Round seven selections

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – ANZ Stadium

(Arguably) the two best goal-kickers in the game go head-to-head, and we saw just how important a good goal-kicker can be when the Bulldogs snatched the points in New Zealand last weekend. Josh Reynolds has stepped up and offered to assist Michael Ennis with the all-important role of annoying 'The Thinker'. Thanks Josh...loving your work right now. The Bulldogs sit in second place but it's fair to say they are flying under the radar. If they win this the world might sit up and take notice. There is nothing at all wrong with their form, but their best is a notch or two below the best of the Bunnies, and in the last two rounds we're seeing something quite close to the best of the Bunnies. A word of warning for the rest of the competition - the Rabbits will find another gear when Issac Luke returns. Sheesh!

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 10

Result - Bulldogs 15 defeated Rabbitohs 14

Newcastle Knights vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – Hunter Stadium

Yes that's right folks, I still haven't tipped the Broncos right all season (or the Tigers, or the Titans...and probably someone else). I'm sure the problems Ben Barba had dealing with the high ball did not go un-noticed by Wayne Bennett. I'm also sure he has a player in his arsenal (Jarrod Mullen) with the skillset to fully test Ben Barba again. Some key players for the Knights returned from injury last week and they looked a lot better for it. They face a sterner test this week, but the Broncos have narrowly lost three of their last four outings. Such things start to get into the heads of players, and I'll take the Knights at home in what I'm assuming would be an upset. I reiterate my Broncos record this season - please consider ignoring me.

Verdict – Knights by 4

Result - Broncos 32 defeated Knights 6

Manly Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – Central Coast Stadium

As the Cowboys take to the field each and every week, The Thinker sits himself down in front of the skinny black box and readies himself for the inevitable. Like clockwork, Ms Thinker retrieves the swear jar and places it on the coffee table next to me. "Thank you darling," says Ms Thinker, "I'd love a new pair of shoes". Last week, Ms Thinker also received a matching clutch purse. Well I've done enough swearing for now and I'm swearing off the Cowboys. No chance. Not against Manly, and not away from home (note that this game is at Gosford and not at Brookie as some publications will have you believe).

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 8

Result - Sea Eagles 26 defeated Cowboys 21

St George Illawarra Dragons vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday night – WIN Jubilee Oval

On Sunday morning Ms Thinker emptied the contents of the swear jar into a small lorry and hit the shops. Unfortunately for me she then returned the empty jar to the coffee table. By the time she returned from said shops I'd refilled the fricken thing, because I made the mistake of sitting down and watching the Warriors do everything in their power to lose to the Bulldogs. It's a good thing I didn't throw the jar at the telly, because I don't have enough money to buy a new one. Occasionally I consider tipping the Warriors in Australia, particular on Sunday afternoons because they seem to prefer the daytime slots. But at night I can't have them. On top of that the Dragons record against the Warriors is extraordinary. They've won the last seven in a row, including an absolute drubbing in New Zealand in round two. The Dragons are on a short turn-around but they look like our winner.

Verdict – Dragons by 8

Result - Dragons 20 defeated Warriors 10

Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters – Saturday night – Remondis Stadium

If you can find my swear jar, and you have a crane strong enough to lift it, take it to the nearest betting agency and plonk the lot onto 'Total points unders' in this game. I'm putting a line through the Sharks big win over the Warriors because they beat the Warriors, and if you ignore that game these two sides have scored just 24 points in three rounds. That's not each mind you, that's a combined total. I've been on Contiki Tours where I've scored more than that, and some of those tours weren't three weeks long. The Sharks are masters at grinding out low-scoring victories - historically at least. Whether they can do that on current form, and without Paul Gallen, is questionable. The Roosters have been playing well but have now lost three tight games in a row. Perhaps they are due for a change of fortune. And do I talk about Todd Carneys' hair? I'd rather not.

Verdict – Roosters by 2

Result - Roosters 24 defeated Sharks 18

Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium

Excluding the Raiders, few teams enjoy playing in Canberra. So it comes as something of a surprise that the Storm have a darn good record in the capital. They've played their eleven times for eight wins, so their win rate in Canberra is considerably higher than the Raiders win rate in Canberra. What is even stranger is that the Raiders have an uncanny knack of knocking over the Storm in Melbourne. Anyhoo...this game is in Canberra so I suppose we need to favour the Storm. Their win over the Dragons on Monday night was tremendous to watch, even if that amazing final try should never have been. I'm not sure what's wrong with the Raiders at the moment, but I've probably been asking myself that since about 2009. Far from certainties but I'd rather be with the Storm than against them. You should also take your winnings from your bet in the Sharks/Roosters clash and plonk it on the 'Total points overs' in this game. Gamble responsibly etc etc (and given my form this season that is a disclaimer you should all read carefully).

Verdict – Storm by 2

Result - Raiders 24 defeated Storm 22

Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers – Sunday afternoon – ANZ Stadium

There's this crazy guy I know and he's crazy. I bumped into him in early March and we starting talking footy. And he's crazy right. And I asked him if he was looking forward to the start of the football season. And he said "I am but, and you're going to think I'm crazy, what I'm really looking forward to is the round seven clash between the Eels and the Tigers...that's a game of football you don't want to miss I tells ya". I tightened the buckles on his straight jacket then and there. Robbie Farah can't bend his drinking arm for at least six weeks and that does take a little of the shine away from this clash, but this could prove to be the match of the round. Crazy.

Verdict – Eels by 4

Result - Tigers 21 defeated Eels 18

Penrith Panthers vs Gold Coast Titans – Monday night – Sportingbet Stadium

The Panthers haven't lost at home this season, and the Titans haven't lost away from home this season. I'm with the Panthers on this occasion. They may have only managed 2 points against the Bunnies but the conditions were harrowing and their opponents much the same. Brent Kite returns for the home side, and I expect a big game from Jamal Idris against his old team. As mentioned earlier the Titans are one of the teams I keep getting wrong. Not even remotely confident.

Verdict – Panthers by 4

Result - Panthers 14 defeated Titans 12

Wally Lewis - round seven selections (in bold)

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

  • Bulldogs vs RABBITOHS
  • Knights vs BRONCOS
  • SEA EAGLES vs Cowboys
  • DRAGONS vs Warriors
  • Sharks vs ROOSTERS
  • Raiders vs STORM
  • EELS vs Tigers
  • Panthers vs TITANS

Comments

685's picture

Bulldogs by 1-12
Sea Eagles by 13+
Knights by 1-12
Dragons by 13+
Roosters by 13+
Storm by 13+
Titans by 1-12

Asada Holmes's picture

ss 4+
new 2+
man 12+
drag 4+
roo 18+
mel 12+
eels 14+
Pen v Tits I have no idea but will side with the tits

gl

ThisGuy's picture

At this rate, you'll have to change your slogan to "NRL tips from the smallest mind in rugby league"

Snow's picture

Could "a" please put tips on by Thursday due to Public Holiday on Friday.

The Joker's picture

Time to get serious..

Bulldogs -6
Broncos -6
Manly -12
Dragons -4
Roosters -16
Storm -1
Tigers -2
Panthers -4

The Joker's picture

changed one...

Warriors -4

:P

Neeks's picture

Rabbits
Knights
Manly
Dragons
Roosters
Storm
Eels
Panthers

NRL Tipping Podcast's picture

Same as mine Thinker, except I've gone Titans over Panthers. Mainly because as badly as they play, as RANDOMLY they play, they are top of the ladder. Inexplicably! Plus, I tip against them a lot. THAT hasn't exactly worked out for me thus far....

mark ashford's picture

The closeness and unpredictability of these contests is shown by the narrow margins tipped by the Thinker. I can only agree with him...thank God I don't do this for a living!
Rabbits
Broncos (sorry Thinker)
Manly
Dragons
Roosters
Storm
Eels
Panthers
Good Luck I think we'll need it again.
By the way Mr Thinker is "ThisGuy" a friend of yours?

cupcake's picture

I am with you this week Mark Ashford, its a good thing I have a well paying day job, as I am still dishonorably last on the office tipping ladder... totally miffed!

The Joker's picture

As I am The Joker, my tips were a joke..
follow the joker on these.. or.. am I still joking?

Bulldogs
Broncos
Manly
Warriors
Roosters
Raiders
Tigers
Titans

The Animal's picture

Well, I've hit the bottom of the ladder and am owing a carton after betting a mate he wouldn't overtake me .. hmm.
Can't get any worse, can it?
That saying, my (no doubt terrible) tips for the week are -

Bulldogs

Knights

Manly

Dragons - UP THE MIGHTY DRAGONSSS!!! We got absolutely raughted last week, that should have been ours!!

Roosters

Raiders

Eels

Penrith

Fingers crossed I get more than 2 this week ... :(

The Animal's picture

And joker ... you've got to be joking!!

a's picture

Here are my tips

Bulldogs by 4 I think Bulldogs to continue their good form here

Broncos by 6 Broncos to end 2 game losing streak here

Dragons by 2 I think Dragons to win narrowly if the players are not suspended

Roosters by 4 I think Roosters to end their 3 game losing streak here

Storm by 4 I think Raiders will continue their bad form at home here

Eels by 8 I think Eels will continue their fantastic start here

Titans by 1 I think Titans to win in a thiller

a's picture

Cowboys by 1 I think Cowboys in a upset here

Johnny Ray's picture

Awesome Awesome ! Alright here are my tips for my week. Good luck goes out to everybody especially to our mate The Thinker. Here's hoping that he can do better than us because I can't believe that the man we all come here for is at the bottom of his own table, when we're only six weeks into competition !

Bulldogs - Why aren't the bunnies playing on Easter Sunday ? That and because Friday holiday why aren't we getting couple of Thursday night games ? Who here would of love to kick off there Easter Weekend with Knights Vs Broncos, Cowboys Vs Sea Eagles game ? Bulldogs by 4 points.

Knights - Broncos won't beat Knights on their home ground not on recent form. That and with way Knights were able put away Raiders in Canberra last week, I'm picking Knights to win here. Knights by 8 points.

Sea Eagles - Sorry a but when your top of table you shouldn't give away your lead so easily like this as everybody knows that there's sure thing in Rugby League this week ( and I'm first admit in this comp there isn't) it's Sea Eagles to beat Cowboys out there in Gosford. Sea Eagles by 10 points.

Roosters - According to this Australian stripper I once got with after gig Cronulla is Aborigine word meaning pink shells . That's how Sharks are playing right now without their players and their captain. Roosters by 20 Points.

Dragons - What is it with us Warriors and controversy ? Storm get found out to be cheating Salary Cap, the Warriors play them that week. Sharks find out they're being investigated for doping by ASADA, Warriors play them that week. Dragons lose game to what some are already calling one of the most controversial tries ever scored (It's not you play to ref whistle, not siren so really don't see what issue is but that's just me), Warriors are playing them that week. All I've got say to all you guys who follow other teams in comp if you're playing Warriors next week, watch out because we are cursed ! Thank god I've still got PNG Hunters to watch ! Dragons by 14 points ! ;-D

Raiders - Here's what I'm calling upset of week. Now I know a is going to give it all back to me saying where you're on top of table you shouldn't just give your lead away like that but hush ! We'll see who's right as after six consecutive losses at home, I predict The Green Machine we'll have something to prove this week that's why I'm picking them to beat off form Storm side. Raiders by 4 points.

Tigers - As good as Eels are, I think everybody knows this now, that's why I think Tigers will come in well equipped for this game that's why even with Robbie Farrah out I'm picking them to win in another tight contest on Monday. West Tigers by 6 points.

Panthers - Titans to beat Panthers at home ? I don't see that happening as much as their better side so far this season, coach Ivan Cleary and his Penrose Panthers will have them covered. Panthers by 8 Points.

Thanks Again Thinker ! Happy Easter everyone ! Hope you all have an especially epic day ! Go The Warriors ! Kiwi Power ! Peow ! Peow ! ;-D

The Joker's picture

Johnny.. I am dissapointed.. a warriors fan yet you tipped them this week to be smashed by 14 points... if the warriors can lose by 1 to the dogs they can certainly win by 2 to the dragons.. tsk tsk.

Betty Snap's picture

What about EELS and TIGERS?

Johnny Ray's picture

Yeah I know what you mean Joker, the thing is we're playing team that we can't beat at ground where we don't win ! As much as I hate to say it but it looks like Dragons have got this ! Gone The Warriors :-(

Betty Snap's picture

685 LEFT EELS and TIGERS game off the tips

christine forb10's picture

happy easter to all & may the better tipper win .

The Joker's picture

Johnny.. this is a year for a blowout in statistics.. a year of changes.. I have faith in the warriors this time.. up the kiwis!! :) and go you doggies!! :)... betty, the eels will hit a brick wall..tigers by 10 :)).. goodluck all!

christine forb10's picture

guru craig your late were are your tips?

newbie from perth's picture

Dagnabit! Spent 30 minutes writing comments and tips and then when I hit "save" the Thinker (or maybe the Thinkers Little Helper) took me to a page that told me he was doing site maintenance and he'd be back shortly. An hour later still no movement at the station so I clicked on the home button and alas, all my creative work had disappeared. Oh well, thems the breaks I suppose. Thought about trying to re-create the "magic" but it'd be all too hard. Not to worry, it's Easter and the world is good. Real quick, here's my tips (without comments):

Rabbits
Broncos
Manly
STG
Roosters
Stormers
Tigers
Titans

As I said in previous comments that went MIA, ... "have a great and safe Easter break people and good luck with your team this weekend. Cheers."

Guru Craig's picture

Bulldogs – The Guru has spent about as much time thinking on this game as the rest of them combined. And after all that, The ‘G’ is still no closer to finding any satisfaction. Earlier this week, the gut said Doggies, so let’s run with that. In fact it’s worth a Guru Exclusive; there might be a golden point on the cards.

Broncos – Brisbane go alright in Newcastle and The Knights had a win last week. Wayne’s speech did wonders, but Brisbane ain’t the Raiders, and a photocopy of last week’s spray isn’t going to cut it. The Knights seem to need extra motivation to win a game at the moment. There’s plenty of numbers and stats to look at, but Brisbane are a better team, playing better football at this point in the season. Newcastle’s reliance on special events is going to see them fall short again.

Manly – Good news Cowboys fans! NQ may get a win… Next week. But we’ll talk about that then, because this week The Guru thinks they’re stuffed. Blue Tongue is not Brookvale, far from it actually. But even with optimal conditions, and even if the Cowboys dig deep, given their recent mining form The Guru has doubts they’ll even break the surface. Pauly’s Peashooters are in trouble!

St George – The mighty Dragons aren’t quite breathing fire just yet, but they’ve found a bit of puff. After last week, this is The Guru’s Gold tip of the week. Take this tip to the casino and demand a line of credit. 160% interest right here. Keep quiet about that swear jar Thinker, we can’t have anything like that in The Guru Household. I imagine it would’ve been quite heavy recently and this game is the money game get back those pennies.

Roosters – The Sharks got the win out of their system in round 5, so The Guru isn’t expecting anything spectacular from Cronulla. The Roosters on the other hand, are well due. Sitting on only 4pts after 6 games Bondi’s finest need a big win, or it might be time for Coach Robinson to ban the lattes and cancel the masseurs, postpone the full body waxes, delay the Coffee colonics and get serious. In other developments, The ‘G’ saw SBW on TMZ! Roosters 13+

Canberra – Apparently Melbourne go ok in Canberra whereas the Raiders don’t, having lost their last 6 at home. That’s enough The ‘G’ reckons, Ricky’s Raiders are ready to rumble at home…Gut tip this one, no real confidence here.

Parramatta – This is a game the Eels should win. The problem with eels, is they’re slippery. Handling such creatures requires skill and finesse – Brad Arthur seems to be doing both those things quite well at present. With no Farah, there’ll be Tiger soup on sale in Chinatown come Tuesday morning.

Titans – The Guru’s gone off Penrith. This’ll probably be a close game and the Titans seem to be winning those at the moment. The Gold Coast should have plenty of confidence and they’ve shown how hard they are to beat, they never give up and luck is on their side, for now.

The Thinker's picture

Apologies for that Newbie. Sometimes we need to gaffa tape more cats onto the site to keep it up and running. Keep those tremendous comments coming....when we let you.

Good luck with your Roosters this weekend...and I hope you all have an enjoyable Easter weekend. There's more sport than you could poke a stick at.

Steel Panther's picture

Happy Easter everyone and best of luck to all tipsters...

Rabbits - Always tip them on Easter Weekend. I like the Dogs but they've had a lot of travel lately and have come up against two tough teams in Melbourne and the Roosters in recent rounds. Last week I thought they looked a bit flat but that didn't matter because they were playing the Warriors and only needed to sit back and let the Warriors snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Knights - Like the Thinker I am struggling to tip correctly when it comes to the Broncos (mind you I could say that about all teams given my form to date) but I think the Knights may have turned a corner last weekend and look a different side with Mullen there. Knights at home for me.

Manly - The Cowboys are the only consistent thing this season. Consistently rated highly and consistently fail to deliver. This mirrors their early season form of last year.

Dragons - Because the Warriors don't win at this venue. In fact they rarely win at many Australian venues. Mind you I'm wondering what effect last Monday nights heart breaking last second loss will have on the Dragons but I just can't tip the Warriors. I'm on the Johnny Ray train!!

Roosters - After three losses in a row Cronulla are an ideal opponent to help the Chooks reverse their form. I'm more interested in seeing what Todd Carney's hair will look like this week.

Melbourne - I'm tipping the Storm here because they have three of the world's best players but like Guru Craig I must say I do so with a whole heap of doubt. Storm go well in the nation's capital but surely the Raiders have to turn around their home form at some stage? But it won't be this weekend.

Tigers - Yea the Eels are going great guns but like a mate of mine said you just can't ignore the Tigers pack. That thought didn't slip my mind and when I saw that JR was tipping them I needed no more convincing.

Panthers - W-L-W-L-W-L so it's a W next right? You can only lead the comp with a negative points differential for so long aye.

685's picture

Eels 13+

Guru Craig's picture

The Guru's figured out this tweet caper, you can find more nonsense over on @Guru_Craig

Johnny Ray's picture

Hard luck a ! Instead of our mate Guru Craig that's on here you should of been 3 in Row start with your Friday night picks. I blame the Ref's ! :-(

Steel Panther's picture

Did anyone else think Sisa Waqa scored for the Storm yesterday? There must have only been a blade of grass in it if he didn't. But Melbourne only have themselves to blame after the try they conceded to get the Raiders home. Woeful defending indeed and very un-Melbourne like.

Guru Craig's picture

Refs certainly left their mark this round...few times!

The Thinker's picture

Some almighty tipping this round from quite a few of you. Special mentions to Johnny Ray (of course) and The Joker with 7 from 8.

Steel Panther's picture

Awesome tipping indeed lads...well done!!

Guru Craig's picture

Great work guys, The Guru got the first 6 all right, just struggled on Monday.

a's picture

Where are your round 8 tips and will their be a test match page

The Thinker's picture

Afternoon A,
It's there now. I'll do a preview of the ANZAC Test match but selections won't be included in the final tally (as per previous seasons).

The latest in NRL news