Tiger
First of all congratulations on being on the top that’s no mean feat.
I can hear Geoff Toovey saying there has to be an investigation.
I actually have a friend who has your occupation and unless you work the graveyard and weekends his payslip was disappointing. Though I did hear that you can now claim $1 for your gloves that are used for cavity searches so you do at least one a day plus getting a deposit for your great northern beer bottles you might be on a good wicket plus a house in Laidley would be $100k with change so all good.
The Butcher.

Hello butcher how are you this week you know it's never as good never as bad as it seems it's a very long road without a bend in it congratulations to the chook females although the job's not done yet one other thing I'm sure tiger would love to give you a cavity search.

Unfortunately Tiger I will have to turn down your proposal and even if I accepted you would have to join the queue as now I work in the airline industry cavity searches are common and it’s not even in our job description.

Nice to see a bit of banter between Butcher/Rocket and Tiger. Have missed this of late and happy to see it's back. Not going to fire any more shots as I'm in hospital for an op at 6am this Thursday but beware when I'm back as I intend to get stuck in.
Butcher don't you just love it when some anonymous person sends a video of a confrontation between two players after a private boosy birthday party, enjoy those cavity searches my friend.

"Dia duit gach duine" i dteanga ní mo theanga féin,

Just read what’s in store for the tipping prizemoney … thanks Boss, legendary. Don’t worry about me though, off to a slow start and more than likely too far back to make a dent, even at this early stage.

The Rooster girls (the “chicks”) are in the GF – Woo Hoo! Go girls, might be the only hardware we get this year 😁.

Last week’s match between the Titans and Tigers was almost not worth watching. Both sides were so scared of losing it that they both refused to show any flair or courage in my opinion. If it wasn’t for that final minute of action then it may have gone down in history as one of the most boring exhibitions of football ever witnessed at NRL level 🤪. Just my 2c worth. OK, let’s do this thing …

Knights vs. Manly @ McDonald Jones
Probability @ 45-55
Ladder Position = Knights
Bookies Favourite = Knights

Knights
There wasn’t much the Knights could’ve done last week against the Sharks. They tried their best but losing Tyson Frizell (hamstring) and Dom Young (sin-bin) didn’t help. Well that and the guys that were out injured or suspended. They showed glimpses but failed to take their opportunities and the Sharks’ defence shut them down. They would’ve been disappointed with their 18-0 loss for sure. I’m guessing it’s been a while since they’ve been held scoreless and even though their attack looked a bit fragmented, my feeling is they’ll rectify that this week. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 47%
Completion Rate - 79% (31/39)
Post Contact Metres - 459
Tackle Breaks - 19
Missed Tackles - 45
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 6

Manly
Manly’s first half against the Raiders last week was OK but nothing to write home about. With a little help from DCE in the second half they showed what they’re capable of. Cherry-Evans was superb. He managed a 20-40, a 40-20, a field goal and his all round kicking was sublime. He had 21 kicks for 651 metres as well as setting up 2 of their 4 tries in their convincing 25-6 win. While their first half was less than perfect, they did step it up in the second half and I got the feeling they’re just about to do what they did last year and get a roll on. Overall, it was a nice effort that should give their fans some confidence. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 75% (34/45)
Post Contact Metres - 581
Tackle Breaks - 25
Missed Tackles - 24
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: Manly have lost Turbo and I’m wondering if that will have an effect. Can DCE turn in another effort this week like he did last week? I might go the upset (?) and potential “bounce back” here and tip the Knights.

Warriors vs. Cowboys @ Moreton Daily
Probability @ 50-50
Ladder Position = Cowboys
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys

Warriors
The Warriors played with some vigour early on in last week’s match against the Broncos. They did enough things right to get themselves to a 16-6 half-time lead but their second 40 was (sorta) average. They did however manage another 4 points and keeping the Broncos scoreless to run out 20-6 winners. It wasn’t the greatest display of football but they toughed it out, defended well and came away with a well deserved victory. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 55%
Completion Rate - 80% (36/45)
Post Contact Metres - 707
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 31
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 7

Cowboys
Last week the Cowboys found themselves down 20-0 at the break. Even though the Roosters were giving plenty of penalties away in that first half the Cowboys couldn’t manage a way through. The Cowboys were losing energy through the middle which allowed the Roosters to rack up a big half-time lead. The Cowboys played much better in the second half and who knows what might’ve happened had they not had 3 guys sent to the sin-bin. Losing one is bad enough but losing one on three separate occasions definitely doesn’t help. The Cowboys finally managed to score in the 64th minute but the damage had already been done and they were simply outgunned on the day 28-4. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 45%
Completion Rate - 76% (30/39)
Post Contact Metres - 471
Tackle Breaks - 28
Missed Tackles - 31
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 10

Verdict: The Warriors weren’t all that bad last week and Shaun Johnson is making a difference. In an even contest I’ll go the Warriors.

Broncos vs. Roosters @ Suncorp
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters

Broncos
The Broncos started well against the Warriors last week. Their defence was on top and they were forcing errors from the Warriors but then they just seemed to drop off. They had opportunities in the second half but failed to capitalise. Their ball control was lacking, there was a bit too much sloppiness and they seemed to struggle with any sort of rhythm. The game was there for the taking in the second half but their finishing was found wanting. And to top it off, Flegler goes on a binge and gets reported 4 times as well as getting binned. Who does he think he is, Victor Radley? 😁 Definitely one that got away from them I reckon. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 45%
Completion Rate - 71% (27/38)
Post Contact Metres - 583
Tackle Breaks - 31
Missed Tackles - 32
Errors - 15
Penalties Conceded - 10

Roosters
The up-and-down Roosters may have found some balance last week when they put in a sound performance against the Cowboys. Six tries to one saw them run out 28-4 winners. Mind you, the Cowboys having 3 players sin-binned certainly helped. Two of those sin-bins were possibly a bit soft though I must admit. The Roosters’ forwards dictated through the middle which enabled others to set up plenty of opportunities and the Cowboys simply had no answer. It was a lively effort that obviously made me very happy and reminded me of happier days from the past 💪. They were held somewhat in the second half by the Cowboys but the Roosters 20-0 first half basically set up the win. Glad to see the Roosters’ forwards finally having an impact but just wish they’d do it every week. Best for mine was Joey Manu. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 55%
Completion Rate - 77% (34/44)
Post Contact Metres - 571
Tackle Breaks - 31
Missed Tackles - 28
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 8

Verdict: The Broncos weren’t all that good last week and the Roosters might be starting to click. Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

Raiders vs. Storm @ Wagga Wagga
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm

Raiders
The Raiders’ first half last week against Manly was far better than their second it must be said. They were right in the mix at half-time and were only trailing 10-6. It could’ve been better had it not been for penalties and errors near their line. Their second half reminded me of the Raiders of a few years ago when they went scoreless. They were well beaten in the second half by Manly (DCE) and fell away to lose it 25-6. Apparently the Raiders completed less than half their sets in the second half so that could explain a few things. All that aside, they never looked likely last week. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 70% (26/37)
Post Contact Metres - 499
Tackle Breaks - 24
Missed Tackles - 25
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 8

Storm
Another impressive effort from the Storm last week saw them come away with a 44-0 victory over the Bulldogs. Went about their job in a professional and clinical manner and did what good teams do. Great contributions from Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes and Xavier Coates. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 76% (33/43)
Post Contact Metres - 444
Tackle Breaks - 16
Missed Tackles - 27
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 6

Verdict: The Raiders always seem to struggle when they play the Storm and I think it will be more of the same here. Storm to get the job done.

Rabbitohs vs. Dragons @ Stadium Aust
Probability @ 65-35
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Rabbitohs
What a difference a week makes. Slick and confident against the Roosters two weeks ago and then somehow they dropped off against the Panthers last week. Mind you, the Panthers are the best side in the competition. I wonder how much last year’s GF played on their minds. Souths did show some touches but in the end their handling errors and discipline let them down and they eventually got rolled 26-12. They did work their way back into the contest and at one stage were just 2 points behind but they just made too many errors and you can’t afford to do that against a side like the Panthers. I really thought they were a chance at one point but it wasn’t to be. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 44%
Completion Rate - 64% (25/39)
Post Contact Metres - 541
Tackle Breaks - 42
Missed Tackles - 18
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 7

Dragons
Not quite sure the changes Anthony Griffin made to the Dragons’ structure was worth it last week against the Eels. Not when you lose 48-14 that is. At half-time they were just 4 points adrift but the second half saw them smacked silly by a rampant Eels side and they would’ve been disappointed in the final result. Really felt sorry for Moses Mbye, he had a horror night. Struggled under the high ball and got caught out of position numerous times. Like coach Griffin said, they need to learn the lesson from last week’s poor showing and “move on”. Easier said than done Anthony. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 45%
Completion Rate - 71% (25/35)
Post Contact Metres - 449
Tackle Breaks - 18
Missed Tackles - 38
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 4

Verdict: The Dragons will be reeling from last week’s belting. The Rabbitohs will have too much class here and should win fairly comfortably. Bunnies.

Titans vs. Eels @ CBUS
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels

Titans
The highlight of last week’s match between the Titans and Tigers was a bumbling schoolboy error from the Tigers’ Jock Madden in not grounding the ball to deny the try and then AJ Brimson barely grounding to get the Titans an unlikely 8-6 win. Up until that try the sum total of the night was 4 penalty goals. That game was an absolute snooze-fest. Both sides were guilty of too many errors, showing nothing in attack and both were devoid of enterprise and courage. As awful as both teams were, I think the Titans can count themselves very, very lucky they got away with that one. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 65% (28/43)
Post Contact Metres - 712
Tackle Breaks - 21
Missed Tackles - 30
Errors - 16
Penalties Conceded - 6

Eels
The Eels simply dominated the Dragons last week, both physically and mentally. They shot out to a 12-0 lead after 18 minutes but then seemed to ease up a bit. The second half however was an absolutely dominant effort. Mitch Moses and Dylan Brown were exceptional in the Eels’ 48-14 win. "I thought our spine was very good," coach Brad Arthur said. "They all play their role and I thought we were a threat on either side of the play-the-ball. They are calm no matter what the situation. I think they have showed the way for us over the last few rounds." A very good showing from the Eels which will put a lot of other contenders on notice I’m sure. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 55%
Completion Rate - 88% (38/43)
Post Contact Metres - 517
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 20
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 4

Verdict: The Eels are playing very well at the moment and their confidence will be sky-high. The Eels should get this done easily.

Sharks vs. Tigers @ Shark Park
Probability @ 75-25
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks

Sharks
The Sharks were pretty impressive against the Knights last week. Good effort winning 18-0 considering the windy conditions. Good effort in keeping the Knights scoreless too. That shows (to me at least) that new coach Craig Fitzgibbon has done some work on the Sharks’ defence and they’re reaping the benefits. Craig must’ve learnt a few tricks while at the Roosters 🤪. Nah, credit where credit’s due, the Sharks were just too good for the Knights and were deserved winners. "I thought our back five were enormous and Sifa stood out” coach Craig Fitzgibbon said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 53%
Completion Rate - 75% (31/41)
Post Contact Metres - 594
Tackle Breaks - 45
Missed Tackles - 19
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 8

Tigers
The highlight of last week’s match between the Titans and Tigers was a bumbling schoolboy error from the Tigers’ Jock Madden in not grounding the ball to deny the try and then AJ Brimson barely grounding to get the Titans an unlikely 8-6 win. Up until that try the sum total of the night was 4 penalty goals. That game was an absolute snooze-fest. Both sides were guilty of too many errors, showing nothing in attack and both were devoid of enterprise and courage. As awful as both teams were, I think the slightly better side lost. I realise it doesn’t make sense but I thought the Tigers deserved to win that but footy can be cruel sometimes. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 75% (28/37)
Post Contact Metres - 586
Tackle Breaks - 30
Missed Tackles - 21
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 10

Verdict: Yeah, the Tigers came close last week but still had it snatched away in a very poor standard game. The Sharks on the other hand… Yeah, the Sharks to keep rolling along.

Bulldogs vs. Panthers @ Parramatta
Probability @ 20-80
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers

Bulldogs
The Bulldogs were absolutely ripped apart 44-0 by the Storm last week. They were simply outclassed and not much they could’ve done to stem the tide. They did well in the early stages but fell away understandably. I had high hopes for the Bulldogs this year but they were giving away too many penalties and you will get punished for that against a side like the Storm. It was disappointing that they couldn’t actually score something especially in the first half when they managed roughly 60% possession and had a few sets of six in the first 20 minutes or so in scoring positions. The Bulldogs tried their best and I couldn’t fault their endeavor. At the end of the day they were simply a class below the Storm. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 72% (26/36)
Post Contact Metres - 444
Tackle Breaks - 28
Missed Tackles - 20
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 7

Panthers
Another impressive effort from the Panthers last week saw them come away with a 26-12 victory over the Rabbitohs. Went about their job in a professional and clinical manner and did what good teams do. Great contributions from Dylan Edwards, Izack Tago and Isaah Yeo. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 56%
Completion Rate - 85% (36/42)
Post Contact Metres - 630
Tackle Breaks - 18
Missed Tackles - 42
Errors - 6
Penalties Conceded - 5

Verdict: The poor ol’ Bulldogs have no chance here. Panthers easily.

Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”. I thought this one appropriate for Saturday’s match between the Raiders and the Storm. Have you guessed it yet?

https://youtu.be/z4cv32VKJLw

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

Take it stead Thinker - we have faith in you.
I'm also having issues this week - had Microsoft Office 2021 updated my computer last week and now nearly, if not all attachments (especially MP4 Videos) wont open at the receiving end. I receive them ok, but when I forward, the recipients are getting a .dat or winmail error message and cant open. Grrr....the saga continues this morning.

Have any of our tippers/bloggers/members had similar issues, or know of a get me out of jail fix?

Keep well Champ
BigPete

All the best for tomorrow Mark. Hope everything goes well.

Take care of yourself!!

Hi Butcher,
Thanks for the good wishes. No mate it's not the snip but something else in the same area.

Hi Big Pete
Yes mate you're on the money with pc. I think the Broncs need more than a pep talk. Thanks for the good wishes.

Would have tipped the Beagles if I knew it was bucketing down. The Knights in a canter in the dry, but this is underdog rain, Manly to win by plenty.

I should correct myself before someone else does (hi Thinker) -
"Flat pass" may not always be the description of a forward pass but it is always the description of an illegal pass .
Rant over! (sorry folks)

There seems to be a massive amount of us who are on track for 7/8 or a prefect round this weekend as well. This is a good sign that we are a pretty brainy bunch.

Get yourself down 2 the club house tonight butcher you might get a freebie

Hi Butcher
Would that be because I'm helping others to see clearly ?