Glenn Stewart
Rotorua Daily Post sports reporter Gary Hamilton-Irvine gives his picks for round seven of the NRL.
Cowboys v Warriors, tomorrow
It's not often the Warriors go to North Queensland and come back with anything to celebrate. The North Queensland Cowboys are in fine form as well, having won three on the trot including a big win over the Rabbitohs last weekend. Between fullback Lachlan Coote, star Johnathan Thurston and speedster Michael Morgan they have three very potent play makers. Throw Jason Taumalolo in the forward pack for the Cowboys and it is looking like a big job for the Warriors this weekend. Still picking them though.
Warriors 12 and under
Bulldogs v Sea Eagles, tonight
The depleted Bulldogs versus the awful Sea Eagles. These two sides were heavyweights about a month ago now they are both struggling. I'm picking the Sea Eagles here, the return of Jamie Lyon will be big for them. not much more to say really.
Sea Eagles 13 plus
Dragons v Broncos, tonight
The Broncos taught me a bit of a lesson last Friday night. While their win over the Roosters could have gone either way, the Broncos just have something extra under Wayne Bennett. I don't know if it is belief or something more tangible. But they seem to have that winning culture back in the side. In terms of actual footy, I hope Anthony Milford runs the ball a bit more. He is starting to look a bit more comfortable in the halves for Brisbane.
Broncos 12 and under
Titans v Panthers, tomorrow
Poor old Jamal Idris. The Panthers centre is out for the season with a knee injury. But as they say, one man's loss is another man's gain. Michael Jennings' little brother Robert Jennings is making his debut for the Panthers this weekend in place of Idris. If he plays well he might just hold on to that spot for the season. This is probably a poor call, but I'm going the Titans here. Not as consistent or well drilled as the Panthers but they have plenty of fire power.
Titans 12 and under
Storm v Roosters, tomorrow
How good is Storm winger Marika Koroibete this year? He is a great player to watch. He does everything at full speed. If I was a betting man I'd probably back him to score a try here. But as for the rest of the team, I really can't back them here. The Roosters should account for Melbourne who are missing fullback Billy Slater.
Roosters 12 and under
Tigers v Raiders, Sunday
An interesting fact about the Tigers is they are playing the Raiders this weekend. Another interesting fact is the Raiders are not up to much. So I'm picking the Tigers. On a side note, how good was Tigers forward Martin Taupau's hit on Manu Vatuvei last weekend? If you missed it, it was glorious.
Tigers 13 plus
Knights v Eels, Sunday
I really don't know who to pick in this one. I feel like the Eels are really missing big winger Semi Radradra. But in saying that, forward Beau Scott is a huge loss for the Knights, and he is also injured. So who should I pick? I do like Knights centre Dane Gagai ... I'll pick Newcastle.
Knights 12 and under
Sharks v Rabbitohs, Monday
After looking invincible at the start of the year, the Rabbitohs have put in three straight poor performances. They were terrible against the Cowboys in that second half last weekend. Meanwhile, the Sharks are on a bit of a roll. I was thinking about backing the Bunnies, but, you know what? I think I'll back the Sharks. The Bunnies have named forward Glenn Stewart in the halves as well. What is that about?
Sharks 12 and under