Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters – Thursday night – AAMI Park
Two of the modern day NRL heavyweights open round six, and while both teams have their detractors, the NRL would be a much better competition if every team was as professional as these two clubs. Joseph Manu returns in time to replace Tedesco at fullback - not many players can match Tedesco, but Manu goes close. For the Storm, Jahrome Hughes returns and will make a world of difference. The Storm beat the Rabbitohs despite losing almost every other meaningful statistic on the night, and they won because they scrambled like few others can and gave it their all. It showed they still have the will to win, and that makes them a hard team to tip against, particularly at home.
Verdict – Storm by 2
Result – Storm 28 defeated Roosters 8
Canterbury Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Accor Stadium
For a few seasons now I've been awe-struck by some of the things Matt Burton does on a football field, and we can add his field goal theatrics last week to that list. He's incredible, but even Burton will struggle to get his team over the line on Good Friday. The Bulldogs available forwards are short on first-grade experience, and the Rabbitohs are welcoming back Tatola to bolster their pack. If forwards win football games, the Easter Bunnies simply have to win this.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 16
Result – Rabbitohs 50 defeated Bulldogs 16
North Queensland Cowboys vs Redcliffe Dolphins – Friday night – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
A few key returns for the Cowboys, with Drinkwater and Cotter straight back into the starting thirteen. The Cowboys are missing a few of their big men, and that is one of the Dolphins strengths, but the return of Cotter (the little big man) will help. The Dolphins depth was tested last week against the Dragons and will be tested further here. Nikorima returns to partner Katoa in the halves, and Edrick Lee plays alongside his cousin in his Dolphins debut. It's been a big month for the newest team in the NRL and they'll need to dig deep again for another Queensland derby. I'm expecting an improved performance as a result (particularly from the three former Cowboys lining up against their old club), but I'm with the Cowboys at home.
Verdict – Cowboys by 8
Result – Dolphins 32 defeated Cowboys 22
Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday afternoon – BlueBet Stadium
I've been impressed with the Sea Eagles thus far, but leaking 32 points to the Knights is a concern. I'd argue the Panthers attack is harder to contain than the Knights. Couple that with the Sea Eagles poor record against the Panthers (particularly at Penrith) and the home side looks the safe way to play here. Note that Jason Saab returns for the first time this season, and Schuster is back in the halves. If Manly are on, it's the game of the round.
Verdict – Panthers by 7
Result – Panthers 44 defeated Sea Eagles 12
Brisbane Broncos vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium
A team that won convincingly last week, playing at home against a team that lost convincingly last week. Broncos just win don't they? I'm convinced.
Verdict – Broncos by 14
Result – Raiders 20 defeated Broncos 14
Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – CBus Super Stadium
Perhaps the Dragons do like their coach. It would explain the dominant win last week against the Dolphins. I imagine they'll need to string together a few victories like that to keep Hook on the hook. They have the luxury of naming the same seventeen as last week, although Jaydn Su'a may have to prove his fitness. The Titans have had to move players around to create a new spine - with Campbell, Sexton, Boyd and Randall in the key positions on Sunday. I'll take the settled line-up.
Verdict – Dragons by 4
Result – Titans 20 defeated Dragons 18
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors – Sunday night – McDonald Jones Stadium
The Warriors come-from-behind win over the Sharks in round five has to be one of their best ever. I must confess I'd given up on them, and got quite the shock when I saw the final result. The new coach seems to have found the magic formula most of us want to see from the Warriors. They welcome back two of their best this week in Te Maire Martin and Tohu Harris, and should be hard to beat. The Knights almost did what the Warriors did against the Sea Eagles, and should take some confidence out of the draw. They should also have a fair crowd willing them on at home, but this Warriors side could be playing finals football this year, and I'm excited by that prospect.
Verdict – Warriors by 4
Result – Knights 34 defeated Warriors 24
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels – Monday afternoon – Accor Stadium
Just one win from ten games for these two - we are close to that point where you can just about write off the season if things don't turn around on Easter Monday. The Eels have been closer, and against tougher opponents than the Tigers have been losing to. The Tigers have also scored 12 points or less in four of their five games and that's not enough, particularly when you concede 46 like they did last week. The Eels attack does look more potent, and especially with Shaun Lane returning in the back row.
Verdict – Eels by 10
Result – Eels 28 defeated Tigers 22
Wally Lewis - round six selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- STORM vs Roosters
- Bulldogs vs RABBITOHS
- COWBOYS vs Dolphins
- PANTHERS vs Sea Eagles
- BRONCOS vs Raiders
- TITANS vs Dragons
- Knights vs WARRIORS
- Tigers vs EELS
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Hi everyone
I'm about halfway through updated the scores after round five. I will have the rest completed later today.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Tide Head on
G'day Sir Thinker. Just wondering when my R5 tips will be added to my tally on the ladder? I haven't missed a round... yet ;) A heart in throat moment... Gulp!
Submitted by Mary S on
It's alright Tide Head, don't panic. In the post prior to yours, The Boss said he would have the remainder done later today.
The way my tipping is going, I wonder sometimes if I'll have a score to look at!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by The Tide Head on
Thanks Mary... Phew! I'll catch up on some of those previous posts when I find some time.
Daylight saving ended on the weekend. I need to wind my click back twenty years!
Submitted by The Tide Head on
Yep... the click was meant to be a clock! Best of luck with your tipping this season, Mary.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Did we receive a point for the draw? Otherwise I only got 3
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Baggy_Gee
That's correct. So we are consistent across the competitions on the site, I have given everyone a point for the drawn game (for those that might be wondering, every single one of us tipped the Sea Eagles).
If anyone else notices any issues with the scoring from round five, just let me know.
I will have my previews and selections published on Wednesday.
Note that I'm Thinkering from Stradbroke Island this week, so I might be a bit slower than usual with my updates/comments etc
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by a on
The Tide head if your reading this you e already took the broncos so you have to change your tip on my 3 strike comp
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Going camping this Easter weekend and I bought a cheap projector from BCF to watch the footy on! Does it get any better than that??
Submitted by newbie from perth on
8512121505225182515145,
First up, Happy Easter Frens! If you’re going away, drive safe 🤞. If you’re staying home, take the opportunity to stay up late and sleep in late 😁.
Last week I asked how the Dragons were favourites against the Dolphins. Now I know why and it was obvious the bookies knew more than the rest of us (me) did. Still a lot to learn for me I’m afraid.
I was watching the Sharks game last Sunday afternoon and when the score was 26-6 in favour of the Sharks I copped a power blackout that lasted 6 hours and missed the rest of the game. When I eventually got online and saw the result I was very surprised and asked myself “what the hell happened in that one?” Yeah, I’ve watched highlights but it would’ve been better to see it live. D’oh!
I thought the Cowboys were due last week to give us a glimpse of what they were capable of but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. What’s going on up there in Townsville people? Either the Cowboys are still “finding their way” or the Bulldogs are on the improve (and if so, it’s about time). OK, let’s do this thing …
Storm vs. Roosters @ AAMI
Probability @ 55-45
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Storm
Verdict: I’m really torn with this one. My head says the Storm (they’ve returned to some sort of form and they’re at home) but my heart says the Roosters (for obvious reasons). It’s not impossible down at AAMI but without Teddy I’m not totally convinced, even though I’m expecting (hoping) Joey has a blinder at fullback 💪. I’ll gladly take the hit tipping-wise if my BBB can get up. Storm by 6.
Bulldogs vs. Rabbitohs @ Accor Stadium
Probability @ 35-65
Ladder Position = Bulldogs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs
Verdict: The Rabbitohs have played against really good sides in the first 5 weeks and they finally get, with no disrespect to the Bulldogs, a much easier opponent this week. As good as the Bulldogs have been so far, I think the Bunnies will be too strong here. Rabbitohs by 12.
Cowboys vs. Dolphins @ Townsville
Probability @ 65-35
Ladder Position = Dolphins
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys
Verdict: The Dolphins’ loss last week was a shock to me. If they can play like they did at the start of the year then they’re a great chance. After their unexplainable loss last week the Cowboys would be dead set desperate to get back on track. At home I’ll give them one more chance. If they can’t win this I think I might jump ship. Cowboys by 10.
Panthers vs. Manly @ BlueBet
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Panthers
Verdict: To say Manly’s poor result last week (an ET draw) against the Knights was disappointing would be a huge understatement. They really should’ve done better. The Panthers were back to their best last week, albeit the Raiders offered little resistance. Regardless, the Panthers sent out a clear message. This mountain might just be too high for Manly to climb. Panthers by 12.
Broncos vs. Raiders @ Suncorp
Probability @ 75-25
Ladder Position = Broncos
Bookies Favourite = Broncos
Verdict: The Raiders just didn’t show up last week. To be blunt, their effort was embarrassing. To win here against the league leaders they’d need all the Broncos to come down with food poisoning on Friday night. Yeah, the Broncos’ bubble will eventually burst (it definitely will one day) but it’s not gonna be this week. I’m riding these Ponies until that day happens. Broncos by 18.
Titans vs. Dragons @ Cbus
Probability @ 55-45
Ladder Position = Titans
Bookies Favourite = Titans
Verdict: The Dragons were impressive last week and totally caught me by surprise. Fanboy and his Dad must still be smiling 😁. While the Titans have been so-so this year, they do have the advantage of being at home and returning fresh from the bye. The Dragons haven’t done much on the road so far so I don’t think an away win is on the cards here. Titans by 6.
Knights vs. Warriors @ McDonald Jones
Probability @ 50-50
Ladder Position = Warriors
Bookies Favourite = Warriors
Verdict: The Knights have shown some very good recent form but they’ll be tested by a surprisingly solid Warriors outfit this week. The Knights will go into this game full of confidence and will have the home crowd behind them. The way the Warriors have been going (and especially last week against the Sharks) there’s no reason to think they can’t win this. I’m going with my gut in this one. Warriors by 8.
Tigers vs. Eels @ Accor
Probability @ 25-75
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels
Verdict: I can’t see this as anything other than an Eels win. They’ve played really well against top line sides for little reward. The Tigers are really struggling at the moment and I imagine more pain will be inflicted Monday afternoon. Don’t despair Tiger fans, it will (has to) get better eventually. Eels by 18.
Bye = Sharks
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
As one of the YT comments said … “Walking with your girlfriend back home from school, the sun is about to set behind the mountains and the warm air is filled with the scent of Spring. I can't explain it but that is the image that comes to my mind every time I hear this song.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmIBinoL1OU
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by The Thinker on
Deine Mariner has extended his agreement with the Broncos until 2027.
Hasn't had a lot of opportunities at the top level yet - but he may be the best of the young crop coming through the Broncos system.
Submitted by a on
Hey Tide head don’t forget that you’ve already picked the broncos in my 3 strike come so you’ll have to change or else you’ll get a strike
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Boss,
I hope you and your family are having a great, relaxing time on Straddy.
If you haven't heard from Baggy or catchmeifucan (in the comments) before the Bulldogs/Rabbitohs match, can I put in the following on their behalf please:
Rabbits
Cowboys
Panthers
Broncos
Titans
Warriors
Tigers (ha, ha, joking) EELS
Happy Easter everyone.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Thanks Mary, I did get run over by the lead into Easter. I was just going to take the loss but I do really appreciate you looking out for me.
Submitted by Esra Star on
As a Broncos supporter,i think last nights loss was the loss we had to have.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Afternoon All
Thinker- I am off to Fraser Island tomorrow for the week, I have listed my round 7 tips in this comment. Hoping that is ok with you.
Round 7
Rabbits
Roosters
Storm
NZ
Panthers
Broncos
Raiders
Eels
Cheers- Hope everyone is going well with whatever they have going on.
Tiger
Submitted by Esra Star on
Geeze,i hate that 6 again rule!!
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Tiger,
Before you go, don't forget your choice for A's comp.
Currently you are 3 points & 2 strikes - Tigerholic (Broncos, Cowboys, Panthers),
Enjoy your week away.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by a on
He picked raiders Mary s
Submitted by Mary S on
Thanks A - I saw that after I had already posted my comment.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Esra Star on
Parramatta nearly did a Parramatta on themselves. Coach and fan killers.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Tell me about it Esra, it was a hard hard watch.