v Wests Tigers
When: Saturday 29th of March – 3:00pm
Where: Westpac Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports
Form guide:
Warriors: LLW
Tigers: LWW

Things You Need To Know:
Coming off a spectacular away win, the Warriors will be bubbling with confidence coming in to this match. The combination of Shaun Johnson and new partner Chad Townsend proved pivotal in their win last week. Thomas Leuluai comes on to the bench in place of Feleti Mateo, while damaging forward Sione Lousi moves into the starting line-up for the Warriors. Cory Paterson makes his turn to the NRL in place of the injured Liam Fulton. Tim Simona won't play but Chris Lawrence is back.

Reason To Watch:
Young dynamic playmaker Luke Brooks, and his partnership with fellow excitement machine James Tedesco will be one to keep an eye on in this contest. Brooks will be looking to show why he is one of the brightest prospects in the game, up against Shaun Johnson and Chad Townsend.

Reason To Turn Away:
Highly dependent on the weather, fixtures in New Zealand can be hopelessly sloppy, and with the two sides having attack as their strength this match could be one continuing arm-wrestle over possession. Keep an eye on the forecast and find out if this one will live up to its expectation of being one of the great attacking showpieces.

Say What:
"It is like watching Langer and Walters together and some of the great combinations, they are on the same wavelength, they know what each other is going to do." Andrew Johns on the promising combination of Brooks and Tedesco, going on to say "I just hope they play their whole career out together."

Final Word:
With two extremely attacking line-ups going head to head, points on the board are almost a certainty. The Warriors at home are notorious for being difficult to beat, but they have proved to be very hot and cold this season, losing their first two matches by considerable margins and winning the one most expected them to lose. The Tigers showed last week they are no pushover, beating the Rabbitohs in a tough contest. This is an extremely tough match to pick, however the Warriors at home are hard to overlook. Warriors by 6.

http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314045/nrl