Round twelve selections

Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – Pepper Stadium

The battle for the hearts and minds of Sydney's Golden West. Parramatta have been close the last two weeks but are still finding a way to lose, while Penrith have named their first choice spine for the first time in forever. Each halves pairing brings a very different style of football to the table. If everything clicks for the Eels they are a joy to watch, but it can fall apart all too easily. I'll stick with the more measured approach of Wallace and Soward, with the gifted Moylan chiming in as needed. He's creating more tries than just about anyone in the NRL this season...at fullback. Penrith should be well rested after a bye last weekend - at times that can be a curse rather than a blessing, but in this case the break lets them get some key personnel back on the paddock.

Verdict – Panthers by 7

Result - Eels 26 defeated Panthers 20

Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday afternoon – CBUS Super Stadium

Both club captains have been named so let's assume they'll be there - although Inglis didn't appear to have his usual punch or zing on Wednesday night. The Bunnies have an imposing record on the glitter strip and they are well-fancied on the weekend. Daytime conditions should bring with it some free-flowing footy and I'd be looking at the total points overs if such bets are of interest to you. Both sides have speed to burn in the backline and John Sutton, better with his hands than his feet, can feed his backline some quality ball. I'm not confident. I'm never confident. Bunnies.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 2

Result - Rabbitohs 22 defeated Titans 16

Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – GIO Stadium

The Broncos, understandably, have named a seven-man bench this weekend. Right here, right now all six Origin representatives have been named, but it's unlikely they'll all be there (surely Hodges gets rested). Regardless the Broncos got the job done last weekend without any of them. Who am I to suggest they can't do it again, particularly given the Raiders couldn't beat an under-strength Bulldogs last weekend? The Raiders are favourites, but we can expect some volatility in that market as team changes filter through. The biggest threat to the Broncos could be the Canberra weather - with a minimum near freezing point expected on Saturday night. If they cope with that they can cope with the Raiders. Wighton and Williams are big inclusions for the home side, but it's the Broncos for mine.

Verdict – Broncos by 7

Result - Broncos 24 defeated Raiders 12

North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

I'm slightly surprised that Cherry-Evans hasn't had a remarkable recovery and been named this weekend - it's the sort of sneakiness the Sea Eagles are famous for. The Cowboys are on their winningest winning streak ever, and providing Tamou, Scott, Thurston and Morgan back up and get through the game they should win again. Thurston in particular is a gem at backing up this time of year. Taumalolo, against this opponent, could produce his rampaging best now that he's had a run under his belt.

Verdict – Cowboys by 14

Result - Cowboys 18 defeated Sea Eagles 14

New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

Anyone that watched the second half capitulation by the Knights on Monday night couldn't possibly back them this weekend. The Warriors are well-rested and playing at home. The Knights...terrible. The predicted weather (rain) might keep the scores close, but the final result will never be in doubt.

Verdict – Warriors by 10

Result - Warriors 24 defeated Knights 20

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – WIN Jubilee Oval

Quite a few teams hate each other but the hatred between these two might run the deepest. Both teams are last-start winners, have unchanged line-ups and are fresh from a weekend off. If form and ladder position are a guide the Dragons should prevail at home, but the Sharks won't give this game away lightly. I do like to take on the Sharks in these afternoon games and I'll do so again - a Dragons victory by 1-12 looks likely.

Verdict – Dragons by 4

Result - Dragons 42 defeated Sharks 6

Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm – Monday night – Allianz Stadium

Probably the game of the round - although much depends on who backs up from Wednesday. The Slater shoulder seemed to cope with the demands of Origin and the rest of the purple machine should be fine (although Cameron Smith will sleep well given his demanding defensive workload). The Roosters at home are a tough assignment, but all five players backing up from Origin for the Chooks are backing up from a loss. The Origin quartet from the Storm are backing up from a win. Winning breeds confidence. At $2.45 the Storm are worth a punt. Gamble responsibly, and if Cameron Smith doesn't play $2.45 is very irresponsible.

Verdict – Storm by 2

Result - Roosters 24 defeated Storm 2

Wally Lewis - round twelve selections (in bold)

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

  • PANTHERS vs Eels
  • Titans vs RABBITOHS
  • Raiders vs BRONCOS
  • COWBOYS vs Sea Eagles
  • WARRIORS vs Knights
  • DRAGONS vs Sharks
  • ROOSTERS vs Storm

Comments

The Joker's picture

Panthers
Rabbits
Raiders
Cows
Knights
Sharks
Roosters

:D

a's picture

Here are my tips

Panthers by 6 Panthers are at home to the Eels Panthers should be able to beat them

Rabbitohs by 2 Here we go Rabbitohs to start a winning streak again

Broncos by 8 Broncos were surb aganist the Knights they will do it again aganist the Raiders

Cowboys by 10 Piss of Manly Cowboys will be to good against your crap side

Warriors by 14 Knights season is not looking promersing and by no means they will turn it around aganist the Warriors

Dragons by 2 Sharks will get a boost against Dragons but they will win here

Roosters by 4 I think Roosters will win a thiller here

Johnny Ray's picture

Awesome. The Wi-Fi isn't working at home so I'm here at bar across from work putting my tips in. It's trivia night at bar so here's fun fact for you. Dude did you know word Bar in Hebrew as in Bar Mitezvah means young boy, which is kind of ironic for me considering it's one place that I go to, to feel more like man ! Yeah... let's get on with this weeks tips. Good luck everybody ! If I am right I am predicting alot of momumental upsets this weekend. Cool, let's see who can get most of them right :

Eels - The Eels almost beat Rabbitohs last week playing at place they don't usually win at. Yeah I understand that Rabbitohs were playing without G.I still something is telling me to take Eels to beat Panthers and that's what I'm going to do. Eels by field goal. Eels by one point.

Rabbitohs - This will be a close contest still Rabbitohs should be able to withstand Titans and Titans defence. Rabbitohs by six points.

Raiders - Another close one and this time it's anybody's call. Me I'm going with team that has home side advantage. Raiders by eight points.

Sea Eagles - Again something is telling me to take Sea Eagles and for me that's all the convincing I need. Sea Eagles to beat Cowboys by two points.

Warriors - I'm not even going to dignify my reasoning on this and why they're going to win with a reply. All I will say is Warriors by eighteen points.

Dragons - The in form team of competition playing Sharks at home. You have to go with Dragons here. Dragons by twenty four points.

Roosters - Storm should win this but I wouldn't want to bet on it not when Roosters always seem to lift for these sort of games. Roosters by twelve points.

Awesome. Thanks alot Thinker. Thanks everybody ! Go Warriors this Sunday against Knights ! Thwart them new one ! Laters Peeps ! ;-D

Johnny Boney's picture

Hi guys this is what I put this week.
Panthers by 28- Panthers to smash Eels here even though Sandow is back at halfback. And plus, Wallace and Mansour are back for Panthers.

Titans by 4- I picked Titans for an upset here.

Cowboys by 20- Cowboys obviously here.

Raiders by 12- Raiders to turn it around with a win here.

Warriors by 42- Do I have too tell you why?

Dragons by 13- The dragons will fire here in the local derby and will be too good for the Sharks here. Go you mighty Dragons, Red V is apart of me.

Roosters by 10- Roosters fire when it comes to these types of games. So Roosters for me.

Good luck everyone and cheers!

Coach Potato's picture

If one team can called for be inside the 10 in an origin game, surely ..., surely the other team was too at some stage in the 80 minutes. Ruck penalties only one way points to possession and field position only the one way. Try wasting your breathe questioning the supposed better team. Don't forget a try was scored on the back of this crap. Tips to come. Not happy that Penrith are the short priced favourite on a Friday night and the Thinker still playing the safe Friday cards (and still getting them wrong)

Coach Potato's picture

I didn't see the pre game entertainment. Couldn't be bothered. Tuned in at 815.

Seeing the pre game highlights the worst thing about it was not so much Nollsey, but the fact we invite grubs on stage to counter sing "we can't be beaten". F-off and read last years chip wrapper.

a's picture

Well I am not happy with Cold Chesial coming to the NRL grand final because Jimmy Barnes is not that great of a singer

Coach Potato's picture

Penrith
Gold Coast
Brisbane
Cowboys
Newcastle
Cronulla
Melbourne

Tailspin's picture

I'm going the same as wally this week
All the best everyone
WelI thought is was a good game last night, go QLD for the series

a's picture

I hope QLD win 3-0 this year

Shanghai's picture

My lot for this week ....

Panthers
Rabbitohs
Broncos
Cowboys
Warriors
Dragons
Roosters

Good luck .......

Coach Potato's picture

Underdogs Aston Villa to triumph over Arsenal in the FA Cup final. Weird that a competition which is represented by cities, townships, and countys spread throughout England and parts of Wales, produces a final between two teams whose names are neither city, township, or county. Both London based teams but you wouldn't know otherwise.

I wonder if the NRL could one day produce a team and a following the equivalent of these ones, or .... Crystal Palace!!? Doesn't sound possible, but then these clubs have done it.

Johnny Ray's picture

What the hey hey ? Has Coach really gone totally opposite of me this week with his picks ? I know that I've been bad this season with some of my calls but come on ! Also I am surprise that they have gone with Cold Chisel as grand final entertainment as I was sure that they were going with Robbie Williams you know considering that he only sings their opening promo number : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=88k_2qN2qfk ;-D

newbie from perth's picture

Hi everyone,

Wasn’t the SOO a cracker! That’s what it’s all about. Big men, big hits! A gentle tap on the scone when ya miss a field goal attempt and the love shown afterwards. A couple of heart-stopping moments on the night, especially when the Blues decided to play “hot potato”. Always get nervous when they do that but luckily the Maroons held the Mexicans at bay (just). Can’t wait for Melbourne to arrive.

No in-depth analysis this week. I reckon I tend to “over think” the games sometimes. Might explain why I keep slidin’ down the ladder. I’m thinking there might be some slight upsets this week (as there seems to be most weeks) so I’m gonna go with a couple of picks that are against the match favourites this weekend. I have to admit when I looked at the round, they all seemed pretty clear cut to me but you know how this season has unfolded eh? Anyway, let’s get into it…

Panthers - Eels might surprise a few but I’m tipping the Panthers at Pepper Friday night.

Titans - Bunnies will be missing Reynolds and Stewart I believe and apparently there’s some talk about whether GI Joe will play. Titans haven’t been too bad of late plus the Bunnies didn’t really impress that much last week against a depleted Eels outfit so I might just have to tip the Titans.

Broncos - Raiders need to improve a bit from last week to be any chance in this one. Their defence seems a little suspect these days. Raiders are favourites (only just) but I’m liking the Ponies here.

Cowboys - by all accounts Manly are starting to hit their straps but methinks the Cows are already there and should win this. Not sure if it will be close or not but they should win.

Warriors – with Johnson and Townsend tearing it up lately and the return of Tomkins and Vatuvei this week, Newbie’s thinking the Warriors will do this easy. Margin of at least 10 points maybe? Geez, I hope I don’t end up with egg on my face after saying that. Peow! Peow! Lock this one in Johnny!

Dragons - just cannot get enthused with the Sharkies at the moment. On paper (and the ladder) the Dragons seem to have this covered.

Roosters - nearly picked the Storm Troopers in this one but woke up from the nightmare I was having and realised the Matrix wasn’t actually real. In a close encounter (real close), I’m eager, hopeful, expectant, optimistic, buoyant, encouraged, positive, convinced and extremely confident the boys can win this one. Go you Mighty Chooks!

@ Coach - saw your comment on Saturday night’s FA Cup. Ouch! Newbie is a mad keen Gooner from way back and just can’t imagine us losing to Villa. I won’t give my exact age away here but I’ve been a fan since seeing the coolest soccer player I’d ever seen on the front cover of Shoot Magazine. Found out it was Charlie George and he played for Arsenal and they just happened to be on top of the table at the time. Been a Gooner ever since. If ya wanna win some serious coin (bet responsibly) back Gunners to win 3-1. Bill Hill might give you a good price on that one. Awesome!

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

P.S. If Wiley E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME stuff, why didn't he just buy dinner? Hmmm…

Baggy_Gee's picture

Hey Hey Hey, finally origin is over, I enjoy the football and the discussion as much as the next guy but why is the QLD newspapers so hung up on this crap that they rave on with. The crosses we bare living up here in the sunshine state.

Eels - Hands up anyone who thought I was going to say anyone else. I will admit that there have been times when I want to go against the BOYS, but pain is how you grow, isn't it. But Chris is back where he belongs in the 7, and our BOYS were good until the last 4 minutes against the "better" team. We can take it to the big cats and come away with a much needed win.

Rabbits - Why not, the team is just to good not to be doing a lot better. They dodged a bullet last week and that should be enough motivation to lodge a rocket some place where Madge can light the fuse with a swift kick.

Raiders - A good excuse to avoid the Bronco's. Coming back from 26 points down to out score the Doggies and the Grub. Shame about the result but the Raiders are proving that Sticky can coach not just manage a perfectly set up team.

Cowboys - I wouldn't be surprised if they lose this game, Manly with a bit of wind, a week off and no Origin players backing up (been a while since that was said). But the difference in each teams season points to a win for the FNQ mob.

Warriors - See everyone else's thoughts. No point re-inventing the wheel

Dragons - I want to say the Sharks, I really do, but defence wins games and the Dragons don't show any signs of letting up on their defence. They even got their attack together and scored a bucket of points before they got a long weekend.

Roosters - Both teams have players backing up in key positions, people bleat on how origin and club form are two different things but......... 50/50 call and I'll stay with the home team.

a's picture

I would have wanted Ribbie Willams over Cold Chesiel

Coach Potato's picture

JR, I sensed a huge drop off Newcastle support after last week, so in a game you would normally rate 50/50, I knew that hardly anyone would have taken them. Its like getting $3 for tails in two-up. You'd be tempted wouldn't you? Anyway, we'll soon if I'm smarter than smart, or dumber than dumb

Watch the races sometime, scream shout expletives, rip up your ticket, then ask how that 20/1 shot with shit-house form just got up. Answer: because sometimes they do.

Who cares but I'm going to put $10 on Carlton to beat the Swans @$17. The new coach phenomena is well in front and can handle losing a tenner.

Steel Panther's picture

Origin one hangover round....

Panthers - I'm a bit nervous about this game only because the Thinker has tipped the Panthers.

Rabbitohs - With or without GI I think the Bunnies will be too good.

Raiders - I tossed a coin on this one.

Cowboys - Foran in and DCE out for Manly but I think NQ will be too strong in the forwards. The winning streak to continue.

Warriors - My concern is when the Warriors are red hot favourites that's when they lose. Weather forecast in Auckland for Sunday could be a real leveller.

Dragons - Home team's defence should get them across the line here.

Roosters - Real 50/50 this one. Home side get the nod....just.

Thanks a lot Thinker and good luck everyone.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Your not nervous that my BOYS ARE going to beat your BOYS hey Steel?
Here's to hoping that its a good game

Steel Panther's picture

Hey Baggy....I'm not actually a Penrith supporter. My team (said with hesitation) beat yours a couple of weeks ago in golden point....sorry. Good luck for this weekend though.

mark ashford's picture

Hi all
No time for comments so its
Panthers
Rabbits
Broncos
Cowboys
Warriors
Dragons
Roosters

a's picture

Steel Panther you are a Warriors fan arent you

a's picture

Where is Delcan and Birdboy gone to this week

The Thinker's picture

Afternoon football fans

A couple of people haven't made it here yet, but I'm taking Ms Thinker out for a bit of birthday shenanigans tonight...so the tipping form has been shut down.

If those that haven't got their tips in add theirs in the comments section before kick-off I'll force them through later.

Have a great weekend everyone.

SportsPunter_'s picture

You wouldn't know they were both London teams because Aston Villa is based in Birmingham which is only about 2 hours away from London...

Coach Potato's picture

I knew the Tin Panther was shy on support for a reason.

Coach Potato's picture

Oops, thanks Sporty. Hope I didnt offend any poms out there

Declan_S's picture

Sorry Mr Thinker, busy week at uni.
Penrith
Gold Coast
Raiders
Cowboys
Warriors
Dragons
Melbourne

Coach Potato's picture

..maybe I should throw in a few more errors to attract a few new people onto the page!

a's picture

Panthers Ve Eels tonight

Baggy_Gee's picture

That's ok mate, my BOYS didn't do enough that day to deserve the win. The tipping point I missed out on would have been nice though. Best of luck crushing the Knights then.

Coach Potato's picture

I think you were hoping you'd be like clockwork tonight Thinker

tigerholic's picture

Evening All

I would like to make a suggestion to The Thinker if I may. Once all of the guest tips are in, is there any way that you can have them assembled into a table so that we can all follow each others tips across the weekend.

Im in another tipping comp and they do that each Friday so all of the tipsters can track their opponents progress easily.

Happy to hear your feedback.

Baggy_Gee's picture

From someone who ran and complied a tipping comp for two years, I would not ask either the Think or his magical little helper to undertake such a huge task. I'm happy enough just getting my points and hoping that I snuck one back each round.

Coach Potato's picture

In the days of pencil and paper, I would agree Baggy, yes creating a table is time consuming and not a magic hey presto!.. ta daaa!!

In the current day, I would think a table a mirror image of tips we have recorded electronically may not require any work or maintenance at all once programmed and attached. I'm no programmer, but to transfer electronic tips to a table doesn't sound like building a rocket.

I've used pen and paper a couple of weeks here and there for my own curiosity, so I can see where Tiger is coming from. I also want to be careful not to ask for too much, because Thinker and Helper do a great job with this page, and I am grateful for contributing and still not having been shown a red card - yet. In saying this, if Thinker and Helper find that a tips table would 1/ be something the would also like and 2/ not be too hard to do , then my vote would be in favour.

Coach Potato's picture

Well played Parra. Panthers, I guess you tried hard too. A couple of tries were a treat to watch. Shame that so much of QLD decided not to watch because they are so parochial, club games involving non-QLD teams are of little interest on a Friday. Shame that there isn't interest no matter who is playing, just because it's the game we love. We happen to follow the game down here, not just the team.

a's picture

I do not know what you are talking about Tigerholic

Steel Panther's picture

Great to see your boys win last night Baggy. Well done. The Thinkers Friday night curse is turning into quite a stat. Being a Warriors supporter Coach do you blame me? World's longest and highest rollercoaster since 1995. Sometimes I'm just down right embarrassed by some of their performances. Prior to 1995 I used to call the Chooks my team.

mark ashford's picture

Hey Coach I'm a Qld'er through and through and don't have cable but I watch every free to air game and enjoy everyone of them.
Couldn't get any computer coverage origin night so missed out on the banter. Thought Slater was unlucky in not getting that try surely once over the line two players can contest the ball.
Great game last night. Are the Eels back? Penrith hard to beat at home.

The Thinker's picture

Tiger,
It's actually a good idea, and if it isn't difficult to do I'm happy to do it. Slurping data into a table and spitting it out in the comments sections doesn't sound tricky, but sometimes the little duck feet have to paddle really hard to make the rest of this animal glide seamlessly on top of the water.

And I don't want to promise anything until I've checked with my Helper buddy - after mocking his choice of beverage last night I don't want to push him over the edge :-)

Declan
I'll push your tips through now.

Coach Potato's picture

Sorry Mark, I only base these assumptions on the households which are picked to use ratings buzzers and then calculate a % of the population to tar you with. Sorry if I got you with some bitumen.

Truth be known Steel, I own a DB Bitter jersey down the back of the wardrobe somewhere. When 'Brandy' Alexander joined I was a fan. I was also a Phil Blake fan and liked him playing for the Warriors too. Mark, I own a 2001 signed & framed Broncos jersey too from having one too many beers, and bids at a Starlight Foundation auction. Lots of the names from 2000 premiership names like Lockyer, Webke, Sailor, Tuqiri, de Vere, Tallis, Priddis, Carlaw ...even Parker!!!! Again, gathering dust somewhere but another example of having more than one eye.

If the game needs expamding, I wouldn't mind seeing a second NZ team and give Auckland back. I still think it's wrong that a whole country is playing in the comp.

a's picture

Well Panthers have been beaten at home by the Cowboys my team and Eels Baggy Tee team

Steel Panther's picture

Brandy and Phil Blake......fond memories indeed of both those players. Some of our best days were with your coach Ivan Cleary. Both as a player and coach. Not only has my team put in some poor efforts on the field but some of the back room decisions over the years have been exceptionally poor too. The biggest being letting Ivan go as coach the year after he takes us to the GF!!! I know you've been critical of Ivan but he did a great job at the Warriors and that's no easy feat. I don't trudge to Mt Smart as often as I used to but do make a point of seeing every game.

Not sure about the 2nd NZ team in the comp but to me it will always be the Auckland Warriors!!!

Coach Potato's picture

Panthers 5 year plan has gone backwards 10 years. I have to say again, Cleary needs to ask more questions of himself - or someone of him. The extreme freedom he gave to the Warriors suited them to a tee, but I dont see it as the answer for this team. They'll make a try out of nothing eventually in a game, but that's not to say the style suits them.

Watching the preliminary final with the ball in the opposition quarter, and players running around and around in circles was like watching a horror movie through slits in fingers.

Current centres and wingers look a grade below. Watene-Zalezniak, and Mansour when he's not hurt the only exceptions. Star three-quarters are what I would have based the plan on. Spines dont do much without arms and legs.

a's picture

Panthers play the storm next week

Coach Potato's picture

19 or so Panther tippers about to dump them I expect.

Coach Potato's picture

Have I flushed funds down the toilet on Villa, Sportspunter? 5-0 and 3-0 losses during the regular season might have the Gunners a little too cocky? Maybe? (As I clutched another straw...)

Thinker's Little Helper's picture

@tigerholic - the idea of a table showing everyone's tips for the round is something I've played with before. The hardest part is ensuring it's actually somewhat readable on phones, tablets, and stadium video screens; I don't like to discriminate.

@The Thinker - you may well mock my choice of beverage but I maintain the absence of a straw makes it a man's drink, no matter how much coconut cream there was. I was a bit jealous of the giant candlestick you were drinking out of, though. That looked pretty hardcore.

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