NRL Round 15 Preview
Barty Baubau ... I've been listening to YG.
Rabbitohs vs Eels
Match Up: Paul Carter vs Manu Ma'u/Beau Scott. Carter could line up on either side, hence I'm excited about his match up against either Ma'u or Scott as Carter is a ruthless son of a gun who won't take a backwards step, even up against two of the OG rugged edge forwards.
Key Man: The time is now for Luke Keary, who is low key in the shop window. Keary's absence was felt last week as the Rabbitohs lacked a spark and a dose of his energy, which is funny after all drama around Keary and the Rabbitohs earlier in the year. Keary is in the halves with Cody Walker and as they are both eager runners of the footy, Keary will be responsible for offering some control against the Eels. We've seen Keary come off the bench and provide some x-factor, but can he lead a team from halfback?
Keep An Eye On: Alex Johnston is back at fullback, but also keep an eye on Sam Burgesss who is suddenly one of very few leaders in this Rabbitohs side. There's plenty of aggression in the Rabbitohs pack, but Burgess will need to be at his best against the Eels.
Verdict: Eels <12. Gotta take the Eels and their forward pack, which is bigger, more aggressive and more skillful.
Dragons vs Storm
Match Up: Euan Aitken/Tim Lafai vs Cheyse Blair/Ryan Morgan. The only position that the Dragons have a solid advantage at is centre, with Aitken and Lafai both centres who are defensively solid and offer some spice in attack. Blair and Morgan have done a decent job so far in their Storm careers, but I'm interested in how they go up against Aitken and Lafai, especially if they get early ball.
Key Man: Cameron Munster has taken over from Blake Green as the Storm's key man during the Origin period. Green will do his usual job but it's Munster who will add the funk to the Storm's attack and look for Munster to be fizzing around the footy, ready to pounce on any opportunity from the Storm's big forward pack who should be too good through the middle. Offloads and quick play-the-balls will give Munster all the encourage he needs.
Keep An Eye On: Felise Kaufusi has been named to start on the edge and he's shown the ability to play through the middle and out on the edge for the Storm in the past year or so. That's a great string to have to your bow and he's just another strong young forward in the Storm's roster.
Verdict: Storm <12. The Dragons will offer a challenge but the Storm still have their kiwi gang of forwards who wil ensure victory.
Warriors vs Roosters
Match Up: Shaun Johnson vs Jackson Hastings. In terms of young NRL halves, Johnson is an OG while Hastings is fresh and it's going to be interesting to see who has greater influence on this game. Of course, you'd have to back Johnson but Hastings will be playing behind a strong Roosters forward pack and there's a youthful enthusiasm in the halves for the Chooks that could see them play with freedom.
Key Man: Simon Mannering will play through the middle and he'll be tasked with slowing down the likes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Moa, Dylan Napa and Kane Evans. Mannering will need to be on point in the tackle area, but he'll also need to contribute with the footy to keep the Roosters forwards moving, with his passing and offloads. Mannering will slow the Warriors down if he contributes with just runs and tackles, he's gotta add some spice in there.
Keep An Eye On: Joseph Manu makes his debut, while Latrell Mitchell is backing up from last week's Young Fullback Battle in which he was torched by Cameron Munster. This week Mitchell is up against Tui Lolohea and it could be a case of same shit, different week for Mitchell or we could see Mitchell step up and dazzle.
Verdict: Warriors <12. I'm tempted by the Roosters but the Warriors will enjoy greater impact off their bench.
Titans vs Sea Eagles
Match Up: Ashley Taylor vs Apisai Koroisau. Taylor has emerged as a Rookie Of The Year contender while Koroisau has shown signs of being a slick halfback, even though he's a hooker. Manly's troubles are reflected in their constantly changing halves combination and I'm intrigued by how Koroisau goes against Taylor who has led a resurgent Titans team. I'm certainly leaning towards Taylor, but I've seen Koroisau produce some magic.
Key Man: Martin Taupau is back for Manly, but more importantly he's back playing through the middle as he's starting at prop. Up to this point, Taupau had been playing on an edge for Manly and he definitely looked less-threatening, now he's back in the middle he should offer the Sea Eagles some whack through the middle against the likes of...
Keep An Eye On: Ryan James and Agnatius Paasi will start for Gold Coast, up against Taupau, Darcy Lussick and Jake Trbojevic. This will be ruthless and little blokes won't be welcome in the middle of the park as this will be a big boy battle, possibly the best of the round.
Verdict: Titans <12. If the Titans show up with the same attitude and intensity that has been a staple of their season, they should be too enthusiastic for Manly.