Round twenty-two selections

Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – AAMI Park

If the Bunnies want to play in the grand final this season (and we all know they do) then they want to avoid facing the Storm at the end of the year. Since 2006 the Bunnies have beaten the Storm once, by two points, at Perth or Adelaide or Manus Island, during the Origin period of the season, when the Storm were penalised for salary cap infringements and weren't playing for points. If they have ever won a game in Melbourne I can't recall it, and in the four times they've met in recent years the most points they have scored is ten. John Sutton is unavailable and Greg Inglis is unlikely. This looks tough. The Storm found their football boots last week as many of us thought they might, and when the Storm are in form they don't lose at home...to anybody. The Bunnies will be back to their best in time for the finals, but they'll have to cop another loss this weekend.

Verdict – Storm

Result -Storm 26 defeated Rabbitohs 8

Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers – Friday night – Parramatta Stadium

What a game this promises to be. Fifteenth takes on sixteenth in a race to the bottom. Somewhat sadly, Ms Thinker and the Mini-Thinkers will be away on Friday night, so it looks like I'll stay up and watch this. I urge you all to find something else to do with the latter hours of your Friday night. Clean the filters in the air-conditioner. Count the coins in your piggy bank. Set up a Dewey Decimal System for your book collection and pretend your house is a boutique library. Anything but fifteenth vs sixteenth. As for determining a winner, well it's a case of deciding which team is the least bad. If the Tigers were a meal they would be a tin of cat food served in a second hand Ugg Boot. The Eels are much the same, but it's home brand cat food served in an Ugg Boot knock-off. And somehow, the Eels are favourites for this game. I know Jarryd Hayne is back but sheesh! Do not eat or watch this game. If you must you should probably come over to Thinker central where we can work through the pain and gastro-entiritis together. Bring your own Ugg Boots.

Verdict – Tigers

Result - Eels 26 defeated Tigers 22

Sydney Roosters vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium

I may have gotten a little carried away when I announced the Roosters as 2013 premiers last week, but one week later it's still looking like a pretty sensible crow. In their last five games the Roosters have conceded a total of five tries, and for every try they concede they are scoring at least five of their own. That's a winning formula no matter how you slice and dice it, and I'm not sure if the Roosters juggernaut can be stopped by anyone. They are missing two of their most important cogs this weekend in Anthony Minichiello and Sonny Bill Williams, but I expect the cogs they have named will maintain the good work. That said, the Raiders are one team that go pretty well against the chickens, and teams that get flogged one weekend do have an uncanny ability to turn it all around one week later. The handicapper will give you a pretty good head start if you want to back the Raiders at the line...and I'd be tempted to join you. Roosters by 1-12.

Verdict – Roosters

Result - Roosters 28 defeated Raiders 22

Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday night – Remondis Stadium

Customs officers seized the phone of Cronulla captain Paul Gallen on his return from New Zealand last weekend. They gave it back upon discovering he only uses it to play Angry Birds and Candy Crush on long haul flights. Let's hope the footage makes it to an episode of Border Security sometime soon. The Sharks are firm favourites with the bookies but I quite like the Knights here. The return of Kade Snowden is timely. He faces his former team-mates and if you want to beat the Sharks you want your forwards firing. I'm hoping Snowden and Jeremy Smith can lead from the front and help their side to an upset win. Lets hope that extra ten minutes of footy last weekend hasn't taken the wind out of their sails.

Verdict – Knights by 4 (unless Craig Gower is the goal kicker)

Result - Knights 18 defeated Sharks 14

Manly Sea Eagles vs New Zealand Warriors – Sunday afternoon – Bluetongue Stadium

The Sea Eagles have notched up five big wins in a row but those results need to be assessed in context. The teams they beat were (in order) the Eels, Cowboys, Titans, Tigers and Eels. This weekend they face a heavyweight opponent and it won't be so easy. I'll stick with the home side (although it should be noted this game is at Gosford) who are essentially full-strength. The Warriors can't be discounted but they are one team that make a habit of backing up a loss with another loss. Eagles by 1-6.

Verdict – Sea Eagles

Result - Sea Eagles 27 defeated Warriors 12

Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarrra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – Suncorp Stadium

A rare Sunday afternoon fixture at Suncorp for the Broncos and one would expect a sizeable crowd despite the disappointing seasons both sides have had thus far. Technically, at least, the Broncos can still make the finals, and you can't say that about the Dragons anymore. For that reason alone the Broncos should get over the line. Add to that the Broncos recent record over the Dragons (the last five on the trot), a vastly superior forward pack and an improving backline - it just might be a good day to be at Lang Park. I might stroll down the road myself.

Verdict – Broncos by 20

Result - Broncos 26 defeated Dragons 24

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday night – Centrebet Stadium

The Panthers have conceded 112 points in their last three games, and when they played the Cowboys earlier this season they lost 30-0. Last week I tipped the Cowboys to knock off the table-topping Bunnies and despite all of that I am tremendously reluctant to tip them here. I've done so in the end, but this is just the sort of game the Cowboys are likely to lose. They don't like travelling to Sydney and if they don't like travelling to Sydney they certainly won't like travelling to Penrith and putting on the short shorts on a cold Sunday night in August. What gives them a hope is the faintest of beliefs that a finals campaign for the Cowboys is still a possibility (if you don't believe me check out their draw for the rest of the season). A win here gives them two points and takes two (potential) points away from a team above them. They need this, and although I have barely a shred of faith in the mob from Townsville I'll tip them again.

Verdict – Cowboys

Result - Cowboys 36 defeated Panthers 4

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans – Monday night – ANZ Stadium

The Bulldogs are at toxic odds to win this game ($1.17...seriously?) but it's pretty hard not to tip them all the same. They look like one of the few sides outside the top four that could play deep into the finals series. Both sides were impressive last weekend but I'll leap to the conclusion that a convincing away win over a gallant Dragons is better form than a convincing home win over a woeful Tigers. Home ground advantage for the Doggies seals the deal.

Verdict – Bulldogs

Result - Titans 26 defeated Bulldogs 16

Wally Lewis - round twenty-two selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

  • STORM vs Rabbitohs
  • EELS vs Tigers
  • ROOSTERS vs Raiders
  • SHARKS vs Knights
  • SEA EAGLES vs Warriors
  • BRONCOS vs Dragons
  • Panthers vs COWBOYS
  • BULLDOGS vs Titans

Comments

Guessmaster's picture

I’m a Tiger supporter for life but their defence and commitment last week was appalling. I geared myself up all week to knock off work early to watch them beat the Titans. Sadly I only watched until half time! Week in, week out for 2 years I have helplessly watched this team put on what can only be described as atrocious defensive efforts. I even make my 10yo son watch and use them as an example of how not to play. Rarely do they put in to give me some slim ray of hope, but last week I thought they played well against the Eagles but now – well, I can't even tip them against the Eels for peats sake. There must be a strong focus on the future with the younger players. Sure there will be another tough year but I can see a strong showing after 2014.

The Joker's picture

Melbourne
Parramatta
Sydney
Cronulla
Manly
Brisbane
North Queensland
Canterbury

Johnny Ray's picture

Yeah hey there Thinker ! Hate to go against your picks when you predicted impossible with a Cowboys upset against Rabbitohs but there's a couple calls there that I can't see happening ! Here are my picks for the round :

Storm - 13 Plus / Rabbitohs are on there way out and though this will start a tight contest things are going to come loose for them in second half ! Bring back Inglis !

Tigers - 13 Plus / Dude how do you keep Paramatta surporter from touching himself ? You keep painting it in his opponents team colours and he won't beat it all year !

Roosters - 13 Plus / Raiders another team on way out and I can admit that cause I'm fan ! Roosters all way !

Sharks - I accept that Warriors were off their game last week and let Sharks to win it, but they're still strong side and could sneak into top four next to Storm, Roosters and Sea Eagles if Rabbitohs keep dropping games.

Warriors - Warriors are playing in Bears colours in what will be in 3 years Central Coast Bears home ground ! Take that as an sign that god will be on there side this Weekend ! Warriors to win in like Thinker said, a close brutal contest played up middle. 1-7 Points to Warriors is bet to take.

Broncos - What Thinker said. This is going to end good for Broncos and being 25th Anniversary I wouldn't be surprise if Raiders drop out of finals contention that they somehow manage against all odds to sneak into eight spot on their points differential. I still say this will be another close match but then Thinker is a genius and I'm just mental. But then that's what people say. That teapot keeps spreading lies about me !

Panthers - After their win against Bunnies I suspect Cowboys will then revert back into type, playing again some of their worse footy all year. Panthers in what I predict dude could be a huge blowout for Cowboys !

Bulldogs - Bulldogs 13 Plus. This is my pick of round. Titans aren't going to make it back into Top Eight from here !

Gone The Warriors ! ;-D

Michael Buzal's picture

I think this teams will proves me to win rnd 22.
Storm
Eels
Eagles
Knights
Broncos
Panthers
Bulldogs.

Michael Buzal's picture

PNG
Storms
Eels
Roosters
Eagles
Broncos
Panthers
Bulldoges.

Guessmaster's picture

Mick you have twice missed the Sharks v Knights game!!!!

The Joker's picture

guessmaster... he missed it once.
Johnny... i don't like those tips at all, check the tigers line up.

Michael Buzal's picture

This so crazy if knights won the sharks at the home ground.

The Joker's picture

Raiders will put up a real fight. There's your upset if your looking for one...won 3 of the last 4 against the chooks, fergo back, big fire up. Close one.

Michael Buzal's picture

This will my final winners of rnd 22.

Storm
Tigers
Roosters
Eagles
Knights
Broncos
Panthers
Bulldogs.

The Joker's picture

changed to tigers michael... silly man :P

Michael Buzal's picture

Joker sorry i decide to put eels because Robi is out for this weeks game...i like Jarrad footy.

Michael Buzal's picture

I'll take on eels...

Steel Panther's picture

Most debated game this weekend seems to be the Eels Tigers clash. Both teams were woeful last weekend. I followed the Thinker last round and tipped them to beat a Titans side on the downward spiral and couldn't believe how poor they were. Only exception is Liam Fulton who week in week out gives 110%!! Man for man says the Tigers but Parra at home may lift with the return of Jarrad Hayne. If they are going to win at least one more game this season then is this it??

mark ashford's picture

Thanks guys, some good advice there.
Here's my thoughts.
Storm..... can't tip against them at home
Eels.......Hayne may just give them the edge
Roosters...just too strong
Sharks...at home will beat the Knights
Manly...again too good at Brooky
Broncos...I love the Broncos
Cowboys...something has fallen off at the Panthers
Bulldogs..Titans have too many injuries

Guru Craig's picture

Storm - Are the bunnies gone? The Guru doesn't think so, but more than a few have cast their doubts after 2 losses from the last 3 games, Souths have lost a bit of confidence, i expect they will bounce back next week.
Melbourne scored 68 points last week, there's not much you can say about that really. The Storm are too hot!

Paramatta - I usually dont even bother to mention the Eels but i reckon they've got half a chance this week and i bet Ricky is thinking the same thing. They desperately need the win and The Guru will be punting with Para.

Roosters - Sydney are preforming with and without their big names at the moment, SBW and Pearce should have been missed but the Chooks didn't notice. I cant tip against The Roosters until they play Melbourne.

Sharks - This looks to be a close game. Newcastle got away with a draw last week, in the eyes of the Guru Brisbane were the better side. Cronulla are a bit of an enigma, a decent win last week under pressure. Sharks 1-12

Manly - NZ are starting to get found out a bit by the better sides and The Guru believes Manly are looking pretty good, they are firing at the right time and even when they lose, theyre very hard to beat. Manly should geterdone.

Brisbane - Now that Griffen and the boys have found some form The Guru thinks they should be good for the cash until they meet the Dogs in rnd 26. The Bronco's will struggle to make the eight but i think they will give it a good go.

Cowboys - NQ played the house down last weekend and The Guru thinks they will carry enough of that this week to beat The Panthers. Townsville found the heart they'd lost and should be better than 13pts to good.

Bulldogs - This should be a training run for the doggies. Cartwright and co are under some pressure though and they will have conveyed that the the boys, The Titans will lift like the Dragons did and i expect a similar result.

mark ashford's picture

Hey Thinker, Guru or any of those other great rugby league minds out there I need a favour. I have to put my selections into the work tipping contest for rounds 23, 24 and 25 by friday the 16th. Round 23 is no problem but for the next two I'll be away (forced to go to Fraser Island with 5 absolute pissheads and persue some unfortunate tailor between beers....you know tough job but somebody's ...........)
Anyone want to offer some early tips?

a's picture

Here are my tips

Strom if Ingles plays I will change

Eels 2 key players are missing Tigers are crap

Raiders do not ask me why

Knights Sharks will be affected by drugs here

Sea Eagles Sea Eagles in a thiller

Dragons Their will be a huge boilover here

Bulldogs Bulldogs should beat the Titans

a's picture

Sorry missed one

Cowboys Go Cowboys they should win

a's picture

Sorry missed one

Cowboys Go Cowboys they should win

Johnny Ray's picture

@ Mark Ashford : Predicting that The Tigers, Bronco's and Warriors are all going to go on roll in final weeks of competition ...

Round 23 Tips :

Sea Eagles, Bronco's, Raiders, Titans, Dragons, Warriors, Storm, Roosters.

Round 24 Tips :

Bulldogs, Broncos, Tigers, Warriors, Knights, Sea Eagles, Storm, Sharks.

Round 25 Tips :

Rabbitohs, Broncos. Warriors, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Sharks, Cowboys, Eels.

Gone The Warriors ! ;-D

cupcake's picture

Just got to say a huge thankyou for a fantastic little insight into the weekend of footy. This is the first year I have taken the tipping seriously and am about to take the office comp hands down, and adorn the office with the most vulgar trophy with the winnings... just to rub it in... Reckon the chooks will have the glory this year, but strategically have to tip the bunnies. Keep up the comedy...

newbie from perth's picture

Is Mr T back from his getaway I wonder. If so, hope he had a great time. Great comments this week as usual.

"A tin of cat food served in a second hand ugg boot" ? Man that's priceless! Thinker, I'm still LMAO. That "gem" will go down in the annals of NRL history as an absolute classic!

Got my brother onto your site last weekend and I hope he has a read this week. He'll enjoy it. Anyway, onwards and upwards...

This week I'm going with Mr T on every game. Just makes sense to me and can't fault his thoughts on all the games. Is this a week for a perfect score? Gee I hope so.

I'm off to Thailand on Saturday morning so gotta put my tips in for Rounds 23 and 24 before I go. Thanks to Johnny Ray for putting in his tips for Mark Ashford who'll also be away next few weeks. It's helped me make a few decisions. Thought I'd put them in here so I'll remember who I tipped when I get back home.

Round 23 Tips:

Sharks - Warriors - Storm - Broncos - Manly - Cowboys - Doggies and Chooks.

Round 24 Tips:

Storm - Knights - Broncos - Doggies - Warriors - STG - Manly and again my beloved Chooks.

Good luck to all and look forward to reading the thoughts of The Great One, Guru and everyone else when I get back to Perth at the end of the month. Cheers.

Oracle's picture

The Truth...

Storm... too strong at home for slumping Rabbitohs.
Eels... Farah out, Hayne in. Avoid watching.
Roosters... danger game but Roosters too strong at home.
Sharks... match of the round. An upset beckons but Sharks prevail in a tight one on the front of Carney's boot.
Manly... Sea Eagles hitting their straps at right time of year.
Broncos... Broncos own the Dragons, having won the last 5 games between the sides. Dragons also have lost past 5 games at Suncorp.
Cowboys... a rare win in Sydney and back-to-back wins for only the second time this season.
Bulldogs... Titans have too many injuries, Dogs have too much attack. A big win here.

mark ashford's picture

Johnny Ray...thanks mate for taking the time and as for you Cupcake "give em hell!!"

The Joker's picture

Hayne is a wimp. Will whinge about his hammy. Forget my previous posts... Late mail: Tigers by 2. (hard to predict)... Enjoy your footy :) ...

The Joker's picture

dammit

Big Jimmy's picture

Bad luck there for The Joker (and The Thinker).

Tigers by 2 was spot on....until the 78th minute.

Johnny Ray's picture

God I love to hate Paramatta Eels ! Tigers :-(

Big Jimmy's picture

* Roosters by 1-12
* Back the Raiders with the handicap start
* Knights by 4

It's been a big night for The Thinker. Great tipping.

a's picture

9 teams are fighting for 4 spots

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