NRL Round 5 Preview
Roosters vs Bulldogs
Matchup - Sonny Bill Williams vs Frank Pritchard. If my memory serves me correctly, these two will line up against each other in a battle of size, skill and footwork. They both have it all and Frank the Tank is in some nice form.
Key men - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. He'll be the focal point of the Roosters attack and will have to be at his best to not only be a threat down the Bulldogs end but also use his footwork to get easy metres and quick play the balls as the Roosters come out of their end.
Keep an eye on - Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson look to have clicked. If they can continue to improve as a partnership then the league should be on notice.
Verdict - Bulldogs <12. It's a toss up but the Roosters look a bit light up front and the Dogs look like a team on the rise.
Broncos vs Eels
Matchup - Ben Barba vs Jarryd Hayne. Both these two lads are stepping in to full the void of their respective teams. Hayne was clinical last week while Barba looks better each week for the Broncs.
Key men - Kenny Edwards, Manu Ma'u and Joseph Paulo. The Broncos have a strong edge game, but so do the Eels with these three lads. They'll be brutal but skillful on attack and will have to be smart on D.
Keep an eye on - The return of Justin Hodges will take the Broncos to another level as he works his way back in to it each week. And Pauli Pauli for the Eels is another beast.
Verdict - Eels <12. I said the Eels on the podcast so gonna roll with it.
Sharks vs Warriors
Matchup - Jayson Bukuya vs Wade Graham. Bukuya is up against his former team and it will be a great battle vs Graham. Both are great players and are in form.
Key men - The Warriors bench. The 2nd rotation has power and skill and changes the way the Warriors play, they'll be up against a pretty mundane forward pack so should be able to bring the ruckus against some tiring big men.
Keep an eye on - We saw Thomas Leuluai have a nice impact last week, how will Feleti Mateo go? I'm pretty sure that Mathew Elliot views Mateo as his trump card so keep your eyes peeled.
Verdict - Warriors >12. If they aim up, bring some intensity and energy they should be too good.
Panthers vs Raiders
Matchup - James Segeyaro vs Josh McCrone. Both teams rotate their hookers and these two offer very different styles. Will be a great match up to see who has the greater impact.
Key men - Matt Moylan and Anthony Milford are huge for their teams. Each team has a solid but not spectacular halves pairing and rely heavily on input from their fullbacks.
DWZ
Keep an eye on - Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, he's a gun! Also, Peter Wallace. I like the Panthers with Isaac John who has a bit of flair so if Wallace can't do the job, he could be under some pressure.
Verdict - Panthers >12. We're seeing the Panthers team starting to filter itself with the likes of Sika Manu returning to the fold. I like em.
Dragons vs Rabbitohs
Matchup - Josh Dugan vs Greg Inglis. Ooohwee goodun' here. Not much needs to be said really?
Key men - The Dragons back five. They're all good players in form who will need to make the most of their chances. Who knows whether their forwards can dominate the middle so it might be up to their back five to create from a minimal platform.
Keep an eye on - How John Sutton moving back in to the halves impacts the Bunnies. I think it might be good for them, some experience, composure and leadership in a key position.
Verdict - Dragons <12. I really don't know though.
Storm vs Titans
Matchup - The edge back rowers will provide a battle of contrasting styles. Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman, Greg Bird and David Taylor all offer something different which will provide a great battle.
Key men - Aidan Sezer. He was all class last week but this week he'll be put under the pump by the Storm. If he can impact the game with sublime execution of his key skills then the Titans will have a chance.
Keep an eye on - Paul Carter has been giving the Titans some punch off the bench and is someone who perhaps the Titans have needed.
Verdict - Storm >12. I can't see the Storm going back to back so expect them to be lethal this week.
Tigers vs Sea Eagles
Matchup - Adam Blair vs Glenn Stewart. They'll be lining up against each other and put aside their history, it'll be one hell of a footy battle.
Key men - The Tigers big boppers. An opportunity is there for them to really put pressure on Manly through the middle, whether they can or not is the question.
Keep an eye on - Tim Simona off the bench. How will he be used?
Verdict - Tigers <12. It's at Leichhardt, the Tigers need to bounce back and I think Manly are due a loss.
Cowboys vs Knights
Matchup - Kyle Feldt/Antonio Winterstein vs James McManus/Akuila Uate. Some very under rated wingers here and they all love to chip in with some high impact carries.
Key men - Willie Mason and Kade Snowden will be up against it this week. They'll have to match up against a Cowboys pack who will be looking to return to some sort of form and will need to lead from the front.
Keep an eye on - Ray Thompson. He was awesome last season before he had his jaw broken and he'll be looking to return to that form off the bench.
Verdict - Cowboys <12. I think the Knights will be riding the emotional rollercoaster whereas the Cowboys will be looking to set their season on the right path.