Weekly round up NRL 2013

[Amobokoboko]

Hi team,

To add a bit of spice to this sub forum we decided to write a weekly round up for each round. With a wee delay . I will cover round 5 which will start on Friday. With the help of NRL.com this is the result so far. I will try to find a spark of creativity and share my thoughts with you during the coming days. Sit back, enjoy the read and the footy:



Bulldogs v Sea Eagles - ANZ Stadium 7:35pm 5/4/13


At the Bulldogs, the suspension of Krisnan Inu opens up a chance for Tim Lafai , who was quite a handy scorer when given his chance last year. Tim Browne joins the bench, pushing David Klemmer to the extended bench.

The Sea Eagles made a couple of chances, most notably sticking with the starting 13 from the Tigers victory, with Tom Symonds starting a lock in place of Jamie Buhrer . Richie Fa'aoso returns on the bench as David Gower drops back to NSW Cup, while Brenton Lawrence holds his starting spot ahead of Jason King .

***ans v Broncos - Skilled Park - 7:35pm 5/4/13

The ***ans have named the same team as originally last week, with Ashley Harrison at lock and Brad Takairangi in the centres. Luke O'Dwyer and Steve Michaels are both added on an extended bench after performing well against Penrith.

The Broncos also name the same starting 13 as last week, with Justin Hodges there despite a lingering hamstring injury and Sam Thaiday named pending a judiciary hearing on Wednesday evening. Should the skipper be unsuccessful, the stocks of Corey Parker are sure to rise,along with bench options David Hala , Dunamis Lui and Scott Anderson .

Eels v Sharks - Parramatta Stadium 5:30pm 6/4/13

The Eels have named an unchanged side despite a heavy loss to the Roosters last weekend.

The Sharks have made a couple of key changes, with Todd Carney missing with a foot injury, replaced by Chad Townsend . While Townsend performed well last year, that was as goal kicker and central focus of attack. Matt Wright drops out of the side, with Jonathan Wright moving to the centres and Nathan Stapleton on the wing. John Morris is again starting at hooker.

Cowboys v Panthers - 1300SMILES Stadium 6:30pm 6/4/13


The Cowboys recall Glenn Hall to the second row with Jason Taumalolo dropping to the bench. Kalifa Faifai Loa is again on the wing in place of Ashley Graham . Tariq Sims is also on the bench after being a late inclusion last week, while Anthony Mitchell can't find a place on the bench with Rory Kostjaysn taking his place in jersey 14.

The Panthers have made significant changes, with Blake Austin at halfback alongside Tom Humble who has a price rise ahead of him. Luke Walsh is dropped to NSW Cup, but Humble is the man to be on as he is most likely to control the team and is in good form. Clint Newton is on the bench, with Nathan Smith not even in the squad, while Cameron Ciraldo is again at lock.

Dragons v Knights - WIN Jubilee Oval 3:00pm 7/4/13

St George Illawarra have an unchanged starting 13, with Jack Stockwell retaining a spot in the front row in the absence of Michael Weyman . Chase Stanley takes his place in the centres, while Daniel Vidot is on the extended bench. Trent Merrin is still the main man for the Red V. Mitch Rein is one to look at, with back-up hooker Cameron King suffering an injury.

The Knights have gone with the same 17 who took on the Raiders last week, with Kurt Gidley named at hooker and Danny Buderus on the bench. Alex McKinnon is again in the centres while Timana Tahu is the only addition on an extended bench. Two-try hero Adam Cuthbertson is on the bench and has a negative break-even, but Korbin Sims misses out.

Warriors v Rabbitohs - Mt Smart Stadium 4:00pm 7/4/13

The Warriors have named the same 17 that defeated the Cowboys at home last Sunday, with Nathan Friend at hooker and Feleti Mateo back starting in the second row. Ngani Laumape is again on the wing for his third game, while Glen Fisiiahi , Manu Vatuvei and Sebastine Ikahihifo are all on an extended bench. Look for Jacob Lillyman to replace Ben Matulino in the starting lineup, as Matt Elliott did last weekend.

The Rabbitohs have made some very interesting changes in their forward pack, with Sam Burgess shifting to lock replacing captain Michael Crocker who is on the extended bench. David Tyrrell is starting at prop in place of Burgess, as Jeff Lima moves to the bench.

Raiders v Roosters - Canberra Stadium 6:30pm 7/4/13

The Raiders have made a couple of forced changes this week, with Blake Ferguson out with a broken cheekbone, replaced by Jack Wighton in the centres and Edrick Lee coming onto the wing. Joel Thompson returned on the bench last week, and starts ahead of Joel Edwards this week, while Matt McIllwrick takes Shaun Berrigan's spot on the bench.

The Roosters have made one change to the team that demolished the Eels on Monday night, with Frank-Paul Nuuausala out with a knee injury, replaced by Boyd Cordner at lock, and Mitch Aubusson starting in the second row.

Storm v Tigers - AAMI Park 7:00pm 8/4/13

The Storm have named the same starting 13 that defeated Brisbane on Good Friday, with Slade Griffin and Junior Moors added to the bench. Tohu Harris continues to be one of the better players so far this year, and will be heavily involved again.

The Tigers have made a couple of key changes to the their side, with halfback Jacob Miller dropped to NSW Cup, replaced by Braith Anasta . Bodene Thompson has been named in the second row to replace Anasta for his first game of 2013. Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah will shoulder the majority of the playmaking workload, the latter particularly with no back-up named on the bench.

 

[Amobokoboko]

A new week and plenty of footie on the schedule. This week we're in for a real treat.</SPAN>

On Friday The Broncos take on the Cowboys. Both teams bounced back last week after having suffered a loss in Round 4. Cowboys are my favourites for this one. Broncos missing Faiday and the Cowboys their halfback Lui. I'm expecting a big game from Thurston and Tamou.</SPAN>

The second game on Friday will be a massive one. The SBW shows continues and will face the mighty Ben Barba. Both teams suffered a loss in their previous game. Although I rate the roosters a bit higher than the Bulldogs it will be an explosive game with plenty of offensive power. SBW said in an article last week that he's aiming to be back in the Kiwi's squad for the ANZAC Test match and he's playing better and better every. On the other side there is Barba, getting slowly back into his old game.
</SPAN>
Saturday the Knights take on the Panthers, not really a tempting headliner (especially with the early Chiefs –Reds game). Both teams also having suffered a loss last weekend, so both sides have plenty to prove. Especially the Panthers after their 30-0 defeat to the Cowboys. </SPAN>

Raiders v Warriors, I'm already hyped while typing this. The Green Machine did a marvellous come back last week to secure a win in the final minutes of the game by overrunning the Roosters. The Warriors also had a big game against the Rabbitohs but lost it due to a handling error. Though the scoreboard tells differently, the Warriors had an impressive game. They pulled a big come back like they did the week before, scoring tries and Johnson kicking with a steady boot. Warriors for this one. Although if Shillington has his moment you never know….</SPAN>

Clash of the ***ans: Rabbitohs v Storm. Inglis vs Slater. This could be the NRL final of 2013. Both teams having won all their games in an impressive way, both offensively as defensively. This game just speaks for itself and the only thing I can add, just watch and enjoy it to the fullest.</SPAN>

On Sunday, after having recuperated from a big Saturday night, the Seas Eagles take on the Sharks. The Sharks are having a 50/50 season so a big win against the Eagles should boost their self-confidence.</SPAN>

Second game of Sunday are the Tigers against the Dragons. Normally I back up the Tigers but as the brilliant spark that people call: Benji Marshall is injured with a toe injury. This game could go both ways. Tigers lost last week to the Storm, although playing well. Skipper Robbie Farrah was disappointed in the result and will be leading his man in attack.</SPAN>

***ans v Eels. Last game of this week. Eels won their last game and are on a high. They played well and I hope they continue their winning streak. The ***ans lost their previous game and will be looking for an easy win. I really cross my fingers and I'm hoping for some Big Fuifui hits.</SPAN>

 

[Amobokoboko]

An interesting read that I wanted to share:

[h=1]Set of Six: Last placed Warriors head to graveyard[/h]<SCRIPT>$('#headlineCommentTools').centerAgainst('#commentHeadline');</SCRIPT>
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By Justis Kamu <!-- -->
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Simon Mannering of the Warriors and the team look on during the round 5 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Photo / Getty Images.

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Do the Warriors stand any chance of winning at Canberra graveyard? Justis Kamu looks at the Warriors' upcoming game, along with the six key issues in the NRL.

1. Canberra Raiders v NZ Warriors
(a) Canberra graveyard
All clubs hate travelling to Canberra graveyard, sorry Canberra Stadium. The Warriors have only once left the Australia's capital still breathing with a victory, way back in 1997. Since then it's been 16 years without a win for the Auckland club who have been buried each time they've been back on 10 visits.
(b) Welcome back Terry Campese
The Raiders will be buoyed by the return of their captain Terry Campese who has been out of action for 12 months. He's had a number of injuries to overcome including two knee reconstructions and a serious groin injury that has seen him in and out of the doctor's clinic for the past three years. He may not play at the NSW/Australia representative level that he did three years ago but the standoff will bring enthusiasm and experience to a side that is riding high after last week's comeback 24-22 victory over the Sydney Roosters.
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(c) Key Warriors to improve
Thomas Leuluai
Matt Elliott will persist with Leuluai at halfback although his talents seem suited better to playing from dummy-half. His kicking game hasn't been flash unlike his time at Wigan where at times he looked like he was playing with a round ball. If he is to offer a secondary threat out of the halves he needs to hold on to the ball and run at the defence. He only made 10 metres with the ball in hand against the Rabbitohs
Simon Mannering
Captain reliable is slowly churning out the kind of steady performances that have earned him the consistent tag at the Warriors. 160m, three offloads and 34 tackles is a strong return for the man from the South Island after what has so far been a fairly ordinary season. That squib kick against the Rabbitohs was awful, and he should know better than trying to do that ever again - next time keep the ball alive or give it to Shaun Johnson. His connection on right side with Konrad Hurrell is finally showing signs of improvement.
Feleti Mateo
Still a long way off his form from last year but his performance on Sunday afternoon was an improvement. If a NSW jumper is his aim than the former Eel must quickly find his bag of tricks and conjure up some magic to force his way into that side. 95m, 25 tackles and five offloads from 63 minutes of work against the Rabbitohs was his year's best outing.

2. SBW to front intimidating Bulldogs fans
Sonny Bill Williams first game against the Canterbury Bulldogs this Friday night is the most highly anticipated match of the regular season.
Since he announced his signing with the Roosters last year, Bulldogs fans have marked down April 12th as a chance to let out their frustrations after his abrupt departure in 2008.
It will be a hostile night at a sold-out Allianz Stadium for the second rower whose mid-season smoke bomb out of Sydney five years ago still leaves a bitter aftertaste for many of the blue and white faithful.
Bulldogs fans aren't exactly renowned for their welcoming receptions and will certainly come down hard and heavy on their former golden boy.
Expect all his touches on the ball to be booed, missed tackles to be jeered and any crunching tackles on him to be followed by abuse.
Extra security has been brought in to shadow Williams in and out of the ground, but this isn't likely to deter Doggies fans from dishing out a barrage of slurs or throwing projectiles when he's in range.
SBW will no doubt relish this match as an opportunity to get one over his former club and rise above a large majority his most passionate and ruthless haters.
With both sides coming off the back of losses in the previous round this is set to be an intense battle worthy of all the hype surrounding its buildup.

3. Sharks lack bite as drugs investigation continues
The ongoing ASADA investigation is damaging the Cronulla Sharks 2013 season.
Rated as one of the top sides in the competition by many pundits after making a number of key player transfers in the offseason, the Sharks are 2/5 after five rounds.
The Sharks lost their second match on the trot 13-6 to the Eels for the Johnny Mannah Cup.
The Sharks on-field performances has suffered due to the drugs scandal which currently surrounds the club with 14 players said to be under investigation for performance enhancing drug use.
Coach Shane Flanagan has stopped short of using it as a reason for their earlier showings but finally admitted in the after-match press conference on Saturday that it was affecting their preparation.
Sharks fans have become irritated at ASADA's inconvenient process which is thwarting their side's run at a first NRL ***le.
Having been given no concrete details as to how long it will continue or its likely outcome Flanagan and his Sharks have a ridiculous amount of pressure to contend with as the season rolls on.
With the Sharkies set to face the Sea Eagles, Bulldogs and Knights over the next three rounds they don't look likely to get out of their slump in the coming weeks.

4. SJ v BM for halfback position
Next Friday's Anzac test looms as a significant opportunity for Shaun Johnson to stake a serious claim as the Kiwis halfback.
If Benji Marshall's toe injury turns out for the worse it could place the incumbent in the stands for the next three months.
Kieran Foran's place in the halves is to be expected considering that he has been a consistent performer for club and country where his direct ball-playing approach helps to balance a side.
Finding a complementing style alongside Foran for the Rugby League World Cup isn't a problem with SJ and Benji both having a tendency to move laterally and possessing an extensive range of passes.
However with Benji's recent removal as captain his position in the run-on test side is now contestable.
If Johnson is given the nod at halfback, performs strongly against the Kangaroos and continues his upward trend with the Warriors it would place pressure on Benji to get back to playing regular football.
The Anzac test and the subsequent 21 rounds of the NRL is set to provide an unofficial audition between two of the most entertaining players in the world for the coveted seven jumper.
That is good news for the Kiwis who want their best team on the field to defend their world champion ***le.


6. Team of the week - round 5
1. Fullback - Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
2. Wing - Jorge Taufua (Sea Eagles)
3. Centre - Jarrod Croker (Raiders)
4. Centre - Justin Hodges (Broncos)
5. Wing - Josh Hoffman (Broncos)
6. Five-eighth - Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys)
7. Halfback - Adam Reynolds
8. Prop - Tim Mannah (Eels)
9. Hooker - Andrew McCullough (Broncos)
10. Prop - Dan Hunt (Dragons)
11. Secondrow - Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles)
12. Secondrow - Tyson Frizell (Dragons)
13. Lock - Corey Parker (Broncos)
By Justis Kamu <!-- -->
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[Amobokoboko]

This weekend there are no NRl games scheduled due to the ANZAC test match. The match will be played in Canberra, which will be host a test match for the first time. I really like test matches. They always bring out the best in players and the intensity that it brings along always give me Goosebumps.</SPAN></SPAN>

As a true Kiwi fan, I'm crossing my fingers for this one. During their last encounter, at the end of last year, the Kangaroos proved to be too strong for the Kiwi's. Although they did put up a good fight. After that game it was decided that Marshall wasn't longer captain of the side, so he could focus more on his game and help the Kiwi's stepping up to the next level.</SPAN></SPAN>

This week however, Marshall is one of the Kiwi superstars out of the game, with a toe injury he suffered in round 5 of the NRL. Another blow for the Kiwi's is the absence of SBW, who hurt his knee last weekend after his one man demolition show against the Bulldogs. The list continues with Beale , Kasiano, Johnson also being injured. </SPAN></SPAN>

Krisnan Inu is also not selected due to suspension.</SPAN></SPAN>

Back in the squad we welcome </SPAN>Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Alex Glenn, Jeremy Smith, Jason Nightingale and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.</SPAN></SPAN>

Both teams are looking strong, but with the absence of Marshall, SBW and Johnson I do reckon the Aussies have a slight advantage.</SPAN></SPAN>

2013 ANZAC Test teams</SPAN></SPAN>
Australia:</SPAN> Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Brett Morris, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (C), James Tamou, Greg Bird, Sam Thaiday, Paul Gallen (VC). Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Luke Lewis, Nate Myles, Anthony Watmough, Josh Morris</SPAN></SPAN>

New Zealand:</SPAN> Jesse Bromwich, Kieran Foran, Alex Glenn, Josh Hoffman, Shaun Johnson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Sam McKendry, Jason Nightingale, Sam Perrett, Frank Pritchard, Kevin Proctor, Jeremy Smith, Elijah Taylor, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dean Whare</SPAN></SPAN>