Melon's Matchup RND 17 Chooks -V- Vermin
Another week rolls on and a few more knee caps collected up at the Knee cap graveyard, Sandcorp Stadium. A tough game from the Chooks against the Shetlands, but they couldnt hold on, and the game wasnt the only loss. "Moondoggie" and "Yak" added to the latest list of knee-capped players making it 5 players in 3 weeks, 4 from the luckless Chooks, 3 of those for the season.
This week the Chooks face their estranged neighbours in the Vermin. The Vermin are scoring points, but keep discovering new ways to lose. Will they turn it around and send the Chooks on their 3rd loss in a row? Or will they prove that this year they wont be cheated of the Wooden Spoon?
1. Anthony Minichiello V Brad Watts - "The Blue Moth" will have to keep fluttering at the back to deny the hungry Vermin. Is in good touch with ample cardigan wool under his belt, although needs to focus on his cleanups of the football, and not go back into his sidewinding mode. Ironically the dusty winged flyer is facing "Blackout", the dim Vermin fullback that will be out to dull the bright lights and interfere with "The Blue Moth's" flight path. And rest assured, the only thing escaping from this black hole will be "The Blue Moth"....if he sees him in the first place.
2. Eric Grothe V Wise Kativerata - "Lil Guru" really starting to show the hunger to play well and secure another year at the Chooks. His running has been dynamic, often breaking tackles without ruffling his turban. Defensively he's improving, and continues getting a chance in the top side. Facing yet another Vermin player with loads of potential in "Dumb Terminal". The robust winger, modelled on "proven" Mainframe technology, is a good chaser of CICS, but after a few big hits, he's been known to go all Floppy and BYTE. Might be playing in the wrong CODE. "Lil' Guru" certain to provide the catalyst for a major crash and dump for this green screened wonder.
3. Shannon Hegarty V David Fa'alogo - "Latino Heat" dancing on air of late, again providing some powerplays in the centres, although a little quiet last week against the Shetlands. Just a case of too many waltzes and should be back electric boogalooing this Sunday. His opponent is "Lego". Built like a brick, this bloke is an integral part of the Vermin structure, but is no use impersonating the USS Enterprise when in reality a 3year old can turn you to rubble just by sneezing.
4. Ryan Cross V Shane Rigon - Not a bad performance last week from "Quentin", but unfortunately had a chance to take an intercept and his wheels fell off. Facing an old Chook from way back "Truckie", who's back in the position that started it all for him in 1996. Always carries the load for the Vermin, he's downsized to a twin cab, but will need a couple of extra "No doze" to keep him up.
5. Todd Byrne V Luke McDougall - Again a disappointing effort from "Carpet", seemed a little flat last week, and made some errors at crucial times. Needs to improve with "Texas Ranger" on his shoulder, and piling on a couple of tries this week will definitely help. His opponent is "Sir Inge" who's been living in the infamous shadow of his chemical brothers. Dont know what to expect from him, as one minute he's down and the next raging along. "Carpet" will have to guard his line very carefully.
6. Brad Fittler V Owen Craigie - Finally some good news for the week, with the re-signing of "Messiah" for another season, ensuring he continues to bless the holy ground at the Mecca. Another milestone for the eternal light, is he plays his 300th first grade game, so the incentive for celebrations is definitely there. And doing his part to contribute to the festivities will be "Caravan Man". More your mini camper these days, his contribution will be invaluable, in the form of Mars bars and hamburgers.
7. Brett Finch V Shane Walker - Unlikely to make an appearance this week, "Budgie" has been named, even though it was reported he sustained lateral knee damage, slipping from his perch. Would have been interesting facing a man that fancies himself with birds of a different variety "Porno Mo". Is capable of performing on cue, and seems to be handling the hard stuff up the middle, constantly probing for openings.
8. Jason Cayless V Andrew Hart - More good news for the Chooks this week, as "Captain Caveman" also re-signs, providing cave protection from NRL ferals for another 2 years. Playing for a call up to the Flightless Bird squad for the upcoming Test against the Skippies, he'll need to club the Vermin to shreds to promote that opportunity. His opponent is "Pea" who is capable of providing a power dose of Iron and Vitamin C, but under steam been known to retract into his shell.
9. Craig Wing V Jason Death - Some nice posing from "Cleo" sees him riding high on recent representative success, as he once again challenges for the top bachelor spot against some serious pretty boys. Will be targetted this week, as there seems to still be some hangup surrounding his departure from his former Vermin club. And the man tasked to do that is none other than "Reaper". Once a feared opponent, his presence meant untimely ends to his opponents, these days moves like he has a patent on Rigour Mortis. Will need to look lively if he's to keep up with "Cleo".
10. Todd Payten V Paul Stringer - Another victim to Sancorp Stadium in "Yak", sees the return of "Mullet" to the Chooks front row. The beefy berger fan gets his chance to cement his spot in the starting lineup, but will need to clean the Ugh boots, iron the Wayne's World T Shirt, and lift his workrate. Facing one of the Vermin favourites "Yo-Yo". Another big unit who can definitely run hard, spin out of tackles, and when he's down, you just know he's coming back up at ya. Solid defense will be needed to tie this guy up.
11. Adrian Morley V Brian Fletcher - A week off due to expired visa, "Pommie Backpacker" is back curtesy of the Lovely Jubblied Lass from the Consulate. Stuggled to stay off the pints at The Bay, is looking forward to bumping into his backrow partner from last year's Grand Final, "Chevy Chase". Struggling to recover from a hamstring injury sustained at "The 3 Amigos - The Musical" rehearsals, "Chevy Chase" has been the Vermin's best, and faces his old club for the first time.
12. Stuart Webb V Luke Stuart - Another Chook that's been trying hard but needs to stamp out his error rate is "Spiderman". Showing his utility value, he'll be spinning alongside "Pommie Backpacker", that fact alone ensuring his natural aggression is heightened. Hopefully he wont do a "Barry" and get suspended. His opponent's name says it all...."Fluke". Its a fluke that he's even in the Vermin's squad, and it'll be a fluke if he actually walks off the field in one piece.
13. Luke Ricketson V Ashley Harrison - New onus on "Stud for Life" to use his seniority and guide the young reserves on the battlefield. Has been as solid and dependable as ever, and thankfully isnt one of the unfortunate Chooks out for the season. "Moondoggie's" and "The Mouth's" loss is huge, but to lose "Stud", the Chooks tackling averages would plummet. On the bright side, the Single female population of Sydney would triple. His opponent has been consulting for the Shetland's balding retread "Goodyear" in hope of picking up some pointers. Unfortunatley for "And Martin" finds himself in a hairy situation this week trying to contain his team's receding defensive line. Yeah Yeah....
The Bench
Laxative V Bogon
Cuzzy Bro V The Dud Bro
Danger Will V Doctor
Texas Ranger V Electronics
Its a must win game for both sides. Although the Vermin look more likely to win the spoon than make the 8, they would love nothing more than to beat the Chooks into their 3rd successive loss. And the Chooks need to forget the injury toll, and focus on the positives of a re-signed "Messiah" and "Captain Caveman" and win to consolidate a top four standing. I dont think The Vermin can find a new way to lose a match, but they wont need to.
Chooks by 16.
Another week rolls on and a few more knee caps collected up at the Knee cap graveyard, Sandcorp Stadium. A tough game from the Chooks against the Shetlands, but they couldnt hold on, and the game wasnt the only loss. "Moondoggie" and "Yak" added to the latest list of knee-capped players making it 5 players in 3 weeks, 4 from the luckless Chooks, 3 of those for the season.
This week the Chooks face their estranged neighbours in the Vermin. The Vermin are scoring points, but keep discovering new ways to lose. Will they turn it around and send the Chooks on their 3rd loss in a row? Or will they prove that this year they wont be cheated of the Wooden Spoon?
1. Anthony Minichiello V Brad Watts - "The Blue Moth" will have to keep fluttering at the back to deny the hungry Vermin. Is in good touch with ample cardigan wool under his belt, although needs to focus on his cleanups of the football, and not go back into his sidewinding mode. Ironically the dusty winged flyer is facing "Blackout", the dim Vermin fullback that will be out to dull the bright lights and interfere with "The Blue Moth's" flight path. And rest assured, the only thing escaping from this black hole will be "The Blue Moth"....if he sees him in the first place.
2. Eric Grothe V Wise Kativerata - "Lil Guru" really starting to show the hunger to play well and secure another year at the Chooks. His running has been dynamic, often breaking tackles without ruffling his turban. Defensively he's improving, and continues getting a chance in the top side. Facing yet another Vermin player with loads of potential in "Dumb Terminal". The robust winger, modelled on "proven" Mainframe technology, is a good chaser of CICS, but after a few big hits, he's been known to go all Floppy and BYTE. Might be playing in the wrong CODE. "Lil' Guru" certain to provide the catalyst for a major crash and dump for this green screened wonder.
3. Shannon Hegarty V David Fa'alogo - "Latino Heat" dancing on air of late, again providing some powerplays in the centres, although a little quiet last week against the Shetlands. Just a case of too many waltzes and should be back electric boogalooing this Sunday. His opponent is "Lego". Built like a brick, this bloke is an integral part of the Vermin structure, but is no use impersonating the USS Enterprise when in reality a 3year old can turn you to rubble just by sneezing.
4. Ryan Cross V Shane Rigon - Not a bad performance last week from "Quentin", but unfortunately had a chance to take an intercept and his wheels fell off. Facing an old Chook from way back "Truckie", who's back in the position that started it all for him in 1996. Always carries the load for the Vermin, he's downsized to a twin cab, but will need a couple of extra "No doze" to keep him up.
5. Todd Byrne V Luke McDougall - Again a disappointing effort from "Carpet", seemed a little flat last week, and made some errors at crucial times. Needs to improve with "Texas Ranger" on his shoulder, and piling on a couple of tries this week will definitely help. His opponent is "Sir Inge" who's been living in the infamous shadow of his chemical brothers. Dont know what to expect from him, as one minute he's down and the next raging along. "Carpet" will have to guard his line very carefully.
6. Brad Fittler V Owen Craigie - Finally some good news for the week, with the re-signing of "Messiah" for another season, ensuring he continues to bless the holy ground at the Mecca. Another milestone for the eternal light, is he plays his 300th first grade game, so the incentive for celebrations is definitely there. And doing his part to contribute to the festivities will be "Caravan Man". More your mini camper these days, his contribution will be invaluable, in the form of Mars bars and hamburgers.
7. Brett Finch V Shane Walker - Unlikely to make an appearance this week, "Budgie" has been named, even though it was reported he sustained lateral knee damage, slipping from his perch. Would have been interesting facing a man that fancies himself with birds of a different variety "Porno Mo". Is capable of performing on cue, and seems to be handling the hard stuff up the middle, constantly probing for openings.
8. Jason Cayless V Andrew Hart - More good news for the Chooks this week, as "Captain Caveman" also re-signs, providing cave protection from NRL ferals for another 2 years. Playing for a call up to the Flightless Bird squad for the upcoming Test against the Skippies, he'll need to club the Vermin to shreds to promote that opportunity. His opponent is "Pea" who is capable of providing a power dose of Iron and Vitamin C, but under steam been known to retract into his shell.
9. Craig Wing V Jason Death - Some nice posing from "Cleo" sees him riding high on recent representative success, as he once again challenges for the top bachelor spot against some serious pretty boys. Will be targetted this week, as there seems to still be some hangup surrounding his departure from his former Vermin club. And the man tasked to do that is none other than "Reaper". Once a feared opponent, his presence meant untimely ends to his opponents, these days moves like he has a patent on Rigour Mortis. Will need to look lively if he's to keep up with "Cleo".
10. Todd Payten V Paul Stringer - Another victim to Sancorp Stadium in "Yak", sees the return of "Mullet" to the Chooks front row. The beefy berger fan gets his chance to cement his spot in the starting lineup, but will need to clean the Ugh boots, iron the Wayne's World T Shirt, and lift his workrate. Facing one of the Vermin favourites "Yo-Yo". Another big unit who can definitely run hard, spin out of tackles, and when he's down, you just know he's coming back up at ya. Solid defense will be needed to tie this guy up.
11. Adrian Morley V Brian Fletcher - A week off due to expired visa, "Pommie Backpacker" is back curtesy of the Lovely Jubblied Lass from the Consulate. Stuggled to stay off the pints at The Bay, is looking forward to bumping into his backrow partner from last year's Grand Final, "Chevy Chase". Struggling to recover from a hamstring injury sustained at "The 3 Amigos - The Musical" rehearsals, "Chevy Chase" has been the Vermin's best, and faces his old club for the first time.
12. Stuart Webb V Luke Stuart - Another Chook that's been trying hard but needs to stamp out his error rate is "Spiderman". Showing his utility value, he'll be spinning alongside "Pommie Backpacker", that fact alone ensuring his natural aggression is heightened. Hopefully he wont do a "Barry" and get suspended. His opponent's name says it all...."Fluke". Its a fluke that he's even in the Vermin's squad, and it'll be a fluke if he actually walks off the field in one piece.
13. Luke Ricketson V Ashley Harrison - New onus on "Stud for Life" to use his seniority and guide the young reserves on the battlefield. Has been as solid and dependable as ever, and thankfully isnt one of the unfortunate Chooks out for the season. "Moondoggie's" and "The Mouth's" loss is huge, but to lose "Stud", the Chooks tackling averages would plummet. On the bright side, the Single female population of Sydney would triple. His opponent has been consulting for the Shetland's balding retread "Goodyear" in hope of picking up some pointers. Unfortunatley for "And Martin" finds himself in a hairy situation this week trying to contain his team's receding defensive line. Yeah Yeah....
The Bench
Laxative V Bogon
Cuzzy Bro V The Dud Bro
Danger Will V Doctor
Texas Ranger V Electronics
Its a must win game for both sides. Although the Vermin look more likely to win the spoon than make the 8, they would love nothing more than to beat the Chooks into their 3rd successive loss. And the Chooks need to forget the injury toll, and focus on the positives of a re-signed "Messiah" and "Captain Caveman" and win to consolidate a top four standing. I dont think The Vermin can find a new way to lose a match, but they wont need to.
Chooks by 16.
