Nail bighting stuff last week as the Chooks stuck it out with minimal interchanges due to mass concusions and sore ribs suffered in a very physical encounter. But then "Messiah" delivers a lightning bolt from heaven upon the hapless "Shiforbrains" and the Chooks get there in the end, deservedly so. This week the Chooks are minus some of their gun defenders through injury and suspension and must not take the lowly Guppies lightly especially after they crunched the Shetlands.
1. Anthony Minichiello V David Peachy - "The Blue Moth" seems to be getting better and better, with a strong, flawless display at the back last week. A little bit of feeling this week, as he faces "Lancelot Link". The secret chimp is the one that handed "The Blue Moth" his blue cardigan, and the rest is history. Look for "Moth's" darting sideways runs in contrast to "Lance's" loping sideways runs. The battle of the crabs.
2. Chris Walker V Matt Rieck - "Texas Ranger" got his man a couple of weeks ago, but last week he went a huntin' with his six shooters....unloaded. Looked out of sorts and not really in the saddle the first half, although picked up a little in the second. He's up against one of the Guppie's best, (which doesnt say much for the Guppies), "Pong". The Guppies flanker who coincidentally is their leading try scorer on 2, will be there to give the Texan plenty of stench, trying to put him off his game, as well as his lunch. The Shire Dumpster is known to be strong in defense, even at training, Coach "Getem Back 10" provides the players with nose pegs.
3. Shannon Hegarty V Phil Bailey - This is a battle of the Origin Debutants. "Latino Heat" provided the moves with a last secong Tango Dip to get the ball over the line for the game. Is one of the players that seems to have responded positively to the rep experience, with his confidence glowing like the Maroubra Mirrorball. He's facing Origin Opponent and another smooth operator in "Easy Lover". The lush has been going well in a beaten side, and should go well this weekend, again in a beaten side.
4. Ryan Cross V Jason Kent - They said it would take "Quentin" about 20 rounds to get the venom back in his game, and let me tell you, the timing's been perfect. He's fast becoming all he promised a couple of season ago. These days breaking more defensive lines than bones, his speed is returning but the noticeable improvement has been his defense. His up against a timely favourite around the vending machines "Extra Mild". He can smoke up the sidelines, and will need to be stamped out. Nothing a Nicarette patch cant fix under "Quentin's" wrist bandage.
5. Todd Byrne V Jarrod Anderson - Taking a sickening blow last week, "Carpet" thought he was hitting up against a Grass Stain, who ended up being harder than a Slate floor. Not the type of end to the game you'd want especially after having a try called back earlier, but Coach "Sticky" has named him this week, proving that concussion recovery rate is directly proportional to the amount of grey matter between the ears, or lack there of. Facing a man who's true rise to fame came 30 years ago as a member of the Swedish Supergroup ABBA. "Benny" got the "Ring Ring" callup from Coach "Getem back 10", and he gets his chance against the competition leaders and reigning premiers. Hopefully for his sake he wont send out an "SOS" too soon, signalling his "Waterloo".
6. Brad Fittler V Michael Sullivan - The win last week was triggered by the Almighty "Messiah" chucking down a thunderbolt, leaving the Grass Stain fullback with another stain, as his forced error handed the Chooks the match. Living proof that for those who want to believe, there is a God. Taking on another old campaigner in "Dave". The pain of losing all his sons in World War II just before :::9 axed the series, seems to continue this week when he too has to answer to God. May he have mercy on your soul.
7. Brett Finch V Andrew Dallalana - A good return last week for "Budgie", having survived his "high school reunion" bash. Played mistake free footy, and provided a great pass to his outside men for the money. He destroyed the Guppies last time these two sides met and will be looking to continue that trend. His opponent is the peacefully enlightened "Tibetan Monk". His beliefs prevent him from causing harm to living beings, especially little budgies, and will try to combat the Chooks with his Tai Chi like movements. Can you meditate through brick walls?
8. Jason Cayless V Jason Stevens - A very unsung agro performance from the club wielder last week. "Captain Caveman" was at his Dino hunting best, fearless in attack and punishing in defense. He's up against another ex-rep in "Virgin". Seems the only thing he's pulling these days is opponents jocks up their clackers. With the omission of halfback, "Garden Gnome", its seems "Virgin" has found to be of use again, with the suggestion he should donate one of his pristine cags to the little myth, seeing as he doesnt need them.
9. Craig Wing V Dean Bosnich - The genuine superstar that is "Cleo" continues playing a miriad of roles for the Chooks. When he's not at dummy half, he's at first receiver, or punting long down field. His running game has been superb and he gets his chance to impress yet again this weekend, if only as Guest DJ at Cargo bar. Facing a man that seems to have lost his way of late. "Dud Goalie" once had the potential to go a long way, these days gets paid more to sit on the bench.
10. Todd Payten V Chris Beattie - With the absence of "Pommie Backpacker", the knuckle dusters have been handed down to "Mullet". He's getting involved more in attack and defense, even scoring a try last week that suprised himself. Faces the old dirtmonger from the Shire "Thug". Is the only thorn in the pack of roses, this matchup reminds me of the 70's bust ups between the mulletted Granville Sharps, and the crew cut Cronulla waxheads. Lets get ready to rumble.
11. Michael Crocker V Danny Nutley - "Barry" continues from strength to strength, and for someone that was threatening the "Nudey Run", his try fest of late has ensured his Bogart flares stay on. Is one tough nut, threatening everytime he runs at the line and hurting everytime he targets in defense. He's up against "Nutella". The soft spreadwell, will be bouyed a little knowing his future has been secured with a sweet deal at the Tigpies next season, leaving the futureless and trophy-less tank.
Is a hard worker and deserves to leave the pond scum.
12. Chris Flannery V Paul Gallen - "The Hitman" finally gets through a game, before running out of Tommy Gun Ammo. And with a couple of clear weeks, his confidence to take a few more contracts out will be high. He starts his extermination this week against "Half Pint". Its not quite the case of glass half full as it is half empty with this bloke. But the Chooks back row will ensure he doesnt win any pre game bets. Your Shout!
13. Luke Ricketson V Matt Hilder - "Stud for Life" scared more than the Chooks last week with his suspected broken ribs, possibly keeping him out of female newsreader's bedrooms for upto 3 weeks. A sign of relief for all concerned though with the stamina machine named in the side by Coach "Sticky". We'll see if he can perform come Sunday. If he plays, he'll be responsible for putting away "Broom". The cartoon witch, will need to be on song to contain "Stud", and that doesnt mean incantations with "Eye of Newt" and "Rhino's falus" everytime he runs the ball.
The Bench
Croatian Gippie V Big Bertha
Cuzzy Bro V Stuart Wagstaff
Danger Will V Slurpy Boy
Spiderman V Gene
The Guppies disposed of the slipping Shetlands, and will be looking for a couple of positives to end their season with. High on their list is revenge for the punishment the Chooks dished out last season. The Chooks need to win this game as with the next few "softer" games, to consolidate their lead of the Premiership. The last team to win back to back with their second win also accompanied by the JJ Gilltinan Shield, was the 74-75 Chooks. Thats enough incentive for me....
Chooks by 18
1. Anthony Minichiello V David Peachy - "The Blue Moth" seems to be getting better and better, with a strong, flawless display at the back last week. A little bit of feeling this week, as he faces "Lancelot Link". The secret chimp is the one that handed "The Blue Moth" his blue cardigan, and the rest is history. Look for "Moth's" darting sideways runs in contrast to "Lance's" loping sideways runs. The battle of the crabs.
2. Chris Walker V Matt Rieck - "Texas Ranger" got his man a couple of weeks ago, but last week he went a huntin' with his six shooters....unloaded. Looked out of sorts and not really in the saddle the first half, although picked up a little in the second. He's up against one of the Guppie's best, (which doesnt say much for the Guppies), "Pong". The Guppies flanker who coincidentally is their leading try scorer on 2, will be there to give the Texan plenty of stench, trying to put him off his game, as well as his lunch. The Shire Dumpster is known to be strong in defense, even at training, Coach "Getem Back 10" provides the players with nose pegs.
3. Shannon Hegarty V Phil Bailey - This is a battle of the Origin Debutants. "Latino Heat" provided the moves with a last secong Tango Dip to get the ball over the line for the game. Is one of the players that seems to have responded positively to the rep experience, with his confidence glowing like the Maroubra Mirrorball. He's facing Origin Opponent and another smooth operator in "Easy Lover". The lush has been going well in a beaten side, and should go well this weekend, again in a beaten side.
4. Ryan Cross V Jason Kent - They said it would take "Quentin" about 20 rounds to get the venom back in his game, and let me tell you, the timing's been perfect. He's fast becoming all he promised a couple of season ago. These days breaking more defensive lines than bones, his speed is returning but the noticeable improvement has been his defense. His up against a timely favourite around the vending machines "Extra Mild". He can smoke up the sidelines, and will need to be stamped out. Nothing a Nicarette patch cant fix under "Quentin's" wrist bandage.
5. Todd Byrne V Jarrod Anderson - Taking a sickening blow last week, "Carpet" thought he was hitting up against a Grass Stain, who ended up being harder than a Slate floor. Not the type of end to the game you'd want especially after having a try called back earlier, but Coach "Sticky" has named him this week, proving that concussion recovery rate is directly proportional to the amount of grey matter between the ears, or lack there of. Facing a man who's true rise to fame came 30 years ago as a member of the Swedish Supergroup ABBA. "Benny" got the "Ring Ring" callup from Coach "Getem back 10", and he gets his chance against the competition leaders and reigning premiers. Hopefully for his sake he wont send out an "SOS" too soon, signalling his "Waterloo".
6. Brad Fittler V Michael Sullivan - The win last week was triggered by the Almighty "Messiah" chucking down a thunderbolt, leaving the Grass Stain fullback with another stain, as his forced error handed the Chooks the match. Living proof that for those who want to believe, there is a God. Taking on another old campaigner in "Dave". The pain of losing all his sons in World War II just before :::9 axed the series, seems to continue this week when he too has to answer to God. May he have mercy on your soul.
7. Brett Finch V Andrew Dallalana - A good return last week for "Budgie", having survived his "high school reunion" bash. Played mistake free footy, and provided a great pass to his outside men for the money. He destroyed the Guppies last time these two sides met and will be looking to continue that trend. His opponent is the peacefully enlightened "Tibetan Monk". His beliefs prevent him from causing harm to living beings, especially little budgies, and will try to combat the Chooks with his Tai Chi like movements. Can you meditate through brick walls?
8. Jason Cayless V Jason Stevens - A very unsung agro performance from the club wielder last week. "Captain Caveman" was at his Dino hunting best, fearless in attack and punishing in defense. He's up against another ex-rep in "Virgin". Seems the only thing he's pulling these days is opponents jocks up their clackers. With the omission of halfback, "Garden Gnome", its seems "Virgin" has found to be of use again, with the suggestion he should donate one of his pristine cags to the little myth, seeing as he doesnt need them.
9. Craig Wing V Dean Bosnich - The genuine superstar that is "Cleo" continues playing a miriad of roles for the Chooks. When he's not at dummy half, he's at first receiver, or punting long down field. His running game has been superb and he gets his chance to impress yet again this weekend, if only as Guest DJ at Cargo bar. Facing a man that seems to have lost his way of late. "Dud Goalie" once had the potential to go a long way, these days gets paid more to sit on the bench.
10. Todd Payten V Chris Beattie - With the absence of "Pommie Backpacker", the knuckle dusters have been handed down to "Mullet". He's getting involved more in attack and defense, even scoring a try last week that suprised himself. Faces the old dirtmonger from the Shire "Thug". Is the only thorn in the pack of roses, this matchup reminds me of the 70's bust ups between the mulletted Granville Sharps, and the crew cut Cronulla waxheads. Lets get ready to rumble.
11. Michael Crocker V Danny Nutley - "Barry" continues from strength to strength, and for someone that was threatening the "Nudey Run", his try fest of late has ensured his Bogart flares stay on. Is one tough nut, threatening everytime he runs at the line and hurting everytime he targets in defense. He's up against "Nutella". The soft spreadwell, will be bouyed a little knowing his future has been secured with a sweet deal at the Tigpies next season, leaving the futureless and trophy-less tank.
Is a hard worker and deserves to leave the pond scum.
12. Chris Flannery V Paul Gallen - "The Hitman" finally gets through a game, before running out of Tommy Gun Ammo. And with a couple of clear weeks, his confidence to take a few more contracts out will be high. He starts his extermination this week against "Half Pint". Its not quite the case of glass half full as it is half empty with this bloke. But the Chooks back row will ensure he doesnt win any pre game bets. Your Shout!
13. Luke Ricketson V Matt Hilder - "Stud for Life" scared more than the Chooks last week with his suspected broken ribs, possibly keeping him out of female newsreader's bedrooms for upto 3 weeks. A sign of relief for all concerned though with the stamina machine named in the side by Coach "Sticky". We'll see if he can perform come Sunday. If he plays, he'll be responsible for putting away "Broom". The cartoon witch, will need to be on song to contain "Stud", and that doesnt mean incantations with "Eye of Newt" and "Rhino's falus" everytime he runs the ball.
The Bench
Croatian Gippie V Big Bertha
Cuzzy Bro V Stuart Wagstaff
Danger Will V Slurpy Boy
Spiderman V Gene
The Guppies disposed of the slipping Shetlands, and will be looking for a couple of positives to end their season with. High on their list is revenge for the punishment the Chooks dished out last season. The Chooks need to win this game as with the next few "softer" games, to consolidate their lead of the Premiership. The last team to win back to back with their second win also accompanied by the JJ Gilltinan Shield, was the 74-75 Chooks. Thats enough incentive for me....
Chooks by 18
