North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Thursday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
After a fairly unpredictable round of football I'm turning to the form from previous head-to- head clashes where appropriate this round. In round six the Cowboys travelled to one of their least favourite locations (ANZ Stadium) and humbled the Bunnies 30-12. To be fair the Bunnies were without Adam Reynolds that night, but they've lost the man who slotted in for Reynolds in that game (Glenn Stewart) this time around. The Cowboys are close enough to full strength, with Tautau Moga their only casualty at this stage of the season. The Rabbits record away from home in season 2015 is far from flattering. Since their round one demolition of the Broncos in the opening game of the season, they've won just 2 from 8 on the road. One of those wins was at a neutral ground (SCG) and the other was against the Titans. Meanwhile the Cowboys have won six of their last seven at home. Any game with Thurston and Inglis on the paddock at the time is worthy of your eyeballs. Don't get caught out by the early round 23 start.
Verdict – Cowboys by 4
Result - Rabbitohs 31 defeated Cowboys 18
Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
Tapering? Does anyone taper anymore? Could this explain the Broncos back-to-back losses? Perhaps not, but if you’re going to lose two games in a row it’s much better now than in September. During the two week ‘taper’ from the Broncos the Dragons have scored 82 points – that’s not bad, and a lot better than the 20 points they managed in the three games prior to that. Does it mean the Dragons have found there mojo? I doubt it – the 82 points were against the Knights and the Warriors, while the 20 points were against teams in the top eight. Even if the Broncos taper their season away they’ll still be in the top eight. Another good looking game of football though. A big Thursday night game followed by a big Friday night game – it’s the future…today.
Verdict – Broncos by 4
Result - Broncos 32 defeated Dragons 6
Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday afternoon – Campbelltown Stadium
They can’t all be good games I suppose. The Tigers have probably avoided the dreaded spoon this season but a win at Campbelltown all but guarantees that. They were great to watch on Monday night and they should be able to carry that form through. The less said about the Knights the better. Back the overs in the total points betting market – providing the weather plays nice it’s the easiest way to make a hard living this weekend.
Verdict – Tigers by 8
Result - Knights 24 defeated Tigers 18
Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday night – Pepper Stadium
Woof! What a pooch of a game. Hats off to the faithful few at Pepper Stadium on Saturday night – I suspect you want to be there more than either of the teams on the field. The Warriors have travelled to Sydney just once in the last three months, for a 20-0 loss to the Roosters. The Warriors can’t make the eight and can’t run last. The Panthers can’t make the eight either but last is a possibility. That is the only motivation I can find.
Verdict – Panthers by 2
Result - Panthers 24 defeated Warriors 10
Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium
Last week I told you I couldn't possibly tip the Eels based on their previous woeful display. They were woeful again, but it was still good enough to get the points over the Panthers. That level of football is an entirely different level of football to what they'll need to compete with the Chooks. The Roosters are on the fringe of the top two and could easily find themselves there by the end of this round. That impressive points-differential could even earn them another minor premiership. The Roosters are like a night out with Footy Chick, while the Eels are like a night out with The Thinkers' crazy uncle. Take Footy Chick....and the Roosters.
Verdict – Roosters by 20
Result - Roosters 28 defeated Eels 18
Canberra Raiders vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium
I have never doubted the Sea Eagles backline, which is probably the best in the competition, but I’ve always doubted their forwards. I’m not doubting anymore – Trbojevic is a serious player for years to come, Starling has found his feet and Brenton Lawrence is back on the paddock. Their trip to the capital is well-timed, as the Raiders finals hopes faded with the Monday night loss to the Tigers. We'll see 70+ points scored at GIO this weekend, but Manly will score most of them.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 30
Result - Sea Eagles 26 defeated Raiders 24
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – Central Coast Stadium
A number of clubs are running the ruler over Moses Mbye right now…and with good reason. Talented playmakers don’t grow on trees – he’s talented, he’s eloquent and he’s a clean-skin. It’s an early call but the team that secures his next contract will be very pleased with themselves. He’s a Queenslander too, before those desperates in NSW start getting their hopes up. The Titans are the desperates in Queensland, at least they should be. If the Knights score a (somewhat) unlikely victory against the Tigers on Saturday, the Titans could spring into action. I said ‘could’. Des Hasler needs to keep his side firing, or risk losing a finals slot to his old club.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 13
Result - Bulldogs 36 defeated Titans 14
Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm – Monday night – Remondis Stadium
Some assumptions here, but if the Cowboys beat the Rabbitohs on Thursday the Sharks are in the top four with a win on Monday. The only team that’s beaten them since round 12 are the Sea Eagles…and that form is looking okay right now. The Storm have struggled away from camp purple this season. Their only away wins have been against the Dragons, Eels, Panthers and Raiders – and some of those wins were quite some time ago. The Sharks are better than that, and the Sharks are the only team in the competition that want to play at Remondis Stadium on a Monday night.
Verdict – Sharks by 4
Result - Storm 30 defeated Sharks 2
Wally Lewis - round twenty-three selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
- COWBOYS vs Rabbitohs
- BRONCOS vs Dragons
- TIGERS vs Knights
- PANTHERS vs Warriors
- ROOSTERS vs Eels
- Raiders vs SEA EAGLES
- BULLDOGS vs Titans
- SHARKS vs Storm
Comments
Submitted by Coach Potato on
COWBOYS - Back to facing another structured attacking style. Cowboys structured defence to hold up fine this week.
DRAGONS - 6 years ago, a late surging Broncos outfit on the cusp of the top 8, going for 3 in a row, in the middle of August, so only weeks out from the finals, faced the daunting task of travelling to WIN stadium on a Friday night to take on the top placed Dragons. Big home crowd expected. Although there was a feeling the top team was beatable. Just needed to take them on. Attack with defence. Broncos proved themselves right.
6 years on, a late surging Dragons outfit on the cusp of the top 8, going for 3 in a row, in the middle of August, so only weeks out from the finals, face the daunting task of travelling to Suncorp stadium on a Friday night to take on the top placed Broncos. Big home crowd expected. Although there is a feeling the top team is beatable. Just need to take them on. Attack with defence. St George to prove themselves right.
Reverse de ja vu ? .... Uv aj ed ??
NEWCASTLE - Two weeks on, new coach and still no win. Must be this third time lucky.
WARRIORS - Coach Cleary refuses to axe poor performers, refuses to fire up players pre-game or at half-time. 5 year plan Gus? Better make that 25. Reminds a lot of Roycie's days in charge. Bloody shamozzle. Johnny Lang, you free?
ROOSTERS - Too big, too strong. Twice the salary cap. Just haven't been caught somehow.
SEA EAGLES - Manly not fussed who or where they play at the moment. Would love to finish 5th or 6th and finally get a home final.
TITANS - Coast playing on the coast. Nothing like salt up the noses of Titans players to act as a placebo for something a bit stronger.
SHARKS - Who would have thought Cronulla, wooden spooners of 2014, would have a chance at equalling Broncos and Cowboys' highest streak score of the year on 15?? This week it' the Storm's turn to face the unstructured, unsupplemented ones.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Aw man ! How the hell am I still near the bottom of leaderboard ? Because you suck that's why ! You both suck and blow ! Okay ... thank you constant conservation going on inside my head who always sounds supciously alot like my Dad - it looks like I'm going have to get serious this week with my picks ! It's time to do maths ! Good luck everybody !
Cowboys - Hmmm ... Cowboys plus Thurston multiply by Lachlan Coote and not even a Rabbitohs back line times by a factor of ten would be able to stop them at home. The Cowboys by eight points.
Broncos - Anthony Milford plus Hodges plus Thaiday plus Parker to power of Wayne Bennett equals Dragons are screwed. The Broncos by twenty eight points.
Knights - Tigers minus Tim Sheens divided by Robbie Farrah, Coach and Club Board equals Knights victory. Knights by six points.
Panthers - Find X if Y is top eight and Z is bottom four. Panthers by twelve points.
Roosters - If N equals Roger Tuivasa Sheck then Q is Tim Mannah minus Corey Norman carry the one ( Jarrad Hayne - he's only one that can carry this team and with him gone so have Eels chances of ever making the top eight this year ). Roosters by twenty four points.
Sea Eagles - Two trains 150 miles apart are traveling toward each other along the same track. The first train goes 60 miles per hour; the second train rushes along at 90 miles per hour. A fly is hovering just above the nose of the first train. It buzzes from the first train to the second train, turns around immediately, flies back to the first train, and turns around again. It goes on flying back and forth between the two trains until they collide. If the fly's speed is 120 miles per hour, how far will it travel? All the way to godamn semi finals ! Sea Eagles by fourteen points.
Titans - John paid $58 for notebook and pen. The notebook costs $22 dollars more than pen. Find the cost of notebook and the pen. If he only has $60 can he afford additional $3 for bus journey home or will John have to walk ? Answer Gold Coast Titans. Titans by seven points.
Sharks - To nearest decimal point round the value of Paul Gallen to Sharks. Now to nearest decimal point subtract value of Billy Slater to Storm. Sharks by two points.
Awesome. Thanks alot everybody ! Thanks Thinker ! Laters ! Bye ! ;-D
Submitted by Coach Potato on
How did teams fair in the last month of last season? Overall pretty badly.
Here is what happened - how many times each team won in the last month, and how it affected their position on the ladder
TEAM RND 22. No. OF WINS RND 26
Manly 1st 2 2nd
Souths 2nd 2 3rd
Penrith 3rd 2 4th
Sydney 4th 4 1st
Nth Qld 5th 3 5th
New Zealand 6th 1 9th
Melbourne 7th 3 6th
Canterbury 8th 2 7th
Parramatta 9th 1 10th
Brisbane 10th 2 8th
St George 11th 2 11th
Wests 12th 1 13th
Gold Coast 13th 1 14th
Newcastle 14th 3 12th
Canberra 15th 3 15th
Cronulla 16th 0 16th
Pretty amazing that most of the good teams, including both Grand Finalists did just average in the last month.
How did Cowboys not move up with 3 wins?
How did Broncos jump up but not St George?
And how did Canberra not improve with 3 wins?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
* Sorry the numbers got all squashed up, looked ok before I clicked save
Submitted by Coach Potato on
* Sorry the numbers got all squashed up, looked ok before I clicked save
Submitted by Tailspin on
Hi everyone, getting into the nitty gritty part of the year where it all comes undone, so here we go
Cowboys have a pretty good record against the bunnies of late by 12
Broncos going through the paces but too good here by 16
Tigers on a roll and a bit more hungry than the knights by 14
Panthers by 2 - flip of a coin
Roosters way to good for eels by 24
Eagles on a roll here but wouldn't be surprised of an upset by 6
Dogs to smash the titans by 24
And last but not least I'm going for the Storm who I think will start to shine and end sharky's run by 2
Hope you all have a great long weekend of footy.
Submitted by Johnny Boney on
Hey guys, this is what I put as my tips:
Cowboys by 14- Cowboys I think will be too good at home here.
Dragons by 4- The mighty Dragons just to win here.
Tigers by 22- Tigers to smash Knights here.
Panthers by 10- panthers to win in a low scoring game here.
Roosters by 16- roosters too strong here, and plus, I think that the Eels don't have the points in them to beat the Roosters.
Manly by 20- manly too good of form and will continue it by smashing the Raiders here.
Bulldogs by 30- Bulldogs are now premiership contenders and will thrash the Titans here.
Sharks by 20- Sharks will smash Storm here and will finish in the top 4 by the end the round I think.
Thanks a lot guys and cheers!!!!!!
p.s. Go the mighty Dragons oh when the Saints go marching in.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
You mean you need 32 points to make the 8 this year Thinker?
Warriors on 22 with 4 games to go and can't make it? You didn't say won't make, you said can't make it.
I'd say 3 out of 4 would really give it a shake and two of those games are against Panthers, and Tigers. If you think teams ahead will just keep winning, I've shown that that just won't happen.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
.. And you could turn around 50 differential in one week eg. Team A wins by 25, chasing Team B who lose by 25. A month to go, not a week
Submitted by The Thinker on
Evening coach,
The Warriors don't need 32 points to make the eight, but they need to win at least 3 games and hope that two of the three teams above them fall away. Those 3 are Manly, Canterbury and St George Illawarra. I can't see it.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
..even though last year Brisbane went from 10th to 8th, finishing on 28 points, by only winning 2 of their last 4 games.
That suggests to me, there's a whole of water still to pass under that bridge where the troll lives.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
..Parra were still 12th after round 22 in '09. They won 3/4 jumping up 4 places to 8th with only +3 differential.
Submitted by The Thinker on
parra had to get to 29 points to make it in 09, and they were in great form...they went on to make the final only to lose to a team that have since had that premiership taken off them.
If the Warriors were going well you would say yes, but they couldn't score a point last weekend, haven't won for a month and have three away games in the last four weeks.
Beyond their own hurdles, they need results from other games to go their way as well.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I never said Warriors would make it myself, but what if Souths don't win again, and all things being equal, they shouldnt, and in the meantime they lose all their differential, then what? I would say opens it up for a team currently 9th or 10th.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Rightio. Have I mentioned that I'm not a fan of Triple M Sunday football thingy. I find Paul Kent and Gordon Tallis to be insufferable, but they know their stuff. This all links into the first game.
Rabbits - One of the two above said something along the lines of the teams playing the Sharks don't back up that well. How ever the media wants to write it up, a 12 point loss to the Sharks and getting a visit from the Rabbits, may not be the best way to recover. I know people are saying that the structured attack and defence of the top teams helps the Cowboys, but short turn around and a big Bunnies pack........ I think that that will be all she wrote.
Broncos - Looking at the Dragons, I can't say that the team list gives me any hope. Here's to getting the 2 points kid.
Tigers - As I typed my last thought, everything was wrong, Tigers have won their last two, scored more points and come back successfully with their back to the wall. Both teams can play, and the points racked up by the Knights last weekend will make this an interesting game. Play it again Sam.
Panthers - The Warriors are struggling, the Panthers are struggling. But home ground and not travelling should be the difference.
Eels - I KNOW ALREADY. I said I was going to keep faith with the BOYS, and I am going to keep faith with the BOYS. Anyway, I'll be the only bugger stubborn enough to stick with them, so when they get up, and they will. I get a game back on the field.
Eagles - Hard to lose momentum when you have beaten the best the League can throw at you. The Raiders will be full of fire, fury and points but I think that Manly has a bit more of each themselves.
Bulldogs - Might be tight for the first half, but like last week the Titans will be found out with size instead of speed.
Sharks - Should be a ripper, The Sharks are playing like the paper said has said the last few years, and as Thinker said, if the Cowboys get up the Sharks might be top 4 by the end of the season,
Submitted by Coach Potato on
If Souths can't show anything tomorrow, then forget about defending their title, they will be lucky to make the semis.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
At this rate, people will be catching one up on the leaders by default. Ssshhhh....don't type too loud, they might hear you.
Submitted by a on
Rabbitohs still could miss the finals
Submitted by mark ashford on
Morning all
Not as easy as it looks this week (but then when is it)
I like (for no particular reason)
Broncos
Bulldogs
Cowboys
Warriors
Manly
Roosters
Storm
Tigers
May your team have a blinder!
Submitted by a on
Thinker Rabbitohs have also won in Brisbane with makes their record 3-7 in Brisbane and the Warriors just played once in Sydney in the last 3 months and the score was 24-0 and the match they won 36-4 was in perth
Submitted by The Thinker on
Thanks a....I forgot about the Perth trip. I did remember the Broncos game but something went awry with the editing on that one. That was way back in round one that rabbits v Broncos game. They looked unstoppable that night - on the back of a world club challenge smackdown....a lot has changed.
I've edited my previews to polish over my glaring errors....well picked up.
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Cowboys by 8 Copwboys will win tonight because Thruston will be playing his best the best he has all season Go Cowboys
Submitted by a on
Broncos by 4 I think Broncos will be back this week the will be way way way to scray for the Dragons
Submitted by a on
West Tigers by 6 What the hell Tigers will win 3 on the trot what that is impossible is it well the answer is no its not impossible at all
Submitted by a on
Panthers by 8 I think Panthers will turn their form around right round and they should come out firing against the Warriors who season will be over after this week
Submitted by a on
Roosters by 12 I think Roosters will keep their Minor Premiership hopes alive I Really Really Really Really want Eels tom win but I Really Really Really Really can not seem it Happening Happeining
Submitted by a on
Sea Eagles by 4 Shit! I am tipping Manly the team I hate God help me help me God well Raiders did lose to Tigers right right RIGHT well I hate doing this but But BUt BUT I am tipping in Man-ly
Submitted by a on
Bulldogs by 10 Oh my God the Titans season is over really I wanted 3 QLD teams to makes the finals right but look like I will never ever ever ever get my wish
Submitted by a on
Sharks by 2 I think Sharks will win this week why? because they are doing way way way way WAY WAY WAY WAY better than the Storm so I am T.I.P.P.I.N.G I.N S.H.A.R.K.S here
Submitted by a on
And yes if your wondering what I am doing I am doing what Coach did last week because I liked his idea
Submitted by The Thinker on
Afternoon football fans
For those who've been around for a while - I managed to track down Guru Craig...online at least.
He's fine, and still visits us regularly - he's just busy with busyness at the moment.
Not much time left for the stragglers to get their tips in.
Submitted by a on
Have you track down Joker as well Thinker
Submitted by Declan_S on
I'll be choosing the same teams as you Mr Thinker!
Submitted by Footy chick on
You are too kind Thinker, but I'm not perfect.
Last night I spilled ice cream on my chest.
Have a great weekend boys
;-)
Submitted by Tailspin on
You got to love her, I like ice cream :)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
So I guess like a bit of an ice cream necklace, hey Chick?
Gotta luv Footy Chick. Gotta luv ya sundae footy.
Submitted by a on
Cowboys will win tonight
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
Shuzbud! Newbie didn’t realise it was a Thursday night start this week. Oh well, that’s how it goes I suppose. By the time I get this comment posted it will be too late to put my tip in for the Cowboys and Rabbitohs so I’ll wear that with a smile. After I put this post up I’ll go into the other room and kick myself! Ouch!
OK, my head’s in a spin due to forgetting to get in early so I’ll just pop in my tips with absolutely no reasons suffice to say that my beloved Chooks will (I hope) give the Eels a floggin’. Sorry about that Baggy. Like that you’re sticking with your BOYS but …
Boss - any chance you can crunch my other tips through? If so, much thanks. Alright, let’s get into it …
Broncos
Knights
Panthers
Roosters
Raiders
Doggies
Storm
P.S. I was going to pick the Cowboys but at the 65 minute mark I see they’re down 12-19 so it wouldn’t have made much difference had I managed to get on anyway.
@ Johnny Ray – Man, I would love to know how that mind of yours works brother. Your in-depth analysis of this week’s games is an all-time classic! Well done my friend. Absolutely beautiful work. Have you ever considered starting a blog where your comedic genius could be utilised? Awesome! Keep it up brother and thanks for the smile you brought to my tired old scone. Cheers.
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
P.S. Why is it always the case that the people who tell you to calm down are the ones that made you angry in the first place? Hmmm…
Submitted by The Thinker on
No worries Newbie....will do
Looks like I am cursed on Thursday nights too.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Sorry Thinker and TLH. Head all over the shop. So do my tips above count?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Cant be too all over the shop. One and only Souths tip.
Wish I had the extra day myself I would have been with you Baggy. I would have worked out the team that has played Cronulla has lost the next game 14 times, and won only 6 times. Yes Cronulla played Cowboys last week.
So tough game comin up for the Storm next week playing at home , on a Monday night, against ....Newcastle !??!! No. Can't be right
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hey Newbie, you gotta ask how the word Liberal actually means favouring reform, broad-minded, open to new ideas, tolerant of others ideas and behaviour, not bound by traditional thinking, giving freely, generous.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Yeah...thanks for that image Footy Chick ! Meanwhile I'm just sitting here totally naked in my Spider-Man underwear covered in Cheetos dust and watching re-runs Chris Gethard Show on web while trying to forget all about tonight's game. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RMOkIFRWZy8 Cowboys :'(
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Inglis' first try since the Goodes affair and not only does he not support with any traditional dance, but he drops the goanna. Not the leader of people he says he is.
Only thing he leads is the number of times he lies down for a penalty. Tonight he even went to the bottom of the barrel and threw in the Mundine impersonation from the Sven Ottke fight. Instead of being influenced by a true Australian champion, he is influenced by a chump, a goose, a 'has-been not that he ever was.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0MejIlsYuPg
http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2007/11/01/1111119/825235--039-the-...
Submitted by Coach Potato on
How ironic JR. Most depressing thing I've ever seen.
Submitted by a on
I hope Eels beat Roosters so Cowboys remain in 2nd place
Submitted by The Thinker on
No problem Baggy....you're in
Submitted by Shanghai on
Hi Mr Thinker,
I too got caught out by the early start (a family funeral and wake doesn't help either).
If possible, can you push through these for me:
xxxx
Broncos
Tigers
Warriors
Roosters
Sea Eagles
Bulldogs
Sharks
Submitted by The Thinker on
Baggy, Shanghai and Newbie
Your tips have now been added.
All the best
Submitted by tonibet on
Take the worlds greatest NRL quiz?
(Sydney Morning Herald) 2 days ago...
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/are-you-a-rugby-league-ex...
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