Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – Allianz Stadium
The suspension of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is a significant blow for the Chooks - particularly this weekend where they face off with what may be the biggest pack of forwards in the game. I doubt there's a forward in the game that can match Waerea-Hargreaves for hard won yards at the moment. Someone in the Roosters pack has to take on that role. It won't be Sonny Bill Williams, but his return certainly does the Chooks no harm. I was seriously considering the dogs on Friday night, but then noted the corresponding game last season which the Roosters won 38-0. That 38-0 win came on the back of a narrow loss and here they are again, backing up after a narrow loss to the Sea Eagles. Like last year, the Roosters and Sea Eagles look close to the high water mark in the competition, and the Bulldogs have some improving to do if they wish to reach that level. 38-0 would be an unlikely result this year, but the Chooks don't lose two games in a row very often. I'm happy to tip them.
Verdict – Roosters by 8
Result - Bulldogs 9 defeated Roosters 8
Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
In recent years I would read through the Eels line-up and smile. This year I'm starting to smile when I read their line-up for the right reasons - they are starting to look like a football team. They can give this a shake, and they'll have a fair smattering of support in the crowd on Friday night. But when it's all said and done, the Broncos get the nod. Justin Hodges returns and he wouldn't be there if he wasn't ready, and the Broncos pack is at full-strength. Even more importantly, the Broncos spine appears to be working, with Barba, Hoffman, Hunt and McCullough getting better every week. When McCullough isn't (nearly) running me over in his Jeep every time I cross the street he's working his way toward being one of best number nines in the game. He continues to surprise me, on and off the road.
Verdict – Broncos by 4
Result - Eels 25 defeated Broncos 18
Cronulla Sharks vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday afternoon – Remondis Stadium
After four rounds the Sharks are a long way last and yet to win a game. And even if they win this game it's highly likely they'll still be running last. And sooner or later ASADA are going to park their tanks in the handicapped zone at Sharkies and issue breaches on many of their best and (un)fairest. Sheesus McSneesus I tipped them for the spoon and I'm some hope. As for this weekend, tipping the Warriors in Australia is a fastest way to get yourself to Stupidtown, and the Sharks did flog the Warriors in the correspinding clash last season. Still, the Warriors are a team that can beat anyone when they've taken their confidence tablets. I liked the way they finished that game against the Tigers, and I'm hoping they bring that form across the ditch.
Verdict – Warriors by 2
Result - Sharks 37 defeated Warriors 6
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Sportingbet Stadium
Penrith winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak makes his debut this weekend and in doing so becomes the highest scoring Scrabble play in the NRL - lets hope he scores a try right on the triple word score near the corner post. Some big returns for the Panthers are joining him in Peter Wallace, Tim Grant and Josh Mansour. Tipping the team that lost to the Eels to beat the team that beat the Rabbitohs does seem kinda silly. So call me captain sillypants, and don't dare question my integrity. I stand behind my impeccable strike rate this season. Panthers are specials (unless Johnny Ray tips the Raiders).
Verdict – Panthers by 8
Result - Panthers 12 defeated Raiders 6
St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday night – Sydney Cricket Ground
Right here right now the top four on the ladder are the Dragons, Broncos, Sea Eagles and Titans. The bottom four are the Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Knights and Sharks. Those of you returning from a stint on a Russian space station (welcome back Dmitri) would be excused for thinking the whole thing was upside down. Despite the ladder positions the Rabbits will be favourites this weekend, but at some point we have to start wondering if the Rabbits rumours (of unhappiness) are true. Russell Crowe may have to do his best Noah impersonation and determine which two Burgess brothers get to stay on the Ark. A game worthy of your eyeballs regardless, as its heritage round and we have two great rugby league clubs in two of the most famous jerseys in the game taking to the SCG on Saturday night. Here comes my best Richie Benaud impersonation:
Verdict – Dragons by tew
Result - Rabbitohs 26 defeated Dragons 6
Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – AAMI Park
When Storm coach Craig Bellamy lays into his troops they respond. That's all I need to know, but if Cameron Smith pulls out this weekend you may wish to reconsider.
Verdict – Storm by 6
Result - Titans 28 defeated Storm 26
Wests Tigers vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – Leichhardt Oval
Another game worthy of your eyeballs, because there are few more beautiful sights than a sun-drenched, tree-lined, jam-packed Leichhardt Oval on a Sunday afternoon. I know they make more money at ANZ stadium and I accept that. But please oh please, give us just one or two of these each season so we can appreciate weekend football like it once was. Don't call me old-fashioned...I've got a twitter handle dag-nabbit! Don't forget this one folks. Now, where did I leave my pipe and slippers?
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 4
Result - Tigers 34 defeated Sea Eagles 18
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights – Monday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
Tipping the Cowboys is like hanging around with this girl I liked at school. Plenty of ability and great to look at, but at the end of the day you knew you would be going to bed alone and frustrated. I can't catch the Cowboys and I never caught that girl...and she was a Townsville girl too. I'm not sure how many snakes Paul Green has to throw at the Cowboys to make things work but it's clearly more than one. I said this last week and I'll probably say it next week....I'm giving the Cowboys one more chance. I'm glad the Knights won last week. If you can get hold of the article written by Wayne Bennett (about Alex McKinnon) you should do so. In fact, I'll find it for you and post a link.
Verdict – Cowboys by 4
Result - Cowboys 28 defeated Knights 2
Wally Lewis - round five selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
- ROOSTERS vs Bulldogs
- BRONCOS vs Eels
- Sharks vs WARRIORS
- PANTHERS vs Raiders
- Dragons vs RABBITOHS
- STORM vs Titans
- Tigers vs SEA EAGLES
- COWBOYS vs Knights
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
I've cut and pasted the Wayne Bennett article below. I've done this because the original had typos in it (journalism???) and Bennett deserves better than that. It's a great insight into a tremendous coach and a wonderful young man.
I WANT to tell you about Alex McKinnon, one of the best kids you’ve never met.
Because the hardest thing right now is busting to do something for Alex and his family, and the realisation you can’t … this lonely feeling of helplessness.
So I thought the best I could do was share my insights to a wonderful young man, to our relationship and trust.
It all happened so quickly. And it was life-changing.
Today, Alex lies in a Melbourne hospital fighting the biggest battle of his 22 years.
First time I saw him was at an under-20s Dragons training session. The flaming red hair made him stand out, that and his athleticism.
Steve Price coached the ’20s back then and he said this kid’s going to be a star.
After watching him train for a while I turned and said: He has a few bad habits, Steve.
At the Dragons, he played ’20s when he was only 17, going on to represent NSW under-18s.
In 2010, Dan Hunt ruptured an achilles warming up and we didn’t have an 18th man so I looked over at the ’20s who’d just finished their match, grabbed him and put him on the bench.
Alex had been their best player but was still only 18.
I never used him that day – didn’t give him one minute game time.
Knew he’d come looking for an explanation. I simply thanked him, saying you haven’t earned the right to play with these players.
When he had earned the right I knew he’d appreciate it a lot more than if I’d given him five minutes out there first up.
The following year he played for the Dragons’ top side because he had earned the right by paying the price.
I was leaving the Dragons for Newcastle and Alex came from Aberdeen in the Hunter Valley.
He’d been away at boarding school for four years, then at the Dragons and while he loved the joint he wanted to go home.
And I wanted to take him.
Even then I had a lot of respect for him, the way he carried himself. His maturity. Quiet manner. How he could hold a conversation in any company, without ever seeking to be the centre of
attention.
So he came to Newcastle with me at age 20 and was always happiest when heading home to Aberdeen.
Not a whole lot happens in Aberdeen.
For more than a century the local abattoirs was its largest single employer but when an American company bought then closed the meatworks in 1999 hundreds of people were left without work.
Pretty much all the locals had left to cheer about were the Aberdeen Tigers, who play at McKinnon Oval named after Alex’s grandfather Mal and still mowed and marked out each week of winter by Mal’s son, Scott – Alex’s dad.
They’re true rugby league people.
And one of the things endearing me to Alex is his ability to care for other people.
If he is your friend, you do not want. Recently I went to a player I knew to be struggling financially, prepared to give him a loan.
“You OK?” I said. Yeah, he said, Alex looked after me. If someone hasn’t got a car or loses his licence, the beeping horn out the front belongs to Alex McKinnon.
Just last year I went back to Aberdeen with him and we spoke to his old school, St Joseph’s.
He talked about how hard it was for him to leave home, how much he missed his parents and friends, at the same time encouraging the students to have the courage to follow their dreams … not to be afraid of the unknown.
Today, it is his dreams shattered, he who is staring at the unknown.
I have an old friend up here I played football with a long time ago. He was brought up in an orphanage and his story is tragic.
As part of Alex’s education I thought he should meet him because we sometimes forget how lucky we are.
So over we went. My old mate loves his football and he loved Alex even more. I got him to tell a bit of his past and the kid was blown away.
A few months later, with Christmas nearing, Alex asked when I was going back to see my friend? “I want to come with you.”
Come he did, with an armful of gifts and food items to share the joy of Christmas with someone he barely knew.
Funny, I’d never taken another player around there.
I’m not a great shopper so when I want to go shopping I ring Alex.
I say, Alex, I need this … I need that … where do we go?
Pick him up, and he says, “Coach”, he always calls me coach — we’re father and son – “Coach,” he says, “we’re going here, and we’re going there.”
I end up buying clothes a bit young for me, hip and happening, he says, and he’s introduced me to Boost Juice and Health Balls, which he buys by the jarful.
We have some lovely times shopping, me and Alex.
All my players are important to me but we just have a special chemistry. Me in my 60s and he’s 22.
That’s the price you pay in relationships – the greater the relationship, the greater the pain.
Monday night in Melbourne was terrible, horrific, highlighted by the fact I’m the coach, the steadying influence. The one they look to.
We play a tough game and Alex is a tough young man. Nobody’s fool. He doesn’t walk around trying to show he’s tough, but he is. And I’ve always loved his humility.
Never seen him drunk. Not once. Never seen him do anything stupid. No one’s ever talked about Alex like that.
He doesn’t wear his cap back-to-front, prefers country music and watches every game of footy every weekend. He’d rather sit down and talk to old blokes than prance around with rock stars.
My greatest torment is I wasn’t initially sure how bad the injury was, wasn’t looking at the pictures on the big screen.
Many times in my coaching life I’ve seen players taken off on stretchers, taken through all the procedures, and every one of them has walked away at day’s end.
On the way to the dressing rooms at halftime I walked into the medical area and didn’t get any positive looks or vibe, just whispers of can you move this? Can you do that? I went to the other players and tried to settle them down.
Then straight back to the medical room where I could tell things were very serious. I left Alex with an assurance everybody was doing their best for him.
And while I’ve seen him since we haven’t been able to speak.
All we have now is hope. And belief.
Belief the game of rugby league, Newcastle and the Hunter will stay true to Alex McKinnon.
He’s going to need a lot of help and for people to be there with him for the rest of his life. As he would be there for you.
Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/alex-mckinnon-is-a-great-kid-...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thanks for the re-print Mr. Thinker, I don't get to read the Telegraph. I think I know now why Wayne Bennett is considered the greatest rugby league coach ever. It's not the number of games or flags his teams have won he's just a truly wonderful human being.
Sounds to me that young Alex had more than just a little of Mr Bennett in him.
My heart goes out to Alex and his family for the best possible result with his recovery.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Sorry about the double post had a little trouble getting in!
Now for this week
Roosters (can't see them loosing 2 in a row)
Broncos (they are looking like the real deal this year)
Warriors (Sharks have too many problems)
Panthers (they're at home....only reason)
Rabbits (It's time to turn things around)
Storm (Didn't know Cam Smith was out last week...he's back!)
Manly (Too good too strong. they are the real real deal)
Cowboys (It'll be a hot steamy night in the far north)
Submitted by The Joker on
Roosters
Broncos
Sharks
Panthers
Bunnies
Storm
Manly
Cowboys.
I never knew Alex Mckinnon but i have met his father and a few members of his family. They are very nice people and my deepest sympathy goes out to them during this time.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Awesome. Wow. Thank you so much Thinker for posting up that Wayne Bennett news article as that makes for some somber reading. It really does put things in perspective that this game hasn't just lost truly exceptional and extraordinarily young talented player but also an even better and more remarkable young bloke. Out of respect for him and game we love, I'm going to keep my tips short this week.
Roosters by eight - Roosters will be able hold off resurgent Bulldogs side !
Eels by four - Eels have found not only their mojo but also momentum. It's this momentum that I expect will carry through game toward two points !
Sharkies by six - Warriors won't play with same confidence as they did last week. Not when they're up against side more desperate than them to win.
Raiders by six - Raiders are becoming team beat this season. Good things.
Rabbitohs by ten - Things are going to go bad to worse for Dragons who you would think with Josh Dugan back would gone on to win this game !
Storm by fourteen - Storm will beat Titans.
Sea Eagles by twelve - Sea Eagles will beat Tigers.
Cowboys by six - Cowboys will beat Knights.
Submitted by christine forb10 on
Thinker thankyou for posting the wayne bennet article about alex mckinnon, i posted a comment the other day saying to someone else who obviously missed the point completely it's called empathy & alex mckinnon deserves it by the bucket load he not only deserves that but even more than anyone can possibly give & thinker i like to say thankyou to you for allowing all of us the opportunity to read the article & see a different side to both alex mckinnon and wayne bennet so again thankyou for doing so christine .
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Sydney – The Guru is siding with the Boss here, that and the ‘G’ has developed a soft spot for our feathery little friends. Mrs. Guru had two chicks hatch yesterday, one of whom is looking like he may be an SBW. Too early to tell, but in this business signs are always welcome. Chooks by 2.
Brisbane – McCullough has been impressive, the McKiller got the nod over the injured Isaac Luke in the Guru’s Supercoach team a few weeks ago, put a few Brissie boys in there actually…now don’t let me down boys, The ‘G’ is keen as, to get some of that Rupert money. Remember your priorities: stats, stats and more stats. But in all seriousness, the Broncos have been playing well, Hodgo is another weapon in attack and brings amour to the defense, that has been good apart from soft tries close to the line. Caution the mental burn coach Griffin, the blokes are giving their all and they will improve. Brisbane to win comfortably, 11-20 margin looks about right. The Guru likes this game.
NZW – The Thinker says it perfectly, go and read what he said because it’s what The Guru thinks too! The NZW are less of a mess than the Sharkies and should win, but don’t put the house on it. Check your lawn, this could be a good time to wash the car or…
Raiders – The Capital Raiders have been playing some decent football so far this season, What the Guru calls ‘Over achieving’. Few thought Ricky was onto a winner with Canberra, more of a nice place to settle in and write that book before an early retirement. The Raiders have won 2 from 4 and were unlucky to lose to NQ. This game will be a test for Rick, if it’s real you’ll win this one. Penrith are a decent side underperforming and still 3 or 4 games away from and sort of hair products, Gel included.
StGeorge – Souths will lose this game for the Dragons, the Rabbits struggle over 80min right now and a Dugan enhanced merger should be good enough by about 1-12. That’s the plan anywhos, not sure if the Bunnies have the script yet so…
Melbourne – The Thinker said it poetically above, Sunday afternoon footy is a good thing and a 2pm kickoff at AAMI stadium (knock another 20% off that car ins thanks Amy) will be a popular time for the VB state to pop over to AAMI stadium (ah-hem) in their tooty lil euro jobs and see the Purple Storm beat the Gold Coast Titans.
Manly – On fire the Boss is, that’s the form you’ve been missing, I’ve every confidence we’ll be tipping the round soon… Manly just keep on stepping up, for a coach that’s a bit vertically challenged, Tooves sure makes up for it with enthusiasm and vocal cheer. CH 9 love to show Toovey shouting thoughtful words of encouragement to his troops, and who is The ‘G’ to judge - because it’s working. Manly have cost more than a few punters by winning when they shouldn’t have recently, The Guru has learnt his lesson for this round anyway and is backing the Sea Eagles to a big win.
Knights – The Guru wants to say bad words when describing the NQC at the moment, things like ‘they’re playing like …., what the …. Is wrong with these blokes…look at that roster! But he won’t, because you know... Newcastle are still carrying enough feeling to ride over the Cowgirls, who just aren’t playing good footy. The Guru can’t see NQ finding the answers for a while yet. Knights H2H (for the answers to those …. Riddles see above and lip read toovey…you’ll get the gist)
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Great letter. Thanks for posting that Thinker.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Guru,
Congratulations on the new arrivals....and thanks (again) for posting here during a 'fully hectic' time.
I hope Mrs Guru and the littlies are home and well soon
Submitted by Grasshopper on
Roosters
Broncos
Warriors
Panthers
Dragons
Storm
Sea Eagles
Cowboys
Submitted by a on
a is going to bounce back from getting only 1 tip right last week and thanks for posting Alex McKinnon article to
Now here are my tips
Bulldogs by 2 this is 50-50 this week I was right on the Bulldogs last week I will go them again this week
Broncos by 8 The Broncos have been doing good so far I can't see them slip up against improved Eels
Sharks by 1 I am going to give the Sharks 1 last chance if they slip up I won't tip them for a while them
Panthers by 1 this is a real 50-50 game Panthers to win but please don't ask me why
Dragons by 4 I don't think the Rabbitohs are going to cod as well as we all thought
Storm by 6 I think the Titans are doing good but Storm to be the wrecking ball for them
Tigers by 2 I am doing something crazy here but don't trust me
Cowboys by 4 I not sure about this one Cowboys only because their my team
It is hard to pick
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Guru
Big congrats on the new additions to you and Mrs Guru too.
Maybe a future Bronco there???
Submitted by christine forb10 on
afternoon guru craig going by the previous posts i read that you have welcomed a few new additions to your family congratulations on doing so to both you and mrs guru.
Submitted by christine forb10 on
afternoon guru craig going by the previous posts i read that you have welcomed a few new additions to your family congratulations on doing so to both you and mrs guru.
Submitted by christine forb10 on
sorry for the double print.
Submitted by a on
Don't you worry I have done this a few times to its okay
Submitted by The Animal on
You guys!!!
Nothing cheers me up more while working on a demobilising civil job (capital B boring) than logging onto this site and seeing everyone's comments. A big thanks to The Thinker for posing Wayne Bennett's beautiful article, I don't think I would have seen it otherwise and I'm glad I did. Also congrats to Mr & Mrs Guru on the new addition!!
Sentimentalities over, my tips for the week are -
Roosters - Recon they'll be coming out strong after last weeks loss, top contenders yet again can't see them losing this week, especially at home.
Broncos - Cheering about my eels tip last week, I recon there finally giving themselves a name (other than the "wooden spoons") but just can't see them beating Brisbane here, brissy should be riding on high after beating my beloved Dragons last Friday.
Sharks - They gotta win sometime, and I wanna be in on it when they do. As soon as they get a win ill probly stop tipping them.
Raiders - $2.70 odds? That's pretty decent considering there up against Penrith, still could go either way but my monies on them this week.
Dragons - Of corse. But all prodigious aside, both teams had a loss last week, so they'll both come out fighting hard, especially if the broncs overtake the saints on the ladder. With the return of Dugan this week, I think the dragons will be the ones with the last punch up their sleeve, i'm calling this a close one - Dragons by 4.
Storm - not too much to say here, should be a relatively easy win I'd say.
Manly - When the tigers had a win over souths, I thought they were coming on up a bit. Getting a bit of game going on. Apparently that was just the bunnies losing their edge. Not a fan of Manly but they should smash them.
Knights - A little Irish man just walked into my office that I've never met before. I introduced myself, and asked him a favour. In your opinion I sais, who do you recons gunna win between NQL and Newcastle? OH he sais, WELL NQL (continues to rant for 5 minutes) ... SO PICK THE KNIGHTS!! ... Can't argue with the Irish.
Just a big cheers to everyone contributing their knowledge and advise each week, I am currently coming 6th place out of 34 in my tipping comp. Smashing it.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Thank you Thinker and All, The Guru would like to say the new Additions to the clan are actually baby chickens, just to clear up any eggceptions...( we do have some regular little Guru's as well though so all is not lost on the future Bronco bit)
Mrs Guru and her prized Silky bantam welcomed 2 little fluffy chicks the other day in the Garage....Perhaps the Guru needs to start using his Tweeter...
Submitted by christine forb10 on
guru craig how embarising i saw the thinkers post and a few others and i assumed yourself & mrs guru had new youngings so sorry about that but i got to say my sister has about 10 chickens at the moment including silky's & a few baby chicks too, again so sorry for the mistake my apologies to mrs guru.
Submitted by The Joker on
I have changed to the knights. Go boys!
Submitted by newbie from perth on
G'day everyone,
Running a bit late tonight but doesn't really matter as most of you are probably in slumberland by now enjoying a well earned rest. Nice read from Wayne Bennett - many thanks Thinker. I know everyone hopes the absolute best for young Alex.
OK, this week's tips. Was feeling pretty good reading the Thinker's analysis/tips as I had the same up until the Dragons & Bunnies match. The Great One picked the red'n'whites whereas yours truly opted for a hopefully resurgent Bunnies to bounce back. Oh well I reckon I might be close this week as in addition to The Thinker and I only differing on 1 game, it turns out I have the same picks as the great Wally Lewis and Mr Mark Ashford! Hope springs eternal! Here are my tips for Round 5:
Roosters
- again, who else would I pick? Hopefully we'll shake off last week's effort and get our mojo back. SBW might just be the catalyst
Broncos
- I've seen them play 4 Friday night games in a row (seems they will play 10 in a row before they actually get to play a Saturday game) and have been impressed
Warriors
- Warriors 2 wins and -11 versus 0 wins and -76 for the Sharks. Newbie uses stats like this when he has no idea.
Panthers
- Only because it's not in Canberra and then pleasantly surprised because the Thinker picked them as well. I know the Raiders helped me last week but...
Rabbits
- Not sure about this one. I get the feeling that the Bunnies are off the boil. I'll give them one more chance at redemption. If they lose this one and come up against average and better teams, I'll be picking the opposition. Ouch!
Storm
- How they lost at nib last week has me scratching my head. Surely one bloke out can't make that much difference can it? Please enlighten me if you think it necessary. At home they should bounce back you'd think.
Sea Eagles
- As much as it hurts me to say it, I can't see Manly getting done here, especially considering the form they're in.
Cowboys
- This one's a toss up. No idea. I think I've overdosed on the analysis. I'll pick Cowboys because they're at home.
Thanks people. Better get off to slumberland myself I suppose. It's nearly 10 o'clock here in the West and I have to get up at 4.30 tomorrow morning so better go off and get some shut-eye. Cheers and hope your team goes well on the weekend...
Submitted by Psiva on
Thank a for exposing the feeling of a good coach
Go. Parra
Siva
Submitted by mark ashford on
Guru Guru there you go getting us all excited and it's just a couple of chooks...not a lot of meat on those bantams mate.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Disclaimer: Follow me at your peril
Roosters - Because the Guru has a couple of new ones at home
Broncos - Because Johnny Ray doesn't know that the Eels have lost their last 20 games away from Pirtek Stadium. Go JR in the upset!!
Warriors - Because I always "keep the faith" and tip my team
Penrith - Because they have a W-L-W-L record so far and the Raiders have a L-W-L-W record so far. I'm a stats man
Souths - Because it's April (a good month to be a bunny)
Melbourne - Because no tipsters on this site think otherwise
Tigers - Because I trust "a"
Knights - Because they will play for Alex
Thanks for the article Thinker and good luck everyone!!
Submitted by rangerchris on
Long time watcher, first time tipper (I think)
Roosters v Bunnies. I'll go with the Roosters here for 1 -12 win
Broncos v Eels. Broncos will win, not sure by how much. If Hunt and Gillett keep up their form, Broncos by 13+. Benny Barba 1st try scorer
Cronulla v Warriors, tossed a coin and it came up Warriors, Warriors to win
Dragons v Bunnies, Bunnies to shake off their losses and win 1 - 12.
Storm v Titans, Storm by 1 -12, I feel sorry for the Titans, facing the Storm after their loss last week.
Tigers v Manly. Manly will be too good, as predicted by every NRL tipper this week. Tigers hopefully will turn up. Manly 1 -12
Cowboys v Knights, Cowboys by 1 - 12. JT channelled Craig Bellamy and gave his boys a monstrous serve. Lets see if it works. Not sure how the emotion of the past weeks will play on the Knights. They can't play the rest of the season on emotion. Kudos to Wayne Bennett. Hope the lad gets through this tough time.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Ouch!!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Johnny Ray you are a legend picking the Eels!! Well done my friend. The streak has to end some time aye and funnily enough I did note that the last time Para won away from Pirtek was against the Broncos in 2012. Steel Panther has now been 0/2 after Friday night footy for four of the first five rounds. 1 from 10. These Saturday morning hangovers are killing me!!!
Submitted by christine forb10 on
another week of upsets.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Thanks Steel Panther ! But what about our mate "A" picking Bulldogs when everybody else picked Roosters ? Dude, I don't care what anybody else says that's another legendary call right there ! That and congrats goes out to Guru Craig and his friends and family on birth of his future immortal ! As expert picker on here so far this year, I look forward to seeing him Captain Australia one day and giving Brisbane second team, The Redcliffe Dolphins their first maiden premiership win over red hot favorites Perth Pirates in 2036 ! Queensland Maroons should be 30 in row by then ! Go Warriors ! ;-D
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Gone The Warriors ! :-(
Submitted by The Animal on
Ah well Johnny Ray, at least you got the tip.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Yes Christine, the upsets continue. JR the Warriors should be kicked out of the comp after yesterday's performance!! Abysmal....
Submitted by christine forb10 on
Steel panther your right warriors had nothing in them they were dyssmal at best absolutely shocking performance.
Submitted by The Animal on
I'm Shocked!!! The only game so far that hasn't been an upset is the Panthers/Raiders game. Looks like the tigers will take this one too!!
Submitted by christine forb10 on
i've given up watching storm games now, bellamy has got storm so fine turned that it's the same thing week in week out the same defence the same attack there is no variation it's just boring & even though i tipped them i'm glad they got beaten it might give them a wake up call that they don't just have to turn up to win.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Wow...so far 2 out of 7 How hard is it to tip this year?
There is no consistency in any team so far.
Should make for a very interesting year.
Anyone game to suggest the top 8 after round 26?
Submitted by christine forb10 on
i'm going to tip the bookies for my top because they seem to have things all worked out in their favour & not ours .
Submitted by Bill Shorton on
Can the Reff 's join the Tips comp so we know who they are going to let win and then WE CAN FOLLOW THEIR TIPS
Submitted by Bill Shorton on
Can the Reff 's join the Tips comp so we know who they are going to let win and then WE CAN FOLLOW THEIR TIPS