Tips for round 14-NRL

The second game of Origin is beckoning which means that a lot of the teams lose valuable players.

Game 1: Dragons v Titans. The Dragons team does not at all look like the side that has been penultimate in this years competition. A mere shadow of that side faces up against a Titans side that retains most of its regular players. This game will be a true test of Dragons depth which would lead me to be picking the blue and gold this weekend.

Game 2: Cowboys v Eagles. The cowboys rely on the brilliance of Thurston, the lines of Willie Tonga and the speed of Bowen. Without all three in good working order the Cowboys lack any real attacking talent. The surprise inclusion of Willie Hopoate in the NSW origin side means Manly are without one of their real attacking weapons. The Manly side however are full of line breakers and smart footballers. Manly by plenty!

Game 3: Broncos v Raiders. One of the more interesting match ups of the round. The Broncos have a lot of young talent coming through and if these players fire Broncos should have it in the bag. The Raiders however have more experienced/solid players and if they rough these young ones up they could create an upset. Broncos are seriously weakened having a lot of players out through Origin duty. It will be a test of their depth. They are at home which makes leads me to picking the Broncos. A try in it!

Game 4: Warriors v Tigers. The game of the round!! The Warriors had it tough last week against the Chooks but are back at home this weekend against a New Zealand lead Tigers team. The other beauty about this is that no players from either team are out for origin duty. The class of Benji and Robbie Farah will be on show. If these two fire the warriors may be up against back to back losses. Its an absolute 50/50 for this one. The Warriors are having a good season but one must wonder when this has to start to turn for the worse and the fans start asking second questions. If I was to pick, Tigers.

Game 5: Roosters v Storm. The Chooks on paper have to be one of the best games in the competition. They have no reason for their place on the ladder and one must think towards the back end of the season this team has to start coming right! Melbourne as usual lose a lot of players out to origin with the roosters only having a couple. A re-shuffle in the centres due to Shaun Kenny-Dowell being injured which gives the Storm some hope but the brilliance of Carney and Anasta is sure to be on show. Roosters by a few!