NRL Preview: Round 26
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Can Ryan Hoffman's return help the Storm to a third straight minor premiership? (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
One of the most tantalising final rounds in recent seasons beckons this weekend as a host of teams vying for top four and top eight finishes do battle for semi-final berths.
Broncos v Knights, Friday 7.35pm, Lang Park
The Knights' fate is in their hands. If they can back up their brave performance against the Storm in Brisbane they will feature in the finals. Matt Hilder escaped suspension to strengthen a seemingly endless list of pivot options for Newcastle. Danny Wicks also returns on the bench. For the Broncos, a top four spot is still a possibility if they take the points on Friday and the Dragons defeat the Roosters. If they lose it will be the final game at Lang Park for Wayne Bennett and Tonie Carroll. With a host of attacking options led by the ominous-looking Darren Lockyer and the return of Michael Ennis, the Knights will be having nightmares of their 71-6 humiliation upon their last trip to Brisbane.
If the Broncos are victorious, it will be only the second time in a decade they have won three straight matches heading into the finals. The last time was in 2006 when they won the premiership.
*Raman's tip: Broncos
Roosters v Dragons, Friday 7.35pm, Sydney Football stadium
If the Knights knock over Brisbane, a win for the Dragons will lift them to fourth, leapfrogging their opponents. St George Illawarra is flying at the moment and is fast proving it can launch an attack on the title after more fancied campaigns have collapses underneath them. Ben Creagh has been damaging since his return while Ben Rogers continues to keep Jamie Soward out of the six with his impressive form. The Roosters will hold onto their top four spot should they account for the Dragons, but they look very shaky. Braith Anasta inspired some dangerous wide running last week and the inclusion of Anthony Minichiello will cover for the loss of Amos Roberts.
Wendell Sailor grabbed his eighth rugby league hat-trick last week and will be hoping his 100 per cent record with the Dragons continues on his old Waratahs stomping ground.
*Raman's tip: Dragons
Panthers v Sea Eagles, Saturday 5.30pm, CUA Stadium
Manly has a slender-eight point differential lead over Melbourne and will be favourites to take out the minor premiership with a big win over the Panthers. The Sea Eagles defence was outstanding in the final stages last week with Anthony Watmough leading the charge. Together with Menzies, Stewart and the ever-improving Glenn Hall, Manly's backrow will pose many a problem during September. The Panthers are dead and buried after letting another season slip by. Petero Civoniceva has been the standout all season while fans at the foot of the mountain at least have a crop of young players coming through the ranks. But, question marks continue to surround Matt Elliot.
Manly should do it easy but by how much will be what everyone will be watching.
*Raman's tip: Sea Eagles
Eels v Warriors, Saturday 7.30pm, Parramatta Stadium
It is hard to believe but both sides have a shot at eighth, provided Newcastle loses to Brisbane. If the Knights falter, the Warriors will be in the box seat needing only to triumph over the lack lustre Eels - something that could prove more challenging considering the Kiwis have managed only three away wins this year and have lost Wade McKinnon. More unlikely, Parra can slip into the top half if the Broncos paste the Knights and the Eels do the same to NZ. It won't happen judging by Parra's recent form without Brett Finch. The likes of the hooker Ian Henderson and Lance Hohaia will be looking to take advantage of the Eels' pathetic ruck defence this year with their probing skirts from dummy half.
The Warriors should prove too good but will it get them into the finals?
*Raman's tip: Warriors
Sharks v Cowboys, Saturday 7.30pm, Shark Park
Of all the matches this weekend this one looks the most likely of offering an upset. The Cowboy forwards were unstoppable last week, albeit against a weakened Raiders side. Ray Cashmere in particular made a whopping 207 metres in 47 minutes, the most metres of any forward this year. Add to that the scheming of Johnathan Thurston and Aaron Payne and the North Queenslanders will be a handful. Cronulla is beginning to do it easier in recent weeks and will have one eye on the Roosters, Broncos and Dragons after securing third spot. They are playing as a team and work to their strengths with Brett Kimmorley calling the shots.
Much depends on the Cowboys' start and their goal-line defence. If you need to make up footy tipping points, back the visitors.
*Raman's tip: Sharks
Raiders v Bulldogs, Sunday 2.00pm, Canberra Stadium
The Raiders are assured of seventh spot but injuries look to have ruined any outside chance of an extended campaign in September. The impact of no regular half-back was obvious against the Cowboys with Alan Tongue unable to service Terry Campese and the Canberra backline. Nevertheless, against the Bulldogs at home there should be little worry, especially considering the 58-18 thumping they handed out in their last match-up. The Dogs are giving a decent account of themselves lately despite some rather untidy spells. The SBW crisis left a gaping hole in their season but 2009 looks bright with a plethora of new signings and youngsters set to join new coach Kevin Moore at Belmore.
With the likes of Joel Monaghan, Colin Best and Adrian Purtell lurking out wide the Raiders will be hard to stop.
*Raman's tip: Raiders
Titans v Tigers, Sunday 3.00pm, Skilled Park
It is a disappointing end to the season for both these sides considering finals football was on the agenda around two months ago. Instead there final clash for 2008 turns into a battle for 12th spot after another nightmare finish to the year. Injuries saw the Titans tumble from league leaders to outside the top half with two wins in their last 11 matches. The Tigers suffered a similar fate with three victories from their last 12 as they missed the finals for the third straight time since their 2005 premiership victory. There is no Nathan Friend for the Titans but Luke Bailey has made a surprise comeback for the final round from a foot injury.
Wests will be hoping for a fitting send off for Brett Hodgson but with Scott Prince leading the way at home the Gold Coast are worthy favourites.
*Raman's tip: Titans
Storm v Rabbitohs, Sunday 7.00pm, Olympic Park
A big win over the Rabbitohs can hand the Storm a hat-trick of minor premierships. A perfect run into September was spoilt by Newcastle last week with Melbourne's ill-discipline costing them dearly. The Storm's pack were also below par but the timely return of Ryan Hoffman to the second row will add another dimension to their left hand fringe on the eve of the finals. Souths almost delivered another of their comeback specials with inaugural George Green Medallist Chris Sandow the star of the show. The pocket-size rookie helped inspire 20 points in 20 minutes but the Bunnies' defence continues to be their Achilles heel.
With Sandow, Issac Luke and Craig Wing in their ranks the Rabbits will be looking forward to 2009, but its all business for the Storm on home turf.
*Raman's tip: Storm
