South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Penrith Panthers – Thursday night – Accor Stadium
Technically a home game for the Bunnies, although lots of Rabbitohs fans don't travel to this stadium in huge numbers, particularly on a Thursday night. Don't be surprised if there are more Panthers fans at the ground. It's a game worthy of a big crowd, so the location and timeslot isn't ideal, but at least the television audience gets a cracking game to start round 8. The return from injury for Liam Martin was about as short-lived as the political career of Mal Meninga - his Origin prospects look dim until he can get his hamstrings strung right. A big out for the Bunnies also, with Keaon Koloamatangi out for at least 5 weeks with an ankle injury. He wouldn't look out of place as an Origin replacement for Martin, but it won't be this year. The Panthers have beaten the Bunnies in ten of their last 11 clashes - that includes a preliminary final at this venue last season and a narrow win at Penrith in round 2 this season. They're on a short turnaround from an extra time away game last week, and they are the first to admit they weren't at their best in that game (but still found a way to win). They've been clunky at times, but as I pointed out recently their defence is holding firm. No team has scored more than 17 points against them this season, and their two losses were both by a solitary point. If this is a close affair we have a battle between Cleary and Mitchell with the boot, and the prospect of such a contest has my attention. The game of the round.
Verdict – Panthers by 1
Result – Rabbitohs 20 defeated Panthers 18
Parramatta Eels vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – TIO Stadium, Darwin
The Eels are in 12th place but last year's grand finalists are better than that. Notably their for and against this season is better than the 4th placed Sea Eagles and not far behind the 3rd placed Warriors. Where both these sides are doing well is keeping their troops on the field. Only Josh Hodgson (illness) is unavailable for the Eels, while the Broncos welcome back Flegler from suspension and Corey Oates from an ugly jaw fracture (fractures). Oates was a try-scoring wizard last season and will be keen to get back on the field with a team that knows how to score tries. The Eels have to beat the Broncos and the weather. Not surprisingly, the forecast for Darwin is hot and humid. They played the Cowboys in Darwin in round 8 last season, and got flogged. This time they face the Broncos who are barely out of a warm and extended summer in Brisbane. The Eels might want to think about taking the Warriors to Darwin next year.
Verdict – Broncos by 8
Result – Broncos 26 defeated Eels 16
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night – Accor Stadium
One team that hasn't had luck with injuries is the Bulldogs, and it may very well derail what was looking like a promising season. They've named Averillo, Burns and Davey this week, but all three will be playing with issues. You know the Bulldogs will give it their all, and I'm sure their fans appreciate the effort, but they're missing a lot of troops. The Sharks are quietly working their way up the ladder, and look like a team that will be playing finals football this season.
Verdict – Sharks by 10
Result – Sharks 33 defeated Bulldogs 20
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday night – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
First and foremost I hope the return of Kalyn Ponga on Saturday night proceeds without incident. I doubt anyone wants repeated concussions forcing him into an early retirement. He returns in the halves while Jacob Saifiti returns on the bench. Jordan McLean returns for the Cowboys but the big news is the injury (4-5 weeks) to Jason Taumalolo. The Cowboys already had a few forwards unavailable (Luki, Tamou, Neame) but the other JT is the big cheese in town. No one replaces Taumalolo so it's up to the rest of the Cowboys forwards to lift in his absence. Given the Cowboys recent form, that sounds like a great idea that they'll struggle to execute. The Knights are going pretty well, and unless they lose Ponga in the first tackle I think they can get the job done in Townsville.
Verdict – Knights by 2
Result – Cowboys 18 defeated Knights 16
Redcliffe Dolphins vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – Suncorp Stadium
Another Queensland derby this weekend, but it feels like we have one of these nearly every weekend. This time it's the Dolphins and the Titans at a venue that isn't (really) the spiritual home for either side. It will be interesting to see what sort of crowd turns up, and what colours they wear. AJ Brimson was some chance of returning for this game but he hasn't been named. The Dolphins lose Kenny Bromwich to suspension but welcome back Kaufusi and Wallace from suspensions. Expect a big game from Kaufusi after a month on the sidelines - no doubt he would like to remind the QLD selectors he's still mean and keen. The Dolphins did what the Dolphins do in the first half last week, only to be run down and lapped by the Rabbitohs in the second half. It looks like a capitulation on paper, but I wouldn't describe it as such, and the Rabbitohs are the sort of team that can do that to anybody when they get warm. The Titans defense is a bigger query - the only team they've defended well against are the Tigers. The Dolphins are better than that. Phins up!
Verdict – Dolphins by 4
Result – Dolphins 28 defeated Titans 26
Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – Campbelltown Stadium
I'm not going to put the boot into the Tigers or their fans. They've had a rough run and that last thing they need is the biggest mind in rugby league reversing the snowmobile back over their tired and weary bodies. Instead I will give them something to hang their hopes on for Sunday afternoon. Thus far in season 2023, teams coming off the bye have won 5 games out of 6. Somewhat strangely, the only team that didn't is the Panthers. So that's something. Note that clubs will be wearing their ANZAC jerseys for this round - I do hope the Tigers remember to wear version two and not version one. Manly have won only half their games but that's been enough to get them into the top four. Cherry-Evans was Oscar-nominated last week (losing narrowly to Cameron Munster in a performance for the ages). He's a fair actor, but he's a better footballer, and I'll back him to steer his mob around the paddock and get the job done.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 8
Result – Sea Eagles 22 defeated Tigers 16
Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Tuesday afternoon – Allianz Stadium
The first of two games on ANZAC Day and this, in all fairness, is the main event. While neither team is in fine form they'll both be desperate to show up for this and I'm expecting an epic contest. Some very important changes for the Chooks as they twiddle the dials and try to find a winning formula. Sam Walker gets dropped altogether, with Manu moving into the halves and Momirovski returning in the centres. The other big inclusions are Angus Crichton and Sitili Tupouniua. Changes for the Dragons back row also, with Jaydn Su'a making way for Ben Murdoch-Masila. While the Chooks are clearly off their game somewhat, they've had a tough draw to start the season. Even with all that, they still find themselves above the Dragons on the ladder. The Dragons could easily win this, particularly if they want to put a smile on Hook's face. I think they do, but I don't think they're good enough.
Verdict – Roosters by 1
Result – Roosters 27 defeated Dragons 26
Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors – Tuesday night – AAMI Park
For years this contest has been a fairly one-sided affair, with the Warriors having (arguably) the worst record of any club against the Storm juggernaut. That could change this year, with the Warriors at the pointy end of the ladder while the Storm are in a pack at the bottom end of the top eight. But I have too many memories of these ANZAC clashes to ignore, and the return of Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Nick Meaney give me enough reasons to tip the home side. Worth watching though - this could end up being one of those games you'll be glad you kept your eye on.
Verdict – Storm by 4
Result – Storm 30 defeated Warriors 22
Wally Lewis - round eight selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- Rabbitohs vs PANTHERS
- Eels vs BRONCOS
- Bulldogs vs SHARKS
- COWBOYS vs Knights
- DOLPHINS vs Titans
- Tigers vs SEA EAGLES
- ROOSTERS vs Dragons
- STORM vs Warriors
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
I have updated the NRL ladder and the tipping comp after round 7. I had a suspicion we might have a few perfect rounds, and I was right.
Congrats to Mad Max and David.C-Manly1st - our first perfect rounds for the season.
Otherwise, there were plenty of sixes and a smattering of sevens. I'm not sure if the tipping is getting easier or we're getting better - perhaps a bit of both.
If anyone notices any issues with the scores just let me know.
I'll have my previews and selections published on Wednesday and will add tips for Wally on Thursday morning. Note that this round includes the ANZAC Day games, so it drags out over six days.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by KWALIMU TAMARUA on
i want tips from you.
Submitted by Zacchaben on
If I will do my tips I'll go with this:
Panthers
Broncos
Sharks
Cowboys
Dolphins
Eagles
Roosters
Storms
Submitted by MGM on
Hi everyone,
What do you all think of J Luai and his long fanned out hairstyle saving the Panthers from defeat ? (.. Frizel was penalised on what would have been tackle 5, Panthers kick downfield and two tackles later score a try).
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi MGM,
The incident certainly caused some heated comments - see
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/hair-pull-storm-erupts-...
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/panthers/nrl-2023...
and now -
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/could-have-easily-nrl-a...
Reminded me of last year when Cowboys player, Luciano Leilua, had his hair pulled, but that certainly looked to be a deliberate act.
https://www.sportbible.com/rugby-league/jadyn-sua-charged-with-ugly-hair...
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Jethro Daplet on
Hi,any ideas for mark tips
Submitted by Isaiah Erickson on
Rabbitohs
Eels
Sharks
Knights
Dolphins
Sea Eagles
Roosters
Warriors
Submitted by newbie from perth on
8512121505225182515145,
I was looking at the Roosters team sheet last night and noticed Manu at number 6 and Walker dropped. Hmmm. Great to see Angus back in the team though, hope he has a good one. Getting Tupouniua back and having players like Matt Lodge (interchange) and Nathan Brown (reserves) available makes me rest a little easier. Slowly starting to get some troops back. OK, let’s do this thing …
Rabbitohs vs. Panthers @ Accor
Probability @ 40-60
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers
Verdict: OK, the Rabbitohs have been on fire the last 2 weeks but it’s been against somewhat “average” sides (no offence). The Panthers are not quite at the level of the past 2 years but they’re still a strong outfit. In a match that may be decided by attack and/or defence, I’m leaning towards the classier side. Panthers by 6.
Eels vs. Broncos @ TIO (Darwin)
Probability @ 45-55
Ladder Position = Broncos
Bookies Favourite = Broncos
Verdict: The Eels had a big win last week but given the injury problems their opposition had (and have), it wasn’t surprising. They’ll have a much tougher assignment against the league leaders this week. 80 minutes of football will show us where they’re at. The Eels are definitely capable of winning this but I’m thinking the Broncos’ attacking ability will get them home. Broncos by 8.
Bulldogs vs. Sharks @ Accor
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks
Verdict: I still think the Bulldogs have some upside in them but their injury problems are holding them back. Given the way the Sharks dealt with the Roosters last week, I just can’t see the Bulldogs being in the contest here. Sharks by 10.
Cowboys vs. Knights @ Townsville
Probability @ 55-45
Ladder Position = Knights
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys
Verdict: As I’ve mentioned before, the Cowboys seem out of sorts this year. At home they will be absolutely desperate to get back on track but having Jason Taumalolo missing due to surgery on his bung knee might make it just a tad harder. The Knights have had a really good last 4 weeks (2 wins, a draw against Manly and a 1 point loss to the Panthers) and that form has me tipping them to win this one. Knights by 6.
Dolphins vs. Titans @ Suncorp
Probability @ 55-45
Ladder Position = Dolphins
Bookies Favourite = Dolphins
Verdict: The Dolphins big loss last week has me wondering if the honeymoon period is over for them. The stats above are all favouring the Dolphins but I’m thinking they’re starting to go off the boil. The Titans aren’t setting the world on fire but they have a couple of handy players returning (maybe) this week (AJ Brimson and Jojo Fifita) so I think it might be a great opportunity for them to rack up another 2 points here. Titans by 8.
Tigers vs. Manly @ Campbelltown
Probability @ 35-65
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Manly
Verdict: After watching how Manly dealt with the Storm last week, you’d be hard pressed to suggest anything other than a Sea Eagles win here. The Tigers will be well rested after the bye and may very well ramp it up a notch here but even with some handy players returning I just can’t make a case for them this weekend. Manly by 10.
Roosters vs. Dragons @ Allianz
Probability @ 75-25
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters
Verdict: The Roosters are definitely not travelling all that well at the moment and what troubles me most is what I’ve seen (or rather not seen) in the last 2 weeks. My BBB have failed to score in the second half in their last 2 games. Normally I would feel somewhat comfortable against the Dragons but I have to remind myself this is the Anzac Day match so anything could happen. With a little bit of uneasiness, I’ll keep the faith. Roosters by 8. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
Storm vs. Warriors @ AAMI
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Warriors
Bookies Favourite = Storm
Verdict: The Storm have me confused. Their form is all over the place and last week, for large portions of the game, they never really looked like winning against Manly. The Warriors have been solid so far this year (that’s why they’re sitting 3rd on the ladder) but given the Storm’s in and out form and the fact it’s at AAMI, I think it might be a little too much for the Warriors to get up here. Storm by 6.
Bye = Raiders
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
Great pianist. Great voice. Great song. One of my all-time favourites. What more can I say?
https://youtu.be/GlRQjzltaMQ
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by Tyson Yope on
Sir I hope your prediction is correct. Hopefully it helps me tipping my tip for this Magic Round 8.
Cheers!
Submitted by MGM on
It'll be interesting to see what hairstyle Luai runs onto the field with tonight.
There are players with integrity and then there are the Panthers.
Submitted by KWALIMU TAMARUA on
ASSIT ME WITH THE TOP PREDICTIONS FOR ROUND EIGHT.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey MGM
There is no doubting the Panthers ability and no doubt about Nathan Cleary's skill. Maybe one of the best players in the game. But their antics after a try, big hit or a field goal leave me cold. No doubt the folks in western Sydney love it but I find it offensive. The black cats aren't winning by much, but saying that I have tipped them tonight but would love to see the Rabbits give them a hiding.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Newbie,
Yet another great SOTW, love this band. About time you posted something I don't like. Good luck with your tips my friend.
Submitted by a on
The tide head lillychino and rocket Ryan are you going to pick a team in my 3 strike comp
Submitted by MGM on
OH YEAH !.....RABBITOHS !
Submitted by MGM on
Hi Mark A.
Those antics are a big part of what I meant and I'm happy that you spotted that mate.
Let's not forget the disrespect they showed to their fellow Grandfinalists (the Eels) in their "celebrations" ... Fischer-Harris and Luai playing lead roles and leading many of the 3000 fans in a "We hate Parra" chant.... and the year before, breaking the Provan-Summons trophy during their "celebrations".
And lets not forget J Luai standing over an unconscious and convulsing Selwyn Cobbo in the third State of Origin clash of the 2022 series , flexing and yelling over the top of him (Luai not even having been involved in the heavy hit-up that caused the injury but happy to puff out his chest and pretend that he was the tough guy here) .... disgusting behaviour that he later stated he had "Nothing to apologize for"!!
Then there's the Golden Boy himself sneaking the kicking tee eight metres in from the sideline to attempt to convert a try that was scored one metre the corner post during the Preliminary Final against the Storm in 2021 - you may think I'm going back too far now but it has stuck with me because it confirmed what I already knew about Nathan Cleary ... he's a cheat and a liar - .. when he was caught breaking the strict covid restrictions that were keeping our game alive he was fined $10,000 by the NRL but later that was increased to $30,000 for being "untruthful" in dealings with the integrity unit.
... Fool me once Nathan and it's shame on you, but you've never fooled me . You and too many of your team mates are self-entitled, disrespectful arseholes that think the rules and etiquette of our game and our society don't apply to you.
. That's why I think you picked the wrong bigcat for your club.
To me you'll always be the Penrith Cheatahs !
And stop trying to gain an unfair advantage over decent players Luai... expose the back of your jersey, Marty Taupau can show you how.
Submitted by Mary S on
What a great result last night!!!
Did nothing for my tipping, but it always seems great to have the Panthers taken down a peg or two.
Skill I can admire, but straight out, in-your-face, "I'm better than God", arrogance is another story altogether.
@ MGM -I gather you don't like them either - funny how you picked a couple of players that irritate me the most!!
@ Mark - I so agree with your sentiments!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Unko Tee on
honest to who??!!, J luai should either have his hair tied up or cut short!!! pure accidental no worthy of a penalty, If your gonna have long hair, be prepared it MAY!! get tugged during a tackle, if he did it purpose then sure, penalty warranted, but that was pure accidental!! If the women can play the game and not get their hair pulled??! How come the men cant do the same??! Terrible penalty!!!!
Submitted by a on
@the tide head don’t forget to put your tip in my 3 strike comp
Submitted by MGM on
Hiya Mary,
So you picked up on that huh :-)
Thanks for the links you sent a couple of days ago by the way. I hadn't seen the very similar hair tangle incident from Friday night's Sharks v Roosters game where no action was taken even after Talakai complained to the ref. Seeing that just added fuel to the fire in my belly and then I saw Graham Annesley's insipid , hand-wringing comment - "I just don't know what else the ref was supposed to do"- at his weekly football briefing.
. REALLY Graham ... the answer is right there in Friday's game.
The real question is What are YOU going to do ?.. You also cried that "the refs are in a no win situation here".... Why are YOU allowing that to happen to your referees who, God knows, have enough on their plate.
. Players are required to keep their fingernails cut but you do nothing to address this unacceptable situation where some players are gaining an advantage over short-haired players and players that have the good sense and integrity to tie their hair up and out of the way.
. STOP acting like there's nothing you can do or there's not a problem here. It's not even hard to fix and it's Really easy to justify - Get off the field until you've tied it up and out of the way or cut it off or put your tracksuits on Luai & co !
. My apologies for the lengthy comments, Mary and Mark A are much better than me at staying calm and keeping it brief. Believe it or not I was trying not to say too much (see my comments on Tuesday &Wed)
Submitted by mark ashford on
MGM
Seems I have a like minded tipster here. Obviously I'm a QLDer and a Broncs supporter but I remember when the Storm were the most hated team in the comp but I think the CHEETERS (your call) have taken over.
I did yell out a cheer when the Rabbits scored that late try, cost me a point but who cares. I think the coach Ivan needs to calm his boys down a bit and try to gain some support from other Aussies. I know Western Sydney has a huge supporter base from Islanders but a bit of humility won't go astray.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Mary S
So nice to see you back here and posting .
I've had a move of house from Bribie Island to the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. My posts may be a bit erratic as I settle but I'll try my best.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Mary S
So nice to see you back here and posting .
I've had a move of house from Bribie Island to the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. My posts may be a bit erratic as I settle but I'll try my best.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Mary S
So nice to see you back here and posting .
I've had a move of house from Bribie Island to the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. My posts may be a bit erratic as I settle but I'll try my best.
Submitted by MGM on
Definitely like minded Mark.
You control your emotions better than me though.
Cheers mate, good luck with the re-location.
Submitted by a on
The tide head are you going to submit a tip in my 3 strike comp
Submitted by Esra Star on
Jack Wighton going to the rabbits. Who will they have to offload to afford him?