Time to write off a few teams

Well, it’s that time of year to get out the big red pen and strike a nice thick line through a couple of teams. After watching two games last weekend, I am right now officially writing off the Canberra Raiders and Parramatta Eels. They might come good and make a fool of me and if that happens hey, good luck to them, but I can’t see it. Canberra and Parramatta have now joined Cronulla, North Queensland and Melbourne in planning next season. I know statements like that are dangerous, but from what I have seen neither will make the finals and more importantly, neither deserve to.

Whatsa Matta Parramatta?

The Eels are playing terrible football. We shouldn’t be surprised because we saw it last year until the stars aligned and freakish form by Jarryd Hayne and Fui Fui Moi Moi put them back in business. We won’t see play like that again and especially not from the 2010 Parra Eels.

The real catalyst of last year, hooker Kevin Kingston, is now with pace setters Penrith. No one realised his true value until he left the club and right now Parramatta have no direction. There seems to be a general laziness throughout the majority of the players whether they know it or not. They drift out of games and tend to rely way too much on individual brilliance to save them.

I’m tipping Jarryd Hayne to come back strongly on Monday night and the Eels will surely fire up to beat the Cowboys. On current form I can’t see them getting close to doing what they did last year. To be honest I don’t want them to either. It would be unfair for club like Brisbane or the Warriors – young teams who have tried and competed all year – to be punted by a Johnny come lately run from the Eels.

See ya later Canberra

I tipped Canberra to make the Top Four this season and they’ve done nothing. I said if they keep this team together they will play a Grand Final within three years and they’re further away than ever.

The Raiders are a young team but so are Brisbane and the Warriors have used plenty of kids too. Canberra did lose their heartbeat in Alan Tongue but for me this season has three major issues which all revolve around the play making.

Terry Campese – I know Mark Geyer is adamant players should never sign more than a three year contract and Campese is showing us why. Since penning a massive five year deal last season Campese has been well below his best. He is taking bad options and has lost his time and composure. However I don’t think he can take all the blame.

The halfback – There is none. For quite a while now the Raiders have persisted with Adam Mogg, an aging winger, in the critical number seven position. Campese plays like a halfback but needs a good foil alongside him. Mogg is not that foil – he doesn’t have a strong passing or kicking game and having watched their last few games I haven’t seen Mogg do anything well. With guys like Josh McCrone, Marc Herbert and Michael Picker waiting in reserve grade there is no excuse for this.

The Coach – This halfback selection comes back to the coach. In two home games within six days, Canberra had a staggering 95 tackles inside their opponents 20 metre zone and scored a measly four tries. That is inexcusable. Especially considering they went scoreless in both second halves. If the Coach wasn’t the CEO’s brother there would be serious questions asked about his future. But that’s a matter for another day.

Origin Wrap

This Queensland side is probably the best Origin team I will ever see. I was in Sydney last night to complete my own Origin Trifecta this year and was very proud of the boys yet again. The Blues threw absolutely everything they had at us, especially in the second half, and Queensland still won.

I have to give a special mention to firstly Billy Slater whose try saver won us the match. He has become such an outstanding footballer and I’m glad he wears Maroon.

Israel Folau, who has seemed to relish his new found ‘villain’ persona in Sydney, is playing very well and we will miss him in our game. I’m proud to still have him in my side for the rest of the season. Likewise skipper Darren Lockyer who just amazes me every match. He is the best player I have ever seen.

Finally, Sam Thaiday has really come of age this year and I think it began in the brawl that ended last year’s series. He is a senior player and sticks up for his mates as we saw last night when noted rough-houser Greg Bird tried to hassle the usually milder Folau and Willie Tonga. Slamming Sam can be in my team any day.

TIPPING
Tips – Titans, Roosters, Manly, Storm, Newcastle, Penrith, Parramatta
Last Week – 2/5
Total – 66/121 (55%)

It’s a big weekend for a few teams – notably the Roosters, Manly, Newcastle and Parramatta in my opinion. I’m away for Round 18 but will happily answer any emails when I return. You can find me directly at andrew.keyte@gmail.com, Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.

Cheers,
Keyto