Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos are well and truly at the crossroads in season 2013. I've probably said that before, and I've certainly felt that before, but this time I really really mean it. The Origin period is always a difficult time for them, but two wins from their last nine games simply isn't good enough. There is a logjam of in-form teams ahead of them on the ladder and there's not enough space for them all in the finals series. I can't see how they can get there from here. A win on Friday night is vital and the Broncos know it, but I'm not convinced this team can do it. Their three most potent forwards (Thaiday, Parker, Gillett) and their most potent back (Hodges) will be watching in the stands. The team named will give it their all, but where will the points come from? The Sharks have three key players (Gallen, Fifita, Lewis) unavailable but those that remain appear to have much to offer. They bring a settled and creative halves pairing in Carney and Robson, experienced hookers in Morris and De Gois and one of the most dynamic fullbacks in the game (Gordon) returns from injury. The Broncos will be gallant, but gallantry won't get the points.
Verdict – Sharks
Result - Sharks 19 defeated Broncos 18
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday night – Parramatta Stadium
The Panthers line-up doesn't read like a top eight side but top eight they are. It's quite an extraordinary effort given they lost five of their first six games this season. Little golf claps all round for their players and a new coach who has found a way to get the best out of them. The new coach at the Eels isn't having quite as much success - and one win since round five (over the Broncos by a single point) is pretty poor even by Parramatta standards. Many of the players named for the Eels on Saturday night have been told by the coach they won't be wanted next season, and one of the few they are keeping (Chris Sandow) has been stood down and replaced by one of the many they aren't keeping (Ben Roberts). Things are crook in Tullarook. The one positive I can find for the Eels is that they are playing at home, and it is at home where they have scored all of their three wins this year. That is the only positive I have, and if I listed all the negatives you'd still be reading them when this game kicks off. If it's a wet night I'll say Panthers by 20. If not, Panthers by 40.
Verdict – Panthers
Result - Panthers 17 defeated Eels 10
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – ANZ Stadium
We all know how much the Storm rely on their key players, and we have the stats to back it up. Melbourne have won just two of their last seven games without the big three of Smith, Cronk and Slater. Given that Melbourne are the most 'winningest' side in the competition in recent years that is a statistic you simply cannot ignore. To make it even harder for Melbourne this game is away from home against a quality opponent. It's hard to imagine anything but a Bulldogs victory.
Verdict – Bulldogs
Result - Bulldogs 39 defeated Storm 0
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles – Monday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
What I said about the Broncos also holds true for the Cowboys, and they face a must-win game without (take a breath folks) Thurston, Scott, Tamou, Tate and Bowen. That isn't easy, but they also face an opponent that is in form and close to full-strength. A full-strength Cowboys at home against a full-strength Sea Eagles would be one rip-snorting game of football. Unfortunately we're left with what looks like a one-sided affair. I'm gobsmacked that $1.45 is available for the Sea Eagles to win this game - that has to be the most generous interest rate you can get on the planet right now. Gamble responsibly! Gamble responsibly!
Verdict – Sea Eagles
Result - Sea Eagles 34 defeated Cowboys 14
Wally Lewis - round eighteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
- Broncos vs SHARKS
- Eels vs PANTHERS
- BULLDOGS vs Storm
- Cowboys vs SEA EAGLES
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Hello everyone.
I'll be posting my preview and selection for State of Origin game three later today.
All the best
Submitted by mark ashford on
Wow I can only get a maximum of 4 wrong this week. Going same as the Thinker only chance of an upset is Broncos and only because they're at home. Big question is can the Maroons make it 8 straight
Submitted by cycloneracing on
So basically don't put my tips in - get given all the away games - come up trumps! :) thanks Thinker!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Just about Cyclone, although I can't see Melbourne (away) beating the Bulldogs at home.
That said, the away team next Wednesday night looks pretty good :-)
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Awesome ! Thanks for that Thinker and I agree with you on all tips this week only I have this completely weird crazy feeling that there is going to be upset this weekend in this week games it going to be Eels beating Panthers at home ! Gone The Warriors ! ;-D
Submitted by Sneeky on
It would be cool if you could give your opinion on who you think the first try scorer will be for each game to.
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Sharks Crap broncos will lose right here
Panthers No one tis crap Eels here their playing awful
Bulldogs they should win here
Sea Eagle I hate Kieran Foran hes crap f*cking robbed the Cowboys my team I want him to play sh*t and he will but Manly will still win only just
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Fashionably late as usual..,(sorry Boss)The Guru is going with 'The Thinker' again, ill have what he's having.
Sharks - Hmm..Brissie strung a few together, then had a bit of a detour. I would love to tip them in this game but Carney and kin are a quality opponent even without 'The Grub' and his cockroach mates. The Bronco's will give it a go, but last year the Sharks bashed them of the park.
Panthers - Wowwee..Ivan is on the march, The Chocolate soldiers are playing some good football and i cant wait to see them against a quality opponent, until then The Guru likes Chocolate.
Bulldogs - Des is a bit odd isnt he? The Guru has been watching a bit of telly this week and good'ol Des has had his share of airtime, that oddity aside, The Bulldogs are traveling well enough and they look to be building something, as all and sundry have said, this game could have been epic had the Origin not been conflicting. Melbourne are just not good enough without their stars.
Manly - I could almost say see above...Manly are doing ok and barring injury have a reservation in September or October, whatever the date is now for the finals The Eagles under Toovey play very defensive football and Jamie Lyon adds the extra spark, he was the only reason Manly hung on to Melbourne a few weeks ago. NQ like Melbourne will be a different side, i hope the young blokes getting a go at NRL level can show us something special. Manly look too good.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Another "thin" round of games this week and a 99.5% chance of adding another 4 points to my tipping comp total.
Going with Mr T and the Guru (love the term "Chocolate Soldiers" - can I use that?) to be safe but I have an uneasy feeling about the Doggies and Storm game. Maybe my "newbie" instinct is completely haywire but I reckon the MS might just put up a surprising effort, even with the big guns missing. Dunno what it is but got a feeling it might turn pear shape for the Doggies (that's the other 0.5%).
Hey, I'm more than likely deluding myself (that's why I'm a "newbie" after all) but I just might donate some cash to the TAB over here in Perth and take a 10.5 points start on the Storm. Then again, they're showing $4.10 for the win at the moment so not sure what I'll do. Don't worry Mr T, I'll take yours and young Mr Waterhouse's advice and bet responsibly.
As usual, big ups for your enlightening comments. Thanks too for the Guru's "chocolate soldiers" - I'm still laughing. Good luck everyone and go the mighty Chooks (well in 2 weeks time anyway). Cheers.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Good stuff newbie
Hadn't heard from you in a while and I thought I might have lost you.
Have a great weekend
Submitted by Broncos Boy on
I will be waiting with interest to see your selection Mr Thinker! Thanks for all the tips so far, you make me smile with some of your comments! Thanks.
Submitted by Rob on
Sharks -4.5 lets go!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Sheesh! Bad luck Rob.
Thought you had that safely covered with ten minutes to go.
Better luck next time.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Holy $#&! 'a'....I thought Foran had a pretty good game!
Submitted by a on
unfortunally yes I did not want him to but he did