The Daily Post reporter Gary Hamilton-Irvine gives his picks for Round 11 of the NRL
Tigers v Warriors, tonight:
Glen Fisiiahi and Sam Rapira return to the Warriors side for this one. The 'Fish' (Fisiiahi) is just overflowing with tries with 18 in just eight NSW Cup matches this
season. I don't care what league that is, even if you're playing under 7s in Invercargill, that is still a lot of tries. Everyone is talking about Shaun Johnson versus Benji Marshall, so I won't bother. An interesting statistic here is the two sides have met 20 times, winning 10 each and with only Robbie Farah away on State of Origin duty this game should make for a classic. Alehana Mara went well last week and with Liam Fulton, who is racking up 40 tackles a game, they could be the ones to watch.
Origin players out: Robbie Farah (Tigers).
Warriors 12 under
Cowboys v Panthers, tomorrow:
Cowboys are posting some big scores with the second best attack in the league at the moment. However, this game will suit Penrith with the origin selections taking Jonathan Thurston, Brent Tate, James Tamou and Matt Scott out of the game. Ivan Cleary will be stressing the importance of getting a bit of a roll on and growing team confidence after a golden-point win on Monday night. It should be a good clash and look out for Ashley Graham, the kid is top try scorer this season with 11 tries already.
Origin players out: Johnathan Thurston, Brent Tate, Matt Scott and James Tamou (Cowboys); Luke Lewis and Michael Jennings (Panthers).
Panthers 12 under
Sea Eagles v Roosters, Sunday:
Anthony Watmough has something to prove after being snubbed by NSW coach Ricky Stuart. The Roosters are looking very good despite their loss last week to the Warriors. Their older players look hungry and determined from the likes of Sam Perrett all the way through to Rotorua's Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. This has been an issue at the club in the past where the side simply look like they don't want to be on the field, much less compete. I think this year the culture at the club has picked up and I'm picking the tri-colours to get up here.
Origin players out: Glenn Stewart, Brett Stewart, Tony Williams and Jamie Buhrer (Sea Eagles); Mitchell Pearce (Roosters).
Roosters 12 under
Dragons v Rabbitohs, Sunday:
After half a season on the commentary side of league, former Dragon Mark Gasnier finally made a good call. He said it was hard to stop playing a style of football that won you a competition. The Dragons are still in the shadow of their 2010 premiership-winning season and they need to try something new. Playing high percentage football used to work for them. But now it doesn't and something has got to change in terms of their style of football. They have the third worst offence in the game and, to be honest, they are boring. The Rabbitohs will get up.
Origin players out: David Taylor and Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs); Trent Merrin and Ben Creagh (Dragons).
Rabbitohs 12 under
Bulldogs v Sharks, Monday:
It's hard to describe how badly the Sharks will miss Paul Gallen and Todd Carney on Monday, but I'll give it a go. The Sharks have lost, without any doubt, their two best players, their heart and soul, their bank volt, the tooth under the pillow and the very fuel that they run on each week. I can't see anything other than a Bulldogs win here unless ... no, the Bulldogs will win for sure.
Origin players out: Todd Carney and Paul Gallen (Sharks); Josh Morris (Bulldogs).
Bulldogs 13 plus
Byes: Eels, Knights, Raiders, Storm, Broncos, Titans.