Day One Wash Up
Here is a quick look at how each team is placed heading in to day two of the NRL Auckland Nines.
Waiheke Pool
Rabbitohs 4 (+14), Storm 2 (+7), Cowboys 2 (+2), Panthers 0 (-23).
With a game against the Storm to come today, the Bunnies are all but through to the knock-out stages of this tournament. Madge will likely rest a few of his more highly paid players in a bid to keep them fresh for the finals. The Panthers sent over a well under-strength side and are being rewarded with an early flight home as they have no chance of kicking on with their piss-poor points differential. The final spot up for grabs will be between the Storm and the defending champs. Given the men from North Queensland are playing the Panthers this morning, our money is on them sneaking through as they did last year.
Hunua Pool
Wests Tigers 4 competition points (+32 points differential), Warriors 2 (+3), Raiders 2 (-2), Titans 0 (-33)
Surprisingly the Tigers are through. They bowed out in straight sets last season, but seem to have learned from their mistakes. The Warriors blew their perfect run yesterday then they let the Raiders chase down a 14 point deficit. The Raiders play the Titans today who will head down to the viaduct at about midday and get on the wets nice and early. The big call is who goes through between the Warriors and Raiders? Tournament organisers will be praying the Warriors make it as they will fear a fallout and the crowd leaving if they don’t. Our tip is the Warriors will come good, and make it through to the knock out stages. Once they are there the comp starts again for the home team.
Piha Pool
Sharks 4 (+40), Roosters 4 (+6), Bulldogs 0 (-17), Broncos 0 (-29)
No you are not going mental, and yes that is the Sharks who are carving this pool up. With two wins on day one they go through along with the Roosters. They take on each other this morning for bragging rights while the Bulldogs and Broncos are trying not to be the only teams not to win a game.
Rangitoto Pool
Eels 4 (+11), Knights 2 (+5), Dragons 2 (-7), Sea Eagles 0 (-9)
This one is interesting. The Eels will progress as Chris Sandow is running a tight ship. The Knights and Dragons look set to battle it out for the second spot, however there is a chance for Manly. Having a very powerful team it is a surprise they haven’t managed to get a win yet. Manly need to beat the Knights by eight points or more while they also need the Eels to beat the Dragons, then they will advance. With a flair for the dramatic, don’t be surprised to see the men from the Northern Beaches of Sydney taking their place in the knock-out stages.