Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
Of the four favoured finalists this weekend, the Broncos are the shortest, and it's no surprise. During their five match winning streak the Broncos have scored 120 points while conceding just 64. No team has scored more than 16 points against them since they reversed their form, a very notable statistic given they went through a period where they were leaking points everywhere. Meanwhile the Titans have scored more than 20 points in the last six weeks only once. That was against the Knights, and even then they only scored 26. The Dragons and Bulldogs scored more points than that against the Knights, and their attacks have been spluttering along for months. What makes things even more dire for the Titans is their record at Suncorp Stadium - three wins from 19 games. In their early years the Titans gave us some outstanding performances at Suncorp in the SEQ derby, but this venue has offered them little in recent seasons. No one earns a finals victory easily, and the Broncos will need to earn this, but they'll earn it.
Verdict – Broncos by 8
Result - Broncos 44 defeated Titans 28
Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night – GIO Stadium
I voiced my concerns about the injury to Blake Austin and the potential impact on the Raiders prospects, but they've proven me wrong, and not for the first time. The Green Machine has racked up 96 points in two games without him, and both those wins were away from home. They were away from home in round 22 also, when they ended the Sharks 'non-losing' streak with a comfortable 30-14 victory. While everyone focused on the Sharks streak few were noticing the Raiders, who have now won 10 in a row. They are the form team in the competition...easily. Meanwhile the Sharks have fallen over, with just one victory since round 20, and that was against the team that finished second last. Rain is forecast for Canberra on Friday, and if the grim weather is a day late the Sharks might be able to grind out an ugly win through their ugly forwards. No-one outside of the Shire wants that. A win for the Raiders is a win for rugby league. Bring on the good weather and the free-flowing football. The ball will sing. The vikings will clap. The Thinker will think happy thoughts.
Verdict – Raiders by 14
Result - Sharks 16 defeated Raiders 14
Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – AAMI Park
Winning successive premierships isn't easy, and if the Cowboys manage to achieve that feat they'll be doing it the hard way. Not every team plays every other team twice during the season. The Cowboys have played the Storm twice, the Sharks twice and the Broncos twice. The only team in the top five they didn't play twice was the Raiders...and they played them in Canberra. They also only got to play the Knights once. Despite all that, they still find themselves in the top four and in pretty good shape. Their first obstacle may be the most difficult. As mentioned earlier, they've played the Storm twice already, for two losses. Their last meeting was in round 21 where they lost 16-8. That game did include one notable omission...Jonathan Thurston. Tonsils willing, Thurston plays on Saturday night. Rugby league is a team game but the Cowboys are a much better team when he's there. Those hoping for a repeat of the 2015 grand final need the Cowboys to win this - a loss and they take on the winner of the Broncos/Titans match. The Broncos and Raiders have proven that the Storm are fallible. Winterstein may need some help competing with Vunivalu under the high ball, but I'm with the visitors in a minor upset.
Verdict – Cowboys by 4
Result - Storm 16 defeated Cowboys10
Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – Allianz Stadium
The Panthers are in a rich vein of form, while the Bulldogs look like a gold mine that was abandoned in the 1930s. I still have a lingering doubt about the Panthers against the very good sides - note that they've played top four sides on six occasions this season and they haven't won any of them. Lucky for them the Bulldogs are not a top four side. Not even close. The Bulldogs have managed just 97 points in attack in their last seven games. During that same period the Panthers have scored 218. I'm stunned that the Panthers are $1.50 to win this. Stunned...gamble responsibly.
Verdict – Panthers by 22
Result - Panthers 28 defeated Bulldogs 12
Wally Lewis - finals week one (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- BRONCOS vs Titans
- Raiders vs SHARKS
- STORM vs Cowboys
- Panthers vs BULLDOGS
Comments
Submitted by SJB on
3 QLD teams in League: 3 teams in finals = 100%
10 NSW teams in League: 3 teams in finals = 30%
3 Teams from other areas in league: 2 teams in finals = 66%
Not rocket science Bear hug.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
SJB why does that equal 196%. The maths man, the maths doesn't add up.
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Broncos by 8 I think Broncos are going to survive another week here with a 8 point win over Titans
Raiders by 6 Raiders will continue their winning streak with a win over the Sharks here
Cowboys by 2 Cowboys will get 1 step closer to the premiership with an important win over the Minor Premiers the Storm
Panthers by 10 I think Bulldogs will go out on the 1st week of finals against the Panthers here
Submitted by Sarah on
Where are Wally's tips???
Submitted by christine on
Coach can you please change me to no.6 from no.5 so garry from the uk can have no.5 if you don't mind we would really appreciate it coach .
Submitted by christine on
Coach until you respond garry from the uk doesn't even have a no. or a selection .
Submitted by The Thinker on
Hi Sarah,
I should have the tips from Wally tonight.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by christine on
Coach leave me out of your comp then & garry can take my no. i'm fine with that .
Submitted by christine on
My tips for finals week 1 are
broncos
raiders
storm
panthers
Submitted by Coach Potato on
christine , post as many times as you like during business hours, and you won't get a response.
Take that as being ignored, that's up to you.
You want to change, ok.
I'll break the rule just once so I don't have to wear a rolling pin.
christine, you got 6.
Gary, you got 5.
From now onwards, it's pick and stick people.
Wake up the next day, and don't think you like your pick anymore.
Stiff friggin shit.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The Dancer & The Prancer
1.(MEL) - CAN - Newbie from Perth
2.MEL - (CAN) - Tigerholic
3.(MEL) - CRO
4.MEL - (CRO) - Johnny Ray
5.(MEL)- COW - GaryChesterUK
6.MEL - (COW)- christine
7.(MEL) - BRI - Johnny Awesome
8.MEL - (BRI) - Mark Ashford
9.(MEL) - PAN
10.MEL - (PAN)
11.(MEL) - BUL
12.MEL - (BUL)
13.(MEL) - G/C
14.MEL - (G/C)
15.(CAN) - CRO - Baggy_Gee
16.CAN - (CRO)
17.(CAN) - COW - Rick
18.CAN - (COW)- 'a'
19.(CAN) - BRI
20.CAN - (BRI)
21.(CAN) - PAN
22.CAN - (PAN) - Coach Potato
23.(CAN) - BUL
24.CAN - (BUL)
25.(CAN) - G/C
26.CAN - (G/C)
27.(CRO) - COW
28.CRO - (COW)
29.(CRO) - BRI
30.CRO - (BRI)
31.(CRO) - PAN
32.CRO - (PAN)
33.(CRO) - BUL
34.CRO - (BUL)
35.(CRO) - G/C
36.CRO - (G/C)
37.(COW) - BRI - Tailspin
38.COW - (BRI) - doggie
39.(COW) - PAN
40.COW - (PAN)
41.(COW) - BUL
42.COW - (BUL)
43.(COW) - G/C
44.COW - (G/C)
45.(BRI) - PAN
46.BRI - (PAN)
47.(BRI) - BUL
48.BRI - (BUL)
49.(PAN) - G/C
50.PAN - (G/C)
51.(BUL) - G/C
52.BUL - (G/C)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
To all the other regulars and new people, welcome and know there's still 39 places left in the comp and chances are high noone has picked the winner yet.
Ask yourself, what a ya got to lose?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
SGI dragonsfan4ever, last time I will remind, someone beat you to 15.
Feel free to tip again, else be out before the first whistle. Up to you.
Submitted by christine on
Thanks coach now that I have got no.6 because I changed my tip I bet I will loose , sorry if I annoyed you coach .
Submitted by Coach Potato on
All good.
Just remember when you jump to a conclusion, there's a fair chance it's the wrong one.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Well done to the Qld teams for all making the 8.
Certainly a first.
Shame that so many use it as fuel on the us against them fire.
Qld winner two years in a row? Obviously possible.
There's just so many teams still in it his time.
Ps - Grand Final venue talk is not anti-Qld, it's anti-any state that wants to take it away.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
See. The damned night time Grand Final. It's ruining it for people all over the world.
Certainly is very quiet one night out from finals for a more than mlldy Brisbane -oriented page. Maybe Hayne has got locals worried. He has nothing to lose remember and will play that way. If Titans go down, he just becomes either pro surfer or Socceroo.
Submitted by Tailspin on
Holy shit, was that Johnny Ray coming back, good to hear from you mate, are you back for good or just a short visit.
GO the Cowboys, back to back YE HA!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hey you. Yeah you. The one reading this.
Think of a name for yourself. Register. And then make your Dancer & Prancer selection.
All you Christmas's could come at once.
Ps - Sorry Santa for stealing your reindeer.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Not left field enough Coach, His royal Hayneness will probably go to be a professional ten pin bowler or no limit Texas hold'em champion. This is why loyalty needs to be rewarded and players like Parker should lauded loudly as a one club man.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Very disappointed that he went for Rugby as his Olympic choice. Why not the Decathlon?
100 metres, Long jump,Shot put, High jump, 400 metres, 110 metres, Discus, Pole vault, Javelin throw, and 1500 metres.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
OK it’s finals time!
Newbie’s logic this week is based on “momentum” and applies to all four games. In my opinion (whatever that’s worth), I’ve decided which teams have the momentum and those that don’t. Those that have are my obvious picks. Cross fingers …
Broncos
Raiders
Storm
Panthers
There you have it. Short and sweet. Makes a change for me. Apologies for code hopping but I was gonna go and watch the Mighty Eagles and Western Bulldogs in the AFL but the Doggies just kicked another goal at the 14 minute mark in the third quarter and are now 38 points in front and smashing the crap out of us. Oh well, that’s life I suppose. There’s always next year.
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points!
P.S. Can you "stare off into space" when you're in space? Hmmm…
Submitted by Coach Potato on
20 games and Little Brothers
------------------------------------
It took the Cowboys until game No.#17 against the Broncos before they could finally beat them, and it was a semi final. 2004 as you Cowboys surely remember, although that was in Townsville. It took until game No.#20 before the Cowboys would beat the Broncos at Suncorp.
The Titans actually won game No.#1 against the Broncos and it was at Suncorp, but they haven't won there ever since. Tomorrow will be 20 games on since the first win.
20 games and Little Brothers.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
JR...while you've been sleeping nothing much has changed....you've woken up to the same old same old on this side of the Tasman.....i.e. the Warriors have again failed to make the 8 and there's "another" full "what went wrong" review.....yawn.....
Submitted by tigerholic on
Afternoon Folks
Could be a wet track tonight for the Broncos/Titans match. Raining at present and I live an hour from Suncorp. Might bring the two teams together.
I had my first bet last night, was celebrating winning my golf club footy tipping comp, me being the big spender put on a $10 multi that had West Coast as my first leg, no more bets for me:(
Submitted by Sharky Mike on
100% of non-NSW teams ? I'm guessing the Warriors are now based in Auckland NSW ?
Submitted by Jazzy on
Hi all. I haven't been here for awhile. Off to the game tonight at Suncorp. Just for the record Coach even though Mark already has it, I want Bris to beat Melb in GF. Great pick Mark, good luck.
My tips:
Broncos
Storm
Panthers
Raiders
Good luck everyone.
Submitted by Islander on
Back just in time for the finals and what a finals series we have!
Week 1 for mine
Broncos
Raiders
Cowboys
Panthers
Hey Coach, I'll take #16 for the finals comp if that's all good with you.
Enjoy the footy guys
Later.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Know this.
Once week 1 is done, there are then only 18 winning options left - only 9 different combos of teams that can meet in the big one.
34 options will fall in the first week, mostly because teams end up on the same side of the draw and then can't both make it.
I guarantee by the weekend that all those possible 18 options will be taken. Smart cookies might wait for results to filter in, but not so smart if someone beats you to the button.
The Dancer & The Prancer
1.(MEL) - CAN - Newbie from Perth
2.MEL - (CAN) - Tigerholic
3.(MEL) - CRO
4.MEL - (CRO) - Johnny Ray
5.(MEL)- COW - GaryChesterUK
6.MEL - (COW)- christine
7.(MEL) - BRI - Johnny Awesome
8.MEL - (BRI) - Mark Ashford
9.(MEL) - PAN
10.MEL - (PAN)
11.(MEL) - BUL
12.MEL - (BUL)
13.(MEL) - G/C
14.MEL - (G/C)
15.(CAN) - CRO - Baggy_Gee
16.CAN - (CRO) - Islander
17.(CAN) - COW - Rick
18.CAN - (COW)- 'a'
19.(CAN) - BRI
20.CAN - (BRI)
21.(CAN) - PAN
22.CAN - (PAN) - Coach Potato
23.(CAN) - BUL
24.CAN - (BUL)
25.(CAN) - G/C
26.CAN - (G/C)
27.(CRO) - COW
28.CRO - (COW)
29.(CRO) - BRI
30.CRO - (BRI)
31.(CRO) - PAN
32.CRO - (PAN)
33.(CRO) - BUL
34.CRO - (BUL)
35.(CRO) - G/C
36.CRO - (G/C)
37.(COW) - BRI - Tailspin
38.COW - (BRI) - doggie
39.(COW) - PAN
40.COW - (PAN)
41.(COW) - BUL
42.COW - (BUL)
43.(COW) - G/C
44.COW - (G/C)
45.(BRI) - PAN
46.BRI - (PAN)
47.(BRI) - BUL
48.BRI - (BUL)
49.(PAN) - G/C
50.PAN - (G/C)
51.(BUL) - G/C
52.BUL - (G/C)
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evening Tippers and Coach on The Couch gearing up for The Finals of NRL. Hopefully with a lemon squash in hand like many of us lads and ladies.
Coach for The Dancer and The Prancer - I'll take 9 if it hasnt been snapped up.
Finals Week 1 Tips for me
Storm
Raiders
Broncos
Panthers
Cheers all and good luck with your tipping. Have a great weekend and keep dry. Wet, very wet up here in Gods Country of Central West of NSW.
Big Pete (just home from work and trying to beat deadlines)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Dancer & Prancer current breakdown
Number of votes for Premier
MEL 3
CAN 3
CRO 2
COW 3
BRI 2
PAN 1
BUL 0
G/C 0
Number of votes to make the Grand Final
MEL 7
CAN 7
CRO 3
COW 6
BRI 4
PAN 1
BUL 0
G/C 0
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The Dancer & The Prancer
1.(MEL) - CAN - Newbie from Perth
2.MEL - (CAN) - Tigerholic
3.(MEL) - CRO
4.MEL - (CRO) - Johnny Ray
5.(MEL)- COW - GaryChesterUK
6.MEL - (COW)- christine
7.(MEL) - BRI - Johnny Awesome
8.MEL - (BRI) - Mark Ashford
9.(MEL) - PAN - BigPeteBx
10.MEL - (PAN)
11.(MEL) - BUL
12.MEL - (BUL)
13.(MEL) - G/C
14.MEL - (G/C)
15.(CAN) - CRO - Baggy_Gee
16.CAN - (CRO) - Islander
17.(CAN) - COW - Rick
18.CAN - (COW)- 'a'
19.(CAN) - BRI
20.CAN - (BRI)
21.(CAN) - PAN
22.CAN - (PAN) - Coach Potato
23.(CAN) - BUL
24.CAN - (BUL)
25.(CAN) - G/C
26.CAN - (G/C)
27.(CRO) - COW
28.CRO - (COW)
29.(CRO) - BRI
30.CRO - (BRI)
31.(CRO) - PAN
32.CRO - (PAN)
33.(CRO) - BUL
34.CRO - (BUL)
35.(CRO) - G/C
36.CRO - (G/C)
37.(COW) - BRI - Tailspin
38.COW - (BRI) - doggie
39.(COW) - PAN
40.COW - (PAN)
41.(COW) - BUL
42.COW - (BUL)
43.(COW) - G/C
44.COW - (G/C)
45.(BRI) - PAN
46.BRI - (PAN)
47.(BRI) - BUL
48.BRI - (BUL)
49.(PAN) - G/C
50.PAN - (G/C)
51.(BUL) - G/C
52.BUL - (G/C)
Number of votes for Premier
MEL 4
CAN 3
CRO 2
COW 3
BRI 2
PAN 1
BUL 0
G/C 0
Number of votes to make the Grand Final
MEL 8
CAN 7
CRO 3
COW 6
BRI 4
PAN 2
BUL 0
G/C 0
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
G'day or evenin Islander.
Where did you get to mate?
Draggo Fan and I thought you must have absconded to a remote island for some fun in the sun.
Cheers mate and good to see yr name in print.
Big Pete
Submitted by a on
What a dissapointing finish in holdern cup to Cowboys
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Nathan Cleary has been the opposition's target for months now.
All it does is take attention away from Cartwright, Moylan, DWZ, Mansour, Blake, Wallacd, and a raging forward pack.
Do your best Reynolds, but in case you haven!t come face to face yet, he's twice your size. Gettin bullied by the little kid in the playground isnt that hard to take.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
West, north or south tigerholic? Am surprised that so many of us here inhabit such a small portion of the country.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
And naturally thiday drops it. The best part of this final series, is that I'm not invested in any team. I can just enjoy the football and call it accurate.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Bullshit.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
And like that the nrl lost me for this finals.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The Skunker strikes again. And again. ...... And again.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Coast should be 16 behind the way the calls have been going.
Broncos must feel like they should have been 16 in front too.
Not 100% convinced on the penalty try - your allowed to bloody knock it away with your hand. What's the difference? but what about the Kahu Try? Taylor came from offside to try and save it. Isn't that a penalty Try? Are you not allowed to be awarded two inline game?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Police should forget about Manly. They need to check the refs first and foremost.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
My god. I don't hold out much hope of the best team lifting the trophy next month.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Just a disgraceful exhibition of our sport for all the world to see.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Cmon Broncos. You'd be excused for thinking you lost.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
With out knowing the score, broncos won by 14 in the end? It went off here after the Roberts try.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Shit Baggy, you'd be on your way to HQ with pitchfork if you'd seen the rest.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Godamn cheating ref's ! Do you think their ass gets jealous of all shit that comes out of their mouths ? I mean I realise that Titans were never going to win this game but really ? Dude ... :-(
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Great, it was an 80 minute representation of the BOYS season. They need to fire everyone in charge of the refs, touch judges, morons in the bunker, people responsible for it all. Hire people who have honor, integrity and common sense. Come on Todd, fire them all.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Just nothin to say. What a sad indictment on a site that talks about balanced and fair opinions.
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