Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles – Thursday night – BlueBet Stadium
A terrific way to start the season, with what is clearly the game of the round. The 2021 premiers start their 2022 campaign at home on what could be a pretty heavy surface (given the rain expected today - Tuesday). As a rule, I try not to pay too much attention to trial form before the season. That said, it's hard to ignore the Panthers 36-0 loss to the Eels at this venue in wet weather late last month. The Sea Eagles lost narrowly to the Raiders at Gosford but did lose a few to injuries in the process. The injury to Haumole Olakau’atu is a significant blow - I had him pencilled in as a breakout star this season so I wish him a speedy recovery. With Olakau’atu unavailable, I have the Panthers with an edge in the forwards. Should that happen, it's likely that Cleary, Luai and Koroisau can get the job done with ball in hand.
Tipsters take note: Cleary has now been ruled out and is likely to miss the first three weeks of the season. I stick with my picks and my previews even when major team changes happen after I've published, but in case you didn't know about Cleary...now you do :-)
Verdict – Panthers by 7
Result – Panthers 28 defeated Sea Eagles 6
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks – Friday night – GIO Stadium
There are always a few tell-tale signs that the NRL season is about to begin - journos start taking punts on which coach will get sacked first and writing stories about naughty things footballers have done that we had mostly forgotten about, I can hear the Broncos tackling each other properly at training and they play a lot less basketball, and Ricky Stuart starts complaining about something in his particularly colourful way. Sometimes it's because he has a point, but every time it's about galvanising his squad and creating an 'Us versus Them' mindset among the playing group...and it works. Youngster Brad Schneider is likely to start in the number 7 jersey, and I have to be honest with you all - I haven't seen the kid play. He's a product of Kirwan High up in Townsville which is a proper rugby league school - he was team captain when Kirwan High won the NRL Schoolboy Cup final in 2019, so we can safely assume he knows his way around the paddock. Clearly this is a step up, and his counterpart (Nicho Hynes) is no slouch with the pill, but he's got smart and experienced players around him and that will ease the pressure. The Clap is back, and I'm tipping the Raiders to get the points.
Verdict – Raiders by 4
Result – Raiders 24 defeated Sharks 19
Brisbane Broncos vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
Some of the wind has been taken out of the sails here, with Adam Reynolds isolating and unavailable. In any case there will be a healthy crowd in place, and Daryl Braithwaite will be patching up his voicebox and warming them up before the game. With Reynolds out, the Broncos coach has brought in his own son to fill the void alongside Albert Kelly in the halves. Isaako takes over the goal-kicking, so no real harm there. These sides played each other at Suncorp Stadium twice last year and the Rabbitohs won both in a canter (35-6 and 46-0). I'm sure the Broncos are improving, but have they improved enough? I'm hopeful (because it's a better competition when the Broncos are competitive), but I'm doubtful. That's the way it's gonna be little darling.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 10
Result – Broncos 11 defeated Rabbitohs 4
Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday afternoon – Sydney Cricket Ground
Forgive the early crow - the Roosters best seventeen, should they stay fit, will win the premiership this year. It's a silly crow of course, because no team gets through a season without injuries, but if you take a look at the side they have named in round one, and note that they have Verrills and Suaalii still to return...it's quite the squad. Walker will be bigger, stronger and fitter after a season with the big kids and he'll have Luke Keary alongside him. The Knights often start the season strongly so I expect this will be a genuine contest, but the Chooks look strong.
Verdict – Roosters by 8
Result – Knights 20 defeated Roosters 6
New Zealand Warriors vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Saturday night – Sunshine Coast Stadium
For a few years now, most Australians have hardly been able to leave home. The Warriors have hardly been able to go home. Even though much of the eastern seaboard is a disaster zone, the Warriors are still stuck here, and the season will be two-thirds over before they play their first game in New Zealand. This home game is on the Sunshine Coast, which isn't even their home away from home, but it will have to do, and I expect there will be a fair smattering of expat Kiwis in the crowd. As for the Dragons, the last game they won was by a single point way back in round 16 last season. The team they beat was, you guessed it, the Warriors. Unfortunately they celebrated that victory in a way they shouldn't have. If they win this one, I would hope the Dragons coach will put the whole squad on a very short leash after full-time. I'm not tipping them anyway, and I genuinely hope the return of Shaun Johnson to the Warriors is a successful move.
Verdict – Warriors by 2
Result – Dragons 28 defeated Warriors 16
Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday night – CommBank Stadium
The Tigers have named five captains this season - two of them aren't available in round one, so that should simplify things a little in this game. James Tamou is suspended for a week and Adam Doueihi could be some time before his knee is ready for football. The Storm don't usually lose the first game of the season, but they will be tested this year. Munster and Grant are suspended and Papenhuyzen is resting an ankle. That means the Storm have Tyran Wishart, Jayden Nikorima and Nick Meaney in key positions. It's a challenge, but that Storm forward pack is about as good as it gets and you just have to trust Bellamy to find a way with the troops he has. Fun fact - Tyran is the son of Steelers great Rod Wishart.
Verdict – Storm by 4
Result – Storm 26 defeated Tigers 16
Parramatta Eels vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – CommBank Stadium
I mentioned earlier that I try not to pay attention to form from the pre-season trials, but when a team beats the defending premiers 36-0 in the rain you can't just ignore it. Further to that, the Eels almost always start the season like world beaters. If the grand final was held in April they'd be competing in it almost every year. The Titans have one of the most exciting spines in the NRL but they are also one of the youngest. Clark (24), Brimson (23), Sexton (21) and Campbell (22) all look like genuine long-term first graders (at least). I have finals hopes for the Titans this season, but it may take a few weeks before we see these young guns at their best. Given all the rain in Sydney its going to be heavy underfoot, and that should assist the home side more than the visitors. A really interesting game of football though. Get your couch ready.
Verdict – Eels by 8
Result – Eels 32 defeated Titans 28
North Queensland Cowboys vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Has anyone else noticed the weather Townsville has been copping for the last week - high 30s every days, barely getting under 30 overnight and humidity that will melt your face away. This sort of weather often spells trouble for visiting teams from the southern states. They will struggle in the conditions I am sure, but the Cowboys have been struggling with it for a week. I fear the home team could be exhausted before they even take to the field. To make it worse it's a 5.15pm kick-off, so it will still be brutally warm. I'm leaning slightly to the home side who have been training in these conditions at least. The inclusion of Taumalolo helps too, but no confidence here.
Verdict – Cowboys by 2
Result – Bulldogs 6 defeated Cowboys 4
Wally Lewis - round one selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- Panthers vs SEA EAGLES
- Raiders vs SHARKS
- Broncos vs RABBITOHS
- ROOSTERS vs Knights
- Warriors vs DRAGONS
- Tigers vs STORM
- EELS vs Titans
- COWBOYS vs Bulldogs
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
As you can see the round one page is now up and running on the website. Tipsters can add their tips anytime up until the kick off of the first game on Thursday night, and you can go back and change your tips anytime up until that same kick-off. Just make sure you are logged in, then click on the link that says 'Show/Hide the tipping entry form' and submit your selections there.
If any newcomers need a hand submitting their tips just ask for help in the comments. It's not too complicated, and it all starts to make sense after a few rounds.
And a special shout out to my little helper who has COVID, but soldiered on like a champ.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Nowlsy on
Where do I put my tips in on the page
Submitted by Mary S on
Great to be back again for a new season!!
Cheers to all,
Mary
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Nowlsy
Once you are logged in, have a look for a link called (show/hide the tipping entry form) on the round one page. Click that, make your selections, and submit.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Ben Wells on
Hi all, can't see the show/hide tipping page on the round one page.
Not uploaded yet?
Submitted by a on
Hi thinker can you please open up the 3 strike comp page please
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi 'a',
Thinker won't forget, but may I make a suggestion first: -
What about your excellent comp start on the 3rd or 4th round, giving newcomers a little more time to become familiar with the site, and give Thinker more time for all he has to impute - particularly as his LH has COCID and may not be feeling well enough to assist at present.
As there are 25 rounds, it wouldn't impact if comp started a little later, and I will be eager to have another go.
What do you think?
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by The Butcher on
Mary
COCID?
Did u mean Covid or cock eyed?
Submitted by a on
Yeah thanks I appreciate the suggestion but I believe the thinker has already opened it
But thanks for the suggestion anyway
Submitted by a on
On another note welcome back everyone it’s so good to have footy back on
Submitted by Mary S on
Thanks Butcher - I didn't proof read before sending!!
Covid was meant.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by tigerholic on
Morning All
Welcome to all of the new tipsters on the site, good luck and can I say right from the start, ignore anything that the Butcher has to say.
Hello to the regulars and all of those that were here last year, this will be a tough year to win with all of the new tipsters involved.
How good is it to have the footy back, I actually said goodbye to the Missus yesterday, told her I'll see her in 6 months or so:)
Hello Christine, hope you are well, thank you Thinker and your little helper for another year, I hope TLH is on the mend.
I'll be at the Magic Round again this year so if anyone would like to catch up, let me know and we can have a beer together.
Tiger
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Tigerholic
I noticed single day tickets for Magic Round are now available.
I'll try and get there again....and I'll give you a nudge if I can
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Butcher on
Hello Tiger
I wanted to start with a clean slate but you’ve already made your intentions clear. I’m not in hotels anymore I’m now in the aviation industry as a cabin crew supervisor which I didn’t think I would get. I must admit I did have to act a bit flamboyant at the interview to impress them but I think my socks got me the position and I’m not talking about the ones on my feet.
Anyway your a prison officer which makes you instantly disliked and you need to watch yourself as I have contacts on the inside such as Bea Smith and Lizzie Birdsworth. Bring it on
.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Howdy MGM - not wrong there mate.
Will be an interesting year and like all teams, avoiding injuries will be main concern. My boys have several to start with but should go one or two places better than last season.
Your Liverpool lads (EPL) are going well and Eels look like the club that's had little disruptions with their NRL squad for this season - so far.
However, several will be down on a bit of manpower in 2023, when Dolphins enter the arena.
Cheers, good luck with tipping and keep well.
Big Pete
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Big Pete,
See that Cleary is ruled out for 3 weeks (recovering from shoulder surgery) for Panthers as well, so your Eagles might do OK on the sodden ground.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by a on
Yeah that was a shock clearly being ruled out
Submitted by tigerholic on
Thanks Thinker, I have been trying to purchase 3 day tickets in the seats that I had last year for the Friday which were directly in front of the corporate boxes.
I have emailed ticket to see why they don't appear as an option.
Look forward to having a beer if you get there.
Tiger
Submitted by tigerholic on
All good Butcher
Don't scare the new tipsters too much mate, for a minute there I thought you were going to fly into Brissy and surprise me, then I remembered there wouldn't be enough room in the glider cabin that you were Captain.
Looking forward to the banter and I'm not too worried about being a prison officer.
Talk later, I'm off to prison tonight.
Tiger
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hello Miss Mary - nice to hear from you.
These newies here will keep us most watchful with Thinkers tipping.
I noticed this morning. Maybe Panthers were making a too early of a call on Nathan's return. He's their gamebreaker, but they know they have good backup stock.
It will depend just on how much rain. Noticed on Facebook that Manly Dam is also overflowing and heading towards 800 homes in the area.
I have a mad Panthers supporter who lives in Kempsey area and they are about to be flooded as the towns CBD levee was about to burst this morning. How much is too much - the old saying was "when it rains, it pours" but more than that these days. I feel for all people and their possessions/homes/pets/farms and stock.
You take care, keep well in NQ and I hope major storms are leaving you alone - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Howdy 'a' and hope all is well mate.
Not sure - Nathan would have known if he was right or not. He's a good judge and wouldn't let club or dad down, if he was going to sustain further injury from playing too early.
Hope you guys have recovered from floods and rains where u r. Had a friend moved there from Nth Coast of NSW who were initially going to Hervey Bay. You might meet them one day and she is another Mighty Sea Eagle.
Cheers Champ and keep well
Big Pete
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hey Big Pete,
How are you after that hiding by City?
Manly look very settled, an almost unchanged side from last season.
Good luck to your beloved Manly this season, and with your tipping too!!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Afternoon Tiger - hope all is well with you mate.
With Thinker - is it a Tiger Beer you'll be having?
BTW - my friends have moved from Regency Downs/Laidley to Rockville. They say at times with elevation, the colder weather reminds them of their days around here - in Winter of course.
I think Butcher (Rooster) might have been watching Wentworth a bit. Fortunately sounds like he knows them from the wild girls side - not bad boys. Cheers Butch!!!!
Cheers and keep well.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Heya Steely - did you have to mention that.
I'm trying to come to terms with it. Maguire is no centre-half.
Plus we had several guns out including CR7 & Cavani.
Manly have a few injuries, but I'll check the sides tomorrow arvo.
Thanks for the luck and to you also mate. Warriors hopefully will go better with Shaun back to steer the ship a bit.
Take care and keep well - Big Pete in Bx Country.
Submitted by Mary S on
As an extra to Thinkers preview on the Cowboys/Bulldogs match on Sunday, is the following info -
Tonight - at 9pm, temp is still 30.3degrees, humidity 74%
Longrange forecast for Sun is 31.6d @ 5pm - possibility of a shower or two in the afternoon.
On that note, I'm going into my air conditioned bedroom!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by newbie from perth on
"Dia duit gach duine" i dteanga ní mo theanga féin,
As is the case every year for me, not enough information on trial games. So as far as my tips for Round 1 are concerned, it’s basically who I think based on last year and the prices set by the “experts”.
Last year I promised myself I was gonna tip the Roosters every game regardless (and I did) but this year they’ll have to earn my tips. Having said that, I’ll more than likely tip them more times than not 🤪.
Thanks to Mary, Mr Ashford and Big Pete for the kind words. Yeah, the number of new tippers this year is gonna make everyone work for their supper that’s for sure. Big Pete – Mark McGowan (McClown) is just over the top mate. Don’t remember the exact number (and I could be absolutely wrong here) but I think it’s about 697 days since he bolted the gates so I’m happy that he’s opened up finally. He has “reserved the right” to shut them again if he feels we have too many cases though. What a numpty! His approval rating over here has fallen sharply and even my diehard friends and family are starting to lose faith in him. But hey, he’ll still win the next election though but not by such a big margin as he did last time. Yeah, he hasn’t long to go 🤡.
I don’t make a habit of watching the news (I may have mentioned that before) but it’s hard to miss the flooding over there on the East Coast. The little I’ve seen is devastating in parts. Hope y’all are OK and no-one’s lost too much. If I was a praying man I’d ask the big fella to help you all out. I’m not so I’ll put out some intentions to the Universe instead. Hang in there people 💪.
OK, ‘nuff said, let’s do this thing …
Panthers vs. Manly @ Panthers Stadium
Probability = 55-45
Ladder Position = I’ll let you know next week
Bookies Favourite = Panthers
Verdict: was teetering on this one but now that Nate’s out I’ll be tipping Manly.
Raiders vs. Sharks @ GIO Stadium
Probability = 55-45
Ladder Position = I’ll let you know next week
Bookies Favourite = Sharks
Verdict: Wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Raiders get up and win this but I’ll tip the Sharks.
Broncos vs. Rabbitohs at Suncorp
Probability = 30-70
Ladder Position = I’ll let you know next week
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs
Verdict: Yeah, the Bunnies in this one.
Roosters vs. Knights at SCG
Probability = 75-25
Ladder Position = I’ll let you know next week
Bookies Favourite = Roosters
Verdict: Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
Warriors vs. Dragons at Sunshine Coast
Probability = 55-45
Ladder Position = I’ll let you know next week
Bookies Favourite = Warriors
Verdict: Got huge respect for the Kiwi boys and I’m tipping them to get the bikkies here.
Tigers vs. Storm at Parramatta
Probability = 25-75
Ladder Position = I’ll let you know next week
Bookies Favourite = Storm
Verdict: The Tigers “might” go alright here but I’m playing it safe and tipping the Stormers.
Eels vs. Titans at Parramatta
Probability = 60-40
Ladder Position = I’ll let you know next week
Bookies Favourite = Eels
Verdict: Gotta go the Eels at home don’t ya? Yeah.
Cowboys vs. Bulldogs at Townsville
Probability = 50-50
Ladder Position = I’ll let you know next week
Bookies Favourite = Bulldogs
Verdict: Dunno about the Doggies being (slight) favourites here (?). At home I’m gonna stick with the Cowboys. Giddy Up!
Here we go! Welcome to Round 1…
Let’s finish off (or should I say “start the season”) with another “Song of the Week”…
Great Aussie talent with an equally amazing voice. This is one of my faves and was recorded in concert back in 1990. That might explain his haircut 😂. Cheers.
https://youtu.be/DjSiWAwvWGU
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week. Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Hi Newbie! I saw that guy live at the Outback Spectacular in Mt Isa many, many years ago! I have always been a fan, thanks for sharing :)
Submitted by The Butcher on
Hey Newbie
Love Farnsy Looking forward to his can’t believe I’m 80 tour.
Submitted by TheAnonymousOne on
Round 1 tips:
Manly to beat Penrith 13+ (Just a side note Penrith got touched up by Parra 36-0 on their home turf, regardless trial game or not)
Sharks to beat Raiders 1-12 (It’s gonna be a long season for the frogs)
Rabbitohs to beat Broncos (In what I anticipate to be a closer game than most are predicting)
Roosters to beat Knights (By a cricket score to honour Warnie, RIP)
Dragons to beat the Warriors (Quite comfortably)
Storm to beat Tigers (Seriously write up your score, they’ll beat it)
Parra to beat the Titans (In the match of the round)
Bulldogs to beat the Cowboys (And get off to a strong start, another long season for the Cowboys)
Submitted by Gad on
Hi all. I'm glad to join every one for another season....
Bring on the kick off...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Newbie,
So good to see your predictions, albeit a shortened version of your norm. I've put in my tips with no real idea what will happen in round 1.
Penrith may struggle without Cleary but they do have some depth. Broncs may also struggle without Reynolds but hey it's round 1 and anything can happen.
So good to see some posts from the "old team" but I would love to see the new "newbies" (no disrespect to the original Newbie) with their thoughts. It's not just about tipping, have your say, we love some banter about your team and who you dislike.
Submitted by donkey on
round 1
Manly
Canberra
South
Roosters
Warriors
Storm
Eels
north queensland
--donkey--
Submitted by TheScribbleKing on
Cannot tip. I have used the search function in the browser to find the 'Show/Hide the tipping entry form' link as suggested and I still can't find it.
Help please :)
Submitted by TheScribbleKing on
Just saw I have to ask to be apart of the tipping earlier... whoops. First time I logged in this year, I'm a bit late.
Submitted by MGM on
Nice to hear from you big Pete.
Your Brooky boys are looking good and should get a much better start than last season.
Liverpool have been strong for some time now, haven't they !
I'm keeping an eye on Wally Lewis this year, he was finishing strong last season.
Good luck mate ,
MGM
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning MGM for Thursday, the start of a new NRL Season.
Appears as though our Brooky boys have surfaced from a couple of pre-season trial injuries.
Yes Liverpool have been going well and I'm sure your Cellar/Mans Cave has their banner suitably adorned there.
Mate, Wally is always one to keep an eye on. If he starts good and tips good - he'll be there.
I'm just watching a few in front of me and a couple who were late, good scoring finishers last season. It'll be a good Thinkers comp and never underestimate The Dogs (NRL) this year either, as once they start getting a bit of comradeship and team cohesion going, they have players there that will shine and lead the way. Gus is no fool and Barrett knows the ropes.
Cheers and keep well and good luck in Thinkers Tipping.
Big Pete
Submitted by RICX AM I on
Round 1 tips.
Eagles to add on to the panthers preseason pains.
Eagles by 10points.
Raiders to to come from behind to punish the ill discipline sharks.
Raiders by 8points.
Rabbitohs to just edge Reynolds and broncos.
Rabbitohs by 4 points.
Roosters too strong at SGC, by 14 points.
Improving warriors by 6 points over Dragons.
Storms should not take the tigers lightly,
Storms by 4points.
Eels Nation to power home @ home more than 22 points over Titans.
Cowboys to edge Bulldogs by a inch @ home.
cowboys by 2points.
Submitted by Sasava24 on
I cant find the "show/hide tipping for" link
Submitted by a on
I’m sure most of yous know but just in case you don’t here’s my link for the 3 strike comp
https://the-thinker.org/lounge/2022-03/game-three-strikes-competition#co...
Submitted by Rikki Sixx on
Hi Thinker
I can't find the Show/Hide the tipping entry form' so can't enter my tips. Where is the 'round one page'? Hope you can get back to me before kickoff. Cheers
Submitted by The Butcher on
Rikki
Click on the guest tips tab
Go to Round one selections
At the bottom just after Wally Lewis tips down the bottom you’ll see the show / hide option (near the condom advertisement) click on and enter tips.
Even a Broncos supporter can find it.
Submitted by Rikki Sixx on
Thanks Butcher. Must have had a 'man' look! 😂
Submitted by Footy chick on
Happy 2022 everybody
It's so nice to have the footy back
xx
Submitted by Mary S on
Good to see you back Footy chick.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Lochnesslaine on
Panthers vs SEA EAGLES
Sea Eagles
Raiders vs SHARKS
Sharks
Broncos vs RABBITOHS
Rabbitohs
ROOSTERS vs Knights
Roosters
Warriors vs DRAGONS
Warriors
Tigers vs STORM
Storm
EELS vs Titans
Eels
COWBOYS vs Bulldogs
Cowboys
Submitted by Lochnesslaine on
Panthers vs SEA EAGLES
Sea Eagles
Raiders vs SHARKS
Sharks
Broncos vs RABBITOHS
Rabbitohs
ROOSTERS vs Knights
Roosters
Warriors vs DRAGONS
Warriors
Tigers vs STORM
Storm
EELS vs Titans
Eels
COWBOYS vs Bulldogs
Cowboys
Submitted by Christine on
Lochnesslaine my tips are the same as yours for rd 1
Submitted by BroncoSwimmer on
I cant find the show/hide either Mr Thinker.
Can I give you my tips please?
Panthers
Raiders
Roosters
Warriors
Storm
Eels
Cowboys
It's 6.16 pm Brisbane time.
Submitted by Islander on
Hello thinker. Having some issues submitting my rd 1 tips. I'll just post it here while it gets sorted.
Panthers
Sharks
Rabbitohs
Roosters
Dragons
Storm
Eels
Bulldogs
Submitted by BroncoSwimmer on
Show/Hide the tipping entry form' ... where has it gooooone to??
It is not where is usually is.
Thinker - please accept these tips_
Panthers
Raiders
Rabbitohs
Roosters
Wariors
Storm
Eels
Cowboys
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