Round fifteen selections

Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Thursday night – Sharks Stadium

Hardly stellar form for either side heading into the local derby - the Sharks losing by 30 at home to the Warriors, while the Dragons lost by 50 to the Dolphins in Brisbane. Eugh! No Origin impacts for the Sharks, while the Dragons will be without Holmes. Flanagan is probably the new goal-kicker, but the Dragons have a few options there. There's a rich history between these sides, but recent results have been fairly one-sided - the Sharks have won the last nine, and 11 of the last 12. The last time the Dragons won a game in Cronulla was nearly nine years ago, and they're not exactly in the sort of form that would have many of us believing they can break the drought. The Sharks have lost Iro, one of many exciting young prospects that have emerged in the NRL this season. He will be missed, but Mulitalo returns from suspension to bolster the backline. I'm sure he'll get under the skin of his opponents on Thursday night, and vice versa.

Verdict - Sharks by 10

Result - Sharks 30 defeated Dragons 18

Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles – Friday night – Cbus Super Stadium

The players dropped from Origin duty square off on Friday night, with Fermor for the Titans and much-more-mentioned Cherry-Evans for the Sea Eagles. No other Origin reps for Manly, while the Titans lose two key pillars from their engine room in Fa'asuamaleaui and Fotuiaka. That duo are the starting props for the QLD side next week, so it leaves a massive hole in the Titans side for this game. Sadly for the Titans, they've been struggling when those two are available, so this is a mighty challenge. To make it even worse (if that's possible), the Sea Eagles have Tom Trbojevic, Saab and Taukeiaho returning. As per the Thursday night game, we have two teams coming off a loss last week. The Titans have won just 3 games this season, and two of those were against the Knights. This is harder, and it's not easy to find a way to talk yourself into a winning performance for the Titans. Hasler and Foran wanting to knock off their old club? I'm sure they want to. I'm not sure that they can.

Verdict - Sea Eagles by 14

Result - Titans 28 defeated Sea Eagles 8

Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters – Saturday night – McDonald Jones Stadium

The Knights have won three of their last six, which isn't bad...for the Knights. Notably, all those games were against teams outside the top eight, but it still isn't bad. The Chooks aren't in the top eight either, but often play like they should be. The Knights coach was having a bit of a whinge recently about the impact of Origin on his team. Given they got to play the Panthers without their five Origin reps, and they now get t play the Roosters without their five Origin reps, he might want to bite his tongue next time. He probably shouldn't be having a crack at the fans of his team either, who are about as loyal as they come. Let's see if he cops a serve from the crowd on Saturday night. Anyhoo, even with home ground advantage and a greatly diminished Roosters line-up the Knights are the outsider here. I don't think there'll be much in this, but there's enough class and attacking firepower in that Roosters backline to get the points. Note that Sam Walker makes his long-awaited return here. Go well, son.

Verdict - Roosters by 4

Result - Roosters 12 defeated Knights 8

North Queensland Cowboys vs Redcliffe Dolphins – Saturday night – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Only one team in the top eight has a negative points differential, and that's the North Queensland Cowboys. In fact, you have to go all the way down to 12th to find a team with a team with a worse points differential. That can matter when you're battling with a whole bunch of teams for spots in the finals, although with the Cowboys scoring a rare draw it may matter a little less. They've conceded 150 points in their last five games, and that's too many. It's particularly concerning when you're taking on a team that's scored 100 points in their last two games. Nearly half of those points were scored against the Bulldogs...in Sydney...in the rain. The Dolphins won't have Tabuai-Fidow on Saturday night, but they didn't have the Hammer when they scored 44 points against the Bulldogs...in Sydney...in the rain. They're a better team if he's available of course, but the Cowboys are missing a fistful of Origin players themselves (Deardon, Robson, Nanai, Cotter). This week the Dolphins advised that three of their most important forwards (Flegler, Gilbert, Saifiti) have been ruled out for the rest of the season. They have some depth in the forwards, but if you could add those three to the roster I'd be calling the Dolphins a premiership threat. That might be beyond them this season, but they're on track to make the NRL finals for the first time this season, and I expect them to win this.

Verdict - Dolphins by 10

Result - Dolphins 58 defeated Cowboys 4

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – Accor Stadium

Technically a Rabbitohs home game, but they've made it clear that they really don't want to be there, and it's pretty likely the Bulldogs will bring more fans through the turnstiles. These sides have already met at this venue this year, with the "home" team (Bulldogs) prevailing 32-0. That Bulldogs side included their Origin reps (Crichton, Burton, King, Mann) who won't be playing on Sunday, but they still kept the Bunnies scoreless, and that Bunnies team included Mitchell, Walker and Graham, who aren't available this round. The Bunnies have played 8 games this season against top eight teams and lost 6 of them. The two games they did win, were against the teams currently 7th and 8th. They'll be competitive, because they're coached by the best, but it's likely they'll just fall short.

Verdict - Bulldogs by 4

Result - Bulldogs 24 defeated Rabbitohs 18

Wally Lewis - round fifteen selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning

  • SHARKS vs Dragons
  • Titans vs SEA EAGLES
  • Knights vs ROOSTERS
  • COWBOYS vs Dolphins
  • Rabbitohs vs BULLDOGS

Comments

The Thinker's picture

Greetings football fans

I have updated the NRL ladder and the tipping comp after round 14. Plenty of solid scores here, with about a dozen of us top-scoring with 7 from 8. The Knights were the team that most of us couldn't find.

As always, if you notice any issues with the scores just let me know.

I'll have my round 15 previews and selections published on Wednesday.

All the best

The Thinker

Dragons-fanboy's picture

Hi everyone, my tips for this week are:

Dragons by 4
Manly by 12
Knights by 6
Cowboys by 2
Bulldogs by 10

Good luck with everyone’s tips for this week! Cheers and enjoy your weekends everyone!!!!!

The Thinker's picture

A special shout out to Sir Billy Boston - the first ever knighthood for rugby league (only took 130 years). You're pretty good if they build you a statue, and Billy has three.

All the best

The Thinker

Gummy Sharks's picture

After last week's efforts from both the Sharks and the Dragons, anybody who attends to watch these two palooka teams should be given free entry and complimentary food and beverages.

The Thinker's picture

@Gummy Sharks

Agreed

Anyone who attends tonight at Shark Park that is also awaiting sentencing should be able to convince a judge that tonight is time already served.

All the best

The Thinker

The Thinker's picture

The Sam Walker return is on hold - broke his thumb at training.

Disappointing...I was really looking forward to his return.

BigPeteBx's picture

I know that feeling Sharky!
My lot aren't far behind them either. Over the past couple of years Sharks were one team that let me down in tipping. Don't know what it is that they have during half-time BUT one way or another, they seem to come out with split personalities.
Cheers and keep well!
BigPeteBx

Steel Panther's picture

Hey Big Pete...how you been? I was at 4Pines a couple of weeks ago watching Manly hammer Brisbane. Unfortunately though I had tipped the Broncos. I only had a GA ticket and what a nightmare as I only got there about 10 minutes before kick off. Great atmosphere but I prefer the comfort of a seat in the stand.

Hope you are well.

BigPeteBx's picture

Evening Steely - going as well as at present. Retired these days BUT not from footy tipping. Manly cost me last week in The 3 Strike Comp here. BUT I did tip them against Bronco's and they trounced them.
Don't blame you with the comfort of a seat. I'd have problems being 6ft3 in old scale with warring limb pains and sitting on the ground.
Congrats on Liverpool's EPL title. Its been a bit of a mixed bag over there of late and what next year brings. Mind A-League with an all Melb G/Final.
I was in Melb at MCG the week before for my daughters b/day and mine, watching my beloved Pies play Crows. AFL isnt everyones cup of tea on Thinker site BUT I have my faves in all codes and nations - as u r well aware of. I still go for Glasgow Rangers mate - getting over Celtic is usually a real nice day.
I cant recall having your b/day - again if ever u wish to touch base with Messaging, that I'm on FB or shoot Thinker a favour to exchange our email and I wont forget yr b/day.
Take it steady Champ and keep well.
BigPete from a very icy Bx these past few days.

GOTTAKICKSTRAIGHT's picture

r15 tips
sharks
eagles
roosters
cowboy
dogs

Ellelicious270707's picture

Hi,

Round 15 tips.
Sharks
Manly
Roosters
Cowboys
Bulldogs

Thank you

Gummy Sharks's picture

Thank you for the well wishes Big Pete. Hope your not too cold out your way as from previous posts I've formed the idea that you're from out Bathurst way. Sheep probably wear jumpers out there in winter! Regarding the Sharks, I think the thing that gets me annoyed the most is there doesn't seem to be any consequences for the players when they turn up and give a half hearted effort and get flogged. Cam McInnes gives 100% each game. Why can't Hynes, Talakai and others ? I've singled those two out but there's others. I know it's just a game, theyré only human and not robots, you play better some weeks and not others for no reason, they carry injuries we never hear of and they have personal lives that come into play etc etc. But there's also the other side of the coin. Those players are all on between 4 and 10 times the average persons wage. They train 6 days a week to dish up the garbage they do, imagine what we'd get if they didn't. And what is it they're REALLY being asked to do? Go out there and concentrate and think for 80 minutes!! That's all. It's not rocket surgery. Go out there and play a game, pretend you're a footballer who's getting very well paid.

BigPeteBx's picture

Good afternoon Sharky (sounds and looks better than Gummy) - yes mate born and bred out this way. On our way to Orange the other day and here's some sheep in a frosty paddock that had been shorn. Poor buggers!!! Minus1 this morning and y/day along with a Minus3&4 last week.
Well last night Drags did the 2nd half demon trick. All Sharks had to do was to keep backing the ball/carrier up and they'd be sure to score and come back.

Captains usually always put in 100% plus Cam was playing his old club. Its more than a game Sharky when it is a weekly ritual that needs attending to. All players now are on big wickets and beats me why some just show the mediocre attitude to their team. Maybe some are on the outer and biding their time.
But as you say - just tell these blokes they're being watched from all over the place and play for what they're getting paid to do and leave their crap elsewhere. Some dont know what THINK is and are just show ponies but don't appear in the newspapers on the back or centre pages of Form Guide BUT manage to make the front page of newspapers for all the wrong reasons.
My Gripe mate!!! Catch ya down the track as I think u live not far from me either. Be safe from what I've seeing down yr way.
Keep well - BigPeteBx

MGM's picture

@BigPeteBx
What did you think of that penalty on Saab for daring to touch the Titan player as they competed for the high ball?
That piece of convoluted bu!!sh!t was brought to you courtesy of Chris the wanker Butler !
Let's see that fool be consistent with THAT interpretation of the rule.

MGM's picture

This is how Unintelligent and Drunk with "bunkerpower" Chris TW Butler is :
Even without all the cameras and replays at Butler's disposal , it was clear that the ball was knocked on by R Garrick immediately after and it was NoTry ... but "TW" decided to make a harsh ,controversial and dubious ruling on "competing for the high ball" instead.

We should have an award this year for Ambitious Match Official in a Starring Role.

MickFJ's picture

Hey Thinker, I've been following ya page for a couple of years...nrl and 15,..titans vs eagles comments got to me...Desla and Foran really did get back to their old club and quite convincingly...not to rub it in ya face but ...ya insight and analysis are absolutely unmatched...overconfidence though...guess ya know better than everyone!!!

MGM's picture

Hi MickFJ.
Pretty clear the J stands for Jerk ... can't Imagine what the F might stand for.

MickFJ's picture

Oh hey MGM, ya sound kinda stressed out mate ...everything Allright in tinseltown??? Any who Titans will make top8 2025...I'll always be available for wager .. just sayin mate!!!

MickFJ's picture

Hey thinker...absolutely no disrespect mate just trying explain...I'll put my tips absolutely free only for this week...
Sharks 10
Titans. 20
Knights 15
Cowboys 10
Rabbitohs 15

tigerholic's picture

MIckFJ
Can't wait to see Thinkers response to you asking to be a part of this comp next year.
I like MGM took a little dislike to you straight off when you attacked our boss.
IF you have been following this site for a few years, why have you not wanted to join. You would be the first Titans fan that I've heard of, and one that perhaps has just learned to read and write and that's why you only pop us now.
IF I had a say, it would be "see ya later wanker".

Tiger

MickFJ's picture

Hey tigerholic....thinker is and will always be a respected figure...my comment was little tongue in cheek..nothing personal mate..but yeah I'm waiting for his response as well...my tips were a giveaway...I'm no exactly in for competition...lol...I'm better of being a titan and a one of thinkers fans!!!

The Thinker's picture

@MickFJ

Thanks for the feedback, and your tips for this round.

I'd do much better if I could write my previews after nearly half the games in that round had already been played.

All the best

The Thinker

p.s. I like Des Hasler. I've always liked Des Hasler. He's a different unit, and I wish there were more outside the box types in the game.

MickFJ's picture

Lmao...Hey thinker, much appreciated mate...like I said it's just a little tongue in cheek...ya don't need to explain yourself mate...you're a legend...betting community appreciates you..I'm sure so does everyone else...cheers

The Thinker's picture

@MGM

The penalty against Saab was a bit nuts - I thought Cherry-Evans summary of the decision was pretty spot on.

I'm pretty sure Chris Butler is our Bunker Referee for Origin on Wednesday too.

Yikes

The Thinker

The Thinker's picture

@MickFJ

No trouble at all. It's nice to know there are some Titans fans out there. The only other one on here that I know about is Footy Chick.

For a moment I wondered if you were Mick Fanning (who used to pop his head in from time to time and see what I had to say), but he's a Panthers fan.

All the best

The Thinker

Steel Panther's picture

Good to hear from you Big Pete. Surely there must be an inquest into that performance last night? Manly unaffected by Origin for the first time since 2015, you're playing the bottom team and get trounced. Know you'll be disappointed like many on here that tipped them.

Rocket Ryan's picture

The only consistency in the nrl is inconsistency with most teams from week to week very frustrating titans and Eagles are an excellent example.

BigPeteBx's picture

Sorry MGM - watched the game and wasnt tuning in on computer. But I do a volunteer role of a Saturday morning in one of our shopping centres on our Community JP Desk where there are several others scattered about Metrop area.
Beats me with that in air challenge. Saab has the height to win balls like Tupou from Chooks. Both would go well in AFL.
But Saab terrible in defence. Has a lovely running stride which is noticeable from my athletics coaching days.
The KFC Bunker Room has a lot hanging over its head at times with their decision which would be brought about from sticky fingers and hitting a wrong button or slipping on another.

Have a good week mate - BigPete in Bx

BigPeteBx's picture

Good Sunday evening Steely - a bloomin disgusting effort from Manly.
Des is smiling as is Foz!
I saw a note on FB today about names being put forth for coach. Mick Ennis was one but truly Manly let the best they had go to Dragons.
Seibs is doing something out of character or players are getting under his skin.

Manly should win next week. No injuries from State of Origin and they can all go and play cards on the golden sands of Manly Beach on their day off. Surely they cant have a bad day when they have the bye!!!!

Keep well - BigPete in Bx

The latest in NRL news