Manly Sea Eagles vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – Brookvale Oval
The former coach returns to his former home ground to take on his former apprentice. Manly have named a strong side but whether Cherry-Evans and Watmough get there remains to be seen - if I had to take a punt (and I do) I'd say they'll play. In any case I'm leaning to the visitors here. They have a clear edge in the forwards and a goal-kicker who turns their points into more points. Manly have been below their best at their last two outings. The return to Brookvale helps but the last time they were at home they barely got over the line against the Knights. They'll need to be a lot better than that.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 7
Result - Sea Eagles 32 defeated Bulldogs 10
Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday night – Pirtek Stadium
Many of you will note the Cowboys poor overall record at Parramatta Stadium. Many of you will note the Eels very good record at Parramatta Stadium this season. Many of you will note that Hayne and Tonga are back this weekend. All of you will note my extraordinary results on Friday nights this season - which could best be described as abominable and/or hysterical. So with all that in mind I'm likely to get this game wrong, but the injury to Eels hooker Nathan Peats is a major blow for the home side. Granted the Cowboys record at Parramatta is terrible (2 from 9) but they haven't lost to the Eels since round 4, 2011 and they did beat them by 28 points in round 8 this year. If I only get one game wrong this year (yeah right) this looks like the game.
Verdict – Cowboys by 4
Result - Eels 18 defeated Cowboys 16
Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday night – Robina Stadium
How good were Penrith last weekend? Let me answer that for you...they were awesome last weekend. Those of you with long memories will note that my season predictions for this year aren't looking as laughable as they usually do (Panthers top four, Sharks the spoon, Sea Eagles to win). You know what they say - even a broken clock gets to be right twice a day. The Titans have been losing the battle with injuries more than anything, but they do get Greg Bird and Nate Myles back this week - big inclusions. In any case, I can't see the home side keeping up with the Panthers in the try-scoring department. Note the Cartwright on the interchange bench for the Panthers. I assume he'll catch up with the Titans coach after the game.
Verdict – Panthers by 8
Result - Panthers 36 defeated Titans 14
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night - WIN Stadium
Some familiar faces are returning in the backline for the Sharks but the list of unavailables this week is difficult to ignore - Gallen, Carney, Robson, Fifita (Andrew), Tupou and Beau (knows injuries). The Dragons won't get many chances to win games this season but they'd be wanting to give their home fans something to cheer for here. That said, this game isn't likely to be the highlight of your weekend. If your better half wants you to snuggle or paint something then the 80 minute period of this game may be a good time to do so. 80 minutes of snuggling...Go Thinker Go!!!
Verdict – Dragons by 2
Result - Dragons 30 defeated Sharks 0
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday night – NIB Stadium
Note the strategic venue selection by the home team, forcing the Warriors to cross the ditch and then an entire freaking continent before they get to play football. Rabbitohs management had negotiated to play this game on the moon, but ended up going with Perth (higher gate receipts, better facilities, gravity etc). The Bunnies get a giant novelty cheque from Perth for bringing them a game and an (almost guaranteed) two points. It's double dipping, but well played chaps.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 8
Result - Rabbitohs 34 defeated Warriors 18
Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers – Sunday afternoon – Hunter Stadium
Any price the Knights this weekend folks. Any price the Knights. When Wayne Bennett takes pot shots at you in the after-match press conference you take notice. Tedesco is back for the Tigers and they've named a strong side, but when the Knights put it all together they are a top eight side. If there is a time and a place for them to prove that then that time and place is Sunday afternoons in Newcastle. I assume the Tigers are favourites....take them on.
Verdict – Knights by 4
Result - Tigers 23 defeated Knights 20
Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters – Sunday afternoon – AAMI Park
What a game this could have been. The 'Origin period' of the season is never easy for the Storm but this will be the hardest one yet. At 112 kilos and standing 6 foot 6 in his footy boots, Tohu Harris might be the biggest and tallest number 6 to ever play the game. I honestly can't believe it and I honestly can't believe it will work. I hope I'm wrong because he's a great player and if he can pair up with Ben Roberts in the halves and knock over the defending premiers he's even better than I realised. Chooks...surely
Verdict – Roosters by 10
Result - Roosters 32 defeated Storm 12
Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos – Monday night – GIO Stadium
Ms Thinker often tells me that my game previews are too long. I assume she wants me to spend more time snuggling and painting and less time writing about football. If I did preview this game with a single word that word would be "Brrrrrrr!!!!!". There's a world of difference between playing in Canberra on a Monday night and playing in Brisbane on a Sunday afternoon. Weather is a great leveller, especially so in the capital. The Broncos are twice the team of their opponents, but you need to be three times the lady of the Canberra Raiders to beat her* in Canberra at this time of year. I hope Sam Thaiday has plenty of warm wrapping on his dodgy calf, and I hope Justin Hodges has plenty of warm wrapping on his dodgy everything. *Don't beat ladies...snuggle them, especially when its cold.
Verdict – Raiders by 4
Result - Broncos 28 defeated Raiders 4
Wally Lewis - round thirteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
- SEA EAGLES vs Bulldogs
- EELS vs Cowboys
- TITANS vs Panthers
- DRAGONS vs Sharks
- RABBITOHS vs Warriors
- KNIGHTS vs Tigers
- Storm vs ROOSTERS
- Raiders vs BRONCOS
Comments
Submitted by The Animal on
Hollaaa all :)
Manly by 8
Eels by 12
Gold Coast by 2
Dragons by 6
Rabbits by 15
Knights by 6
Roosters by 12
Broncos by 4
Unfortunately for me, I'll be in Victoria for the next 5 days, and I'm pretty sure they don't follow real football down there ...
Submitted by RexV on
Dogs by 4
Cowboys by 16 - go the cowboys
Panthers by 6
Dragons by 4
Rabbitohs by 10
Tigers by 6
Roosters by 8
Broncos by 24
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi All
last full round for a while
Bulldogs
Cowboys
Panthers
Dragons
Rabbits
Tigers
Roosters
Broncos
Good luck with your tipping
Submitted by christine forb10 on
in tweets david mead wants a release from titans so he can play full back for an nrl club , i think if he gets a release a few clubs will want to snap him up.
Submitted by harry on
manly by 8- providing cherry Evans is back, they should get back to their winning footy infront of a packed brooky crowd.
eels by 4- although cowboys are playing the better footy, Hayne will be ready to explode after being rested last week. and the eels are hard to beat at home this year.
titans by 2- few players back for the titans and think they're due for a win after all the hard work they've put In only going down due to injuries.
dragons by 10- expecting dragons to win, espically since they are at home. not expecting a convincing peformance, but should do enough to get over the sharkies
warriors by 2 - me being an optimistic warriors fan, I can see my boys pulling through, but I do expect a real tight battle. will go down to the wire for sure!
knights by 6- I don't know why I'm tipping the knights, they look useless, but surely they have to win one week or another. and I think it'll be this week, at home.
roosters by 8- I think the storm will suprise and play good footy without slater and cronk but the roosters will just have too much skill across the park to lose. won't be suprised if I see an upset her though.
broncos by 12- the raiders fortress at home has vanished and I can't really see them beating an improving broncos outfit.
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Bulldogs by 6 I think Bulldogs will win like a wrecking ball unless if Manly cheat as usual
Cowboys by 2 Go Cowboys I love you like a wrecking ball and you should do it
Titans by 4 I think Titans will do it with their players returning
Dragons by 8 I think Dragons will win here
Rabbitohs by 2 I think South Sydney will win here
Knights by 6 I think its Knights turn to come in like a Wrecking Ball and tear the house down
Roosters by 12 I think Roosters will win here
Broncos by 4 I think its a hint of love that Broncos are good and they will win here
Submitted by a on
And why is everybody late this weekend apart from and Mark I hope they will all come soon
Submitted by The Joker on
I'll post my tips late tonight.
Submitted by christine forb10 on
Thanks a that is the second time you have come to my defence & i do appreciate it .
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Alright. Here Are My Tips For Round 13 Everybody. Let's Do This !
Bulldogs - Bulldogs Are Going To Go To Work On Sea Eagles Here Still Expect Close Game From Both Sides. Bulldogs By 6 Points.
Cowboys - Talking About Work This Game Is Going To Be Perfect Antidote To Watching Someone You Hate Getting Beaten Up But Isn't Your Boss. Cowboys By 8 points.
Panthers - Does Anybody Get To Their Deathbed And Think I May Have Some Regrets But I'm Really Glad I Got To Follow Gold Coast Titans Because As Fan Of This Team Since Their Inception I Really Think That I May Of Made The Wrong Choice. Panthers By 12 points.
Sharks - Just Think Girls. Every Morning You Get Up And Start Applying Your Makeup, Somewhere In World A Clown Is Doing Exact Same Thing And That Clown Is Benji Marshall. Arrogant, Conceited, Can't Kick For Shit, Perfect Round F****er Uper, Benji Marshall. Sharkies By 4 points.
Warriors - Speaking About Clown's, The Circus Is Back In Town In Perth, The Once Proud And Future Home Of West Coast Pirates. Our Mate Newbie From Perth Will Probably Be At This Game And So Will The Points But I Am Still Expecting My Team, The Warriors To Win This One Against Rabbits. Warriors By 10 points.
Knights - When Thinker Tells You To Take Something You Take It ! Knights by 6 points.
Roosters - Without Billy Slater And Cooper Cronk, The Storm Are Screwed ! In My Weaker Moments I Almost Feel Sorry For Them ! Roosters by 20 points.
Raiders - Last Night Out In New Zealand We Got 7 Inches, Today We Got 9 Inches And Another 7 Inches Is Coming Tonight. Obviously Winter Is Very Happy To See Us But Not As Happy As Canberra Will Be To See It On Monday. It's Because Of Weather And Only Because Of Weather I'm Backing Another One Of My Favorite Teams Ever, Canberra To Screw With Bronco's On Monday Night. Raiders By 14 points.
Thanks Again Thinker. I Now Leave You Guys With Video I Found Online Of Benji Marshall. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1HtrbMy4mU4 Laters ! ;-)
Submitted by a on
I have a idea what happens if you post a certain amount of nasty comments to Christine or anyone els a certain amount of times you are off to the sin bin
Submitted by christine forb10 on
Thankyou thinker for your swift response to my earlier request , i do appreciate it so thankyou for your help .
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zqrEp4DAYzA Gooonnneeee !!! :-(
Submitted by The Joker on
Bulldogs, Cowboys, Panthers, Dragons, Rabbits, Tigers, Roosters, Broncos
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
It’s a bit late in the evening over here in the West and the Newbie needs his beauty sleep, so onto this week’s tips…
Cowboys - Cowboys seem to have clicked in the last 5 weeks or so and look the goods Friday night. While Jarryd is back, unfortunately for the Eels, Nathan Peats is gone. Might be their undoing.
Bulldogs - Doggies coming off the bye and the 2 NSW halves possibly brimming with some sort of confidence is pointing me towards the Doggies. Woof Woof!
Titans - Origin guys back for the Titans plus the Panthers so-so road form has the Newbie tipping the Titans this week.
Dragons - absolutely no idea with this one. STG couldn’t repeat last week’s effort again could they? Sharks have had a week off. Hmm, no idea as I said. Bugger it, tossed a coin and it came up heads, Dragons it is!
Rabbits - Warriors doing it tough with a seven-hour trip to Perth. Feel a bit sorry for them but at least we’ve got another game over here. Sorry Johnny Ray but can’t make the game as I have a wedding to go to which starts at 5.00PM. Pretty sure someone will be well and truly hungover on Sunday morning. Ouch! Sorry buddy but think the Bunnies have a little bit of an edge over the NZers and should get the bickies. But keep the faith! Will be glad for your sake if your boys can win. Good luck!
Tigers - dunno, Knights aren’t really convincing me all that much lately. Tigers nearly full strength gives me a reason to tip ‘em this week. Newbie likes the Tigers.
Roosters - as usual I’ll stay loyal to the Chooks. I’m hoping the Storm Trooper’s injury toll will help us get the job done.
Broncos - seems the Newbie has been underestimating the Broncos lately. My apologies. Good win against the Tigers without their SOO guys then last week’s effort against Manly has me all aquiver. Broncos for me.
OK people, good luck with your tipping this week and good luck to your team as well. Oh and BTW, enjoy your Monday holiday. We don't get one over here in the West so it'll be battle stations as usual for us. Cheers.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Bulldogs - Can get the job done over a flat Manly. Cherry-pie will help but Doggies like meat, don't put it past Des to feed the boys some BBQ bird before the game, proteins and what not. Dogs 1-12
Eels - Para-Da-Matta, great name for a rug shop! The boys could be in for a hard time at home this week, The Guru notices most of the tipsters here are going with NQ and that could well happen, but the 'G' will back the home side by a try, Para by 4
Titans - Dave Taylor really wants to play origin again, the big fella was putting in the hard work when The Guru was at Suncorp recently and has backed that up with even stronger performances. Big Dave by 12.
StMaryBenjamins - Sounds like a Catholic girls school...Surely with Mary and Benji the boys in stripes can get a W. The Dragons have a decent roster and should be better, time to do boys time to do.
Rabbits - Souths will want a win in the West over the Warriors....That's a Guru record for 'W's in a sentence, pity he cant get that many 'W's in a round...alas he doesn't trouble himself with ladders too much these days, better to just hire someone to do the heavy lifting, if you don't follow, neither do I, The Guru is a bit lost.
Knights - Win or never be tipped again
Roosters - The storm's pain isn't over this week with a fired up Chook looking to take the 'A' special to Melbourne (The Wrecking Ball) The Poultry pack are looking better, but The Guru is not convinced, 2013 vintage he does not see, yet.
Raiders - Too cold for Qlders in Canberra this time of year, The Guru is surprised the many reptiles that hang around the joint fair so well, central heating I guess, taxpayers pockets are limitless aren't they? The Bronco's did well last week, The Guru was impressed, after tipping a hiding they gave one instead, hotter Brisbane's have lost these. it'll be about 0c at kick-off!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hi all....certainly is a mixed bag amongst the tipsters this week....here goes my effort to remove myself from the foot of the ladder...
Manly - The Sea Eagles let me down badly last week but more so they let their supporters down. A chance of redemption at home, and the Dogs can't keep winning forever.
Cowboys - I know the Eels are a different side at home but who are the real Eels after a dreadful showing last week away from home. I'm backing the class of Thurston to get the Cows the points (and because a mate told me to pick them).
Titans - The home side have a few boys back from injury and Penrith don't have a flash away record. I'm leaning (slightly) towards the Titans.
Dragons - I'm fed up backing the Sharks to come right. Even at home they let me down. Second game for Mary with both teams due for a win but the home ground advantage sees me tipping the Dragons.
Rabbitohs - Everything points to the Bunnies. Isaac Luke is back, Warriors have an 8 hour flight and will be playing when they'd normally be in bed. Most telling thing though is that Johnny Ray has tipped the Warriors. Beware!
Knights - I'm with the Guru here. Win or never be tipped again.
Roosters - I hear ya Thinker. Tohu Harris in the number 6 jersey? Maybe John Sutton is taller? A settled 6 & 7 Roosters combination seals it for me.
Raiders - Even though the Broncos cost me a full round last week with the proof that they can adapt to playing on a warm Sunday afternoon versus a cooler Friday night. But a cool night in Brisbane is classed as balmy in Canberra.
Good luck everyone with this weekends tips....
Submitted by a on
Cowboys lost disappointing int it
Submitted by Steel Panther on
I think you fired up Benji last night Johnny Ray and a can you please tell me why the Cowboys are so bad away from home?
Submitted by RexV on
Yes a very disappointing
Submitted by a on
I dont know why they should win something away
Submitted by mark ashford on
Good morning all!
Yes Steel Panther those Cowboys are an enigma. So good at home and so poor away. Something Paul Green must address if they are to be a serious threat this year.
How good were Manly on Friday??that is one tough team.
Are the Maroons in trouble? Is this to be the year of the Blues??
Queensland's "never give up" resolve will be sorely tested next Wednesday. C'mon boys DIG DEEP you can do it!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Yes Mark....I'm not only scratching my head about the Cowboys but several other teams also. I expected the Titans to bounce back, Knights to finally pick up a win (especially at home) and Raiders also although I think the opponents of all those three teams on the weekend are better sides. I've gone from a back to back winner in my office footy comp to a lowly 33rd out of 40 at present. Good to see you are travelling well with a solid tipping percentage!! A bad start for you after Friday night only for you to go on and pick the next six. Well done.
Submitted by football on
Wow have you ever considered calling yourself 'the stinker'?
Your selections for this round are woeful
Submitted by Guru Craig on
The Guru's mid year report card.
Manly were tremendous and showed Des his Doggies have a ways to go in those big games if they are to better the top shelf clubs. Lyon and Cherry-Pie showed why they are stars and the players just wanted to win it more. Manly will be hard to beat for the title, both sides will be hungry come Sept.
Paramatta were decent and got the W, NQ have been disappointing. However, The Guru doesn't think we should expect too much too soon, The Cowboys have been struggling in season 2014. Peanuts will be focusing his efforts after the Origin period and looking for a run of wins, NQ are capable and could get a top 8 spot. Para wont make it all the way, they lack depth and experience to challenge the big 4 teams in finals footy.
Pennies are running hot, hope Ivan can keep it going. Penrith deserve success after the hard work put into the game off field, also a couple of old blokes who are proving they're not done with the game yet, even if the game was done with them. Will probably fade as they have over past seasons.
Dragons showed they can beat a Group 19 side, but with the roster they have....should be a top 8 club. The Guru doesn't expect much from the Red V in 2014, mid bottom 8 at best.
Sharkies.....hmm. At best they are capable of making teams earn the W and can even cause the odd upset if they have the talent healthy. Asada still in the picture and so is the Grub, Bobby dazzler wants another 'immortal' while plenty of others think 'inmate' suits better. Bottom 4 in 2014.
Titans can't get a rhythm with injuries forcing the coaching staff into a reserve grade mentality as the dynamic changes with the spine players 7,9,1 and Bird in and out of the side constantly. With a full deck the GCT are half decent. Don't expect too much in 2014, the odd win but not easy beats.
Rabbits look good, but fall down when playing the best. playmaking and direction are the weak points. Sammy is a top leader but he's no Lockyer. Souths need leadership in the halves that can direct those monster forwards. Will be a threat in the finals but fall short. Whispers of unrest are not helping the club either.
NZW - The Guru puts them in with the Coast , capable but problematic. The Warriors need consistency but can you ask the side to be happy when the coach is changed with the weather? Can't see much for 2014 other than what we have seen. mid-field finish to the year, no finals.
Knights, don't look too interested. A better showing against the Tigers was comforting for Newcastle fans but even die hard Novocastrians are preparing for the worst. The W they do have would be mad to stay, come home Wayne, it's time.
West Tigers have some ability, as does their coach. Harry has been doing his best with the roster available, and The Guru thinks the club would be happy, but after turning up the hearing...the sounds out of West Sydney are not happy.
Storm - Will do it tough until after Origin. Bellamy and his big three seem a bit tired and really who could question them? Together the four have achieved all the game has to offer and then some. The Guru gets that feeling from Melb...been there done that, still good but not hungry.
Roosters - One of the real threats for the title, the current champs are improving and will be in the top 4. The Guru thinks it's too early to decide on the Stegglers, they peaked in preseason but are due for a run of wins.
Canberra - Gooooone, Ricky too. The Raiders have got nothing. The Guru watched their game against Brisbane last night and to be honest, they were rubbish. Canberra had many chances to get a foothold on the score board but failed. Mcrone's performance should be looked at, something very odd going on with that game.
Brisbane - The Guru isn't convinced - not yet anyways, that Brisbane are a contender. The Broncos have the points in them and the playmaking has improved but to challenge the very top. Kicking has to improve as does the bench. They're missing the spark that wins big games. The Guru didn't see any million $ a season sparks in that Canberra game either.... hope for Bris sake that was a bad game from the heir apparent to the Bronco's #6
Broncos need Bennett. Should be in the 8.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey "football" that's an easy call at 8.30ish on a Tuesday morning after it's all over. This is an open forum my friend why don't you put your tips where your mouth is!
Thanks for the encouragement Steel Panther.
And to The Guru.....SPOT ON with those team reports. I would love to see the Broncs get there but like you I'm not totally convinced.
Submitted by a on
Here who I think is going to be in the top 8 and outside after 26 rounds
1 Sea Eagles
2 Panthers
3 Bulldogs
4 Roosters
5 Broncos
6 West Tigers
7 Storm
8 Knights
9 Rabbitohs
10 Titans
11 Dragons
12 Cowboys
13 Eels
14 Warriors
15 Raiders
16 Sharks
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Appreciate your mid season report card Guru. Your comments regarding the Storm especially are spot on. They just haven't seemed the same team since after Origin last season. Good but no hunger and a sense of been there done that. Melbourne were always the first team I locked in every weekend but not anymore. So a you're not picking your Cowboys to make the 8??? If Cronulla can get over all their injuries they may improve enough to lift themselves off the foot of the table and hand Ricky another wooden spoon.