In comes the cavalry

Well it’s been another ordinary week for me in my tipping league. I’m sitting on 3/7 before tonight’s game, and it’s got me thinking how unpredictable this season has been so far. Good signs for the NRL though, over the last few seasons the competition has definitely become a lot tighter. Look no further than the table for evidence of that, after tonight’s game we’ll be sharing last place with 4 other teams! Seriously though, there’s no easy beats in this competition anymore. Any team can beat anyone on their day, the bookies must be loving it at the moment.

Anyways, onto more relevant matters. As I mentioned yesterday, we’re getting a massive boost in player stocks this week. Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Nick Kenny, Ben Te'o and Antonio Winterstein are all set to come back from injuries and/or slaps on wrist. Corey Parker was slated for return this week too, but it looks like that’s been pushed back a week which is a real shame.

Another player who is due to return this week is Steve Michaels. He’s out of favour with the coach at the moment it would seem, but he’s also been sidelined regardless with an ankle injury. Now, anyone that knows me knows that I have a serious dislike for Michaels - I was guilty of hurling him a fair chunk of abuse from the sidelines in 2009. But it might be time to give him a second chance. He’s on a big contract with the Broncos, and we’ve seen in the past that he can be a devastating ball runner. Surely he can’t do any worse than Beale, I’d like to see him given another go soon...

Phil Gould raised a good point during our game against the Dragons on the weekend. It was with regards to our attack, and how no one is running back on the inside of Lockyer, making our play quite predictable. Now I hate Gould just as much as the next, but he raises a good point. Our attack has been very predictable, and there just aren’t many options for Lockyer to go to. 9 times out of 10 it’s a flat pass to Thaiday simply because there’s nothing else on. Whether it’s inexperienced centres not running the right lines I’m not sure, but I hope it’s something we’re addressing in training this week.

While we’re on the subject of Lockyer, I really think he’s making the wrong decision prolonging his representative career. Watching how the Dragons ran rings around him on Friday night made me wonder if he’s really up for it. His defence has been questionable for years now, but I think it’s hit a new low. When he gave up chasing Morris in the Dragons 3rd try on Friday night it set my alarm bells ringing. Darren Lockyer is yet to prove this season that he is capable of going around again for the Maroons, and I hope the selectors are paying notice of that. I don’t want him to be selected just because of who he is, I want Queensland to win. I’m sure many of you will disagree though...

Wrapping up the early week news, Mr Langer’s suspension of duties has been lifted following his court appearance today. He copped a fine and a suspension of licence, and I think that’s all he deserved. You can read more about it by following the link. I’m sure the boys will really appreciate his presence back on the training paddock this week. Some punter with a lot more faith than me has backed us to win the Premiership with a large bet, standing to win over 250k. I’m not writing us off yet by any means, but that is a brave bet if I’ve ever seen one! And the Broncos have launched an official page for the girls of the Hogs Breath Cafe Cheer Squad, but none of us would be interested in the photos there right?

Right. Until next time sports fans.