Featured Tip from Mike Wilson

Pick Details

Sport / league:: NRL
Event / fixture:: Bulldogs vs. Broncos
Event date: Fri, 7 Mar 2014 at 8:05 PM
Market:: Head-to-head
Tip:: Bulldogs @ 1.58 (William Hill)
Tip Result:: Loss

When the 2014 NRL draw was released I’m sure Ben Barba immediately had a look through it to see when he would have to face his former side the Bulldogs. He didn’t have to look past round 1 to find that he would be returning to his old home in no time and he knows full well the crowd will be baying for his blood.
So you think it sounds a little over the top? Try telling that to the Bulldogs faithful who watched helplessly as Barba almost single handed turned the 2012 minor premiers camp into a place of unrest that ultimately lead to the side clawing their way into the finals only to be knocked out in the first week in an unenthusiastic manner.
Bulldogs Coach Des Hasler has informed the media that the players won’t be focusing on Barba any more than the next Broncos player. Knowing Hasler’s mentality this would be true and I’m sure he’ll be trying to get his cattle to try and pick up where they left off at the end of 2012 without dwelling on the past.
The home town fans are no doubt going to be very vocal which is often a big factor towards lifting teams to victory at the back end of early round games. Fitness issues in the first 3 or 4 rounds often separate the wheat from the chaff and I wouldn’t like to be a Broncos player fronting up to a noisy home crowd when you’re gasping for air some 1000kms from home.
The Bulldogs already know their combinations well but Broncos Coach Anthony Griffin has decided to throw Josh Hoffman into five eighth next to Ben Hunt. I’ve got nothing against these two, and I’m a big Josh Hoffman fan (at fullback) but this combination may need some time to get acquainted under the pressure of NRL conditions.
I really like the Bulldogs to notch up 2 competition points in their opening match and Sportingbet are offering refunds up to $100 if you back the Doggies and they score 12 or more points but lose the game. I’ll be taking some of that even if the game is played out in wet conditions.

About Mike Wilson

Bio: Mike Wilson is an avid Rugby League fan and has been following the game since he was 6 years old. He devotes much of his time to studying and reviewing games. When he is not neck deep in match replays and stats, Mike enjoys earning some pocket money playing online poker, which he has done successfully for over 7 years. Mike lives on the Gold Coast and also enjoys Formula One and casual afternoon in front of the horses with a few quiet beers ;)

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