In the first game the Tamworth Swans travel over the hill to Armidale to take on the New England Nomads. This is a hard game to pick as both teams are rebuilding. The Nomads finished third last year, but with their player losses they will need to be on the ball to beat the Swans. On the other hand the Swans just missed the finals last year and have not played finals since their 2006 Premiership. This game is very much an unknown as far trying to tip a winner and could very well come down to which team is coached better on the day. My tip is the Nomads because they are at home but a margin is a complete guess so I'll go with 1 goal.
In the last game to finish off round 1 the Gunnedah Bulldogs travel down to the Cattery to do battle with the Muswellbrook Cats. The Cats have been able to get some of their old stalwarts back as well as some new recruits. The Cats are also going into this season with a coaching succession plan in place by appointing co Coaches Bryce O'Conner and Brian Martin. O'Conner will not be playing this year and will aid Martin with his coaching knowledge. The Bulldogs have had a great recruitment drive this year, possibly the best in the Country Energy TAFL, and kept losses to a minimum. This could be the year of the Dog and their showing at the Tablelands Cup was very impressive, losing the Grand Final, considering they did not take a full team to Armidale. The Cats will be better this year but the Bulldogs will start their season with a first up away win by 18 points.
Last Modified on 25/05/2009 08:35