LOGAN BROS v ARANA: Friday March 19 8.30pm at Civic Pk
PREMIERSHIP ODDS: Logan Bros: 9/4 ($3.25) out from 2/1 ($3.00); Arana: Steady at 7/2 ($4.50)
Last Encounter: 2003 Finals Week 1: Logan Bros 40 def Arana 26
Head to Head 2001/3: Arana 5 Logan Bros 4 Drawn 2
Last Competition Game: Logan Bros: Redcliffe L 20-24
Arana: Souths W 44-10Logan Bros failed to hold what should have been a match winning lead last week against Redcliffe and will be looking to make amends in this one. Arana overcame a shaky start to blow away the Magpies but this will be a much sterner test. The encounter between these two teams at Civic Park last year was a real ripper and this should be no different. Some individual clashes around the paddock will be very interesting, particularly at hooker and halfback, with Brendan Altadonna and Nash Rylands up against Mitchell Muir and Trent Iselin. A great game to open the weekend.
"The Computer" tips Logan Bros by 4.
CENTENARY v REDCLIFFE: Sunday March 21 11.45am at Cent Highway Res.
PREMIERSHIP ODDS: Centenary: Steady at 4/1 ($5.00); Redcliffe: Steady at 5/1 ($6.00)
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 6: Redcliffe 24 def Centenary 12
Head to Head 2001/3: Centenary 2 Redcliffe 2
Last Competition Game: Centenary: Easts W 10-4
Redcliffe: Logan Bros 24-20The only clash this weekend which sees two winners from Round 1 facing off. Both teams had narrow victories last week, both winning after trailling at half-time so this match will not be won till the final whistle blows. These sides have fought out some fiery encounters in the past, with the honours being shared, so the winner here will go one-up head to head. Both sides looked to have improved considerably this year, and as in the Logan/Arana clash there are certain to be some interesting head-to-head battles, particularly in the 1/2-5/8-centre area with Jamie Williams, Tim McIlwain and Lauchlan Witt facing Angus Cameron, Tim Yee and Matt Gillett. Very hard to pick a winner in this one, with home ground advantage perhaps just tipping the balance Centenary's way.
"The Computer" tips Centenary by 2.
NORTHS v EASTS: Sunday March 21 12.00noon at Bishop Park
PREMIERSHIP ODDS: Norths: 4/1 ($5.00) in from 5/1 ($6.00); Easts: Steady at 15/1 ($16.00)
Last Encounter: 2003 Semi Finals Week 1: Easts 21 def Norths 10
Head to Head 2001/3: Easts 2 Norths 1
Last Competition Game: Norths: Springwood W 40-16
Easts: Centenary L 4-10An early chance for Norths to gain revenge on the Tigers as it was the boys from Scott Park who bundled the Devils out of last year's competition. Norths could hardly have been more impressive in their win last week over the relocated defending Premiers and will be looking to ensure they aren't complacent in this week. Easts certainly took it to Centenary and were unlucky not to come away with at least a draw in a very physical encounter. Norths will have to earn their victory but should be a little too sharp for the Tigers.
"The Computer" tips Norths by 16.
SOUTHS v SPRINGWOOD: Sunday March 21 1.45pm at Brandon Park
PREMIERSHIP ODDS: Souths: 33/1 ($34.00) out from 25/1 ($26.00); Springwood: 7/2 ($4.50) out from 3/1 ($4.00)
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 14: Souths 26 def Redlands 16
Head to Head 2001/3: Redlands 7 Souths 1
Last Competition Game: Souths: Arana L 10-44
Springwood: Norths L 16-40Both these teams were on the wrong end of hidings last week and will want to open their season points in this game. Souths were virtually unbeatable at home last year, only losing once, and even lowered Redlands colours there in a major surprise in Round 14 of 2003. Souths have continued to surprise, despite losing a number of key players over the years, but Springwood should have a little too much class for them in this encounter.
"The Computer" tips Springwood by 18.
