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NRL Predictions Round 5

Ok folks, you asked for it and here it is - the analysis of your team leading into this weeks round. Some very nice NRL Rugby League match-ups here and already we are seeing how close the overall points are on the NRL Ladder.

Punters: the best value of the Round can be found on the Manly Sea Eagles, while we have tipped the Bulldogs - The unbeaten Eagles are paying $2.80 for the win which is a top deal.

Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers @ CUA
Always a big one the local western derby. Will be a very interesting forward battle this one, I feel the Raiders made the Eels look better than they were last week. Penrith while a little inconsistent, didn't get much ball against Titans, but when they did - they used it. Considering this, and a big CUA Stadium crowd at Penrith - Panthers to win

Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos @ Suncorp
This could be a very firey match, two clubs battling for the love of the banana benders. Brisbane playing a physical, grinding style at present and face the unpredictable attack of the Titans. While a home game for the Titans at Suncorp, they will face a very tough test. I think the experience of the Broncos will be too much for the Titans in a big game atmosphere.

Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons @ Oki
The Dragons must be dreading this week, what a team to face for redemption - the Storm. Impossible to tip against the Storm. The Saints have pushed Matt Head back to premier league and obviously struggling for confidence and experience. Storm to win.

Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles @ Telstra
Now this will be a top game; the unbeaten Eagles face a real test with the feared Bulldogs forwards. Kite vs Willie should be a classic, I think the Eagles haven't really been tested yet and the power game and thrust from the Dogs will see Manly fall away. Dogs to win

NZ Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys @ Mt Smart NZ
Yet another top clash, these two gun sides will face off in NZ. The Cowboys are starting to feel the injury pinch with Webb and now O'Donnell gone for NRL 2007. This is a game where they'll need their best forwards, I think the Warriors were very unlucky last week and deserved the win over Manly. I've gone for an upset here, NZ to win at home.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights @ Bluetounge Central Coast
The Knights face the first day of the rest of their lives without Johns. This factor alone is sure to see them have a slight hangover, along with the fact that Seu Seu was diciplined this week and skipped training sessions. Souths will be pumped to redeem after being touch up by the Dogs. Souths to win.

West Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks @ Campbelltown Stadium
NRL News.com will be reporting live from this game, and what a tonne of pressure the 2005 premiers are under. Winless this season, and they now face a confident Sharks team who touched up the Dragons in a big way in Round 4. While it might seem silly to bet against the Sharks, I think the Tigers simply have to win. A vocal crowd is always in place at the 'in your face' type ground at Campbelltown and will give the Tigers the energy they need to overcome the Sharks. Tigers to win.

Canberra Raiders vs Sydney City Roosters @ Bruce Stadium, ACT
What a big one for Monday night football, Rugby League's cellar dwellers will battle it out for the spoon stakes and we are only in Round 5. Roosters are surely nearing their first win, hunting their 1000th win for what seems like years. But, the Raiders at home on a Monday night, like Round 3 vs the Knights - can really turn it on. Raiders to win.