The Gurgler has our weekly preview of NRL Round 21 – the Kick to Come – which has our thoughts about rugby league this weekend in the NRL.
We’ve selected five of the choicest cuts from the NRL Round 21. Why five? None of your business.
WILL THE SOUTHS CURSE CONTINUE?
As already pointed out to even fewer readers than I usually get here for an article at Nothing But League there’s a downside to beating Souths. As the Broncos showed so well last Friday night, beating Souths the week before is no form line. Having patted themselves on the back for beating Souths, they were easily beaten by Penrith at home the week after. They weren’t the first. In fact the last five teams to beat Souths all lost the following week. Just three of the 12 teams that have beaten the Rabbitohs have gone on to win the next week.
The thirteenth team to beat Souths was Manly on Monday. They face Newcastle on Sunday (of course it is on a Sunday, it’s in Sydney). Will the curse continue? Newcastle will be hoping so. Souths probably not so, Newcastle can still catch them mathematically.
WILL THURSTON PLAY?
The soap opera that is whether Jonathan Thurston will no doubt continue right up until kick off. Annoying punters and Supercoach aficionados alike. Many think the Cowboys can’t win without Thurston, some think that Melbourne are good enough to win anyway. However Ray Thompson is a quality replacement and the Cowboys did all right against the Bulldogs last round without Thurston on the field. Not as good without him, but which team would.
We say he plays, but Melbourne still win anyways.
ANOTHER GOLDEN SHOWER FOR THE WARRIORS?
The NZ Warriors are an enigma, one just never knows what you’ll get. Three of their last four games have been decided by golden point. And if they had of gone the way of NZ, they would be on a dangerous late season winning streak.
Penrith rarely win by much when they do win, so what price a draw at 80 mins? Well, $9 for “Any Other Result” which covers a draw at half time and full time.
This game is nicely poised with 8th v 9th, and with a chasing pack hot on the heels of both, both teams need to keep winning. There’s also the bonus of the faltering 6th placed Broncos being within catching distance now. Both of these would be welcome additions to the finals, pity at least one of them probably won’t make it.
JASON TAYLOR 1 ROBBIE FARAH 0
Jason Taylor took the points for the first week of the feud of Chuckles v Chip, but a loss to Parramatta short on troops will leave him with another excuse to look for.
Now that Farah has been shipped to the Intrust Super Premiership, he can’t be blamed for losses if he’s not around.
He might be better advised to keep quiet though, as any support from fans of the club will wane with constant whining. Maybe an opening with the Sharks could be the answer following Michael Ennis’ retirement announcement.
Tigers should beat Parramatta in NRL Round 21 and stay in the finals race. If they don’t Taylor could join Farah out.
It will end in tears with Jason Taylor eventually. Just a matter of when.
GAME OF THE ROUND ON A MONDAY NIGHT?
Surely we can’t be serious. The best game is always on a Sunday afternoon isn’t it? Depends where you live I guess.
Normally the Monday night game is a chore, with one almost over sport by Monday night. But the last game of NRL Round 21 looks worthwhile tuning in for given how both teams are going against expectations.
The Sharks keep winning and winning, but do they need the oft stated loss they need to have before the finals?
The Gold Coast, who defied pre season predictions and logic to sit 7th, could be the side to give the Sharks they need to have.
THE GURGLER’S NRL ROUND 21 SUPER MULTI
Time for a massive payday, or pure street money. Your decision.
As ever, Bet Early, Bet Often.
BRONCOS to win
BULLDOGS to win
PENRITH to win
PARRAMATTA +8 start
MELBOURNE to win
SOUTHS +8 start
NEWCASTLE to win
GOLD COAST to win
$1 for $470
