At NO.1 Oval in Tamworth the 4th placed Kangaroos host the 2nd placed Gunnedah Bulldogs. Down at the Kennel in round 2 the Bulldogs came from behind at 3 quarter time to run over the Kangaroos by 18 points. The Bulldogs have had 2 problems this year, the first is they have struggled to get a full 22 players on the one day and kicking more goals then behinds. Last weekend they fixed the goal kicking problem but they could have kicked more goals. This game could be a real make or break game for the Bulldogs as it could cement them in the top 3 and give them back to back wins over the Kangaroos for possibly the first time ever. The Kangaroos need to win if they want to keep their hopes of finishing in the top 2 alive. Last week the Kangaroos were very good in patches and they also went missing a little at times too. This game is only just up the road from Gunnedah but it is still a mystery as to whether or not they can get their best team on the ground. But if they can then they will serve it right up to the Kangaroos.
My tip though is the Kangaroos at home by 34 points.
In Inverell the Saints will be waiting to take revenge on the Tamworth Swans for their round two 50 point thumping. The Swans have been setting the world on fire this year and are on a very big high. The Saints have been building slowly winning their last 4 games since that thumping. This game is the hardest to pick as both teams are playing well, but the Swans have the upper hand because they have been able to win away from home. Last week the Saints played their best team orientated game for the year and until the last 10 minutes well and truly held the upper hand. But their lack of discipline again nearly cost them the game and that is the aspect that the Swans will be looking to exploit. If the Swans can get in the Saints heads and rattle their cage they will win because the Saints can't help themselves. However if the Saints can keep their composure then they should be able to withstand the Swans onslaught. The Swans have been playing well all over the ground but particularly in the midfield and the Saints will need to slow at least 2 of Gavin Knee, Lachlan Rowling and Damien Wendt to win the game.
In a flip of a coin I am tipping the Saints at home by 5 points.
Down at the Cattery the Muswellbrook Cats will have their best chance of a win for the year against the New England Nomads. The Cats have been valiant in their attempts this year but have been humbled at home and away. Their smallest losing margin has been 104 points and it seems weird thinking that they are actually chance in this game. But they have been battling on manfully and at times played some nice football they just need to put it all together. The Nomads on the other hand have lost their last 4 games but could have so easily won 3 of them. Bad kicking hurt them against the Saints and the Kangaroos and they fought back hard against the Swans last week going down by 8 points. I expect the Cats to put up a good fight but the Nomads have too much to lose if they drop this one.
My tip is the Nomads by 17 points.
Last Modified on 16/06/2009 21:26