Game 1: New England Nomads v Gunnedah Bulldogs
The Nomads are in good form coming into this one and, after having bolstered their ranks from their opening round loss, now shape as the likely challenger to the Saints this year. Despite some big scorelines already, The Drum does not see many easy matches this year, and the Nomads will be keen not to slip up at home against the Bulldogs. The Doggies were reported to be game in their narrow loss last week, but on the road are like Forrest Gump's old box of chocolates. At their best, they will give the Nomads a run, but how they will line up is a lottery. The Nomads have a potent forward line, and if they have the luxury of putting Weston Whitby in the centre will find plenty of ball for their other targets. The Drum has heard a big boom around their coach Tom Granleese, so expects the Nomads to get better and better as he comes to grips with the local game. Andrew George (aka Mr. Dependable) was at this peak last week for the Bulldogs, and with a strong and good sized attack the Dogs can hurt the Nomads if they have a snooze. A backline lead by John Woolaston will not be an easy nut to crack, but the form of Richards and Stubbs for the students is ominous. The Drum can't go past them here, but they should not expect an easy time of it.
The Drum: Nomads by six goals.
Game 2: Inverell Saints v Tamworth Swans
The Swans have travelled light to Inverell in recent years, and have not won up there since pinching the 2009 flag at Varley Oval. How they will shape up tomorrow will be key to their chances, but they did take it to the Saints last season when short of numbers. The Saints are, scarily, an even better unit this time in, and have shown their dominance in very strong last quarters in three wins to date. Word about is they are a tall team that can kick long, and will only be better again on their return to Varley Oval. Mike Gould has been near unstoppable, and with Chris Whitton reported to be returning to their attacking six, The Drum expects them to make good use of any ball their midfield can produce. The engine room is the key for the Swans, with Andrew Donohue, Gavin Knee and Damien Wendt forming one of the most experienced centre threes in the League. They will need to be at their top to give the visitors any sniff. The form line through both these sides' efforts against the Kangaroos and Gunnedah would seem to give a pretty good indication of where they are at, and The Drum expects Rick Watt to have a long day up north.
The Drum: Saints by fifteen goals.
Last Modified on 04/05/2012 11:47