2013 NRL Finals Week 1

NRL

The Finals are finally here! It has been a long and arduous campaign for all 16 teams but only 8 teams now remain. While some fans are going to be disappointed that their side is not featuring, others will be pleased and will be hoping that there is a lot more success in store. It is ironic that in the lead up to this week; news about the teams out of contention is still dominating the headlines. Majority of that has centered on coaching movements and how sides are looking to shape up their teams for 2014. However that will mean little in the coming weeks as we are left with 8 teams fighting for the 2013 Premiership. Even with a few late shocks in Round 26, we have competitive sides that are going to give it absolutely everything in games that are going to be high on excitement and entertainment. There is everything to play for and it is going to be great viewing for fans.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm

Finals football begins on Friday and this year, it will be a titanic contest between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Melbourne Storm. The Rabbitohs had the minor premiership in their possession heading into last week but were outplayed by the Roosters in a fantastic game of rugby league. It was a monumental contest, yet you cannot help but think that the Roosters had more to play for as they were on a 2-game losing streak. In saying that, the Rabbitohs had a lot to play for and will be the first to admit that the Roosters were the better team on the day. Hopefully for them and their fans, it has made them hungrier for the coming weeks. The Storm had their own worries last week although they were able to pull themselves out of that situation with a field goal during golden point. The Titans were fighting to keep their season alive and many thought that they would comprehensively win the match. That wasn’t the case and they were forced to play a more physical game than they would’ve liked heading into this match. Nonetheless, it probably is suitable preparation for them at this stage of the season, much like the Rabbitohs match against the Roosters. So far this season, the Storm have had the wood over their opponents and it will be interesting to see if they Rabbitohs team can rise to the task. Many would suggest that they are lacking in a few key areas and their argument is only supported with their efforts against the Roosters. This is the point of the season when the Storm click into gear and they are proven performers at this level. The “Big 3” are at the peak of their powers each time they take the field and it will be up to the Rabbitohs to knock them off their perch. There is going to be a great atmosphere out at the ground and now, we are entering into a whole new ball game. All games will be shown live on free-to-air TV so fans have no excuses for missing matches. On top of that, perhaps we should invest money on the contest to make it a little more exciting and add some extra money into your pockets.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Rabbitohs will need to lift for this game but in terms of the players that will take the field, little will change. It will be up to the same players last week that lost the minor Premiership battle to their rivals, the Roosters. In that match, Luke Burgess was a late withdrawal in the team and younger brother, Tom, took his place. Luke is under an injury cloud but it is unclear what that is. You could argue that the Rabbitohs do not lose much at all with the promotion of Tom from the bench. Jason Clark called into the team and his limited exposure this season is making him desperate when he is on the field. In terms of their play, the Rabbitohs looked flat for majority of their game against the Roosters. Adam Reynolds was kept very quiet and it is now time for him to rise to the task. It cannot continue to fall on the shoulders of Inglis and Luke, who are both integral to the success of their team.

Melbourne Storm

The Storm have a quick back up to contend with this week and it is not ideal running into a Finals match. Last week, the Titans pushed them to golden point and viewing the match, they looked like they might just get beaten too. Their side remains the same this week but it is very interesting to note the player that is named in jersey 18. It was only a few months ago that Gareth Widdop suffered a dislocated hip in a match against the Titans. Amazingly, he has recovered after 12 weeks of rehab and is a chance of playing is this game. If he does, Brett Finch will be the man to drop out of the team and Widdop will take his place at 5/8. Finch is under an injury cloud himself but the Storm have hinted that he is doing everything possible to play this game if needed. Widdop did have a run last week in the Queensland Cup but it is another step up altogether to make to the NRL when returning from injury. The Storm’s formula remains similar to what they have produced in recent years. The “Big 3” steer the ship solidly but they need their forwards to establish a strong platform early to allow them to control the game.

Recent History

Overall = Rabbitohs 3 Storm 19

Last 5 games = Rabbitohs 0 Storm 5

At ANZ Stadium = Rabbitohs 0 Storm 3

Stats that matter

**SEASON AVERAGES**

 

Rabbitohs Storm
Completion Rate 73.3% (6th) 74.9% (3rd)
Errors 10.8 (8th) 10.2 (4th)
Metres per carry 9.07m(6th) 9.05 (7th)
Line breaks 4.9 (3rd) 4.8 (4th)
Missed tackles 24.8 (3rd) 25.8 (5th)
Penalties 6.1 (7th) 6.2 (8th)
For 24.5 (=2nd) 24.5 (=2nd)
Against 16.0 (4th) 15.5 (3rd)

 

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.85 Storm $2.00
Centrebet = Rabbitohs $1.87 Storm $1.87
Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.80 Storm $2.05
Betfair = Rabbitohs $1.89 Storm $2.08

Verdict

Everything in this match up suggests that the Storm are going to prevail in this contest and it is surprising to see the Rabbitohs installed as favorites. They have the class of players, namely the “Big 3”, they have been at this point several times before and they have a good recent record over the Rabbitohs. Not only that, they know how to win the games that matter most. The Rabbitohs are coming off a loss and there is no bigger test in the game than the Storm at this current point of the season. Nevertheless, I am leaning towards the Rabbitohs winning this match. To see them lose two games on the trot would be surprising and I believe that their loss last week, on top of their recent performances against the Storm, will be used as motivation heading into this contest. You have to remember that the Storm also have a short turn around to contend with and their star players are getting to the end of another very long campaign that began back with the RLWCC in England. Throw in all of the rep football that they have to play and it is amazing that they have been going this long. There are also some questions to be answered about the potential of their forwards and unless they are controlling the momentum of games, the “Big 3” are not as effective as they should be. As majority of all Finals games should be, this match is going to be a very close contest. I am expecting it to go down right until the final second and it could go either way. The Rabbitohs havles need to step up though and you can be sure that their forwards are going to set a great platform up front. All things considered though, I’m backing the Rabbitohs in to get a victory and progress onto the Grand Final in Week 3 of the Final Series.

Suggested Bet

Either team under 6.5 points @ $2.60

Almost too close to call = Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $3 – If you’re like me and think that the Rabbitohs can win, then consider taking them to win at the margin. If you want a little more value for your money and believe it will go down to the wire, then also consider them to win 1-6 @ $5.50.

Drawing a winner = Draw/Rabbitohs (HT/FT Double) @ $13 – As listed above, this game is going to be a close match. So close that the teams may head into the break all locked up. With the Bunnies tipped to win, then perhaps you may want to take a look at this option.

Cronulla Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys

In a great move by the NRL, Saturday action will be a double-header in Sydney. It will be a great spectacle to see and attendance at the ground is sure to be high with 3 games of rugby league on offer, two of which will feature NRL games. The first match will kick off at 4pm and it will be an elimination match between the 5th placed Cronulla Sharks and the 8th placed North Queensland Cowboys. Everyone was surprised last week as the Sharks beat the Raiders in the final game of the regular season, but it is a testament to the depth and competitiveness within their team. Luckily for them, they have a few key players returning for this match that is only going to boost their performance. That win against the Raiders catapulted them into 5th spot on the ladder and while their position in the Finals Series was already locked up, it meant that they would now face a lower ranked opponent. In saying that, by no means does the Cowboys standing on the ladder indicate their form. It has been a tumultuous season to say the least, but they have finally been able to discover a formula that is working for them at the business end of the season. They are currently on a 6-game winning streak and it was only a few weeks ago that they conquered the Sharks at Remondis Stadium. That win in itself was a big achievement considering the troubles they have faced this season on the road. Amazingly, this has all occurred following the news that their coach Neil Henry would not be returning to the club next season. He has not ceased control of the team and while he is calling the shots, the Cowboys players seem to be playing with renewed confidence. At the moment, it is working to them; although they are going to be required to lift to another level for this game. They are well aware of that and the Cowboys possess the players within their team that can knock off their opponents. The Sharks are an odd team though, they have been able to lift when needed and their efforts only a few weeks ago against the Roosters demonstrated just how capable they are. Only one team can go through to next week and it is going to be a great way to start a thrilling night of rugby league action.

Cronulla Sharks

Despite a win last week, the Sharks team was always going to change for this game. There was little to play for last week but the players that took the field rose to the challenge. This week, the entire dynamic of their side changes. Todd Carney is named to take his place at 5/8 but that is amid some concern about his fitness. He has not played in their recent matches at his absence is certainly noted in attack. In the forwards, Wade Graham and Paul Gallen return to the team at the expense of Anthony Tupou and Chris Heighinton, who both return to the bench. This has forced coach Shane Flanagan to make adjustments on the bench and as a result of the changes; Bryce Gibbs (18th) and Ben Ross (20th) have been relegated to the extended bench. Jason Bukuya is also named to return from injury and Tyrone Peachey makes way for him.

North Queensland Cowboys

Much like their opponents, the Cowboys are boosted by the return by the return of key players. Matt Scott broke his finger just two matches ago against the Sharks and he is named to make his return from that in this game. He is named in his usual position and will wear jersey 8, while Scott Bolton is relegated back to the bench. Elsewhere, Jason Taumalolo is named in jersey 17 at the expense of Ricky Thorby. Ashton Sims also finds himself out of the side but is still a chance of playing as he has been named in jersey 18. This is probably just precautionary though, as the Cowboys are travelling down to Sydney for their match. They have been in a rice-vein of form recently but they will be hoping that this run continues. For this to happen, their forwards need to continue to set up the match from the opening whistle and allow Johnathan Thurston to control the match. It will be a tough task, especially considering how strong the Sharks pack can be. In saying that, they will take a lot of confidence from their previous meeting.

Recent History

Overall = Sharks 21 Cowboys 12

Last 5 games = Sharks 1 Cowboys 4

At Allianz Stadium = Never played at the venue

Stats that matter

**SEASON AVERAGES**

 

Sharks Cowboys
Completion Rate 70.6 (13th) 72.7% (8th)
Errors 11.8 (16th) 11.6 (12th)
Metres per carry 9.08m (3rd) 8.75 (14th)
Line breaks 3.3 (16th) 4.7 (7th)
Missed tackles 27.1 (6th) 28.5 (9th)
Penalties conceded 6.0 (4th) 6.1 (6th)
For 19.5 (11th) 21.2 (7th)
Against 19.2 (7th) 18.0 (6th)

 

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Sharks $1.75 Cowboys $2.10
Centrebet = Sharks $1.77 Cowboys $2.10
Sportsbet = Sharks $1.72 Cowboys $2.18
Betfair = Sharks $1.80 Cowboys $2.18

Verdict

The Cowboys are arguably one of the form teams of the competition and will be riding a high of confidence. They are going to be a very difficult opponent to beat at this stage of the season but so too are the Sharks. The players returning to their team is going to boost them for this match and hopefully give them the edge that they need. Despite losing to the Cowboys a few weeks ago, the Sharks should be able to handle their opponents in this contest. They have been able to lift for key matches this season and this game is going to be no different. Their forwards are a strength of theirs and this may just be the area that they gain the edge over their opponents. On the other hand, they are vulnerable on the edges and the Cowboys are sure to have a game plan that is going to exploit this area. Both sides are also similar on the players that they have to call upon of their interchange, but the Sharks are just slightly ahead with the personnel they can call upon. This match is sure to be a close game and will go down to the closing minutes of this game. Tension will be high and as they fight to keep their hopes alive for another week, the Sharks should prevail towards the end of this physical contest.

Suggested Bet

Sharks -2.5 @ $1.95

Shark bite = Sharks 1-12 @ $3 – As expected to be the trend for this weekend, all games should be close. Given this and how I am expecting the Sharks to win, this option seems like a suitable bet. The Sharks do not give away too much on defence and the Cowboys are going to continually attack them with the ball. The Sharks will want to hold firm and score just enough points to put the Cowboys out of this game.

Watch that Flash = Michael Gordon FTS and/or LTS @ $13 – Gordon’s role within the Sharks team is one that allows him to move freely around the field. This gives him the opportunity to pop up on the end of any attack movement and this gives him a great chance of scoring first or last.

Sydney Roosters v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

The second match of the Allianz Stadium double-header features two Sydney based clubs that are sure to increase the numbers through the gate. The 1st placed Sydney Roosters will be playing at their home ground against the 4th placed Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. It all went according to plan last week for the Roosters and with a victory against their bitter rivals, the Rabbitohs, they were able to capture the Minor Premiership. Not only that, it also assured them the chance of an extra day of recovery and preparation for this key match. As I said in the “Rabbitohs v Storm” preview, it was a match that the Roosters had to win following a 2-game losing streak. They came out and produced a terrific performance that completely shut their opponents out of the game during the second half. Again, they were able to lean upon their strong defence and hold out one of the strongest attacking teams in the competition. The story was a little different at Manly though and the result in their match was a shock to say the least. Admittedly, they were missing a few players from their side but many thought that they had what it takes to beat a Penrith team that had nothing to play for. This thought was enhanced by the fact that they were playing in front of their home fans but in the end, it mattered little to the outcome of the match. They would be disappointed with their efforts, especially after they appeared to be in control of the game after racing to a 12-nil lead. It is not the best preparation for a Finals match and the quick turn around for this game will give them little time to recover and prepare. Perhaps it will also be a positive for them, as they put that match away in their minds and solely focus their energy onto this contest. Much like the Storm, they have displayed a formula for a number of years that has proven to be successful and it should be no different here. They are always going to be a difficult opponent to face in the Finals Series and the players that are returning to their side will boost them. On the other hand, the Roosters finished the season on top of the ladder for a reason and they will be hungry to send a warning signal to the remaining teams that they are a force to be reckoned with. These two sides are certainly not liked by majority of the NRL fans but that will matter little as it kicks off at the family-friendly time of 7pm. It will be a great way to finish the night and with so much to play for, it is going to be a great contest to watch unfold.

Sydney Roosters

The Roosters surprised a lot of people except themselves last week as they stole the minor Premiership away from the grasp of the Rabbitohs. It was a pleasing effort to see from them at this stage of the season but by no means will the next few weeks become any easier. This week, they are boosted by the return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to their side following his recovery from an ankle injury. He has been named to return on the wing, causing a flow-on effect in other areas. Shaun Kenny-Dowall moves back to the centres and Mitchell Aubusson finds himself playing in the second row. SKD has his fragilities but the Roosters will be strengthened as they bring the defensively solid Aubusson closer to the middle of the field. His inclusion alongside SBW has forced Aiden Guerra back to the extended bench that has a few surprises in store. Luke O’Donnell (18th) and Martin Kennedy (19th) have been named and it is between those two players in terms of who replaces the suspended Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. He has taken the 1-week suspension that has been handed down to him following his dangerous elbow and the Roosters are certain to miss his contribution to their team each week.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles were shocked last week with a defeat but the team that featured in that game isn’t similar to the one that will play here. They are boosted by the return of key personnel to their team and that is sure to lift them to another level. Brett Stewart is named to return at fullback and Peta Hiku has been dropped out of the team. Stewarts inclusion is a massively boost for the Sea Eagles and their attacking ability. It will also release a bit of pressure on other players that may build when they have possession towards the end of attacking sets. Jorge Taufua is back into the team on the wing after his 2-week ban following an off field incident and rookie Clinton Gutherson is relegated out of the team. Anthony Watmough is recalled to the team this week in the second row and David Gower is relegated back to the bench. James Hasson has been forced to 18th man due to Watmoughs inclusion and can consider himself somewhat unlucky, but this youngster will have to bide his time a little longer before tasting Finals football. They have a second chance up their sleeve, but their young halves will want to take control of the game and avoid that situation.

Recent History

Overall = Roosters 41 Draw 2 Sea Eagles 79

Last 5 games = Roosters 2 Sea Eagles 3

At Allianz Stadium = Roosters 7 Sea Eagles 12

Stats that matter

**SEASON AVERAGES**

 

Roosters Sea Eagles
Completion Rate 73.2 (7th) 73.8% (6th)
Errors 10.5 (6th) 10.1 (3rd)
Metres per carry 9.17m (1st) 8.99 (8th)
Line breaks 5.9 (1st) 5.2 (2nd)
Missed tackles 21.4 (1st) 27.7 (7th)
Penalties conceded 8.3 (16th) 7.7 (15th)
For 26.8 (1st) 24.4 (4th)
Against 13.6 (1st) 14.3 (2nd)

 

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Roosters $1.80 Sea Eagles $2.05
Centrebet = Roosters $1.80 Sea Eagles $2.05
Sportsbet = Roosters $1.80 Sea Eagles $2.05
Betfair = Roosters $1.86 Sea Eagles $2.10

Verdict

Along with the Friday night fixture, this game is one of the hardest of the weekend to pick. The Roosters have all the momentum heading into this game and they look likely to get the job done. However you cannot discount this Manly team. Sure, they suffered a loss last week to the Panthers but some would suggest that they perhaps “eased off” in order to avoid having to back up for a game on Friday. They are only going to be boosted by the return of Watmough and Stewart to their team, making them more threatening in attack and more experienced in defence. On the other hand, the Roosters were fantastic last week and appeared to get their season back on track with a hard-fought win over the Rabbitohs. That victory meant a lot to them and they built their confidence back up following a few losses. It is really difficult to make a call but ultimately believe that the Roosters have what it takes to handle their opponents. When it comes down to it, they have a better set of forwards and players that are playing at the peak of their fitness, rather than returning from injury. Their defence continually shuts their opponents out of the game and gives little away. So too does the Sea Eagles and no doubt this match is going to be a low scoring contest. Let’s frame our options around that, with the Roosters to promoted themselves into Week 3 of the Finals Series.

Suggested Bet

Roosters -2.5 @ $2

Hedge your bets = Either team under 6.5 points @ $2.60 – If you cannot make up your mind on this game, then perhaps you should consider this option. This game is going to be extremely close and the Sea Eagles may just steal it away from their opponents. This way you don’t have to pick a winner and can just cheer for a close game.

Slow starters = Sea Eagles Try (First scoring play) @ $2.25 – In their last 3 games, the Roosters have failed to score the opening try, while at the same time, the Sea Eagles have done the opposite. They know how to start a game strong and the recent form suggests that they are going to be able to do the same again here.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights

Sunday footy action features just one game this week and we are about to realise how lucky we are during the regular season. With that in mind, the quality of this elimination match is going to ensure that all attention is focused on ANZ Stadium, as the 6th placed Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs host the 7th place Newcastle Knights. Both sides have had a season that they would be pleased with, yet they would be the first to admit that they were hoping it would be a little better. The Bulldogs were grand finalists last year but they now appear to be a shadow of that team which almost knocked off the Storm. Of course, there have been several off field incidents that have impacted upon their season and you do not have to search too far to find out the cause of all of that. Amongst those issues, they have managed to do a job and coming off a loss last week will make them hungrier in this contest. They will be wary of their opponents though, they have beaten them twice this season and have experienced first hand what they have to offer. Unfortunately, inconsistency has cruelled the Knights chances several times this year. They were able to finish the regular season off last week in style as they put the Eels to the sword in what can only be described as a thrashing. Winning form is always positive form to take into the Finals but by no means will the Eels be a true reflection of what will be required in the coming weeks if the Knights are to stay alive. This is the business end of the season and they can ill afford to switch off for this match. You can never be sure of which Newcastle team will turn up to games but when they are switched on, they are a very difficult team to stop. Behind this contest, we are seeing two very talented, respected and shrewd coaches who will be aiming to get the best out of their team. They will be the first to tell you what it take to win a contest like this and both men are aware of their own flaws, as well as their opponents. These two men could have a rather large impact on this game and ultimately, it could come down to who develops the better game plan. Only one team will progress through to next week, where the battered and bruised Melbourne Storm are waiting for them. This match is going to be a thrilling contest and with all eyes on this match, the fans are going to be treated to desperate, yet exciting football.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

The Bulldogs were off the mark last week against the Broncos and their forwards have a lot to answer for. They were unable to produce the same effort that we have seen from them in recent weeks, but it should change here as key personnel are expected to return. The team that is named is odd, as it’s the same team that faced the Broncos. Sam Kasiano was added to the bench, along with Ben Barba who was injected into the game midway through the 1st half. That move was puzzling to say the least and it meant that they had to replace one of their outside backs. I expect Barba to start at fullback and Josh Morris will return to the centres, at the expense of Tim Lafai. Despite not being named, both Frank Pritchard and Greg Eastwood could feature in this contest. If they do, the whole dynamic of the Bulldogs team changes and they will become more dangerous as they attack with their monsterous pack of forwards. Ultimately, this is crucial to their success in this match, so be wary of the team that they name.

Newcastle Knights

The Knights have little reason to be worried after the performance they turned out last week and subsequently, we have seen a similar team named. Of course, the side that was originally listed for that match was different to the one that took the field. The backs were left untouched, although Dane Gagai and Joey Leilua could be lining up wearing the opposite jersey number. In the forwards, David Fa’alago started at prop and Zane Tetevano was dropped out of the team. On the bench, Matt Hilder filled the utility role but if Craig Gower is fit, he could very well be a late inclusion to the team. This is the final season for inspirational leader Danny Buderus and he was given a great send off last week. His time on the field is going to be reduced, but much like the Bulldogs forwards, he is key to the success of his team. The Knights will need to establish a strong platform early in the forwards to allow themselves the best opportunity to grab a victory over their opponents.

Recent History

Overall = Bulldogs 19 Draw 1 Knights 19

Last 5 games = Bulldogs 2 Knights 3

At ANZ Stadium = Bulldogs 7 Knights 5

Stats that matter

**SEASON AVERAGES**

 

Bulldogs Knights
Completion Rate 71.9 (11th) 75.6% (2nd)
Errors 11.1 (9th) 10.0 (2nd)
Metres per carry 8.66m (16th) 9.08m (4th)
Line breaks 4.8 (=5th) 4.2 (10th)
Missed tackles 23.5 (2nd) 28.0 (7th)
Penalties conceded 7.0 (12th) 5.9 (2nd)
For 21.9 (6th) 22.5 (5th)
Against 19.5 (8th) 17.5 (5th)

 

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Bulldogs $1.62 Knights $2.35
Centrebet = Bulldogs $1.58 Knights $2.45
Sportsbet = Bulldogs $1.60 Knights $2.40
Betfair = Bulldogs $1.63 Knights $2.50

Verdict

All signs point towards the Bulldogs winning this contest but I am not so sure. They are a vastly different team to the one that was tough and uncompromising last year. Not only that, if their forwards are unable to grab the upper hand in the match, they may be forced to play to other areas of their team and their options look limited. The Knights are still yet to reach their potential this year but when they reach that level, they are going to be a difficult team to stop. Eventually, this game is going to come down to which forward pack can gain the ascendency in this match. If the Bulldogs are at full strength, they will be difficult for the Knight to hold out. However if they were to lose a few of those players that are expected to return, the Knights will have the upper hand. This match is going to be a very tight contest and given how well they have played against them this season, I believe the Knights will be able to get the job done. They will hold no qualms about versing the Bulldogs, as they have beaten them twice this season. Be careful when placing your bets though, this is generally the stage of the season when we see the Bulldogs rise to a new level and they will be desperate to overturn not only their loss to the Broncos, but their efforts this year against the Knights. Above all of that, I like the Knights to upset the Bulldogs in a hotly contested game of rugby league.

Suggested Bet

Knights +5.5 @ $1.75

Knights in shining armor = Knights 1-12 @ $3.60 – Common sense suggest the Knights will not win this game by a blowout score, therefore the suitable option is to take them 1-12. There is some good value for this bet too considering they are underdogs for this match.

Joey’s delight = Joseph Leilua FTS and/or LTS @ $11 – The Knights have favored their left hand edge several times this season and they will not be moving away from that formula just yet. Their halves tend to like attacking to this side and they are going to be difficult to stop, especially if Krisnan Inu is caught out of position.

Good luck!
Scooby

Author

I have followed Rugby League since I was young enough to watch it and growing up in Sydney, it was inevitable. I will always make it my business to watch all 8 NRL fixtures per week and follow it with more than just passion. During my playing career, I have played at several representative levels, with and against current players. I began writing previews on NRL games early on in 2012 and really found a passion within this. I enjoy listening to various people and their opinions on the game, and then forming my own. Coupled together with another passion, gambling, I soon learnt that there was a market out there for more than the rugby league diehards. Hopefully I can pass on my knowledge of the game to help you win some cash.

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Author

Scooby

Hey guys, i'm Scooby! I have followed Rugby League since I was young enough to watch it and growing up in Sydney, it was inevitable. I will always make it my business to watch all 8 NRL fixtures per week and follow it with more than just passion. During my playing career, I have played at several representative levels, with and against current players. I began writing previews on NRL games early on in 2012 and really found a passion within this. I enjoy listening to various people and their opinions on the game, and then forming my own. Coupled together with another passion, gambling, I soon learnt that there was a market out there for more than the rugby league diehards. Hopefully I can pass on my knowledge of the game to help you win some cash.

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