Round sixteen selections

Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders – Friday night – Campbelltown Sports Stadium

The rugby league world has woken up and realised that the Raiders are a proper football team, and their run home leaves them with every possible chance of claiming the minor premiership. They've just had their first bye, with two more to come. In the weeks ahead the Raiders will be playing the Tigers twice, the Knights twice and the Dragons twice. On form, that's six more wins, but no team should take any other team for granted this season. The Raiders have earned the easier run through, playing every round until mid-June and having to travel to Vegas, Townsville, Darwin, Gold Coast and Brisbane in the process. I think they're the team to beat. Hudson Young is likely to back up after his 46 minutes of Origin on Wednesday - note that he made more tackle breaks than any other Blues player on Wednesday night. He's top notch. Luai is likely to escape a suspension for whatever he did to Rueben Cotter's face and should back up for the Tigers. The Tigers are going okay this year, but most of their wins this season have been against teams at the disappointing end of the NRL ladder. Granted they beat the Dolphins early in the year, but the Dolphins were running last at the time. I expect they'll give a fair account of themselves, but the Raiders class should see them through. A notable debut for the Raiders this week, with the son of the coach starting on the wing. That's now three players in the NRL playing in teams coached by their father...feels like some sort of record. Best of luck Jed.

Verdict - Raiders by 8

Resul - Raiders 16 defeated Tigers 12

New Zealand Warriors vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday afternoon – Go Media Stadium

The Panthers have already advised that their Origin players won't be travelling to Auckland for this game. Unless they've convinced Gina Rinehart to lend them a charter plane, that's unlikely to change. I assume Kurt Capewell can't get back in time for the Warriors either. Something for the schedulers at the NRL to keep in mind when the Perth Bears join the competition. Notably, the Panthers haven't played in Auckland since 2019, so it will be a new experience for most of them. Both teams are backing up from a bye and the Warriors will be pleased to have Wayde Egan back in the dummy half role for this game. I'm assuming this is yet another sold out game for the Warriors at home, and I don't expect them to disappoint. For the punters, just keep backing Luke Metcalf to score a try every time he laces on the boots. It happens more often than not.

Verdict - Warriors by 10

Result - Panthers 28 defeated Warriors 10

Redcliffe Dolphins vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday afternoon – HBF Park, Perth

No trouble travelling for the Origin players in this contest, who get to stay in Perth until their team-mates arrive. The weather in Perth looks pretty ordinary , but this game isn't played at the same venue as Wednesday night - hopefully it's not too chopped up. The Dolphins have scored more points than any other team in the NRL, while the Knights have scored the least. That's an onimous stat for Knights fans. You'd think the wet weather might dampen the Dolphins attack, but a few weeks ago they racked up 44 points against the table-topping Bulldogs in Sydney and played much of that game in the rain. The Knights do have a fair list of inclusions for this game - Best, Frizell, Sharpe and Young returns after his ill-fated stint with the Chooks. They'll be better, and they did beat the Dolphins back in round two. That said, the Dolphins have come a long way since then. With so many forwards missing for the Dolphins this will be a challenging contest in the wet, but they're playing beautiful football at the minute and they should find a way.

Verdict - Dolphins by 4

Result - Knights 26 defeated Dolphins 20

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday night – Accor Stadium

These sides met in round 8 and it was a fair contest, but the Storm prevailed in the end (24-16). Notably, that game was in Melbourne, and the Storm have been disappointing on the road this season (2 wins and 4 losses). Mitchell has been named for the Bunnies and the Storm have named their five Origin reps in their starting thirteen. The extra travel from Perth and the Origin back-up will test the Storm, but they've had plenty of experience managing this period of the season. The Bunnies have named a bunch of stars on their extended bench but they aren't likely to play. They've tried hard all year and I expect more of the same, but I also expect the quality of the Storm squad to get the job done. Closer than most might think.

Verdict - Storm by 4

Result - Storm 25 defeated Rabbitohs 24

Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – Suncorp Stadium

A rare afternoon fixture for the Broncos, and with good weather expected there should be a fair crowd at this one. It's hard to get a read on the Sharks this season. Their last win was solid enough but that was against a team travelling poorly (Dragons). Prior to that they conceded 40+ points in successive weeks against better opponents (Roosters, Warriors). Getting a read on the Broncos is even harder. Some truly woeful performances at times, but every now and then they turn up and show everyone what they can do. The outcome here depends entirely on what version of the Broncos and Sharks turn up on Sunday, and for that we're simply guessing. The Broncos were much-improved against the Titans last start - hopefully the return of Reece Walsh has energised the squad. At this point, Haas and Carrigan have been named to play. I don't think they could win this game without them.

Verdict - Broncos by 4

Result - Broncos 34 defeated Sharks 28

Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday afternoon – Allianz Stadium

It's 10th vs 8th but this game has more Origin stars involved than any other game this round - the five Roosters and four Cowboys have all been named to back up from Wednesday night, but it's worth keeping an eye out for late team changes. The Chooks have lost a few Poms with Radley (concussion) and Young (Knights) out of the side, while the Cowboys welcome back their own Englishman in Bateman. Taumalolo remains unavailable after injuring himself in the warm-up last week. The Cowboys will be keen to make amends after getting taught a footballing lesson by the Dolphins last week. This is the Cowboys third trip to Sydney for the season and historically it's a venue they struggle at, especially so in the mid-winter. Of more concern is their defensives woes, and the Chooks are a side that can score points when they're in the right frame of mind.

Verdict - Roosters by 10

Result - Roosters 42 defeated Cowboys 8

Parramatta Eels vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday night – CommBank Stadium

This is just the second time the Titans have been the favourite to win a game this season. The first time it happened they got flogged, so that worries me a little, but they deserve to be favourites in this. Their Origin props have been named to back up but they beat the Sea Eagles comfortably last week without them. They've never had trouble scoring points, but the best thing about that win was their defence. A repeat of that effort and they win this. The Eels bring a very inexperienced spine to this contest. There's no shortage of talent there, but the wise old heads steering the Titans round know what they're doing. There's plenty of rugby league left in this season, but the two points on offer here could be the points that allow the winning side to dodge the dreaded wooden spoon. 

Verdict - Titans by 7

Result - Eels 36 defeated Titans 20

Wally Lewis - round sixteen selections (in bold)

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

  • Tigers vs RAIDERS
  • Warriors vs PANTHERS
  • DOLPHINS vs Knights
  • Rabbitohs vs STORM
  • BRONCOS vs Sharks
  • ROOSTERS vs Cowboys
  • Eels vs TITANS

Comments

The Thinker's picture

Greetings football fans

I have updated the NRL ladder and the tipping comp after round 15. Top score was 4 from 5, and there were plenty of tipsters who scored that. Just two of us picked the Titans to knock the Sea Eagles - well done to you both.

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

The first game of round 16 is on Friday night, so I'm planning to have my previews and selections published on Thursday (post Origin).

All the best

The Thinker

GOTTAKICKSTRAIGHT's picture

r16 tips
raiders
warriors
dolphins
storm
sharks
roosters
eels

Dragons-fanboy's picture

Hi everyone, my tips for this week are:

Raiders by 10
Warriors by 12
Dolphins by 14
Storm by 20
Broncos by 2
Roosters by 8
Titans by 4

Good luck with everyone’s teams playing this round and for all of your tips this round. Cheers!!!!!!

Douglas Peter 's picture

Please need to know anytime try scorers.
Thanks

The Thinker's picture

@Douglas Peter

Here's one for each game of the round - I try to find ones that are a little unusual and not so obvious (not wingers)

Ethan Strange $3.50

Luke Metcalf $2.25

Herbie Farnworth $2.05

Jahrome Hughes $2.75

Braydon Trindall $3.75

James Tedesco $2.15

Ryley Smith $5.50

Gamble responsibly please.

All the best

The Thinker

The Thinker's picture

The TAB advises that someone has had $30000 on Ethan Strange to score a try tonight.

If it's one of you, I wish you all the luck in the world.

And if it's one of you, and it doesn't happen, please don't get mad at me.

Gamble responsibly

The Thinker

Ellelicious270707's picture

Hi,

Round 16 tips.

Raiders
Warriors
Dolphins
Storm
Broncos
Roosters
Titans

Thanks

NuL1F3's picture

Bugger... Forgot to get my tips in again
Raiders (bugger!)
Warriors
Dolphins
Storm
Broncos
Cowboys
Titans

MGM's picture

@Thinker
I really like the "anytime try scorers" selections ... I never thought of asking you for that , but would love to see that added somewhere on the page each week.
I took Jed Stuart to score on debut but unfortunately paired him with Xavier Savage (who kept being taken off his ball chase by Jarome The Grub Luai).
.... .. Just loved it tonight when Freddy Fittler straightened up those two IDIOTS Gould and Johns for their ridiculous comments trying to downplay the blatant , disrespectful hairpulling of X. Savage by J. Skelton.
Gould thinks we're all blind when the wanker actually says "well , he was pushing his head down, he wasn't actually pulling his hair. ... Fittler tells them later - "I can't believe you two think that was okay , have you gone mad?

Esra Star's picture

Yeah,mate. Gould is an owner operator,i reckon.

The Thinker's picture

@MGM

I'm with you and Freddie Fittler - you can't deliberately pull hair like that. The NRLW would be carnage if all the players were allowed to yank each others ponytails.

Regarding the punting stuff - it's a tricky one because some people hate it and some people are really interested in it. I might create a new section on the website called the 'punting lounge', and such conversations can be contained in one place that people can choose to avoid or check out.

And to the person out there that backed Ethan Strange to win $100,000. I hope I didn't talk you into it. I got excited for you when he scored, and then disappointed for you when the bunker took it away.

All the best

The Thinker

Mary S's picture

@ MGM,

Yes, I heard the two idiots. So pleased Brad Fittler put them in their place publicly!
It would be one of the few times I didn't have the sound muted, which is my usual form of watching the game when Gould is commentating, as he rambles on with such rubbish most of the time.

Cheers,
Mary

MGM's picture

Hi Mary.
Fittler's stock went right up in my book!
(And it immediately shut them up too .. I can envision producers running in and giving the silent "knife-hand across the throat" sign .. haha)

MGM's picture

@Thinker
Thumbs up emoji on the "Punting Lounge" .. I'll be a "regular"!
.
DELIBERATE hairpulling. .. Never mind the NRLW and neat ponytails ... Jarome(TG).Luai gets penalties when players ACCIDENTALLY get some hair as they grab his jersey ... that's why the little grub doesn't tie it up.

MGM's picture

Hey Thinker,
Can Khan-Pereira and AJ score tomorrow?
That'll finish my 7 legger.
Teddy getting one for the Roosters will finish off my 8 legger.
Wish me luck .. it'll ease the pain of not becoming the only wooden spooner in your main comp to win the A Game !!

See you in the "P Lounge" :-)

MickFJ's picture

I've got a question...are NRL/AFL scripted??? As an analyst, I'd say results aren't always "measurable "...in matter of speaking of course..How does Panthers beat warriors at home...or knights away to Phins...Blues succumb to Roos..and suddenly Collingwood beats the handicap against SaintsK...I'm lost!!! Not sure if this is the right place to address this issue BUT...YOU'RE ONE OF THE BEST ANALYST AND YOU'RE KINDA PART OF THE "SYSTEM "...could ya pls elaborate!!!

The Thinker's picture

@MickFJ

I think I'm a casual observer of the system - on the outside looking in.

I have not the slightest doubt that the AFL do what they can to manufacture results that serve their interests - they literally give some clubs more money than others, to help them. It's always left me scratching my head - that AFL fans are willing to accept a sporting competition where the administrators of the competition bend things to force outcomes. Baffles me.

I doubt the NRL does it, but I'm sure there are results they would prefer (for eg, they would rather have a deciding game in the State of Origin series).

Of course, I could be completely off, and if Australian band Slowly Slowly are to be believed, it's deeper than that:

I don't even know if I'm real or if you are or if we're just a simulation staged from a sports bar on Mars.

Where the aliens drink, watching dishes build up in the kitchen sink.

And they're placing their bets, hanging their heads, got money on who’s gonna die in bed.


 

The Thinker's picture

@MGM

Good luck with those - big chance of jagging both.

I'll be watching and cheering you home.

All the best

The Thinker

MGM's picture

Congrats to the Broncos !
The Sharks had some dodgy calls go their way early on (Talakai's try was off a forward pass , Walsh's quick tap should've ended with a shark defender in the bin , and others not coming to mind right now) ... but the Bronco's didn't let it get under their skin.
Thank Goodness Nico Hynes' theatrics didn't wash with the Bunker and Brisbane's 4th try was given. .. that was a win for our game (middle finger to You Nico)!
needed Walsh to score tho :-(

MGM's picture

Turn your volume down Mary ... Johns is being an IDIOT again already in the Cowboys match ... ... yes, players in the modern game Are turning in the tackle more but they're NOT looking for a third tackler coming in , they're looking for the chance to Offload! and yes, that is resulting in a few more crushhers.

MGM's picture

@Thinker'
It's Deep alright .. must be uncomfortable with MFJ crawling so far inside your cavity!
I LIKE HIS USE OF CAPS THOUGH.

The Thinker's picture

@MGM

Teddy gets there for you.

Best of luck in the last

All the best

The Thinker

MGM's picture

Saw that mate!

MGM's picture

AND Nawaqanitawasewangawaseee got the double !!
Didn't tell you about that , but that's a win too.
Yahoo!
Now COMEon you Titans !

The Thinker's picture

@MGM

So close. Ouch!

All the best

The Thinker

MGM's picture

@Thinker
I spent the last half of that Titans match just tracking AJBimson around the field.
Rose to my feet a couple of times ... those two multis (Teddy was only in one of them) only cost me $6 each and would have netted $3.5k.
Cashout wasn't available , terms and conditions were applied :-(

The latest in NRL news