Alright lads, home stretch now, impressions of round 2?

Johnno – Another round of teams with leads, some giving them up and others just holding on. Great to watch, but some of the coaches will be pulling their hair out I’m sure *cough*Dessie Hasler*cough*.

Gordon – Yeah, great for the neutrals out there, it’s pretty exciting, but like Johnno said, some teams just lost the plot when they had the lead. Manly, Penrith and even the Broncos, all arguably should have come away with two points.

Okay then first team with a home final then?

Johnno – Well, firstly I must apologize. I haven’t tipped the Sharks yet. But since I don’t want to act like I forgot them, not that I did, as they play such uhh.. wonderful.. rugby league. So I’m tipping them for a top four spot. Yes, top four. I’m so screwed.

Were we go.. Can Parra produce their late form of 09?

Gordon – Unlike Johnno, I’ve always thought the Eels would finish fourth. They’ve started a little lazy in the first few rounds, but they showed promise against Manly last round. Hopefully they can get a win for brave Oscar this week, however they currently trail 8-0 to the Tigers.

Bronze medal, lads?

Johnno – I like the Tigers, and I believe that little score update justifies my statement. Tuqiri is back and he’s showing he hasn’t lost much. I’ll give you an exclusive; Big T for Origin in 2010. With Marshall and Farah holding the backbone, the Tigers’ youngsters can feed of them and will do well in 2010.

Gordon – I think the Titans. They’ve been lacking a little in the first two rounds however, I think it’s only a minor speed-bump. When you have the likes of Campbell, Prince, Rogers, Bailey, Gordon and Zillman coming off the bench most of the time, there has to be results. Combine that with the now fortress Skilled Park and I’m backing the Coast to go close this year.

Dragons.. Can they go all the way this year?

Getting close now lads, who’s the pick for runners up?

Johnno – Dragons. They’re playing wonderful football, and with a mature Jamie Soward marshalling the pack, there is plenty of talent breathing fire. The better Morris brother will be the leading try scorer come end of the season and the Dragons will run riot, but might lose the odd game they’re expected to win.

Gordon – Storm for me. The impressive thing about this side in the first two weeks has been their grittiness. They say in all sports that the sign of a good team is to be able to not play well but still win, and I think they’re doing that. They’ve had two tough away trips and have another one this week, so the draw hasn’t been kind. But I think with the talent they have, they will be right up there come finals.

Well, finally, after weeks of preparation, you’ve both had time to watch games and get a feel for the new season, decision time is here. Who will be the Premiers for 2010, lads?

Johnno – MELBOURNE STORM. Inglis, Slater, Cronk, Smith. The list goes on. With a squad so composed and with so much talent and experience, it’s hard to look past the Melbourne boys. Just wait till they get warmed up as well, cause once they do, I think we’re going to see some teams get a flogging.

High Expectations.. Will the Storm defend their title?

Gordon – ST.GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS. Last year was a learning curve for the Dragons, and one they needed to have. They dominated the competition up until finals, when some lack of experience probably cost them. But now they are wiser, more talented and have some wise heads in the balance. With a good balance of experience/young blood, I’m backing the Dragons to go all the way this year.