Andrew Moore previews the weekend's action

Andrew Moore | 09/05/08 | 0

Everyone wants us to take this Test match tonight seriously - but how can we when the best halfback in the premiership so far in 2008 has been overlooked again, with Johnathan Thurston in doubt because of an ankle injury.
 
Far and away the best two players in the NRL so far this season have been Billy Slater and Scott Prince - Slater won a Test birth - now I understand Thurston being chosen ahead of Prince, that’s not an issue, but how on earth can he be overlooked again.
 
Nothing against Cooper Cronk - he’s a fine player, and did a terrific job for Australia in last year's whitewash of the Kiwi’s in Wellington - and I also understand the fact he works well with Cameron Smith and Billy Slater. But Prince deserved the be picked - pure and simple.
 
I would hate the job of being a national or Origin selector, a thankless task if ever there was one, but it’s plain and simple in this case - there has been a terrible injustice performed here on Scott Prince.
 
It’s nice and all that coach Ricky Stuart phoned him, and Prince was entitled to slam the phone down with a loud clunk.
 
OK, let’s get to the tips for this weekend - Australia to win easily tonight at the SCG… Thurston or no Thurston… the Kangaroos just appear to be a much, much better team.
 
Tomorrow in the 5.30 game… I’ll tip the Sydney Roosters to beat Canberra at the SFS, but this could be a lot closer than many people think.
 
The Roosters weren’t playing well in their two losses before the bye… and they’ll be determined to hit the ground running tomorrow…Canberra is game, but struggles to win away from home.
 
At 7.30 tomorrow night… the Bulldogs and Penrith clash at ANZ Stadium… I’m going to tip the Panthers, who always seem to go pretty well against the Bulldogs… winning four of the last five … so I’m tipping Penrith.
 
In Townsville, normally I would tip North Queensland to beat Cronulla… but without Matt Bowen…. And with Johnathan Thurston unlikely to play… the Sharks should win this one with both teams struggling.
 
On Sunday… won’t it be a beauty at Suncorp Stadium… Brisbane against Manly.

I get the feeling the Broncos are going just a bit better than the Sea Eagles… So Brisbane to win, but this promises to be a cracker… far and away the best game of the weekend.
 
Parramatta should beat St.George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium with both team's confidence on the rise after last start wins.

In Monday night football, Melbourne is my tip to beat Newcastle… but the Knights are on the rise, and are fun to watch…. So it should be a pretty entertaining game.

There has been a terrible injustice performed here on Scott Prince... Andrew Moore