Wests Tigers confident in Lote start

March 10, 2010

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has been copping a pasting in the press in the past 24 hours for his decision to name star recruit Lote Tiquiri in the starting lineup for this weekends clash with Manly.

The media loves beating up a good story, but surely they are flogging a dead horse here.

Lote Tiquiri might be 30 years old and hasn’t played Rugby League since 2002, but lets face it – the guy has been playing top flight Rugby Union for many years and has just completed a stint in the UK which will have his fitness on par or better than League players who haven’t played a full-flight game yet.

Union might not have the extensive training regime of the League teams, and yes, there have been some trial games – but nothing substitutes for a full 80 minutes of game time and Lote has had plenty of this over the past few months.

And to top it all off – Lote Tiquiri will be lining up on the wing!

It isn’t rocket science and the talented former Bronco should handle it with little fuss.

Wingers have the advantage of using the sideline in defence and while Tiquiri might have lost a yard of pace over the years, he cannot be classed as slow – so his turn and chase game should be fine. Young Tim Moltzen has more than enough speed at the back to cover and potential flare ups on the Tiquiri side from a kick chase.

Those that are looking to be critical of Tim Sheens for his selection of Lote might have missed the fact that Manly themselves aren’t looking too flash on the flanks. Failed purchase Tony Williams has been moved to the centres, his link to Michael Robertson could be seriously questioned on that edge.

On the other flank, the woefully out of form David Williams who had a horror 2009 is paired with Steve Matai who generally spends more time on the ground with injuries during a game than almost any other NRL player. Matai has become famous for his clutching after every second tackle, it could be a leg, an arm or sometimes his neck.

Given the form of the Wests Tigers at the backend of last season, combined with some seemingly high profile recruits in Tiquiri and Cayless – they look well positioned and certainly not vulnerable with the former Wallaby on the flanks.

The Wests Tigers should win this match by 8 points.

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Bird free again and back for injured All Stars

February 5, 2010

Greg Bird Aquitted on Assault Charges Once MoreAfter being acquitted today on a second alleged assault charge, Greg Bird is set to burst back onto the local Rugby League scene before the NRL starts, with the former Sharks badboy now drafted into the Indigenous All stars team for the All Stars match to be played Skilled Park on Feb 13.

Bird comes in for Daine Laurie who has pulled out injured.

Having not played top flight local football in well over 12 months, many will be interested to see how Bird performs against local talent. While performing well in the English Super League for Les Catalans, Bird has had his heart set on re-establishing himself in the local arena.

Bird is well and truly on the path to redemption after his victory in court today and a chance at NRL success once more.

Greg Inglis who will be replaced by Beau Champion from South Sydney in another blow for the tournament organisers.

Realising the importance of the tournament for NRL promotion, Inglis said he will continue to promote the event as much as possible despite not being able to take part in the historic game. The All Stars game is set to light up the Rugby League calendar into the future, with many big names tipping the event could be a mini-Origin into the future.

Neil Henry is in charge of the Indigenous All Stars and was confident the new faces in Bird and Champion will put in a good showing.

The latest injuries are a real concern for the fixture, given that big names Gareth Ellis, Alan Tongue and Dave Taylor have all been omitted from the NRL All Stars team with injuries.

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State of Origin Selection Talk

May 27, 2009

State of Origin 2009 Series Teams Squads Lineups PlayersIt seems everyone has an opinion on the State of Origin selections; interestingly both NSW and Queensland have made a few selections that do raise eyebrows. The biggest being;

NSW – No Ennis, No Cooper, No Laffranchi

Queensland – The Inclusion of Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison and No Carl Webb.

For so long now, State of Origin hasn’t been directly about skills. The game is played at a frenetic pace and involves very few penalties. Because the referees are reluctant to blow penalties, each side creeps up inside the 10m range and the game always becomes a slog fest.

For years and years, NSW would name a star-studded side and too many cooks would spoil the broth. On the other hand, Queensland knew that hard-workers, big physical players and overall loyalty would get them through. And it worked a treat.

Only once recently have NSW realised that having a team of ‘hard men’ will get them through. Their team for Game 1 in 2008 included the ‘bash brothers’ – Paul Gallen and Greg Bird. Now regardless of what you think of these players, their physical presence and build is custom made for Origin. They take no prisoners, they can take a beating and they can surely dish out a beating too.

You see thats the other factor in Origin, it’s rarely spoken about, but players are rarely ‘cited’ or get in trouble for things that usually cost them dearly in the NRL. A small flurry of punches (a la Carl Webb on Luke Bailey in recent years) or maybe a tackle that is a monster, might get let through the gates.

This is the reason why you need to pick a team that can handle the physical nature and do the simple things right.

Sure, we see flashes of brilliance in State of Origin. Billy Slaters try where he chipped over the top was amazing, as was Jarryd Haynes and who could forget the Mark Coyne try off the back of thousands of passes from Queensland in the final seconds. There will always be these moments.

BUT, the majority of Origin is doing the simple things right, so no mistakes and doing them at a hundred miles an hour while copping a beating. Then you’ll need to turn around and defend and start dishing out the beatings. It’s that simple.

So, what are we looking at player wise?

Fit, fast, simple-things right and prepared to dish out some tough stuff!

Queensland have known and used this so well, however their selection of Ashley Harrison who has defence problems and can be rattled is quite interesting. Don’t be surprised if the Maroons move Mick Crocker in to start the game and they use Harrison off the bench.

For NSW, they simply had to have Michael Ennis in this side, even if on the bench. His hard-head, annoying nature would have frustrated the life out of Cameron Smith and others – Ennis regardless of creativity is a guy made for Origin. Sure, Farah is technically gifted and very creative, but Origin doesn’t need an endless supply of creative players, there are always plenty of those in the teams.

What about Laffranchi? He is a good blend of all characteristics for Origin. Fit, Fast, Tough and has the ballplaying ability. He will be missed.

And Cooper? Matt Cooper has been a rock for NSW for many years. He never fails in defence and his step remains untouchable from inside 10m of the opposition try line.

Our sideline eye Ricky Ricardo has thrown up some names of his own; here’s how he believes the State of Origin sides should have lined up:

RickyRicardo: NSW Origin

1. Kurt Gidley
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Jamie Lyon
4. Matt Cooper
5. Joel Monaghan
6. Jarrod Mullen
7. Brett Kimmorley
8. Luke Bailey
9. Michael Ennis
10. Brent Kite
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Nathan Hindmarsh
13. Paul Gallen

14. Ben Creagh
15. Luke Lewis
16. Preston Campbell
17. Michael Weyman

RickyRicardo: Queensland Origin

14. Karmichael Hunt
2. Darius Boyd
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges
5. Israel Folau
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Scott Prince
8. Steve Price
9. Cameron Smith
10. Petero Civoniceva
11. David Stagg
12. Ashley Harrison
13. Dallas Johnson

1. Billy Slater
15. Nate Myles
16. Sam Thaiday
17. Michael Crocker

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Panthers booze brawl allegations

April 19, 2009

Panthers Mean Fiddler BrawlThe harmony looks to have been shattered at the Panthers club over the weekend, with leading players Michael Jennings and Masada Iosefa allegedly involved in a booze related fight at the Mean Fiddler Hotel in Rouse Hill.

With Penrith notching up some good form in recent weeks and working hard to shrug off pressure, their improvement could be set back substantially after this latest mind boggling incident.

Apparently Jennings and Iosefa were carted off to Castle Hill Police Station to be quizzed about the fight. And it’s understood at this stage, at least Isoefa has been charged.

As is so often the case now, the Panthers club will hold their own investigations into the incident, but it’s hard to repair the damage from these headline making incidents. With the NRL competition so close, every element of harmony is required to consistently challenge each week.

Its believed the Penrith Panthers playing group were attending Jennings’ 21st birthday at the Mean Fiddler venue.

Police confirmed 21-year-old My Druitt person was charged with “Affray, common assault, assault police and fail to quit licensed premises” and also another 21-year-old Dharruk person was slapped with an “affray, resist arrest and fail to quite licensed premises” charge.

Police also confirming that at approx 11pm last night, a group of males were asked to leave the Fiddler venue at Rouse Hill because of intoxication.

Apparently the men initially complied, but just under half an hour later – the group returned and confronted security guards at the venue. Allegations suggest a brawl broke out.

Police apparently sped to the venue and arrived while a brawl was in progress, subsequently arresting an 21-year-old Mt Druitt person.

The second person, a 21-year-old from Dharruk, apparently ran from Police when confronted. When they caught up with him, he initially resisted arrest and was then subdued with capsicum spray.

The Panthers club is expected to release a statement in the coming hours covering the situation.

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Wests set to walk their CEO down the plank

April 8, 2009

Wests Tigers coach Tim SheensSources suggest a bitter feud has erupted between long time Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens and recently appointed CEO Scott Longmuir, with some believing that Longmuir will be the fall-guy and could be sacked in the days ahead.

The situation has forced Wests to hold an extraordinary board meeting to deal with the major fallout between Longmuir and Sheens, and it seems the CEO is the man that will lose out – because he does not have a contract with the club.

Apparently things turned sour when new CEO Longmuir created a new job description for Sheens, added in to the description were key performance indicators (KPIs) and details around how Sheens’ has mapped out the future direction for the joint venture club.

Veteran coach Sheens was apparently furious with the new rules that had been applied by essentially a new kid on the Wests Tigers block in Longmuir.

Fortunately for Sheens, the directors also seem to be on-side. The directors feeling that Longmuir should have at least run the new conditions by them before slapping them on the coach.

While coach Tim Sheens has a contract until the end of 2010, there are still concerns over the Tigers team now being able to make a single finals appearance since their fairytale NRL Premiership in 2005. It’s been 3 long years in the wilderness since and should they miss out again this year, surely the heat will get turned up.

It’s believed this is the reasoning that Longmuir used to add the new conditions and KPIs to the Sheens job description. With player recruitment queries also being thrown in.

While only being at the helm of the Wests Tigers since late 2008 after veteran Steve Noyce quit the post – Longmuir seems to have no qualms in trying to reshuffle things, having no hesitation around the clubs political lines of Wests and Balmain, and now laying down the future for the coach.

When giving the job in 2003, Sheens has not only done a fair job on the NRL side of things – his ability to walk the fine line between the rival factions has been extremely impressive, he’s kept most internal parties happy.

He got on well with previous CEO Steve Noyce, however since Longmuir rose to power – previously the club’s marketing manager – the key driver seems to be future sponsorships and of course getting the sponsors means consistent on-field results.

The Wests Tigers unlike their Sydney rival clubs who need consistent hefty grants, have the luxury of 3 licensed Leagues club outfits – Balmain Leagues, Wests Ashfield and Wests Campbelltown – who all seem to be doing fairly well.

When new CEO Longmuir got the nod, he didn’t ask for a contract – as he felt he needed to prove himself first.

This could be his downfall, with the rookie set to have no fallback if the board are forced to make a call on the future. Choosing the non-contract party is a lot simpler and cheaper than forcing a contracted man out.

According the the Daily Telegraph Newspaper in Sydney, a new Wests Tigers CEO was already being mulled over by their officials.

What do you think the Tigers should do? Has Tim Sheens done enough since 2005? Should he be given a licence forever, given his guidance to the glory in 2005? Please comment below -

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Craig Wing: Is he ready to perform?

March 26, 2009

Craig Wing South Sydney Rabbitohs 2009Craig Wing has spent virtually the majority of his time with South Sydney on the sidelines. After being smashed by Riley Brown only minutes into his first appearance in 2008, Wing has not only had to battle injuries, but emotional and financial disasters too.

Wing has even mentioned the word depression, such was the black hole he found himself in.

His return this weekend has been the milestone in the distance. Wing, still only 29, has had to deal with his shoulder drama from last year, the break-up of his long-term relationship and massive financial losses that have tested every bit of his strength.

“The ups and down I’ve had, with injuries and everything that’s happened in my personal life, has made me appreciate whatever time I get on the field,” Wing confirmed

“I was depressed. I felt worthless. I certainly went through a tough time”

“That’s why it’s so good to be coming back and finally getting on the field.”

But as Craig Wing comes onto the field against the Knights this weekend, not only with he feel the pressures form within – there will be thousands of eyes watching and waiting with expectation.

After making the switch from Bondi back to Redfern, Wing is yet to give anything back to his beloved Bunnies club.

When the Rabbitohs exploded out of the blocks in Round 1, putting on a clinic against the Roosters – everything was set to make Craig Wings appearance even tougher. If the club was winning and winning-well, his return would have to be nothing short of brilliant, otherwise he would have copped flack.

After a hard fought loss against the Eels, it eases the pressure level slightly on Wing.

Prior to this season, Wing also had to have additional operations – having work done on a hernia, hip and his achilles tendons.

But just to test him even more, a failed $100,000 third-party payment as a portion of his $1million deal with Souths had not materialised.

On top of that, Wing was informed a property investment he made in Port Vila to the tune of $600,000 also collapsed.

Then to top it off, his long-term relationship with Zoe Foster ended.

“It’s been an emotional roller-coaster,” he said.

“It has certainly made me appreciate my footy more.

“I won’t take anything for granted again.”

The rumour mill was also in overdrive – working against Wing, with suggestions he didn’t have the respect of his team mates. This being a possible reason he wasn’t included in last weeks starting lineup.
But Wing quickly scoffed at any such allegations.

He played in the NSW Cup last week coming through the North Sydney feeder team, however insiders at Souths said that some players had wanted Wing in the first grade team against the Eels.

“I’m not feeling any pressure to perform,” Wing said.

“My teammates have been very supportive of me because of the injuries I’ve had.

“I feel like I’m part of the team. I get along with all of the boys.

“It’s been hard to feel a part of it all because of the issues I’ve had.”

But for a player thats experienced State of Origin and Australian Representative duties, the heat surrounding his return will be taken in the stride. There is no questioning the ability of this guy, he just needs a string of games without injury and he will add plenty of impact to this ever-improving South Sydney team.

As it stands, Souths certainly have the fire-power and defence to be a Top 4 side in the 2009 NRL.

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Manly’s new sponsor eases pain

February 14, 2009

Manly sign new sponsor Quantum Eco Hot WaterIn the midst of their boardroom brawl, the Manly Sea Eagles were given some reason to at least smile for a moment, after the announcement of a new $2.6million sponsorship deal with Quantum Eco Hot Water over 3 years.

The new sponsor quickly showing their their support for ousted chief executive Grant Mayer, saying that Mayer was certainly the man to take the club into the future.

The new sponsor; Quantum Eco Hot Water, was announced at a press conference yesterday – where talk quickly turned to the boardroom shakeup. Manly also confirmed their squad for the World Cup Challenge, with star forward Brent Kite absent on compassionate leave.

Tensions remain high at Manly, with majority owner Scott Penn pointing the finger at co-owner Max Delmege who he alleges owes money for sponsorship promises.

“I don’t believe there is any dispute about the money owed,” Penn said yesterday. “It’s probably not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things when it comes to the Delmege business, but we need that money. We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time, in the pre-season, when you can’t rely on things like gate receipts to keep the club going.”

It seems more a power struggle than anything; it doesn’t seem that the club is at risk of financial collapse and with the Penn family owning the majority share but unable to control the board – more blood could shed soon.

“We’re solvent, there is no question of that,” Penn said. “But over the term of the coming months we need that money. Things aren’t critical now, but unless the situation changes it will become an issue. If arrangements are not being met, the board has to figure out what to do, and that [legal action] is one of the options. The directors have a fiduciary responsibility.”

When questioned about the situation, Max Delmege talked of the amount of funds he has pumped in the Sea Eagles saying: “I’ve put in over $12million and the Penn family has put in over $2million – there’s a bit of a difference. I’m supporting Manly for the right reasons – passionate reasons – and if God were to take me away, my family would continue that support. We will ensure Manly is around forever.”

“If we have to top up, because we [Manly] have losses, our family will top up.” confirmed Delmege

It’s believed Grant Mayer was instrumental in bringing the new sponsor to the club, but Mayer was ousted after a vote of 5-2 to ‘not’ extend his contract past October this year.

However, the new sponsor continued to sing the praises of Mayer, with director David Kenney, confirming: “Grant has done a great job and I’m appreciative of the support he has shown us as major sponsors. He’s been great for Manly and I hope he would like to stay, and will stay. I know he is going to help us in our relationship with the club.”

Kenney believed that the in-fighting may simply be a case of early season jitters as the Manly club struggles to deal with their new position at the top of the NRL perch.

To his credit, Mayer has remained buoyant and remains focused on the year ahead it seems. Choosing to discuss the positives at Manly’s disposal.

“It’s a very political environment here at the moment,” he said. “People have used my position as a trigger for a whole rung of other issues, but that’s part of being a CEO. Unfortunately, this club excels in drama during the off-season and that’s not good for the team or the fans. I just hope our stake-holders can get together in a room and continue to support our club.

“I’m happy to step aside at the end of the season to help make that happen, if that’s what it takes, but Scott hasn’t accepted my letter of resignation and nine months is a long time. My aim has always been to be here for a long time, but we need to resolve some issues.”

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Broncos bounce back to win 24-16

September 13, 2008

Justin HodgesTonights favourites the Brisbane Broncos survived a torrid opening battle in their NRL final against the Roosters, getting behind early and looking all but gone before a Wayne Bennett half time chat turned everything around, the 5th ranked team coming out pumped and eventually getting home 24-16.

The Broncos overcame a strong and physical Roosters side early and ran down an initial 8-point halftime deficit with superb tries to outside back Denan Kemp and strong running David Stagg and Tonie Carroll getting bash and bargers of their own.

The victory ensured a home final for the Broncos, most likely next week, though they could earn a week off if there are two upsets in the weekend’s remaining three qualifying finals.

It will be the final send-off for Bennett, who will join St George Illawarra next season after 21 years at the helm of the Broncos.

The Roosters, whose season will remain alive providing two of Canberra, the Dragons and the Warriors don’t win, were left to rue not only the loss but a season-ending broken arm to hooker Riley Brown.

Trailing 16-8 at halftime the Broncos started the second half in spectacular fashion with a contender for team try of the year just two minutes after the break.

They travelled almost 50m in one play and their determination to keep the ball alive saw them string together 12 passes before Kemp pierced the line and crossed out wide.

Hooker Michael Ennis then booted a fine 40-20 kick to put them back on the attack and they took the lead for the first time in the 49th minute when halfback Peter Wallace sent Stagg crashing over the line.

The Broncos extended their lead in the 60th minute when Darren Lockyer put fellow veteran Carroll over out wide and they managed to repel several late Roosters surges.

The first half was among the most brutal seen this season, with big hits and injuries aplenty.

Brisbane prop Joel Clinton was forced from the field and did not return after a bone-rattling hit from Mark O’Meley in the second minute while Ennis, Wallace, Karmichael Hunt and Corey Parker were also on the end of big shots.

Both sides traded penalties before Sia Soliola scored the first try in the 13th minute when he swooped to intercept a Lockyer pass.

Ten minutes later, they stretched their lead even further when Anthony Tupou scored and Craig Fitzgibbon converted to put the Roosters up by 12.

Wallace got the Broncos back in the match when he cleverly stepped his way over the line nine minutes before the break and Fitzgibbon slotted another penalty to give the tricolours their eight-point halftime lead.

BRISBANE 24 (T Carroll D Kemp D Stagg P Wallace tries M Ennis 2 C Parker 2 goals) bt SYDNEY ROOSTERS 16 (I Soliola A Tupou tries C Fitzgibbon 4 goals) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: T Archer.

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Wade McKinnon guilty of spitting

September 4, 2008

Wade McKinnonBoom New Zealand Warriors custodian Wade McKinnon is appealing a 3 game ban slapped on him by the NRL judiciary tonight, the talented NRL star in real trouble for spitting at sideline official Brett Suttor during Round 25.

McKinnon’s representatives are currently lodging a submission for an additional hearing tonight as the legal eagles spend a long night at NRL HQ.

The initial NRL judiciary ruling to ban McKinnon for only 3 NRL matches was an initial surprise considering NRL prosecutor Peter Kite aimed for somewhere between 9 and 11 matches.

Kite claimed the act was “reprehensible” (of spitting) and the fact that it was at an official made it much more worse. Kite said this kind of disrespect had to be removed from the game and mentioned the fact that Wade McKinnon has had prior offences in relation to firey exchanges with match officials. (McKinnon found guilty of pushing an official just last year)

Naturally the Warriors want McKinnon available for the crunch match-up against Parramatta this weekend.

The Warriors need a high scoring win over the struggling Parramatta Eels and pray that Newcastle or Canberra drop their crucial games this weekend too, allowing the NZ Warriors to sneak into the Top 8.

McKinnon was alleged to have spat at sideline official Suttor as the touch judge stood near the dead ball line after Luke Rooney touched down during the Warriors’ 42-20 win over the Panthers.

Suttor, who was present and gave evidence at tonights judiciary proceedings, said the spit came as close as 30 centimetres to him.

While McKinnon agreed he did spit after the try, he said it was a routine act for him during NRL games; McKinnon claiming he spat to relieve himself of saliva from a double mouthguard during games – something many players do.

NRL official Suttor also said McKinnon was giving him a verbal spray over what the Warriors fullback believed was a missed forward pass by the touchie, a claim that McKinnon said was untrue and came from Micheal Luck who apparently the one delivering the heated words.

“I didn’t say a word,” McKinnon said.

Physics was also mentioned during the hearing, with Wade McKinnon’s legal team saying it would have been a “physical impossibility” for the spit to get within 30 centimetres of Suttor from only 6 metres away.

Kite claimed the intent came from the fact McKinnon spat at head height and not directly into the ground.

Asked by Kite if he normally spat at head height, McKinnon replied: “I don’t have a traditional way of spitting.”

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The NRL Finals, can your team make it?

July 24, 2008

NRL Top 8 Finals Calculations for 2009? Can your NRL Team make it?As we approach crunch time in the NRL 2008 season, can your team realistically make the Top 8 for this year? As has been the trend in the past decade, NRL Results are extremely close – with 15 teams a mathematical chance of getting into the finals.

Most experts predict a rematch of last year’s NRL grand final, but while Manly is traveling well – injuries could drive a knife into the back of their finals campaign, especially considering their all important halves pairing is in tatters at present, Matt Orford and Jamie Lyon out of action for the short term at least. While Melbourne on the other hand are going along well and handling everything that any NRL team can throw at them.

Obviously the North Queensland mob can start packing for their end of season trip (The only person happy up that way would be Graham Murray, the experience coach booted before his time and was obviously a valuable part of the Cowboys; the club slumping badly since his departure)

But in regards to the other teams, even the Bulldogs have a chance if the stars align for them.

Certainly they are huge odds to get in the door, but the Top 8 remains possible for the Bulldogs, who would need to be successful in 7 of their 8 games to get the finals gig, but looking at their form and man power – this is almost akin to Jesus popping on George St in the next couple of months.

The resurgent South Sydney are faring slightly better than the Dogs, they too are mathematically a chance but in reality probably left their run a tiny bit too late. At least Jason Taylor is able to sleep a bit better at night and the Bunnies have turned a horror year into something they can build on for NRL in 2009.

The Souths boys can actually afford to lose 1 game and still make the NRL Top 8, but their opponents include Melbourne and Cronulla, so Rusty Crowe might already be planning the after party for his troops.

The remaining 13 candidates have a more serious chance at getting home, but 13 into 8 does go and as such the Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels are on shaky ground.

Both the Knights and Eels have favourable match-ups in Round 20, clashing with Souths and the Cowboys respectively, but should they both win – the two sides will face off in Monday Night Football soon after in what should be the ultimate test for both teams; the winner almost certainly pushing the other into oblivion.

Also in the middle of the field the likes of – Canberra, Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors are all locked on 20 competition points, just 1 point off Penrith in 8th spot on the NRL Ladder.

While the NZ Warriors have made a great run at the finals in the past few weeks, winning 3 on the trot they do have the worst differential of the three sides at minus 99, and they are set to meet opponents such as Melbourne, Brisbane, Cronulla, St George Illawarra and Penrith.

Of those 5 games, 4 are based in New Zealand. So the Warriors have a massive chance to lock in their spot for 2009. Clashing with the higher ranked teams will also give them good confidence should they manage to jag a few upset wins coming into the final NRL rounds.

Canberra have a similar road home, having 4 of their last 7 games in the ACT, but the recent night club antics of Todd Carney and Bronx Goodwin have thrown their campaign into disarray; the Green Machine have lost two important cogs and may struggle in the next fortnight.

This Saturday night’s meeting of the Wests Tigers and Penrith Panthers will have a big bearing on the NRL Top 8, the winner getting a good leap frog above the pack.

After putting it all together last week, with Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah rediscovering vintage form the Wests Tigers looked like their former 2005 selves as they put Souths away, but a loss here could leave them 3 points out of the eight by the end of the weekend. With the Knights and Eels snapping at their feet.

Due to their tough path home a Penrith Panthers loss in this clash could really hurt their chances, as they still have 2 NRL games chart toppers Manly and a showdown with Melbourne.

The injury plagued Gold Coast Titans are the wildcard in all this; with many feeling they will drop out of the NRL Top 8, missing main strike weapons Scott Prince and Luke Bailey along with the fact they have some horror match-ups with the Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos and Manly Sea Eagles.

The Dragons have also stumbled a bit of late, with back to back losses coming after their 7 game winning hot streak, but Brownies boys really only need 3 wins to secure the deal.

They have some winnable games in their path too, the Dragons are up against crosstown rivals Bulldogs and Cronulla in the next 2 weeks and they should fancy themselves, they were valiant against Melbourne with Gavin Badger stopping them in their tracks to a big extent.

Brisbane are a little harder to pick, their form has been up and down and Wayne Bennett admits he hasn’t been happy with things. The Queenslanders need to beat Cronulla on Friday night if they are serious about gunning for a Top 4 spot, Brisbane are behind 4th spot (Sydney Roosters) by only 3 points.
The Roosters have really hit the wall in recent weeks, copping 2 harsh losses on the trot and facing big guns Manly on Sunday, can the Roosters still lock in a home semi final? They have Brisbane on their tails; welcoming back Darren Lockyer, Peter Wallace and Justin Hodges for the run home.

With 4 of 7 games at home, the Sharks look all set to nail a home final with their well earned Top 4 spot. So it seems a Toyota Stadium clash in week 1 of the NRL finals in 2008, with some luck falling their way they may even see a Manly or Melbourne hiccup and the Sharks could sneak into the Top 2 and receive a vital free passage in the finals. With Manly’s injury run, this is not out of the realms of possibility. The Sharks will be an interesting prospect if they can get into the Top 8, their style is well suited to the finals format and many feel they are a possible threat to Manly and Melbourne if they can keep their chins up in the weeks ahead.

The only worry for the Manly and the Storm is who will take the minor premiership? Its all about the points difference it seems; meaning when the sides meet in the weeks ahead a victory and the margin will be all important!

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