Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – Pepper Stadium
The battle for the hearts and minds of Sydney's Golden West. Parramatta have been close the last two weeks but are still finding a way to lose, while Penrith have named their first choice spine for the first time in forever. Each halves pairing brings a very different style of football to the table. If everything clicks for the Eels they are a joy to watch, but it can fall apart all too easily. I'll stick with the more measured approach of Wallace and Soward, with the gifted Moylan chiming in as needed. He's creating more tries than just about anyone in the NRL this season...at fullback. Penrith should be well rested after a bye last weekend - at times that can be a curse rather than a blessing, but in this case the break lets them get some key personnel back on the paddock.
Verdict – Panthers by 7
Result - Eels 26 defeated Panthers 20
Gold Coast Titans vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday afternoon – CBUS Super Stadium
Both club captains have been named so let's assume they'll be there - although Inglis didn't appear to have his usual punch or zing on Wednesday night. The Bunnies have an imposing record on the glitter strip and they are well-fancied on the weekend. Daytime conditions should bring with it some free-flowing footy and I'd be looking at the total points overs if such bets are of interest to you. Both sides have speed to burn in the backline and John Sutton, better with his hands than his feet, can feed his backline some quality ball. I'm not confident. I'm never confident. Bunnies.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 2
Result - Rabbitohs 22 defeated Titans 16
Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – GIO Stadium
The Broncos, understandably, have named a seven-man bench this weekend. Right here, right now all six Origin representatives have been named, but it's unlikely they'll all be there (surely Hodges gets rested). Regardless the Broncos got the job done last weekend without any of them. Who am I to suggest they can't do it again, particularly given the Raiders couldn't beat an under-strength Bulldogs last weekend? The Raiders are favourites, but we can expect some volatility in that market as team changes filter through. The biggest threat to the Broncos could be the Canberra weather - with a minimum near freezing point expected on Saturday night. If they cope with that they can cope with the Raiders. Wighton and Williams are big inclusions for the home side, but it's the Broncos for mine.
Verdict – Broncos by 7
Result - Broncos 24 defeated Raiders 12
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
I'm slightly surprised that Cherry-Evans hasn't had a remarkable recovery and been named this weekend - it's the sort of sneakiness the Sea Eagles are famous for. The Cowboys are on their winningest winning streak ever, and providing Tamou, Scott, Thurston and Morgan back up and get through the game they should win again. Thurston in particular is a gem at backing up this time of year. Taumalolo, against this opponent, could produce his rampaging best now that he's had a run under his belt.
Verdict – Cowboys by 14
Result - Cowboys 18 defeated Sea Eagles 14
New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium
Anyone that watched the second half capitulation by the Knights on Monday night couldn't possibly back them this weekend. The Warriors are well-rested and playing at home. The Knights...terrible. The predicted weather (rain) might keep the scores close, but the final result will never be in doubt.
Verdict – Warriors by 10
Result - Warriors 24 defeated Knights 20
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – WIN Jubilee Oval
Quite a few teams hate each other but the hatred between these two might run the deepest. Both teams are last-start winners, have unchanged line-ups and are fresh from a weekend off. If form and ladder position are a guide the Dragons should prevail at home, but the Sharks won't give this game away lightly. I do like to take on the Sharks in these afternoon games and I'll do so again - a Dragons victory by 1-12 looks likely.
Verdict – Dragons by 4
Result - Dragons 42 defeated Sharks 6
Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm – Monday night – Allianz Stadium
Probably the game of the round - although much depends on who backs up from Wednesday. The Slater shoulder seemed to cope with the demands of Origin and the rest of the purple machine should be fine (although Cameron Smith will sleep well given his demanding defensive workload). The Roosters at home are a tough assignment, but all five players backing up from Origin for the Chooks are backing up from a loss. The Origin quartet from the Storm are backing up from a win. Winning breeds confidence. At $2.45 the Storm are worth a punt. Gamble responsibly, and if Cameron Smith doesn't play $2.45 is very irresponsible.
Verdict – Storm by 2
Result - Roosters 24 defeated Storm 2
Wally Lewis - round twelve selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
- PANTHERS vs Eels
- Titans vs RABBITOHS
- Raiders vs BRONCOS
- COWBOYS vs Sea Eagles
- WARRIORS vs Knights
- DRAGONS vs Sharks
- ROOSTERS vs Storm
Comments
Submitted by a on
Maybe we should suggest during the off season on what should chance
Submitted by The Thinker on
To be fair...I wasn't drinking blood straight out of the jugular vein of a freshly run down antelope either.
Good night though
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hi Thinker and Helper. Would 2 or 3 letter abbreviations for teams help with fitting player names plus 8 tips across a smart phone screen? Eg BUL, COW, PEN, PAR, NZ, G/C, NZ, NEW, BRI, MAN, DRA, MEL, SOU, ROO, CAN, TIG ?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
and maybe abbreviations for player names too? JR, JK, etc
Don't worry a. I'm sure you will cope.
Submitted by a on
Yeah I will cope
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Crap ! And with feelings I had about this game I was certain that Sea Eagles were going to win ! Not that they would deserve it if they did ! Cheating Referee's ! There was nothing wrong with that scrum ... :-/
Submitted by a on
Yes there was nothing wrong with the scrum but we did pull it off for 9 in a row after that but it was not pretty for us☺️
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Sorry JR. I feel bad for getting it right. Seems referees have almighty power to interfere with natures course of events. That's power. What you felt with Manly was probably right. No tipping point, but take heart from what the mind's eye saw there.
Submitted by a on
I think Manly are last now
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I like the fact that pushing in the scrum, the only real remaining forward contest in the game, is a penalty. Oh and also a hooker isn't allowed to hook.
Submitted by a on
Half time Warriors 14 lead the Knights8
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Gallant effort from an under strength Knights team today. Warriors should have posted a cricket score but Newcastle kept them honest.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Gallant effort from an under strength Knights team today. Warriors should have posted a cricket score but Newcastle kept them honest.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Sorry 4 the double post
Submitted by a on
Sharks played terrible today
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Baggy I'm going to sign off on all my posts from now on with #BringBackTheScrum. Let's be serious everyone. Barring a bomb, its meant to be the only other true contest for the ball - and going on two decades since it's been a no-contest. It's meant to be the equivalent of the union lineout, or the AFL ball in. It's not to be gotten rid of. It's to be brought back. So refs can't handle the bad feeds. Easy. Do like AFL. Ref #1 feeds the ball.
#BringTheScrumBack
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Or was it #BringBackTheScrum
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I would say Aston Villa may need a couple of handier midfielders, defenders, and.. oh strikers too if they are to avoid relegation next year.
All I saw last night was repeated balls down the wing to then throw a nothing high cross back into the goalmouth. Throwback to the 70s. Not good enough Villa.
Submitted by a on
So you can not push in the scrum
Submitted by Coach Potato on
That's right a. It's not allowed. Actually it is. If a team decides to push, there's not a damn thing the ref can do about it. The ref tries hard to get the scrum over quickly and says don't push. God, I would love a team to say, "stuff you" we're pushing, then get penalised. Wouldn't that be a great moment for the sport?
#BringBackTheScrum
Submitted by a on
Yeah bring back the scrum
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Right on, a.
If we get enough consensus, I will write to Dave Smith, citing the names from this page. Only twenty or so names, but like the ratings buzzer theory, I think we represent the whole NRL.
# Western Sydney buzzers - Tigerholic, Coach Potato, Birdboy
# Inner City buzzers - Chooks, The Joker, Christine
# Southern Sydney buzzers - Scott M
# Newcastle buzzer - Declan_S
# Brisbane buzzers -The Thinker, Thinker's Little Helper, Mark Ashford
# Gold Coast buzzer - Footy Chick (that's just guesstimate)
# North Qld buzzers - a, Tailspin
# New Zealand buzzers - Johnny Ray, Steel Panther
# interstate buzzer - Newby from Perth
# NRL 6th immortal buzzer - Walter James "Wally" Lewis (AM)
Other unknown buzzers Nik, Rick, and Shanghai, but it's going to be one of the above groups. Hoping you say Canberra, and/or Melbourne!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
..sorry
#BringBackTheScrum
Submitted by a on
Yeah bring back the scrum
Submitted by Rick on
Hi Coach I enjoy your comments mate, yes as it turns out I am a Canberra boy but have been in Far North Qld for over 12 years now and tend to 'buzz' for Cowboys as well :)
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Coach....hey man that Broncos jersey would be worth a fortune, hang on to it for your retirement.
I'm also with you on the scrums BRING BACK THE SCRUM or dump em.
You can see Bennet's back at the Broncs...what about that try finished off by Maranta. Took me back 20 years.
"a" your cowboys are looking the goods mate lets hope they can keep it up.
Talking about the Panthers and "Brandy" I used to love watching one of leagues best hard men Mark Geyer play. Hated him in origin but he was great to watch at club level (except when they flogged the Broncs)
Need them chookies to beat the stormers tonight.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Thanks Coach, I'm western suburbs myself. I thought that I would have at least made the list above. The problem is (and it's a bit harsh to say) the NRL is similar to FIFA. Not in the corruption way but in the yawning gulf that is becoming apparent between the establishment and the fans. I don't think that there is a follower out there who would disagree with a trading window that started week after the Grand Final and ran until mid-late January. Would give the competition a look and chance to buy premiership players and then have the deals closed and finalised with at least two months pre-season at their new club.
Also having the NRL step in and make use of current technology to bring the referring to a more consistence level. All players these days have GPS to track meters run. I maintain the idea that the useless pocket ref should be moved up to the video ref box and all he monitors is offside. The ref gets a GPS marker and if your marker is in front of his penalty, in the case of kicks, if your marker is in front of the kickers, penalty, in the case of inside the 10, easiest way is use the same technology to draw a circle around the receiver and if your inside that, penalty. Simplistic I know but like the harshness of throw a punch and your off for 10, it would make coaches drill into players to keep pace with the ref. To make the system better get an ex player to man the screen, as they understand the on field implications. It would slow the game down in the short term, but once the teams trained and got use to being onside then the game would open up again as there would mostly be a assured 10m after each play the ball.
We the fans can see the need for these things, and I would love to put forward my solution to that mob of jokers called ASADA, but I have ranted long enough. #bringthescrumback and #consistency.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
#BRINGBACKTHESCRUM !!! ;-D
Submitted by a on
Yeah bring back the scrum
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Baggy, I had you originally in the western Sydney list, but took you off. Sorry. Rick, excellent. I give you a Canberra buzzer. Anyone for Melbourne?
As mentioned, a scrum has not been contested in the true sense this millennium, and to me, that's too long. Sure it would change the dynamic of the game no end. Or how I prefer to see it, restoring the things that made the game great - it's unpredictability, and the skill of a top hooker, and rightful dominance of a bigger, better scrum pack.
If you ever hear people talk about scrums being a waste of time, and that they should get rid of them, make sure you say no, we need to bring them back.
#BringBackTheScrum
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Would love to hear King Wally share some #BringBackTheScrum thoughts on live national TV sometime ...
Submitted by The Thinker on
Evening football fans,
Plenty of us managed 6 from 7 this round - the Eels brought most of us undone. I'm surprised how many of us successfully tipped the Broncos.
The tipping ladder is magically up to date already - thanks to some technical wizardry from my little helper in the back office.
It's quite the crowded leaderboard.
p.s. those of you watching the Roosters humiliate the Storm would have missed Australian Story tonight. Try and catch it up if you can - Darius Boyd gives plenty and Wayne Bennett smashes it out of the paddock...as he often does.
Submitted by a on
I am still 5 behind the leaders
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I certainly did my bit this week towards evening up the comp.
I'm blaming the bad scrums
#BringBackTheScrum
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Horrible second guessing stat, but I think you would be leading if you took the opposite Friday tips this year, Thinker.
Submitted by a on
At least Cowboys won anyway
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Anyone and everyone answer me this real life scruple, Neil Henry coach of the Titans gets fined by the NRL. So seeing as the NRL owns the Titans, who pays here? Is this just not the most ridiculous situation? The list entitled "conflict of interest" grows by the day, yet no one wants to speak out about it. It surely, couldn't survive a 15 team class action.
Submitted by christine on
yeah thanks for the mention coach bring back the scrum I haven't always been a souths supporter I used to follow titans back when matt rogers , scott prince , Nathan friend ,preston cambell , bull bailey all played for them but you wouldn't have known that , I have also been a tigers member but never went to game for them just joined the club back in the days when mark o'neil played because I know the family & I used to work with mark graham's ex as well but as I said you wouldn't have known any of that & it is shameful for me to admit this but I have even joined bulldogs years ago not to go to a game but we used to go there years ago as a group to meet up with others we knew but the only thing good that ever came out of that club was hasim in my opinion so there is a bit of in sight for you about me that you didn't know coach , bring back the scrum
Submitted by christine on
guys I haven't been posting comments because of my ms I had a fall & i ended up falling on our fireplace lucky for me it had only just been lit so I did not burn myself but I am bruised & sore so bring back the scrum & will be back a bit later on
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Insight.
I used to wear gold and black.
Was most upset at Terry Lamb's love tap on Ellery Hanley in 88.
Cried my eyes out after extra time in 89. Also liked Penrith.
Another Grand Final 90. Damned Meninga and his Raiders.
So 88...89...now 90. Was I cursed? 91 Surely. Cant be just good at getting teams to the big one. Maybe. Yes. No. C'mon. Damned Meninga. What? Geyer sin binned for standing still? Your an f-ing joke Harrigan. C'mon try again. No Damn you Meninga. Well try again. Yes. Yes. Yes. Tied it up. We can do it. Drop goal from 42m from Brandy isssss good!!!!! Short drop out -Geyer at full steam. Lays it off to Roycie. Duck your head little man. Score!! Kick from the t-bar issss good!!!! Can't breathe now. Not the win. Damned Leagues Club is like a Tokyo subway in peak hour. Say if I die tonight, I die happy.
Turn clock forward 8 years. Had never liked Western Suburbs, dirty scum street tactics team not good enough to win with skill.
Couldn't follow a team that was half Western Suburbs. Drop Tigers from the duel allegiance and flirtation with Warriors.
Insight.
#BringBackTheScrum
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Crap. I am so sorry to hear of your recent fall Christine. I hope you are doing okay. Stay strong ! Coach don't start me on NRL mergers. Me I am still not over my childhood team Bears amalgamating with Sea Eagles. Or Dragons with Steelers. Or Tigers with Magpies though apparently they almost at one time amalgamated with Eels. The Eels board wanted them for their name and that why merger fell through. You can't just buy Tigers. The worse one is the one that very few fans know about is how if Warriors as club did fold, which it almost did in 1999, NRL was considering mergering them with Panthers with team as part of this merger being guarantee to play equal number of home games in New Zealand and Australia. The name of this team ? The Battlecats ! I swear to god this is true and ?I am not making this up as I was told this in strictest confidence by someone who was close to the team at time. Apparently NRL still has name trademarked along with things like Perth Sharks, Fremantle Sharks, Rockhampton Sharks and Melbourne Mariners/Mavericks. #Bringbackthescrum! ;-D
Submitted by a on
Do or die for some teams next week
Submitted by The Thinker on
Get well Christine.
Submitted by a on
Yeah get well soon Christine
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Look after yourself and stay safe as best as you can. I realise the fall was probably not in your control.
Submitted by nola on
hi please out your tips in earlier by frday morning would be great as i need all the help my husband is kicking my butt
Submitted by a on
Nola Thinker usually have it out be Wednesday and I usallly have it out on Thusday afternoon
Submitted by Coach Potato on
James Graham tackles Adam Reynolds almost simultaneously as Reynolds kicks the ball. Still deemed late and dangerous and worth 5 weeks on the sideline. Reynolds media reported he would be out 5 months. He missed 3 games.
Pauli Pauli hits Soward as late as anyone's been hit on a football field. Still a blur, but I dont even recall a penalty. Deemed not worthy of even a weeks ban. Parra go on to win the game by 6 points. Nice play Pauli Pauli. Terry Lamb takes his hat off to you. No media scrum on Soward's prognosis but fears are that he is out now for 6 weeks.
Are we able to analyse these two incidents on the kicker and safely conclude that some teams are taken care of, and some just aren't. That's my conclusion anyway.
#BringBackTheScrum
Submitted by a on
I hope they do BringBackTheScrum
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
#bringbackthescum #findtheconsistancy
Sorry about Soward but you have to remember that football is a contact sport ;P. It is a blight on the game that someone (and I won't mention Pauli by name, he's a very very very very big boy) can wipe out someone and it be not reported, but a player bends HIS head under an attacker's body to draw a crusher tackle verdict and the poor sap is on report. The problem is that the game's heads, Todd, Head Ref Archer and who ever heads up the match review committee don't have their finger on the pulse.
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