The Prism - Round 13 2015

Hot topic

You have to love local derbies played at packed local stadiums. The Dragons v Sharks game on Sunday was great to see. It is astounding that the Dragons moved this match to Wollongong for the last few years which diluted the spectacle.

Notable other derbies include the Panthers vs Eels, Roosters vs Rabbitohs, Dragons vs Bulldogs, Broncos vs Cowboys, and Bulldogs vs Eels. These are usually sure to stir up the emotions of the supporters and are often highly anticipated by club stalwarts.

The debate is raging over whether local grounds should be abandoned. Would the Dragons vs Sharks game have more supporters and better atmosphere if it was played at ANZ Stadium? One would think not.

Looking at the crowd on Sunday, there did not seem to be many Sharks fans even though the game was only 10km from Shark Park. Would they have more supporters willing to travel the 30km (1 hour) to ANZ Stadium?

Predictions

Last week I picked 5/8. Here are my picks for this week.

Broncos vs. Sea Eagles @ Suncorp Stadium
Whilst the DCE saga continues, Manly are a rabble. Broncos by 10

Tigers vs. Titans @ Leichhardt Oval
Two minnows in a desperate need for a win. Titans by 2

Knights vs. Raiders @ Hunter Stadium
Knights need to reassert themselves at home. Knights by 4

Rabbitohs vs. Warriors @ NIB Stadium
This is a key game for both teams to be played in Perth, a long trip for NZ. Warriors by 4

Panthers vs. Storm @ Pepper Stadium
The Panthers are again badly affected by injury. Storm by 8

Sharks vs. Roosters @ Remondis Stadium
The Sharks are back to the drawing board. Roosters by 12

Bulldogs vs. Dragons @ ANZ Stadium
Another local derby for the Dragons, this time against a tougher opponent. Bulldogs by 4

Eels vs. Cowboys @ Pirtek Stadium
The Eels have not had any consistency this year. Cowboys by 10

Form Guide

The form guide is based on a predictive model that gives more weight to recent performances. There is no adjustment for personal bias, injury or their position on the table. Byes are given a 50% weighting.

1. Cowboys (-) : 9 in a row and are the form side of the NRL
2. Broncos (-) : have won 9 of their last 11 matches
3. Dragons (+1) : continue to rack up wins as an unfancied team
4. Warriors (+1) : continue to get wins over the Origin period
5. Roosters (+1) : starting to string together some wins
6. Rabbitohs (+2) : have found a way to win without Reynolds
7. Storm (-4) : flogged by the Roosters post Origin
8. Bulldogs (+4) : have they turned the corner?
9. Panthers (-2) : can't shake their injury curse
10. Sharks (-1) : got taught a lesson by big brother
11. Eels (+5) : picked up a much needed win in the battle of the West
12. Titans (-2) : only the bye has helped them in the last month
13. Raiders (-2) : three losses in a row; can score but leak like a sieve
14. Sea Eagles (-1) : back to their losing ways after a couple of hopeful wins
15. Tigers (-) : only 2 wins in their last 9 games
16. Knights (-2) : hard to believe they won their first four matches

Composite Team

Last week's composite team was made up of players who wore head gear. Can you work out the theme for the team below?

1. Darren Lockyer
2. Billy Slater
3. Greg Inglis
4. Shaun Berrigan
5. Darius Boyd
6. Cliff Lyons
7. Peter Sterling
8. Paul Dunn
9. Luke Priddis
10. Willie Mason
11. David Furner
12. Gorden Tallis
13. Bradley Clyde
14. Andrew Johns
15. Craig Fitzgibbon
16. Sam Burgess
17. Glenn Stewart

This team has a super star backline, champion halves and a hard working pack. The bench is all class. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 1st

Flash Back

This week's Flash Back was a tough prop with a flowing mullet. Kerry Hemsley played for the Balmain Tigers during the 1980's and always led from the front.

In 1979, Kemsley was selected to play for Riverina against the touring Great Britain team. From there he was graded by Balmain for the 1980 season.

Hemsley made 3 appearances in his first year with the Tigers but quickly established himself as a mainstay of the team. He was the enforcer of the strong pack which included Steve Roach, Paul Sironen, Wayne Pierce and Ben Elias. His flowing locks and bushy beard made him a fan favourite.

Hemsley scored his first try against Illawarra in round 13 in 1982. He then scored another two tries in June/July 1983. These were his last in his 9 year career.

Like a number of his other players of that era, Hemsley made a couple of trips to Europe to ply his trade. In 1982-3 he played for Olympique Pontétien (France) and Wigan (England) in 1983-4. He appeared at Wembley Stadium in the 1984 cup final against Widnes, and was successful on the day.

Hemsley was demoted by coach Warren Ryan after round 3 of the 1988 season. He was later recalled to first grade during the team's deep finals run. He finished the season by replacing the suspended Steve Roach for the Grand Final against the Bulldogs. The Tigers lost 12-24.

Hemsley retired after 135 games and 3 tries. He is remembered as a fearless ball-runner with a larger than life hair style.