Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels – Thursday night – Allianz Stadium
The doubters emerged when the Roosters went down to the Dolphins in round one, but that form doesn't look so ordinary anymore. Since then, the Roosters haven't lost, knocking off the Warriors and the Rabbitohs. Again, that form doesn't look ordinary either. They've had a freshen up after the bye and should be ready to rumble. That said, they'll miss Joey Manu in the centres. Drew Hutchinson is the Mr Fixit for the tricolours and he'll get it done, but he's no Joey Manu. The Eels have had a run of games against teams coming off the bye, and they picked up their first victory last Thursday against the defending premiers in a high-quality contest. When they have lost, they haven't lost my much, and they'll be competitive again, but the suspension to Junior Paulo will hurt them through the middle. Note that Victor Radley plays his 100th NRL game this week, a milestone he could have achieved a long time ago if not for his rich history of suspensions and injuries. I must say the discussions around Clint Gutherson and the Eels chasing another fullback seem bizarre to me. He's their best player, they have paid him unders his entire career, he has agreed to be paid less than what he would otherwise get to stay where he is, and he's one of the most durable and reliable players in the game (played every game for the Eels in 2022, and 25 games for the Eels in 2021). He deserves better. A quality contest to get us underway, and I think it's the game of the round.
Verdict – Roosters by 4
Result – Roosters 28 defeated Eels 20
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers – Friday night – GIO Stadium
A quick turnaround for the Raiders, coming off their disappointing performance in Newcastle on Sunday afternoon. The Panthers have had 8 days to prepare for this game, and while their loss was no doubt disappointing, the quality of the football was first class. The Ice Man appears to have stopped his Ice Man celebration (thanks for listening Nathan) - his freakish field goal on the cusp of full time is an example of the game-winning antics that will have your side winning many more games than they lose. The suspension to Jack 'testing the waters' Wighton hurts the home side badly, and the Panthers would have to have a very poor night to lose this one. With Isaah Yeo celebrating his 200th game on Friday night, that seems unlikely. Come and test the waters off Redcliffe, Jack. Margate Beach is a lot warmer than Lake Burley Griffin.
Verdict – Panthers by 14
Result – Panthers 53 defeated Raiders 12
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm – Friday night – Accor Stadium
The Storm got back to their winning ways last week, but it's worth noting that the two teams they have beaten this season have won just one game between them. This is harder. When Hughes, Asofa-Solomona and Papenhuyzen return this team are back near the top of the tree, but they won't be playing this weekend. The Bunnies have had a big week on and off the field. Hame Sele returns to bolster the Bunnies engine room, which will help the home side as they interchange their forwards. There's some risk they'll struggle to lift themselves for this, but I'll back them to find a way.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4
Result – Storm 18 defeated Rabbitohs 10
Manly Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday afternoon – Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee
While the loss to the Rabbitohs last week was the better result for rugby league in general, most would accept that the Sea Eagles were a tad unlucky in that one. Prior to the low-scoring tussle with the Bunnies the Sea Eagles attack had been singing, racking up successive 30+ point tallies. They're pretty to watch, and Josh Schuster is the fittest he's ever been and starting fulfill the promise everyone knew he had. Manly coach Anthony Siebold gave an impromptu audition for the role of Jeff in the Wiggles, but has shrugged it off. We've had former Prime Ministers do far worse in a McDonalds restaurant. The Knights did well against the Raiders last week in Newcastle, but a win in Mudgee on Saturday looks a much tougher assignment.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 10
Result – Sea Eagles 32 drew with Knights 32
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Redcliffe Dolphins – Saturday afternoon – WIN Stadium, Wollongong
The Dolphins had their depth tested last week, and still nearly pulled off a win against a team that are yet to lose. They had their chief organiser off with a pectoral injury, a winger on one leg for 70 minutes and a couple of second rowers filling in at dummy half for the first time in their lives. After the game Bennett said that if Marshall-King was able to play they win that game, and I think he's right (he usually is). Marshall-King is back this week, and he'll have plenty of work to do with the new halves pairing of Katoa and Milford working together for the first time. I worry a little that the Dolphins spine doesn't have a lot of talkers/organisers - the sooner O'Sullivan returns the better the Dolphins will be. While the Dolphins lost few admirers, the Dragons capitulation to the Sharks had St George fans wriggling in their armchairs. It was the biggest loss by any team so far this year, and by some margin. To lose like that, in a local derby at your home ground, is an ugly loss. You would hope they will be better than that this weekend, but I suppose it depends on whether or not the players want to keep their coach. I don't know, and I don't think the players know either. De Belin returns which should tighten up their defence in the middle, but the Dolphins have no shortage of quality in the middle of the field. Ben Hunt could win this on his own, but I'll tip the Dolphins in what is apparently an upset.
Verdict – Dolphins by 2
Result – Dragons 38 defeated Dolphins 12
Brisbane Broncos vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos were off their game a little bit in the Battle of Brisbane, but were still good enough to get the points. The same seventeen go around again for the home side and they should be too strong for the winless Tigers.
Verdict – Broncos by 16
Result – Broncos 46 defeated Tigers 12
Cronulla Sharks vs New Zealand Warriors – Sunday afternoon – PointsBet Stadium
The Warriors are an improved outfit under the new coach, and getting to spend some time in their own country has to help. Wayde Egan is a massive inclusion for this game, but their record in Australia, and particularly in Sydney, is poor. Nicho Hynes returned for the Sharks last week and took them to another level, particularly in the second half as their opponent started to tire. Home side for me.
Verdict – Sharks by 7
Result – Warriors 32 defeated Sharks 30
Canterbury Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday afternoon – Accor Stadium
The Bulldogs led comfortably but were run down by the Warriors, while the Cowboys looked clunky bit did enough to beat the Titans at home. In doing so, the Cowboys have Taulagi, Shibasaki and Tamou to injuries and Nanai to suspension. Peta Hiku is a timely return and slots straight back into the centres, with the promising Mitchel Dunn returning off the bench. For the Bulldogs, Josh Reynolds is back and will bring utility and unbridled enthusiasm. Welcome back Josh. I think he'll get to sing the team song after the game too.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 2
Result – Bulldogs 15 defeated Cowboys 14
Wally Lewis - round five selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- ROOSTERS vs Eels
- Raiders vs PANTHERS
- RABBITOHS vs Storm
- SEA EAGLES vs Knights
- Dragons vs DOLPHINS
- BRONCOS vs Tigers
- SHARKS vs Warriors
- Bulldogs vs COWBOYS
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
I have updated the NRL ladder and the tipping comp after round four.
A special shout out to our top tipsters who all scored 7 from 8 - Teraflare, EelsGal, JHC1989 and RICX AM I...outstanding tipping from you all.
I'll have my previews and selections published on Wednesday. I'll have the tips for Wally (still leading the comp) published on Thursday morning.
If anyone notices anything with the scoring that needs attention just let me know.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Tigerholic don't get off the Tigers now because they might come good and you don't have to miss out
Submitted by MGM on
Hi Boss,
SO agree with everything you've said about Clint Gutherson.
"One of the most Durable and Reliable players in the game" is a great way to begin to describe him , but there's so much more.
Every time he gets the ball I sit forward in my chair and am rarely disappointed. Then there's his defensive work and so many try-saving tackles (often one-on-one) I've lost count !
To hear you say he's been getting paid under the odds (no doubt) and that he's willing to take under the odds again to stay where he is infuriates me!... WHO'S managing him ? Get rid of that idiot Gutho and double down and demand what you're worth !!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey MGM
Can't agree more. What is wrong with management. Gutherson is one of the most electrifing fullbacks I have seen. Why would you put this guy under pressure he is incredible. Shame on you Eels you have a champion who has never let you down.
Submitted by Peter Staines on
Roosters
Panthers
Rabbitohs
Sea Eagles
Dolphins
Broncos
Sharks
Cowboys
Submitted by David.C-Manly1st on
Hey Everyone,
My Mighty Manly Sea Eagles were ripped off against the Bunnies. Forward pass my arse, Ref was right there and to make that decision hmmm must be blind as well where was the Touchy. What about one of Cody Walkers tries must have been very close to being in front of the kicker.
Also for their Coach to say we were never going to lose that game. Well let's just say if not for sad passing of the Legend Johnny Sattler. Would they have won not sure there, Walker decided to play a half decent game.
Cheers
David.C-Manly 1st4Ever.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
8512121505225182515145,
Thank god this is the last week of daylight saving over East. Next week I can go back to watching the games at 6 o’clock. The Roosters vs. Eels match Thursday starts at 4:50 p.m. but I’ll be stuck at Woolies doing my shopping so I’ve just this minute set the timer to record it. I’ll wait until it’s finished before I watch my BBB get up over Baggy’s BOYS 😂. OK, let’s do this thing …
Roosters vs. Eels @ Allianz
Probability @ 60-40
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters
Verdict: The Roosters should be fresh after having last week off with the bye. Liked what I saw in their win over the Bunnies, albeit by a small margin. The Eels were impressive getting up over the Panthers last week and again, I liked what I saw, even though I missed out on the tipping point. This should be a cracker and might go down to the wire. Roosters by 6. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
Raiders vs. Panthers @ GIO Stadium
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers
Verdict: The Raiders were pretty ordinary in the second half last week and will have to improve a gazillion percent to win here. The Panthers will reassert themselves here … they’re too good to lose 2 in a row. Panthers by 16.
Rabbitohs vs. Storm @ Accor
Probability @ 60-40
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs
Verdict: Beating a class outfit like Manly is better form in my opinion than an unconvincing effort against a team that is struggling. Mind you, the Storm (even though they’ve lost key players) won’t be easy to beat. Anything can happen in this wonderful game of ours. Rabbitohs by 6.
Manly vs. Knights @ Glen Willow Oval (Mudgee)
Probability @ 75-25
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Manly
Verdict: The Knights played a great game last week in their win over the Raiders but they’re meeting a much better side this week in Manly. Even though they lost last week, Manly should be far too strong here. Manly by 12.
Dragons vs. Dolphins @ WIN
Probability @ 50-50
Ladder Position = Dolphins
Bookies Favourite = Dragons
Verdict: Seriously, how the hell are the Dragons favourites here? They’ve been pretty ordinary so far whereas the Dolphins have been the opposite. Let’s keep this short … Dolphins by 12.
Broncos vs. Tigers @ Suncorp
Probability @ 75-25
Ladder Position = Broncos
Bookies Favourite = Broncos
Verdict: Speaking of keeping things short … top versus bottom, ‘nuff said. Broncos by 18.
Sharks vs. Warriors @ Shark Park
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Warriors
Bookies Favourite = Sharks
Verdict: The Sharks won very well (big) last week and should get a decent contest from a pretty consistent Warriors outfit in this one. So far this season I’m rating the Warriors but feel they might not be up to this. It could be close though. Sharks by 8.
Bulldogs vs. Cowboys @ Accor
Probability @ 50-50
Ladder Position = Bulldogs
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys
Verdict: From what I’ve seen so far this year, the Bulldogs seem to be slowly getting their act together, although they fell away a bit last week. The Cowboys on the other hand seem to be at sixes and sevens and it’s a bit confusing as to why. Having said that though, I think they’re just about due to show us what they’re capable of. Given the efforts the Bulldogs have been putting in lately, I’m thinking this might be close but … Cowboys by 6.
Bye = Titans
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
This one is “gold” and comes off one of the best albums I’ve ever listened to or owned. Pure magic!
https://youtu.be/kU8OJAOMbPg
And this here is the 10 minute “live” version (awesome) if you care to watch…
https://youtu.be/evN6DIGPIJM
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
We know that feeling too well Dave. Not the first time either gr8 supporter of which are few and far between here. Although that call was early in the game, we still had time to remedy it. So sad with the great Satts. But I doubt the score was going to exceed 13 by any means. 13th minute of the match and Satts' jumper number. Big one this week at Mudgee with rain having been about since last Wednesday and very fresh in the air.
Willow Park is a nice ground at Mudgee - so is the white port from one of the renowned wineries, but unfortunately I wont be there.
BTW nice to see you posting here on Thinker site and 17th at another comp.
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by LoqgieCruz on
NRL Tips Round 5:
EELS
PANTHERS
RABBITOHS
EAGLES
DOLPHINS
TIGERS
WARRIORS
COWBOYS
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Why is there all this whinging about Gutho staying for less than market when the same happens with the Storm, Roosters, Panthers, and all those other clubs? Yes he's Awesome and does deserve the Title as the King, but no one battered an eye lid when Munster turned down a ton of cash from the Dolphins to stay with the Storm. Or Yeo staying at the Panthers.
Submitted by Princess on
Hi Thinker, tips are
Roosters
Panthers
Rabbits
Sea Eagles
Dragons
Broncos
Sharks
Cowboys
Thx
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
The lack of success at eels baggy is what we are stunned about when we know he could do better.
Submitted by COSSEY POSSE on
HI Thinker I can not find the tips page so my tips are
Eels
Panthers
Rabbitohs
Manly
Dolphins
Broncos
Sharks
Cowboys
Submitted by a on
The Tide ahead and Tigerholic don’t forget to put on your tops for my 3 strike comp
Submitted by Chook_Dan on
Hi, my tips are
Roosters
Panthers
Souths
Sea Eagles
Dolphins
Broncos
Sharks
Cowboys
Submitted by MGM on
Baggy - I'll TELL you why there's whinging.
Did the Panthers slap Yeo's face by announcing that he didn't have enough "X-factor to keep his position ??
Did the Storm insult Munster by publicly casting similar aspersions on HIS glaring talent ?
Eels management should be grovelling at Gutho's feet tonight and announcing how grateful they are that he was at fullback to save what otherwise would have been a trouncing by the Roosters. And HOW MANY times has THAT been the case in recent history ?!
Thinker was spot on when he said that Gutho deserves better but does the club deserve Gutho ???
Submitted by MGM on
And while I'm at it I may as well spit out some more sour grapes that I've been unable to digest.
What other team this season is going to have to face Three Top Tier teams in a row that are coming Fresh from a Bye ?... ANY?
FIVE top tier teams in total in the first 5 weeks of the comp and three in a row fresh from a bye!
Don't tell ME the NRL didn't realize or that it's oh so complicated ... f#*k you V'landys, Abdo & co !
Submitted by Princess on
Hi from Mudgee, I have lived in or near Mudgee all my life, born 20 minutes away in Gulgong.
Not sure if anyone else has travelled to Mudgee to see the Sea Eagles play but the town turns it on for them. There are Sea Eagles signs everywhere, even on the pubs in town. The Sea Eagles get here early in the week and do charity events and put on things for the kids here..we love having a comp game here.
Happy tipping,
Princess
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hardly worth a rant MGM compared to the sacrifices the Warriors endured for three seasons. Yes three seasons & you are complaining about having a tough draw for five weeks where your players get to sleep in their own bed every night.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Hi Princess
That's terrific to hear about. Thanks for letting us know.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Baggy
You probably make a fair point here. There's a bit of history with the Eels and Gutho - they offered him a low-ball contract many years ago hoping he would take it (from memory about $425k per year). He's on $800k per year currently, which is bl00dy heaps compared to almost all of us, but he's arguably in the most important position on the field, he's the club captain (so all the extra off-field responsibilities he has with that), he plays almost every game, he can take goalkicks if needed, he's good with the media, he's popular, and he's never done anything off the field that was stupid (that we know about at least).
The other thing contributing to the hoo-ha is that Moses is more of a polarising figure. He's always been paid more, and he's just inked a deal for (apparently) $1.25m for five years.
I'm sure the Eels don't want to lose Gutho, but imagine the Dolphins with Gutho at fullback and Wighton at five-eighth :-)
Phins up
Submitted by MGM on
Hi Steely,
I, like just about everyone, have nothing but respect for way that the Warriors persevered for so long and sacrificed in so many different ways during the covid crisis and helped keep our competition running as normally as possible given the circumstances.
It was heroic. Everyone knows it.
You know there's a "but" coming.
You're comparing apples with oranges Steely.
The unforeseeable problems that covid19 thrust upon the world were of epic proportions, cost Millions of people their lives and caused a global economic disaster.
But let's just confine those unforeseeable problems to how they affected our beloved NRL competition and narrow it down even further to how it affected the Warriors. The NRL and, indeed, our Government managed to gain some control over a situation that was largely beyond our control. It required sacrifices, large and small, by just about everyone.
Constructing a fair and equitable Draw for the 2023 season was NOT beyond the NRL's control . The problems of having 17 teams in the competition were NOT unforeseeable !..... They had over a year to get it right and even though they rely on the results from the previous season, they still had tons of time to get it right.
Let's call it a teething problem that one team ended up repeatedly facing an opposition fresh from a bye. And not just any opponent but some of the best in the comp. Let's just hope that the NRL can recognize and learn from that "teething"problem and that no other team has to have such a disadvantageous start to their season .
If they do then they'll have every right to be as upset as I am and it WILL be worth a rant.
Submitted by Esra Star on
I hate the 6 again.
Submitted by TigerGirl on
Sorry I forgot to put my tips in last night.
Panthers
Rabbits
Sea Eagles
Dragons
Broncos
Sharks
Dogs
Probably the first time I haven’t backed my Tigers in years. ☹️
Submitted by tigerholic on
TigerGirl
Me Too
Tiger
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Welcome Princess - didn't know your were a close neighbour. The Ten Dollar Town eh!
Great to see me boys out here in the countryside. Panthers do similar here, when they take one of their home games to a country area and have done so, to here for the past 6 years. Great little place Mudgee is. I knew a few from my railway days from there. Also know your Mid West Council's GM from his TAFE days. He (Brad) is Scott Cam from The Block's brother. His wife was a music teacher here in Bx. Small world indeed. Enjoy the match tomorrow and the atmosphere that comes with it. We'll have The 6 Hour Car Race at Easter and already quite a few visitors arriving.
Keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Boss, that is part of the problem, we did have The King on the cheap after 2 ACL's and then his 3rd was while with us. MGM is very correct when he says that Guth's worth all the X-Factor knocking around just on effort and energy alone. That try on Thursday night, he was at dummy half on the left and is part of the movement on the right to score. Worth all we pay him and then some more. That said when we had him on the cheap he was a fullback with 2 busted knees. Very Risky, and the only reason he has made it to the 800K land is he has moved mountains to get fit, rebuilt and is showing what a champion of the game he is. He's not flashy like Latrell, but he is fitted and more interested in the game. He's not as fast as the Hammer, but he is very rarely out of position or not in position to support. He's nearly the cleanest skin in the game when on and off the field unlike those 2 bozo's at the Panthers. He is everything that you want as a spokesman with your club to be.
Now with this X-factor stuff, I'm not 100% that the club is actually saying that. Most likely it is a club looking for other players, Blake is off contract '24 and those scum (journalists) trying to make a story to sell papers. There was very little official word out of the club about many of our signings over the orf Seeson, so maybe it is the scum like Buzz trying to build something that isn't there. May even be the other scum (managers) who is pushing to drive wedges in what is a really tight playing group.
Submitted by Buzz105 on
What a cracking second half between the knights and the sea eagles....
Awesome afternoon of footy still to come, looking forward to the Dolphins v Dragons, and come on Bronx
Submitted by a on
Well looks like we’ve just seen a draw
Submitted by Mary S on
Does that mean we don't get a strike if we backed Sea Eagles in your comp 'a'?
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by a on
It’s a tough decision
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Phins not having a good day..
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Gotta say, I was not expecting the Dolphins to get owned that convincingly!
Submitted by a on
@NuL1F3 @The tide head @Dragons fanboy @Markate2021 @Gummy Sharks @Mary S @footy chick @Footy Chick @The vouyer
Okay since your team have a draw hears what I’m thinking I won’t give you a strike however next week you’ll have to pick 2 teams one of them being manly
Ma
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Sea Eagles are playing Panthers next week..
Submitted by Christine on
Spare a thought for a rugby league player Sam backo who has suffered a massive heart attack , we are thinking of you & your family in your time of need your in the best place you can be ...
Submitted by David Carling on
Hey Christine,
Well said Sammy Backo was a real character in our game and a decen footballer, so sad to hear the news. Hope is all well and prays go out to him and family.
Get well Sam sooner rather than later matey, take care.
Cheers
David.
Submitted by a on
Hi thinker you have a huge call to make with the sea Eagles tippers in my comp I hope you think about the fairest solution I’ve left them on 2 points 1 strike In case you’re wondering
Submitted by MGM on
TRIIPIN_C - YOU'VE DONE IT AGAIN !!!
This time one other went with you (Wild Oscar).
Submitted by Esra Star on
I've had a Barry Crocker,so far.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Evening All
Just wanted to touch base and let you all know that I have not been posting as much as I normally wood. It's not all related to the Tigers poor performance over the past 11 years, I do have some family stuff going on that has been weighing me down.
I'll check in every now and again and see how things are going. I'm taking a leaf out of Mark Ashford's book and heading Fraser Island for a week from Easter Monday.
Thinker, I'll have to put my round 7 tips in early as I'll be out of service on Fraser Island.
Have a great week folks, hello Christine.
Tiger
Submitted by a on
Don’t forget about my 3 strike comp or will rocket Ryan put a tip in
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Tigerholic apologise to tiger girl immediately she is a true tiger supporter
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Wow Steele the warriors are playing inspirational football I might ruin it by tipping them.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Bl00dy unbelievable Rocket, but it's still early days. Some of the tries they leaked yesterday were very soft. Need to harden up in defence, but big credit hanging in there at 20-0 down. Thought the officiating was shocking. Cummings had a very poor game.
Submitted by a on
Hey I have to say thanks for counting the sea Eagles picks as points rather than strikes
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Tigerholic
Enjoy the break up at Fraser. I'll keep an eye out for your round 7 tips and add them in. I hope things on the home front improve for you soon.
All the best
The Thinker