Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Thursday night – AAMI Park
It's the very first game of the 2021 NRL season, and as a tipster it's always nice to get the first game of the year right. There are genuinely compelling reasons to pick the home side in this first outing:
- The Storm almost never lose in round one...if ever
- The Rabbitohs almost never win in Melbourne...if ever
- The Storm haven't played a game in Melbourne for a very long time, and they'll be keen to put on a show for how ever many Melburnians are allowed to front up to AAMI Park.
But...I'm an idiot. I usually take trial form with a large grain of salt but the Rabbitohs were red hot in the Charity Shield match (take note that the Storm were pretty red hot in the trials too). The Bunnies have also been able to name a near full-strength line-up for their first outing, and their back-line, with the recruitment of Mansour and Marshall off the bench, looks dynamite. Meanwhile the Storm are set to begin their life without Cameron Smith, and he's been their captain and leader, on and off the field, for well over a decade. This isn't the first time the Storm have had to cope with the retirement or departure of a big name player, but Smith and his steadying influence has been there to help them move on. Now Smith has moved on, and it's almost impossible to know how much of a hole that leaves behind. I think it's a big hole, and with Harry Grant injured it's a very big hole. I'm not consigning the Storm to the also-rans in 2021...not even close. Their spine should be the envy of the competition, and their forward pack is almost entirely international standard. They can still win the premiership this season and they can still win this game, but I'll take them on here.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 1
Result – Storm 26 defeated Rabbitohs 18
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – McDonald Jones Stadium
I could be looking like quite the fool by Friday night. The Knights are a very warm favourite to win this at home, but their line-up for this game looks positively awful. They've cobbled together a back-line without Ponga (knee), Green (knee), Lee (foot) and Hunt (hamstring). Their replacements (in order) are Hoy, Mann, To'a and Shibasaki - handy footballers each and every one of them, but replacements nonetheless. The Bulldogs had a few racing the clock to be available in round one, but have named Napa, Averillo, Faitala-Mariner and Cotric as fit and ready to roll. Handy inclusions there. Cotric, Allan and Flanagan all slot straight into the starting back-line for the Dogs and I expect they'll improve the Dogs in attack, which has been an apparent weakness for a few seasons now. Another upset on the cards.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 2
Result – Knights 32 defeated Bulldogs 16
Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos are on their longest consecutive losing streak ever, and it's hard to see them breaking that run of outs on Friday night. Their strength last year (if you could call it that) was their forwards, but Fifita and Ofahengaue have moved on and Haas is cooling his heels until round four after showing more ticker in a Kingscliff Hotel than he offered in game 3 of the Origin series last year. Their one shining light in the backs last season was Kotoni Staggs but he's unavailable for quite some time. The very talented but very young Tesi Nui has been switched across the park to fill in. Croft has won what I will call a reprieve in the halves but he has to lift. They all have to lift. The Eels on the other hand are rolling into town with a very strong seventeen. They gave the Broncos a footballing lesson early in the season last year, and I fear we will see a repeat of that. The new Broncos coach has his hands full, but at least you know he will give it his all.
Verdict – Eels by 10
Result – Eels 24 defeated Broncos 16
New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday afternoon – Central Coast Stadium
A proper game of football here. The Warriors, as they almost always do, have a team that can beat anyone on their day, bolstered by some key recruits in the forwards (Fonua-Blake and Murdoch-Masila) while the Titans were one of the form teams of the NRL late last season, winning five games in a row and just falling short of a top eight berth. Joining the Titans this season are Fifita, Fa'asuamaleaui and former Warrior Patrick Herbert. Expectations are high on the Gold Coast, but with good reason. This is a genuine test of their prospects first up, but the Warriors have some issues finding a dummy half. Wayde Egan has been named but there are doubts around his fitness, and it's not easy to hide an injury in that position.
Verdict – Titans by 4
Result – Warriors 19 defeated Titans 6
Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday afternoon – Sydney Cricket Ground
Sometimes smart people make dumb choices, and Tommy Turbo is proof of same after accepting a challenge from a random on the Manly Corso to a sprint race after a night out. His hamstring, as it's prone to do, wasn't happy with the decision either and let him down accordingly. He'll be out for as long as it takes, and I think his inclusion or exclusion from the Sea Eagles has more impact than any other individual in any other team. Manly are that much more manageable when he's not there. As such, much of the expectation falls on the old halves duo together again - Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran. They're a great couple, but it's been a while and, like a said, containing those two will be easier without the Turbo lurking behind them. The Roosters don't seem quite as onimous as they have in previous seasons, but they're still at or near the benchmark when it comes to the NRL. Many of us are waiting for Sam Walker to get a chance with the Chooks. Not this weekend, but when he does he's worth watching. Too good the tricolours.
Verdict – Roosters by 10
Result – Roosters 46 defeated Sea Eagles 4
Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – Panthers Stadium
I've a big wrap on Todd Payten as a coach. If the Cowboys stick with him I'm sure they can build a squad that can threaten for a premiership in the years ahead...but not his year. Penrith were dominant for most of last year (except perhaps for one half of the grand final). Their kids should be even better this year. Contenders.
Verdict – Panthers by 14
Result – Panthers 24 defeated Cowboys 0
Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium
The Tigers have added Tamou, Ofahengaue and James Roberts to their roster, but I just cannot warm to their side. I've struggled to warm to their side for years to be honest. There's nothing wrong with them, they just don't get me enthused, and they don't give me any indication that they can do any better than ninth. The Raiders are better than ninth. Much better.
Verdict – Raiders by 8
Result – Raiders 30 defeated Tigers 12
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday night – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
The last time the Sharks won a game in round one was 2013, but they're favourites here and probably should be. Anthony Griffin is back with a new club and I think he's a proper coach. I'm hearing the Dragons are still getting around some of the structural changes he has made to how they play the game, but changes had to be made. I'm willing to tip them in the local derby - a number of Sharks forwards are nursing injuries and the Dragons have plenty of players (Bird, McCullough, Hunt, Merrin, ALvaro) with points to prove.
Verdict – Dragons by 4
Result – Sharks 32 defeated Dragons 18
Wally Lewis - round one selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- Storm vs RABBITOHS
- KNIGHTS vs Bulldogs
- Broncos vs EELS
- Warriors vs TITANS
- ROOSTERS vs Sea Eagles
- PANTHERS vs Cowboys
- RAIDERS vs Tigers
- Dragons vs SHARKS
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings tipsters,
Welcome back everyone...and welcome aboard to the newcomers.
If you haven't done this before, you will need to be signed in to the website to view the tipping form, and if I haven't registered you as a tipster, you still won't see it (sorry about that).
Have a look on the content of this page under the section called 'Wally Lewis - Round one selections'.
You will see a link called (show/hide the tipping entry from).
Click on that link, select a team for each game and then click 'Submit' at the bottom. And you're done. You can go back and make changes to your selections up until the kick off of the first game of each round.
And if anyone has any questions just let me know.
And if you get completely stuck, just put your tips in the comments section of this page and we will get it sorted out soon.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Esra Star on
Hi mate,,Has Smith been named in the Storm team?
Submitted by a on
Hi thinker I just want to know when you will open my 3 strike comp
Submitted by The Thinker on
Hi a
For those people keen to participate in the 3 strike comp here is the link:
The A Game - three strikes competition
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Esra Star
This link may help with an answer re Cameron Smith -
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/storm/nrl-2021-ca...
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Mary S on
Sorry Boss,
The link is there for the A Game, but no comments box to express our interest.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Esra Star on
Thank you,Mary.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Thanks for that Mary
Comments on that page are open now.
Submitted by Taka on
Thank you Thinker.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sa-wat-dee krup,
G’day Boss. First thing, I’ve just submitted my tips but the “show/hide the tipping entry form” isn’t showing my avatar. Any chance you or TLH could take a quick squizzee at that please kind sir? Cheers.
Yeah, I know I’m (very) early but what the heck 😁. I haven’t taken a great deal of interest in the trial games so I’m basically going into Round 1 blind. The Storm vs Rabbitohs game should be a cracker and a pretty good way to start off the 2021 season. There’s a lot of new signings across a number of clubs which will make it very interesting this year. Anyway, let’s get into it…
Storm vs Rabbitohs 55-45 @ AAMI
Bookies Favourite = Storm
OK, we all know the Storm haven’t lost a first round game ever 💪. We also know that the Rabbitohs have never beaten the Storm in Melbourne. Good enough for me. That and the Storm will be playing in front of actual fans for the first time in roughly 18 months.
Verdict: Storm
Knights vs Bulldogs 60-40 @ McDonald Jones
Bookies Favourite = Knights
Dunno, you’d think the Knights should win this on paper wouldn’t you. The Bulldogs have a new coach and a bag full of new signings. I might just throw caution to the wind and go the upset here.
Verdict: Bulldogs
Broncos vs Eels 35-65 @ Suncorp
Bookies Favourite = Eels
A lot of people are tipping the Broncos to start with more confidence and vigour and quite a few are tipping them to win their first game of the year at home with KW at the helm. I’m not so sure. Basically the same bodies running around from last year. Might take them a while to gel. Then again I could be wrong.
Verdict: Eels
Warriors vs Titans 40-60 @ Central Coast
Bookies Favourite = Titans
I really hope those Warriors can get up in this one but the Titans really improved towards the second half of 2020 and have signed up a swathe of new faces this year. I’m thinking they should be too good.
Verdict: Titans
Roosters vs Manly 70-30 @ SCG
Bookies Favourite = Roosters
Who do you think I’ll be tipping here? Yeah, hopefully we’ll get this thing done.
Verdict: Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
Panthers vs Cowboys 70-30 @ Panthers Stadium
Bookies Favourite = Panthers
The Panthers have lost a number of players (from 2020) this year but they should be too good in this one. So much class.
Verdict: Panthers
Raiders vs Tigers 65-35 @ GIO Stadium
Bookies Favourite = Raiders
I know the Raiders are favourites, the ratings back that up and they’re at home but I’m giving the Tigers a chance in this one. Still pondering if it’s a big chance, small chance or no chance 🤪. Might play it safe though.
Verdict: Raiders
Dragons vs Sharks 45-55 @ Netstrata
Bookies Favourite = Sharks
Have absolutely no idea on this one. This could go either way I reckon. Finish off Round 1 with a (semi) upset? Maybe.
Verdict: Dragons
Let’s finish off the first post for the 2021 season with another “Song of the Week”…
I just gotta share this one from back in the day. Everyone’s taste is different (obviously) but IMO, this is an unheralded masterpiece 💪.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCBfZMM-eBc
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by Shauno77 on
Hi mate
Is it too late to register me as a tipster?
Thanks
Shauno
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Hi Thinker, is it too late to be included in this years comp after all? Also to be included in The A Game please. Much thanks in advance if not too late!
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Shauno77
I'm sorry mate. You've missed the cut-off this season and I've had to be a bit ruthless to get the competition functioning in time.
You're more than welcome to keep contributing in the comments section if you'd like, and I'm happy to keep a slot open for you next year.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
@NuL1F3
You were already included in the tipsters for this season....so you are in. You should see the link to the tipping form on the round one page when you are logged in.
and welcome back sir.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Ah wonderful!! Thank you!
Submitted by ajamicko on
I can’t remember how to put my tips in
Submitted by carolineolivia on
Can’t see the link. Not sure where I’m meant to be looking but thinking it should be pretty obvious... I’ll check back in before commenting my tips. Cheers.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Hi carolineolivia
Find the section called 'Guest tips for this round'.....You will see a whole bunch of little icons for all the people that have submitted tips already.
Under that, you will see a link called '(show/hid the tipping entry form)'. Just click on that, and you should be okay from there.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hi everyone my tips for this week are:
Storm by 4
Knights by 10
Eels by 16
Warriors by 2
Roosters by 14
Panthers by 12
Raiders by 24
Dragons by 4
Cheers!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Hey here we go!
Does my heart good to see the tipsters back both old and new. Good luck to everyone.
Newbie
This must be your shortest entry ever, but hey it's only round 1 so you are forgiven. Like you I take little interest in trial games, just hope no injuries result from them. Not a great "Reels" fan but as you say "each to there own"
I see the great Cam Smith has hung up his boots after keeping us waiting for ages. He will reappear somewhere and I wish him well.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Its a bit of a dice roll for round one, you could pick it the week out and still do ok. I'm looking forward to Friday as I get to be there in person. I'll have my tips in tomorrow along with 2 separate ones for the girls.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Greetings Tipster New and Old
The footy season is back and how nice does that feel knowing in 24 hours we can watch some footy.
I have to take my first swipe at Rocket Ryan for the year, can't even tip his own team playing at their home ground in the first round.
I am very surprised Butcher hasn't swooped in for a bite at our man Rocket Ryan.
Anyway folks, look forward to the banter and footy talk once again, hello Christine.
Tiger
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
That wooden spoon had to be surgically removed im still bit tender.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Speaking of this year i see a New logo butcher however you are still favourite to take out the tipping wooden spoon.
Submitted by The Butcher on
Tiger just like Cameron Smith finally makes an announcement the day before kick off. Are you still petitioning for a top 9?
Your right rocket man I will probably run last. I wonder if it’s too late to change my name to the Butchers Broncos
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Thinker and/or TLH – thanks for the “fix” with the “show/hide the tipping entry form” link. LEGEND(s)! 💪
I see Victor Radley got himself in trouble. Apparently copped a (suspended) 20K fine and 2 weeks off. Meh! I think he’s injured anyway so not really a punishment per se 🤔. Boys will be boys!
@ Mr Ashford
🔊 “This must be your shortest entry ever, but hey it's only round 1 so you are forgiven.”
Yeah, short by my standards I know. Seriously, it’s just so hard to keep it short’n’sweet. Once my brain gets on a roll, the waffle just keeps coming and I can’t seem to keep the fingers off the keyboard. I suppose I’m just a wannabe raconteur at heart. I’m exactly the same when I’m talking to people in real life. What’s a bloke to do eh?
@ The Butcher
Love, love, love your new avatar bro’. Well, why wouldn’t I eh? Good one mate 🐔 🐔 🐔
OK, I’m outta here. Roughly 21 hours to go if I’m thinking straight. Boom! 💥
Stay Safe! Stay Healthy!
Submitted by Guru Craig on
HI Thinker and Tipsters, great to be back for another season.
I cant seem to see how to submit my tips, i read your post Thinker, but I only get a link to 'see these tips on one page'?
My tips below
Storm
Bulldogs
Eels
Titans
Roosters
Panthers
Raiders
Dragon's
Submitted by The Butcher on
I’m surprised your still here after your boyfriend hung up his boots yesterday that you would of as well.
You can’t get your tips in does this mean hooroo guru?
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Guru Craig
Welcome back sir.
I have tweaked the dials and you should be able to see the link now. I have already added your tips for you in this round.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Here is Round 1 from the Girls,
Rabbits - We have two reasons, we think that the players are better and my stuffed bunny
Knights - We still don't like Bulldogs
Eels - Because we are back on the bandwagon
Titans - We are still freaked out by the warriors logo
Sea Eagles - We don't like how the Roosters Crow
Panthers - We love the color black
Tigers - Because Raiders are bad
Dragons - We have been reading about them and they are cool.
Interesting as we don't talk NRL news at home but we have identified two clubs as bad who have had some "very naughty boys" recently. Amazing what they pick up.
Submitted by bradapple on
Mr thinker, you mention the storm have a very big hole at hooker with Harry Grant out injured, but what about Brandon Smith? He's a world class hooker imo.
Submitted by Esra Star on
Everyone yabbing on about Cameron Smith leaving his retirement until the last minute have missed the point of the game. I reckon he and Bellyache got together and hatched that plan. I mean,what have you heard about the Storm (good or bad) over the break? Nothing is what. It's all be Smith,Smith,Smith and Smith.
All the other clubs have had their dirty laundry dragged through mud.
Submitted by a on
Remember if you want to enter my 3 strike comp here’s my link
https://the-thinker.org/lounge/2021-03/game-three-strikes-competition#co...
Submitted by The Thinker on
@bradapple
I agree with you...he's a great player and a great human to match.
What the Storm might be missing tonight is that discipline and leadership that C Smith brings to the game. He was also a freak at controlling the pace of the game...speeding it up and slowing it down to suit. Freakish I think...but also why some people didn't like him.
No Finucane tonight either...so they need these younger guys to maintain the discipline, keep their heads on straight, and do what the Storm do.
They can win tonight. They can easily win tonight. They could win by 40 and make me look like a noob (and it wouldn't be the first time).
There's a few clubs out there desperate for a quality hooker at the moment. He's off contract at the end of this season...and I suspect there will be some big money offers on the table.
Submitted by bradapple on
Yea Storm will certainly miss him! Bellyaches pretty good at keeping the young blokes in line so I'm hoping disciplin won't be an issue.
Bring Brandon back home to the Warriors I say mate.
Submitted by Scotty H on
He Thinker
I can't see the link to put tips in.
Rabbits
Bull dogs
Parra
Titans
Roosters
Panthers
Raiders
Sharks
Submitted by GMac on
Ladies and Gents,
How do I become apart of this exclusive tipping club. I have followed it for years and think I got what it takes! Also how to change this horrible username haha
Submitted by Esra Star on
Mr Thinker,,your rabbits pick on the Charity shield form,,,,it was against the dragons,mate.
Submitted by GMac on
Will Post my tips anyway ha ha.
Rabbitohs
Bulldogs
Eels
Warriors
Roosters
Panthers
Raiders
Sharks (lottery)
Submitted by Christine on
My tips this week for rd 1 are the the same as wally 's
Good luck with your tipping everyone may the nrl gods be good to us all ...
Submitted by Christine on
Tiger
I am glad to see you back on the site your absence had been noted ,how are things going now with your work make sure you stay on the right side of the bars we wouldn't want too have to come & bail you out ...
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Boss,
It seems the 'show/hide the tipping entry form' has done the disappearing act!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Mary S on
Sorry Boss - time difference between states!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Thanks mate, i can see it now
Submitted by TigerGirl on
I’m my if it’s not too late can I join again?
Tonight south’s
Knights
Eels
Titans
Roosters
Panthers
Tigers
Sharks
Submitted by lillychino on
Hey Thinker
I forgot to b put my tips in earlier but by my Alexa it was after 7:04 just after i did it!
Unsure if they went through!
Here’s hoping I made it!
If not here they are in case!
Roosters
Panthers
Raiders
sharks
rabbits
knights
eels
warriors
Submitted by a on
Wow that was a good game to start the year off
Submitted by Guru Craig on
What a start to a new season! The Mighty Covid Stormers were red hot, luckily wily Wayne had some Pfizer products handy for the boys that stiffened them up at half time. Melbourne were never going to lose this one and it's a testament to Bennet his side were able get back into the action.
Souths are missing some polish, they need a leader. Walker as good as he is, just isn't the guy, they're missing the final ingredient. Benji could possibly get it done, Marshall still had the ball skills and mental game in the back end of 2020
Doggies on paper are a 13+ better side than the team Newcastle are running out. Coach Barrett needs to get this team firing and they'll surprise a few this year. Newcastle need the Golden boy to play.
Para should destroy Brisbane, poor ol Kevie has some work ahead. The Guru watched Brisbane's trails...yeah, lots and lots of hard work and a few roster changes. Bronc's will be better than last year but not yet. Para would have to fall over backwards not to win.
Titans. Difficult to tip this one, NZ will be excited for a bit but GC are the better side. RTS will be deeply missed and the Kiwi bro's don't have a hooker. Coach Brown has a tough job in 2021, roster bit of a mess.
Roosters have been looking good in preseason. Manly are a fading team, cant see the Eagles staying in touch. RedRooster Saturday The Guru thinks. Chookies ran out of seasoning in the finals, they'll want good start to the year.
Panthers are a much better team, although we're yet to see if the player losses will affect the confidence that gave them the winning run last year. Cow's are missing too much firepower. and not yet organised in the halves. NQ should be better than last year.
Raiders too polished and professional. The Guru doesn't even know who's the go to man for the West Kitties. Raiders need to win it all this year or rebuild something and stop throwing the ball away.
Dragon's need to win this game, dismal trails form, this is a name team and Hook has a ton to prove. Sharks look to be on a downward spiral, without Johnson they wont win many games. Still, The Dragon's have a serious heart problem, if Hook can fix that he might have a reasonable go this year, top ten maybe.
Submitted by FancyPants on
Hello all.
Apologies for the delay. I'm from Pittsburgh in the US and fell in love with the NRL last year during Covid with the States not having any sports. I wanted to sign up for the tipping comp last year and it slipped my mind. It seems like so much fun and I am 100% a rabid fan at this point. If there's any way to make room for 1 more, I'd greatly appreciate it and gladly take the Bunnies as a loss but if not, no worries. I'll just wait until next year to join. I have all my tips ready to go, so there would be no delay with providing Round 1.
Thanks,
Randy
Submitted by FancyPants on
I know the time change is ridiculous, so I'll just leave my tips and you can let me know if I'm able to join. Much appreciated!
Bunnies
Knights
Eels
Warriors
Roosters
Panthers
Raiders
Dragons
Pages