Hi Thinker Sir
With the news of Green being released from the Warriors effective immediately, what happened to the transfer window which I thought was the end of July?
Not a bad move for him though, he just might walk away with a premiership ring.

Cheers

Sa-wat-dee krup,

Thanks for fixing up my ladder points Boss. Not sure if you did it before or after I sent you the email but nice work anyways . No intro this week except to say that on paper, this week looks a lot easier to pick than previously. Famous last words maybe? OK, let’s get into it…

Dragons vs. Roosters 40-60 @ WIN
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters

Dragons
The Dragons were on fire in the first 20 minutes last week against the Rabbitohs. Their attack was very disciplined and methodical and things were looking good. The second 20 however was when the Rabbitohs took control and at half-time it was 16-16. It was basically all Rabbitohs in the second half and with the score locked up at 20-20 going into the last quarter, the Dragons let in tries in the 60th and 72nd minutes and finally went down 32-24. There was a nice little grubber put through by Tristain Sailor that saw Ravalawa score in the 79th minute but it was all too late. Lomax’s 2/5 conversion rate was just not good enough. Really great opening effort from Dufty but unfortunately he couldn’t maintain the endeavour. Seriously, the stats were so similar they’re not worth mentioning except that the Dragons lost possession (47-53) but had more kicking metres (720-534).

Roosters
The Roosters weren’t at their best in the first half last week against the Titans but with the added bonus of a couple of extra penalty goals, went into the sheds with a 10-6 lead. Pretty similar effort in the second half and they did it tough and ran out narrow 18-12 winners. Not a bad result when you consider the injuries are starting to pile up, Josh Morris was ruled out before the game and JWH only lasted 31 minutes 💪. We all know by now that “good sides” who aren’t at their best, usually find a way to win and that’s what the Roosters have done the last 2 weeks. Despite a gutsy effort from the Titans, the Roosters just had too much experience and found a way. Of the stats that matter, there was absolutely no difference between the Roosters and the Titans as far as I could see so I’m not even going to bother mentioning them.

Verdict: Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

Manly vs. Warriors 65-35 @ Brookvale
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Manly

Manly
Manly got smacked by the Panthers last week and were behind 24-6 after the first 40. Unfortunately for them, more of the same in the second half saw them go down 42-12. Manly never seemed likely to be honest but they did have some contributing factors against them, namely injuries. It doesn’t help when you lose Walker, Sironen and Parker during the course of the game. Even though they were slapped, DCE never stopped trying. The try assists and try saves were a highlight. Stats-wise it was pretty ugly for Manly. Less possession (40-60), less metres run (1311-1879), less post contact metres (528-727), less line breaks (2-9), less kicking metres (584-897) and a poor completion of 73%.

Warriors
After the Tigers had scored a couple of quick tries, the Warriors struck back to stay in touch with a converted try and a penalty and went to the break just 14-8 behind. The Warriors battled really well to create opportunities and put the Tigers under pressure. Considering they had lost 4 players who returned home to NZ for family reasons, the effort from the Warriors was even more commendable. Their strong defence held out the Tigers in those last anxious minutes and they ran out deserved 26-20 winners. Great games from Nikorima and Hiku certainly got the Warriors over the line. Really good stats for the Warriors with them winning possession (54-46), running more metres (2029-1665), more post contact metres (753-610), more offloads (18-4), more forced drop outs (3-0) and less ineffective tackles (7-31). The only negatives were more missed tackles (35-31) and less kicking metres (498-699).

Verdict: With Dylan and Parker missing this week I’m sorely tempted to tip the Warriors. Nah, I’ll stick with Manly at home.

Rabbitohs vs. Broncos 60-40 @ ANZ
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs were basically “slapped” by the Dragons for the first 20 minutes and found themselves 16 points down. It was then that they came to life, took control and went into half-time locked up at 16-16. Their second half effort was very good and they scored tries in the 60th and 72nd minutes to finally win the match 32-24. After losing Adam Reynolds early on in the piece, Walker, Johnston and Mitchell really stood up and helped the Rabbitohs get their win. Could’ve been a slightly better margin had Mitchell done better than 3/6 conversions though. The stats were so similar in this one there’s not much point in mentioning them other than the Rabbitohs won the possession (53-47) but had less kicking metres (534-720).

Broncos
I reckon last week’s effort was the best I’ve seen from the Broncos this year. Even though they were down 18-14 at the break, they actually continued on with it in the second half and only lost it in the last 10 minutes when the Sharks scored 3 tries and “stole” the match 36-26. It looks like the Broncos are finally coming good. I really liked the games from Farnworth, Milford, Staggs and Boyd. Unfortunately, the Broncos’ lack of seeing out a full 80 minutes proved their downfall but last week’s match will have instilled some hardness and confidence for sure. Darius Boyd had a great game at fullback with 4 try-assists and if this doesn’t tell Seibold something then I don’t know what does. Stats-wise the Broncos had less possession (49-51), less forced drop outs (2-5) and an inferior kick defusal (75-100). On a positive note they had less missed tackles (31-47) and less ineffective tackles (15-23).

Verdict: As good as the Broncos were last week and even though Fifita is back, I might stay with the Rabbitohs here. Just think they’ll be tougher than the Sharks were last week.

Storm vs. Bulldogs 70-30 @ Sunshine Coast
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm

Storm
The Storm had a pretty good first half last week against the Knights and led 18-6 at the break. The loss of Cameron Smith in the 27th minute (after he scored a try and converted) didn’t seem to have much impact. The “block of cheese” was more than likely smiling inside as we all know he wants Cam’s job 😉. And a good job he did too by the way. Absolutely love seeing tries scored like the one Papenhuyzen got when he picked up that Ponga kick and out-sprinted the Knights’ chasers for that (almost) length of the field try in the corner. Is it any wonder I love this game? Anyway, the Storm were just too good for the Knights, even though the Knights were playing some pretty good footy. I’ve never really noticed Fa'asuamaleaui so far I must say but last week he was outstanding off the bench. Man, how good is he eh? In the end the Storm, sans Cameron Smith, got themselves a hard-fought 26-16 win. Not many stats worth a mention except that the possession was shared (50-50), the Storm had more line breaks (7-2), less missed tackles (29-40) and less penalties conceded (9-13). Oh, and lastly … what’s with Big Nelson’s new “hair-do”? Absolute shocker 😱.

Bulldogs
Geez the Bulldogs were unlucky last week against the Eels. They were 18-6 down at the break but came storming back in the second half, scored 16 points, kept the Eels scoreless and only went down by 2 points in a thriller 18-16. They had their chances and time remaining wasn’t a factor but they just couldn’t manage to get over the Eels. Maybe the “class” difference was their undoing. Who knows? It was an effort full of merit and to come back like they did and get as close as they did (after being 18 points down after 30 minutes) was a real credit to them. You’d have to take them more seriously from this point on as I reckon a couple of wins might be possible for the Doggies. Some not-so-bad stats for the Bulldogs with more possession (54-46), less missed tackles (17-20), less ineffective tackles (28-31) and less 6-agains (1-4). On the negative side they had more penalties conceded (8-3).

Verdict: Even without Smith and Papenhuyzen, I reckon this should (in theory) be an easy win for the Storm.

Knights vs. Tigers 60-40 @ McDonald Jones
Ladder Position = Knights
Bookies Favourite = Knights

Knights
What can you say about the Knights’ effort last week against the Storm? There were times when I thought they were a real chance but in the end it wasn’t to be. The Knights were down 18-6 at half-time and the Storm looked like they’d run away with it. The second half rolls around but the “slight” difference in class shows and the Knights just couldn’t make a dent. Best hobbling around for a quarter of the match didn’t help either. In the end the Storm were just too clinical for the Knights and the Knights went down 26-16. They were much better last week compared to the week before but some silly errors let them down. All is not lost though. Not many stats worth sharing really. Possession was shared (50-50), the Knights had less line breaks (2-7), more missed tackles (40-29) and more penalties conceded (13-9).

Tigers
The Tigers started very well last week and scored 2 quick tries but the Warriors stayed in touch with a converted try and a penalty and with sound efforts from Marshall and Nofoaluma, the Tigers led the Warriors 14-8 heading into the sheds. Even with the efforts from Marshall, Doueihi and Mbye in the second half, the Warriors upset the apple cart and the Tigers lost 26-20. It was rather confusing how the Tigers let this one slip but in hindsight, not totally unexpected given the Warriors’ effort the week before. The Tigers had their chances towards the end of the game, especially after the Talau try but after Lawrence’s pass went into touch, it was all over. Some worrying stats for the Tigers with them losing the possession (46-54), less metres run (1665-2029), less post contact metres (610-753), less offloads (4-18), less forced drop outs (0-3) and more ineffective tackles (31-7). The only positives were less missed tackles (31-35) and more kicking metres (699-498).

Verdict: Yeah, Knights for me.

Panthers vs. Raiders 55-45 @ Panthers Stadium
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers

Panthers
The Panthers just blew Manly away last week, both in the first half (24-6) and in the second (18-6) to run out big winners 42-12. What can you say except that they are looking very, very good at the moment. They were outstanding in most areas and Manly simply had no answer. On the back of some pretty good stats, a stellar effort from Cleary once again and Charlie Staines trying very hard to break records (6 tries in his first 2 NRL matches), the Panthers are sending out a warning to the other premiership contenders. Stats-wise, the Panthers had a field day with more possession (60-40), more metres run (1879-1311), more post contact metres (727-528), more line breaks (9-2), more kicking metres (897-584) and a superb completion rate of 91%.

Raiders
The Raiders led 8-6 at the break last week but were fortunate the Cowboys didn’t convert the chances they had. Things were looking tense for the Raiders when the Cowboys got in front in the second half but the Scott try got them over the line and the Raiders snuck home (yet again) 14-12. Just like they’re known for, the Raiders applied their never-say-die attitude and did what they needed to. It wasn’t pretty and they weren’t at their best but a win is a win. Stats-wise they lost possession (49-51) but had more kicking metres (710-603), less missed tackles (13-21), less 6-agains (4-6), had an excellent kick defusal of 94% and just like the Cowboys had 12 errors.

Verdict: This should be a cracker. I know the Panthers are due for a loss sooner or later and the Raiders are a good chance but gotta tip the Panthers at home.

Titans vs. Cowboys 45-55 @ Cbus
Ladder Position = Cowboys
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys

Titans
The Titans did well in the first half last week against the Roosters and were only behind 10-6 going into the break. They took advantage of the Roosters injury forced “reshuffle” and attacked down the right side and gave the Roosters some headaches. A pretty even second half but the Roosters penalty goal (and the 2 from the first half) finally edged out the Titans and they went down 18-12. Yeah, the Roosters were down on form and JWH went off after half an hour but still, an impressive Titans effort nevertheless. Even moreso considering they had 2 sin bins, during one of which the Roosters scored a try and in the other a penalty goal. Of the stats that matter, there was absolutely no difference between the Titans and the Roosters as far as I could see so I’m not even going to bother mentioning them.

Cowboys
The Cowboys had some chances in the first half but couldn’t make them count and were behind 8-6 at the break last week against the Raiders. They stuck at it in the second 40 but the Raiders matched the points scored and eventually broke the Cowboys’ hearts and prevailed 14-12. The Cowboys showed a lot of endeavour and were very tough (and could’ve possibly won that) but made too many errors (12). Errors aside, it was a definite improvement from weeks past so all is not lost. Stats-wise they won possession (51-49) but had less kicking metres (603-710), more missed tackles (21-13), more 6-agains (6-4) and had a very poor kick defusal of 67%.

Verdict: Impressed with the Cowboys last week and I’m tipping them here.

Sharks vs. Eels 35-65 @ Jubilee
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels

Sharks
After a great struggle with the Broncos last week, the Sharks went into the sheds leading 18-14. In the second half it looked like the Broncos were going to get over the top of them but the Sharks blitzed the Broncos in the last 10 minutes scoring 3 tries to “steal” the match 36-26. With the Sharks 8 points behind, Wade Graham does a short kick from a line drop out and regathers. That was the starting point for their 3 try revival. While it was a stroke of genius, there was a huge element of luck involved when the Broncos missed a seemingly easy gather and the Sharks got possession. No pun intended but that’s how the ball bounces sometimes. Nevertheless, it was an outstanding effort to turn an 8 point deficit into a 10 point win in the space of 10 minutes. Stats-wise the Sharks had more possession (51-49), more forced drop outs (5-2) and a superior kick defusal (100-75). On the negative side they had more missed tackles (47-31) and more ineffective tackles (23-15).

Eels
Without any disrespect, the Eels were very lucky to get out of jail last week against the Bulldogs. It’s not often a side remains scoreless in the second half and wins but the Eels did exactly that. After they raced to an 18-0 lead after just 30 minutes you could’ve been excused for saying “hello, here they go again”. The Bulldogs, however, had other ideas and fought back and really took it to the Eels. Being the good side that they are, the Eels hung on, defended well and did what they had to do and came away with a (very) narrow 18-16 win. Having said that, I still reckon their win had a somewhat “unconvincing” edge to it. Stats-wise there wasn’t much to be happy about for the Eels. They lost the battle for possession (46-54), had more missed tackles (20-17), more ineffective tackles (31-28) and more ruck infringements (4-1). On the positive however they had less penalties conceded (3-8).

Verdict: No disrespect intended but the Sharks will find the Eels stiffer opposition than the Broncos. The Eels will be embarrassed by last week’s effort so I’m tipping them to get their act together and put up a better showing. Eels for me.

Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…

I sometimes wonder why we’re here and what it all means. Maybe the answer for some people (not me) is the first two lines of this song. Geez, I hope not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyu1KKwC74

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

Thanks Butcher

Blake Green goes from a team in the lower section of the ladder to a team with top 4 potential even though they have some injuries. Has the transfer window changed?

You will be impressed with me this week, I'm sticking with my Tigers, I must have hit my head as I tried to see Rocket on the ladder:)

Have a great Wednesday

Tiger

"Just the one referee for this game with Cameron Smith out of action with a shoulder issue for 2-3 weeks."

Love this - made my day : - )

Well done Mark
You missed your team last week, they almost managed to win but it was not to be.

I see your on the Tigers this week mate, this game is no certainty.

Welcome Home

Tiger

Hi Newbie,
Once again, enjoyed your short take on this week's forthcoming matches, also your pick for SOW.

Must admit to watching the video with anticipation, that a pedestrian would "snot him one" for churlish behavior!!

Cheers,
Mary

Bronco's have just uploaded a Position vacant for the CEO.

The advert is on Seek.com.au. Paul White is departing the club at the end of this season. Ben Iken is favourite to fill the vacancy.

Im not sure if i was the first, it says my account has been active for 7yrs and 1 month.

Hi I’m glad your back guru I really hope you enter my comp next year

Here are Baggy's girls tips for this round.
Roosters - Roosters are better than Dragons
Manly - Ehhhh
Rabbits - Because we like the Rabbits
Storm - Make black outs
Tigers - They live in jungles
Panthers - They also live in the jungle
Titans - Because the cowboys get hot and I don't like being hot
Eels - We all go for Eels here.
Wow all done inside 30 seconds, we then had to go back for the reasons.

Hey everyone, my tips for this week are:

Dragons by 2 – Yes I am not going against my team this week. We’ve lost our last two games in disappointing fashion since we’ve given up early leads. I do think we have some chance here since the Roosters will be missing JWH, both Morris twins, and Flanagan to name a few. Dragons will be missing Vaughan due to him breaking Covid protocols with him being replaced by former Panther Kaide Ellis, interesting to see how he fairs on his debut for the Dragons. This will also be the annual ANZAC day clash, an ANZAC day clash in August, who would’ve known! I’m backing the boys to get it done, I really can’t see the boys smashing the Roosters so I’m obviously going with a tight win for us. C’mon Dragons! It’s going to be tough, but I’m backing us to get it done.

Manly by 10 – The Warrior were brilliant last week in their win over the Tigers. Amazing stuff considering their circumstances. And now they have their interim coach not wanting to become the Warriors coach moving forward. More salt to rub into the wound of the Warriors. But credit to them, they are still fighting and when they have plenty of reason to give up, they just keep moving forward. The Warriors should be very proud! Manly on the other hand, are coming off a big loss to the Panthers last week. Manly were never in it and were just completely outplayed by the Panthers. 42-12 they ended up losing in the end. Disappointing stuff from the Manly boys, they will be looking to bounce back this week and I think they will get it done at their home ground in Brookie.

Rabbitohs by 14 – Plenty of drams leading into this one. We have Wayne having to isolate for two weeks due to breaking protocols, some drama down in the Rabbits end. The Broncos on the other hand, just keep on losing but gotta give it to them, they were good for 70 minutes for that game, they just couldn’t finish the game off. It shows that a team down on confidence and so much out of form, this sort of stuff can happen. Their defence still needs plenty of improvement. But coming up against a Bunnies outfit who will be buoyed by their win over the Saints, I think they’ll be too good for the Broncos here and will continue on their misery.

Storm by 8 – Storm will be missing Papenhuyzen and Cam Smith this week. Smith is a huge blow but Brandon will be a great replacement and I’m sure he’ll do just fine at hooker. The Bulldogs are coming off a nice fightback against Parra only to just not be good enough in the end. It was unfortunate as they were unlucky not to win that one. They did have that one call against them in the first half that they should’ve challenged, that would’ve changed the complex of the game at that moment but unfortunately for the Bulldogs, not to be. The Storm on the other hand, clinical as per usual. Although the Knights weren’t going to lie down, the Storm just continued to push the Knights away when the were coming back at them and were just too good in the end. Great performance from the Storm, particularly without Cam Smith for the majority of that game. The Storm just continue to cruise along and get those W’s week in, week out. Expect them to win this even with their missing players. Storm too good here for a defiant Bulldogs side.

Tigers by 4 – Going with the upset here. The Knights aren’t exactly in the greatest of forms and last week suffered yet another loss to a team higher than them on the table. The Knights were brave but unfortunately weren’t good enough in the end for a clinical Storm side. They did indeed play some pretty good footy but even that’s not good enough to beat the Storm. Now they face a Tigers outfit who are coming off a big loss to the Warriors. Big in the sense that was a game they should’ve won. The Tigers had it all to play for whereas, the Warriors, you wouldn’t excuse them to give up, yet they had the fight to upset the Tigers. What does that mean for the Tigers? Does it show that they aren’t fighting hard enough for the top 8? Surely Madge will be firing the boys up for this week and will be desperately wanting his men to bounce back and that I think they’ll be in a close encounter. Marshall to play well and it’ll be interesting to see Mbye how he fairs at hooker. This one will be an entertaining game I reckon. Blake Green to make his debut in Knights colours, I just don’t think he and Pearce will gel in week 1 together, but he may have the tricks to beat the Tigers having beating them last week in a Warriors jumper. What are the stats of a player facing the same opponent two weeks in a row? Hmm.

Panthers by 6 – This is potentially game of the round. We’ve got the high-flying Panthers coming up against the gritty Raiders. This one should be good! The Panthers are just on a roll at the moment and they have the chance to win an equal recording 8 wins a row this week yes, 8 wins in a row! Unbelievable! They’ve beaten all kinds of teams; top-tier, middle-tier and the lower-tier sides. They just keep on winning. The question is, when will it end? When will the Panthers finally lose? It may be this week, CNK is back for the Raiders which is a boost for them and that increases the Raiders’ chances just the ever more sightly. But those Panthers. With Cleary steering the ship, Luai with his talents, those talented young backline, that formidable forward pack with Koraisau a shining light at hooker. Goddamn they are a great side and they have a great balance, I think they will get that win number 8 in a row in a cracking game. Those who get to go to the game up at the foot of the mountains will be very lucky. It’s a massive shame there is no sold-out crowd allowed because that would’ve definitely been the case should that have been allowed.

Cowboys by 7 – This will be a good game too I reckon. We’ve got the Titans up against the Cowboys. Now these two sides have been tough against some stiff opposition. Now they face each other in a Queensland derby. The Titans have been good without being great and have been close to winning a couple of games recently. They just lack that polish and they can’t finish off when given the opportunities enough to win football games. This might just be their best chance yet. But the Cowboys do welcome back Michael Morgan and McGuire. These two are more than just some handy inclusions. Morgan is that player who usually steers the ship for the Cowboys, well post-JT that is or without JT if you include 2017 finals series. And McGuire is that experienced head in the forward pack that the Cowboys have been missing. They have Taumaolo and McLean, but they need McGuire to complete that big three in the pack. Now that he is back, it does make that pack all the more complete. And even though Morgan may be rusty, I still think he’ll play a decent game at worst. He’ll likely want to show his teammates just why they have been missing him. I think he can easily be the difference maker in this game and will be the key ingredient into breaking the hopes of a Titans win. Cowboys for me to get back into the winners circle for the first time in a while. This will be intriguing don’t you worry.

And finally… Eels by 12 – We finish off with the Sharks up against the Eels. The Sharks do come into this one with some good form, albeit up against teams on the lower end of the ladder. Now they face their toughest opponent in over a month in the Parramatta Eels who themselves got a hard-fought win against a weak team, just like the Sharks did. Will home ground advantage be a factor here? I don’t think so, the Eels can chalk up those away wins. The Eels without being absolutely brilliant, did what they needed to do in the end and although it wasn’t pretty, they got the win in the end against the Dogs and that’s all that matters. The Sharks on the other hand, were in a genuine contest against the worst team this season in my eyes for 70 minutes of that game, they took the game out of the Broncos’ grasp in the final 10 minutes and they ended up doing enough, play like that against the Eels, the Eels will take the game away from Cronulla and they could easily out a score on them if they like. Remember the last time the Sharks played a team on top of them? They conceded 56 points. Now I don’t think that’ll happen to them here, I think they’ll be pretty tough here but the Eels will be too good in the end. I think judging on the lineups, the Eels side just have the more talent. This one may be a good one though, but we will see. But it’s Parra for me.

Awesome! Good luck with everyone’s teams for this week and with everyone’s tips for this week. Cheers and enjoy the rest of your weeks everyone!!!!!!!!!

DFB
Watched most of that game last night and your Dragons put up a great show. Apart from the trip incident it was a very good game. I thought for a while they may just get away with an upset.
Thought I heard on the radio Widdup may be returning, have you heard anything?

I'm in total shock Baggy. And we played 20 minutes of the game with 12 players and I'm sure Perenara had a Manly jumper on!! A couple of tough calls against the Warriors late on.

Mark.....I'm speechless like most on here would be. Who would have believed we'd win at Brookvale. Gutsy performance for sure against all odds!! Proud of what I saw tonight. With the sacrifices these guys have made you'd expect a 50 point flogging every week.

Wasn't brave enough again to tip Warriors for the second week in a row but damn, good on them! They deserve to be winning considering what they have given up to play.

Mark,

Also commiserations to your Broncos. Another tough loss and another tough night in the office. Best of luck next week.

Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah I’m very happy with the Warriors

Evening Folks

Not a lot to say after that effort from the Tigers, That was absolutely embarrassing. Well done Newcastle you put the Tigers to the sword.

Mark A

Totally agree mate, bring on next year. Thats the last game for 2020 that I will watch the Tigers or dare to tip them. Enjoy the rest of the weekend folks.

Tiger

Maybe lower than ordinary, is the kindest way to describe Cowboys play today, but give Titans their due, they played a great game!
Cheers,
Mary

Well that was an amazing game of footy played in the worst conditions I've ever seen. Top marks to both teams who gave their all. Neither team should lower their heads.
Happy to see your boys came away with a win Baggy but Sharkies supporters should also be happy with their teams effort.

Got to say Mark, it was a hard one. I think if that penalty hadn't been given in front they might still be there slogging it out. High class game for such terrible conditions, and while there were errors, there were no "dumb" errors. I was proud, and as my mate and I have been saying all year, these are the games we were losing last year without completing.