Roosters v Bulldogs: After 5 topsy-turvey weekends of NRL football, the 4-0-1 Bulldogs are the only unbeaten side. And while I wouldn't solely base this wager on the likelihood of that unbeaten record disappearing this afternoon, it helps to think that the Bulldogs, much-improved side that they are this season, would be against the odds to go six without defeat. But more to my liking is the small cover required for the home team and some pointed statistics. The Doggies have had the majority of possession in just one match to date this season (54% v the Eagles) while the Roosters have only had less than their fair share in one match (44% v Newcastle). Completion rates over 5 games are very similar - 68% Bulldogs, 69% Roosters - but the standout figure to me is Missed Tackles. The Bulldogs have missed more tackles in 4 of their 5 games, and the other saw them miss as many as their opponents (30 each v the Storm). Their "best" MT effort is 25 v the Eagles while they've missed 29+ in all other matches. The Roosters, on the other hand, have been solid, with just one tally over 20 in their awful effort in game 2 v the Knights. If the Roosters can cut date on an error rate marginally higher than that of the Bulldogs which has hurt them the most this season, then the weight of numbers must eventually stack up. While the fact that the Doggies are top of the league despite some of these numbers indicates fine scrambling defense, strong team spirit and a prolific attack, it may also point to them eventually cracking when conceding key advantages to an opponent as potentially good as the Roosters. Sidenote: Goalkicking almost identical for both team; Roosters 21 from 28, Bulldogs 20 from 27. Craig Wing is likely to start at hooker for the Roosters, which would give them another dangerous playmaker. Bryan Fletcher is tipped to start on the bench despite being hugely influential when coming off the pine v the Eagles last weekend. So, all the above is why we will ...
PLAY ROOSTERS -2.5
GLTA
PS: I have most of this type of statistical info at hand, albeit not yet in collated form. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to do a lot of work on this when covering the third cricket test between NZ and Pakistan in Hamilton this week - rain is forecast.
