Game 1: New England Nomads v Muswellbrook Cats
The Drum was a big public fan of the Nomads from the outset, and was very surprised when they were rolled by the Eagles. That form has stood up since, so maybe they won't be demoted to playing the triangle just yet. With some new faces it might take the Nomads a time to click, but they should be fired up for this match after a bye and no official preseason matches. The Cats are on the improve, and there is some mail about that their effort against the Kangaroos was better than the results reflect. Even with the Nomads likely to be short of a run here, I expect the long trip and the wide spaces of Bellevue will count against the visitors. With their two longest trips of the year behind them after this, the Cats will look to build into the season and might still be a sneaky chance at the fifth semi-final spot. But that is well ahead of them and The Drum is that they will be a step behind the Nomads this week.
The Drum: Nomads by eight goals.
Game 2: Narrabri Eagles v Tamworth Swans
The Drum wondered for a bit if the scorers at Number One last week had their sheet upside down, but the Swans put a big stamp on the weekend's results with a commanding win over the Saints. This might set them up with some confidence as they travel out to Narrabri this week, and going from the reigning Premiers to the League leaders might be a little less daunting as a result. A direct approach on the unique Narrabri oval might be effective for the Swans. On the other hand, the Eagles are flying high with two big wins to start the season. The Drum can't get a gauge on the Bulldogs so isn't sure what to take out of the Eagles win over the Dogs, but if they can kick eight goals in a quarter again they are liable to roll any foe. The Drum is not sure what to make of the Swans at this stage, and would not be surprised if they returned with the chocolates, but is leaning towards the Eagles with the home advantage.
The Drum: Eagles by about a kick.
Game 3: Tamworth Kangaroos v Gunnedah Bulldogs
The Dogs would be dirty on themselves, with a poor third quarter seeming to cost them against the Eagles after a sterling performance the week before. Coming down with a thud, they head back to Number One for the third time in four weeks to face the Kangaroos. The Rooboys are rated by The Drum as the form team at present. A strong knock is around that Notluke Hodge is a very likely type, and with Dan Overeem in form a forward pairing like that will present big headaches to the Bulldogs. The midfield might be the key, and whilst The Drum has good oil that the Dogs dominated the Swans in the centre, the Rooboys have experience to burn around the ball and in form will be hard to stop. Their Muswellbrook form was good given they were without Cotter, so unless big Sammy Naismith cuts sick and is well supported, The Drum cannot see the Doggies running with the Roos for the full hundred minutes.
The Drum: Kangaroos by seven goals.
Last Modified on 11/05/2011 22:10