Big Sam
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Round 9 Review
Game One: Maniac Marauders 33 Random Suspects 44
The Marauders' underwhelming defence of their title continued with another loss, this time to the Suspects. Coach Ab was left frustrated prior to the game with the late withdrawal of captain Josh Dugan and the long term shoulder injury suffered by Beau Champion playing for City.
The Suspects can thank the Herculian performance of Cameron Smith for this win. Backing up from the previous evening's test, the former Lion bagged a workhorse try, 4 conversions, and a try assist. Young Kiwi Elijah Taylor provided the game's few highlights for the Marauders, scoring an impressive try.
Game Two: Bondi Beasts 36 Bulls 86
The invincible Bulls continued on their quest for NRLCEO immortality with a comprehensive victory over Bondi. A stellar performance from Man-of-the-Round James Maloney and a hattrick to David Mead ensured a big win. Those two were ably supported by Dean Young and Lewis Brown to give the Bulls the biggest score of the weekend.
For the Beasts, the Representative weekend cannot be used as an excuse by Coach Magic for his side's disappointing performance as both teams had 13 players start the game. Magic will be expecting much improved performances from the Beasts 'Big Two', Slater and Thurston, this week as they look to rebound.
Game Three: Los Bastardos 41 The Spare Bats 37
Los Bastardos continued their mixed recent form with a win over the Spare Bats in the tightest encounter of the weekend. The ever reliable Ben Hornby and Brett Morris led the way whilst Simon Mannering was also good, backing up from Friday night's test.
For the Bats, solid forwards efforts from Ballin and Hinchcilffe, and a double from Gerard Beale were not enough. The Bats are currently languishing in ninth position and need to turn their attacking form around quickly to make a run for the play-offs. One major concern for the Bats is the consistency of playmaker Scott Prince who has failed to fire this season.
Game Four: The Dribbling Pooches RLFC 49 Rhinos XIII 29
This middle of the table clash saw the Pooches grab a straightforward victory over the Rhinos, who would have been disappointed to not back up the previous week's big win.
The Pooches were again highly impressive, justifying their installation as outright 2nd favourites by numerous betting companies. A dazzling hattrick from Brett Stewart coupled with the leadership of young half Cherry-Evans made for an enjoyable Monday night for Coach Franko. The Rhinos will be glad to see the back of the Rep weekend, with numerous players missing and no real standouts in this encounter.
Game Five: Orange Alpacas 0 Lions RLFC 24
In what was undoubtedly one of the worst games in NRLCEO history, the Lions took 2 much needed points against a severely depleted Alpacas outfit. Both sides had only 3 players start between them, but it was the Lions who triumphed thanks to a solid effort from Captain-Kicker Corey Parker.
The result means that the Alpacas start the season at 0-9 and unless things improve dramatically, Griffo's men should start looking at travel brochures for the end of season trip quite soon.
Ladder After Round 9
1 BULLS 18, +208
2 SUSPECTS 14,+112
3 BEASTS 13, +149
4 POOCHES 12, +63
5 RHINOS 10, +13
6 BASTARDOS 9, -77
7 Lions 6, -74
8 Marauders 4, -68
9 Spare Bats 4, -113
10 Alpacas 0, -213
Round 10 Preview
Rhinos XIII (5th, 5-4) vs (8th, 2-7) Maniac Marauders
Is this the weekend where the Marauders will finally show that they are contenders rather than pretenders? Maybe. The very much have a side capable of knocking off the impressive Rhinos. Plenty of tries in their backline through Dugan and Uate along with the signing of veteran Luke Lewis will have Coach Ab hoping that a mid-season revival is on the cards. The Rhinos were ordinary last week, but so was everyone else impacted by the Reprsentative weekend. They welcome back the future NSW Origin halves pairing of Soward and Pearce and will be hoping for a quick return to the winners' circle.
Last Meeting: Marauders 48 Rhinos 69
Los Bastardos (6th, 4-1-5) vs (3rd, 6-1-2) Bondi Beasts
The first encounter between these two resulted in a rare draw and given recent form, another is not out of the question. Los Bastardos look to have the stronger overall side but don't possess the X-Factors that Bondi does in Slater and Thurston. The Beasts are coming off a diasappointing loss to the Bulls, while the understrength Bastardos just held on against the Bats. For Magic's men, a win here would represent a swift rebound to last week's setback. Los Bastardos will look to increase the gap with 7th position in the race to the play-offs.
Last Meeting: Beasts 58 Bastardos 58
Bulls (1st, 9-0) vs (4th, 6-3) The Dribbling Pooches RLFC
In undoubtedly the game of the round, Franko's Pooches will attempt to be the first side to beat the Bulls in 2011. On the face of it, their task appears mightily difficult, but there are some encouraging signs. Brett Stewart's return to form coupled with the high standard set by Benji Marshall in recent weeks should give their fans hope. But the big question remains; how do you stop the Bulls pack? Hilder and Bailey aside, all the Bulls forwards are walk-ups for NSW in Origin I, and it is on the foundations set by this fearsome pack that Tommo's men have started at 9-0. In what could very well be the game of the season, I'm tipping the Bulls to make it a perfect 10, but it won't be easy.
Last Meeting: Bulls 80 Pooches 59
Lions RLFC (7th, 3-6) vs (9th, 2-7) The Spare Bats
These two clubs have a lot in common. Amongst the preseason favourites for the title, they find themselves at the wrong end of the ladder nearing the season's halfway point. Both coaches have also had to deal with selection dilemas in the halves throughout the season, with Lions reject Scott Prince now on the outer at the Bats. All this makes for a fascinating encounter in which the victor will move one step closer to the Top 6. The Lions have been active in the Free Agent market over the last week acquiring amongst others Frank-Paul Nu'uausala to fill the gap left by Sam Burgess' season ending knee injury, whilst the Bats have injected some flair into their line-up with the arrival of Chris Sandow. Coach Monk will be hoping that his youthful and exciting backline can avenge Round 1's loss to Big Sam's boys.
Last Meeting: Lions 67 Spare Bats 65
random. Suspects (2nd, 7-2) vs (10th, 0-9) Orange Alpacas
Todd Carney will make his debut for the Alpacas in a very difficult encounter against the Random Suspects. Carney has a lot of pressure and unanswered questions surrounding him. How is he going to respond on the field after his ban? Can he help one of the worst teams statistically in NRLCEO history, a side that failed to score a single point last weekend, turn their season around? It's enough to put you back on the drink. For the Suspects, expect a lot of their attack to revolve around the brilliant Cameron Smith. Despite the arrival of Carney, the Suspects will win this comfortably.
Last Meeting: Alpacas 48 Suspects 54
Game One: Maniac Marauders 33 Random Suspects 44
The Marauders' underwhelming defence of their title continued with another loss, this time to the Suspects. Coach Ab was left frustrated prior to the game with the late withdrawal of captain Josh Dugan and the long term shoulder injury suffered by Beau Champion playing for City.
The Suspects can thank the Herculian performance of Cameron Smith for this win. Backing up from the previous evening's test, the former Lion bagged a workhorse try, 4 conversions, and a try assist. Young Kiwi Elijah Taylor provided the game's few highlights for the Marauders, scoring an impressive try.
Game Two: Bondi Beasts 36 Bulls 86
The invincible Bulls continued on their quest for NRLCEO immortality with a comprehensive victory over Bondi. A stellar performance from Man-of-the-Round James Maloney and a hattrick to David Mead ensured a big win. Those two were ably supported by Dean Young and Lewis Brown to give the Bulls the biggest score of the weekend.
For the Beasts, the Representative weekend cannot be used as an excuse by Coach Magic for his side's disappointing performance as both teams had 13 players start the game. Magic will be expecting much improved performances from the Beasts 'Big Two', Slater and Thurston, this week as they look to rebound.
Game Three: Los Bastardos 41 The Spare Bats 37
Los Bastardos continued their mixed recent form with a win over the Spare Bats in the tightest encounter of the weekend. The ever reliable Ben Hornby and Brett Morris led the way whilst Simon Mannering was also good, backing up from Friday night's test.
For the Bats, solid forwards efforts from Ballin and Hinchcilffe, and a double from Gerard Beale were not enough. The Bats are currently languishing in ninth position and need to turn their attacking form around quickly to make a run for the play-offs. One major concern for the Bats is the consistency of playmaker Scott Prince who has failed to fire this season.
Game Four: The Dribbling Pooches RLFC 49 Rhinos XIII 29
This middle of the table clash saw the Pooches grab a straightforward victory over the Rhinos, who would have been disappointed to not back up the previous week's big win.
The Pooches were again highly impressive, justifying their installation as outright 2nd favourites by numerous betting companies. A dazzling hattrick from Brett Stewart coupled with the leadership of young half Cherry-Evans made for an enjoyable Monday night for Coach Franko. The Rhinos will be glad to see the back of the Rep weekend, with numerous players missing and no real standouts in this encounter.
Game Five: Orange Alpacas 0 Lions RLFC 24
In what was undoubtedly one of the worst games in NRLCEO history, the Lions took 2 much needed points against a severely depleted Alpacas outfit. Both sides had only 3 players start between them, but it was the Lions who triumphed thanks to a solid effort from Captain-Kicker Corey Parker.
The result means that the Alpacas start the season at 0-9 and unless things improve dramatically, Griffo's men should start looking at travel brochures for the end of season trip quite soon.
Ladder After Round 9
1 BULLS 18, +208
2 SUSPECTS 14,+112
3 BEASTS 13, +149
4 POOCHES 12, +63
5 RHINOS 10, +13
6 BASTARDOS 9, -77
7 Lions 6, -74
8 Marauders 4, -68
9 Spare Bats 4, -113
10 Alpacas 0, -213
Round 10 Preview
Rhinos XIII (5th, 5-4) vs (8th, 2-7) Maniac Marauders
Is this the weekend where the Marauders will finally show that they are contenders rather than pretenders? Maybe. The very much have a side capable of knocking off the impressive Rhinos. Plenty of tries in their backline through Dugan and Uate along with the signing of veteran Luke Lewis will have Coach Ab hoping that a mid-season revival is on the cards. The Rhinos were ordinary last week, but so was everyone else impacted by the Reprsentative weekend. They welcome back the future NSW Origin halves pairing of Soward and Pearce and will be hoping for a quick return to the winners' circle.
Last Meeting: Marauders 48 Rhinos 69
Los Bastardos (6th, 4-1-5) vs (3rd, 6-1-2) Bondi Beasts
The first encounter between these two resulted in a rare draw and given recent form, another is not out of the question. Los Bastardos look to have the stronger overall side but don't possess the X-Factors that Bondi does in Slater and Thurston. The Beasts are coming off a diasappointing loss to the Bulls, while the understrength Bastardos just held on against the Bats. For Magic's men, a win here would represent a swift rebound to last week's setback. Los Bastardos will look to increase the gap with 7th position in the race to the play-offs.
Last Meeting: Beasts 58 Bastardos 58
Bulls (1st, 9-0) vs (4th, 6-3) The Dribbling Pooches RLFC
In undoubtedly the game of the round, Franko's Pooches will attempt to be the first side to beat the Bulls in 2011. On the face of it, their task appears mightily difficult, but there are some encouraging signs. Brett Stewart's return to form coupled with the high standard set by Benji Marshall in recent weeks should give their fans hope. But the big question remains; how do you stop the Bulls pack? Hilder and Bailey aside, all the Bulls forwards are walk-ups for NSW in Origin I, and it is on the foundations set by this fearsome pack that Tommo's men have started at 9-0. In what could very well be the game of the season, I'm tipping the Bulls to make it a perfect 10, but it won't be easy.
Last Meeting: Bulls 80 Pooches 59
Lions RLFC (7th, 3-6) vs (9th, 2-7) The Spare Bats
These two clubs have a lot in common. Amongst the preseason favourites for the title, they find themselves at the wrong end of the ladder nearing the season's halfway point. Both coaches have also had to deal with selection dilemas in the halves throughout the season, with Lions reject Scott Prince now on the outer at the Bats. All this makes for a fascinating encounter in which the victor will move one step closer to the Top 6. The Lions have been active in the Free Agent market over the last week acquiring amongst others Frank-Paul Nu'uausala to fill the gap left by Sam Burgess' season ending knee injury, whilst the Bats have injected some flair into their line-up with the arrival of Chris Sandow. Coach Monk will be hoping that his youthful and exciting backline can avenge Round 1's loss to Big Sam's boys.
Last Meeting: Lions 67 Spare Bats 65
random. Suspects (2nd, 7-2) vs (10th, 0-9) Orange Alpacas
Todd Carney will make his debut for the Alpacas in a very difficult encounter against the Random Suspects. Carney has a lot of pressure and unanswered questions surrounding him. How is he going to respond on the field after his ban? Can he help one of the worst teams statistically in NRLCEO history, a side that failed to score a single point last weekend, turn their season around? It's enough to put you back on the drink. For the Suspects, expect a lot of their attack to revolve around the brilliant Cameron Smith. Despite the arrival of Carney, the Suspects will win this comfortably.
Last Meeting: Alpacas 48 Suspects 54
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