Round 19 – Suds Saturday Previews
Overview
Suds Saturday in round 19 seems more like a ‘filler’ day than anything else. Three games where the results are inevitable and not likely to trouble to crowd attendance record people.
Canberra take on the boys from the Shire in Canberra, while the Knights host the Titans and the Dragons take on the Bunnies at the SCG.
Players to watch
Blake Austin – He has been watched more than any other this season, and for good reason. Austin is on fire as was evident last weekend when he scored the second fastest hat trick in premiership history!
Dave Taylor – The Coal Train has been told this week he is no longer wanted at the Titans, however he still holds down s starting spot. Whether he gets a gig with another NRL team, or heads over to Japanese rugby, these next few weeks will be crucial for him.
Greg Inglis – Did the recent Origin three victory spark Inglis into some hot form? Against a depleted Dragons team, we are sure to find out.
Results and score prediction
If offered a trip to Canberra in the middle of winter, most would decline. The Sharks though can not. They may have considered a default, because they way the Raiders are playing it’s not going to get much better. Raiders by 16.
In game two, the Knights are desperate. The Titans come off their worst performance last weekend and are also quite desperate. Two desperate teams mean the ball could fly around like a kite in the wind. Knights to get a W here 42 – 30.
Games at the SCG are massive. The Dragons, like the teams above are desperate to stop the rot. The Bunnies are looking to get themselves back into the top eight. Who want’s it more? We think the Bunnies do. 18 – 14.
Most likely to dot down
Three blokes stand out here. Canberra’s Austin. His form is too good to not get behind. The Knights Uate has a great record at home and Alex Johnston has a great record in general. Why not whack a multi on all three. If you don’t get it, we’ll pay you out.
Most likely to miss the eight
With six teams playing on one day, in all likelihood, only a couple of them will make the eight come round 26. The Bunnies are looking good and the Raiders could make a late charge too. That leaves the Dragons, Knights, Titans and Sharkies to all miss out.