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 Coach Potato on
The late withdrawal, late inclusion BS needs to stop. That's it I'm taking over and introducing a rule that regardless of reason, avoidable or not, any changes to 1 - 17 from Tuesday team lists start coming off your limited interchanges for the match. 3 Differences, lose 3 interchanges.
On tipping though, we should give ourselves a cyber pat on the back. Daily Telegraph's 17 experts had a leader on 28 before this week, and Sydney Morning Herald's panels best was 27. Nearly half of this comp are that score or better.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Aw man ! How did we not win that ? Warriors ! :-(
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Gotta watch the highlights again Coach but if there is a question then definately not happy. There is also one I would like to check out from the Titans game as well where the phrase fingertip was used in the call of the try.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
And yes estatic about the start to the round I have had. Only downer is that in my money tipping I forgot to put my tips in and I therefore get the away teams.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Well done Gold Coast but at the same time, horrible Penrith. Far too much ad-lib crap. Dickhead halves, you have two of the best wingers at your disposal and the best you can do time after time is bomb away?? Cleary, start coaching mate. Cut the strong silent type bullshit. Get some organisation happening. Give it to 'em during the week. Up against the team they beat by 40 last month, I wouldn't be surprised if there was more sklylarking at training. I'd be frothing at the mouth if I saw that crap in front of me, not checking my look in the mirror.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Storm vs Roosters in those conditions.....wow
Completion rates (both sides combined) - 69 of 75
wow!
Submitted by a on
Cowboys won at the last minute yes
Submitted by christine on
a yeah the cowboys won I bet you were excited
Submitted by a on
Yes I was excited
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Parra's only success in Newcastle since 2005 was a two point win in 2009. Six years on and 7 players return from that day Parra won. Gidley, Uate, Mullens, and Houston for the Knights, De Gois, Wicks, and Fa'aoso this time for the Eels.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Shanghai three cheers. First time this year someone has been 5 from 5. Wish I had your dartboard.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
So you can't make contact with the leg's of someone taking a field goal attempt? Isn't that what was established a couple of weeks ago (even though the NRL refuse to put the rule into written word) - so to rules officials out there, what happened last night? A player made contact with Cronk's legs just after the kick. That's a penalty right? Oh well makes no difference people say - but is that reason not to enforce the rules? What if Roosters had somehow got the ball back from the kickoff and popped a one-pointer? Oh so the game didn't deserve to finish on that note. Really? And the Dogs Bunnies game did? Should have been 18-16 with the conversion as the last play of the game. Not 17-16 with the Roosters still a hope with another kick off
Submitted by Declan_S on
@coachpotato
I noticed that the leading tipster from the foxtel NRL team is Warren Smith with 30, the next highest score being 28
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Who knows they might catch us. Here's hoping not.
Not much being said about Blake Austin returning to play the team that cut him loose. My dart hopes he's ready for a big one
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Nah they have just been copy pasting your tips Declan.
Submitted by christine on
before this week I was on 27
Submitted by a on
Cowboys play the Knights next week
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Holy crap ! Canberra Raiders come back from 22 point deficit to beat West Tigers 30-22 full time score ! Biggest comeback win from Raiders in their 32 year club history ! Looks like me and Baggy_Gee gut feelings about this game were right ! Just wish I picked it in my tips ... :-(
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
And now Eels have thwarted Knights a new one at home ! Dude ! :-(
Submitted by christine on
souths better win tomorrow night
Submitted by tigerholic on
Can anyone suggest a new NRL team for me to follow. The Tigers were pathetic from the point where they were 22-0 up. The scary thing is that we played our very best side and still got rolled.
Regardless of the try that was ruled a "No Try" at the end, we should have never have lost from the lead we had. As far as the tipping goes, I just about give up.
Tigerholic
Submitted by a on
2 upsets today holy crap man
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Sunday social darts was fun
Submitted by Coach Potato on
As my early post said, it's extra sensory perception JR and Baggy Gee. Laugh if you like. It's what I think anyway. Different to just a lucky pick. You both actually got the game wrong but went against what your ESP moments were telling. Both even happy to give us all the heads up.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Well I know that people will shout me down about the reffing but there was a peiod where the kinghts scored 10 points on the back of 3 rough calls. The last one was incredible, the defender was lining up at marker before the penalty was called up it was for a slow down of the play the ball. And then there was the last ditch tackle of Danny Wicks to save the day when our right edge parted like the red sea and they nearly tied it up with seconds left.
Submitted by christine on
a you know now you have to aim higher up forget wally just keep an eye on him but aim to jag on the ones on more points than you ok .
Submitted by a on
Okay than I will
Submitted by Shanghai on
Thanks Coach ... a pleasant change I must say. I've been on the boards all weekend at the WA State Open Doubles (Saturday) and Open Singles (Sunday) Darts Championships. Hit a few and missed a few all weekend but the beer was nice and cold! Sorry I missed the Roosters/Storm game .... sounds like a good 'un given the conditions.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
@Coach Potato Extra sensory perception. That's probably what it is as it is something I believe everybody seems to have ! Everybody except maybe that one white chick from Greenpeace today outside the mall ! " Save the Whales ! Save the Whales ! " " So you guys like whales huh ? " " Oh heck yeah we sure do ! " " Then how about we hump back at my place ? " She totally should of seen that one coming ... ;-)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
As it sounds, I'm sure her ESP was whispering 'You must be (expletive) joking'. Kind of similar to what the ducks thought when Noah ushered them onto the boat.
Shanghai, I thought the burning dartboard was an artistic representation of a sacrificial lamb cometh round 26.
If you want to do dart-picking NRL style, aim for anywhere in the 20s block. HIT = Home , MISS = Away. I missed a few too many times this week.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Baggy Gee, and anyone one else interested in ball control when scoring. I think about the equivalent when taking a cricket catch. Think 1999 Cricket World Cup, batsman Steve Waugh, fielder Herschelle Gibbs. Here is the YouTube vision
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK2qS550JXo
So the rule in cricket is, you must have control over further disposal. Throwing the ball down could be ok too but only if you clearly aim to dispose of it that way.
I think it would be quite easy to ask an on field ref or video ref to use the premise, 'does the player have control over further disposal?' Else the only time when control is not needed is if the ball is already lying on the ground and someone's hand then touches it.
In this case it would be so easy to rule on the Watene-Zalezniak type efforts. Its NO TRY. Following a ball down to the ground from any height - NO TRY. You do not have the ability to further dispose of the ball. Here's a reminder. Think how difficult they made it for themselves that night and how easy it could be next time.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OMSojKMyL2s
Even Mike Cooper didn't really score against the Broncos, nor Eto Nabuli. Eto only followed the ball down from 8 inches, but did he have control to dispose. I argue, only if he takes possession of the ball through grounding. Daniel Vidot's was also a question mark. He may have had sufficient grip to be ok though. Jake Granville definitely got one he shouldnt have against the Warriors - even under current interpretation. These tries awarded were the difference between winning and losing. They'll be the difference between making the finals and missing out, and god help us no, deciding the big one. These efforts, to be awarded need the player to show the ref they have grasp of the ball with sufficient grip that if they wanted to they could have stopped the ball from hitting the ground. Video ref - ask the question, could these players have stopped the ball from hitting the ground?
Here's St George and North Qld highlights this week.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5U5hAfT15ug
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8aUmMZ15GjM
So there it is. Good old cricket. We could do a lot worse than follow their rule.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
1...2....3....4....5...6
Curious to me that this blunder happens, but not surprised at all seeing that the word SIX never leaves the refs mouth. They call 5th and last. Isn't it 6th and last???!!! Numbats
Submitted by a on
Tonight's game Sharks vs Rabbiohs do you think it is going to be a good game
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Should be a good game A. Noone is giving Cronulla a chance but they're on a roll. Too good for Roosters and Knights. South's are still trying to prove they can without Adam Reynolds
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I'm ok with the Cooper try, the Nibili one, those are the trys that need to be erased from the game. Yes they are great, and watching a winger/fullback in full flight grounding the ball is a good show, but only if they are holding the ball. Cooper had the ball in his arm and slammed it down Nibili got lucky with a bit of down force. But leaving the ball control aside, and cricket has got it right if you can't dispose of the ball you never had control to confirm the catch, we have to do something about bad penalties leading directly to points. The "high" shot that preceeded that second rower from Brisbane's try was a joke, and if that wasn't called then the Ponies have to come up with a attacking kick instead of a barg over try. Can't fault their play, the try was a great forward try, but like the Eels last year against Manly there should have never been a chance for team receiving the penalty to be in position to execute the play.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I'm happy to trial a week, a fortnight of no video ref at all. The game survived without it for a long time. Its like technology is everything and you can never go back. Try taking someone's phone off them for a week, a fortnight. They will survive. They just dont want to do it.
Submitted by a on
Yes it should be a good game tonight
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Crap ! Captain Paul Gallen is out for Sharks ! :-(
Submitted by Coach Potato on
A selection of NRL tipping ladders
Herald Sun 34
The-Thinker 33
Fox Sports 33
The Roar 32 ** (adjusted score as they offer a bonus point each week)
Daily Telegraph 31
Sydney Morning Herald 30
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Sharkies !!! ;-D
Submitted by The Thinker on
Another tough round....of course. Quite a few people got half the games right and Shanghai was our top tipster in round seven with 5 from 8.
Well done sir.
Submitted by a on
Sharks won which means Manly is last by 4 points which is good because this means the refs are better this year
Submitted by The Thinker on
The difference between 4th and 15th on the ladder.....one win
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The difference between 4th and 15th in 2014, 3 wins.
2013, 3 wins.
2012, 2 wins.
2011, 3 wins.
2010, 2 wins.
2009, 3 wins.
2008, 2 wins.
2007, 3 wins.
2006, 3 wins.
2005, 4 wins.
2004, 4 wins.
2003, 4 wins.
2002, 4 wins.
2001, (4th to 14th) 2.5 wins.
2000, (4th to 14th) 2.5 wins.
1999, 3 wins.
1998, 3 wins.
1997, ARL (4th to 12th) 3 wins
1997, S/L (4th to 10th) 2 wins
1996, 4 wins
1995, 5 wins **** Entire top 4 undefeated through 7 rounds!!
1994, 3.5 wins
1993, 4 wins
1992, 2.5 wins
1991, 4 wins
1990, 4 wins
1989, 4 wins
1988, 5 wins
1987, (4th to 13th) 3.5 wins
1986, (4th to 13th) 4 wins
1985, (4th to 13th) 3 wins
That's 30 years and don't think I'll find anything. Unprecedented.
The calculator says all 16 teams could actually finish on 28 points. Oh. Sorry. I forgot about Manly. 11 more wins? Scrap that theory.
Submitted by a on
Every team escape Man,y than
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I think ANZAC day will be a difficult one. It could be very easy to lose sight of what the day is all about. It's not a celebration day. It's a day of national mourning. Although with 5 games back to back, there will be temptation for many to get caught up in the NRL carnival spectacular and miss the whole point. I'm sure it will be successful, apart from the fact only one Sydney game is on so only accommodates Roosters and Dragons fans to watch live, and 6 of the 16 teams you won't see on the day at all. I guess there's no perfect schedule. My faith in the universe relies on the other 6 get their turn next year, and that the overseas and interstate teams don't receive a mortgage guaranteed walk up start + home game each April 25. This country promotes inclusion and fairness for all. NRL, that means you too.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Anzac Day is Veterans Day back home, where we honor those who have gone before us, so why not have Veterans Test Match between Australia and New Zealand featuring recently retired NRL Players such as Petero Civoncevia, Darren Lockyer and Rueben Wiki ? :-s
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Question needs to be why is the ANZAC day test no longer held on ANZAC day like its meant to be? Would be a great week for a bye to accommodate the Test players, and time for everyone to reflect over the rest of the weekend.
Submitted by a on
You are exactly right Coach they should hold it on Anzac day
Submitted by christine on
not real happy with souths right now i'm sure they will bouce back at some stage but the conditions that game was played in were herendous last night & we are still getting the down pour in Sydney
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