Round fifteen selections

Manly Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers – Friday night – Brookvale Oval

Slightly odd that the free-to-air Friday night fixture this round sees the team running last taking on the team running 13th. And slightly odd that the team running last are a short-priced favourite - especially on the back of an impressive display by the Tigers last weekend. Daly Cherry-Evans (probably) backs up for the Sea Eagles. Aaron Woods (probably) backs up for the Tigers. Robbie Farah is nowhere to be seen. The venue sways my verdict here but I'm tipping the outcome with my usual lack of Friday night confidence. I do worry about the Sea Eagles pack, but I'll cross my fingers and hope they keep it together. The Tigers forwards were tremendous against the Bunnies, but Woods may have some of the gusto taken out of his sails given the quick turnaround and the flight back from Melbourne. At $1.40 backing the Sea Eagles should be a criminal offence. Those that back the Tigers with the handicap start should get a run for their money. The Sea Eagles to squeak home.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 2

Result - Sea Eagles 30 defeated Tigers 20

Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday afternoon – GIO Stadium

The Cowboys jag a daytime slot in Canberra which is a small blessing - by nightfall the temperature will be minus something. The Raiders have had two weeks to prepare for this game, their line-up is unchanged, free of Origin interruption and they get to play at home. Both Cowboys props and both Cowboys halves are backing up from Wednesday - if they back up at all (Thurston will have a pretty funny looking right eye if he does). If the Raiders don't throw ball-runners at the right edge defence of the Cowboys I'll be very surprised. Memo to Morgan and O'Neill - steel yourselves for an onslaught. If you like those bets Coach puts on try and find a reasonable price for Jarrod Croker to pick up a four-pointer. Surely. Surely.

Verdict – Raiders by 2

Result - Cowboys 21 defeated Raiders 20

Gold Coast Titans vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday night – CBus Super Stadium

Anyone who spends any amount of time on the Gold Coast will know that the Warriors will get their fair share of the crowd support on Saturday night. The Warriors have a 50/50 all-time record on the Gold Coast and their away record this season is pretty similar (3 from 7). In round eight these sides met in New Zealand and the Titans prevailed (32-28) and that is probably more important than any historical record. Notably a fair number of the Titans that played in that last clash won't be here this time (Bird, Zillman, Elgey, Falloon).  That worries me a little, but assuming Myles plays this line-up is stronger than the one that ran away from the Bulldogs last week. That's probably good enough. I don't mind Hoffman in the halves either - he's under-rated by everyone bar me and the footballers that play alongside him.

Verdict – Titans by 2

Result - Warriors 36 defeated Titans 14

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has never been one to take a backward step on or off the paddock. As if to reiterate his point about the impact of the State of Origin series on the NRL, he has not named any of his Origin players this weekend. None of them, not even on an extended 12 man bench. The point is well made but it does make it hard for us to pick a winner. With the teams named as is I think the Panthers are good things, but the current betting market (Penrith paying $2.75) tells me to expect some last minute team changes. If Des didn't get fined last week he might get pinged this time around. Tipping winners on a Wednesday isn't easy at the best of times, but this game is quite a challenge. Up until this point my approach has been to play the cards I see in front of me. With these cards I tip the Panthers at huge odds, and if the teams remain as is the current price is almost impossible to ignore. Watch for announcements, and adjust your selection accordingly.

Verdict – Panthers by 8

Result - Bulldogs 24 defeated Panthers 12

Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – Hunter Stadium

Two of my golden rules come together in one game this weekend. Rule One - back the Knights on Sunday afternoons at home. Rule Two - don't back the Sharks on Sunday afternoons full stop. Sadly for me, one of those golden rules failed me two weeks ago when the Sharks surprised everyone and beat the Roosters on such a Sunday afternoon. As for the Knights, one win since round 4 tells me you shouldn't be backing them under any circumstances - regardless of the rules. The pincushion/petrie dish that is Paul Gallen is unlikely to play, but Cronulla aren't short of big forwards. Andrew Fifita will be keen to impress after missing out on Origin II - he's likely to return for Origin III if Gallen is out of action for a period. Is it time to break two of my golden rules? Yes it is.

Verdict – Sharks by 4

Result - Sharks 30 defeated Knights 28

Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos – Sunday afternoon – AAMI Park

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has called a press conference for this afternoon - it's probably about Billy Slater and his shoulder but anything could happen. Watch this space...or some other space where you'll hear all about it (Twitter...probably). The Broncos should have a fair amount of support in the crowd - some of the die-hards will stay on from Wednesday night and make it a festival of football. Those up in arms about Hodges not getting suspended should note this: Hodges probably won't play anyway - if he were suspended for a week it would be for this game...which he probably won't play anyway. You see what I'm saying here? Wayne Bennett is ten steps ahead of us all. I can't believe the Broncos are $1.95 for this game, and I can't believe the Storm are favourites. Ben Hunt can do his Origin prospects no harm with a match-winning performance. I'm not sure how often footballers look at the NRL ladder but if things go as I've predicted the Broncos will be standing alone at the top of NRL mountain at the conclusion of this round (and I'm never wrong). I'm tempted to have a lash, but the last time I lashed I emptied someone's purse and it didn't go so well (which is strange because I'm never wrong). And that's why you should gamble responsibly.

Verdict – Broncos by 14 (Bet of the Year!!!!!!!)

Result - Broncos 14 defeated Storm 12

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Sydney Roosters – Monday night – Allianz Stadium

We're kept waiting until Monday night to see the game of the round, but isn't this a little beauty? Third plays fifth and it's the teams with the two best defensive records in season 2015. As things stand, all Origin players have been named. The Dragons should be nice and fresh after a bye last weekend but their last performance (losing to the Bulldogs) was a bit of a head-scratcher. Conversely the Roosters impressed with a win across the ditch without their Origin players. The Chooks may be outside the top four but they do have the best points differential in the competition. A win against a team above them goes along way toward a top four finish. Note the home venue (although the Red V may get more of the crowd support regardless). Remind your eyeballs - if you only see one game this weekend make it this one.

Verdict – Roosters by 8

Result - Roosters 19 defeated Dragons 14

Wally Lewis - round fifteen selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

  • SEA EAGLES vs Tigers
  • RAIDERS vs Cowboys
  • Titans vs WARRIORS
  • BULLDOGS vs Panthers
  • KNIGHTS vs Sharks
  • Storm vs BRONCOS
  • Dragons vs ROOSTERS

Comments

Johnny Ray's picture

According to some reports, due to a career ending shoulder injury future immortal Billy Slater has played his last game of NRL. God I hope that 's not true, Can't wait for Storm Press Conference that 's on this afternoon to find out ... :-(

a's picture

Hi thinker the Warriors record on the gold coast is not 50/50 Warriors have won 5 from 8 and plus they played in round 8 this year not round 7

The Thinker's picture

Thanks A
You are right about round 8 (instead of round 7). I'll amend.

Not sure about your other stat - NRL website says 4 from 8 but they could be wrong.

Where's David Middleton?

a's picture

Here are the games when Titans played the warriors at the Gold Coast

Round 16 2007 Warriors 22 d Titans 6

Round 7 2008 Titans 36 d Warriors 24

Round 16 2009 Titans 28 d Warriors 12

Round 1 2010 Titans 24 d Warriors 18

Qualif Final Titans 28 d Warriors 16

Round 9 2011 Warriors 34 d Titans 14

Round 18 2012 Warriors 32 d Titans 14

Round 24 2013 Warriors 24 d Titans 22

Round 11 2014 Warriors 24 d Titan 16

That is Warriors 5 Titans 4 games they won aganist each other on the Gold Coast

a's picture

Here are my tips

Manly by 2 I think I will be playing it safe this week by tipping the team I hate

Cowboys by 1 I think Cowboys will have a chance of losing this weekend but I am tipping them anyway

Titans by 2 I think Titans will continue their winning streak here

Bulldogs by 6 Panthers are struggling with way too many origin players out

Sharks by 6 I think Sharks are going to put a dent in Knights season

Broncos by 1 I am tipping Broncos at the moment but I may change if their Origin players do not back up and Storms do

Roosters by 8 I think Roosters are at full strength at the moment

mark ashford's picture

Hey Coach loved your sprays during origin.
Had you had a tipple or two?
My tv and my computer are rooms apart so didn't bother joining in.
No conspiracies but don't you think NSW had a bit of assist from the refs?
Inglis try was a try just like Thaidays last year but hey what the heck bring on game 3 and lets see who's yelling then.
I was disappointed with DCE but Cronk should be back for #3
Last observation. I think Klemmer needs to see a shrink there is something wrong with that boy.
Tips later.

Johnny Ray's picture

A new CEO ? That's it ? That's Melbourne Storm press release ? Crap ! When you get it wrong, you really get it wrong ... :-(

a's picture

NSW only win cause of the refs

mark ashford's picture

Hi all....tips for round 15
Manly
Raiders (sorry 'a") I also love the cowboys
Titans
Bulldogs
Sharks
Broncos
Roosters
Storm/Broncos is difficult with so many origin players but I agree with Thinker it's time for Hunt to shine.
Good luck with your tipping!

Coach Potato's picture

Thanks Mark. No. Just trying to bring some sledging you might hear at the ground, into the loungeroom. I did my part, just couldnt find an opponent. Could only attract Thinker being philosophical, 'a' being resigned to losing the game, Tailspin happy to give compliments to Jenko, and Panther who cant see that a ball off the hand going foward ie. a knock on is no reason to call back a length of the field effort.

Take a look. Not sure if this works as a link, but otherwise just Google Inglis no try then click on images instead of web.

http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/external?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent4.vi...

The Thinker's picture

Thaiday was happy with the call on the Inglis try - he said the video ref got it right. It was a close call though, and no-one in the commentary box expected the red light. I'm sure Robbie Farah and Paul Gallen would say exactly the same thing as Thaiday if it happened to them (eyes rolling).

The Morris try was interesting - I wonder if the on-field ref called it 'No Try' would the video ref overturn that. If there was downward pressure it was hard to find it. In any case, the ref said try and that's the way it goes. I'll cop it.

And more importantly the whistle-blowers kept the teams apart - which gave us more of a football game. There was still niggle (which I detest) but it was a better spectacle than game one.

Driving home after the game I caught an interview with Paul Gallen and he said (and I quote): "We had some really important decisions go against us tonight and we still won."

Strike me pink! If I saw his doppelganger on the side of the road I would have felt compelled to steer the car straight into him.

Coach Potato's picture

Mark, buy a tablet for 50 bucks and hardly ever use your computer again, unless booting up and shutting down entertains you.

Still time before game 3. These things aren't new in Queensland are they?

a's picture

QLD will win game 3

Coach Potato's picture

I never thought DCE Thurston was a great combination but it almost worked.

More disappointed with Pearce who was meant to be wearing 6 but time after time numb-nuts wanted the ball first. Hodkinson would have done a better job if he wasn't forced by a teammate to play out of position. Instead of controlling half of the field each, should have been playing off each other.

The Thinker's picture

Found a suitable freeze frame there Coach

Case closed :-)

Coach Potato's picture

Yeah amongst today's fish n chips. Good luck with your High Court appeal.

Coach Potato's picture

Yes yes. QLD lost so there could be a decider. So that the holders of this great trophy could have the chance of winning back to back. Thank you Queensland. We forgot how kind hearted you are.

Coach Potato's picture

At least 15 other teams are safe now from his gutless acts

Coach Potato's picture

How could I forget NSW. Make that 16

a's picture

You know that QLD will win right? Why because NSW is crap

Shanghai's picture

Bitterly disappointed that I didn't get to see Game 2 on Wednesday night due to commitments on the oche but so pleased the Blues got the chockies. My tips this week are a real stab in the dark .....

Sea Eagles - goes against every fibre of my being
Raiders
Titans
Bulldogs
Sharks
Broncos
Roosters

Good luck to all ..............

Baggy_Gee's picture

Well Coach you Know what I'm going to say about the Morris try. If it would have been called a knock on in the field of play it has to be no try. I've looked and looked, just can't say yes to it. But as a former forward in my earlier years, that Aaron Woods try, awesome, that is good football.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Now my tips,

Tigers - I'm running the Coach's plan and dropped all my hard earned I won wednesday on Martin KaPOW to tear Manly's right edge to pieces. I can't really see a way for Manly to stop the flair of the young tigers, and I think that Robbie being out will allow that flair to be a non stop game winner.

Raiders - Forget location, forget time, Lets focus on the fact the Raiders are playing attractive, and good football, and I think that will get them over the line against a travel weary Cowboys outfit.

Warriors - Shaun Johnston, has played fairly well in the last couple of games and is starting to live up to his Golden Boots. I think that they know how the travel goes and should enjoy the early night game on the coast.

Panthers - I like that the Panthers are getting their team back together and that will lift the spirits after an average defence of last years top 4 spot. Revenge would be sweet as well.

Sharks - My BOYS are out for a well deserved week off, so I'm on to my backup BOYS. I think that the Sharks still have a great team on paper and should at some point deliver a stirling comeback to just fail outside the 8.

Broncos - Hard to argue against the ponies in this one, the big three are now just the pivotal one and as good as Smith is, one man is not an island. The broncos have too many threats which they can use on Sunday.

Roosters - A craps shoot really, the Dragons had a shocker against the Dogs, the Roosters had worse against the Sharks. Both playing well and both are contenders. I'll go with the tri colours.

As far as my BOYS go I hope that a week off after a good win and a mostly good performance should allow them to reset and make a late season charge into 8th for a capping off of a season of improvement.

newbie from perth's picture

Hi everyone,

Awesome! Newbie got a perfect round last week! That’s right, I tipped 4 out of 4 LOSERS! Man, the more I “learn” about this wonderful game, the less I know. What to do? What to do?

What a great SOO Wednesday night. Now I don’t profess for one minute to be any sort of expert (that’s why I am called Newbie) but for what it’s worth, Morris’ try in the first half was dubious at best and GI Joe’s disallowed try in the second half was pure theft.

Newbie wonders if the Video Referees actually have anything between their ears. Marketing ploy to keep the series “alive” maybe? Yes, harsh words some might think. Sour grapes others may think. But being a West Aussie I can guarantee you, hand on heart, that I look at referee decisions with an open mind and give credit where credit is due. Allow the try GI scored and the game takes on a completely different complexion. Might have even gone the Maroon’s way and then again, it might not have.

Either way, on balance. I reckon the better team won on the night. I was mighty impressed with Klemmer too. Newbie’s MOM or close to it. Queensland are gonna have their hands full trying to keep him in check. If he keeps fit and gets a little smarter football-wise, Queensland are in trouble.

As a side issue, I backed DCE at $14.00 to turn in a blinder and get MOM. Especially considering he was given his chance yet again but alas no, it was a huge flop. Dude, running sideways wasting time and making no ground doesn’t work! Seriously, it was frustrating to watch. Enough on that, bring on No.3 and let’s see who deserves to be top dog.

Woeful effort last week with no correct tips at all. Yeah I know there were only 4 games but still. What really hurt was not tipping the Mighty Chooks. Oh the shame, the shame. I feel so dirty! Anyway, this week’s tips are all off the cuff. Picked all of ‘em in about 20 seconds. I’m hoping the Law of Averages will get me at least 3 this week. D’oh! Let’s get into it…

Tigers
Raiders
Titans
Doggies
Knights
Storm
Roosters

OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.

P.S. Why do men have nipples? Hmmm…

Coach Potato's picture

Two days of solid rain. Manly supporters flock to the fortress, usually, but on a wet, wet Friday, sitting in last place, fans will be staying away in droves. How's that make the players in 16th place feel? Like they don't want to be there either. And a coach who is already walking the plank. Only points one way. TIGERS

2003. Panthers started the season 1 from 4... then took the title winning 20 of the next 23 games. They finished the year with one of the biggest streak scores in history (well, the history of my streak theory that is), yet their longest single streak was 8. A team this year has now hit 10 in a single streak. Like Panthers in '03, winning has become a fever. Becomes hard to lose. Doesn't matter who it is. COWBOYS

Streak De ja vu? Gold Coast completed a streak of 3 beating the Warriors in round 8. Win this week and they will complete a second streak of 3, again against the Warriors. I don't think they will quite realise it themselves, as to why they have this sense of having been there before, a sense of De ja vu. But they will. TITANS

Not much has been made of Wallace's return from knee injury two rounds ago. Tougher than the coming back from the knee has been coping with the loss of his mother to breast cancer a month ago. Never having known a father, is now effectively an orphan. Two losses since only caused minor hurt in compoarison. A week's rest though to help process a bit more, and get the knee a little stronger. Time to thank mum for all that she's done. Rest of the team are sticking close. Nothing personal, but you're in big trouble this week dogs. PANTHERS

By Sunday it will have been raining for 4 days straight. Can't see the Shire moving North to watch a game like this. As poor as the crowd will be, it will be all red and blue. KNIGHTS

No Slater, No Cronk. In a season of snakes and ladders, I think the Storm just landed on a big snake. Down you go. BRONCOS

The sun's meant to break through on Monday, but one dry Winter's day doesn't reverse the last four days downpour. It's going to be a slog. Jennings won't be running nearly as fast, Tupou not jumping nearly as high. Feels like it suits the red and white. DRAGONS

Johnny Ray's picture

As somebody who's secret wish was to be surgeon like his Uncle and serve his country like his Dad, I can tell you the reason why men have nipples is because as foetus gestates in womb they develop first on human body before sex of the person is determined. I can also tell you that clitoris is an undeveloped penis but that's enough from Dr Johnny Ray. We're here to talk about football not sex. Not that those two are mutually exclusive. Not that I have to explain that to any of you. Yeah ... Let's get on with this week tips. Good luck everybody !

Tigers - Anybody seen movie Jurassic World yet ? This game is going to be alot like that with the running and screaming as people sit there terrified in a dilapidated park ground waiting to be rescue. There will be no saving Sea Eagles in this one. West Tigers by eight points.

Raiders - Talking about Jurassic World to cash in on it's Carnosaur sized success people are already making their own dinosaur movies. Best one so far is something coming out later in year staring Julia Roberts own evil twin half brother Eric Roberts called Cowboys vs Dinosaurs and I'll be god damn if I don't go see it ! Still while I am waiting around to see it, this game will have to do as I sit there and pretend that the blokes from Canberra are dinosaurs and the boys from Townsville are actual Cowboys. I'm going with Dinosaurs in this one. Raiders by two points. Twelve points if Thurston doesn't play due to Origin.

Warriors - Do I really need to go into why I think Warriors will win this one ? Instead sticking with my movie theme I've got going this week I want to tell you guys that I finally got around to seeing Human Centipede ! Worse superhero movie ever ! Warriors by four points.

Panthers - Bulldogs were so bad against Titans last week especially in second half that they could of been the plot of next Nicholas Cage movie. This week I don't suspect them to be any different as Origin continues to make things difficult for them and their playing combinations. Panthers by eight points.

Knights - Another Nicholas Cage movie of game but I'm going with team with home ground advantage. Knights by eighteen points.

Broncos - With Billy Slater out, Cooper Cronk out and Cameron Smith now in some doubt (again due to Origin) I am with Thinker on this that Broncos are sure things to win this or I didn't get fired from my job once as manager of my local Blockbuster for putting movie "There Will Be Blood" in porn section. Broncos by sixteen points.

Dragons - To finish the movie theme this week, I'm going to let you in on little secret - you want to know what I think is the worse film ever made is ? Tiptoes. Tiptoes is worse film ever made. It's movie staring get this, Gary Oldman, Matthew McConaughey and little guy from Game Of Thrones about average sized guy who somehow forgets to tell his already heavily pregnant girlfriend he comes from large family of circus dwarves as he prepares to take her home for the holidays. Nothing about this week Monday night game is going to be as entertaining as that as suspect more of same predictable, run it up the middle, only pass ball once in opposition half, style of footy from both sides. Still I'm backing Dragons to win this in close one. Dragons by six points.

Thanks alot Thinker. Thanks again everybody and go Warriors ! Kiwi Power ! Peow ! Peow ! ;-D

st George 's picture

Go the mighty dragons. We can beat those cocky roosters and their supporters

st George 's picture

Go the dragons

Coach Potato's picture

(Cough, cough) st George, you're not bloody bad yourselves

st George 's picture

Who's gonna stop the team with the big red v

Coach Potato's picture

Well pretty cocky to think noone ?

Coach Potato's picture

A crap Dogs team?

a's picture

The Cowboys might

mark ashford's picture

Coach I took a tablet after the Maroons loss is that what you're talking about?
For the record I was happy with the Morris try and with regard to Billy Slater have you been blind to what that poor bastard has copped over the past 10 years? More cheap shots than a chinese shooting gallery.
Maybe he just got tired of it.

nola's picture

hi Declan where are your tips round 15 2015

Steel Panther's picture

Firstly I will retract my comment on Wednesday night about the no try call on Inglis. Heat of the moment Coach. As you know I'm neutral. Just like a good hard game that's fair. I've digested last week's duck egg and hope it's off the menu this week.

Sea Eagles - It will take more than last week's win to convince me to tip the Tigers again.

Raiders - Surely the Cowboys are going to lose one at some stage?

Warriors - I hope they can make up for some dismal recent displays including a poor loss at home against the Titans earlier in the season but I wouldn't bet on it.

Bulldogs - Terrible last week. Here's hoping we see an improvement this round.

Sharks - I'm fed up tipping the Knights and being let down but a win to the home side would come as no surprise.

Broncos - The form team of the comp.

Roosters - Game of the round.

Best of luck everyone and have a good weekend!

Declan_S's picture

Manly
Cowboys
Warriors
Bulldogs
Knights
Broncos
Roosters

Tailspin's picture

Hey everyone, hope you all geared up for a good weekend,
Eagles by 8, just home advantage, cause they are as bad as each other
Cowboys of course by 12, on fire and burning bright
Home team Titans by 4, don't know what's doin with the warriors, seems like they have given up the season already.
Panthers are due by 6
Definitely the Sharks by 16, knights are gone!!!!!
Broncos by 12, another team on fire and playing unpredictable footy
Roosters by 1, should be a good game.

Coach Potato's picture

Took my tip on backing up your teammates, Mitchell Moses, you little b...

Coach Potato's picture

Mark, I have long regarded Slater as the best in the game. Not quite as dynamic last couple of years, due to injury, but still up there. I rate him higher than Thurston, higher than Smith, higher than Cronk, on par with Inglis. I just don't like his attitude to winning at all costs, and injure an opponent if you can get away with it. Would love to remember him with the same adoration as a Lockyer, or Fittler, or Daley but unfortunately like others mentioned here, he's tainted. Inglis not a grub, just plays for a penalty too much, not what you want from a champion either.

Coach Potato's picture

Mark, I have long regarded Slater as the best in the game. Not quite as dynamic last couple of years, due to injury, but still up there. I rate him higher than Thurston, higher than Smith, higher than Cronk, on par with Inglis. I just don't like his attitude to winning at all costs, and injure an opponent if you can get away with it. Would love to remember him with the same adoration as a Lockyer, or Fittler, or Daley but unfortunately like others mentioned here, he's tainted. Inglis not a grub, just plays for a penalty too much, not what you want from a champion either.

Coach Potato's picture

Am feeling good about Tigers behind at half time. Just need to swing the 8 points. Phenomena or Corruptisimo ? Take your pick

Baggy_Gee's picture

Take the Evans....... And as Freddie said, backing into the tackle increases the chance that you get hurt, shouldn't have been a penalty in the first 30 seconds.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Take the Evans....... And as Freddie said, backing into the tackle increases the chance that you get hurt, shouldn't have been a penalty in the first 30 seconds.

Coach Potato's picture

.... Or maybe not

Johnny Ray's picture

Tigers ! Crap :-(

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