STILL STRONG: Warriors captain Simon Mannering.PHOTO/FILE
Rotorua Daily Post sports reporter Gary Hamilton-Irvine gives his tips for round six of the NRL.
Warriors v Bulldogs, Sunday
The owners are split, the coach has gone and the Warriors were terrible last weekend against the Sharks. But don't panic. The Warriors will be okay. What makes me say
that? The players are still there. The systems may change over the coming weeks but while that happens we still have a side good enough to get a few results. It is still a relatively simple game. Complete sets, tackle well and make the most of your chances when you get up the other end. The boys can do that at least until the coaching and management get sorted. It is better this all happens now than in August.
Warriors 12under
Panthers v Rabbitohs, tonight
When Greg Inglis is happy it makes me happy. The big Rabbitohs fullback is such a big part of the game, I feel like when he is going good the game is going good. There was a real buzz around the Panthers stadium when they won at home last weekend and they are playing some nice footy. Jamie Soward's cut out pass to Josh Mansour last weekend was my favourite try of the round. I reckon they will make the eight this year. I'm even going to pick them for this one.
Panthers 12under
Titans v Broncos, tonight
Three wins in a row for the Titans. Greg Bird must be the happiest man on the Gold Coast. He's suffered a lot of heartbreak as a NSW player, and even as a Shark and Titan, but he got to stroll up to Cooper Cronk last weekend and let him have it after they beat Melbourne. At least that's what it looked like he did. Also, I'm starting to think Albert Kelly is unstoppable. You can't keep him out of a game, he will do something amazing. The young Titan has been my favourite NRL player this year. Titans for mine.
Titans 12under
Raiders v Knights, tomorrow
It is not easy to knock out a big red-head like Joel Edwards. But it happened last weekend. He will be missing for the Raiders tomorrow which is a big loss for them. However, big Josh Papalii comes in for the Green Machine which is a boost. I think the Knights will bounce back well tomorrow after only scoring two points last weekend. Keep an eye out for Knights centre Dane Gagai, he'll get himself on the score sheet.
Knights 12under
Eels v Roosters, tomorrow
How good is Semi Radradra to watch this season? A couple of months ago no one knew who the big winger was but now he is a cult hero in Parramatta. The Eels have become one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NRL and I can't believe I'm saying that about the Eels. Shame they are playing the Roosters tomorrow who are stringent on defence.
Roosters 12under
Tigers v Cowboys, tomorrow
Three Cowboys are producing the goods. Halfback Robert Lui, fullback Michael Morgan and utility Ray Thompson. Lui was in fine touch against the Knights last weekend with a stack of try assists. Second choice fullback Morgan has come into the position and is excelling. Meanwhile, Thompson is the kind of hooker all defences hate. He is jinky, fast and elusive, and loves to dart out of dummy half. He scored a really nice try at the weekend doing just that. These three players are not the biggest names in the squad but when they fire the Cowboys go good. Also, James Tedesco out for the Tigers meaning Cowboys to win.
Cowboys 13plus
Sea Eagles v Sharks, Sunday
Daly Cherry-Evans has a special place in my heart. Any day of the week I'll happily sit down with some of my flatmate's dinner and a cold VB and watch him play because he is that good. But when he kneed Liam Fulton in the face last weekend I felt like he kneed me in the face. You are better than that Daly. He does not need to be niggly and dirty, he just needs to pull strings on attack. The Sharks were almost as good as the Warriors were bad last weekend. Can't see them winning this one though.
Sea Eagles 13plus
Storm v Dragons, Monday
Melbourne Storm were a bit unlucky last weekend against the Titans, losing by two points. They will put up a huge fight on Monday to avoid losing three in a row. I was watching Cooper Cronk and the thing he does so well is he punishes people for making bad decisions. It is as if he slows down time and sees every hole and every defender who is out of place. Last weekend he made the Titans defence look silly several times, especially winger Kevin Gordon. Storm should win.
Storm 12under