South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Penrith Panthers – Thursday night – Accor Stadium
Many of you would know I'm not shy about tipping an upset here and there, and Thursday night is no exception. Given the Panthers beat the Sharks in round one, and the Sharks beat the Rabbitohs fairly comfortably last week, this looks like a strange upset to tip, but here I am anyway. It's been a big month for the defending premiers - a trip to Vegas followed by back to back losses. This will be their fourth different venue to play at through four rounds, so there's a bit going on. They will also have their captain and chief organiser sitting with his Dad, and Dylan Edwards isn't back yet either. They do get Laurie back at fullback, and he's terrific, but he's not Dylan Edwards. There's nothing wrong with the Panthers spine of Laurie, Cole, Toelau and Kenny...but it won't have the Bunnies quaking in their boots. They've conceded 90 points in three games this season, which is an enormous increase on recent seasons. They're still a very good team, and they're going to make the finals, but it does look like the Empire is starting to fracture a little. The Bunnies will be without the unlucky Campbell Graham which isn't ideal, but Alex Johnstone is back. He needs 17 tries to equal Ken Irvine on the all-time list. If he stays fit and well he might reach that milestone this season. The Rabbitohs can win this but their forwards will need to do their jobs and do them well - I think they're up for the challenge. A shout out to Reggie (Charlie) the Rabbit this week - let's not allow one moment where he wasn't perfect tarnish a life of awesomeness.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 1
Sydney Roosters vs Gold Coast Titans – Friday night – Allianz Stadium
The Thinker is still Thinkering.
Verdict – TBA
Redcliffe Dolphins vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
The Thinker is still Thinkering.
Verdict – TBA
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday afternoon – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
The Thinker is still Thinkering.
Verdict – TBA
North Queensland Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday afternoon – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
The Thinker is still Thinkering.
Verdict – TBA
Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Saturday night – Sharks Stadium
The Thinker is still Thinkering.
Verdict – TBA
Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels – Sunday afternoon – 4 Pines Park
The Thinker is still Thinkering.
Verdict – TBA
Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors – Sunday afternoon – Campbelltown Sports Stadium
The Thinker is still Thinkering.
Verdict – TBA
Wally Lewis - round four selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- Rabbitohs vs Panthers
- Roosters vs Titans
- Dolphins vs Broncos
- Dragons vs Storm
- Cowboys vs Raiders
- Sharks vs Bulldogs
- Sea Eagles vs Eels
- Tigers vs Warriors
Guest tips for this round
See these tips on one page
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
I've updated the NRL ladder and the tipping comp after round three. No-one scored a perfect round, but we had plenty of people who picked 7 from 8. And they found seven in different ways - so no crazy upsets as such.
As always, if you notice anything that needs attention, just let me know.
I'll have my round four previews and tips published on Wednesday,
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hey all,
My tips for this week are:
Panthers by 10
Titans by 4
Broncos by 14
Storm by 8
Raiders by 12
Sharks by 6
Manly by 40
Tigers by 2
Good luck with everyone’s tips this week! Cheers!!!!!!
Submitted by MGM on
Is it as simple as increasing the salary cap ?
It must be more complicated than that, but when clubs can't hang on to their stalwart, long-time stars of the game , something has to change.
This time it's Manly losing DCE , Souths lost Adam Reynolds(who Really wanted to stay) , and I'm sure you all can name a few others.
Eels ... I think they just under-valued King Gutho and will get what they deserve ( I can still taste those rotten grapes) ..... but Manly don't want to lose DCE any more than he wants to go.
When a player has 300+ games for one club, should there be some "special dispensation" that allows the star they've groomed to maintain his loyalty to the club he loves and still be paid what he's worth ?
Submitted by The Thinker on
@MGM
The clubs can use some exemptions in some circumstances. I believe each club can currently have up to $300,000 per year exempted from the salary cap for club veterans (DCE yes, Reynolds probably no) and for players they developed as juniors. That's across the entire roster, so $300,000 may not go very far at Manly where they have Cherry-Evans and three Trbojovic brothers...but it is something.
Perhaps it's time to raise the $300k to a higher amount.
And I agree with you - the one club veterans who reach the 300 club are a special breed and should be celebrated and recognised.
All the best
The Thinker
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