Things get underway with the Bulldogs/Eels and Dragons/Titans on Friday Night:

Bulldogs v Eels (ANZ Stadium, Sydney)

These two sides have plenty of history and always put on a good show, especially at this time of the year. Both sides have improved their form in recent weeks, however the Eels’ strong victory over the Panthers last Round has them as favourites in this one.

The return of Timana Tahu is also a big factor here, a handy attacking weapon for the Parramatta side – he’ll add plenty on the fringes.

The Bulldogs will be looking for improvement in their forwards, with coach Kevin Moore indicating that Jamaal Idris could remain in the engine room as opposed to lining up out wide against Timana. The battle between Fui Fui and Benny Hannant will also help light the fuse in this one.

Tip: Eels should win after regaining confidence.

Dragons v Titans (WIN Jubilee Stadium)

Things don’t get any easier for the Gold Coast Titans. It’s hard to see them toppling the Dragons at Kogarah, especially with Greg Bird out of action for the Gold Coast.

The return of Matt Cooper is also timely for the St George Illawarra side, as the star centre hasn’t had any game time in 4 weeks. Wayne Bennett will be keen to reunite the old centre pairing of Coops and Gaz – and get them firing before the semi-finals arrive.

Bookies have the Titans at $4.50+ and even at that value bet, it’s hard to throw the cash their way.

Tip: Dragons should be cosy here.

Raiders v Sharks (Bruce Stadium, Canberra)

After a thumping win over the Knights, the Raiders need to be careful not to get too carried away against the struggling Cronulla side. The Sharks have been whipping boys all year again, but the fact that Ricky Stuart has resigned and the club has a new coach could influence the result.

If you look back over the years at the statistics when teams have changed coaches mid-year, the early results are generally always positive.

The mood at Cronulla has apparently been good despite the departure of Ricky, hence tipping a winner in this game is extremely tough.

Tip: Raiders should win, but consider Sharks as value bet.

Storm v Panthers (AAMI Stadium, Melbourne)

This would have been a seriously anticipated clash had the Storm not been rubbed out for 2010. The Panthers flying high on the NRL Ladder, but having a dusty 2 week period.

The Storm more than likely preoccupied with next year, who’s playing where and whether there will be anyone left playing at the club.

The predicament means that despite being an away game, Penrith should win this one. Matt Elliott’s side will be frustrated after 2 poor games and will be keen to atone ASAP.

As mentioned, Melbourne will simply be too distracted to win this one.

Tip: Panthers, good value with the bookies too!

Cowboys v Knights (Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville)

Can the North Queensland side finally get a win? In days past, a game at Dairy Farmers meant a certain win. Not these days, as they face an embarrassed Newcastle Knights side – that will be desperate for redemption.

The Cowboys have been going OK in attack in the past fortnight, they’ve had decent leads against the Eels and Tigers, only to get nervous in the backend of the game.

Newcastle too, have been good up until last week.

Coach Rick Stone has been under pressure making several side changes, and he should consider himself lucky that he’s a lesser known coach – had Brian Smith or another high-profile coach been in his position, the media would have been roasting them all week.

Tip: Knights here to bounce back after horror loss.

Rabbitohs v Warriors (ANZ Stadium, Sydney)

This is the clash many are waiting for, the big Bunnies forwards locking horns with the Warriors giants. Both sides sitting close on the ladder and having good periods in the past month.

The Rabbitohs have been incredibly unlucky in the past 2 weeks, they’ve done little wrong – but find themselves glued to 20 competition points after getting pipped by the Roosters and Dragons in the final minutes.

The Warriors have been near faultless in their recent run, beating some big name sides – despite having a range of injuries.

Very tough one to pick here, the fact that the game is in Sydney tips things slightly in the Bunnies favour. They’ll be revved up after some luckless weeks.

Tip: Bunnies

Manly v Wests Tigers (Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford)

The Sea Eagles would be disappointed they moved this home game from Brookvale to Gosford, given the importance of the 2 competition points at this period.

Manly finally found their fire albeit against the hapless Sharks last week. Regardless, the training run would have done their confidence wonders – especially with key forward Choc Watmough getting back to his best.

With the Wests Tigers, you never know what you’re going to get. They continue to throw the ball around and they could murder you, or possibly murder themselves.

Even the Tigers will admit they were lucky to escape against the Cowboys at Leichhardt – especially with Benji’s poor goalkicking performance. The Tigers have been riding their luck a little too much, and might be due to drop one here.

Tip: Sea Eagles should win this one

Broncos v Roosters (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)

A good test for both sides who are pressing for genuine title claims. The Broncos have been on a stellar run for over a month now, and the Roosters too have found consistency after some stop/start performances early on in the year.

The Broncos while winning at Skilled Park last week, did have some favourable bounces of the ball. In saying that, they were good enough to take their chances – and their young outside backs are some of the most damaging in the League when they have quality ball.

The Roosters since shuffling their positions look much, much better. Carney has slotted into pivot beautifully – allowing him to play his roaming role much more. Mini has always been a class act at fullback, adding more firepower from his customary position.

The more settled Sydney side should have too much for the Broncos here.

Tip: Sydney Roosters.

Ricky Stuart has quit his post as Sharks coach after officially announcing his departure late yesterday.

The pressure had been mounting heavily on Ricky Stuart to walk from the Sharks in recent weeks. After announcing his decision to leave at the years end, many felt him staying on for the rest of 2010 was pointless.

Stuart has had a tough time of things since joining the Sharks in 2007. The former Roosters coach is well respected in the NRL community, many including the likes of Phil Gould and John Cartwright believe Stuart to be one of the hardest working and most dedicated clipboard men in the game.

But in the same breath, they may say that Stuart is guilty of probably trying too hard at times. Few, if any, could question his passion or commitment. Most will never forget him punching holes in the walls at Parramatta Stadium, thrusting his hands to his face after a crucial play goes wrong or waving his arms madly on the touchline after a successful play.

Stuart lives and breathes NRL.

While some point out that Stuart may alienate the odd player or two through his intense personality and overly strict attention to detail – few could argue, that most players would play their heart out for him.

Where Stuart probably failed at the Sharks was with his recruitment and his loyalty to certain players.

Certainly after 3 seasons at the club, 2010 should have been the stellar year. Stuart had 3 seasons to prepare and recruit successfully to make a genuine assault on the 2010 Premiership.

The Seymour, Bird and Maitua sagas obviously didn’t help – but they were all behind the club heading into 2010. With the likes of Barrett, Tupou, Gallen and NSW debutant Kade Snowden rolling out – they had the core of a competitive team.

But the choice to recruit John Morris, Dean Collis, Adam Cuthbertson and Corey Hughes is certainly questionable.

Morris is a solid player, not someone that could take the Sharks to a new level. Collis was full of potential at the Tigers, but is massively injury prone and was always a risk. Cuthbertson was overpriced and is now languishing in the NSW Cup and Corey Hughes was a great player 3-4 years ago.

Brett Kimmorley should never have been let go from the club, when on deck – Kimmorley took the Sharks to the finals. The year he leaves, he takes the Bulldogs to a Preliminary Final.

Brett Kearney was another star for Cronulla, sure he was injured at times – but the club should have done everything to keep him in the mix.

Luke Covell is another work-a-holic, but Stuarts loyalty to the winger has really cost him and the club. Covell is a another solid player, a potentially good goal kicking back-rower – but no way should Covell remain a winger. He is outrun by most forwards and yet Cronulla keep him on the flank?

Making things even harder for Stuart and his players was the controversy swirling around the Sharks regularly. Poor on-field performances weren’t helping, but sponsorship dramas, the Bird court case, the Tony Zappia saga, the Reni Maitua drug case and the seemingly monthly off-field problems with Paul Gallen.

Gallen is a genuine star performer, the guy is a top-shelf footy player. But it’s obvious to anyone in Rugby League he is arguably the grubbiest player on the field on any given day.

Sure, Gal pours his heart into every performance. But his stray elbows, facial massages, slurs and grubby tactics have put everyone offside.

He costs the Sharks on average 2 penalties a week, and no NRL can compete with consistent penalties against them.

It’s all come to a head now, maybe it’s best for both Ricky Stuart and the Cronulla Sharks to start afresh and move to the next phases in their lives.

Here are the Power Rankings for Round 19:

1. (1) Dragons: Remain in 1st position, however were probably fortunate to get the win against a dominant Rabbitohs side. Gasnier looked much more settled this week and provided good impact from the bench.

2. (4) Wests Tigers: Should see of the Cowboys with ease at fortress Leichhardt. The win allowing them to draw level with the previously untouchable Penrith outfit.

3. (2) Penrith Panthers: Up 22-0 after 20 minutes, this should have been a cakewalk for Penrith in front of a an all time record home crowd. Got the wobbles and lost their way in this one. Discipline concerning, several backchat calls costing them when the heat was on. 2nd loss in a row.

4. (3) Roosters: Victory under tough conditions will do wonders for their belief. Referee’s calls were hammering them, but somehow the reinvented Roosters of 2010 pushed through to snatch a valuable win. Still gunning for Top 4 home final.

5. (7) Broncos: Just edge out the Warriors for 5th on the NRL News Power Rankings. The Brisbane side took on the Titans in their backyard and came away with the win, continue to hum along well and firming weekly for a Top 4 slot come finals time.

6.  (6) NZ Warriors: Despite missing impressive half Issac John, the Warriors continued on their merry-way. The return to Tate and Seymmour obviously helping their cause. Doing everything right at the moment, both at home and away.

7. (9) Manly: Rocketed back into form against perennial under-performers Cronulla. This should be the shot in the arm the Sea Eagles needed. Watmough back to best form, sets up a juicy clash with the Wests Tigers at Brookvale next weekend.

8.  (5) Souths: Have been playing OK, but unable to secure a win in the past fortnight. The loss sees them slip behind the pack after looking good things only a few weeks ago. Tough draw ahead.

9.  (8) Titans: If it wasn’t panic stations before, it should be now. A loss at home in front of a good crowd sees the Gold Coast only having won 2 from their last 7 games. Loss of Greg Bird adds to their woes. Big job ahead for John Cartwright to get these boys focused.

10.  (13) Eels: Get the jump on nearby rivals after gutsy comeback win over Penrith. Back to back wins has helped the Parramatta side keep in touch with the Top 8 teams. Large points scoring tallies have helped restored confidence in finding the try line.

11. (12) Raiders: What a solid victory at home for the Canberra side. The Green Machine was back with a bang, racking up a cricket score on a previously improving Knights side. Raiders are back at home this week against Cronulla and will fancy their chances to notch up another win which would see them on 20 competition points.

12. (10) Bulldogs: Would be struggling to stomach their loss to the Roosters after setting up a good platform early. Are playing much better in recent weeks, but desperately needed to beat the Sydney side. Crunch match against the Eels awaits.

13. (11) Knights: Have seemingly undone all their good work in recent times with a major failure in the ACT. Points difference is now in disarray and they remain adrift from the Top 8 teams. Good news for Newcastle fans is they meet the Cowboys next week on a short turnaround.

14. (15) Cowboys: While there hasn’t been much to crow about this year, their cleanout is underway and they have plenty of room to shop for some of the NRL’s best talent. Pressure on Neil Henry will surely mount with every failing week.

15. (14) Cronulla: Back to their flopping selves after a smashing at the hands of Manly. Sure, the Sharks were undermanned – but they simply have to do more.

16. (16) Storm: Despite being rubbed out this year, they’ve actually dropped a few games now and their actual position would be 6th on the NRL Ladder if they were playing for keeps.

Despite the recent news that they’ll have to do without hooker Issac Luke for the next month or so, Lang knows when the public spotlight is elsewhere – it leaves the Bunnies to continue on their merry-way.

It’s a contrast to the past few seasons, where either inconsistency on the field, fights involving JT, Russell Crowe barbs or media articles about Holmes a Court and the Leagues Club – clouded their focus.

Sure, the injection of big men Dave Taylor and Sam Burgess has made a huge different to this club on the field, but given their position on the ladder and timing of the season – it’s unusually quiet for Souths. Such a popular, well-followed club – they are often heaped with massive expectations after so much pain, for so long.

So often in League and many sports, the top teams are the ones where harmony reigns. We’re not talking harmony just amongst the players, but from the top down. Right from Russell through the back-office officials, coaching staff players through to the waterboys.

Obviously winning helps, but when every aspect of a club is in sync – things continue to happen.

This is why other teams should be looking over their shoulders at the Rabbitohs this year. The early pressure heaped on Lang and his team have drifted away, a finals appearance would seemingly be an achievement for this outfit – hence, once they get there – they have nothing to lose.

Always fear an opponent with nothing to lose.

The Eels showed that last year, going from almost last on the ladder and steaming into the Grand Final on the back of carefree footy.

With the Rabbitohs having a quality points differential and a BYE in hand, they are truly looking good at the moment. With wins over big names such as the Panthers and Wests Tigers, by massive margins – this outfit knows they can not only score points, but deliver the killer blows against the bigger teams.

Thats the interesting thing for Souths, they have dropped some seemingly winnable games against lesser opponents, but look much more likely against the big name teams. An ideal trait come finals time.

The other bonus for Souths, is their ability to strike across the park. Similar to the Dragons, the Bunnies don’t rely on just one or two big name players. Almost anyone in their lineup can spark something, this is an enviable advantage.

Just ask the Cowboys, Sharks or even Parramatta – who seemingly throw the ball to a Thurston, Barrett or Hayne – who are put under enormous pressure to pull off miracles for their sides.

Souths do have a tough run home, they face the Dragons twice, Panthers, Storm and Tigers in the mix.

But even without in-form Issac Luke, a capable youngster in Falloon steps in who has enough experience in the top grade to do a good job. Falloon is fast and elusive around the ruck, a player that will add his own touch to the ever-growing juggernaut at Redfern.

No one’s talking about them right now and I’m sure they are more than happy to keep it that way until Grand Final day.

While outsiders point to the poor form, CEO shoplifting allegations and distractions such as the Tahu situation – Osborne believes its business as usual in Parramatta.

Osborne penned the following letter to club members today:

Dear Members

I wanted to send this note to reassure you that while the team and coaching staff are disappointed at our recent record, the spirit within the camp is very good despite publicity to the contrary this week.

There are certainly no ongoing issues between Coach Daniel Anderson and Dally M winning fullback Jarryd Hayne. The Coach felt Jarryd did not play well against the Broncos and said so in the media conference. Jarryd was not on his own in that regard and Daniel specifically mentioned that he was probably trying too hard to spark something for the team. Unfortunately we are not responsible for how media organisations may interpret such comments or the headlines they put on their stories.

It is often said that the spirit of a team can be gauged by the attitude of its defence. The fact is we have conceded just five tries in the past three matches, despite two losses. The morale, and the closeness, of the team is first class and everyone in the club is united in wanting to turn the season around with better results in the coming weeks. Things will come good and we certainly have a team capable of going all the way this year.

All of us at the club were so appreciative that nearly 16,000 turned out for the 5.30pm clash with the Broncos on Saturday night and we hope that support will continue when we play the Cowboys on Monday week – when we celebrate the milestone of 250 first grade games which will be achieved by co-captain Nathan Cayless this weekend in Auckland.

As always, thanks for your continued support.

PAUL OSBORNE
CEO PIRTEK PARRAMATTA EELS

While the solid defence of the Eels is a positive, perhaps the heat from the media might see them play with more energy when they undertake a tough roadtrip to New Zealand this weekend.

I don’t think the NSW Blues officials will ever learn. How many times have they been told by commentators, the media and astute fans that sticking by the same group of players might just bring improved results?

Haven’t seen the NSW Origin side lineup yet? Check the bottom of this article for the full team.

Queensland have been laughing at NSW for years now. They’ve known for decades that sticking by the same group of blokes brings trust, combinations and success.

Throwing a player an Origin jumper, hoping he will perform with a group of guys he hardly knows and then turfing him out to dry a few weeks later is stupidity. It not only breaks the spirit of the player, it removes all trust from the playing group – who think they are playing for their lives in one single match.

It effectively makes every single NSW Origin game a Grand Final – hence, extremely talented club footballers do silly, nervous things in NSW’s case.

NSW need to select the best team available and state to that team, “We will stick with you for this 3 Game series, injuries and suspension permitting.”

You immediately breed confidence, support and give yourself a chance of winning.

NSW have selected a good team for Origin 3. But, the Blues also had very capable teams in Game 1 and Game 2.

Poor Brett Kimmorley was made a scapegoat in Game 1. Noddy is an experienced, icecool performer who hardley put a foot wrong in the first game.

He is told that NSW want fresh, younger legs and he wouldn’t be selected for Game 2. Thats fair enough, I’m sure even Noddy would cop that on the chin.

But then, the NSW selectors turn around and pick Trent Barrett in the halves? Again, Barrett is a fine player and doesn’t look out of place in Origin – but ummm, isn’t he a veteran around the same age as Noddy?

This screams of disrespect. Not only will Noddy feel cheated, but Barrett too would be concious of the selectors knifing him in the back too if things went bad.

The revolving door policy NSW have used seemingly forever – is now killing them.

I wish all the best to the 4 new debutants in the NSW Blues side. But please, someone take a stand and confirm the playing group and even elements of the coaching group can remain in place.

While it’s highly likely Craig Bellamy won’t be a part of the NSW Origin group moving forward, achieving some kind of familiarity within the group is critically important. This is where Queensland have leapt so far ahead, from the coach right down to the officials – they are a unit.

NSW throw in a varied group of talented people and hope within a few weeks – the whole unit can gel. The pressure has mounted with every series loss and it’s simply got too much for a new, raw group of individuals and officials to handle.

The one positive it seems is that NSW have stuck with the key men in positions, 1,6,7 and 9. Hayne, Barrett, Pearce and Ennis need to form the core of the Blues moving forward.

Barrett is the exception here, the veteran is of course moving towards the end of his career. However, injury permitting – he should be there until he walks away now.

By sticking with this group – NSW can build the spine of a team, who can help develop a style and gameplan with better understanding of each other. With every minute they play together, they’ll get better and better as a team.

The other ingredient is the ‘attacking’ element. In the past few years, NSW have always picked a side that favoured defence – attempting to thwart Inglis, Folau and Slater in the Queensland backline.

We need to start attacking. Be the hunter, instead of the hunted.

By picking Michael Jennings and Michael Gordon – the NSW outfit has the chance to put on some points. Ok, both guys might not be text book defenders – but given recent Blues performances, they can’t do much worse.

Jennings has to remain in the NSW outfit moving forward. The guy is a superstar and can score points at will. The same goes for Brett Morris, a natural flier – they both need to form the future of this NSW State of Origin outfit.

Form has demanded Michael Gordon be selected and he deserves a shot.

Now, what about the ‘enforcer’ component?

NSW fans screamed for some hardmen to come into the side and deal with bullies like Carl Webb and Sam Thaiday.

While Webb might be gone, there is no question that NSW need someone in their ranks to dish the dirt and deal with standover men like Thaiday.

While Luke O’Donnell and Paul Gallen copped flack for their heavy-handed tactics in Game 2, few people commented on the nasty role of Thaiday.

The big Queensland forward, who has probably been the best forward for 2010 – was at his aggressive, brutal best.

He threw several punches that connected with O’Donnell, albeit from a unsighted ’sniping’ position – but he also got involved in every scuffle and was willing to ‘turn it on’ should he need to.

While Luke O’Donnell may have blown his chances, the selection of the bash brothers Paul Gallen and Greg Bird is mandatory.

While Gallen seemingly always gives up a bucketload of penalties, his tag as the ‘grubbiest man in League’ does suit the State of Origin style. Gallen is a tough, no nonsense forward who can handle the hits that come his way – along with standing by his teammates in a storm.

Bird too will go down fighting, and that’s what NSW need.

In the front row, NSW have two young guns that need to remain in the side for the future. Tom Learoyd and Tim Mannah are two seriously big boppers that know exactly what they are doing. Kade Snowden too looks highly likely.

Please give these guys a chance. Don’t throw them to the scrapheap.

If the NSW selectors and officials can remain strong and refuse to buckle, who knows one day we might actually win an Origin series.

NSW team for Origin III

Jarryd Hayne, Brett Morris, Michael Jennings, Beau Scott, Michael Gordon, Trent Barrett (c), Mitchell Pearce, Jason King, Michael Ennis, Kade Snowden, Luke Lewis, Paul Gallen, Greg Bird. Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Tom Learoyd- Lahrs, Tim Mannah, Anthony Watmough.

There was an inkling of the trouble at the press conference after the Broncos game, with the coach letting his feelings known – that Jarryd wasn’t at his best and still has a few lessons to learn.

It sounds a little like World Cup Soccer syndrome, a case of players becoming unhappy when criticized by the coach.

Whether wrong or right, the coaches word should always be the final say – as he is ultimately the person who lives or dies by the sword.

But the timing of this blow-up isn’t ideal for the Eels, given their poor recent form on and off the field.

They’ve had Timana Tahu unable to cope with the Origin fall-out, the talented centre taking his frustrations out on opposing Knights players and copping a 4 week ban.

Paul Osborne the Parramatta CEO was fined by Police for allegedly shoplifting.

It certainly doesn’t ready like a harmonious club.

The only person laughing would be former club boss Denis Fitzgerald who after being booted out by the 3P ticket would be happy the club is on shaky ground.

But back to the coach and player fallout.

People have suggested that coach Daniel Anderson’s man-management might be too ‘heavy handed’ hence unsettling the likes of Hayne. Some media outlets were quick to point out Andersons struggle with Polynesian players – a label dating back to his Warriors days.

However – the Eels absolutely need a coach in the Anderson style.

In the same mould as Brian Smith, Anderson certainly isn’t a pushover. The Eels players were guilty of turning ’soft’ under the quietly-spoken management of Michael Hagan. The club seemingly like a holiday camp with players taking advantage of the friendly coach.

All these men are talented coaches, as is Jason Taylor who controlled the Eels for a period also.

However, certain styles of coaches suit playing groups or club cultures better.

Anderson and Smith, love them or hate them – suit the current squad and culture at the Parramatta Eels. When their strict management policy was in place – the club hummed along better.

The Eels despite this years results, still boast an impressive roster. The likes of Feleti Mateo, Kris Inu and Jarryd Hayne can do astounding things on a Rugby League field.

But getting these guys mentally ‘up’ for a game on a weekly basis is the key to unlocking the consistency machine.

Some have suggested that John Lang has an ability to get the best out of Polynesian players. Lang certainly had the Panthers firing on all cylinders in 2003 with their large Islander contingent.

You saw a swift change when Matt Elliott came into play, quite the opposite of Lang – Elliott’s style obviously didn’t suit Polynesian and senior players, with key men unhappy, results dipping and the revolving door policy following.

Puletua left, Pritchard was set to walk and Priddis checked out of the Panthers too.

It seems to be a similar situation at the Eels.

Daniel Anderson is a good coach. He’s achieved success at an early age and has coached around the world.

Jarryd Hayne is a supremely talented player. However, Hayne along with a bunch of other big name players in the NRL need to remember who’s running the show.

The sooner Hayne realises that game plans must be followed and any problems with the coach need to be sorted out directly with the clipboard man as opposed to via a player manager – things will return back to normal.

The Eels have a bunch of issues to work through, but despite an average year so far – they have more runs on the board than they did last year, so they have ample time to turn it around.

Round 16 of the NRL kicks off on Friday night with two huge matches.

Things should get exciting with the St George Illawarra Dragons at home to the Wests Tigers and while Wests have been successful in their last 4 matches – the bookies don’t give them a chance against the well drilled and defensive Dragons.

Despite Saints being the pace-setters, the Tigers style could upset them here. If Wests get a positive early start, anything could happen.

Despite being perched high on the NRL Ladder, plenty of critics refuse to believe the Penrith Panthers are the real deal. With a Top 8 spot all but confirmed for them – they get a chance to put on a show at home against the Sea Eagles.

Playing at CUA Stadium and the loss of Jamie Lyon for Manly gives Penrith all the ace cards here.

On Saturday the Eels do battle with the Broncos in the battle for a position in the eight – with both sides having indifferent form in 2010. The Broncos had a horror early run but came good, only to get patchy around Origin time.

The Eels have shown they have the ability, turning in good performances when they are ‘motivated’ such as their outing against the Storm – but at times they look disinterested.

This game is crucial for both sides who are slipping out of the range of Top 4 spots.

The battle of the strugglers also takes place Saturday night, with the Cowboys and Sharks doing battle. While plenty of folks might choose to wash their hair during this match – the reality is, that with some luck these sides might flook 8th spot if they start their run now.

A good matchup on Saturday night is the Rabbitohs and the Storm who will do battle in Perth, Western Australia. This is a great test for the ‘Bunnies’ and a strong win here consolidates their ladder positions.

Melbourne understandably are struggling for motivation, still playing for nothing – its hard to tell what kind of performance they’ll turn in.

On Sunday the Roosters have a chance to upset the Warriors at home and certainly need to get a win here to show some sort of consistency. Brian Smith has touched on the fitness of Todd Carney, suggesting the key man is back to his best and Smith expects some quality touches.

The Warriors have been hard to pick all season, the bookies don’t like their chances this week – but it’s a lottery with NZ it seems. They could pull off an upset here, despite it being away from home.

The Titans face the plucky Knights and will be nervous without Scott Prince. After a dramatic win last week, Newcastle could get back into the thick of it with another victory over the Gold Coast.

A win for the Titans without Price would do wonders for their confidence and would be ideal, cementing their Top Ladder position.

Monday night Football sees the Raiders do battle with the Bulldogs and despite being inconsistent they should put paid to the Dogs who have been on a horror slide in 2010.

The Canberra outfit are often forgotten, but for them – this is an ideal chance to jump an out of form team and get themselves a chance of making the NRL finals.

As the 2010 NRL regular season speeds up towards completion, it seems the current Top 4 could potentially be firmed in the finishing positions given their form, byes in hand and run home.

While the St George Illawarra Dragons have all but confirmed a Top 2 finish unless the wheels really fall off.

Bennett’s side has again performed beautifully, they’ve shown great depth during the Origin period and boast quality players in a range of positions as opposed to 1 or 2 strike men.

The Penrith Panthers have been the big surprise packet of 2010. Prior to the season kickoff NRL News feared Penny would again miss the Top 8 cut – but the reinvention of this side has been exciting to watch.

Penrith have always been an impressive attacking team, but they’ve developed more adaptive defensive techniques and since cutting the likes of Luke Priddis, they’ve been much more disciplined.

While some point to the amount of tries they score from kicks, they are running high on energy and are putting themselves in the right positions to get a good result when attacking.

Should remain Top 4.

What about the Wests Tigers? They’ve been in this position before, only to trip over a blade of grass in the final weeks and lose out of the Top 8 all together.

But 2010 looks to be different. Their current roster has not only performed well in recent weeks, but they’ve achieved some amazing feats.

They’ve bounced back from a horrible slump that saw a tonne of pressure on both coach and leading players. This can make or break teams and this year, it seems the furnace has galvanized the Tigers.

This year, Wests have also proved they can win in a grind. They have been able to tuck away their flashy attacking flair and roll the sleeves up.

Finally, they’ve had their fair share of injury woes. This has been tough, but allowed them to develop greater depth and blood some upcoming players. With several players due to return from injury in the back end of the season – the depth will only improve.

Lock them in, it’s Top 4 Tigers.

Lastly, the Gold Coast Titans should sneak into the final Top 4 spot. While their for and against isn’t as good as the teams above them, they do have a bye in hand.

They have the Sea Eagles and Roosters breathing down their necks, but the Titans have shown greater consistency this year and have an ability to win tight games.

Combine this with their fortress home ground and they should have enough in the tank to confirm a Top 4 spot this year.

With their experienced roster, it reads like a virtual who’s who of former and current representative players.

These guys are invaluable in the big games. When the heats on, Prince, Campbell, Rogers, Bird, Laffranchi, Meyers and Harrison have the runs on the board.

These guys are a genuine chance to take the trophy this year.

What about the QRL and the Folau selection? Only a week ago, we praised Ross Livermore and the Queenslanders who initially said they wouldn’t select Folau after the Bronco and former Storm star chose to turn his back on Rugby League all together and play AFL.

How things can change.

The Queenslanders were set to pick Brent Tate, but the experienced Warrior was outted with serious injury – so what do the Maroons do?

They backflip, bigtime. Picking Folau and letting the rival code of AFL laugh all the way to the bank.

You see, everytime Folau is mentioned now – AFL is too. Just look at last nights Footy Show, they had the ‘Big Maarn’ visiting schools and kicking around AFL balls.

Just here in this article, by talking about Livermore and the Queenslanders along with their Folau selection joke – it’s giving the AFL precious air-time.

The Australian Rugby League is now expected to hastily change the selection rules regarding defecting players prior to the Game 3 – so the whole game of Rugby League won’t be a laughing stock.

But we should have expected this selfish situation from Queensland, they’ve always bent the rules, cried poor and wouldn’t hesitate to sell their mums to win Origin.

They pulled the Lote Tiquiri TBA selection, forcing the rules of Origin selection to be changed.

The Queenslanders never wanted to give up their home ground to expand into Melbourne, forcing the Blues to offer their homeground advantage for the betterment of the game.

They plucked Allan Langer from the UK when things got tough – they’ll do anything to win this thing.

Even prior to the Maroon-wash, prior to them winning the 4 straight Origin series’ – when the NSW men had the upper-hand, they worried for the closeness of the contest.

NSW should have been thinking no mercy.

Now is the time, the selection of Folau should be even greater motivation for all of NSW to want to drive Queensland into oblivion.

Plenty of talk surrounds every Origin game, as does the hype. But this game is possibly the biggest ever. If NSW lose, it marks 5 long years of pain.

There was suggestion of a ‘trenches battle’ in Game 1, but it never eventuated.

Both forced and form reshuffles for NSW in Game 2 look to be for the better. Apart from Brett Kimmorley, who should never have been dropped – the Blues look to have more mongrel and workhorse in the forwards.

Blues players and fans, never ever forget this. Queensland have again thumbed their noses at the game and us. Roll up the sleeves and give them what they deserve in their own backyard.