St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers – Thursday night – WIN Stadium
I dare anyone, other than the Coach, to name the Panthers captain on Thursday night (no googling). Well, it surprised me when I saw the (c) beside the name of Elijah Taylor. I rate the bloke, but it's an indication of the challenges the Panthers have faced this year on the casualty front. Almost as strange, the Dragons captain (Ben Creagh) is starting on the bench. The Dragons had no trouble gaining ground in round 23 but turning that advantage into points proved troublesome. To be fair, the goal line defence of their opponent that night is the best in the business - getting through the Panthers seems a more attainable goal. Marshall has been named but we don't know for sure (he was named last week) - if he plays it increases my confidence.
Verdict – Dragons by 8
Result - Dragons 19 defeated Panthers 12
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – ANZ Stadium
I've yacked on for years about the importance of the spine (1,6,7,9) in the modern game. This week the Rabbitohs have to replace two of theirs. John Sutton slots in for Luke Keary which should be okay, but only Issac Luke can adequately replace Issac Luke - and he's unavailable. Paul Carter will do his best impersonation. It's these changes that have probably driven the prices with the bookmakers - with the Bulldogs a warm favourite. That's fair enough, but their number nine on Friday night is Damien Cook - hardly their first choice either. I was more impressed with the Rabbitohs away win over the Cowboys than the Bulldogs away win over the Titans. That's better form surely. An upset, of sorts, in front of what should be a bumper crowd.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 7
Result - Bulldogs 32 defeated Rabbitohs 18
Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers – Saturday afternoon – Remondis Stadium
Cronulla seemed hellbent on reminding everyone on Monday night what a bunch of nasty cheating cheats they were playing - I suppose they would know. Sadly for them they forgot to play any football and it backfired - scoring a grand total of zero tries in front of their home crowd. I'd expect them to remember to play some football this time, and on paper it's hard to see them getting beaten. The Tigers won't back down of course, what with their battle to avoid last, but an away win looks unlikely.
Verdict – Sharks by 4
Result - Sharks 40 defeated Tigers 18
New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – Mt Smart Stadium
The Cowboys were disappointing last Thursday against the Bunnies, but the Warriors have been disappointing for weeks. As I've said previously, almost every season we get suckered into the Warriors during the State of Origin period. Then we reach the run home to the finals, and more often than not they let us down. The only way I can see an upset here is if the Cowboys are really off and the Warriors are really on. That's possible, but it's all but impossible to tip it.
Verdict – Cowboys by 16
Result - Cowboys 50 defeated Warriors 16
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium
This is football, and possibly a crystall ball view of the 2015 grand final. First plays second and your eyeballs deserve the opportunity to see this. Hodges returns and both sides are essentially one prop forward shy of naming their best team. The Roosters should win the forwards battle for field position and win it comfortably, so it's just a matter of converting that position into points. The Dragons struggled last weekend, but you'd expect the Chooks to perform better in that regard. Manly showed us what a talented backline can do to the Broncos. I'm not expecting anything like that here, but the Chooks can make a statement at home this weekend, and take the top spot on the ladder in the process. Compulsory viewing.
Verdict – Roosters by 4
Result - Roosters 12 defeated Broncos 10
Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday afternoon – CBus Super Stadium
It's pretty freaking unlikely, but if I was punting on a surprise inclusion in the finals race this season I'd be going with the Raiders. It's an absolute longshot, but their points differential gives them a shot if they can level up with some of the other teams battling for the 8th spot. The risk here is that they don't believe it, so I'm hoping Ricky Stuart can convince them a win in this game isn't pointless. If Ricky doesn't believe you'd have to pick the Titans - who would be eyeing this as the game that could get them off the bottom of the ladder. So that's the situation folks - are the Raiders enjoying a weekend away from the Canberra winter or are they here to play? Answer that correctly and you have your winner. If any of you are in daily contact with the Canberra coach I'd like to hear from you.
Verdict – Raiders by 10
Result - Titans 28 defeated Raiders 12
Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels – Sunday afternoon – Brookvale Oval
Manly are on a roll, and when Manly are on a roll you back them in the Sunday sessions at Brookie. You also back Brett Stewart to score a try - he's likely to get two. Parramatta argued they were still in finals contention (mathematically) before their loss last weekend, but they aren't anymore. It all adds up to a Sea Eagles victory.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 22
Result - Eels 20 defeated Sea Eagles 16
Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights – Monday night – AAMI Park
I'm on holidays for goodness sake. Surely you don't need an explanation here.
Verdict – Storm by 16
Result - Knights 20 defeated Storm 6
Wally Lewis - round twenty-four selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
- DRAGONS vs Panthers
- RABBITOHS vs Bulldogs
- SHARKS vs Tigers
- Warriors vs COWBOYS
- Roosters vs BRONCOS
- Titans vs RAIDERS
- SEA EAGLES vs Eels
- STORM vs Knights
Comments
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Today might be the day to get back on the Sharks for top 4. Today, or tomorrow before nightfall. That's the size of the window. Bathroom size. Enough to squeeze into if you try.
Compare their run home of Tiger (H), Eels (A), Sea Eagles (H) to that of Souths: Bulldogs (H/A), Broncos (H), Roosters (H/A)
or Melbourne's: Knights (H), Cowboys (H), Broncos (A).
Compare favourably? Sure it means they would need to win 3, but must start hot hot favourites in 2, and every chance in the other. Souths would only be allowed to win 1 more, and Storm only 2 more. But with much tougher draws, that possible?
Sharks are currently $5.50 for top 4 compared to a week ago of half that price. Make the top 4 and they are one game away from that Prelim the stats say they will be in.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
...another possible scenario is Souths losing all 3, Storm losing 2, and Sharks still 2 points clear in 4th by winning 2/3.
No, you're right. Doesn't seem too likely does it?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
..then again, if Bulldogs beat Souths, and then only 2 points behind, how good will their $13 for top 4 start looking?
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Alright. I'll start. Looks like my maths didn't work out for me last week but I did somehow manage to create large hole in time space continuum causing me to meet my future self. So if I don't get them all right this time round I will be really mad at myself ! Yeah hey there Johnny Ray Five Days From Now ! Hey There Johnny Ray Five Days Ago ! Dude tell me who won ! Did Dragons win ? Nope The Panthers ! Really ? Did Rabbitohs win ? Nope Bulldogs ! 13 Plus ! Whoa ! By that much ? Man that's huge ! Did Sharks, Cowboys, Roosters win ! Yeah everybody but Roosters ! Broncos won that ! Ok what did Warriors get beaten by ? Alot ! Son of bitch Christ ! Who won in Raiders Titans game ? Titans ! Raiders were shit ! Awesome and who won in Storm game ? I don't know it's Monday they haven't played yet ! What ? Five days from Wednesday is Monday, they haven't played yet ! Godamnit ! It's just my luck to get meet someone from future who doesn't know anymore about it than I do ! Good luck everybody with your picks ! Thanks alot Thinker ! Thanks alot everybody ! Laters peeps ! ;-D
Submitted by mark ashford on
Wow Johnny Ray take a breath mate and maybe a cold drink of xxxx do you get that in NZ?
THINKER you're on holidays so well done mate. Take Mrs thinker out for a cold drink do you get xxxx in Melbourne?
Thanks Coach for the Wayne Bennett thingy I've still got some hope.
Christine I hope you're doing well.
Round 24
Dragons
Rabbits
Roosters (yes the Roosters)
Manly
Sharks
Storm
Titans (upset here)
Cowboys (need to win if the're the real deal)
All home teams except for the Cows (C'mon "a" give a cheer)
Good luck to you and your teams.
Submitted by a on
Go Cowboys
Submitted by christine on
thanks mark I 'm doing ok , but I would be doing even better if I could just jag a perfect round
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
I don't know ! Do we ? I don't think I've seen XXXX in shops out here ! I know we can get VB cause all my Australian mates call them 'Virgin Breakers' which is hilariously funny when you go to town with them after gig and see them ask for one and they get this cocktail instead. " Yeah one Virgin Breaker please ! Oh crap !" " Cool ! Can I get to keep the sparklers ? " " Shut up ... " ;-D
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
So happy hear that you're feeling little bit better Christine ... :-)
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Go Cowboys
Submitted by Johnny Boney on
Hello everybody my tips this week are:
Dragons by 16- My Dragons have too much to play for whilst Panthers don't, so Dragons for me obviously.
Rabbitohs by 1- Toss of the coin this one, but Rabbitohs just.
Sharks by 14- sharks should win at home here.
Cowboys by 20- Cowboys to smash the depleted Warriors here and get back in the winners circle.
Roosters by 2- Roosters to go on top after a tight win over Broncos I think here.
Raiders by 10- Raiders will be too good here I think.
Manly by 30- Manly to absolutely smash the Eels here.
And finally... Storm by 26- storm to smash Knights here and I just can't say why.
Thanks you everyone and cheers!!!!!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Distresses me Thinker that the biggest mind didn't know that Taylor has been co-captain previous three games.
Submitted by a on
Cowboys will beat Warriors fair and square
Submitted by Shanghai on
Hi one and all,
My tips this week:
Dragons
Bulldogs
Sharks
Cowboys
Roosters
Raiders
Sea Eagles
Storm
Cheers and good luck .......
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Shit no Isaac Luke? Who's going to throw all the forward passes out of dummy half and get away with it?
Submitted by a on
Some other bullshit player
Submitted by Coach Potato on
They are definitely going to make less yardage having to throw it backwards.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
OK, Newbie’s back on track this week. Went and checked the NRL website and see that we have Thursday night games for the rest of the season. Well, at least I know now so no excuses for not “getting on” in time from here on in. Some interesting games (scenarios) this week so I’m thinking I might throw in a couple of “roughies” in my tips. OK, let’s get into it…
Panthers - Dragons haven’t beaten the Panthers since 2011. Panthers should be “pumped” after finally cracking a win last week. Penrith lose Plum, Isaac John goes to five-eight (or is it five-eighth?) and Peachey back with the forwards. Dragons get Benji back. The money and the experts are saying Dragons but I’m leaning towards the Panthers. Time will tell.
Bulldogs - Thought the Hush Puppies did alright last week. Then again, I was pretty impressed with Souths’ effort as well. The number of “outs” for the Bunnies has me a little wary. That and the Bulldogs massive forward pack doing so well in the hit-up runs/metres side of things has me sticking with the Doggies this week.
Tigers - Sharks were really disappointing last week at home. The fans must have been gutted. I wonder what happened to their usual game plan? Tigers a wee bit unlucky last week? They get a couple back and apparently it’s James Tedesco's 50th so I might just go the Tigers.
Cowboys - There’s some talk going around that the Warriors, due to major changes to their playing side for the second week in a row, might just serve up something out of the box on Saturday. Not sure if they can to tell you the truth. Cowboys are just too talented and you would think they’d have little trouble getting the bikkies here. Cowboys for me. Yee-Hah!
Roosters - The Thinker said that this game should be compulsory viewing. Unfortunately we only get the Thursday, Friday and Sunday games televised on free-to-air over here in the West. Newbie has no Foxtel and the few friends he has who do indeed have Fox, watch the AFL. D’oh! So instead of showing Saturday night’s game we have the choice of watching the cricket or “Scooby Doo! Curse Of The Monster”. What truly magnificent viewing fare we have! Anyway, first plays second and after the game I’m hoping that the ladder positions will be reversed. Go you Mighty Chooks!
Raiders - Who the hell knows which mob will win this? I for one have absolutely no idea. Yeah, the Titans would be pretty motivated to get off the bottom as the Boss alluded to but then the Raiders weren’t that bad last week. Hmm, methinks I’ll have to go with the Green Machine.
Manly - The Boss summed up my reasoning for this game when he said “Manly are on a roll, and when Manly are on a roll you back them in the Sunday sessions at Brookie”. That’s good enough for me.
Storm - After last week’s effort, you gotta go the Storm Troopers don’t you? It will indeed be a “Stormy (K)night” on Monday. The “Purple Passion” to get home in this one.
@ The Boss - Hope you’re having a great time with Mrs Thinker. Enjoy the time remaining on your sweet "love-fest" getaway. Be spontaneous, hold her hand, tell her she looks fab! Rekindle Boss! Rekindle!
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
P.S. How does Freddy Kruger wipe his butt? Hmmm…
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Not to get on defensive but I just want to say Scooby Doo The Curse Of The Monster is awesome. What's even more awesome than that is Scooby Doo and Kiss : The Rock'n'Roll Mystery where legendary 70's rock band Kiss and Scooby Doo team up together to save Halloween. Dude so cool ... ;-D
Submitted by a on
Kiss and Scooby Doo team up that would be scary
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Might be of interest to know that after 23 rounds in 2007, 8th place was sitting on 24 points. The likelihood that 8th place in two weeks time would still be 24 points wasn't that high.
Submitted by Tailspin on
Hey everyone. hope you all have a great weekend,
Dragons by 4
Dogs by 6
Tigers by 8
Cowboys by 28
Broncos by 2
Raiders by 10
Manly by 20
Stormy 10
Hope you have a great holiday Thinker and all the best everyone.
Submitted by a on
Cowboys will win their last 3 games
Submitted by nola on
hey wally remember footy now starts thursday can you get your tips in earlier ta
Submitted by Declan_S on
Dragons
Rabbitohs
Sharks
Cowboys
Broncos
Raiders
Sea Eagles
Storm
Submitted by Declan_S on
Can I change that Broncos tip to Roosters Mr thinker?
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Right, only 10 minutes to sum up 640 minutes of first grade.
Panthers - Both teams have beaten the Warriors recently and the Panthers have won the last 5 straight, (if only they could beat the Eels) A win last round should hold the Mountaineers in better stead than a last up loss from the Dragoons
Rabbits - A win over the Cowboys rates better for me than a win over the Titans. It was a good win over the Titans don't get me wrong, but when the pointy end of the season comes around they aren't the side to be compared to
Sharks - As always it depends on which Tigers team shows up. The Sharks should be concious that they dropped the ball last weekend and get back into the winners circle.
Cowboys - Don't want to tip them but its a forgone conclusion.
Roosters - Finally a proper reason to tip against the Ponies. Team running second with skill, talent, and size. A Broncos forward pack that allowed the Dragons to rack up the meters before counting on their goal line defence to win the game. Not a position you want to give up to the Roosters. Also it isn't a Friday night home game. Should be able to catch the call on your local ABC.
Raiders - Titans can start hot like the Raiders, but can they finish a game? But the Thinker is right are the Riders on the Coast for a holiday or a game of football? I think it is the latter but if the news shows them on the beach or in the surf it might just be a precursor to mad mad Monday.
Eels - The BOYS did well against the Roosters for 40 minutes last week. I think without Peats we might do well for 20 minutes but Issac isn't to bad as well.
Storm - All I can say.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Back from a week in the sun at Vanuatu. The country is still in recovery mode after Cyclone Pam hit in March. Thanks for your good wishes Thinker but alas I never made it to the Mele Cascades despite staying on Hideaway Island Resort. Trust you are enjoying your few days away in NSW. Funny how I tipped 6 from 8 last week after putting my tips in a week early!!!
I'm tipping Panthers, Bulldogs, Sharks, Cowboys (by 50), Roosters, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Storm this week.
@Johnny Ray...I've watched the KISS & Scooby-Doo DVD. Two of my old favourites teaming up.....hilarious!!
Good luck everyone
Submitted by christine on
''a '' the other bullshit player you were refering to for souths would be either paul carter who they have huge wraps on or Cameron mc innes if mc innes gets through training ok
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Dragons by 8 well well well well I think Thursday night is going to be good for the Dragons and will win here
Rabbitohs by 2 I am going to give Rabbitohs are chance despite their bullshit hooker Bulldogs fans better learn from their bullshit behaviour
Sharks by 6 Holy shit man Sharks are going to keep their top 4 hopes alive here
Roosters by 4 Well I do want Broncos to win but I am afraid to say Roosters can win from anyway at the moment damn
Raiders by 10 I am sorry to say think Titans but I think you have got the wooden spoon
Sea Eagles by 20n Yeah Yeah I have to tip Manly even know I rally really really really really hate to but I have to
Storm by 22 I think Storm will win for sure here
Submitted by a on
And last but but at the very least
Cowboys by 30 why but here is why I think why The Cowboys are way WAY WAY WAY WAY better than the retarted warriors The Cowboys have talented Johnathon Thruston is the best player out Michael Morgan is awesome Lachlan Coote is the best full back Kane Linnett well I meant him the other day at the engament party for my cousin and he is play well for me Justin O'Neill can try very hard Jake Granville is the fucking best hooker in rugby league James Tamou can hit vey hard
Matthew Scott is so awesome he can play until his heart is tired Jason Taumalolo can stop a lot of tires and as for the Warriors they are shit without Shaun Johnson they mightas well not turn up why becuase it will be the Cowboys night in NZ no Warriors can stop the Cowboys I repeat NO WARRIOR CAN STOP THE MOST AWSOME TEAM OUT the C.O.W.B.O.Y.S what does that spell Cowboys what does that spell again Cowboys one more time Cowboys will not beat Warriors at all Cowboys will be way to good way way way way too good so good Warriors will not stand a fucking chance no chance at all cause the Cowboys will win and win easy Go Cowboys
Submitted by christine on
I won't be at the souths / dogs game this week it's to hard with ms , ms does not like heat , humidity or the cold
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Crap ! I am so sorry to hear that Christine ! Stay strong ;-D
Submitted by a on
I hope you get better soon Christine
Submitted by Coach Potato on
While most don't see tonight's game as any match of the round, I am convinced it's actually the most important game of any for the rest of the season.
Dragons on 24 in 8th. Panthers on 20. Similarly Manly on 24. Parramatta on 20.
Let's just say (hope, pray, and beg) that Panthers win (sorry Boney) - but let's just say they do. That puts them within 2 points of the 8. Imagine what that does to life the spirits of Parra playing at Brooky on Sunday. Imagine what that would do for the Warriors spirits playing Cowboys at home and currently on 22. Canberra's holiday to the Gold Coast would suddenly become all business.
And so while many will say its not the match of the round, I am convinced its actually the most important game of any for the rest of the season.
Submitted by a on
Cowboys game is important to me
Submitted by Coach Potato on
God there's some teams whose players are intent on winning a penalty after being tackled. So hard to watch. Win or lose I'm glad I don't follow a team that does.
Submitted by a on
I got 1 from 1
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
I'm going to go kill Future Johnny Ray ! :-(
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Like I said biggest game of the season. Dragons just knocked out Panthers Raiders Eels and probably Warriors with one win.
Well done Pennies. Look good in patches with half a team. Trailing the interchange of two hookers was a dud move Cleary.
In saying that you never ever see a ball knocked down, not called a knock on, but somehow you saw one when Dragons needed it most. Will never know of course. Dud refs. When will the NRL ever get a decent crop?
Submitted by a on
Cowboys are playing tomrrow
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Warriors can still get to 28 so difficult to understand why media is adamant that Panthers "ended the Warriors finals hopes" last week.
That is of course unless the season has become so predictable, that the have already lost. Maybe it's the refs that started the rumour. Meansn they'll have to be even better to overcome such negative sentiment. Reverse the coin, if it was Cowboys who needed to win three strqight, would the media be saying their hopes are dashed? No. Case rested. It's all bullshit.
Submitted by a on
Warriors will not make the finals why? Because Cowboys will flog them
Submitted by christine on
a ,jr, mark just so you know I will never get rid of my ms I will always have it for the rest of my life , but thanks guys you all make the difference
Submitted by a on
Yes that is sad that you can not get rid of your ms
Submitted by tonibet on
Warriors to win?
Best home record (vs cowboys) from any of the sides.
^NQ haven't strung successive wins over NZ since 07.
In fact the opposite being true since 2011 ...and since 2004 at Mt Smart.
and with only a four point win (Cowboys as large favourites ...at home) earlier this year.
Cowboys must win for any hope of minor premiership?
But with only 3 (well technically 2?) minors premiers successful from that position the last decade?
Warriors home win?? expect the unexpected? :shrug:
Submitted by a on
Warriors will not win
Submitted by The Thinker on
A quick run through the numbers - the Bunnies can still miss the top eight.
Dragons on 26 points after this round - with two games to play that they could win well (Titans and Tigers).
Even Manly could get past them.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
With Greg Inglis gone it looks like Thinker may be right ! :-s
Submitted by Coach Potato on
When all's said and done, streak theory said Souths needed to win last four games else miss top 4, said that only other teams that passed qualification were Sharks and Dragons
Pages