Match One – Tamworth Swans v New England Nomads
The first match up of the weekend sees the Swans hosting the Nomads at Number One Oval, with both clubs coming off disappointing seasons in 2011. The Swans fell to the wooden spoon, only two seasons after being TAFL champions. A gluttony of injuries and being short on player numbers hurt them last season, but with 2009 Premiership winning coach Rick Watt back in charge, they will once again be a force in 2012. The Nomads had a largely successful 2011, but after a commanding win in week one of the finals last year, they were beaten by both Grand Finalists in consecutive weeks to be bundled out short of another Grand Final appearance. They too are under new leadership, with new coach Tom Granleese keen to get an early win for his Nomads. Both teams have been active in transfers over the off season, and it can be hard to get a good gauge on the Nomads early in the season so the outcome of this one is tough to pick. Just because it’s in Tamworth on Number One, and the Rick Watt factor, it’s hard to go against the Swans in this one.
Tip: Swans by 12 points
Match Two – Inverell Saints v Tamworth Kangaroos
What a huge match to kick off Season 2012! A Grand Final replay in Round 1, only this time it’s the Saints getting home ground advantage. The Saints have seen a healthy turn over of personnel this season, with new coach Jason Gobbert working his troops hard over the off-season. His counterpart, Tim Cooper, is a smart operator and will have his Rooboys firing to start the season. Both these teams have been very consistent over the past 5 seasons and know each other very well, so the match-ups promise to be pivotal. It could well come down to which team is more ready for Round 1, and with the Saints at home, that could be the advantage they need. However, the Roos love to win in Inverell and were the only team to do so in 2011. With that in mind, the Roos are the tip in this one.
Tip: Roos by 4 points
Match Three – Muswellbrook Cats v Gunnedah Bulldogs
These two teams are the two greatest unknown entities in this year’s competition. The Dogs have struggled this off-season for numbers, but the untimely demise of the Eagles has seen a few of Narrabri’s best make the trip down the Kamilaroi to join the Kennel. This influx of experience could be just the tonic for the Dogs who have promised so much over the past few seasons but have not shown up consistently week-to-week. The Cats came along in leaps and bounds in 2011, going from easy beats to a highly competitive outfit. The development of their young players means they can only get better this year, and will be very keen to get one up at home this weekend. As stated above, tipping in Round 1 is a lottery, but at home, the Cats should get the points.
Tip: Cats by 27 points
Last Modified on 10/04/2012 08:27