Ryan Hoffman had a good first hit out for the Warriors in round one
Rotorua Daily Post reporter Gary Hamilton-Irvine gives his picks for round two of the NRL
Raiders v Warriors, Sunday
The only good thing I can say about the Warriors, after their first up loss to the Knights, is how good is new signing Ryan Hoffman? He was brilliant. That, and
thank goodness we have the Raiders on Sunday. While Canberra won their first game, they are still bottom-of-the-table material for mine. Their young fullback Jack Wighton was in good touch against the Sharks, but I think the Warriors will be too strong.
Prediction: Warriors 13 plus
Bulldogs v Eels, Friday
The Eels were on fire last weekend. Semi Radradra and co completely outplayed Manly in round one. But I am hesitant to pick them for this one, I feel like they were not tested against Manly. When Manly managed to get down the Eels' end of the park, which was about twice, they scored. I think the Bulldogs will give them a much better run this weekend.
Bulldogs 12 under
Sharks v Broncos, Friday
I can't help but feel the Broncos have made a huge cock-up. When you have the likes of Ben Barba, Josh Hoffman, Anthony Milford and Darius Boyd to choose from, you'd hope you could field a quality fullback. Not the Broncos. They have sold Barba and Hoffman, moved Milford to the halves and lost Boyd to injury. So now little known Jordan Kahu is playing at fullback. Almost comical.
Broncos 12 under
Panthers v Titans, Saturday
There was an element of intrigue surrounding the Panthers versus Bulldogs match last weekend. Most league fans wanted to see if 2014 was a fluke for the Panthers. And sure enough, as they did so many times last season, they showed everyone they are a quality outfit, by beating the Dogs. They should be far too strong for the Titans.
Panthers 13 plus
Sea Eagles v Storm, Saturday
Things are just downright ugly at Manly at the moment. Former club star Anthony Watmough is stirring in the media, both halves look set to leave, and coach Geoff Toovey is still angry as ever. The Eels absolutely punished them last weekend. I think the Storm will get the better of Manly as well.
Storm 12 under
Cowboys v Knights, Saturday
Dane Gagai is a classy player isn't he? The Knights centre was in great form against the Warriors, and has been causing havoc in the NRL for years now. Gagai and the Knights will provide a good test for the Cowboys who struggled to contain the Roosters in round one. The Cowboys should bounce back in Townsville.
Cowboys 12 under
Rabbitohs v Roosters, Sunday
Match of the round for mine. Other than the Eels, these were the two best teams in round one. One of many mouth-watering clashes on the field will be between the two fullbacks, Greg Inglis and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Tuivasa-Sheck has been waiting a long time to get his hands on the number one jersey at the Roosters and was brilliant against the Cowboys last weekend. On a side note, if the Roosters can't stop the Rabbitohs then I'm not sure anyone can.
Rabbitohs 12 under
Tigers v Dragons, Monday
I honestly haven't got a clue who to pick here. I mean there are a couple of clues but the Tigers are so unpredictable it's hard to say if they will turn up. Meanwhile, every time Josh Dugan plays a game of rugby league you think he has just suffered a season-ending injury. He goes down hard almost every game. Not my best write up.
Dragons 12 under
