NRL Preview: Round 22
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The Storm will be looking to claim top spot with a win over Manly (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
The season is heading into the final stretch and round 22, headlined by a top-of-the-table blockbuster, serves up some pivotal clashes for finals contenders.
Teams between Brisbane in fifth and the Warriors in 12th face off against each other in crucial encounters that could either kick-start or strangle team's respective charges to September.
Sea Eagles v Storm, Friday 7.35 pm, Brookvale Oval
It is one versus two in a perfectly timed taste-tester before the finals. While Manly are two points clear at the top, there seems to be something ominous about the looming Storm. They hit a speed bump in round 19, just like they did last season before going on an eight-game winning streak which included knocking over the Sea Eagles in the big one. The likes of Inglis, Folau and the looping Billy Slater are really beginning to run wild on the fringes and even Manly's stern defence will have problems keeping the visitors' ferocious appetite for points at bay out wide.
Anthony Watmough is a massive inclusion for Manly, recombining with back row partner Glenn Stewart. Together the pair have wreaked havoc, contributing to their side's big off-load tally which averages nearly double Melbourne's. However, the Storm's depth and determination in the forwards is hard to ignore with players like Sika Manu and Jeff Lima, who had 18 hit-ups for a massive 153 metres and 16 tackles in only 49 minutes last week, stepping up to the plate.
In front of a parochial Brooky crowd Manly will be tough opponents, they won the last encounter there 13-12, but scoring points has been a big test against the reigning premiers. It is hard to go past Melbourne who look to have an extra gear and are ready to use it.
*Raman's tip: Storm
Dragons v Tigers, Friday 7.35pm, WIN Stadium
The Dragons let two crucial competition points slip last week in a horror final 20 minutes against the Sharks. Dubious penalties, knock-ons, kicks out on the full and soft tries all contributed to a deflating defeat. Now they face a hot Tigers outfit without Jason Ryles, Justin Poore, Ben Creagh and Brett Morris - injuries that will hurt them at the back end of matches. Luckily Mark Gasnier has made an earlier than expected recovery.
In contrast, Wests have regained their forward grunt after a telling injury spell. With the likes of Chris Heighington leading their mobile pack, the Tigers have every opportunity of putting significant pressure on Jamie Soward, who failed to inspire his team late one against Cronulla. The visitors also hold a tidy record against the Dragons and creative combo Farah and Marshall are capably of producing anything.
*Raman's tip: Tigers
Broncos v Warriors, Saturday 5.30pm AEST, Mt Smart Stadium
A look at recent results and Brisbane look likely of mounting an impressive case as a dark horse for the finals this season. But a few mid-week distractions in Justin Hodges's suspension and Sam Thaiday's omission make for an awkward trip to Auckland. Enforcer Tonie Carroll is also ruled out with a hamstring leaving the Broncos' recent exemplary defence rather exposed on the fringes.
The Warriors will be hoping to take full advantage through full-back Wade McKinnon, who returns after being ruled out for the season before it began. New Zealand dominated last week but lacked the finishing touches so it comes as no surprise that Michael Witt has been recalled to five-eighth.
The Warriors forwards looked to be carrying the ill-effects of a hard slog with the Storm last week but on home turf they could snatch this one against weakened opponents.
*Raman's tip: Warriors
Sharks v Rabbitohs, Saturday 7.30pm, Shark Park
Cronulla continue to escape in the close contests, adding their 10th victory between 1-10 points last week. The closest team to match that stat is their opponents the Rabbitohs who have claimed all seven of their wins by two tries or less. There is no faulting the Sharks' commitment but their inability to score points continues to hamper their premiership credentials. Meanwhile, Souths boast a host of exciting players who can manufacture try-scoring plays. This one could end up being a battle between the experienced head of Brett Kimmorley and his younger, brasher counterpart Chris Sandow, who has also built a reputation of rising to the occasion in close games.
In the last six meetings between the two teams, the margin has followed the pattern: 2, 4, 10, 2, 4, 10. Two to three tries may not be enough to sink the Bunnies and a boilover is not out of reach.
*Raman's tip: Rabbitohs
Bulldogs v Cowboys, Saturday 7.30pm, Lang Park
The Bulldogs and Cowboys will be playing for the Reconciliation Cup but what they will be aiming to avoid is the dreaded wooden spoon. North Queensland looked certain to add to their draw of splintering utensils but the Sonny Bill Williams saga has seen the Bulldogs hit rock bottom. They have conceded 86 points and scored 4 since SBW up and left while the Cowboys showed last week they still have the hunger, if not the staying power, to succeed. Luke O'Donnell repaid selectors for his surprising selection in the Kangaroos squad with a massive 80-minute showing against the Roosters last week.
The shackles are going to be broken by one or the other. The Boys last tasted victory in round six while the Dogs will be out to prove a point after one win in their last nine.
*Raman's tip: Cowboys
Raiders v Panthers, Sunday 2.00pm, Canberra Stadium
The sacking of Todd Carney will set a sombre mood in Canberra on Sunday but the Raiders have enough attacking talent to fill the hole. Last week the Canberra forwards battled hard with Picker, Thurling and Thompson all standing out but for once it was the outside backs that didn't hold up their end of the bargain. They managed only one line break against Brisbane in an area where they have torn teams apart of late. Penrith were blown apart in the opening 40 versus Manly and ended up completing 14 less sets. That spells danger against the Green Machine who are the competition's most prolific point scorers in the opening 20 minutes.
The Panthers can muster points of their own but have not defeated the Raiders in their last three match-ups and will be outsiders in Canberra.
*Raman's tip: Raiders
Roosters v Eels, Sunday 3.00pm, Sydney Football Stadium
It is difficult to believe that the Eels are travelling so badly but are still a win outside the eight. Regardless, a loss to the Roosters will signal the end to a disappointing season with the Tigers, Dragons and Warriors to face in the final month. So-called excitement machines Jarryd Hayne and Krisnan Inu look flat and it shows in the Eels' lacklustre ball movement and cohesion out wide. The Roosters can run up a big score if Parramatta get disinterested early and begin to fall off tackles like they have so regularly this year.
Quick play-the-balls and momentum by the Roosters forwards should open the gate for Pearce and Anasta.
*Raman's tip: Roosters
Titans v Knights, Monday night 7.00pm, Skilled Park
The Gold Coast were starved of possession early on against the Storm but battled bravely in defence. Mark Minichiello returns from injury to help that cause but five-eighth Mat Rogers is out through suspension. The Knights though have the luxury of a plethora of ball players and angle runners with Matt Hilder joining the ensemble of Mullen, Dureau, Buderus and Gidley to feed balls to the likes of Houston, Patterson, MacDougall and the powerful Junior Sau out wide.
The Titans will rally on home turf, and don't be surprised if they cross early - they have scored the opening try 11 times this year (equal highest in NRL) to the Knights four (equal lowest). But Newcastle's superior ability and form should win the day.
*Raman's tip: Knights
