Round twenty-five selections

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos – Thursday night – Allianz Stadium

The Rabbitohs are playing their home game at the home of the Roosters - I wonder if the Broncos left their gear in the locker rooms from last week. Wayne Bennett has said that he may rest players from this game, but has named an unchanged line-up with just four on the bench. We shall see. Plenty of changes for the Rabbits - the return of Luke and Keary can't come soon enough. Inglis, on the other hand, is kept on ice for the time being. In many ways Luke is almost as important to the Bunnies as Inglis is. So much of their momentum starts with Luke and Inglis is a more dangerous prospect when Luke is on the field. He'll be missed next year (and the Warriors just might become the force we all want them to be). The Broncos/Roosters game last round was near enough to be the best football we've seen this year. Another ten minutes of play and the Broncos probably win that game, and that level is vastly superior to the Bunnies efforts against the Dogs. Granted they could turn it on - a top four finish is beyond them if they don't. I'm with the visitors who, despite the mind games from the coach, can still win the minor premiership this season. Since that stumble against the Sea Eagles their defence appears to be back in order, conceding just 36 points in three games against top eight sides. Souths without Inglis are much more defendable - the Broncos can tackle their way to victory.

Verdict – Broncos by 4

Result - Broncos 47 defeated Rabbitohs 12

Manly Sea Eagles vs Sydney Roosters – Friday night – Brookvale Oval

The Sea Eagles could easily surprise me (and I am cursed on Fridays) but I feel like their campaign has flared brightly and is now fading out. Two weeks ago they just got past the Raiders - a form line that looks less impressive with each passing day. Last week they lost to the Eels. Now if that was a cold wet night at Parramatta Stadium I could cop that, but when Manly are going well they don't lose Sunday afternoon games at Brookvale to sub-standard teams. Note that the Chooks beat the Eels just two weeks ago (after an early fright). No-one replaces Jared Waerea-Hargreaves but Sam Moa returns in the nick of time. Pearce is a loss too...at club level. Jackson Hastings gets a chance to shine and he'll relish the chance. He might look like he should be flying spitfires for the British Air Force during WWII, but his Dad was a bit of a hero of mine so I'll forgive the hairy little buggar. Willie Mason is back for the Sea Eagles, but Matt Ballin is out. His stable presence in the middle will be missed. The Chooks are chasing their third successive J.J. Giltinan Shield. Hunger games - the Roosters look hungrier.

Verdict – Roosters by 2

Result - Roosters 46 defeated Sea Eagles 10

Parramatta Eels vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday afternoon – Pirtek Stadium

Given that a fair portion of the Eels salary cap is in San Francisco (Hayne), Warrington (Sandow) and injured (Watmough) they're doing okay. Of course, their salary cap was bigger than everyone else this year...and they're not making the finals. Let's give them a pass mark...barely. Assuming I'm right on Thursday night (and that's an outrageous assumption) the Sharks can move into the top four with a win on Saturday. They've won 6 of their last 7, with their only loss that baffling display against the Storm when they forgot to play football. They won't forget again. Better team...in form...more to play for. Up Up Cronulla.

Verdict – Sharks by 4

Result - Sharks 35 defeated Eels 28

Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Saturday afternoon – Hunter Stadium

The Knights enjoyed winning so much in round 23 they surprised everyone but Potato Man and won again. They're at big odds for a three-peat, but this is their old boys game, and this is a game they rarely lose. You would think their current coach, an old boy himself these days, can get his boys up for one more win this season. I think so anyway. Those leading tipping comps would be mad to follow me in here. The Bulldogs were in the sort of form that can win a premiership last weekend. A top four finish isn't beyond their reach either, but I'm a sucker for traditions and it's the Novacastrians for mine. A rare glimmer of happiness for a club that hasn't had much to be glimmering about in recent times. Note to everyone: if the Knights do win they'll hit the turps with the old boys on Saturday night. Keep that in mind when the Knights face the Panthers a week later.

Verdict – Knights by 2

Result - Bulldogs 20 defeated Knights 18

Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – AAMI Park

The last three losses by the Storm have been to teams outside of finals contention (Knights, Tigers and Warriors) - no wonder Craig Bellamy gets cranky. Melbourne are one team that (usually) bounce back strongly from a poor performance. Given their ladder position they'll need this win if they want a precious home game in week one of the finals. Is that enough? I say yes...tentatively. I'm expecting a strong start from the purple machine, and their defence is willing enough to hold out the Cowboys who'll be storming home late. A Cooper Cronk field goal in the 74th minute will prove the difference. I'm getting very specific - most of you just want me to get it right. A frustrating loss for the Cowboys, leaving the battle for the minor premiership a race in two.

Verdict – Storm by 1

Result - Storm 14 defeated Cowboys 6

Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors – Sunday afternoon – Campbelltown Stadium

The timing of the Farah announcement makes some sense, giving their club captain a chance to farewell his fans at a traditional home venue on a Sunday afternoon. Surely the Tigers rise up and perform given the circumstance. As for the Warriors...Sheesh! If they were a dog I'd be calling the vet. I'll come up with some sort of Tigers by 39+ betting option for this game - then watch Robbie Farah miss a conversion in the 80th minute which will almost certainly cost me a collect. That will hurt - let's hope the last Tigers try is right under the posts.

Verdict – Tigers by 38

Result - Tigers 50 defeated Warriors 16

Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – CBus Super Stadium

Dave Taylor, undefeated as a playmaker in the NRL, is likely to keep that record intact. The Henry reforms from last week were short-lived, with Taylor back in the second-row to add some size to the Titans pack. Bird and James are out so he'll need to put in - the Dragons starting backrow of Frizell, Thompson and Merrin will make sure of that. The Titans, despite the win last week, are still in contention for the spoon. That's a reasonable motivation, but the Dragons have bigger fish to fry and play for. If the cards fall the way I've predicted the Dragons can seal a finals berth with a victory. A contest that could surprise to the upside - keep a sneaky eye on it in case we get a game of football out of this.

Verdict – Dragons by 10

Result - Titans 28 defeated Dragons 26

Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers – Monday night – GIO Stadium

Mathematically these sides could still finish last, but mathematically I could wake up underneath Scarlett Johannson tomorrow. It would make things interesting (especially for Ms Thinker) but it's not going to freakin happen. So what possible motivation do these teams have? This is the Raiders last home game of the season. The Panthers get to play their last home game of the season next week. That's all I've got. I'll take the home team...in this round and the next.

Verdict – Raiders by 6

Result - Raiders 34 defeated Panthers 18

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

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

  • Rabbitohs vs BRONCOS
  • Sea Eagles vs ROOSTERS
  • Eels vs SHARKS
  • Knights vs BULLDOGS
  • STORM vs Cowboys
  • TIGERS vs Warriors
  • Titans vs DRAGONS
  • RAIDERS vs Panthers

William Hill betting promotion - round 25

Sydney Roosters to beat Manly Sea Eagles (Friday night) - $2.50 (Maximum bet is $25)

Bet now (gamble responsibly): http://partners.affiliatesunited.com.au/processing/clickthrgh.asp?btag=a_10302b_1152

Comments

Johnny Ray's picture

Awesome. I will start with tips this time. Good luck everybody with your picks. Congratulations again goes out to Tigerholic who even though we have got a few weeks to go in this competition I'm calling it now and saying that she/he/indescribable plant life has won. Well done mate ! My tips for this week are Broncos, Sea Eagles, Sharks, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Warriors, Titans and Raiders. Thanks again guys. Thanks Thinker. Laters Laters ! ;-D

mark ashford's picture

Hi all
I'm off to Fraser Island to drink some beer and see if any fish want to commit suicide. I'm away until Saturday the 5th September so will have to do my picks for both 25 and 26 today.
Thanks Thinker or TLH if you could put them in for me.
Round 25
Sharks, Bulldogs, Broncos, Raiders, Roosters, Storm, Tigers & Dragons.

Round 26
Broncos, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Dragons, Eels, Knights, Roosters, Sharks.

Hope your team wins by heaps.

The Thinker's picture

A fisherman Mark...and a beer drinker - we have much in common.

We'll put your tips through for round 26.

Enjoy the break.

Coach Potato's picture

My NRL prediction for next week is that the Panthers Knights game next week will produce two winners. The winner of the game, and the winner of the wooden spoon. Another Thinker.org scoop.

My other prediction turns the AFL world on its head. My streak theory that says only the top 3 streak teams can win the flag ... currently doesn't include Hawthorn, the raging $2.50 favourites!!

The top three are Fremantle, West Coast, and Sydney. If Sydney beat lowly placed St Kilda and Gold Coast next two games, Hawthorn can't finish in the top 3 streaks.

I guess you'd have to be nuts to think the $2.50 favourite two weeks out from finals simply can't win it. So I guess I' m just nuts then.

a's picture

What are the AFL streaks?

Coach Potato's picture

Fremantle. 15
West Coast. 14
Sydney. 11
Hawthorn. 10
Richmond. 10
Wstn Bulldogs 10
Nth Melbourne 9
Adelaide 8
Geelong 8

Coach Potato's picture

Top 3 seems sorted in Holden Cup too. Bloody Cowboys and Broncos again. Please not Broncos v Cowboys ...followed by Broncos v Cowboys. Anything but that.

Cowboys. 17
Panthers. 16
Broncos. 12
Sea Eagles. 10
Roosters. 10

a's picture

You know what I will be happy if it's Cowboys vs Broncos vs Cowboys vs Broncos grand final

newbie from perth's picture

Hi everyone,

If a pig lost its voice, would it be disgruntled?

After that pretty lame opening, let’s get into it…

Rabbitohs vs Broncos - I see the Broncos haven’t beaten the Rabbitohs in Sydney since Round 2, 2003. These sorts of stats don’t bother me and never will. How a side is travelling at the moment is of more concern to me than what some mob of blokes did 12 years ago. Completely different players, completely different abilities and fitness levels. With Souths having GI Joe MIA and the fact that the Broncos’ loss was more meritorious than the Bunnies’ loss, I’ll have to pick the Ponies in this one.

Manly vs Roosters - for anyone in WA reading this, what we have Friday night is North Beach versus Fremantle. Seeing as I’m a true blue Fremantle Roosters fan (Shanghai is as well), it’s really no surprise that I’m gonna pick my boys to win this. Fremantle always had tough encounters with North Beach back in the day and I would imagine the NRL version will be much the same. Then again, if Manly can’t beat the Eels at home (no offense intended to those wonderful Eels fans out there) then how the hell are they gonna beat the Mighty Chooks? Yeah, no JWH, Jennings or MP but I’m confident their replacements will get the job done, even though our record at Brookie is atrocious. Friday on GEM at 5.30 (yeah baby!) and then over to GO for “Jack The Giant Slayer”. Awesome! Go you Mighty Chooks!

Eels vs Sharks - I would love to find enough reasons to tip the Eels but just can’t find them. On paper, the Sharks seem a bit too good this weekend. Wouldn’t it be great to see Semi Radradra run in about 3 tries in this one? Will the return of Tim Mannah be of any help? Eels beat a pretty good side while the Sharks thumped a not-so-good side. Geez I’m really trying to convince myself about the Eels here. What the hell, might put the Slippery Ones in as a “roughie”. C’mon Eels, do it for Baggy!

Knights vs Bulldogs - apparently there is a huge amount of money being thrown on the Doggies this weekend. Last week the Doggies smacked the Rabbitohs while the Knights Of The Round Table smacked the Storm Troopers (and in Melbourne). What can we read into that if anything? I don’t mind the Knights but I’ll have to pick the Doggies. I think the money is “spot on” as far as the punters are concerned. Yeah, Hush Puppies for me.

Storm vs Cowboys - what the Storm Troopers are serving up lately has Newbie completely baffled. It’s getting to the stage where I just can’t apply logic to my thinking. Just like Vinnie Barbarino said in “Welcome Back Kotter” … “I’m so confused!” I’m going with the Cowboys in this one.

Tigers vs Warriors - what is happening down there at Tiger-land? Farah’s been dealt with a bit harshly in my opinion. Like I read somewhere yesterday, where’s the club loyalty? Oh well, Robbie’s last game at home and yes, it may just be the incentive they need to smash the Warriors but I’m feelin’ crazy man! Warriors to spoil the party! Warriors in a close one.

Titans vs Dragons - the Dragons are getting the job done (sort of) but with not a lot of authority. Even though the Titans won last week, I just can’t see them troubling the Dragons this week.

Raiders vs Panthers - yes, not much to say about this game. Thinker and the King are tipping the Green Machine and so am I.

@ Johnny Ray - I know the season end is a little way off at the moment, but I’m gonna get into the NFL while our game is in hiatus. For the record, Newbie is a 49er’s fan from way back and absolutely stoked that Jarryd Hayne has taken to their version so quickly and so well. The guy’s a bloody natural! Somewhere along the line the Septics have translated incorrectly regarding his nickname. Here he was referred to sometimes as the “Hayne Train” but for some inexplicable reason they’ve started calling him the “Hayne Plane” Huh? Anyway, for anyone who hasn’t seen any footage of young Jarryd in the pre-season warm up games, check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtgEme7IQAA

@ mark ashford - don’t forget to take a few bottles of something harder when you go to Fraser. Have fun and may your lines be taut!

OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.

P.S. Do you yawn in your sleep? Hmmm…

Johnny Ray's picture

Yeah a, I hate to say it but like always Coach is right ! A Broncos V Cowboys game followed by another Broncos V Cowboys would for me be most boring thing to happen in sport since Olympics allowed painting in as Olympic Event. I'm not making that up. Painting was once an actual Olympic Event from 1896 to 1948. Think about that for moment. While someone from your country could win gold in swimming you could win gold in water colours !!! How crazy is that shit ? Seriously there is some guy out there right now holding onto Olympic medal tricked into thinking that his Grandad was some great Olympic athlete super mega athlete not knowing that he really won it painting a train ! My god man ! And we wonder why Aliens still shoot pass this planet ... :-s

Johnny Ray's picture

Yeah a, I hate to say it but like always Coach is right ! A Broncos V Cowboys game followed by another Broncos V Cowboys would for me be most boring thing to happen in sport since Olympics allowed painting in as Olympic Event. I'm not making that up. Painting was once an actual Olympic Event from 1896 to 1948. Think about that for moment. While someone from your country could win gold in swimming you could win gold in water colours ! How crazy is that shit ? Seriously there is some dude out there right now holding onto Olympic medal tricked into thinking that his Grandad was some great Olympic super mega athlete not knowing that the guy really won it painting a train ! My god man ! And we wonder why Aliens still shoot pass this planet ... :-s

Coach Potato's picture

That's why the Panthers need to be everyone's 2nd team if only for a month to help break up the crap.

No doubting that finishing in second place, or even minor premiers wont make a difference. They'll still be made to play away in Brisbane or Townsville every week. Support the underdog. Go Panthers

Baggy_Gee's picture

Never peg you as a nut Coach, and those stats are quite telling. I'll back your "no Hawthorn Flag" theory with my own cash. It makes a lot of sense. But here is my thoughts for this weekend.

Rabbits - Just a feeling, Broncos seem to be coasting and preping for a huge tilt at the finals. Based on that and the easy meters up the middle, I think the Bunnies will get revenge for last start lose.

Roosters - Again it is more than a feeling. The Roosters seem to be the better team of the competition at the moment. And given Manly lost to the BOYS last week, bit hard to pick the upset.

EELS - BOYS, BOYS, BOYS, BOYS. How good was last week? Unless you picked the Eagles. It was a great day at work listening to BOYS get up and put a dent in Manly's hopes. All passion beside, I think that with the rebuilding in process and some of the major players stepping up for next season, I think that we have the ability to beat the Sharks at home. Do we have the drive? I think we do, and I think that we have the fans behind us to make it a Blue and Gold sea of screaming fans. Go the BOYS.

Bulldogs - A thumping of the Rabbits vs a thumping of the Storm? A question for the ages. But I think that the Bulldogs have the power to go back to back wins, nothing against the Knights, but the drinking will go on and on after the old boys and Knights get off the field as they have missed the spoon.

Cowboys - I know that the Cowboys have lost Morgan, and that might sink them. But as little I rate JT, he is an incredible talent who can and will lift the Cowboys over a lackluster Storm.

Tigers - Hard to see with the Warriors as the opposition, the Tigers will fail to send Farah off without a win. They have the power (TUPOW), they have the grit (Farah), and they have the skill (Tedesco).

Titans - Again blaming Boston, just a hunch. Both the Dragons, and Panthers were rather woeful last week and even losing Bird the Titans were pretty good. I'll back the Dragons to keep the door open at eh bottom of the 8.

Raiders - I still rate Blake Austin as the difference between these teams and in the end I think that will be the difference.

Coach Potato's picture

Current top 3 streak NRL, AFL and the 9 doubles premiership combinations odds

NRL
Roosters $3.75
Broncos $4.50
Cowboys $5

AFL
(Hawks $2.50)
Eagles $4
Dockers $4.50
Swans $9

DOUBLE
Roosters - Eagles $15
Roosters - Dockers $17
Roosters - Swans $34

Broncos - Eagles $18
Broncos - Dockers $21
Broncos - Swans $41

Cowboys - Eagles $20
Cowboys - Dockers $23
Cowboys - Swans $45

I guess the theory should be headed for a big fall if bookies know best because you could take each of the above NRL teams individually and be in front, take each of the AFL teams individually and be in front, take each of the 9 doubles combos and be in front.

In the end stats are only stats. If you feel 100% brainwashed that the stats are right, and you drive to the local TAB in a frankenstein-like hypnotic trance and without a thought hand over all your cash, remember there's no such thing as a sure thing. I would much rather that they get rid of the current tag "gamble responsibly" and replace it with the age old "remember, there's no such thing as a sure thing".

In saying that, you're looking at some quality combos. These are all just combinations of the best NRL and AFL teams (minus Hawthorn).

tigerholic's picture

Morning Folks

I am off to Fraser Island this morning and I might run into Mark Ashford, we are staying at Cathedral Beach in cabins so Mark if you see a group of blokes with grey shirts printed with Fraser Island Boys trip 2015 come and say gidday.

Thanks Thinker for a great year, I do love this site and I look forward to next year already, especially for the Tigers with what now seems apparent with a new number 9.

Good luck to everyone for the last two weeks of tipping.

Tigerholic

a's picture

I wonder if Adam Goodes will do a war dance if Sydney win the premreship

Shanghai's picture

Hi everyone,

My tips this week:

Broncos, Roosters, Sharks, Bulldogs, Cowboys, Tigers, Titans, Raiders

Good tipping, good punting and good fishing .......

Footy chick's picture

If I want to win it's time to get my boobs out and put them on the line.

Souths and Manly. Legs and fingers crossed. Brrrr!!!!!! It's cold in here.

Have fun boys ;-)

The Joker2's picture

As if your not a dude fkn with the rest of em! Lmao. I dropped out ages ago.. but yes think you are right here.. sick of seeing people tip favs. SOUTHS MANLY for me! .. keep those nippers large xxx

Declan_S's picture

Broncos
Manly
Sharks
Knights
Cowboys
Tigers
Dragons
Raiders

Tailspin's picture

Hey everyone, wish I was going over to fraser for a week, but have to settle for Littabella creek and catch some muddies and mangrove jack, I hope, and like the other boys, a fair few great northern to wash them down.
well here we go once again for the second last time
Broncos by 10
Eagles by 4 for an upset
Eels by 4
Dogs by 12
Tigers by 14
Dragons by 6
Raiders by 10
Have a great weekend
Love ya work coach, keep it coming.

christine 's picture

" a " & scott m your tips please

a's picture

Here are my tips

Broncos by 2 I think Rabbitohs without Greg Ingles will struggle and if the Broncos are on their game the game

Sea Eagles by 1 No lies I do want Manly to win this week because I want Broncos and Cowboys to be the top 2 sides

Sharks by 6 I want to see Sharks make the top 4 why? because it would be nice to see this happen this week

Bulldogs by 8 How the hell has Thinker tipped Knights how the hell has he? I think Bulldogs should win here

Cowboys by 1 Storm were crap Monday Night against the 14th place nights Cowboys should kick their asses again at home

West Tigers by 6 I think Tigers should win why? because they will be able to play well against the Warriors who have absolutely how to win without Shaun Johnson Tigers to avoid the spoon here I repeat Tigers to avoid the spoon

Dragons by 6 My horrible theory is while Broncos and Cowboys will get the top 2 spots witch I am most happy about Titans will get the wooden spoon why because I do not see the Knights or Tigers getting Titans to get the spoon

Raiders by 2 I think Raiders will finally close opt a game at home here they will play better against the Panthers and will get the chocolates here

Nik's picture

Mr. Thinker could you please fix my score for round 24, I've got 4 out of 8, not 5/8. Thus 107 points not 108 in total. Thanks. Cheers and good luck all.

Johnny Boney's picture

Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:

Broncos by 10- Broncos too strong here and no Inglis so Broncos for me.

Manly by 8- manly for an upset to keep their finals hopes alive here.

Sharks by 14- Sharks too desperate for top 4 so Sharks to end up on top in this one.

Bulldogs by 16- The Dogs will be too good here.

Cowboys by 2- Cowboys in a close one even though they've lost some troops.

Tigers by 26- Tigers to smash Warriors in Farah's last home game for Tigers.

Dragons (of course) by 13- Dragons will be too good here and have plenty to play for so of course I cannot go against my team for this one, so my beloved Dragons here obviously.

And finally... Panthers by 4- Panthers in another high scoring encounter between these two sides due to Raiders' poor home record.
Thank you everyone and cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

a's picture

You should be in the tipping comp next year Johnny Boney

The Thinker's picture

Very honest of you Nik...well done

I'll check to make sure you are right (you probably are) and will adjust the scores accordingly.

Good luck everyone.

The Thinker's picture

Nik....you were quite right. Thank you again.

That gives us four tipsters tied for second place.

tonibet's picture

weird? something has been tapping away at my subconscious... then it finally occurred to me... (sorry, wasn't trying to be a snob just simply forgot).

(originally) Submitted by Johnny Boney (last, last week)
Hey Tonibet, took the quiz, no wonder it's the greatest NRL quiz because it is actually great. My result was 7/10 which means that i'm a diehard.

JB: suffice to say I didn't go as well mate... but that was to be expected! (okay feeling better now haha!)... I know bit weird but hey, beats snobby!

Coach Potato's picture

Boobs on the line?? Baggy, can you check again what's the current interpretation of downward pressure? As far as I was aware you can ground it with your chest. If the video ref can't get enough slow-mo's or close-ups to tell if there's a footy in there somewhere, enough to overturn , to tell conclusively that there wasn't boob on ball on line, I'd say they have to award it. Here it comes ......It's a TRY. Chick scores. Does the Goanna ... and then the Plane. Suffocatingly breathtaking. Bruce McAvaney calls it ... Special.

Coach Potato's picture

Howl "South Sydney forever" to the moon when you win, but walk out on your team with 15 to go when they lose. What happened to forever?

Nik's picture

You are welcome Mr. Thinker :) I believe everyone would have done the same confession as all we want is a fair play :) Thank you.

a's picture

I hope Manly beat Roosters

The Thinker's picture

Rabbits.....sheesh!
Broncos.....whoosh!

I've added another little betting promo from William Hill if anyone is keen on the Chooks tomorrow night. You can get $2.50 about them beating the Sea Eagles. Maximum bet at those odds is $25. I think Manly are a big hope but $2.50 is a pretty fair price ($1.80 elsewhere).

Not sure if Newbie is a punter but he is a Chooks fan - sorry Newbie, this promo isn't available to residents of Western Australia.

Here's the link for the rest of us non-sandgropers:
http://partners.affiliatesunited.com.au/processing/clickthrgh.asp?btag=a...

Baggy_Gee's picture

Gordon Bray would split more than his pants on that call. Video Ref would take several epochs to review the film. And for once I'd be ok with a lack of control. I want a explanation about onside though. Barba v 2.0 (Milford) was a few meters in front of the kicker when he got his first.

newbie from perth's picture

Hey Boss,

Yeah, I know Bill Hill won’t (or can’t) accept wagers from WA. Tried to get on some months ago with one of their promotions but alas, it wasn’t allowed. Not sure why but methinks it’s got something to do with our draconian legislation (of all sorts) we have over here. Our local TABtouch have Roosters at $1.82 as I type, so the $2.50 would have been nice “overs” for me.

I am indeed a dedicated punter but my abilities are far from admirable. Ask Shanghai how much I’ve “squandered” over the years! These days it’s more about beating the system and not the profit. Having said that, I’m thinking about “dutching” the top three to win the GF based on the Coach’s Streak Theory. I’ll need to decide fairly soon though, before the prices shorten any further. I just had a gawk and our stingy TAB is offering the following quotes.

Coach’s prices versus WA TAB’s prices:

Roosters $3.75 vs $3.45
Broncos $4.50 vs $3.75
Cowboys $5.00 vs $4.70

OK enough of that, let’s get into the footy! Cheers.

a's picture

I hope Roosters lose and Cowboys win

Coach Potato's picture

Newbie in a three horse race, why not plonk on one? You'd have to be putting up big bucks to make anything out of backing all three.

Swans look the biggest overs of all top 3 teams if anyone hadn't noticed.

Coach Potato's picture

Not much doubt that Tuivasa-Sheck and Milford have been watching Shaun Johnson videos with the spring-step. Who could blame them though, copying a modern day genius. Look where it's got their teams. They don't have quite the vision when in open space though, Tuivasa-Sheck relying more on speed, Milford more on guile. Is either enough of a Johnson clone to win a comp? Probably. Will clones be facing off against each other first Sunday in October? Another probably, but I like that the Cowboys aren't copying.

3 out of every 5 players tried out the Benji step, including the above named big time. It's just the way it is. Copy the genius. Although is playing copycat enough?

a's picture

Cowboys will win the grand final

Coach Potato's picture

Bit tough I think. Roger's pretty good. Roger, Shaun Johnson, and Isaac in the one team, that's some spine eh Thinker?

Johnny Ray's picture

Yeah ! What did I tell you ? Dude I told you that Manly Sea Eagles would win ! *Looks at scoreboard* Godamnit ! God freakin damn it ! How the hell did that happen playing them at home ? *Sigh* Ah well it's back to my water colours for me I guess https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UYLRCVldElo ... :'(

a's picture

Damn Roosters won I need Cowboys to beat Storm tonight

The Thinker's picture

A comment for the history buffs

On this very day 120 years ago a meeting took place in a pub in Huddersfield - and the game of rugby league was born.

Happy birthday you old bastard.

Coach Potato's picture

Titans v Dragons, and next week Dragons v Tigers. 26 points for the top 8 is just two games away.

The thing is, the Dragons don't need to win again til finals time. Unlikely to be caught on for/against by Manly. Will be hard not to take games a little soft knowing they are safe.

Coach Potato's picture

How about this. Current top 3 streaks are as follows

Roosters - 3, 2, 11 = 16
Broncos - 5, 2, 8 = 15
Cowboys - 11, 4 = 15

Very interesting to me that should Cowboys win tonight, they will get their third streak of 2 to take their total to 17, and another win against Gold Coast next week would give them an unbeatable 18. Does that mean that the Cowboys are about to snatch the minor premiership? Is the streak theory somehow forecasting Souths to beat Roosters next week, as well as Storm beating the Broncos?

Coach Potato's picture

Almost two months ago stats showed the Sharks were set on a course to reach either Preliminary Final or better. Win next week and they are only 1 game away from the week off.

Stats also suggest though they will cruelly fall short at the last hurdle. Horrible for fans. Actually hope I've got it wrong.

a's picture

Hope Cowboys win

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