Here’s a quick preview of this year’s NRC round 5.
QLD Country v GS Rams
The first game of the round sees the winless QLD Country team take on the resurgent GS Rams, in the very rural city of Brisbane.
The Rams have won two on the trot after losing the opening two rounds of the competition. They are in the middle of the table, a win here could see them as high as third while a loss could put them in the bottom three.
QLD Country are second last on the ladder, no wins and only a couple of bonus points keeping them off the bottom. One positive they can take is that their last two losses were by only five and three points, so they aren’t that far off the pace.
I expect a close game, despite their contrasting records they are quite evenly matched. I’m going with the Rams on form, but Country are a good chance at home.
Form: QLDC:BLLL GSR:LLWW
Prediction: Rams by 8
Thursday 18th September, 7:30pm
Ballymore Oval, Brisbane.
Sydney Stars v UC Vikings
The Sydney stars continue to underachieve, losing heavily at this very ground last round to the Rams. In fact, they are yet to register a single competition point while losing their three games to date by an average of 28 points.
The Vikings are coming off a bye and should be confident of a third victory here. They have one of the competition’s strongest rosters, so should look to dominate.
Form: SS:LLBL UCV:LWWB
Prediction: Vikings by 30
Saturday 20th September, 3pm
Leichardt Oval, Sydney.
Procarlos Sports Photography
NSW Country Eagles v Melbourne Rising
This is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated matches of the NRC so far. First placed Melbourne travel to Orange to take on the second placed Eagles.
NSW are fresh off their first loss of the season, going down narrowly to Brisbane City. They have a great mix of youth and experience and despite last weeks match have looked impressive, especially in the forwards.
Melbourne have been the NRC pace setters all season. In no uncertain terms they have dismantled every team they have faced, including the only team to beat the Eagles by no less than 61 points.
While the Eagles are second on the ladder, Melbourne seem to be in another league. I think most people will want the Eagles to win but they are the underdogs for a reason.
Form: NSWCE:WWWL MR:WWWW
Prediction: Melbourne by 12
Saturday 20th September, 3pm
Wade Park, Orange.
NH Rays v Perth Spirit
The final match of round five sees the Spirit travel to Manly’s Brookvale oval to take on the Rays.
The Rays have some momentum after recording their first win of the season, a narrow victory over QLD Country. Perth also have one win, but that was all the way back in round one.
Both teams have similar records, not conceding many points despite their losing more than they have won.
I think the Rays have the form to win this one at home, Perth have some quality about them but have not delivered an 80 minute performance since round one.
Form: NHR:LBLW PS:WLLL
Prediction: Rays by 10
Saturday 20th September, 5:30pm
Brookvale oval, Sydney.
Brisbane City: BYE
