Round twenty-five selections

Canterbury Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium

The Bulldogs used to make a habit of letting their forward pack run rampant and plough straight over the top of those poor little Bunnies, but that was in the pre-Burgess era. Baby George is back on Thursday night with three of his brethren for company. Nobody, and I mean nobody, can plough straight over the top of those four not-so-little Bunnies. That said, the most likely person to bash the Poms is another Pom. Watching James Graham take it up to four enormous opponents is all the entertainment I need, and everything else is tasty icing. Thursday nights are complicated, Australians are hiding their wallets and the weather in Sydney has been hit and miss for a while, but a crowd under 35k would be disappointing. Reynolds has been named, but I doubt he'll get there. I think they'll win anyway.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4

Result - Rabbitohs 21 defeated Bulldogs 14

Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

A real danger game for the home side, as the Dragons have scored many a victory at Suncorp over the years. Tipping so early in the week is tricky (I cite the changes to the Sharks lineup last weekend as evidence) and I note the seven man bench for the Dragons. There has to be some doubt over Marshall and Dugan, and the omission of either makes considerable difference. The Broncos are unchanged and still in the finals hunt, and Hodges didn't disappoint at fullback last weekend. And I did bump up into a bunch of these Broncos at my local cafe yesterday morning - that might be an omen.

Verdict – Broncos by 4

Result - Broncos 30 defeated Dragons 22

Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday afternoon – Hunter Stadium

I highlighted last week that the Knights are now in that zone where they don't have a lot to play for...and they played accordingly. The ASADA suspensions to two key forwards sealed their fate and you couldn't put enough money on the Broncos before kick-off (note: all three teams with suspended ASADA players lost...and lost badly). Even with the Knights at home I'm prepared to back the Eels with confidence this weekend. They'll bring plenty of self-belief with them after running down the Sea Eagles. Amazingly the Eels have the top two try-scorers in the NRL this season - not bad for a team clinging to the top eight with a negative differential. If the Knights do have another win this year it will in round 26 - the Old Boys game, but we'll talk about that then.

Verdict – Eels by 10

Result - Knights 42 defeated Eels 12

Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night - GIO Stadium

It might be the most even competition in the world but there are two games on Saturday night and I'm glad we get this game out of the way first. Genuine respect to anyone lacing up boots in first grade but this is probably the worst looking game all season. That said, it might be entertaining. On paper it looks like a Holden Cup game so we might get a Holden Cup scoreline (38-36). Back the overs, unless its snowing.

Verdict – Raiders by 2

Result - Raiders 27 defeated Tigers 12

Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium

That Raiders/Tigers entree (cream of brocolli soup) was pretty disappointing but the main looks like a Western Australian lobster served on a bed of Tasmanian lobsters. I thought the Warriors were a big hope last weekend but no - the Roosters turned up and played like it was 2013. Are the Chooks on song? Did the Warriors switch off? We'll know on Saturday night. I'm with the tri-colours - this is their best line-up all season and their back five has an edge on the purple machine. It's the game (and the meal) of the round.

Verdict – Roosters by 2

Result - 24 defeated Storm 12

New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

The Titans are in the same boat as the Knights and sadly that boat has landed in Auckland Harbour this weekend. Nate Myles and Dave Taylor are out and I can't imagine how the Titans will cope with all that size running at them. Even the Warriors backs will wear them out. It's the Warriors last home game of the season and I expect a carnival atmosphere. Back Konrad Hurrell to score a try this game into the Warriors by 13+ - it's my bet of the season....but gamble responsibly.

Verdict – Warriors by 14

Result - Warriors 42 defeated Titans 0

Manly Sea Eagles vs Penrith Panthers – Sunday afternoon – Brookvale Oval

Crowds are down in Penrith town and it's not about the team - rather a broadcasting schedule that leaves children unable to attend footy matches kicking off at 2am on Tuesday mornings, just so Fox Sports can fill some gaps in their gaping schedule. The Panthers would kill for some afternoon games and they've finally got one...at Brookie. By the time the Penrith players have reacquainted themselves with sunlight the Sea Eagles will have this one in the bag.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 10

Result - Sea Eagles 26 defeated Panthers 25

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks – Monday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

Those of you that backed the Sharks to win the spoon this season at 1000-1 (on the back of my ridiculous season predictions) can get in touch with me and I'll let you know what I'd like for Christmas. The Sharks wouldn't have a lot of money in the kitty for the end of season trip so a weekend in North Queensland may have to do. If for some reason my bet of the season doesn't win you can back the Cowboys to keep the Sharks scoreless. Yes...you heard me...scoreless. If that gets up we can all have a big Christmas.

Verdict – Cowboys by 38

Result - Cowboys 20 defeated Sharks 19

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

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

  • Bulldogs vs RABBITOHS
  • BRONCOS vs Dragons
  • Knights vs EELS
  • RAIDERS vs Tigers
  • ROOSTERS vs Storm
  • WARRIORS vs Titans
  • SEA EAGLES vs Panthers
  • COWBOYS vs Sharks

Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball

Comments

Lady Di-saster's picture

Ooooooh! Oooooh!! First, pick me pick me!!!

The Joker's picture

Rabbits,
Broncos,
Knights,
Tigers,
Roosters,
Warriors,
Manly,
Cowboys.... :D

Thinker's Little Helper's picture

I'd better get that form up and loaded, hadn't I...

Johnny Ray's picture

Awesome. Thanks Thinker. Here are my tips for round twenty five :

Bulldogs by six points
Broncos by eight points
Knights by two points
Raiders by ten points
Storm by twelve points
Warriors by thirty two points
Sea Eagles by fourteen points
Cowboys by seventy six points

Yeah ! Thanks everybody ! Go Warriors ! Kiwi power ! Peow ! Peow ! ;-D

newbie from perth's picture

Hi everyone,

Yet another Thursday night game! This isn’t the norm is it? Oh well, did sort of OK last week without form study so may as well do the same this week. Not often lately I have the same as the Great One but this week I’m with the Thinker 100%. Let’s get into it…

Rabbits - last week’s effort against the Cowboys was a little confusing for me but I suppose the Bunnies were due a bad one sooner or later. On balance, Newbie thinks the Bunnies have been more impressive the last month and should get the job done.

Broncos - their second half was pretty good last week. Enough for me to tip another win to the boys from Bris-Vegas.

Eels - the Slippery Ones will want to stay in the eight so I’m looking for them to do what’s required. Eels for me.

Raiders - Newbie’s thinking back-to-back wins for the Green Machine. Wests just seem to me to be struggling more than they’d like. Tipped the Raiders last week and happy (sort of) to tip ‘em again this week.

Roosters - this will be tough but my heart and head is telling the Mighty Chooks will (must) prevail. This game should be a cracker. Carn you Roosters!

Warriors - commiserations on last week JR. These things happen sometimes. Not to worry, I think your boys will make you very happy this week. Reckon the Warriors were better last week than the Titans were last week and that’s good enough for me. Don’t normally tip a points margin but this week I will. Warriors by 12. Peow! Peow!

Manly - I actually watched Manly last week and at half time thought it’d be a stroll. Can’t believe how they dropped off in the second half. Just shows what a bit of pressure can do to the best of them. Not really confident about them this week but hey, it’s at Brookie and they’ll be looking to bounce back. Manly for me (just).

Cowboys - the Newbie actually feels sorry for the Sharks this week. After the Cowboys excellent effort last week against the Bunnies, he’s thinking the Cowboys are going to (or should in theory) smack the living daylights out of a very poor Sharks outfit. Sorry Shark fans but this might just turn out to be too horrible to watch. Ouch!

OK, as always, good luck with your tipping this week and good luck to your team as well. Cheers.

mark ashford's picture

Good morning all
Congrats to "a" for picking Eels over Manly...well done didn't see that coming.
This week I like...
Rabbits
Broncos
Eels
Tigers (time to salvage a bit of pride)
Roosters
Warriors
Manly
Cowboys
On a political note I think the ASADA result is a complete insult to all sports fans. If you have the evidence then 2 years must be the penalty starting today. If insufficient evidence then drop the whole thing.
Thanks to the Thinker for allowing us to have our say.

Steel Panther's picture

Good afternoon fellow tipsters
I thought in my attempt to not finish with the wooden spoon I'd pick some roughies this week hoping that they'd come home for me. We all know that roughies are best described as the team most favoured to lose. Then I thought based on how many games I've got wrong this season I've been picking roughies from the first round meaning round 25 is just a regular round for me haha!!

Bulldogs - Both teams strong but I'm leaning Doggies. No confidence here though.

Broncos - Too much at stake for Brisbane. Home ground helps me tip them.

Knights - I hope they win as I don't want the Eels to make the eight. Beware I don't think I've tipped a Knights game right all season.

Tigers - As decimated by injuries as they are I fancy the Tigers. Canberra don't do back to back wins. I'm with you here Mark. Tigers playing for a bit of pride.

Storm - I don't tip here with any confidence but a win last week against an awful Warriors team doesn't count as form to me. Sorry Newbie!!

Warriors - The pulse of this team is barely beating. Surely they are hoping to go to Penrith next week still with a slim hope of making the play offs.

Sea Eagles - I'm thinking all those injuries are finally catching up with the Panthers. Manly at home look too good.

Cowboys - Should be a walk in the park for JT and his men.

Good luck everyone and thanks as always Thinker. Have a good weekend!!

Johnny Ray's picture

I'm with you there Mark ! I don't think penalties from ASADA to players do anything highlight seriousness of charges brought against Cronulla as club. I know we all blame players and coaches involved but all that does for me is deflect attention away from who I feel is really at fault here, which is club itself. If you as club has been found to of been administering dangerous harmful drugs on your players in misguided attempt to improve their performance on the field in attempt to favour better results then you as a club off the field need to take responsibility for those actions and so should NRL. In my view, as well with all the players currently involved, NRL should strip Cronulla Sharks of their NRL operation license and banned them for life from ever playing again in the competition. To me it shows weak leadership that they didn't go that far. They could of then used it as opportunity to bring in another team from outside saturated Sydney market such as Perth Pirates or Brisbane Redcliffe Dolphins in 2015. Instead they didn't and that to me is just one more thing that's seriously wrong with NRL. Dude ! :-(

mark ashford's picture

WOW Johnny Ray well said mate.
How can Flannagan resume coaching in September?
Surely he must shoulder a large part of the blame? if not him then wHO authorised the program?
Yes Sharks are a basket case...hmmmn Rockhampton Rockets sounds good.

The Thinker's picture

Afternoon everyone

The tipping form has been closed for this round. You can see Johnny Ray's tips in the comments. I'll crunch those through on the tipping system at some point.

Have a great weekend everyone.

a's picture

Here are my tips

Rabbitohs by 4 I think Rabbitohs to win in a good game here

Broncos by 2 I think Broncos to win in an absolute thriller here

Eels by 6 I think Eels to be a wrecking ball here

Raiders by 1 Raiders can be a wrecking ball for 1 last time

Roosters by 2 Roosters to be a wrecking ball for storm

Warriors by 20 Do I have to explain why

Panthers by 1 I think Panthers to be a wrecking ball to Manly minor premiership hopes

Cowboys by 68 Well Well Well Cowboys will be the biggest wrecking ball of this year

And why is their no video for this week thinker?

The Thinker's picture

There you go 'a'....a video just for you :-)

christine forb10's picture

I've taken the same as the thinker this week .

Guru Craig's picture

Rabbits - Should be good enough for the win, Maguire will be looking for the intensity from a few weeks ago.

Broncos - Brisbane will be too good for STG, look for Hodgo to have another blinder at the back.

Eels - Para are desperate to stay in the eight, lock this one in Eddie.

Raiders - Hard to say on this tip, The Tigers are looking for some dignity, they could find it here, maybe. sticky with Ricky at home.

Storm - Its almost business time and the big guns are flexing their muscles. Melbourne have the edge in the halves and will control field position as they do. Should be a ripper of a game.

NZW - Warriors 20+ The Titans if they can find 17 eligible players will try hard but wont match it here, NZ will thrash the socks off em.

Manly - Need to show who's boss, its time for Toovey to get serious and win a few. Penrith have come a long way this season, Ivan will want a big game from his boys as a big loss will destroy their confidence.

Cowboys - NQ all day baby, free money

christine's picture

afternoon all I hate the fact we are nearing the end of another season & we have to go 6 months without any footy .

Johnny Ray's picture

Yeah I know Christine. Still American Football starts next month, that should keep you entertain till the NRL kicks off again with Auckland Nines in February ! You don't have a team to follow in the American Football here guys, here's a quick guide on which NFL team, that I think your NRL team resembles most :

Storm are Patriots, Rabbitohs are Dolphins, Roosters are NYC Giants, Sharks are Seattle Sea Hawks, Sea Eagles are Redskins, Eels are Buffalo Bills, Bulldogs are 49ers, Broncos are Dallas Cowboys, Cowboys are Denver Bronco's, Dragons are Colts, Knights are New Orleans Saints, West Tigers are Carolina Panthers, Panthers are Detroit Lions, Raiders are Oakland Raiders, Titans are San Diego Chargers and Warriors are, god it both sucks and blows to admit this, Warriors are Cleveland Browns. Go Browns on Sunday ! :-(

christine's picture

Johnny ray have you ever considered asking warriors for a job as their promotional manager ? I think you should you would be good at it & you should be paid for the publicity you give them so why not food for thought.

Johnny Ray's picture

Yeah I appreciate your support but I don't know about that Christine because you do know you are speaking to guy who got fired as Shop Manager of his local Blockbuster for putting 'There Will Be Blood' videos in with porn section ! True story ! What ? Alright, I'm sorry everybody ! ;-D

Steel Panther's picture

Priceless humour Johnny Ray. Almost as comical as Ben Cumming last night!!

christine's picture

Johnny ray that's what I will miss even more than the footy the humour from you, you make me laugh.

christine's picture

a you haven't posted a comment since Thursday is everything alright ?

a's picture

Yes everything is okay why what do you think is wrong with me

christine's picture

a nothing I was just asking the ? if everything was ok because your being very quiet.

a's picture

I was just very busy thats all

christine's picture

a fine no more ? then.

Guru Craig's picture

Not happy Jarryd!

christine's picture

Penrith should have won they deserve the win manly don't even though I tipped manly.

christine's picture

a i don't know what just happened but i can just imagine it wasn't very nice.

a's picture

It's gone now

christine's picture

a what's going on with cowboys sharks have scored two tries already ?

a's picture

Cowboys came this close to losing I nearly got an heart attack at the last minute but they won in golden point

The latest in NRL news