NRL OFFICIAL PLAY

DOUBLE - SHARKS +12.5 / TIGERS +12.5 (x1.5)

After looking over today's match up I really like the Sharks to start well and try and get season 2011 off to a good start. They have signed a couple of handy players in J.Smith and C.Best. Gallen and Tupou will look to have much better years and the sky is the limit for young fullback Gardiner. The Raiders are rocked by injury. Already without star 5/8 Campese now will be without his new partner in the halves Orford and now news that Dugan will also miss and Picker is doubtful. Ferguson and White should debut for the Raiders today but things just seem a little unsettled for my liking. I smell an upset. Take the Sharks with the extra start.

Adding to this I liking the Tigers! they with the Dragons are the team to beat this year. The haven't made any changes, everyone knows their roles and look they settled. Benji will want to put his week behind him and the best way to do that is on the field. Moltzen is like a new recruit coming off the bench is a luxury. The Dogs have bought very well. Keating and Hodkinson in the halves could work well. Also Tolman and Pritchard add extra punch. All these players will have an impact this season in the Dogs rise i have no doubt. But it may take a few games to get familiar with each others game. Pritchard will miss. Barba is unknown at the fullback position also. The Tigers are not the team the Dogs would have wanted first up. Maybe after first 5 or 6 rounds. I actually think Wests will win this SU and may play them alone tomorrow but happy to take the points in this double.

(1.85u @ 1.83 @ Sportingbet)