Round 4 of the 2012 NRL season kicks off tonight, we look at each match in detail and give our predictions for this weeks matches. Hopefully this helps you out with your footy tips for this week, but don’t blame me if it goes pear shaped!

Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers – 2012 NRL Preview
Parramatta Stadium, Friday 23 March, 7.30pm

First up on Friday night, the game that has been built up as the battle of the west. The timing based purely to draw attention away from the AFL 2012 kick off with the Swans v GWS tomorrow night. However unfortunately for the NRL, both these teams are struggling so far in the 2012 NRL season.

Parramatta’s problems have been well documented this week, with the club yet to win a game from 3 starts, and pressure building on both the coach and the players to get a result. How well they have been able to handle this attention will be the question.

Jarryd Hayne has been floated as a possible started, depending on how his injury pulls up from a full training session yesterday. Kearney will wait until the last moment before deciding. His inclusion changes the game dramatically, with the Eels a much better side with him on the park. I feel they have been unfairly crucified this week in the press. They have a new halves combination, and their best player off the park. They are 3 games into a long season, and they are being hammered. Their forwards, however, do need to lift. They have been poor in the last few weeks, and need to lift.

The Panthers have had an up and down start to the season, and are still finding their feet with a raft of changes in the off season. Unfortunately injury has struck as well, with Flash Gordon out for an extended period. They still have plenty of weapons in attack, and some solid, if unexciting, forwards.

The panthers come in to this game as favourites, and on form, it’s their game to lose, however I wouldn’t discount the Eels. They need to win, and this could be their chance.

Sports Banter Tip – Eels

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos – 2012 NRL Preview
nib Stadium, Perth, Friday 23 March, 9.00pm

Next up on Friday night, the South Sydney Rabbitohs take their home game to Perth to tackle the Brisbane Broncos.

The bunnies opened 2012 NRL account last week with 40-24 win over the Panthers. That game also saw Greg Inglis make the move to fullback, which in my opinion is long overdue. The strength of the rabbits lies in their forwards, with Sam Burgess and Dave Taylor doing the damage up the middle – this is allowing Reynolds the time he needs to stamp his influence on the game, with a good kicking boot gaining plenty of metres.

It’s a simple formula for the Rabbitohs, but one that should work – Win the battle of field possession, then allow the likes of Sutton and Inglis to roam free in attack. The Brisbane forwards are going to need to be at their peak stop the furry-tailed juggernaut.

Brisbane overcame Newcastle last week, despite having to snuff out a potential Knights comeback. They come in to this game with an unchanged line-up. The Broncos are playing in a different style this year, looking to throw the ball around a bit more, and capitalise on their young and exciting backline. That will get them points on the board, but the Rabbitohs have points in them as well, and to win here they’ll need to make sure their defence is rock-solid.

Sports Banter Tip – Rabbitohs.

New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans – 2012 NRL Preview
Mt Smart Stadium, Saturday 24 March, 5.30pm

In the first of a Super Saturday triple header, the New Zealand Warriors take on the Gold Coast Titans.

The Titans have been in the news all week, for good and bad reasons. The news Dave Taylor has signed for 2013 onwards is great news for the club, however the news the club is in shitter financially must have players wondering if there will be a club for Taylor to join, and when their paycheques are going to stop coming…

The Titans have 2 points under the belt so far this year, however I think everyone can agree that they were lucky to get them – I still think they are going to struggle in the majority of their games this year, and this one is no different.

I feel that Scott Prince is still nowhere near his best, and it is showing the Titans results. On paper they have a strong side, and a strong forward pack, but I don’t think have enough points on offer to trouble the warriors. In a big milestone for Luke Douglas, he will play is 150^th straight game since his debut – an absolute machine he is. How long is Cartwright going to hold off moving him to a starting position, and benching either Myles or Bailey?

The Warriors lost last week against the Bulldogs, however they are a fantastic footy team. Johnson is going from strength to strength, and Kevin Locke is marking himself as one of the game’s best fullbacks. With a big forward pack, and some outstanding talent in the backline, the Warriors should be too strong.

Sports Banter Tip – Warriors

St George-Illawarra Dragons v Manly Sea Eagles – 2012 NRL Preview
WIN Jubiliee Oval, Saturday 24 March, 7.30pm

The second game on Super Saturday features the St George-Illawarra Dragons against the Manly Sea Eagles.

The Dragons recovered from a poor showing against the Bulldogs to smoke the Tigers last week. The attack of the Dragons was on-song, and Brett Morris proved a revelation at fullback. This week Price has elected to leave Morris at fullback, and the match-up between him and Brett Stewart should prove interesting. Morris is a slippery character, and the more he gets his hands on the ball, the better.

Mitch Rein has also proved to be a solid component of the Dragons side, with his scoots out of dummy half causing problems for the Tigers last week. The Sea Eagles marker defence will need to be on their game in this one.

The Sea Eagles last week went down to a firing Sharks side. Although Manly were the overwhelming favourites going into the match, the Sharks have not performed too badly this year. They turned in a top notch performance in the first half, which set up their win. The Sea Eagles fought back in the second half, showing how dangerous they can be when they get an even share of possession and field position. If Jamie Lyon had landed is kicks, the game would have been a whole different story.

In a big loss however, that game featured big T-Rex suffering a brain explosion, with him trying to throw De Gois out of Shark Park. He has subsequently been rubbed out for 7 weeks, and Manly will feel his loss. Jamie Buhrer comes into the starting side to cover, with Toovey naming an extended bench of no-names.

In a topsy-turvy premiership, it’s hard to pick a winner in this one, however I think the home ground advantage will be enough to get the Dragons over the line.

Sports Banter Tip – Dragons

North Queensland Cowboys v Cronulla Sharks – 2012 NRL Preview
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Saturday 24 March, 9.30pm

The final game of Super Saturday comes to us from Dairy Farmers Stadium, with the North Queensland Cowboys taking on the Cronulla Sharks.

The Cowboys have posted 2 wins in a row, over the Broncos, and then an absolute pantsing of the Eels last week. In wet and slippery conditions, the Cowboys put on points with ease, with their attack clicking. Graham in particular hit a purple patch, bagging 3 tries.

The Sharks have a shorter turn around, after playing on Monday night – and they’ll need every minute of it for this game. The Sharks were on their game last week, and completely out played Manly in the first half. The Sea Eagles bounced back in the second half, however the Sharks held on for the win, their first of the season.

Coach Flanagan’s task is to make sure they get their heads right for this game, however they are a decent football team, and Monday’s result might give them a bit of self-belief. In reality, they are unlucky to be only 1 from 3.

I liked the look of the Sharks structure last week, with Carney at 6, Robson at 7 and Graham at 13. With Gallen putting in massive numbers in the front row, Cronulla are a real chance here. I think the Cowboys will get the cash, but it’ll be close.

Sports Banter Tip – Cowboys

More to follow……

Round 3 of the 2012 NRL kicks off tonight. The evenness of the competition has shown itself over the last 2 weeks, with tipping becoming a nightmare. Despite this, here is Sports Banters NRL Preview for round 3, complete with tips!

St George-Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers – 2012 NRL Preview
WIN Jubilee Oval, Friday 7.30pm, #NRLstiwst

The Dragons last week were atrocious against the Bulldogs, going down 30 points to 4. The question is, surely they can’t be that bad this week? At least the Dragons get a home game this week, however will their minds be on the job – once again the Dragons have dominated the headlines during the week, with Scott’s defection to the Knights, as well as the upcoming clash of Moltzen against the team he snubbed.

The Tigers last week threw away a lead against the Sea Eagles, and couldn’t get the job done. With a scratchy win in round 1, the Tigers should be sitting on none from 2. Notoriously slow starters, they’ll need to be on their game if they are a chance to topple the dragons in front of what will be a packed house.

Interestingly, I wonder which side will win the penalty count, with both sides normally favored by the refs…in a head to head battle, I’m tipping the crowds at Kogorah will get the Dragons over the line.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Dragons

Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos - 2012 NRL Preview
Hunter Stadium, Friday 7.30pm, #NRLnewbri

The Knights come into this game with a win under their belt, knocking of the Cronulla Sharks last week. The Sharks were woeful, so I’m not sure how much I can read in to the Knights performance, however you can definitely tell that Bennett is starting to have an influence on the way they play.

The loss of Gidley with a shoulder injury will hurt them; their record without their captain is not great. However this year they also have Boyd and Buderus, who will still provide the touches they need.

The Broncos last week were a victim of the bounce-back factor. The cowboys in week 1 were abysmal, and couldn’t possibly follow that form up in round 2. As I was on the beers last Friday and missed the game, I don’t have too much else to offer.

This week, the Broncos have to go without Parker – anyone who has ever had a dream team/super coach side knows how much of a loss this is. The question is, can the Broncos cover Parker more than the Knights can cover Gidley? I think so…

This will be a game won in the forwards, and I think the Broncos have the edge here.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Broncos

Gold Coast Titans v Melbourne Storm - 2012 NRL Preview
Skilled Park, Saturday 5.30pm, #NRLgldmel

The Titans have failed to impress so far this year, and their big name buys over the off-season have failed to make a large impact, as yet. Although playing a far superior Raiders side*, the Titans didn’t look like winning. I put there win in round 1 down to how bad the Cowboys played, not how well the Titans did.

The Storm haven’t faltered so far this year, although their win in round 1 was scratchy. Disposing of the Rabbitohs at home last week in comprehensive fashion, the Storm will come into the game with confidence.

The classy skill in the halves at the Storm should be enough to see them come away with the points here. Get on the Storm to win 13+.

* Disclaimer: I’m a Raiders supporter

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Storm

North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels - 2012 NRL Preview
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm, #NRLnqlpar

The real question in this game is which Cowboys side is going to turn up?  Is it going to be the side that showed class in toppling the Broncos last week, or the side that put in a Barry Crocker against the Titans.

Chris Sandow for the Eels has put in some solid performances so far this year, and all signs point to him being a decent buy for the Eels. Last week the Eels welcomed back Jarryd Hayne into the side, only to suffer a mild heart attack when he went down with another knee injury. They really are a much better side when he is playing, and they will miss him here again.

Although the Eels haven’t won a game so far this year, they aren’t far away – however I’m not sure this is going to be their week. I think that they still need to do some work on their defence, and their halves combo, although improving, is still lacking the fluency they’ll be looking for, especially with Hayne off the field.

With the Cowboys at home, I think they’ll be too strong and should come out on top.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Cowboys

Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders - 2012 NRL Preview
Sydney Football Stadium, Sunday 2.00pm, #NRLsydcan

The Sydney Roosters are coming in to this game after a horror performance against the Penrith Panthers last week. The big danger for the Raiders here is if the Roosters can capitalize on the bounce-back factor, which has become the norm in this competition.

In further bad news for the Roosters, Captain Canasta failed to pick up an injury last week, and will once again take the field. The sooner this liability’s contract finishes, the better for the Roosters.

The Raiders suffered a heart-breaking loss in round 1, and bounced back strongly against the Titans. Will basically have a full strength team on the park, other than Dane Tilse, who picked up a rib injury, the Raiders are primed for a big season. Josh Dugan is on fire at the back, and if he can keep that form going, the Raiders will continue to go well.

Typically, games between these two sides are entertaining, however the score can tend to blow out. Get on the overs if you can, there will be plenty of points on offer.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Raiders

Warriors v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs  - 2012 NRL Preview
Mt Smart Stadium, Sunday 12.00pm, #NRLwarcby

Both the Bulldogs and Warriors have been in good form this year despite the Warriors going down in their first match. They look like they want to go one step further this year and with halves in Maloney and Johnson they should come close. Last week they were pushed all the way by the Eels but came out on top in the final 10-15 minutes to blow the scoreline out.

The Bulldogs blew the scoreline out right from the kick-off, not giving the Dragons even the slightest sniff of victory. It seems Dessie may have actually turned the Doggies into contenders right from the get go. A bit of discipline is probably all they needed to turn a talented playing group into world beaters.

At home, I can’t see this one going any way other than a Warriors victory to be honest.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Warriors

Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs – 2012 NRL Preview
Centrebet Stadium, Sunday 3.00pm, #NRLpensou

The Panthers were outstanding against the Roosters last weekend, especially in defence. Defence has never usually been the Panthers strong suit but it seems that Ivan Cleary is having a real influence in that department. In attack they could still do with some improving this season, but with Jennings you know there are always going to be points on offer. It will be interesting to see how he goes with his heavily bruised knee this weekend.

The Rabbitohs have started the season just like any other, promising so much and failing to deliver. They were unlucky to lose in round 1, but they clocked off and you just can’t do that in the NRL with even a monster lead. Last week they couldn’t match it with the Storm going down 24-10.

I think the Rabbitohs will bounce back here, despite this a Panthers home game, I’m looking at the Bunnies to improve.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Rabbitohs

Cronulla Sharks v Manly Sea Eagles – 2012 NRL Preview
Toyota Stadium, Monday 7.00pm, #NRLcroman

The Sharks stood out to me as one of the biggest disappointments of the round. Home ground for the first time, massive crowd and the performance just did not match up to it. This week Flanagan has wielded the axe, with the first to go being Wade Graham. His partnership with Carney in the halves just did not click so Carney moves to the No 6 and in comes Jeff Robson.

The Sea Eagles, while not spectacular this week, were solid against a strong Tigers outfit. This week’s Daly Cherry-Evans mess could be an unwanted distraction and they will be hoping it doesn’t derail their preparations for this one. In my opinion, it’s Cherry-Evans’ manager’s job to get him the best deal and he failed to do that. He needs to suck it up and play under the contract that he willingly signed.

Despite the drama, I can’t see the Sea Eagles getting beaten by the Sharks. They are going through early season teething problems with new combinations and it will take them time to get it right.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Sea Eagles

Summary – sportsbanter.com.au Tips:

Dragons v Tigers – Dragons
Knights v Broncos – Broncos
Titans v Storm – Storm
Cowboys v Eels – Cowboys
Roosters v Raiders – Raiders
Warriors v Bulldogs – Warriors
Panthers v Rabbitohs – Rabbitohs
Sharks v Sea Eagles – Sea Eagles

The 2012 NRL action kicked off last weekend, and the standard of play, in the main, was outstanding. With a week under everyone’s belts, we can now get an indication of how sides are going to fare in the 2012 NRL competition.

Here is Sports Banter’s 2012 NRL Preview for Round 2.

Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers
Bluetongue Stadium, Friday 7.30pm

This match up should prove very interesting, with 2011 premiers the Manly Sea Eagles taking on the 2012 favorites, Wests Tigers. Interestingly, Manly have taken this blockbuster to Gosford’s Bluetongue Stadium.

Manly last week took on the New Zealand Warriors in a replay of the 2011 grand final. Once again, Manly came away with the cash, however I wouldn’t call it a stellar performance. Additionally, the Sea Eagles picked up injuries to Matai, no surprise there, and more importantly, Glenn Stewart. Stewart has been named but wont play, while Dean Whare comes in for the injured Matai.

The Tigers knocked off the Sharks last week, however the game probably should of gone the other way, except for some absolute howlers from the referee’s. The Tigers are normally slow starters to the season, however last week they were taking on a team that has made a lot of changes during the off season, and have been, and still are, widely underestimated.

The game also came at a cost, with rookie fullback James Tudesco out for the season with an ACL injury. There is also a short turn-around, with the game played in 30+ heat, going into golden point. How well the team has pulled up after the first week could play a part.

All in all, I think the Tigers will have too much firepower for the Sea Eagles, especially if Stewart doesn’t play. The Sea Eagles giving up there home ground advantage also doesn’t help their cause.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Tigers

Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 8.30pm

The second Friday night game of the round features 2 Queensland sides going head to head.

The Bronco’s last week came out on top over an underwhelming Parramatta Eels side. The win didn’t exactly fill me with confidence in how their season is going to go, post Darren Lockyer. However, the signs were there that the youth of the side are going to come in to their own this season.

The Cowboys are coming off one of the worst performances I have ever seen from a football team. Their loss to the Titans last week was an embarrassment, and no doubt Neil Henry has torn strips off the side during the week. With the side not completing a single set during the first 30 minutes, ball security this week will be the Cowboys goal. A dewy night game at Suncorp wont help their cause.

After last weeks game, I can’t go anywhere near the Cowboys this week. Unless they have a massive form reversal, the Broncos will get the cash here.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Broncos

Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders
Skilled Park, Saturday 5.30pm

Super Saturday kicks off from the Gold Coast, with the Titans taking on the Canberra Raiders.

The Titans last week won 18 nil against a Cowboys side that would struggle to beat a Group 19 team on the form shown. Any other team in the NRL would of beaten the Cowboys by 40, with the amount of possession given up. I have serious questions over the halves up at the Titans, with Scott Prince not making the impact he normally does, and with Jordan Rankin taking an increasingly large role in play.

When the Titans come up against better sides than the Cowboys, I can’t see them winning many games based on that performance.

The Raiders last week lost at home against their bogey side, the Melbourne Storm. In another game that featured several refereeing shockers, the Raiders were also unlucky, and probably should of come away with the 2 points.

This has been the story of the Raiders for the last few years, losing games that should have been won. In fact the same thing happened in the Titans v Raiders game from last year, with a Matt Awful shocker costing the Raiders the game.

The Raiders should bounce back from last weeks disappointment, and come away with the points here.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Raiders

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v St George-Illawarra Dragons
ANZ Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm

The second Saturday NRL game features the all Sydney derby of the Bulldogs and the Dragons.

Last week the Bulldogs overcame a spirited, but ultimately lacking, Penrith Panthers. Once again, I didn’t see enough in the Bulldogs performance to suggest that they would be a force this year. I think it will take at least a season for Hasler’s influence to change the club.

Meanwhile, the experience of the Dragon’s saw them overcome the Wayne Bennett coached Knights side last week. In a golden point thriller that kicked off-season 2012, the Dragons came away with the win.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Dragons

Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights
Toyota Stadium, Sundat 2.00pm

Shark Park hosts the first Sunday afternoon game, with the Cronulla Sharks taking on the Newcastle Knights.

Both sides were first-up losers, although both in interesting fashion. The Cronulla Sharks were jipped by refereeing decisions that cost them the game, while the Knights lost out to the big match experience of the Dragons in golden point.

Carney impressed on his debut for the Sharks, and he will only go from strength to strength, particularly as the Sharks learn to play around him. Gallen was not his normal barnstorming self, as he was recovering from a stomach bug last week. I expect a much better performance of him this week.

The Knights will be disappointed with their loss last week, and will be looking to bounce back against the Sharks. They will be a good side this year, as any Wayne Bennett team tends to be, with Buderus showing he still has the touch to play NRL, Mullen and Gidley forming a decent halves combo, and importantly, Boyd showing he is going to provide the impetus in attack at the Knights as he did at the Dragons.

A Sunday afternoon at Shark Park is the Sharks bread and butter, and I think they’ll come away with the win in a close one.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Sharks

Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers
Sydney Football Stadium, Sunday 3.00pm

The Roosters will come in this game on a massive high, after their last gasp win over the Rabbitohs last week.

In what will be a confidence-building win for their youngsters, the Roosters looked out of it, with the Rabbitoh’s forwards dominating the game. However, a stroke of luck and a switched off defence by the Bunnies showed why it’s important to play for 80 minutes.

In bad news for the club, the return of Captain Canasta sees the side rejuggled, with both Mortimer and Mitchell named on an extended bench.

The Panthers failed to impress last week in their loss against the Bulldogs, and also suffered a setback with Flash Gordon picking up a broken leg. The Panthers certainly have some decent players, but I’m not sure they have the class to be at the pointy end of the ladder.

Despite the return of Canasta, the Roosters should come away with their first win at home.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Roosters

Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs
AAMI Park, Sunday 7.00pm

This week sees an instalment of Sunday Night Football, with Fox Sports shifting their third Saturday game to the Sunday nighttime slot.

The Melbourne Storm come in to the game first-up winners against the Canberra Raiders. The Storm have been one of the most consistent performers over the last few years, however they were lucky to come away with the win. This week they play at home, and with an unchanged line-up, will come in to the game with confidence, looking to build on a good start to the season.

The big 3 of Slater, Cronk and Smith showed last week the impact that they make on the team, and I can only see their combination getting stronger.

The Rabbitohs suffered a heart-breaking loss to the Roosters last week. After their forwards had set the framework for a solid win, the Bunnies went to sleep with 3 minutes on the clock and allowed the Roosters to score 2 quick tries, snatching the game away.

Despite the loss, there were some positive signs. Rookie halfback Reynolds impressed on his debut, and Sam Burgess put in arguably the best performance of the entire round. If he can stay injury free, he’ll quickly position himself as one of the best, if not the best, forward in the game.

This should be a cracking game, however the home ground advantage and the impact of the big 3 should see the Storm home.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Storm

Parramatta Eels v New Zealand Warriors
Parramatta Stadium, Monday 7.00pm

Monday Night Football sees the Parramatta Eels taking on the New Zealand Warriors.

Parramatta last week went down to the Broncos at home, in what was a fairly decent game to watch.

With a lot of changes to their roster during the off-season, I was interested to see how the Eels would go, particularly Chris Sandow. He will definitely win Parra some games over the season, however I’m not sure he is the savior. The side is also still missing Jarryd Hayne, and will be counting down to his return.

The Warriors put in a good performance in the grand final replay last week, and will once again be a force in 2012. Shaun Johnston is going to be one of the most exciting halves in the NRL, and if Manu Vatuvai can hang on to the ball, the Warriors will be right up there.

With Parra still under strength, I think the Warriors will be too strong.

2012 NRL Preview – Sports Banter Tip – Warriors

The 2012 NRL season kicks off this weekend, and already there are some tough games ahead. After what is always claimed to be the best off-season ever, now is the time when we will see how clubs are actually going, how combinations are building, and how coaches have influenced their new clubs.

I can’t wait to get my teeth in to some decent NRL action, and here is Sports Banters 2012 NRL Preview for Round 1.

Also, feel free to sign up to our new footy tipping competition here. Think you have what it takes to be the Sports Banter Tipping Champion?

Newcastle Knights v St George-Illawarra Dragons – 2012 NRL Preview
Hunter Stadium, Thursday 7.30pm

The NRL couldn’t have planned for a better opening game of the season. Newcastle will have one of the strongest home crowds all season, with aggressive pricing on all season tickets, as well as cheap family options. It also sees the match-up between Wayne Bennett and his former club.

As well as a few of the coaching staff, Darius Boyd has also followed the coach, Buderus returns and Snowden slots into the front row. Throw in Mullen and Gidley in the halves, Uate on the wing and Houston in the back-row; the Knights have a strong side.

How much impact Bennett has had will soon become apparent, with the pressure of this first up clash.

The Dragons are used to high-pressure games, having performed consistently over the last few years. However they have suffered a blow in the loss of Bennett, Boyd and Gasnier.  The Dragons have widely been written off this year, including by yours truly, however they are a chance here of an upset win. All they need to do is handle the pressure better than the Knights, and hope that the enviable record they have at Hunter Stadium helps them across the line.

Sports Banter Tip – Dragons

Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos – 2012 NRL Preview
Parramatta Stadium, Friday 7.30pm

With the game on Thursday night, we only have one game on Friday this week, with the Eels v Broncos.

In a big loss for the Eels, Jarryd Hayne is out with injury. Interestingly, this will provide the perfect test to see if Chris Sandow has what it takes to run the team around on his own, without relying on Hayne’s input. That was one of the main goals in the changes in halves at the club, to take pressure of Hayne – well here is their chance.

Kearney has now had a chance to mold the club into his vision, and we will see how he has brought everyone together in the offseason. Should make for enthralling viewing.

This will be the first game for the Broncos in Life After Darren Lockyer. How will they go? Will someone step up and get them over the line when the going gets tough? Will Peter Wallace stand up and lead the team around the park.

All in all, it’s a tough game to pick, Parramatta are at home, however I feel the Broncos will be stronger first up.

Sports Banter Tip – Broncos

Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm – 2012 NRL Preview
Canberra Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm

After an injury ravaged 2011, the Canberra Raiders come in to this game at full strength. After playing about 38 seconds in 2011, Campese will be looking forward to getting back out there. I have a question over how much confidence he will have, with how his previous injuries might be weighing on his mind. It might take him a few weeks before he hits his straps.

Shaun Berrigan slots into the centres, pushing Joel Thompson to the bench. With Robinson fit, Dugan, Croker and Ferguson, it is a strong backline. Likewise with Learoyd-Lahrs, Shillington, White and Tilse, the forward pack has punch.

However the Raiders are coming up against one of the most consistent performers in the NRL, in the Melbourne Storm, a team that also boasts Cronk, Slater and Smith. That is normally enough to tilt my tips towards the Storm. Also taking in to account Melbourne’s record over Canberra, which is impressive, I think the Storm will come away with the cash here.

Sports Banter Tip – Storm

Penrith Panthers v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – 2012 NRL Preview
Centrebet Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm

The second Saturday NRL game is an interesting match-up, with both sides boasting new coaches. In an interesting twist, these two coaches actually coached against each other in last year’s grand final, albeit for different clubs, a fact they are probably having a slight chuckle over.

Otherwise, this seems a fairly underwhelming game for mind, other than the fact both teams are equally so, which will probably lead to a cracking game.

The interesting points for both these teams is to see how their halves perform. Walsh and Burns for the Panthers are building a combination, and now have enough experience that they should be delivering results. Likewise, the new half that the Bulldogs brought in last year, Hodkinson and his rookie partner Reynolds.

Sports Banter Tip – Panthers

North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans – 2012 NRL Preview
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Saturday 9.30pm

The third and final Saturday game will be played in Townsville, where the Cowboys host the Titans.

The Titans collected the wooden spoon last year, and all in all had a fairly dismal season. Over the off-season however they have been one of the most active clubs, recruiting Idris, Champion and Douglas, amongst others. This will definitely give them more punch in attack, and Douglas will stiffen up the forward pack.

The Cowboys are always a dangerous proposition, especially up at Dairy Farmers, and especially with Thurston playing. This time it’ll be in the 6, not the 7, but his impact will still remain. I will be interested to see how Lui goes at halfback, given his somewhat distracted offseason.

Despite the changes to the Titans side, I still think the Cowboys will be too strong.

Sports Banter Tip – Cowboys

Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks – 2012 NRL Preview
Leichardt Oval, Sunday 2.00pm

The Tigers are coming in to the 2012 NRL premiership with the tag of favorites, a tag that has brought plenty of teams down over the years. How will they handle the expectation?

Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah are the keys for the Tigers; they control the flow and structure of the side. When both are in good form, the Tigers are a dangerous side. Throw Ellis into the mix, and you have 3 of the best players in the NRL. Speaking of Ellis, he has announced he is returning to England at the end of the year. One of the Tigers best performers, he will be missed, and no doubt they will want to send him out on a high.

An interesting note is Sheen’s selection of James Tedesco at fullback.

All eyes will be on Todd Carney for the Sharks, one of the most talked about recruits during the offseason. He has the ability to turn a game around, and make other players around him look and play better. If he is firing, the Sharks will definitely have more points in them than in previous years. However their defence will need to hold out the Tigers, who also have point scoring potential all over the park. No doubt Gallen will be leading from the front here.

Sports Banter Tip – Tigers

New Zealand Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles – 2012 NRL Preview
Eden Park, Sunday 4.00pm

Round 1 sees a 2011 grand final rematch between the Warriors and the Sea Eagles, this time on Warriors home turf.

The Warriors will be keen to exact a bit of revenge, after going down to the Sea Eagles in the big one last year. New coach McClennan will also be hoping to get off to a winning start.

The Warriors have an exiting crop of youngsters, and last year showed what they are capable of. They will continue to improve, and I expect big things from them in future. However this is a tough first game to the season.

The Sea Eagles have not had the best of off-seasons, losing coach Des Hasler, as well as having to travel overseas for the World Club Challenge. How this has affected their preparation will be shown tomorrow.

The Sea Eagles have a classy side, with young and exciting halves. I think they will have too much class again here for the Warriors, even if it is Toovey sitting in the coach’s box, instead of running the water.

Sports Banter Tip – Sea Eagles

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters – 2012 NRL Preview
ANZ Stadium, Monday 7.00pm

Monday Night Football sees the all Sydney clash between two old foes – the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

All eyes will be on young Adam Reynolds, the rookie halfback expected to fill Chris Sandow’s shoes. It’s a big ask for the youngster, and he may take a few games to feel comfortable running the team around. No doubt a lot of new coach Michael McGuire’s time in the off-season has been spent working with Reynolds, and how he adapts to the NRL could well decide their season.

The Roosters have one of the youngest teams in the comp, and at times it has shown with their lack of consistency and discipline. Brian Smith’s bread and butter is discipline, so after a relatively low-key offseason, I’ll be interested to see how they go here. I’ve copped a bit of flack for listing the side as low as I did in my season preview, however I stand by that. I think the Roosters will develop into a good team, however I don’t think this year is their year.

Sports Banter Tip – Rabbitohs

As promised, here is Sports Banters 2012 NRL Preview for the top 8 including who we think will take out the NRL in 2012. How is your club going to fare? Be sure to keep an eye out for our bottom 8 predictions as well! 

2012 NRL Preview – North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys 2012 season will once again come down to Jonathon Thurston, however this year sees an interesting shake-up. The Cowboys have picked up Robert Lui, after he was released by the Tigers for off-field issues.

Lui will slot into halfback, with JT moving to 5/8. Thurston is a class player, and I have no doubt he will continue to influence his dominance all over the park, it’ll just be with a 6 on his back instead of a 7. This will also set him up well for State of Origin, where he will take over from Lockyer.

The Cowboys have other players, a coach etc etc, but who are we kidding. If JT is fit and firing, then they’ll win games, and will feature at the end of the season. If he’s injured or goes through a form slump, all bets are off.

2011 Finishing Position: 7th

Predicted 2012 Finish: 8th

Premiership Odds: $15

2012 NRL Preview – Canberra Raiders

After a disappointing 2011, the Canberra Raiders will be under pressure to perform in 2012, none more so than coach David Furner. Canberra have been building an exciting squad of junior players for years, and have developed into what looks a quality side on paper, however their on-field results have fallen short of expectations.

Their 2011 season highlighted the effect that the loss of a senior member and play-maker can have on a side. With Terry Campese missing for the entire season, the team struggled. Although Josh McCrone performed admirably as his replacement, and Sam Williams gaining needed experience in first grade, the return of Campese in 2012 should see the team go to another level.

With a strong forward pack, and an exciting crop of young outside backs, the team has strengths all over the park. I’ll be interested to see how Waddell and Buttriss go this year at hooker, a position I thought the club has been weak in for several years. Although retired captain Alan Tongue spent most of his time there, he was a fill-in at best, with no other real options.

The club as also recruited Shaun Berrigan, an interesting choice after the failed Matt Awful experiment last year, however an old nut out wide with the likes of Ferguson and Croker might be just what the doctor ordered, keeping heads screwed on, and brain-explosions (a Ferguson special) to a minimum.

All in all, I expect Canberra to improve markedly on their 2011 year, and should be right up there at the end of the season.

2011 Finishing Position: 15th

Predicted 2012 Finish: 7th

Premiership Odds: $26

2012 NRL Preview – Brisbane Broncos

The loss of Darren Lockyer to retirement could well define the Bronco’s season for mind. With 2011 being the continual drama of Lockyer’s last this, or his last that, and lets win it for Lockyer, I wonder what is going to drive them in 2012.

They have in impressive team of youngsters, and a few old nuts, and I think they will still perform well without Lockyer, however in a close game, I wonder who they will look to, to get them over the line.

Third Man Sam will run all day, Hodges, well lets not speak of him, Parker is a workhorse, and Yow Yeh and Hoffman are exciting young players. It’ll make for interesting watching, however for 2012 I don’t think they’ll quite have what it takes to get them through to the October long weekend.

2011 Finishing Position: 3rd

Predicted 2012 Finish: 6th

Premiership Odds: $11

2012 NRL Preview – New Zealand Warriors

The Warriors finished off 2011 in barnstorming fashion, making the grand final before going down to the Sea Eagles. They have an outstanding crop of youngsters coming through, and I expect them to remain strong for the forseeable future. You need look no further than the Warriors representation in all 3 grades on grand final day for proof of that. The club has depth, and talent coming through the ranks.

A big lose however is Ivan Cleary, who is an outstanding young coach, and molded the team into the side they are now. However his replacement Brian McClennan is no stooge, and should be able to keep the club moving in the right direction.

Shaun Johnson proved a revelation last year, and has been likened to Benji Marshall. If his development continues, he could turn into a genuine superstar of the game.

I think the warriors have the firepower to make an impact in 2012, and will be challenging for a spot in the top 4.

2011 Finishing Position: 6^th (Grand Finalists)

Predicted 2012 Finish: 5th

Premiership Odds: $10

2012 NRL Preview – Newcastle Knights

All eyes will be on the Newcastle Knights this year, with new coach Wayne Bennett coming to the club. The resulting changes will see a markedly different team taking the field than the one that did last year.

Two of the biggest recruits are Darius Boyd, who has followed his mentor from the Dragons, and Kade Snowden, who has returned home from the Sharks. This will see a reshuffle seeing as Boyd will slot into fullback. This frees up Kurt Gidley to move permanently into the halves. Snowden will toughen up the front row.

Hometown boy Danny Buderus has also returned home after a stint in the English Super League. No doubt he’ll be hoping that a good season with the Knights will put a nice finishing touch to his career. How his body will hold up to the intensity of the NRL will be interesting. Matt Awful showed last year that it is easy to loose the edge, with no other comp in the world matching it with the NRL.

There will be plenty of pressure on the Knights, however one thing is certain, the people of Newcastle will be behind the team. With the Knights offering bargain priced tickets, big home crowds a redeveloped Ausgrid Stadium will help the Knights over the line. If Bennett can work his magic, anything is possible.

2011 Finishing Position: 8th

Predicted 2012 Finish: 4th

Premiership Odds: $10

2012 NRL Preview – Manly Sea Eagles

The 2011 premiers have had a turbulent off-season, with off-field and back office drama dominating the headlines. The loss of coach Des Hasler has shaken the club up, and the challenge for new coach Geoff Toovey will be to focus the side, and keep the players minds on the prize.

They still have fairly much the same side, particularly the key players in the halves and at fullback, to once again be competitive. If Brett Stewart is fit at fullback, there will be plenty of points on offer. 2011 also showed how much of a force Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran are in the halves.

With the loss of Hopoate and Robertson out of the backline, I wonder if Manly have sufficient depth if they are to suffer a few injuries. If Stewart goes out injured, I’m just not sure if there is sufficient firepower to cover for him.

With the eyes of the NRL world firmly on them, the pressure is going to be on from the very start of the season. How they start they season may well set the tone for their year to come. It’ll certainly make for interesting viewing, especially against the bulldogs in Round…

2011 Finishing Position: 2^nd (Premiers)

Predicted 2012 Finish: 3rd

Premiership Odds: $9

2012 NRL Preview – Melbourne Storm

Bellamy, Slater, Cronk and Smith…. what more needs to be said. Although they gone through some testing times since 2010, Melbourne will once again be competitive, based purely on these guys. Bellamy is a top-notch coach, with the spine of the club intact, they still have the firepower to challenge. Whether or not they can go the whole way remains to be seen, but they should still easily make the top 4.

The loss of Adam Blair to the Tigers is a big loss in their forward pack, however they have gained Jason Ryles from the Roosters. Personally, I think Ryles is past it, however Bellamy has shown in the past that he can get the best out of players that have otherwise been discarded. He showed that with Troy Thompson, who after a lackluster career with the Raiders, performed well and did a job for the team.

Ryan Hoffman also returns home for the English Super League, and will be looking forward to once again making an impact for the Storm.

2011 Finishing Position: 1st

Predicted 2012 Finish: 2nd

Premiership Odds: $9

2012 NRL Preview – Wests Tigers

The Tigers have been installed as premiership favorites coming in to the 2012 NRL season. Some say the Tigers say they should of won the comp in the last couple of years, with the squad they have. Personally I think they have been lucky to get where they are – they strike me as a team that always has everything fall their way. Some say you make your own luck. Me, I’m waiting for that luck to run out.

On the other hand, Benji Marshall is one of the most exciting players in the competition, and with Robbie Farrar at dummy half, they certainly aren’t without talent. There has been a reshuffling of the side from 2011, with Gibbs and Fafita going to the Sharks, while Blair moves to the Tigers from Melbourne. They have also lost Payten to retirement, McKinnon to the ESL, and released Lui after he had another whoopsie. Joel Reddy slots into the backline, and I expect Moltzen will play half back, after walking out on his deal with the Dragons.

The Tigers do have a very good team, and I rate Tim Sheens as a coach. They have one of the best home crowds in the NRL, always helping to win the odd penalty, and the ability to put quick points on the board when needed. If they stay injury free, they will definitely be up there, but whether they’ll be holding the trophy is another matter.

2011 Finishing Position: 4th

Predicted 2012 Finish: 1st

Premiership Odds: $8