How to get your Tips right in 2007
Rugby League is now the most evenly contested competition in Australian sport.
David Gallop and his team at NRL HQ have done an impressive job over the past few years with initiatives such as the salary cap and minor rule changes to negate any advantages certain clubs may have held over others.
Ultimately in NRL 2007, any given team can win on their day. This has made Rugby League even more of an excitement machine for fans.
Supporters have come back to live games in their droves, taking comfort in the fact their team has a fair chance of coming away with the win, and even the chance of an empty drawn result is slim with the addition of the golden point finish.
While this is all good news for fans, spare a thought for coaches and regular weekly tipsters who risk heart attacks every weekend as the games are played out.
In years gone by, tipping against the Bunnies or the Cowboys meant a relaxing sleep at night - or tipping the once star studded Roosters dynasty to win was an easy 2 points.
Now every game, every tip is a rollercoaster ride. Failing means facing the heat at the office the following week - when colleagues will laugh at your limited NRL knowledge.
Here at NRLnews.com - we have put together a few pointers to give you the advantage when tipping each week:
* Factor in injuries, do the homework and find out whos at full strength
* Bench players, many tipsters overlook this factor in a team
* Rep players in a side. Stars mean experience, this helps in the backend of games.
* Positions. Look at which players are playing 'out' of their normal positions.
* Weather - Dry: helps skillful fast backlines. Wet: look for strong forwards.
* Referee. Are they a flowing or penalty giving team? How does it affect each side?
* Goal Kicking. Which team has the best goal kicker?
* Team morale. Poor form or in-fighting can affect teams, kept abreast of gossip!
* Home ground. The old faithful. This is a major factor, crowds win games.
Now if this all seems a little daunting, or you don't have the time to do all the homework - just ask an office colleague who doesn't follow NRL. This will guarantee you will get the tips right.
Good luck with your tipping in 2007, keep visiting for our tip guide each week.
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