Tag: preview

Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans Round 8 Preview

Posted on by Sam Alexander

What: NRL Round 8
Who: Wests Tigers v Gold Coast
When: Sunday 27th April – 3pm
Where: Leichhardt Oval
I Can Watch It On: Channel Nine

Form Guide
WT – LWWLWWW
GC – WLWWWWL

Things You Need To Know:
Human wrecking ball James Gavet is a huge loss for the Tigers, the enforcer dropping out with a hamstring injury. Sitaleki Akauola is on the bench to accommodate the return of Liam Fulton.
The Titans’ only change is Mark Ioane coming in for the suspended Matt White. Surprisingly William Zillman is still out of the side after reports he was training last week.

Reason To Watch:
Two (surprise) heavyweights go head to head with the Tigers coming off three wins and playing their best footy in recent seasons. The Titans are firming in premiership contention after a 5-2 start to the season. The Tigers always aim up at Leichhardt, and their 42-12 win over the Titans earlier this season shouldn’t be brushed aside.

Reason To Turn Away:
Just when the Tigers thought they’d never hear of him again, Benji arrives home asking for forgiveness from the rugby league brethren. He won’t be in black and gold again but the mere mention of his name is guaranteed to start a blue in Tigertown.

Say What:
“I’m not getting ahead of myself – the coaching staff know it’s a long haul getting to the semis.” – Mick Potter is keeping it real despite the Tigers’ great start to 2014.

Final Word:
Recent form and home ground advantage will get the Wests Tigers across the line – but only just. WT by 6.

Sam Alexander

Story published on sportal – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314088/nrl

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