Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights
Sydney Football Stadium, 3:00pm
The Roosters are struggling to discover anything that resembles the good form they showed in the back half of 2010, and this week they have to go without halfback Mitchell Pearce and lock forward Nate Myles. Mitchell Pearce is somewhat easily replaced with Todd Carney slotting into the no. 7 jumper and Braith Anasta moving to 6, but Nate Myles will leave a rather large hole in the forward pack. Myles racks up the most tackles per game for the Roosters over everyone except Jake Friend. As talented as Todd Carney is, we know he can’t produce his best if his forwards are not firing. When Carney gets the chance he will be probing in the middle corridor of the field which could prove a profitable exercise based on how flimsy some the Knights defence was in the middle of the field last week against the Warriors. Overall, the Knights are missing Gidley big time, he adds that little bit of ‘x-factor’ that a good side needs, and without him it will be tough for them against a side being steered by Todd Carney who will be out to prove his worth.
(For those interested in a bet of entertainment, have a few dollars Todd Carney first and last try scorer)
Mike’s Best Bet: $52 on the Roosters H2H @ $1.84
