NRL Round 5 Preview
Bulldogs vs Rabbitohs
Match Up - Josh Morris/Tim Lafai vs Darryl Millard/Bryson Goodwin. The Rabbitohs looked a bit plain Jane without the spice that Dylan Walker offers and this week they are up against two of the best low key centres in the game. The Doggies will be heading wide to give Morris and Lafai plenty of early ball tomorrow night.
Key Man - Tony Williams continues to look better and better each week as he has the perfect package to play on an edge. The Eels showed that you can target the Bunnies out wide and with Williams able to run over the top of you or slip a cut-out pass, he'll be the main man.
Keep An Eye On - Josh Reynolds will be eager to make an impact and I wouldn't be surprised to see him ruffle a few feathers, especially those of Luke Keary and Adam Reynolds.
Verdict - Bulldogs <12. The Doggies have the big boys to compete through the middle and I reckon when the likes of Sam Kasiano, David Klemmer and Frank Pritchard get involved, it'll be hard for the Bunnies to stop.
Titans vs Broncos
Match Up - Nate Myles vs Sam Thaiday. Thaiday has spent a fair amount of time out on an edge this season but he'll start in the middle with he and Myles likely to play big minutes and churn through Origin efforts.
Key Man - Kierran Moseley, if he can run the ball a lot then the Titans will be able to find some go forward through the middle. The Broncos will be tough to dominate, especially as the Titans lack a bit of size but if Moseley can scoot and find support, then they'll at least get a few quick play the balls.
Keep An Eye On - Wayne Bennett's got his reliable troops but he's also giving youngsters a go with Jarrod Wallace, Mitchell Dodds and Mitch Garbutt all going to come off the bench in the forwards. We could see Francis Molo as well. Also, with no Justin Hodges, Jordan Kahu will need to do some play making.
Verdict - Titans <12. While I'm loving the halves for the Broncos, I reckon Aidan Sezer and Kane Elgey will do just enough to win along with their weapons around them.
Sea Eagles vs Raiders
Match Up - Matt Ballin vs Josh Hodgson. The English hooker Hodgson has looked a thome in the NRL so far and he's up against one of the best in Ballin who doesn't get the props he deserves.
Key Man - Kieran Foran/Daly Cherry-Evans, if either of these two are playing near their best then it shouldn't be too hard for them to get that W.
Keep An Eye On - Manly's low key depth. We've heard how many players they've lost but Brayden Williame is doing a great job in the centres while they can also call up Ligi Sao and Justin Horo.
Verdict - Manly <12. They may find it hard to roll forward as their pack isn't the best but you have to expect their spine to get everyone firing around them.
Knights vs Dragons
Match Up - Beau Scott vs Joel Thompson. Scott looks like he should be playing State of Origin every week because the NRL's too easy for him while Thompson puts in a good shift consistently. Two contrasting styles but plenty of quality.
Key Man - I've been weary of the Knights, but what a great time to see Tariq Sims return. Just when teams might be figuring them out, they can bring this freak in and let him run wild on the left edge.
Keep An Eye On - Jarrod Mullen is playing out of his skin and who knows, if he keeps this up he could make it impossible to ignore him for a blues jersey.
Verdict - Knights <12. Their forward pack will be too good for the Dragons which is all you need when you have the backline talent that the Knights have.
Roosters vs Sharks
Match Up - 14-17. Both teams have a whole lot of impact coming off the bench with the Sharks unleashing the Fifita twins, Anthony Tupou and Jayson Bukuya to go up against Mitchell Aubusson, Dylan Napa, Kane Evas and Sio Siua Taukeiaho. Huge bodies, speed, aggression, ouch.
Key Man - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could have the Sharks defence bamboozled, especially as he can either give someone like Michael Jennings early ball or use him as a decoy.
Keep An Eye On - Shaun Kenny-Dowall is essentially playing for a contract and he gets a run in the centres with the youngster who could replace him, Nene MacDonald starting on the wing.
Verdict - Roosters >12. Unless they're off their game, the Roosters should be far too good.
Eels vs Wests Tigers
Match Up - Chris Sandow vs Luke Brooks. Two halfbacks who can pretty much do anything and are willing to try anything, it'll be exciting.
Key Man - Robbie Farah will have to get through a mountain of defensive work as the Eels have a powerful pack but he'll also need to provide impact with the ball. He'll run the ball regularly which will give his young halves a bit more time and space.
Keep An Eye On - Bureta Faraimo is a exciting outside back and we also get to see John Folau in the centres which is where he belongs.
Verdict - Tigers <12. Toss up here, I reckon the Tigers have the right balance of experience and youth, structure and razzle dazzle etc to handle everything the Eels will throw their way. It'll be a great game regardless.
Storm vs Warriors
Match Up - Jesse Bromwich vs Ben Matulino. Two kiwi props who play a similar style and are hugely important to how their team performs. There'll be offloads popped out every as well as plenty of metres gained.
Key Man - Billy Slater is always in a threatening position and the Storm have a range of plays to get him the ball, can the Warriors defend Slater well enough? I'm not sure.
Keep An Eye On - Ngani Laumape returns, but Solomone Kata will be up against Will Chambers which will be a huge test for him.
Verdict - Warriors <12. Somehow the Warriors win these games.
Panthers vs Cowboys
Match Up - Elijah Taylor vs Jason Taumalolo. Two middle men who have completely different styles but it'll be a great battle. Taylor's got great hands while Taumalolo has the footwork, imagine if you combined these two lads!?
Key Man - James Segeyaro is back we're going to see what a great hooker he is as he should make the Panthers a much better side this week.
Keep An Eye On - Lachlan Coote is starting to warm up to the NRL task and the combination between he, Michael Morgan and Jonathan Thurston should only improve each week.
Verdict - Cowboys <12. They got their first win, but I think the Panthers still look a peg below their usual selves without Jamie Soward.