South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles – Friday night – Sydney Cricket Ground
Is this a curtain raiser to the 2014 grand final? Have I said that already this season? And did I say it the last time these teams played? I'm a busy thinker but I'll look into that when I have a moment. We all know the ever-consistent Manly will be close to their best, and that is usually enough to beat most teams. The Bunnies would be one of few exceptions to that rule, and I'm punting on them being up for this game. The Bunnies at their best have their cute little noses in front of those Manly beaks (particularly with the likely return of Sam Burgess and Ben Teo). The 'neutral' venue can only advantage the Bunnies too. They have more fans than Manly and their supporters are willing to cross the road for a pint of milk. The game of the round at a traditional venue - I just wish this were the Sunday afternoon fixture.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4
Result - Rabbitohs 23 def Sea Eagles 4
Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
Some pretty significant returns for the Doggies, with Josh Morris named in the centres and Aiden Tolman on the bench. That makes for one enourmous pack of forwards that the Broncos have to deal with. The Broncos pack are hardly a bunch of no-names though, what with four internationals (Parker, Glenn, Thaiday and Gillett) in their starting pack. Justin Hodges is out with a rare injury with giving Jack Reed an opportunity to work his way back into the centres. Maranta claims one flank in the starting thirteen. There should be no shortage of desperation from both sides and this should be a tight low-scoring grind (back the unders). Under those circumstances I'm tipping the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are one team that have found a way to win tight games all season, while the Broncos have been doing the opposite. And if it comes down to goal-kicking you'd think Hodkinson can outpoint Parker - particularly given the enormous workload Parker will need to carry out in this contest.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 2
Result - Broncos 41 def Bullgrubs 10
Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday night – Hunter Stadium
If I were to name one of my sons 'Çhanel' (and I wouldn't) I certainly wouldn't expect them to grow up and become an NRL first grader. Knights winger Chanel Mataúita proves that I shouldn't assume anything. Come to think of it, the other three wingers in this game are called Marika, Sisa and Akuila. Perhaps I should have named my children Tiffany and Isabella after all. The Knights are near enough to full-strength and will put in a show this weekend, but the Storm have their sights set on the top four and goal-setting and goal-attaining appear to be two of their strengths. They've been bonding on the NSW mid-coast somewhere this week in between games, rather than head back to the sub-arctic conditions in Melbourne. I can't fault them for that.
Verdict – Storm by 8
Result - Knights 32 def Storm 30
North Queensland Cowboys vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night - 1300SMILES Stadium
It's a pretty decent road trip from Campbelltown to Townsville, which at least partly explains why Robbie Farah rushed to the car park straight after their Monday night loss to the Storm. The hammer-wielding Cowboys performed as I expected against the Titans and I expect more of the same this weekend...minus the hammers. Luke Brooks returns for the Tigers which helps, but they still won't win.
Verdict – Cowboys by 20
Result -Cowboys 64 def Tigers 6
Parramatta Eels vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – TIO Stadium (Darwin)
Ricky Stuart gets a chance to revisit the team he took all the way to the wooden spoon last season with a team he may be taking all the way to the wooden spoon this season. The answer to your question is yes - he really is one of the highest paid coaches in the game. The Eels have beaten better teams than the Raiders this season and, more importantly, Jarryd Hayne has started negotiations for his next contract. He could win this on his own. The Raiders haven't had much joy this season, but at least they'll see some nice weather this weekend (from minus 11 to plus 25...sheeesh!)
Verdict – Eels by 12
Result - Eels 18 def Raiders 10
New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium
I'm sticking with my Cronulla don't like the daylight theory, and I'm sticking with my theory that the Warriors do. No Johnson. No Hurrell. No worries. Wade Graham and Luke Lewis are out for the Sharks and I can't imagine many would be disagreeing with me here.
Verdict – Warriors by 22
Result - Warriors 16 def Sharks 12
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers – Sunday afternoon – WIN Stadium
I thought the Dragons were okay against the Roosters, and I thought the Panthers had their fair share of luck against the Bulldogs. The Panthers are the better team but the injuries to Kite, Taylor and Cartwright bring them down a notch or two. Ivan Cleary has named a seven man bench at this stage as well so there may still be doubts over a few significant names (ie. Grant and Kingston). I don't think I've successfully tipped the Dragons to win all season, but every thinker has his day. This game may surprise a few on the upside - daylight often brings out the best in some of these flashy footballing folks.
Verdict – Dragons by 2
Result - Panthers 16 def Dragons 4
Sydney Roosters vs Gold Coast Titans – Monday night – Allianz Stadium
I expect the Titans to respond positively to the coach rotations (Cartwright to the bench, Henry to the starting side), but I also expect the Chooks to respond positively to the announcement of the retirement of Anthony 'violins' Minichiello. Is this the news the tricolours needed? They face a real contest on Monday night without Jake Friend, and if Aiden Sezer is a late inclusion for the Titans this gets really interesting. The funniest man in rugby league (Nate 'íf I had a hammer' Myles) shares the captaincy with Greg Bird this weekend - two former bad boys that have seemingly come good. I'm tempted to back the Chickens by 1-12 in this. Let me get my wallet (gamble responsibly etc).
Verdict – Roosters by 1
Result - Roosters 26 defeated Titans 18
Wally Lewis - round twenty-two selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
- RABBITOHS vs Sea Eagles
- BRONCOS vs Bulldogs
- Knights vs STORM
- COWBOYS vs Tigers
- EELS vs Raiders
- WARRIORS vs Sharks
- Dragons vs PANTHERS
- ROOSTERS vs Titans
Comments
Submitted by ryback on
I think its a good tip there by thinker but I think the broncos surely would not be giving chance to doggies this time as well as titans.
Submitted by christine forb10 on
a & johnny ray no more narky comments being posted from me today i 'm behaving so be nice cause it could change quickly ok .
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Me, I'm with The Thinker this week so go The Thinker ! Aussie Brain Power ! Peow ! Peow ! ;-D
Submitted by a on
Yet go the same as the thinker Johnny Ray so you stay ahead of him
Submitted by a on
Where is the tipping form
Submitted by Thinker's Little Helper on
The tipping form is enabled now.
I would again remind all our regulars to please play nicely with each other in the comments. I've already had to mop up some nasties this week. People logging out and back in again to hurl abuse under pseudonyms is pretty sad too. It might be time to warm up the sin bin again...
Submitted by seige on
Please just post NRL related content.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi all you happy tipsters.
Don't forget round 23 starts Thursday14th so don't be late.
This week I like
Manly
Broncos (last chance)
Storm
Cowboys
Eels
Warriors
Dragons
Roosters
This weeks games should make the final 8 a bit clearer so good luck to you all.
Johnny Ray can you tell me please exactly what peow peow means?
Submitted by christine forb10 on
To all that use this site , i've been a coming to this website for 7 years & due to nasty people who seem to think a female shouldn't be using this website & only go about trying to ruin everthing they do telling them to shut up in rudeness when they do post a comment i hope you are all proud of yourselves because you just cost the thinker a follower of 7 years .
Submitted by The Animal on
Sorry Christine,
Gotta have a bit of a LOL
I don't think this site's been around for 7 years ...
Anyyyyywhoo, havn't put my tips in for a while, a touch of self destruction will do that to you.
So - this week
Rabbits
Bulldogs
Cowboys
Storm
Eels
Warriors
Saints
Roosters ..
Now I look at it, same as you Mr Thinker. Smash'n it.
Submitted by The Joker on
Manly, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Knights, Eels, Warriors, Dragons, Roosters
Submitted by christine forb10 on
thinker little helper , please remove my user name & email address from this website i won't be using it anymore & people like the animal are the reason i won't be .
Submitted by The Animal on
But it hasn't been!
I'm not being rude, I'm just pointing out some interesting background information to the whole thing ...
Hur hur hur hur
Submitted by The Animal on
But it hasn't been!
I'm not being rude, I'm just pointing out some interesting background information to the whole thing ...
Hur hur hur hur
Submitted by The Joker on
New tips: Manly, Bulldogs, Tigers, Knights, Eels, Warriors, Dragons, Roosters
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Yeah you know Mark, I have no idea ! I can't explain it mate. It's kiwi expression that alot of us all use that now become part of way people talk kind of like some of your own Aussie slang i.e. 'Get dead dog up ya', 'shut up ya dingo', 'it's gone walkabout' 'bloody boomer', um, ah, 'Bruce' ! It's just how some of us talk now, we have no idea what any of it means. That again if anything that I've just said is offensive I want to apologise and also if any of it is I just want you to know Christine none of it was directed at you and that if I have done anything to you that upset you I just want you to know I am sorry. Or as you would say 'You'll be apples' ;-D
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thanks johnny Ray "you little bewdy"
It's all clear now mate...clear as mud that is.
I'm sure it's not offensive as you said just a saying.
Just me being curious mate.
Good luck to your Warriors mate
They're going to be in the finals this year for sure.
Submitted by a on
You know I defend you Christine and if I have said anything to upset I am sorry its people like my brother D and Jerk and This Guy etc they seem to like to tell you to shut up they are all good friends with each other but Me and other people have been very nice to you the thinker should take more responsibility here
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Rabbitohs by 4 I am so pissed of by Manly getting help from the refs all the time Rabbitohs by 4 if refs don't help Manly
Broncos by 2 I am giving the Broncos 1 last chance if they lose I am never tipping them again
Storm by 4 Storm to be the wrecking ball to the crap Knights
Cowboys by 6 Go Cowboys you can be a wrecking ball to the Tigers seasons
Eels by 8 I gave Raiders 1 last chance last week and they stuffed it up so what is the point in tipping them
Warriors by 2 much closer than most people are expecting but I think Warriors will win
Panthers by 1 I think this will be a thriller here but Panthers to be the wrecking ball here
Roosters by 2 I think Titans will try hard for john cartwrite and won last time they played on monday night and all the games they played Roosters in Sydney but I just cant tip them
Submitted by christine forb10 on
a i saw your comment & i thank you for defending me when you have but there are two things that really get on my nerves ignorence & two faced small minded people & yes you did upset me when you ignored me but i forgive you for it & no the thinker hasn't done a thing i doubt he cares anyway i only came back to check your tips to be honest with you & i don't know if i will hang around yet or not only time will tell but again thankyou i do appreciate it .
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Im outta town this week on holiday. Just logged in to post my tips. Good luck everyone. Manly, Dogs, Storm, Cowboys, Eels, Warriors, Dragons, Roosters.
Submitted by christine forb10 on
Johnny ray i hadn't seen your comment till now but i can asure you you havn't upset me & i don't walk around saying she'll be apples even though i was born here & if i ever did shoot me ok , i'm an aussie with a kiwi / scottish / dutch back ground & yes they are all as head strong & stuborn as each other so i takes a bit more than that to upset me .
Submitted by a on
My brother is the bad one
Submitted by christine forb10 on
a i don't doubt you & i never have
Submitted by a on
I think my brother D is either friends with the jerk or is the jerk
Submitted by christine forb10 on
then he's a pigeon chested tossa
Submitted by christine forb10 on
a tomorrow is another day i might have a different view on things then so speak to you tomorrow ok.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
NRL round 22, guaranteed 100% Badger free
Manly – Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Sea Eagles are flying high, some in economy… while others prefer business class. No matter the divide or seating chart on planes from Auckland, Manly are cruising on the field. Cherry is all business, while the other 12 eco’s are bringing plenty of class as well. Souffs will struggle through the playmaker positions to compete with Manly’s creativity, Maguire will have to rely on his Burgesses and a bit of GI magic. This should be a good game, hopefully the refs don’t ruin it as they have the last few Fridays. Man 1-12
Brisbane – The city of fullbacks, Hooky one day, Benny the next. The Broncos are due a win and will be desperate to stay in check for the finals, plenty of the blokes should be dirty on last week’s effort and will be looking to win this for Hook. The Guru is tipping Brisbane will be good enough, by 1-12 to cover the rabid dogs, actually that’s probably a bit harsh, Dessies boys have been a bit up and down but they are a well-trained side capable of beating anyone and they too, will be looking for a W. Bris 1-12
Melbourne – Storming up the ladder the boys in purple take on Newcastle, who are just about impossible to tip, they lose the games they’re supposed to win and the opposite of that too, no wonder they’ve done Wayne’s head in. Good thing the Knights have NIB eye coverage, if they blink this could end up a training run for the opposition, better check the score board kids are covered for RSI too Wayne, this could be a big one. Bellyache has had the boys in camp all week focusing on amongst other things, Finals football. Mel 13+
Cowboys – The goings on in Tiger town are not good. Robbie the fibber Farah is starring in a dramedy on the Footyshow tonight, following in the steps of other esteemed Tigers, seems the Stripy Magpies can’t escape the spotlight. NQ pay attention, the cats will be fiery for a while come Saturday night. Green’s Cowboys should be good enough to weather ‘the young and the restless’ long enough to get a solid win.
Paramatta – Hitler slams Ricky’s Raiders! The Guru did a double take…seems he’d misheard the Mrs, she actually said Fittler. Parra are taking the Hayne-plane to Darwin this week, if form continues then the Eels will be 30 or so too good for the Raiders. Canberra and Stuart are having a rough trot of things in season 2014. Some good news though, the Guru’s fav TV show, (sorry RF it’s not ‘Days of our lives’) Trailer park boys is coming back, the star of this show is also named ‘Ricky’. The Guru imagines Ricky S may have repeated the catch line of the TV Ricky…We’re completely F#%*ed! Parra 13+
NZW – Gal is back, the grub is expected to take the field with his Sharkies this week. The Guru doesn’t think it’ll matter, he learned his lesson about the Peow! Peow! Last week. NZ by a wrecking ball.
Penrith – Win when The ‘G’ tips against em…STG are a show here, the bookies have em favourites but The Guru isn’t convinced Benjis boys are winners. Ivan has the mountain magic and his men have proved many wrong this season, so far the Panthers have been solid. With a few injuries Ivans depth will be tested Sunday afternoon. Penrith in a close one.
Titans – Tip on a chicken wing and a prayer. Another coach hits the road, this time it’s the Titans turn and Cartwright is on his way. The GCT have a decent record against the Roosters, in this game last year (a few weeks shy, but we’re friends) they beat the 2013 premiers 30-22 at Allianz. The Guru wants you to score big Dave, make your mark mate. GCT 1-12
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
Dagnabit! I was one game away from my “perfect round” last week thanks to the Doggies getting beaten. No big deal though, there’s always this week isn’t there. Mind you, after looking at who’s playing who, I’m not that confident. I think I’ll have to rely on the RL gods for some assistance. OK, let’s get into it…
Broncos - this might end up a close one. I’ll go the Broncos only because the Doggies let me down last week and this will be played at Suncorp.
Rabbits - gee whiz, what a game this should be. My “gut” is telling me Souths and who am I to argue with myself. Go you Bunnies!
Storm - I reckon the poor old Knights are still wobbly from last week. Storm seem to have their “mojo” back and should get the job done pretty easily.
Cowboys - I’m told that the Cowboys have won 12 of their past 13 games at home. Factor in the return of Matt and Gavin and they’re looking pretty good for this.
Eels - just can’t make a case for the Raiders in this one so in the end it’s pretty easy for me to pick the Slippery Ones.
Warriors - pretty sure it’ll be a case of “Peow! Peow!” this week. Johnny’s boys were pretty impressive last week and I see them continuing that form into this weekend. Can’t see how or where the Sharkies can win this. Thinking JR’s gonna see the “Kiwi Power” in full flight on Sunday. No wonder the bookies have ‘em around the $1.15 mark!
Dragons - nice effort from the Panthers last week but gee they have some problems with their injured list don’t they? I’m thinking St George will “rock the house down” this weekend.
Roosters - this is a no-brainer, well for me anyway. Not a snowflake’s chance in hell I could tip against the Mighty Roosters given the poor old Titan’s woeful form of late. Yeah I know this wonderful game throws up some shockers from time to time and there’s always a chance the Titans will lift for JC but I'm sure I read somewhere (hey I might be wrong here) that the Titans have only won twice from their last 11 outings so… Carn you Mighty Roosters! (wish I could copy Johnny Ray and add something like “Cluck! Cluck!” but it just doesn’t carry the same ferocity as “Peow! Peow!” does it? Damn!)
P.S. For those interested I’ve always thought Johnny Ray’s “Peow Peow” was a reference to the sound a fighter would make when they punch someone during a boxing match. Sort of like … “and he gave him a left and a right to the head. Peow! Peow”. I might be mistaken but it just seemed like a variation on “Pow! Pow!” Right or wrong, I would like to think my explanation makes sense and I’m more than happy to run with it.
Good luck with your tipping this week and good luck to your team as well. Cheers.
Submitted by Mark Barwick on
Thinker, you are a funny man. Loved the crack about good guys finishing last. Love this website. Keep it up.
Submitted by a on
2 Marks here
Submitted by christine forb10 on
a & johnny ray i'm here
Submitted by The Animal on
OMG NO ONE CARES, SERIOUSLY.
I want email updates on football opinions, not attention seekers.
Submitted by christine forb10 on
you are an attention seeker try minding your own business.
Submitted by The Animal on
No, quite the contrary - I am merely tired of filtering through your whiney crap to read other users opinions on football, the actual topic here, not how 101 nameless online users have treated me today.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Afternoon everyone,
Well haven't things gotten interesting in here? I do have a life outside this website, so I don't really have time to be in here policing everyone's comments and contributions.
Anyways, I've closed the tipping form for this round but you can keep on adding comments if you wish to, especially if you're nice about it.
And thanks Mark Barwick...I'm glad you like it.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Submitted by christine forb10 on
Thinker thankyou i would appreciate it if you would silence the animal you did say everyone is free to use this website to post their comments & thoughts just keep it fun & friendly but yet some people seem to think it doesn't mean them so a bit of help here thinker wouldn't go astray if you don't mind ?
Submitted by The Animal on
COMMENTS AND THOUGHTS ON FOOTBALL NOT YOUR EFFING FEELINGS DUDE!
I would so love to meet you, just so I could give you $5 and a map to a phone booth, so you could place a call to someone who freaking cares.
Submitted by christine forb10 on
Thinker's little helper we still have someone hurling abuse for no reason & if you can warm up the sin bin again i would aoppreciate it ? thank you.
Submitted by The Animal on
No, Christine, I will not be "dealt with" for voicing my irritation with your egocentric babble.
Did ever you take into consideration, while engaging in an online argument, that if you failed to respond, my pejorative comments would cease?
Submitted by Rick on
I thought you had left? good riddance if you finally leave you have caused nothing but trouble and I remember last year too. This is my fourth year using the Thinker's great site and you have spoiled it I hope you are proud of yourself. Animal this woman is just not worth it mate.
Maybe as siege had posted earlier "Please just post NRL related content" would be a great idea.
Submitted by christine forb10 on Thu, 07/08/2014 - 11:21am
thinker little helper , please remove my user name & email address from this website i won't be using it anymore & people like the animal are the reason i won't be .
Submitted by Thinker's Little Helper on
So everyone has a chance to settle down I'm temporarily suspending the ability to comment across the board, except for those on the official tipping ladder.
Enjoy tonight's games and I look forward to seeing cooler heads in here a little later when I plug the cord back in :)
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Crap ! Bulldogs lost but dude don't tell me they don't deserve to lose after kicking Sam Thaiday in face during tackle ! It's things like that make them one of NRL hated clubs ! :-(
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Reynolds was a bit extra grubby tonight Johnny Ray, Kicking, tripping and general rubbish that's not needed.
Brisbane were impressive, good fast play and decent defence. The Doggies have some work ahead if they want to hang around for the finals. Reynolds should have got 10 for the kick, he probably would have behaved himself then...
Ditto with Souths, very aggressive hard performance, their halves missed the mark a few times but overall impressed. Manly looked tired, like they needed a rest and seemed to get into complaining/whinging mode about an hour in, appealing for a penalty every tackle and just generally giving up. Don't discount the Silvertails on tonights game, they'll hit back next week.
Refs had a few major stuff ups in the Sths game, Lote's run away was off a Bunnies knock-on, game changer that one perhaps?
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
I agree Guru Craig. The refs were terrible in Souths game and should be held accountable for some of calls they made last night and I say this as somebody who backed Rabbits to win. Looking at score line no way were Christmas bunnies that good. Also one last thing about Bulldogs. What did somebody txt me last night after game ? You take away their four wins by one point this season and they would be sitting on equal last. Something else to think about people next time you're thinking of backing them to win ! Go Warriors ! :-)
Submitted by Guru Craig on
The Guru doesn't mind
Cooper Cronk to score a try & Storm to win @ 4.00
Jarryd Hayne to score two or more tries @ 3.50 could well happen
Said bookies could throw a few wads of fitty's The Thinkers way and they might get a plug!
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Me after Knights beat Melbourne at 80 minute mark : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOCF0BLf-BM ;-D