Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles - Friday night – ANZ Stadium
At the start of the season Channel Nine would have been licking their lips when they saw this match-up and quickly slotted it into primetime. Oh how the mighty have fallen, although the descent into crapulence may be temporary. Both teams are facing nearly identical issues at the moment - neither have their best pack of forwards available and both are missing their first choice fullbacks. In any case the Bulldogs weakened pack is still vastly superior to the Sea Eagles weakened pack. Andrew Johns let his tongue wag over the weekend and criticised the current NSW halves pairing - watch for an improved display from both of them. The return of Jamie Lyon for the Sea Eagles stems the bleeding, but the wound looks gaping at the minute. If my Friday night curse wasn't so confidence-destroying I'd be keen on the Dogs. We'll see.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 14
Result - Bulldogs 28 defeated Sea Eagles 16
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – WIN Jubilee Oval
I'm sure Laurie Daley wishes Milford and Hunt were born in Bowraville, because they would provide a more than handy solution to his NSW halves problem. Despite a few brain fades Ben Hunt had his best game of the season against the Chooks. Most importantly, when the game was there to be won he found a way to win it, and the Broncos haven't had a player like that since they turned Darren Lockyer into a statue. It's been nine years since the Broncos won a premiership but this team can go close. Amazingly, four current Broncos played in that game. One of those quartet (Hodges) returns this week and another one of them (Boyd) has started light training again. The Dragons are defending like no other at the moment and once again I'll be looking at 'total points under' betting options this weekend. A tough grinding game for the purists and I think the Broncos will get the points.
Verdict – Broncos by 4
Result - Dragons 12 defeated Broncos 10
Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday afternoon – CBus Super Stadium
If you look at the starting thirteen for the Panthers this weekend and compare it with the thirteen they started with in round one you'll notice some pretty significant changes. They've lost both halves, both centres and a really under-rated back-rower in Lewis Brown. If any of those five were fit they'd get walk-up starts...so the depth at Penrith is being well and truly tested at the moment. The Titans have been in the opposite situation - key players missing at the start of the year who are now back and firing. James Roberts looks to be one right out of the box and with the Panthers short on centres at the moment he has a great opportunity to add to his extraordinary try tally thus far. The Panthers are slight favourites but I'll tip the Titans at home.
Verdict – Titans by 2
Result - Titans 32 defeated Panthers 6
North Queensland Cowboys vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
For the last three weeks Jonathan Thurston has taken his game to another level - and it's astonishing that there are levels above the level he was already at. At some point he'll probably go off the boil a little, so just do yourself a favour and plonk yourself down in front of the champ while he's doing what he's doing. You don't find players like JT too often. I can't possibly tip against them while their key man is in such a rich vein of form. Enjoy the ride.
Verdict – Cowboys by 2
Result - Cowboys 28 defeated Warriors 24
Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters – Saturday night – AAMI Park
Craig Bellamy has named an unchanged line-up from last week, but then tacked on an extended bench that appears to include everyone on the Victorian electoral roll. I'm not sure if its sends a signal of great depth at the Storm or the complete opposite, but I won't be second-guessing Bellamy - one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. The Roosters would be walking around with heavy legs after that enthralling and exhausting loss to the Broncos. Extra time. Extra travel. Big Sam Moa is suspended so Dylan Napa steps up to the front row. Suddenly the Roosters look a little vulnerable up front, and the Storm have some seriously big bodies in their engine room. I think the purple pack can win that contest, particularly with a home crowd pushing them on (and it should be a decent crowd if everyone named on the bench turns up). The contest in the forwards usually determines the result of the game, and Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk have been around long enough to know how to turn such an advantage into a win. They grind out a victory like few others can, and when conditions suit they can rack up the points as well. Ben Hampton and Kurt Mann have given us a glimpse into the Storm in the post-Smith/Slater/Cronk era and they look like footballers. They revealed another one for us in Cameron Munster who impressed last week. It can't hurt to have Billy Slater as your mentor. The Roosters are a very warm favourite, and they don't look like a team that would lose three games in a row but...
Verdict – Storm by 1
Result - Storm 17 defeated Roosters 16
WestsTigers vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday afternoon – Leichhardt Oval
We've got a few ripping contests in round seven, but I'm looking forward to this game more than any of them. It's not so much the teams involved but the venue - we don't get many Sunday afternoon games at Leichhardt, but when we do you should watch them. It is a truly beautiful little suburban ground - let's hope the weather gods are kind and we have the place packed and bathed in sunlight. Both teams are coming off losses but are showing some genuine form this year. I'm with the Tigers who cherish games at this venue more than I do. They'll want to win this...and the team that wants to win most usually does.
Verdict – Tigers by 14
Result - Raiders 30 defeated Tigers 22
Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels – Sunday afternoon – Hunter Stadium
On form this game looks like a crap sandwich but before you hail the waiter and ask for an explanation let me point out two things. The Knights usually lift for Sunday games at home and the Eels are a team that should be suited to daytime conditions. For those reasons this crap sandwich may not taste as bad as it looks or sounds. I'll keep this brief as I'm feeling a bit peckish. Here's a rule I've stuck with for years - Knights at home on a Sunday....against almost anyone. Back the total points overs if such things appeal to you (gamble responsibly).
Verdict – Knights by 8
Result - Eels 28 defeated Knights 22
Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Monday night – Remondis Stadium
Despite the fairly pronounced loss to the Cowboys I thought the post-Reynolds line-up for the Bunnies worked pretty well. Glenn Stewart in the halves and Greg Inglis chiming in when the mood took him looked okay to my eye. Granted they didn't win, but there were some nice touches and they'll be better for the run. The Sharks are without twin brothers Fifita and Fifita and that's an issue when you're up against twin brothers Burgess and Burgess. Tagataese and Bukuya will attempt to fill the Fifita-Fifita void but it's a big ask and I think they'll be sucking in the big ones at the back end of proceedings. The Sharks will have plenty of admirers on recent form (and at their horrible home ground) but I'll take the Bunnies on the bounce-back. And here's another crazy prediction for the year - Chris Grevsmuhl will play State of Origin football for Queensland this year...Townsville boy come good. Remember where you heard it first.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4
Result - Sharks 18 defeated Rabbitohs 10
Wally Lewis - round seven selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
- BULLDOGS vs Sea Eagles
- Dragons vs BRONCOS
- TITANS vs Panthers
- COWBOYS vs Warriors
- Storm vs ROOSTERS
- TIGERS vs Raiders
- KNIGHTS vs Eels
- Sharks vs RABBITOHS
Comments
Submitted by The Joker on
I like your thoughts Sir Thinker, My tips are very similar..bar one..
Bulldogs
Broncos
Titans
Cowboys
Roosters
Tigers
Knights
Rabbits
;-)
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi All
early again and again with little confidence.
Manly (last chance)
Broncos
Titans
Cowboys
Storm
Tigers
Knights
Rabbits
Newbie I intend making your Baileys this year (winter is coming). I'll let you know how I go.
"a" I hope you enjoy going to Cowboys/Warriors should be a ripper of a game.
Good luck to you all.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Changing my mind on nearly every game every 5 minutes so nothing to tell today sorry.
Interesting though to see St George's top 4 odds shorten from $21 to as low as $6 in just one week. $21 after a streak of 3, and $6 after a streak of 4.
Brisbane were already short at $1.80 for top 4 after their streak of 4, and shortened to equal three way favourites with Souths and Sydney at $1.40 or so, after the streak of 5.
Not sure what Nth Qld were paying before last week, but are now $2, 4th favourite for the top 4 after their streak of 3.
Are the bookies realising the value of the streaks too - or are they just keenly reading The-Thinker?
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
Another 50% week for the Newbie. Not good. Not good at all. Shanghai mentioned the “George Costanza Method” a couple of weeks ago. For those of you who are old enough to have watched the show all those years ago, it was the episode where his decisions were based on the theory of doing the “opposite” of what he normally did because he realised that his bad luck couldn’t get any worse so why not try it.
Strangely enough, it worked out beautifully for him and he scored a hot new girlfriend, a top job with the New York Yankees and other bits’n’pieces. Maybe I should give the GC method a try as well! Hmm, should I or shouldn’t I? For those who have never seen our friend George, check it out (hope the link works, Newbie's first attempt):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKUvKE3bQlY
It seems all the games I’m tipping are being played in “Bizarro World” (also mentioned in previous Seinfeld episodes). That is, the world where everything is the opposite and where Superman is evil and so on. You get the drift. So maybe it’s worth a try for at least one week. Not sure what I’m gonna do when I put my tips up in advance for Rounds 8 and 9 but can’t do any worse than I’ve been doing lately can I? OK, let’s get this party happening…
Bulldogs-Manly
Manly have Jamie coming back. Helps a bit but will it be enough? Will the class of DCE and KF finally shine? How will the Doggies handle missing personnel? Will ANZ help at all? Gee whiz, I have no idea. There is a huge question mark in Newbie’s tiny brain. Both sides are rubbish at the moment for legitimate reasons so it’s hard to decide which way to go. OK, how about this for logic. Way back in prehistoric times, the local competition here in Perth had Canning wearing the Bulldogs strip and North Beach wearing the Manly strip. Newbie and Shanghai’s mob, the Mighty Fremantle Roosters (same strip as the Sydney Roosters) disliked North Beach more than Canning so I’ll have to tip the Bulldogs. Makes no sense but what the hey.
Dragons-Broncos
What a cracker this should be. The Broncos are looking real good now under the Master’s guidance. A tad more solid, composed and confident than the Dragons are I reckon. The Broncos were really impressive last week. Great to see JWH and big Sam going at it (sort of). I like Sam. Big, honest, no nonsense sort of player who tries his guts out each week (mostly). He should be thanking WB for “reminding” him (when he benched him a few weeks ago) to get back to doing what he does best. Ah, the Master at work is a sight to behold! The Broncos for me.
Titans-Panthers
Kasey Badger will make her NRL refereeing debut this week at the Titans v Panthers game. I wonder how long it will take for the sexist jokes to surface? No doubt Johnny Ray’s imagination is already at work! Anyway, what’s that got to do with tipping the winner in this game? Absolutely nothing! Newbie could be wrong but he thought there was more merit in the Titans’ win last week compared to the Panthers so I’ll go the Titans here.
Cowboys-Warriors
Gee, weren’t the Cowboys impressive last week? I think our friend “a” might be right when he says “they’re back baby!” At the same time, how about those Warriors Johnny Ray? Feed the Beast indeed! I really liked how the Cowboys went about getting the job done from the highlights I saw. The Warriors were good as well but seemed to “switch off” for a while. Unfortunately there won’t be any Peow! Peow! this week from me. Sorry Johnny! Gotta go the Cowboys.
Storm-Roosters
We were (unfortunately) beaten by a better side on the night last Friday. All credit to the Broncos. Maybe they could all chip in some loose change so I can go down to the chemist and get me some more of that Prozac stuff! What a great try by the Storm (Cameron “Herman” Munster) at the 51 min mark. I’m sure Lily would have been in the stands cheering like crazy. 5th tackle madness at its best! Everyone should know how much I love my Roosters so the obvious thing would be to tip them this week. However, bringing in the GC Method, I should tip the Storm. Hey, that’s what you’d expect me to do isn’t it? Therefore I’ll do the “opposite” and tip the Roosters instead. Carn you Mighty Chooks!
Tigers-Raiders
As mentioned somewhere online, Tigers defensive structure a bit of a worry but then they came back and made a game of it. Raiders aren’t that good but they’re not that bad either. What would George do? I think he might tip the Tigers. So will I.
Knights-Eels
Who knows? Both lost last week. Methinks the Knights will get the job done and be “Hunting Eels” at Hunter so I’ll tip Parramatta. Thanks George!
Sharks-Rabbits
The Sharks are travelling along nicely and the Rabbits are in deep doo-doo at the moment. GI Joe at five-eight? Then again, when you’re down on blokes, what can ya do? Sharks have all the momentum so I think I’ll go the Fluffy Ones here. Strange seeing as I gave them “one last chance” last week. Yeah, the GC Method at work again!
@ mark ashford - great to hear you’re out of the doghouse and getting ready to make some homemade Baileys. Mate, it tastes almost as good as the dinkum stuff and is almost foolproof to whip up. Can’t wait for the verdict brother. Awesome!
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
P.S. If there's a speed of sound and a speed of light is there a speed of smell? Hmmm…
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Awesome. Alright I am not super confident about any of these tips still let's see what I can right this week. Also to all those that received a book from me as Christmas present, they're due back at the library today. Yeah ... Congratulations goes out again to Declan_S for making it to top of tipping ladder this week. Let's do this :
Sea Eagles - The Bulldogs are fielding a really badly depleted side this week and as injury ravaged as Sea Eagles are, I think they are capable of beating Doggies this week as.I have feeling that they are preparing to go out there and make a statement. The Sea Eagles by four points.
Dragons - The Broncos are false favourites in this match and it's only because they are on the top of table that they go into this games as favourites. I expect to see them fade starting with this match against Dragons where Wayne Bennett as coach has only won one out of his last twelve games. Got to go with Dragons. Dragons by eight points.
Titans - Another injury raved team playing team desperate for a win. This could be close but suspect that it won't. Titans by sixteen points.
Cowboys - Warriors could still win this and this could be upset of the round if they do but without our star fullback Sam Tompkins playing plus number of inexperience players on our fringes for them to fully exploit points out of in corner you have to take Cowboys in this one. Man I can't believe I'm saying this but Cowboys by fourteen points.
Roosters - With Billy Slater out Storm almost got beaten by Raiders last week and would of won too if they didn't lose two of their good players at critical stage in game. The Sydney Roosters by ten points.
Knights - At home Knights are unbeatable. Knights by twelve points.
Tigers - I have strange weird feeling about this game I don't what it is because Tigers will surely beat Raiders won't they ? West Tigers by ten points.
Sharks - Rabbitohs are looking vulnerable lately, something that will very much favour Sharks playing them at home. Sharks by two points.
Yayness, Thanks again Thinker. Thanks everybody ! Good luck with all your picks. Laters ! ;-D
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Kasey's a touch judge this week, Newbie. Jarrod Maxwell blowing the tin whistle, Chris James the plastic one.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
@ Newbie https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlm98dJiLE0 ;-D
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hey Mark Ashford, can you post the recipe for the home made Baileys? Can anyone confirm if Jamie Lyon is back this week or not
Tigerholic
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Yes Tigeraddict he's listed to play but its never the gospel. Take the Storm a few weeks ago. Story comes out on game eve that Cronk was in doubt all week, and if he didn't play, was due to be replaced by Ben Hampton who was not listed at all in the team list + reserves.
In this case though, I think he is getting a jumper whether he is ready or not.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Johnny Ray,
You beat me to it.
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Bulldogs by 2 Well Lyon is back will it be enough maybe no well lets hope anyway
Broncos by 1 Hey everybody Broncos usually beat the Dragons here a tip for you ooookkkkkkaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy
Titans by 6 I think the Titans will finally get a frecking win at home
Cowboys by 8 mmmmmmmm I think the Cowboys should beat the Warriors across the park
Storm by 1 I think Storm should win in a thiller here
West Tigers by 8 I think Tigers might piss Raiders off the park here
Knights by 10 Sorry Eels but Knights should win here
Rabbitohs by 2 I think Souths can strike back here
Submitted by Nik on
Thinker, may be try the GC method for your Friday night tips :) sounds like a good plan to break the curse :)
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Thanks Thinker. This to me is still one of show's best : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6WSD6Y2YWj4 ;-D
Submitted by Chi Spurga on
G'day all,
BULLDOGS - Like everyone else, I got know idea here. Grab a dart, spin 3 times and shut me eyes. Odds = Doggies, Even = not very Manly. Odds it is. ( Manly remind me of my bucks night, 16 pussies and 1 big willie).
BRISBANE - They're playing too good. Bris. have PASSED the tests, Dragons are facing their first real test. Should be a ripper. Old Benji v Young Hunt worth a look.
TITANS - Gut tells me get on Pen. but everything else suggests they are gunna struggle with the injuries. Key injuries. Titans do get Falloon back.
COWBOYS - At home, in form and full of confidence should beat a long flight, humid conditions and a hot n cold team ( they were hot last week ).
ROOSTERS ( I think) - Maloney has MISSED 17 tackle last 2 games. Too many when up against the Storm, Chooks have won twice in 10 years. Not too keen on Melb. playing 3rd game in 13 days though. Melb weren't too good against Raiders either (and they LOST to Manly....yeah I know they could play then ). Roosters did enuff to win and were better team in my opinion for most of the match against Bris. Bugger it changing to Roosters.
TIGERS - Sunday afternoon and this may be one of the Tigers’ last games at Leichhardt. Tigers forward are far better and they have more points in them for mine.
KNIGHTS - Keeping this one simple. Both last couple losers. Newc. at home on Sunday arvo, one would expect a fair effort. Parra ..... well they have been as predictable as the video refs. Wouldn't be surprised by an Eels upset but expect close game with Knights getting the win.
RABBITOHS - Coach should have them ready to go and Sharks missing a few players is all I have for this pick. FYI:- I like the Sharkies for an upset. Full of confidence ( Sharks) v the down on confidence. But just couldn't bring myself to pick them.
Good luck all and have a great weekend.
26/48
Submitted by Shanghai on
Hi one and all
@ mark ashford - if the Baileys is good, then it's the recipe I gave Newbie ... if it's no good, let me know and I'll give you mine. I can speak from experience, the second 500 ml is better than the first 500 ml!
Onto my tips:
Bulldogs for me (exact same reason as Newbie)
Dragons
Titans
Cowboys
Storm (can't believe I'm tipping against the chooks)
Knights
Tigers
Rabbitohs
Good luck everyone ....
Submitted by christine on
a hope you enjoy going to the game this week
Submitted by christine on
lets see if there is any truth in this dce backflip on the titans & see if he does stay with manly or not or is it all media & manager hipe ?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Dart flies. Oops. Misses board. Try again.
Dart flies. Hits. Manly
Dart flies. Hits. St George
Dart flies. Off the wire :/ try again.
Dart flies. Hits. Penrith. Actually I daggered that one in
Reload Darts.
Hey this isn't too hard.
Dart flies. Hits. New Zealand.
Crap. Can I do that again? Oh well.
Keep thinking. "I have the POWER".
Dart flies. Not enough flight Warney. Up about 4 feet.
Dart flies. Hits. Melbourne
Dart flies. Hits. Canberra!!! What a terrible throw.
Reload one last time.
Dart flies. Hits. Parramatta. No way. These darts have been sabotaged. There's no doubt now.
Dart flies. Hits. Souths.
Done.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
OK, Newbie’s gonna be in Thailand in a week’s time so he better put his tips up here for Rounds 8 and 9 seeing as the Boss was so kind as to afford him the privilege. Thanks Boss!
No form to go on obviously so just having a “guess” based on whatever strange and/or wonderful “vibes” have been directed my way. Here we go…
Round 8
Bulldogs
Warriors
Cowboys
Roosters
Storm
Broncos
Panthers
Rabbitohs
Round 8 thought - If poison has gone past its expiry date, would it be safe to drink? Hmmm…
Round 9
Broncos
Roosters
Raiders
Warriors
Bulldogs
Manly
Storm
Dragons
Round 9 thought - Would a fly without wings be called a walk? Hmmm…
Thinker and TLH - thanks for crunching my tips through the system while I’m away. It’s much appreciated. Promise to have a great time in Chiang Mai and Kata and if possible, will get online and check out everyone’s comments while lazing around in the sun drinking lots of beers. If not, I’ll try and get on in-between the occasional massage and Green Thai Curry. I’m sure I’ll miss you all while I’m gone (“yeah right” I hear you say). See you soon. Cheers.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Re: request from “tigerholic”
Yeah, Shanghai’s right. He did give me the recipe but I seem to remember “tweaking” it a bit. Might be wrong but who cares eh? It’s a nice drop regardless.
Apologies to mark ashford for jumping in but I was online anyway putting up my tips for Rounds 8 and 9 and thought I could save him the trouble. Cool? OK, here we go …
HOMEMADE BAILEYS IRISH CREAM
Whiskey or Scotch - 250ml
Condensed Milk - 400ml can
Thickened Cream - 300ml tub
Milk - 250ml
Chocolate Topping - 2 tablespoons
Instant Coffee - 2 teaspoons
Vanilla Essence - 2 teaspoons
Method:
Blend all the ingredients for about 20-30 secs until smooth.
Pour it into a 1 litre container or 2 x 500ml containers, empty Baileys bottles or whatever.
Place the mixture in the fridge for 24hrs and give it a bit of a gentle shake every now and then to help it “blend”. While I was awake, I'd give it a shake every hour or so.
Next day (or night) take it out and get ready to enjoy! Remember to give it a little back and forth action before you pour out the first glass.
You should be able to keep it in the fridge for about 4 weeks but it’s highly (very) unlikely as most drink it straightaway.
Cheers. Don’t forget … “drink responsibly!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
A quick disclaimer. Ideas found in the following have no similarity to any tips living or dead, any similarity is pure coincidence and the writer will accept no liability or defamation. Read at your own risk.
I apologise that my tips quite possibly will change at least once per hour until kick off and the start of my trip up north.
Dragons - I was heavily backing the Broncos until I heard that Hunt, Hodges and someone else didn't finish training. They quite possibly will play the full game and get the win but it was enough to set me back on my heels for long enough to do my tips.
Bulldogs - But now I think about it maybe the possibility of keeping DCE will lift the Sea Eagles to a win away from both of the northern beaches on Friday. Also Judas is back so they have a goal kicker who can get the job done.
Titans - The list of broken Panthers is incerdible and at some point that will break the spirt of the team. I think that after a good win last week the Titans should be able to back up for their fans who turn out.
Cowboys - Against my heart this tip is. I feel the Warriors can do it, I hope the Warriors can do it, but my place on the ladder says follow the team who are playing a lot better than at the start of the year
Roosters - You only name half of the St. Kilda suburb if there is an issue with some of your big names. While I still think that Craig is a great coach, all those names on a Tuseday list gives me pause to think, what is he hiding. The Roosters have a more stable team and consistant combinations which USUALLY means better results.
Tigers - Just had a sinking feeling in my guts after typing that..................... I hope that isn't an omen. Thinker, if a little boy called Damien is sighted before kick off at Leichardt can I change my tip?
Eels - Keep the faith. That's what my mantra has been the last week. Keep the faith and forget about the last 2 rounds of 2014. Gotta keep the faith in the BOYS and remember the Titans. Dammit my calm is slowly being damaged.
Sharks - My mate who is as keen for the Sharks as I am for the Eels just took a hiding from me in our fantasy basketball league, So Aron, I hope your BOYS can get up like my BOYS hopefully are going to.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Johnny Ray says "I have a weird feeling about this game I don't know what it is because the Tigers will surely beat the Raiders won't they".
Baggy Gee says " Tigers - just had a sinking feeling in my guts after typing that".
How do we explain the things that give us strange feelings? Do some possess extra sensory perception? Judging by footy tipping you would say impossible, but sometimes little smidgens of ESP can hit.
Did my stray dart have some sort of ouija board moment too?
I wonder if last week's field goal attempt by Maloney, hitting the black dot instead of going over it has stirred the ghosts from the Canberra Balmain Grand Final of 89. As I said last week, it hit me immediately that Roosters were doomed from that moment.
In case people missed it amongst last weeks posts, heres ' 89 again. Enjoy. Gavin Millers agent, you are a miracle worker to get the modelling work.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-dyyC0jRczs
So I wonder, are the ghosts lingering 7 days later to pay one last visit to, I would think the oldest NRL ground in use? I see the last time the Balmain Tigers played Canberra at Leichhardt was way back in 1994. Tigers 0 - Canberra 36
Submitted by Declan_S on
This round looks like one that will be ridden with upsets, hats off to anyone who can get 6/8 or better!
Manly*
Broncos
Titans*
Cowboys
Roosters *
Tigers
Knights *
Rabbitohs*
*could go either way, watch out for these games :p
Submitted by a on
Hopefully I can go and watch the Cowboys win
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Newbie thank God you posted that receipe. Last year I printed it out and had it at home. A search last night failed to turn it up. Think someone may have tossed it out. So thanks mate saves me asking you for it again.
Enjoy that holiday!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Great stat Mr Ray. When Bennett was last at the Broncos he failed in his last 7 attempts too beat St George, dating back to 2005. After his stint at the Dragons and move to the Knights, you would think he would have all the knowledge, but 5 games against St George only produced 1 win, his last game there round 26 last year.
I also wonder if the "St George can't play" song from the 90s is still having the opposite effect ala G. Costanza
Submitted by IP7 on
It must be good stuff Newbie and Tiger are on, Newbie has picked Storm and Roosters this week!
Now Where did I put that recipe.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
I need to arrest my slide down the ladder so here goes.
Manly - Dogs have let me down badly, especially last week. Manly are due a win.
Broncos - Tossed a coin here. I don't own a dart board.
Titans - Good opportunity to "jag" a rare home win against a side decimated with injuries.
Cowboys - Nothing tells me the Warriors can win here so it would have to be an upset for me if they did.
Roosters - Not often I tip against the Storm at home. Roosters in a tight contest.
Tigers - Leichardt Oval. Love the Beau Ryan YouTube clip Thinker. Sold me.
Knights - At home. Eels too inconsistent. They were dreadful last week.
Rabbitohs - Sharks have shown improvement but not enough for me to tip them here.
@Newbie - enjoy your holiday mate.
Have a good weekend everyone!!
Submitted by a on
I hope everyone gets in on time this weekend
Submitted by Coach Potato on
IP7 they are next weeks tips early
Submitted by tigerholic on
Afternoon Tipsters
Isn"t it great to see Friday night arrive with two great games on TV. Although I must say I am sick of seeing the Bronco's playing on Friday night, can't the NRL change this next year.
Good luck this weekend and "go the Mighty Tigers".
Tigerholic
Submitted by a on
Is the Guru quitting the comp or what because he missed las week and only one who is still not here this week I hope he is okay because we have not seen him hear for a while
Submitted by Chi Spurga on
Coach, Newbie in round 8 has selected ROOSTERS and STORM. He has NOT tipped the PARRA v KNIGHTS game.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Afternoon everyone,
I've closed the tipping comp for round seven. If anyone missed the cut you can add your tips in the comments and I'll push them through if you aren't too late.
Not sure what has happened to the Guru but hopefully all is well with the champ. I suspect he's just too darn busy at the moment.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Submitted by Chi Spurga on
Coach, oops my bad. sorry.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Qld TV broadcasters are so parochial they just about demand from the NRL a regular Qld team to watch on Friday nights. Cowboys are happy with their fortnightly reserved Saturday night timeslot arrangement, and for however long the Titans haven't been a team with a huge following - so Fridays become a Bronco fest. Sad that the NRL are so accommodating. Much sadder that the whole of Qld is tarred with the brush that says they dont follow the NRL unless its a Qld team. Saddest of all if it is in fact a true reflection of people's attitude to the game north of Tweed Heads.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Coach,
The free to air broadcaster all but insists on a Broncos Friday night game because of the way that free to air TV ratings are measured. OZTAM counts the five major metro cities in Australia, and these are the figures that get put in front of the noses of advertisers. It's this reason we usually have a Broncos game on Fridays....as all the boxes outside metropolitan Brisbane don't get counted in the official figures.
It's also why there is pressure to introduce a second Brisbane team into the NRL - Channel Nine want a Friday night game at Suncorp every single round.
While I'm yammering....The way ratings are measured (somewhat) flatters the TV audience for AFL over NRL - as the league states have the highest proportion of residents outside of Metro Sydney and Metro Brisbane. Not many people in WA or SA live outside their state capitals.
And the five metro measuring method is part of the reason why poor old Tasmania can't have an AFL team, while every other state outside Victoria gets two.
I've digressed. Minutes to kick-off......
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Sorry, not articulating well enough. I agree, the cause is all to do with ratings. What I say about that is, how sad Qld.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
.....how sad that there's such poor ratings when a non-Qld team is playing Friday night
Submitted by Coach Potato on
... And how sad that the proposed solution is another Qld team to help hijack Friday night
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Crap. I wish I knew Foran was out for Sea Eagles and I would of changed my pick to Bulldogs. Ah well I ain't complaining ! That's the way thing goes ! What a great come from behind win for Doggies ! Good stuff ! ;-D
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Reminder to self for future: Please dont read Thinker while watching Friday night second game in case you see cats let out of bags !!! >:-/
Submitted by Declan_S on
I've got friday night Thinker-itis, I can't even remember the last Friday night game I tipped correctly
Submitted by a on
Any questions ask to me after the Cowboys game will have to wait until tomorrow cause I will at the game tonight
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Looks like the Warriors have had trouble travelling to Townsville. 5hr flight from what I can see. Since 1995 as Auckland (not the city, the other one) the record at Townsville is Cowboys 10/Warriors 5. Although going back to 2002 they had 8 straight visits to Townsville for nothing. But then they won their last visit in 2014, 20 - 16. They will fly to Townsville with good memories for the first time in along time.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Baggy Gee disgusted again with Nabuli and Cooper's lack of ball control, but happy the refs got it wrong :p
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Found this NFL stat while googling info on athletes Achilles recovery rates ... " This study showed that 31 acute Achilles tendon ruptures occurred in NFL players between 1997 and 2002. The average age of a player sustaining a rupture was 29, with an average career before injury spanning six years.
Of the 31 players who sustained an Achilles tendon rupture, 21 (64%) returned to play in the NFL at an average of 11 months after injury. In the three seasons following their return, those 21 players saw significant decreases in games played and power ratings compared to the three seasons preceding the injury. "
Explains the decreased performances of Chris Walker, Todd Carney, Justin Hodges and the like. Will be interesting to see if or when Darius Boyd returns but doesn't augur too well.
Submitted by christine on
a enjoy your game I know you've been looking forward to it .
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Gutted to catch the Thinker's Friday night curse. It's a doughnut for me. Like JR said having Foran withdraw for Manly was never going to help my cause. And I have to point the finger at Daniel Vidot for the Broncos last night. He cost them a try and then failed to score one later on when he should have had the ball tucked safely away. Brisbane definitely the better side. Oh well....
Submitted by a on
Yes I will and that will be my last comment before the game I see you tomrrow when we can talk about the game
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