North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters – Thursday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
Frustrating losses for both sides on the road last week. The Cowboys get to go home and lick their wounds but it's another unpleasant road trip for the tricolours. The heat hasn't abated in the tropics at this time of year, and it's that humidity that saps the energy out of visiting teams. The last time the Chooks lost the first two games of the season was quite some time ago - I'm pretty sure it pre-dates John Howard as Prime Minister, and there's every chance they'll be losing their first three. An injury-depleted Raiders outfit scored 21 points last round. I'd expect a full-strength Cowboys to at least match that...and that's enough.
Verdict – Cowboys by 4
Result - Cowboys 40 defeated Roosters 0
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – ANZ Stadium
Here's a game that should pull a few numbers through the turnstiles. Debutant Kerrod 'Eyes' Holland got the Bulldogs over the line after the siren last round, and his reward is a demotion to the NSW Cup. Don't worry Ms Thinker - I'm sure you'll get to see those eyes again. David Klemmer is facing the judiciary for inappropriate touching which sounds worse than it is. I don't expect him to play. And once again the hamstring of Keiran Foran hangs over his head - which is probably why he can't run. I'm all for stretching before a game but that seems unnatural. He won't run at all before kick-off and, quite frankly, that has me thinking he won't be playing either. With Foran unlikely and Peats unlucky I'm tipping the Dogs to start the season 3-0. Woof Woof Woof.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 4
Result - Eels 20 defeated Bulldogs 6
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday afternoon – Hunter Stadium
Last week I mentioned that the three coaches making their club debuts this season hadn't won a game yet, and I can say it again because it's still true. Trent Barrett is probably under more pressure than Knights coach Nathan Brown, but it's Brown with the highest mountain to climb. The Knights simply don't look like a first grade side at the moment. The Raiders did everything to win last week which is a refreshing change of attitude from the green machine. Traditionally I favour the Knights in these afternoon games in the Hunter, but traditionally the Knights are better than this.
Verdict – Raiders by 8
Result - Knights 24 drew with Raiders 24
Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Pepper Stadium
The Panthers have been playing well but they've little to show for it. Two narrow losses to teams that have beaten other teams is fair form in this competition. Sadly, it reminds me of the period when Anthony Griffin was coaching the Broncos - they were turning up and playing well, but found themselves just falling short when it mattered. Griffin gets an opportunity at revenge when he takes on the coach that replaced him in Brisbane, but he's not the kind of man that bears a grudge. When Wayne Bennett 'applied' for the Broncos job he claimed he knew what needed to be done to take them from being a competitive side to a premiership side. The old buggar was probably right. Expect Jamie Soward to test Englishman Greg Eden with his kicking game on Saturday night. A competitive affair, but the visitors will prevail.
Verdict – Broncos by 7
Result - Panthers 23 defeated Broncos 22
Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Cbus Super Stadium
I'm a little suprised that the Titans have their fair share of support to win this game. They did win at home in round one, but the form from that game (against the Knights) has to be questionable. The Tigers meanwhile are undefeated, and while this is their first away game for the year their record on the glitter strip is pretty good. A fair chunk of the Tigers starting side are up for contract renewals in the near term...and they're playing accordingly. James Tedesco has jumped out of the box this season and while he's running freely and playing with confidence he's a joy to behold. Don't be surprised if the Tigers get a fair chunk of the crowd support on Saturday night too. Sheesh! Now I've got four teams maintaining their undefeated status.
Verdict – Tigers by 4
Result - Titans 30 defeated Tigers 18
New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium
For years the Warriors moved their first home game of the season to Eden Park and they would lose every single time. Finally they've nailed that coffin shut and returned to the ground that has been a graveyard for many a visiting side. If the Warriors like their coach at all they turn up and win this game. Perhaps they don't like him. If they do they'll be feeling the pressure, and I don't believe we get the best of the Warriors when they're under pressure. The Storm eat pressure for breakfast, and they dish it out for their opponents too. It's hard to replace Billy Slater, but Cameron Munster goes close. Note that half the Storm pack are Kiwis, so this will feel a little like a home(coming) game for a fair chunk of the purple machine. The Warriors haven't won a game since July and the Storm are undefeated in 2016, yet the Warriors are the bookies tip. What can they see that I can't see? Potential I suppose. I'll focus on the results.
Verdict – Storm by 1
Result - Storm 21 defeated Warriors 14
St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Sunday afternoon – SCG
For more than a while I've been harping on about the Dragons and their limitations with the ball in hand. Their showing against the Sharks last week has done little to dispel my concerns. To make matters worse their opponent has racked up 90 points in two outings thus far. The only game this round where the winner virtually picks themselves. In any case, it's great to see two grand old clubs battling it out at a grand old venue on a Sunday afternoon. If you can be there....be there.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 22
Result - Dragons 8 defeated Rabbitohs 6
Manly Sea Eagles vs Cronulla Sharks – Monday night – Brookvale Oval
Another false favourite on show here with the Sea Eagles favoured to beat the Sharks. Manly are missing Brett Stewart at the back, and they're really missing Keiran Foran in the halves. At some point the current halves pairing clicks or Jamie Lyon gets switched in for Dylan Walker. I suspect the latter, but it doesn't look like we'll see that on Monday. And what's not to like about the Sharks demolition job on the Dragons last week? I'll stick, and if its close I can bank on the goal-kicking of James Maloney to get the Sharks over the line.
Verdict – Sharks by 2
Result - Sea Eagles 22 defeated Sharks 12
Wally Lewis - round three selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- COWBOYS vs Roosters
- BULLDOGS vs Eels
- Knights vs RAIDERS
- Panthers vs BRONCOS
- Titans vs TIGERS
- Warriors vs STORM
- Dragons vs RABBITOHS
- SEA EAGLES vs Sharks
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans. You all know the drill by now. Here's the tipping page if you need to get your tips in early.
I'll get my previews and selections published as soon as I finish watching the last episode of House of Cards.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Ah man I love House Of Cards. Would love it even more if they could tell me just who the hell it is he's talking to when the dude decides to talk directly into camera. I know it's common in theatre going back to time of Ben Johnson's The Alchemist, Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus and Shakespeare's King Lear for the main actors to speak to audience during play to help advance the plot and move it forward but on TV it really does freak me out a little every time I see it. Still enough about Elizabethan verse, let's get on with this week's tips :
Cowboys
Eels
Raiders
Panthers
Tigers
Storm
Rabbitohs
Sea Eagles.
Thanks again Thinker. Thanks again everybody. Good luck with all your picks and go, I don't know, my team NZ Warriors kind of suck this year, God I would give anything to be Eels supporter right now that's how bad we are, screw it, I'll take back every bad thing I said last week about West Tigers and Panthers. Go Tigers and Panthers ! Jungle Power ! Peow ! Peow ! ;-D
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Submitted by tigerholic on Tue, 07/04/2015 - 8:49am
(At a time when I was top 2 or 3)
Morning Tipsters
Well another shocker for tipping, well done to those in the top half of the table. Surely next week will be brighter.
.... Ahhh love it. Short memories hey Tigerholic ? Couldn't pick your friggin nose. I remember pretty well though so don't start getting on my case, I' ll make you pay.
I think winning's got you convinced you must be good at this thing. Very generous and thanks but I don't need your tipping advice. Tip with your head you say.
#Fact 1: I tipped Canberra against Panthers week 1
#Fact 2: I was right to pick Penrith in week 2. It was a great tip that didn't get rewarded. Although everyone else got a point, their Dogs tip shows as a dud. If not for a Bunker debacle, Panthers win.
#Fact 3: You are yet to tip a Tigers win. How good do you know your stuff?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Gotta ask Sharkies, you joined the comp along with Penrith in 1967 so should be celebrating your 50th season of Rugby League just like us. Why aren't you? Is it a maths thing and you aren't convinced it's 50?
Numb-nuts Mary MacGregor before the local derby last week made reference to their 49th season. My god. Education in this country is going down the tubes, if it's not already Gonski.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I just had a look at the sporting calendar and see that the Rio Olympics covers NRL rounds 22, 23, and 24. Will sport be any more hectic at that time?
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
God the Rio Games are going to be awesome ! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pdIjJ8efftk ;-D
Submitted by a on
I think NRL should pst pone round 22 23 and 24 till the Rio games are over
Submitted by The Thinker on
Oh Johnny Ray......what a video !!!!!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
For all us suffering Warriors fans.....
Want to know how bad the Warriors really are?
This is the horror story in black and white, the NRL points table since the Warriors last won a match. It has been all downhill since the famous Nathan Friend back flip sent the Warriors to victory against the Storm at Mt Smart in July.
The Friend-inspired euphoria has given way to doom despite the arrival of Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Played, Won, Drew, Lost, Points For, Points Against, Points Diff, Points
Roosters 10, 8, 0, 2, 321, 159, 162, 16
Storm 10, 8, 0, 2, 243, 130, 113, 16
Bulldogs 10, 8, 0, 2, 250, 170, 80, 16
Sharks 10, 7, 0, 3, 220, 180, 40, 14
Broncos 10, 6, 0, 4, 245, 137, 108, 12
Cowboys 10, 6, 0, 4, 278, 177, 101, 12
Rabbitohs 10, 6, 0, 4, 255, 201, 54, 12
Raiders 10, 5, 0, 5, 245, 235, 10, 10
Tigers 10, 5, 0, 5, 264, 269, -5, 10
Sea Eagles 10, 5, 0, 5, 210, 230, -20, 10
Dragons 10, 4, 0, 6, 195, 220, -25, 8
Titans 10, 4, 0, 6, 168, 264, -96, 8
Eels 10, 3, 0, 7, 146, 242, -96, 6
Knights 10, 3, 0, 7, 174, 290, -116 6
Panthers 10, 2, 0, 8, 176, 239, -63, 4
Warriors 10, 0, 0, 10, 126, 319, -193
Since the Storm victory, the Warriors have lost by an average scoreline of 13 - 32. They have given up the most points across 10 matches and scored the least amount of points of all 16 teams.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Aw wow. Awesome. Thanks for that Steel Panther. Man if that ain't the single most depressing thing I've ever seen on here and I've been here a long time : https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=szdbKz5CyhA :'(
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Cowboys by 10 JT is a bloody excellent player and will get his team over the line here
Bulldogs by 6 I thinks Bulldogs are going to have to fight hard but they will win for sure
Raiders by 2 I thinks Knights will do a lot better but it will not be enough to beat the Green Machine
Broncos by 12 Panthers are crap Broncos will win end of story
Tigers by 4 I thinks Tigers will win in a thriller here
Warriors by 6 Yes Warriors have not won since July and the Storm are undefeated in 2016 but hey remember the last game Warriors won was against the Storm that is why I am tipping them here
Rabbitohs by 10 I so hope Dragons try hard but I think it will be the Rabbitohs to go 3 from 3 here
Sharks by 8 Manly are shit and lose for sure against the Sharks
Submitted by a on
You can see how good is JT here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=felhR407UVU
Submitted by Tailspin on
Hey everyone, hope you are all ready for some upsets this week because I think its due,
Cowboys
Eels
Raiders
Panthers
Titans
Warriors
Dragons
Sharks
Have a nice day.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Now that my streak theory is known, and proved 100% right again in 2015, I wonder how many of you are keenly watching how the six teams on 2 will end their first winning streak?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
What no Hopoate try video Thinker?
Submitted by Dragons fanboy 2007 on
Hello everyone my tips for this week are:
Cowboys by 16- Cowboys too good here. Roosters not good so far this year.
Bulldogs by 4- Tough one to pick but Bulldogs just.
Raiders by 10- Knights will try but Raiders will prevail.
Broncos by 14- Broncos too classy here.
Tigers by 2- Tigers in a thriller.
Warriors by 6- Warriors to get their first win in 11 games.
Dragons by 4- Dragons at home for me. Not going against my team even though it's against Rabbitohs.
Sharks by 10- Sharks too good here.
Thanks a lot to Thinker and the crew and cheers!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings Coach
I can only embed YouTube videos on the website. I think you've stated your case well enough.
All the best
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Ok Thinker. You can have the last word on the subject before it's buried. Only fair that you have a stance with contentious stuff. Noone wants to see a fence sitter. NRL Scruples : Hypothetically, you're in the Bunker with a Green and Red button in your hand for the Hopoate try, which button should you press?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Guys & Gals
Same as the Thinker this week.
COACH good to see that aggression is back in your posts.
Please keep up those stats on winning and losing teams.
Can't wait for origin when we can exchange barbs.
Your Panthers were unlucky last week and just pipped by the unlikely (then) Raiders.
I think my Broncs will get the chocolates this week but who knows.
Good to see 'a' on top of the table. Cowboys my second team.
Cheers
Mark
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hi Mark
Here you go:
Stat 1: Last 3 games @ Penrith v Broncos WWW to the Panthers
Stat 2: Last 5 games v Broncos - Panthers 3, Broncos 2 (home team wins all 5)
Stat 3: Last 19 games v Broncos - Panthers 9, Broncos 9, 1 draw
Submitted by Annonymous on
Not in your comp but here you go...
COWBOYS
BULLDOGS
KNIGHTS
BRONCOS
TIGERS
STORM
BUNNIES
MANLY
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Any news on Milford, I saw he failed to finish training.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Nice try with replaying the last minute of the Thursday game and thinking it would cause a stir. Better team lost. I'm satisfied of that.
How bout a replay of the last minute Grand Final 2015 and see all those William Hill Premiership betting slips turn from cash to ash.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hey Annonymous, you should merge ala Balmain and Wests. You could be team Tigerholic-Annonymous !
And why the strange spelling ? Maybe you're not so anonymous. Maybe your name is Ann.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Come on Coach anyone would think you're the only one to suffer defeat when you thought you were home, I've replayed that clip, Panthers can only blame themselves, more pain coming your way this week I suspect!
Submitted by christine on
Klemmer is free to play eels this week for touching the ref in the Penrith game , that just sucks .
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
For those of you who are new here and wondering just what Coach is going on about, Coach is Panther supporter, Tigerholic Wests, Thinker is Rooster fan, a is Cowboy fanatic, Mark and Ryan are Broncos supporters Baggy Gee Eels, me and Steel Panther go for Warriors ... :-)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Week 3 of the comp, the Broncos would nuts to aggravate a groin injury which can add a month or three to orange peeling duties.
Is Bennett the kind to roll dice? Definitely not. Absolutely not. Never. Would he risk Milford if he wasn't 100%? No. Is he 100%. Broncos reshuffle coming up. Milford didn't miss a single game year all the way through to the Grand Final. Interesting to see what combination they choose if he's out. Maybe Boyd up to 6 and Kahu back to 1.
Submitted by The_NRL_Whisperer on
Good to see common sense prevail and Klemmer allowed to play. Not a Doggies fan, but it was clearly a reflex action, one I'm sure won't happen again.
My Tips:
Cowboys
Bulldogs
Raiders
Broncos
Tigers
Storm
Souths
Sharks.
7/8'last week, pipped by a point in the Raiders v Roosters game, Raiders gaining some respect from me so far, a struggling Knights at home first time could still be a hurdle for them in their first away. Game lacks any genuine interest as both not seen as a threat, but for the punters, this could well be a Golden Point game.
Submitted by parrafan on
after last week that puts me on top alongside 'a' with 13/16
picking the same teams as you this week thinker
COWBOYS
BULLDOGS
RAIDERS
BRONCOS
TIGERS
STORM
RABBITOHS
SHARKS
Submitted by The Voyeur on
Hey Steel Panther some interesting stat's (at least your stat's are not all about yourself and how good you are.....), just more evidence of what a mess the Warriors are at the moment, always a worry when the chief executive goes on the radio on Sunday stating that the coach has the dressing room and the support of the board......we know what comes next, and I see the owner is in town this weekend from London, and last year he said on radio that if the club failed to start well they would be looking for a new coach.....feel sorry for Mcfadden, he inherited an asylum where the inmates are running things
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Fair enough Klemmer is cleared. It's a bit of a stupid bloody rule anyway. They're not bloody royalty for God's sake.
Very very quiet though how Graham escapes a shoulder charge ban when he puts his hand up to the sideline straight after, like after a knock-on, meaning I'm guilty.
Hey voyeur, people are allowed to support their own team you fruitcake.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
I mentioned last week I’d be devastated if we lost to Canberra and we did. And I am. Devastated that is. I live in hope nevertheless.
Not a lot of time tonight, have to go online and order me a couple of iStick Minis. Yeah, for those of you who know what they are, you will know that Newbie’s a vaper. Haven’t smoked for 3 months now and saving a bucket load of cash. Was averaging nearly a packet a day for the last 40 years (I did start young but yes, I AM that old) so I’m stoked at quitting. Well, swapped one vice for another, albeit way less harmful. I’ll get to retire in Thailand a lot quicker now and I’ll live longer without those icky-sticks. Happy days indeed. OK, I’m not here to talk about vaping/smoking so I’d better get my tips in toute de suite. Is that how you spell it? Anyhoo, here we go…
Roosters - proud to be the only one tipping ‘em. Or am I just plain stoopid?
Doggies
Raiders
Broncos
Tigers
Warriors - only ‘cos the 1979 cult classic of the same name is on SBS2 tonight. Awesome!
Rabbitohs
Sharkies
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
P.S. If Rabbit feet are so lucky, what happened to the rabbit? Hmmm…
Submitted by The Voyeur on
lol you moron (since you wish to start childish name calling)......I was clearly referring to the amount of time you pat yourself on your own back........perhaps just let others do it for you when you "actually deserve it".......
Submitted by The Thinker on
Coach,
I expect Milford to play, but if he doesn't Nikorima will slot into the halves.
Boyd has orchestral responsibilities when the Broncos are defending - I'm sure he stays at one.
Submitted by a on
So David Klemmer have been cleared
Submitted by The_NRL_Whisperer on
Thinker, have I not entered tips in a correct format? At present I have 12/16 (5 round 1, 7 round 2), cheers.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Right, A move in the right direction, mid stream now. So how can I sabotage this winning feeling right now? I'll get my tips in. Good on you Newbie for staying true. Here's to hoping you get the just rewards on the night.
Cowboys - Saying that I'm going the Cows. We know they hate the cold and a wet 28 degree night will have the Roosters feeling like they are running uphill through a waterfall. I don't think that it'll be a blow out win but, at home, not cold, and a Roosters team that might be a little short on belief, I'm going to back the Friesian's.
Eels - Coach made a good point, without Foran we don't look as good, and Klemmar is a good angry man. But I'll stand by my men, and the BOYS should get up in a good gritty win. Pritchard Jr looked good last week and has finally played back to back games. We showed against the Ponies that we can harden up and defend, so all might not be lost for the faithful with Foran out on the night.
Raiders - I wouldn't write the Knights off yet, they have potential. But the Raiders are winning and as much as its fun to give Sticky a hard time, he can produce the goods. Nathan Brown's sleep to get a bit more restless.
Panthers - Ponies not in Brisbane and not on Friday night. They were average against the Eels in the first game, won it convincingly, but a bit lacklustre in the second half. Beat the Warriors, but can they beat the side that is playing well and just missing. I'm not sure. That and I can't stand them. Soward and Wallace sound good, Only get radio coverage of them, and the backs seem to be in sync. I'll back the home team to get the win.
Tigers - They have been Teeeeerrrrriiiiifffffic. For a team that people ran a line through because of the Robbie/JT issue they are doing well. Leaking a few too many points for my liking, but when you have that many points in your team each week it's ok. Tigers for 3-0.
Storm - Thinker said that the Bunnies were the only game that picks itself. I think that this is another one that does. A team like the Storm should grind the Warriors down and win in a canter.
Rabbits - Another 3-0 team this weekend. Hard to say much positive for the Dragons, but Benji and Widdop are still a great halves pairing and match each other well. But as I listened to the radio they seem to have become predictable. That is not good against the Bunnies in their current form.
Sharks - No Gallon, no problems. I like the Sharks back rowers, particularly Wade Graham. They should be able to repeat the dose to the Eagles that the Tigers and Bulldogs have already given them. 0-3 for the Eagles to get the round finished.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Voyeur, we all are free to say what we want about our team, about our footy. Plenty will not agree with what is said and are free to say so.
Only you have the Troll-like behaviour that chooses to personally attack others, namely me.
This page is not for you if your behaviour doesn't change. This is an official report to the administrator about you. Say what you like about your footy or your team, but personally attack myself or anyone else again and I will call for your ban from this page.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Johnny Ray I hate to be the bearer of bad news....anyway I hope you're still out there after my last post but here goes....
Warriors seasons 2012-2015
First 8 matches
Played 32 won 11 win percentage 34%
Middle 8 matches
Played 32 won 22 win percentage 69%
Final 8 matches
Played 32 won 7 win percentage 22%
Most people who follow the Warriors won't be surprised by these stats. Most of us know we only go well during the Origin period when we come up against "weakened" sides....
Submitted by a on
That why Warriors have never gotten wooden spoon
Submitted by The Voyeur on
thx Coach for the feedback, but lets end it by saying people in glass houses should not throw stones, if I had the time and inclination I could easily sift through your posts and display where you have attacked others, it would be a bit embarrassing....so perhaps we all just get on with the footy........
Steel Panther - yes you are so right, the Origin period inflates fans hopes each yeah with the Warriors.......
Submitted by christine on
I have the same this week as parrafan
Submitted by Sammills on
Cows by 18
Eels by 2
Raiders by 4
Broncos by 4
Warriors by 6
Titans by 6
Rabbits by 10
Sharks by 4
Submitted by Islander on
Hey Coach! can you really do that? (get someone banned from the site).
Maybe you could get in the comp. How about you put in a good word for me to the guy who hides his face behind the footy.
Anyways here are my tips
Cowboys (sorry newbie, for tipping against our team, all head no heart in this one)
Eels (at least my second favorite team are looking better)
Knights (yes! they are my third favorite)
Broncos
Tigers
Warriors (No! they are not one of my favorites)
Rabbitohs
Sharks
Submitted by Pvt Vasquez on
Hey guys,
Is anyone predicting a total blow-out by the Cowboys tonight?
No disrespect to the Roosters or their fans, but I fear the Cowboys will smash them by 30 points or more to claw back after last round's loss.
Thoughts?
Submitted by a on
Yes I am because Cowboys are the best
Submitted by christine on
Cowboys will win because roosters are going crap without a few key players right now & they won't win until at least round 4 is what i'm told by a former rooster , sorry about that newbie from perth I know their your team .
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
It's St Patrick's Day and keeping things Irish if Cowboys were rock band right now they'll be Thin Lizzy with Jonathan Thurston as Phil Lynott and Roosters would be Bono. Now picture Bono and Thin Lizzy getting in bar fight over who gets to have last sip of Shirley Temple who do you think is going to win ? Yeah, I thought so ... ;-D
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KmBy48YJKd4 ;-D
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