Gold Coast Titans vs North Queensland Cowboys – Thursday night – Cbus Super Stadium
There would have been plenty of soul-searching in the Titans dressing room after their late capitulation to the Brisbane Broncos. They dominated for fifty minutes, then lost. Worse still, the Broncos managed to put a margin on them at full time. That's not the first time the Titans have done that either, but it would have hurt against big brother in the big house. Most reflective was their captain Tino 'Big Country' Fa'asuamaleaui, but he'll be drowning his sorrows in Origin camp for a few weeks. Someone in the Titans pack will need to fill his void, and it won't be David Fifita who has another stint on the sidelines with a knee injury. The Titans spine is intact, but losing your two most dynamic and dangerous forwards makes things harder for that spine to perform. The Cowboys have four players away on Origin duty (Nanai, Cotter, Deardon and Holmes), but the return of Taumalolo is timely. Cowboys for mine.
Verdict – Cowboys by 4
Result – Cowboys 32 defeated Titans 6
Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – BlueBet Stadium
First plays last on Friday night but the Bulldogs couldn't have found a better time to take on the premiership favourites. Such is the depth at the foot of the mountains, they are a short priced favourite in this even though six of their best are walking around barefoot with Freddy Fittler instead of lacing on the boots. I did a quick run through of the team lists and asked myself this question:
If I were the Panthers coach and I could swap a Panthers player for their Bulldog opponent on Friday night, would I?
The answer was yes, but only for two of them. Both (Burton and Addo-Carr) are arguably unlucky to miss out on an Origin berth, and one of them is a former Panther. I think I can see why Phil Gould is struggling to find them a new Bulldogs coach.
Verdict – Panthers by 10
Result – Panthers 30 defeated Bulldogs 18
Manly Sea Eagles vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday night – 4 Pines Park
Traditionally, this is the time of year when the Warriors start winning a few games. Then people start to wonder if this is the year the Warriors might make good on all their promise and potential. Then the Warriors fade again at the business end of the season (when all the Origin players return to their clubs). That could very well happen again this year, but this is no easy task. The Warriors record in Sydney is, how do I say this politely, woeful. They've won one game in Sydney this year, but that was against the Tigers back in round three (and they didn't win by much). Even Sydney clubs don't like travelling to Brookvale for a Saturday night. Manly lose their captain to Queensland, but Jake Trbojevic takes on the role and you'd expect him to relish it. Interesting little tidbit I stumbled across - Reece Walsh is yet to score a try this season. He's still giving opponents grief with ball in hand, but no four pointers. That may say more about the Warriors than it does about Reece Walsh.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 4
Result – Sea Eagles 44 defeated Warriors 12
Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium
The Raiders are on the improve but they have played top six teams on five occasions this season and lost them all. They have beaten the Sharks (twice) and the Rabbitohs and they're handy wins as I suspect they are the teams the Raiders will be competing with for those final top eight spots. The Roosters do seem to be warming up, although Origin interruptions have the potential to derail their momentum. They're without Tedesco, Collins and Tupou on Sunday but they can still field a balanced outfit. The Raiders lose their best forward and their best back to Origin duty, so I would argue they've been affected more. It looks the game of the round and they'll get a decent crowd in Canberra on a Sunday afternoon, but I like the Chooks.
Verdict – Roosters by 7
Result – Raiders 22 defeated Roosters 16
Wally Lewis - round thirteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- Titans vs COWBOYS
- PANTHERS vs Bulldogs
- SEA EAGLES vs Warriors
- Raiders vs ROOSTERS
Comments
Submitted by Christine on
I managed to get 8 from 8 last round it was about time I did too
Submitted by George44_45 on
Cowboys
Panthers
Roosters
Eagles
My round 13 tips
Submitted by Jaremy Raiwe Bago on
Panthers
Roosters
Cowboys
Warriors
NRL Round 13 tips
Submitted by newbie from perth on
"Dia duit gach duine" i dteanga ní mo theanga féin,
Less games this weekend as we all know but at least us poor people get to see 3 of the 4 games on free-to-air 😁. Haven’t checked since the other night but there are a number of players who will be missing on (extended squad) Origin duty which “might” change your final tips. I know I was sorely tempted. Quick rundown as follows:
Titans - 1
Cowboys - 6
Panthers - 7
Bulldogs - 0
Manly - 1
Warriors - 0
Raiders - 2
Roosters - 4
Saw a documentary the other night about Bruce Lee and was surprised he had 2 brothers. Apparently one brother was faster than Bruce. His name is Sudden Lee. The other brother is a vegetarian and his name is Brock Lee. The things you learn eh? OK, let’s do this thing …
Titans vs. Cowboys @ Cbus
Probability @ 35-65
Ladder Position = Cowboys
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys
Titans
“I just can’t get over this quickly. As I said, a great week, we prepared well. We’re out there, we’re in complete control of the game at 18-0. We should have kept going that way. Then we fumble our way to a couple of reckless sin bins. I could easily be rapping the boys, then we just completely lose our way then can’t settle it down, can’t get it back. We need players on the field that can get that sorted. Blokes can go to the sin bin, things can happen on the field. You can hit high tackles and all that s***. Our two sin bins were just dumb, we’re in complete control of the game. I’m not here to defend myself and to say it’s not my fault. But if we were getting beat 40-0 and then they tried all that reckless stuff, then I’d take a lot more blame and say we weren’t ready to play. But we were in a great position to win the game. We were in a terrific spot and we found a way to just throw it away, it’s hard to take. We let our club and our fans down. We played our biggest rivals and no doubt we would have had a lot of Gold Coast fans so happy at 24-4 and with the finishing score I don't expect any of us to feel good about it," coach Justin Holbrook said.
Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 80% (29/36)
Post Contact Metres - 607
Tackle Breaks - 28
Missed Tackles - 41
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 8
Cowboys
"I'm disappointed we didn't fire our best shot but weren't allowed to at various stages and completing at 59 percent is not good enough to keep you in the competition. But in saying that, I really enjoyed some of our defensive periods. We showed some desperation and resilience. We just looked comfortable for the most part defending. We walk away knowing we can beat them if we get our fair share of possession. There were moments in the first half I thought we really worried them with the ball, we just couldn't find the patience with the last pass," coach Todd Payten said.
Possession - 43%
Completion Rate - 62% (23/37)
Post Contact Metres - 507
Tackle Breaks - 34
Missed Tackles - 30
Errors - 16
Penalties Conceded - 5
Last week the Titans were 20 points in front of the Broncos with just 28 minutes left on the clock and somehow managed to lose the game. That’s not encouraging. Their first halves are good but they continue to surrender in the second. The Cowboys didn’t play too badly against the Panthers last week but were unable to show much attack-wise. Even with players missing on Origin duty, the Cowboys will find this easier than last week. Mind you, wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Titans got up.
Verdict: Cowboys by 10
Panthers vs. Bulldogs @ Panthers Stadium
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers
Panthers
"The first half we started really well and left out a few out there but all in all it was a solid first half. The boys felt pretty comfortable, the second half we couldn't really capitalise on field position. It was hard to build, we were doing some good stuff but couldn't get to the next play. I was happy with the defensive stand in the end. This is our first go at being premiers. Everyone tells you that everyone gets up when they play you, and that's exactly what's happened from the very first game. Our boys have handled that so well," coach Ivan Cleary said.
Possession - 57%
Completion Rate - 79% (39/49)
Post Contact Metres - 811
Tackle Breaks - 30
Missed Tackles - 34
Errors - 14
Penalties Conceded - 8
Bulldogs
"It's certainly disappointing, we were in the game. Our defence needs to be a lot better than what it is. We let ourselves down with some cheap tries. It's the second week. Our goal line defence is just non-existent, there's no toughness to it at all. We're not tough enough at the moment," coach Mick Potter said.
Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 81% (31/38)
Post Contact Metres - 528
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 27
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 3
The Panthers have 7 players missing due to Origin but their replacements are all very capable. The Panthers overwhelmed the Cowboys last week and it’s patently obvious that Penrith are the best side running around at the minute. The Bulldogs are sitting bottom and it doesn’t look like that will change after this week. After surging back in the second half and taking the lead last week, the Bulldogs were beaten by the Dragons and despite JAC being left out of the Blues side, I don’t think he can help the Bulldogs get up in this one.
Verdict: Panthers by 16
Manly vs. Warriors @ Brookvale
Probability @ 60-40
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Manly
Manly
"I was really disappointed with us tonight, from our application. I thought at 12-4 we weren't in too bad a position but we just don't give ourselves a chance, we don't set it up, we don't execute well enough. I think we were disappointing in a number of areas that you've only got to adjust or fix in a minor way and you're right in the game. It's about building that pressure and building that field position and we just didn't give ourselves a chance, we inflict it upon ourselves," coach Des Hasler said.
Possession - 44%
Completion Rate - 72% (29/40)
Post Contact Metres - 443
Tackle Breaks - 22
Missed Tackles - 27
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 7
Warriors
“We were in total control in the first half and then we obviously kicked quite poorly. We just invited them back into the contest. In the second half I think we would all agree that we were on top and we got to the front and we didn’t catch the kick off. It’s like we tried to make it as hard as we can. Some of the boys are working their socks off and some of them are playing their best footy and then we just hand it over," coach Nathan Brown said.
Possession - 55%
Completion Rate - 76% (29/38)
Post Contact Metres - 469
Tackle Breaks - 21
Missed Tackles - 12
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 5
Both sides here will be absolutely desperate for the win. The Warriors continue to look ordinary after an 8 point loss to the Knights last week. There doesn’t seem to be any “leadership” on the field, which makes it hard. Manly aren’t playing much better, losing to the Storm 28-8 (they’re definitely missing Turbo), but they’re at home, they’ve had longer to get ready for this one and that might just give them an edge.
Verdict: Manly by 14
Raiders vs. Roosters @ GIO Stadium
Probability @ 40-60
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters
Raiders
"As disappointed as we are losing that was a good game of football. It went end to end and while ever they're turning up with that type of effort we'll keep developing into the team we want to get to. A couple of line breaks in the second half turned it for them. They're in the main section of the ladder and we showed we can match it with them. We're certainly not intimidated by any team. If we can hold on to some combinations now ... we keep those combinations and get some cohesion, we'll just naturally keep improving as a football team," coach Ricky Stuart said.
Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 87% (35/40)
Post Contact Metres - 764
Tackle Breaks - 30
Missed Tackles - 39
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 1
Roosters
"It got close there in the second half but I thought we had some outstanding defence on our goal line that we had to do. We had six or so sets in that second half. I thought it was well defended. I thought our style of play was really clear tonight. I feel like we laid a good platform and then exploited it in a few different ways, whether it was short sides or long open sides or through the ruck. I thought the balance was really good. You can always nitpick and we will because that's what we do, but overall to come down here and play like that was a good step forward for us," coach Trent Robinson said.
Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 77% (31/40)
Post Contact Metres - 539
Tackle Breaks - 30
Missed Tackles - 33
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 6
These two look evenly matched but Origin (Raiders missing 2 and Roosters missing 4) makes it a little hard (for me at least) to tip the winner. The Raiders were gutsy last week but they aren’t playing enough consistent footy and considering how the Roosters are starting to put it together, I have a feeling the Raiders may struggle a little this week. Then again, you never know.
Verdict: Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔 Roosters by 16
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
I was driving to work the other day and this song came on the radio and hand on heart, it was the first time I heard it. Thought to myself … “This ain’t too bad actually. Really distinctive voice. Great tune. Yeah, I like this a lot.” Googled some of the words and found out who it was and was totally surprised. Surprised insofar as I knew who she was but hadn’t heard any of her songs (I don’t listen to commercial radio) and always half-jokingly “rubbished” her to the girls at work. I’m eating humble pie at the moment. Enjoy…
https://youtu.be/08DjMT-qR9g
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week. Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by Lynns on
Please advice on tips for round 13
Submitted by RICX AM I on
Roosters
Panthers
Sea Eagles
All seems to be in a good position to win this weekend..
Im Just thinking about the Titans,if they can repeat what they did last round and HOLD ON TO THAT LEAD this time.🤫
Submitted by tigerholic on
Rocket and The Voyeur
You two were almost last into the starting blocks for round 13 and all of the fans and followers were waiting with so much anticipation and you both take the favourites.
On behalf of all of the fans and followers, I am disappointed, can you at least give the fans something more next week.
Tiger
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Are the Titans favourites tonight?
Submitted by MGM on
During the Dogs v Dragons match last Sunday Addo-Carr came rushing out of the defensive line inside his own 20(or 10) only to miss the tackle on TWO occasions and was directly responsible for the resulting TWO tries against his team (and they lost by 10 points).
I remember thinking at the time that such poor, irresponsible defense like that wouldn't be lost on Freddy.
If the Dragons outside edge can make him look like an amateur , imagine what the Maroons would do to him.
Just can't have him costing the Blues a win like he did to his poor old Bulldogs.
Submitted by a on
No there not
Submitted by Christine on
My tips are cowboys
Panthers
Manly
Roosters
May the foot ball gods be good to us all ...
Submitted by The Voyeur on
Gee tigerholic I just pick who I think might win, but just had a look at some stats and see you might be confused as too the favouritism status……..thx for the feedback
Submitted by The Voyeur on
Gee tigerholic I just pick who I think might win, but just had a look at some stats and see you might be confused as too the favouritism status……..thx for the feedback
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Steel,
No the Titans aren't favs tonight. So difficult to pick a winner from any of the games as so many players are out for origin duties. At half time the Cows are in front and looking good.
My worry game this round (believe it or not) is first versus last. Penrith V Dogs. Half the Panthers are playing for the Blues and it just may be a chance for the Dogs to get a win......maybe!
Submitted by a on
Well I glad that cowboys won they are a proper footy team
Submitted by Mary S on
Know what you mean with Panther/Bulldogs match Mark, but I bet there has been a lot more anticipation/preparation by the Panthers after last years result!!
R13 2021 - Tigers 13th (26) d Panthers 1st (6)
R14 2021 - Sharks 10th (19) d Panthers 1st (18)
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by waltersinge on
Round 13 tipping please
Submitted by George44_45 on
What are your tips and margin for round 13?
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Who has the vouyer got his binoculars pointed at probably you tigerholic as comp leader he does get to barrier late
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hi Mark
I asked if Titans were favs last night because Tiger said Rocket & Voyeur had both tipped the favourites but the Voyeur had tipped the Titans.
What has happened to that team? As a friend said to me this morning...no effort, no direction & no heart. I thought he was talking about the Warriors for a minute.
Submitted by Christine on
No he left out no composer
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Steel,
Titans at home should have done better. I did watch the game and the Cows were relentless in attack and defense, not sure how many were out for either team for SoO duties. Yes your friend was right, little effort by the Titans as the Cows were missing a few. Have watched Scott Drinkwater since he was at the Ipswich Jets, then to the Storm (too many "names" in front of him) and now excelling at the Cowboys
Mary S
Hi My Friend. Very happy to see your Cowboys get their win. I do believe they will feature in the finals this year.
Yes with 6 players in SoO duty the Panthers should have been ripe for picking. Just shows their depth ( or the Dogs lack of it ) Panthers must be favs for this years top reward.
I wonder if "Couch Potato" will resurface this year?
Submitted by Christine on
R.I.P Robert rocky Laurie first person to ever receive dally m medal player of the year has passed away aged 66 you shall not be forgotten ...
Submitted by Christine on
You know thinking back on previous years Raiders usually beat Roosters around origin when roosters players are out for origin