NRL - Round Seven Preview

The NRL has announced its team of the century. It is fairly sad that there are no current players considered good enough to make the top 17 players. This is not a criticism with the only current player with any claims being Darren Lockyer. It was great to see Andrew Johns selected and not overlooked after he came clean at the end of career about the hardships of being a champion. There are only 3 players that have played in the last 20 years which I think is a little unfair with names like Daley, Fittler, Webcke, Walters and a host of others unlucky not to be included.

There are, however, always hard luck stories in this type of selection and it is hard to argue with those that were selected. There has always been this myth that rugby league was at its best prior to the 1980's. This is stupid to say the least, and was created by a host of past champions that were put on pedestals to hold up a dying game. The early years of Rugby League was a time where some incredible champions played against a whole host of pretenders in a weak competition. The modern day champions shine against quality opposition week in week out and you could well argue that the team of the century should be chocked full of modern day players with only a few standouts from yesteryear.

The Sydney City Roosters fell apart in the second half against Newcastle to send Brian Smith into a fit of joy up in the stands. Every time Brian Smith coaches a winning team he should be happy because he surely can't coach for too many more years. It's a real problem for the Roosters who need to win these kinds of games week in and week out. They Roosters remind me of the Manly side of the 80's and 90's with lots of talented cattle but no real heart as a team. I think they will easily make the finals this year but have my severe doubts about their ability to defeat other top grade teams when it comes to the games that matter in the finals.

The Roosters have a chance to prove me wrong when they take on St George in the traditional Anzac day game. I will be taking the head start on the Dragons and even though their form has been dismal, I think they can find something on an occasion like this against a team that lacks any real passion.

The rest of the games are not easy, but log onto Sportsbet for all the best prices available on the rugby league. My other line bets for the remaining games are Brisbane, North Queensland, Cronulla, Manly and the Warriors. Good luck and good punting.

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