Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters – Friday night – Pirtek Stadium
While the Roosters are becoming more competitive in recent weeks, the fact remains they've won just one game since round nine (against the Tigers in deplorable conditions). The Eels meanwhile, have won three of their last four, and while those victories have been against teams outside the top eight a win is a win, and they've been winning a lot more than the Chooks. A couple of important inclusions for the home side this week, with Tim Mannah up front and Jeff Robson returning home after a mid-season transfer. Robson is no Foran, but he's just the sort of steady influence you like to have in the halves alongside a more creative playmaker like Corey Norman. They're a nice couple, and I think this relationship can work. Joseph Manu plays just his second game at the top level - while he's a promising young Kiwi he's squaring off against Semi Radradra on Friday night. Semi was a little quiet last week but there's every chance he'll lift his game at Pirtek. Looks a logical play in those try-scoring markets if you're keen.
Verdict – Eels by 8
Result - Eels 22 defeated Roosters 18
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium
The Tigers gave us another entertaining display last round but they'll be up against it on Saturday night. Tedesco is heading to his first Origin camp alongside team-mates Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah. Farah is not much than an $800,000 pa waterboy for the Tigers these days so his departure is fairly manageable, but without Tedesco that entertaining Tigers attack loses one of its key elements. And without Woods the battle up front just went from difficult to dire. Granted the Dogs lose two forwards to Origin in Klemmer and Jackson, but a quick read-through of their bench tells you how much depth they have in the middle. The Morris boys enjoyed playing together last week, and defending twins is no easy feat. I can just imagine the conversations in the Tigers backline. "I thought you were on Josh." "I thought that was Josh." etc etc. Woof Woof!!!
Verdict – Bulldogs by 4
Result - Bulldogs 32 defeated Tigers 22
Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – Pepper Stadium
Hang in there kitties. The Panthers are clinging to the top eight at the minute and the timing of this clash has been fortuitous. They're playing at home, and while they take on a team that hasn't lost forever the Sharks have five of their very best on Origin duty. With Tedesco slotting in for Moylan for the Blues and Cartwright kept in the 'not yet' room by Laurie Daley, the Panthers lose just one winger. I'm getting messages from Sharks fans telling me to tip them weekend. Clearly all this winning has gone to their heads. There's nothing wrong with the side they've named, but replacing five pretty important players all at once is quite the disruption, and it's not something the Sharks have a lot of experience with. The Panthers have a favourable draw in the run to the finals and I still think they'll be playing finals football, but to do so they need to be winning games like this.
Verdict – Panthers by 4
Result - Sharks 26 defeated Panthers 10
Canberra Raiders vs North Queensland Cowboys – Monday night – GIO Stadium
What was said about the Panthers also holds true for the Raiders - playing at home against the defending premiers without Thurston, Scott, Tamou, Cooper and O'Neill. To make matters worse, it's July and it's a Monday night game in Canberra. The Cowboys would be tempted to forfeit, I expect the result will be much the same. Brrrrr!!!!!!!!
Verdict – Raiders by 10
Result - Raiders 26 defeated Cowboys 12
Wally Lewis - round eighteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- EELS vs Roosters
- BULLDOGS vs Tigers
- PANTHERS vs Sharks
- RAIDERS vs Cowboys
Comments
Submitted by christine on
Thanks Big Pete BX it is a late onset , I have been told I have the worst type of ms there is but no two people with the same type have the same symptoms or difficulties in my case I have a lower limb difficency which affects my walking & when you have ms you always have it you can't ever get rid of it but you can help your situation .
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
Ok coach trying to protect your own go read posts where mr rocket has not only been attacking me but others on this site.
And you have to be joking u think u run the show on this site look at your behaviour towards others and there clubs I don't care what support or a$$e lickers u have supporting you I'm going to stick up for myself weather you like it or not and you are the biggest bully on here sometimes I wonder who u really are too big for your boots I reckon anyway the only 2 people I come on this site for are big Pete and mark ashford they are enough for me so if u don't mind please don't answer to my posts and I won't answer to your and that also goes for rocket and the cows fan "a"thankyou and goodbye,
Hey big Pete how are you mate fancy that I'm called a bully what a joke see there you go they bully everyone than when u give it back they play this game called don't worry we wil win cause we have the majority of the support it's hang pack mentality but who cares I'm not on here for them you and mark Ashord are the only 2 I came back on here for so the rest are wasting there time . Hope your keeping well mate, yes the boys are resting up after there crush over the drag queens now for the big one I'm Perth,keep well buddy chat soon,
Mark ashford no I know ur weren't having a go at me all good mate hope ur weekend Is going well will chat soon buddy.
Go the mighty sea eaglesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
So how are the Panthers looking for this weekend Coach? It was so good to see Clint step up beside Sami till JWH hit him high and late, and then to move out to the wing and play a good defensive game (relative to our edge defence usually is). Very happy that Jennings is in camp.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
I am thinking and pray for you, Christine.
I lost my closest uncle 7 weeks ago now. He had a major stroke that affected the worst part of brain it could, thus the reactions that would follow.
You are keeping strong and positive with your situation, and you can control the effects on you.
U r an Eels fan arent you?
Is it Sydney region you live?
My late rels lived in Pendle Hill/Greystanes/Sth Wenty (junction) area, before relocating to Bathurst, where I live.
You keep well and know that us Country hics and City slickers are thinking of you.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hello Fortress,
I am trying to keep well. Sun is shining, but air is fresh - real fresh.
Yes mate, each has a different way of reporting/expressing their views. Some I've noticed, should bite their tongues first and re-think what they write, as to how others receive it, or take to it.
I dont think Thinker created this site for wars, even though there are a few "Stars" about.
Nice to know that you thought of Mark and I, so you could re-emerge.
I made friends with another fellow from Wagga Wagga a couple of years ago, through a Manly Supporters site. He loved Man Utd in EPL,
A-League we supported the same team. Like I and coincidence, both our birthdays were in May. AFL was a different matter, though.
So mate, much is opinion with what people write but some have that argumentive/offensive way of expressing it.
Keep well Guard of our Fort.
Big Pete
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach let it go. We don't need anymore s--t stirring on this site.
Rocket is big enough and tough enough to look after himself.
Big Pete sorry to hear about your brother. Life can deal some tough hands that are so hard to live with.
Keep strong my friend.
Submitted by mark ashford on
BigPete interesting you think Foran will maybe end up with Des.
What about Josh Reynolds and Moses Mbe. They seem to have built a winning combo and are still young enough to go on for years.
Where do you think des would slot Foran in?
Ennis is going well but I haven't heard any news about him retiring.
Would any of them slot into a hooker role?
Baggy...my thoughts are with you and all Eels fans.
Submitted by christine on
Big Pete no i'm not an eels fan in fact i'm not a member of any team this season & yes I live in Sydney & I also know about when someone has a stroke my mum had a seizure on the day that souths won there grand final only to be told she also had two strokes lucky for her in the same part of her brain & she died three months later which was one month & four days after I was told I had ms but my mum didn't register the fact that I was sick because of her seizure so I just battle on that's all I can do , sorry to hear about your uncle big pete ...
Submitted by a on
Eels have to win all of there last 8 games to make the finals
Submitted by christine on
"a" do you think they can do it with or with out semi ? , I don't think so check their draw & see who they playing .
Submitted by christine on
"a" I have eels draw for you between now & finals as follows :
panthers
titans
tigers
manly
broncos
raiders
dragons
warriors
so can you see them winning eight of those games , I give them credit for there win last night but sooner or later it's going to get hard for them .
Submitted by a on
I can see them win aganist Tigers and Manly I think they are a chance but I don't see them winning aganist Broncos and Raiders so I don't think they can
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Mark, please don't tell people they should give in to bullying, because unless you stand up to them, it only makes them worse.
I'm not advocating lowering oneself to the same level, I'm suggesting to rise above.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Bulldogs v Tigers playing simultaneously in both AFL and NRL.
How about that?
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks Mark - hangin in there Bro.
My brother was an ex 1st Grade RL player here.
Did karate, was fit, ran programs for Sydney City Council when he lived in Potts Point (Eastern Suburbs of Sydney or just below Kings Cross near naval base). Appeared on opening night of Sydney Entertainment Centre (Geraldine Turner and 42nd Street), danced review shows at Wrest Point Casino (Hobart) and Lido Nightclub in Paris (next door to Moulin Rouge) and also did the "old" Scratch Lottery tv adverts with David Atkins. He even did a condom add with a former Miss Penthouse. I saw him one night at a gym where he trained and ran a few fitness classes in Goulburn St Sydney. Boy there were some honey's there.
I cant believe how dementia/alzheimers knocked him down - so young.
Maybe mate, it was a mix of the high life, of earlier years. Dont know.
Appreciate your thoughts. I'm juggling a few things at present and not even in a circus.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Sorry Mark - but "Dennis The Menace" Ennis is at Cronulla Sharks now.
I'd play Foran anywhere, even lock to have him in my team. He's a nuggety little chunk with a good kicking brain. His injuries might plague his future though.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks Christine - yes uncle and brother on my plate at the mo.
Talk about incidents and coincidence.
My Uncle was 21 when I was born and died the day my daughter turned 21. Add, the street they lived was number 13 and his brother in law (who owned the house) died on the 13th.
I trust people on this site in what they read. Sometimes its good to speak with others, but sometimes it is more private to ask them for their email address to communicate, if they are the real genuine type of person/friend. But, that is us country NSW folk showing out.
You keep well and I asked blessings for you this evening at 6pm.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Well Coachy - that was certainly the luck of the draw.
How r u keeping, whilst I'm doing the rounds.
We here at The Thinker site are all only human and without good health, we cant think, let alone post.
Cheers and I've gone for The Black Cats tomorrow.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Ok Thinker, you're not alone anymore, I've joined you on the couch. Thought it was worth a risk. Up to the rest now.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Thanks Mark. At least it is finally finished. Hopefully as we all hope on this site that Foran gets the help and support that he needs and recovers as a person, if he never touches a football again he will go down as a great player. If he come back to the game I hope that it is as a complete man who understands himself and it is not a forced return that would cause far more damage to him than coming back on his own terms. As someone who has a fair bit of personal experience with dealing with mental health, I want what is best for him, and not for the team. The same goes for Sami and everyone else who is currently injured within the game. As a fan of the game I want them to be able to execute their livelihood effectively and be able to walk away at the end of their career with nothing worse than minor joint niggles or at 100% health. In regard to the verdict, I'm not happy how insistent the NRL is in being part of the board changes at the Eels, I understand their point but it seems to me that like the other times this is not the area the NRL should be dealing with. There are other bigger issues with the game as a whole than sinking resources into running clubs at the executive level. Lets get the Bunker to work, get the refs to call the game square, get the idea that only a few stadiums are needed, re-engage the crowds to watch the game live, let teams sort their own issues out.
Submitted by mark ashford on
COACH I would never condone bullying. I just think Fortress was saying "you're an idiot" for thinking I was including you Rocket
I'm hoping this site can resolve the differences between, Coach, Fortress, 'a" and Rocket.
Let's be honest we all love our teams, we all love RL, we all love SOO.
Let the passion flow but lets be nice.
Tigers/Dogs game another beauty. How close is the comp this year.
Cows and Storm at the moment stand outs, but maybe my Broncs can come back.
I love RL and I love this site.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
I've just read your post and I feel for you mate.
If that had just happened to my Broncs I would be devastated.
As you've said the Eels have a great team without the superstars, good young guys coming through. 2017 could just be their year.
Keep the faith my friend. The Eels will be back.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Coach,
Welcome to the couch. It's nice to have some company at last.
It's a pretty good set-up. There's half a packet of corn chips around here somewhere and the TV is on Fox Sports 24 hours a day.
p.s. Bullies are idiots, but I'm all for spirited conversations and for people defending the honour of their NRL team to the death (okay....perhaps not to the death).
Submitted by a on
Enjoy your company cause you might be the only ones for a while
Submitted by mark ashford on
BigPete of course Ennis is at the Sharkies. Don't know how I go that one wrong. Maybe a glass or two too many.
The Sharks proved today they are the real deal. Five SOO players out and still won.
Gotta take your hat off to Flannagan. Sharks were patient and took their opportunities when presented.
Panthers on the other hand looked panicky and gave away far too many penalties.
Ben Barba must get a look in for QLD but where would you play him?
On Ennis... Josh Reynolds became "the grub" while playing with him at the Dogs. Josh has now cleaned up his game and is a very good half.
A Panther just missed stopping a Shark try today and Ennis bent over him giving an almighty spray. Is this in the spirit of the game?
I for one will be very happy when Ennis is gone.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Fortress Eagle
You strike me as a half intelligent type, it's just a pity you have taken to giving my old mate Rocket a serve. Have you ever tried to proof read your posts before posting them on this site.
From where I see this site, your comments about not caring about what people think clearly show me that you are not fit to be a part of the crew here, so go and get your self one of those esky's that Rocket has, it would be more than enough to satisfy your wit and intelligence levels.
See ya Fortress
Submitted by a on
Oh I so hope Roosters beat the kike oit of the Sharks next week I am sick and tried of them Winning all the goddamm time
Submitted by mark ashford on
"a" as much as I hate to say it I think there are only two teams capable of stopping the Sharks this year.
Your Cowboys and the Storm.
Unless the Broncs turn it around (which is hard to see) maybe Manly with a late surge or the Roosters or maybe he Dogs. Will be interesting to see how all teams front up after origin.
Your Cows get a bye after origin which will freshen them up. Who knows?
COACH you have been very quiet...need some comment.
Submitted by a on
Yes hopefully Roosters beat them
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Coaches Winning / Losing streak tables.
Here's where we are at after Round 18.
Released one day early and here is why.
Both Raiders and Cowboys are on a streak score of 7, but one of them will go to 8 tomorrow. Other teams have caught the Broncos and are moving past. Will they make it back? I would say they need a minimum 4 streak somewhere in the run home to be any hope.
Raiders currently $17 for the title might not seem too attractive but if they win tomorrow, they will be sticking out on this table like sore thumbs.
Note *Parra scores are pre-points deduction. I think it gives better perspective to leave it this way.
1 SHARKS........13...0
2 STORM..........12...0
3 EELS................*8...*2
4 BULLDOGS....8.....2
5 COWBOYS.....7.....0
6 BRONCOS......7.....3
7 RAIDERS.........7......4
8 DRAGONS......6.....4
9 WARRIORS....5......5
10 TITANS.............5......7
11 PANTHERS.....4......6
12 TIGERS.............4......6
13 RABBITOHS...4.....11
14 SEA EAGLES...2......9
15 ROOSTERS.....0......11
16 KNIGHTS.........0.....14
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
Really tiger Hollic who the hell are you to critisie me u turd so what level of intelligence do you hold I've looked at the posts u drop I don't see much there that suggests to me that rocket has any respect for you in fact what I've read is that he thinks like that crap no hoping disgracefull inept team of yours coached by that second rate loser jason Taylor that he like me reckon your a clown a two faced a@@e licking hyercite what are you trying to do get into rockets good books to stop him from bagging you and that no hoping team of yours what a sucker pure you are now I'm called a bully I hope big Pete and mark ashford read your post before reading mine than they will see what is going on on this site u see I reckon you and coach the cows supporter and rocket are all mates . None of you are on here to really discuss the game but to defame and bully others . And when we stand up for ourselves. You push the blame back onto us. Well I'm on to the likes of you pussy Hollic who the hell are you to tell me weather I'm fit or not to be on this site I'm staying on here's weather you like it or not I'm not going to be bullied by you and your half wit mates on here. By the way pussy Hollic your not fit to be on this site guess why because your posts are null and void and if ur petty brain can understand this from now on you and your mates in this site will will from this post forward will get no more replys from me so I'm going to pretend you and the test do not exist so tigerhollic in closing go do your hate and bullying somewhere else and p@@s off.
Now back to talking to humans how are you big Pete and mark ashford hope u both having a great reward so happy tonite with the result now for the raiders to win which will make my weekend,
Big Pete thanks for your support mate on this site you are a champion and legend just like the champion and legendery team we support I'm always going to stick up for myself never give on to these thugs who are all mates on this site the bully mentality it's disgusting mate. Hope you have a great weekend chat soon champ.
Go the mighty sea eaglesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Wow thats scary bet mark a gets nervous now he's a member of that club all you have to do is .............
Submitted by christine on
"a" & mark I think where in for a sharks grand final & I wouldn't really object to seeing it , the way there playing they are playing finals footy & in the next few weeks just watch them step it up a notch ...
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Christine as good as the sharks are playing you are fairly generous nobody has made the grand final yet, its only July, you think the sharks will step it up,they might of peaked early, I think they are in a purple patch now, hard to judge how much the origin has or will impact them because the panthers were very ordinary yesterday with so much to play for they missed the bus, coach potato is still throwing things at the TV, there is plenty of respect for the Panthers mostly unjustified if you ask me.
Submitted by christine on
Rocket Ryan I don't care if it's only july sharks can win even without there origin players as already proven yes they only played panthers but they have won thirteen games now & don't look like slowing down anytime soon so I gave my opinion about who I think will be in the grand final & i'm entitled to do so .
Submitted by christine on
Rocket Ryan You don't have to agree with me but don't tell me I can't have my opinion ,I just call it like I see it .
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Read it again without getting hysterical, where does it say you can not have an opinion, I simply disagreed with you, nothing more.
perhaps you can tell me who will be playing the sharks in the Grand Final?
Submitted by christine on
I didn't say who they will play in the grand final I just said I think it's a sharks grand final & that's all I have to say about it .
Submitted by tigerholic on
Fortress
You have resorted to name calling, fancy calling me a "turd", I have been called a lot worse.
Where did you learn to call people names, was that during your 3 years in grade 3 primary school, I hope that was accurate, maybe it was grade two.
I would like to offer you some help with your grammar and terribly written posts, if you would like to send me your posts first I will make sure they are at least readable and not something my pet frog could put together.
How about you just concentrate on talking football and refrain from name calling and trying to take over this site.
Of course I can take all of the criticism about my poor old Tigers, I've had that issue for years.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Tigerholic back your blues this week history says a clean sweep is hard in origin.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
You need to challenge that pet frog a little more i believe.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Fortress, no need to call anyone a "turd' mate just cos they disagree with you. We're all entitled to our say here.
Rocket I'm not a member of any "club" and I'm certainly not "nervous"
Like you I'm a Broncos tragic until I die.
Coach has got me to bite in the past with his attacks on the Broncs and I'll always fight that.
Coach knows that and plays me well (just bragging rights) and I respect him for it.
Just after half time and the Cows/raiders evenly poised.
Christine I do think the Sharkies will be there. Who they play is up for grabs.
I would have no problem with a Sharks GF win....their first.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
True Mark, but I for one don't want to know what happened to Harold Holt. I think that no matter how rough the Bronco's season gets, I think that they will be a factor in the Finals. But this will be one of the best final seasons in recent memory. Some of the big teams not being there will let the "minnow" clubs a chance to prove that this game isn't a 4 horse game. I'm going to be enjoying the series as it rolls on. Same as kicking back next weekend watching the BOYS play with flair and power with everything resolved. I pity the Panthers or anyone else to come up against us in the next few weeks. Parra to miss the 8 but come in at 9th.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Evening football fans,
I've updated the tipping competition - congratulations to ScottM, our only competitor with a perfect four from four. He wasn't the only person to tip the Sharks, but he was the only one that got the other three games right too.
Things have shuffled around a little bit at the top, with that knucklehead 'The Thinker' edging into contention. Surely not....anyone but him.
I'll update the NRL ladder shortly.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Fortress where are you. I hope you are not trying to get to BCF before they close tonight, that special on the esky's ran out on Sunday, I have one without a lid who could keep you company, even half full my esky would have more than enough wit to match you at your best.
Submitted by a on
Damn Cowbous lost
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy I know what happened to Harold Holt he drowned while foolishly having a go at spearfishing in a huge sea. There were no Chinese subs, no CIA people, just a poor mistake. Poor bugger drowned doing something he loved.
Sorry but can't see the relevance.
"a" The cows were beaten tonight without 5 SOO players. Put them back in and the Raiders were toast.
After Wednesday all teams are back to full strength with only one bye round to go.
Then we have 6 rounds to see who is who.
Coach as Lara said "where the bloody hell are you"
Submitted by a on
Yes Cowboys will start winning on round 20
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Someone said that waiting for Cronulla to win the GF was like keeping the light on for Harold Holt.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy I feel your pain but Cronulla might just turn that light out.
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