South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – ANZ Stadium
Just one change for the Eels after their much-needed win in Darwin, with Toutai replacing the Origin-bound Jennings in the centres. The renovations for the Bunnies are a little more significant, with a new halves pairing of Cody Walker and Luke Keary. Sam Burgess has been named. Note that Bryson Goodwin is also out with injury, which means the Rabbits are without their first choice (Reynolds) and second choice goal-kickers. I'm not even sure who takes over now - Johnston or Neilsen. These sides faced each other just a month ago, and the Rabbitohs prevailed 22-20. I'm with the Eels to equal the ledger here - that previous loss was the Eels first game after the Salary Cap punishment and they didn't galvanise as I had hoped. They looked a little more galvanised last week.
Verdict – Eels by 4
Result - Eels 30 defeated Rabbitohs 12
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday night – WIN Stadium
The Storm have an imposing record against the Dragons, with 16 wins from 20 starts and the last three in a row including a 2 point victory in round one this season. The Dragons fare slightly better at Wollongong though, and have actually beaten the Storm the last two times they played at this venue. Given the closeness of their last meeting, and the omission of Smith and Cronk from the Storm line-up the Dragons are warm favourites for this game. The price is probably right, but I'll stick with the Storm and their structures against an attack that hasn't exactly sparkled, and are even less sparkly without Dugan. I expect Bellamy will target one of his former players in Kurt Mann. Mann has the unenviable task of stopping Vunavali - a man making a habit of scoring more than one try every time he takes to the field.
Verdict – Storm by 4
Result - Dragons 20 defeated Storm 10
New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium
I have to hand it to the Warriors. I've been putting the boot into them all year and, lo and behold, the sneaky buggars are in the top eight. They get another opportunity to improve their differential on Sunday - let's hope they don't fluff it completely. The Warriors beat the Roosters back in round four, and this time they're playing at their spiritual home in their spiritual timeslot. It's important to note that Vatuvei isn't playing. He's not just a winger, he's the heart and soul of this side and they're a happier and more successful unit when he's there. I can never say the Warriors are specials because they never will be, but I couldn't possibly tip the Roosters to beat them.
Verdict – Warriors by 14
Result - Warriors 12 defeated Roosters 10
Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles – Monday night – Cbus Super Stadium
Manly may appreciate some time away from Brookvale - where they've won just once this season in seven attempts. Amazingly, their only win at home was the last game the Sharks lost way back in Round 3. The Titans are at home for just the sixth time this season, but they haven't set the home fans alight either. Importantly, their last performance at home was a dominant victory against a favoured opponent. There are some timely additions for the visitors, with Lyon returning and taking over from Walker in the halves, and Taupau returning for the injured Myles, but I'll stick with the Titans who have shown plenty of spirit all season.
Verdict – Titans by 7
Result - Titans 30 defeated Sea Eagles 10
Wally Lewis - round fifteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- Rabbitohs vs EELS
- Dragons vs STORM
- WARRIORS vs Roosters
- TITANS vs Sea Eagles
Comments
Submitted by mark ashford on
While the Thinker is thinkering I'll toss my lot in for what it's worth.
Rabbits to get it together at last (sorry Baggy)
Storm even without their stars to beat the Dragons
Warriors finally showing some form to overcome the hapless Roosters
Titans to come back from their loss to the Eels
AND of course it's QLD for me to continue the Blues blues.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Not sure about anyone else but I have fingers crossed that Qld gave their way at the judiciary and Graham misses Origin II.
Cartwright will be straight in providing quality ball to the likes of Jennings Moylan and Mansour, when he's not having a go himself.
People rolled around on the ground laughing last year when I mentioned Panthers would put on a better showing than the NSW team, and here we are - almost. Albeit Jennings an ex-Panther, but the general feeling is still of a Panthers led revival.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
*get their way ...
Submitted by christine on
For what my opinion is worth i'm taking the same this week as rick & in regards to origin i'm taking QLD .
Submitted by christine on
Thinker can't you contact JR by his email address because TLH contacted me once by my email address when I was having a problem with the website ?
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
How are you Mark, are you going to origin?
Let me tell you we were terrific against the raiders, they have a big pack I was surprised at the size of the buggers up close, those late try's made them look good but they were never in it, I am the same as you can not wait till round 20 to shut our friend up, will definitely be there, I think Tigerholic is right his man is more dangerous put Moylan on the bench, but they are both behind our champ Darius.
But hey I couldn't care less if they cant select the best talent, we should worry about ourselves, one our legends in the forwards needs easing out, where is Napa?
Submitted by The Thinker on
Rocket,
Napa is on the banned list this year, as are a few other young guns - Valentine Holmes, Munster, Milford I think
Christine,
I sent Johnny Ray an email but haven't heard back. He's probably fine but it would be good to know.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Rocket. If Graham gets done tonight then maybe Cartwright or Frizzelle will come in. Blues lose nothing either way.
Our ageing guys worry me a bit, but I think experience and the Suncorp crowd will get us home
Watch for some grubby crap from Gallen and Bird.
Thinker wrote a good piece on Gallen a couple of pages ago.
He's nothing more than a thug and should have been banned years ago.
Google his name. The results will sicken you.
Unfortunately I won't be there.
Broncs getting a well earned rest this week then it's the Dogs another monster pack to overcome.
Submitted by a on
Do you hope Graham gets suspended
Submitted by christine on
I hope graham does for what he did .
Submitted by christine on
Thanks Thinker for letting me know you sent JR an email , Hopefully he may visit the site again he does belong on the tipping ladder & his comments are sorely missed ...
Submitted by a on
Yes BringbackJohnnyRay
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Not much has been said of Declan_S who left a week after JR.
Actually nothing that is, until just then.
Nothing wrong with being a Knights fan. Every team has their turn at hitting rock bottom. Look at Souths, Manly, Roosters. All top end of town last few years and where are they now?
Wouldn't it be funny if Suncorp is hosting a Grand Final in a few years time and Broncos Cowboys and Titans are all fighting it out for the spoon. What a riot that would be. The truth is, it's more likely to be the case, then not.
So hope you come back soob Declan_S and Johnny Ray.
As carrot :
I'll start my own last "person" standing comp if you come back.
Knock out.
One loss and you're out.
Just have to pick one team to win each week.
Only problem is you can't pick the same team more than once.
Will get trickier each week.
I'll shout a free team beanie to the winner.
So what do you say? Comin' back you guys?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
*soon
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I only just saw the Wade Graham high shot and boy o boy have Qld tried to milk this one for all it's worth.
Anyone who commented about how bad it was, how much trouble Graham is in, isnt fair dinkum. Just a clip with no malice. Even tried to catch him as he was falling. Hardly Marty Taupau-esque. A charge for that is laughable. But what isn't in this game these days.
Have a look if you need to judge yourself.
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-14/wade-graham-johnathan-thurston-...
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Cartwright. You're on.
Submitted by mark ashford on
COACH I've seen the tackle replayed many times and it was a shocker.
Obviously you're just trying to stir up origin fever again.
Even your great Sterlo said it deserves at the least a week.
Wonder how you'd react if it was Moylan or any of your beloved Panthers on the receiving end?
It will be just the same at Suncorp as it was in Sydney when last years GF was fought out.
Can't believe how much you think NSW is the b all and end all of RL.
Now that's said thanks for reminding all of us about Declan_S
Would be nice to have JR, the Guru and Declan back.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Mark, please watch this and tell me truthfully that Graham's was worse.
http://wwos.nine.com.au/2016/05/16/12/33/tigers-hunt-to-escape-nrl-ban
Submitted by mark ashford on
So COACH your earlier rant about Wade Graham was just that an origin gee-up. He won't be there.
Well done you got me to bite.
Depending who Laurie picks it makes it an interesting game.
Graham would certainly have brought something.
If he's picked you'd better hope Cartwright does the same.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
.. and your comment on the video of the tackle that didn't result in a ban?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Yeah COACH that was at least as bad if not a whole lot worse, just watched it.
He was charged with a grade 2 but got off ? They have gotta be kidding.
I remember watching the game and was horrified by the tackle.
Beuttner? is in charge of the judiciary and they have failed to find any consistency this year.
We have to live with what we get Coach at least one of your Panthers may get a shot.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Anyone else got an opinion on the Graham tackle =ing 1 match, and the Justin Hunt tackle =ing zero.
Seems to be you catch Inglis or Thurston high and that suddenly becomes more serious than if it was anyone else.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
All comes down to integrity and the NRL show weekly in a variety of ways how little they possess.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Well COACH seems Frizele has got the nod.
Whichever way you look at it It was an ugly tackle. Thurston's head snapped back. He could have been seriously injured.
Do you want to see this sort of thing in our game?
Why do we argue about the severity of tackles?
Why aren't we arguing about the try scoring ability of our teams?
NSW teams have been riddled with thugs for years and can't get over the fact that QLD teams have been riddled with football playing, try scoring skills.
When NSW comes to play RL they might just win a series!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Great work Daley. Pick the guy that struggles to break a tackle over the one that can't stop breaking them. Is this where the points are coming from Laurie?
Submitted by a on
Good Graham is suspended
Submitted by mark ashford on
Yes 'a" Graham went in to hurt JT don't care what Coach says it was an ugly tackle.
The Sharks have taken over from the Dogs as the grubs in the comp.
Gallen, Ennis and Fifita are experts at being grubby or hurting people
with Wade Graham not far behind.
Maybe he might think about his style of play now he has missed out on origin....but I doubt it.
Coach you play the Sharks in round 18, better hope they don't bash you too much before your rematch with the Broncs.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Morning Folks
All of the comments relating to the Graham tackle being a bad one are over the top. Have a look at the tackle again, Thurston was falling when he was hit and he was not injured.
That tackle does not warrant a player missing his debut in State of Origin.
The absence of Graham from the Blues side will not stop Queensland going down next Wednesday, forget home ground advantage. The refs are the same and I am sure they will be trying to make amends for their one side penalty count and all of the 50/50 decisions that went against the blues.
Coach, I would like to be in the last man standing comp if you decided to go ahead.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Tigerholic get over this 50/50 calls went to Queensland, the refs cost us, we were hard done by crap, I have had a gutful of you and Coach Potato dribbling over the game, I just cant believe you wrote that the refs will go out in an origin and try to make amends, you must have the IQ of an esky.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Really Ryan, Really? The 2 points the got QLD over the line came from a dud call in the set before. The penalty on the try line was well deserved, but the high shot that gave the back to back set was nonsense.
Anyway, my tips.
Eels - the way they defended last week, and the way the Bunnies leaked tries, has me backing the BOYS. I would and will always take the BOYS, but think with the way we pulled together last week we should be a very good chance.
Storm - Hard to see the Storm being stopped, But is they are to come unstuck it will be in games like this one. Away from home, short a few players, but with what the likes of Bellamy, Bennett and other do with their team knowing they are going to lose some players around origin time, the Storm should be fine.
Warriors - An interesting proposal, the Warriors are on a roll and that lifts a side, exactly the same as the roll the Roosters are on drains a team as well. But the Roosters aren't losing anyone to origin and the Warriors have lost Lillyman. Will that make a difference? Maybe, but I'm willing to back a Warriors team with a bit of momentum.
Titans - The only thing that really stopped me backing the Titans last week was the BOYS, and what a win it was. But with Manly lurching from issue to issue, it is hard to work out a way to back them. The Titans young'uns are firing and it is always good to see a team carried by their lesser names. If the NRL can keep the Titans together for a few years it might be a very competitive team they are building. Send Nathan Peats home though.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Well said Rocket, I mean, well said by someone with the IQ of a lid from a broken stubby of xxxx lite.
Good to see that my comments sparked you into action, where did you come with the esky comment, "Mickey Mouse.com"?
Come Rocket, even you Queenslanders can do better than that, bring on next Wednesday.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Baggy ,coach pototo, tigerholic, bigpete sorry boys i just checked the score
It is still 6-4
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Eels by 2 I think Eels are going to beat Rabbitohs without their origin players
Dragons by 2 Dragons are going to beat a Storm side without their Origin players
Warriors by 6 I think Warriors should be able to beat the Roosters here
Titans by 8 I think Titans are going to continue Manly's misery here
Submitted by The Joker on
BUNNNNNNIES
STORRRMMMM
CHOOOKIIIESSS
MAAANLLYYYY
Submitted by tigerholic on
Rocket
NSW kept the score at 6-4 just so you could keep up with the total, did not want to make you pull your calculator out although you may need to have fresh batteries ready for the onslaught from the Blues next week.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Come one. Come all.
Play Coach's "Last One On The Couch".
Bit of a spur of the moment thing, and viewers only have 24 hours to hop on, but will see how many we get.
Winner gets an NRL beanie of their choice, that I pay to send it to Thinker, and then on to ... maybe you.
#Just pick the winner of one game each week
#Win and you keep going the next week, lose and you're out - you're on the Couch.
#You only get to pick a team once throughout the comp
#Last one on the Couch wins.
Anyone not registered yet on the Thinker, damn well hurry up.
My tip this week is PARRA.
Tick tick tick. You got 24 hours.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Guys lets keep the comments nice.
Rocket I love your QLDer/Broncs passion but personal attacks on the iq of other commenters are not warranted.
I've been guilty of it myself against Coach and regret it.
Comments on players or teams are fine.
That's what we're here for.
THINKER I hope you'll back me on this.
BIG PETE any luck with Fortress? Manly needs some supporters here mate as do all the clubs.
BRONCO SWIMMER you are allowed to be quiet this week as we have a bye but expect you back next week against the Bulldogs.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
PANTHERS 23.... Broncos 22
Broncos 18 .....TIGERS 19
Take your pick.
Submitted by mark ashford on
COACH I'm on board.
This week I'll take Warriors.
Hope I'm still on my feet by the end of the weekend!
Good one COACH that's what this site is about.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach what's with the Broncs/Panthers/Tigers stats?
Have I misunderstood your comp?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Sorry Mark, that was a separate thing about Broncos and their penchant for close losses. The Panthers and the Tiger cut deep.
COWBOYS 17 Broncos 16 cuts deepest.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Updated Couch
1. Coach - Paramatta
2. Mark - NZ
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I'm in, warriors. I'll leave the boys till it's crunch time.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Submitted by Coach Potato on Thu, 16/06/2016 - 7:27pm
Updated Couch
1. Coach - Parramatta
2. Mark - NZ
3. Baggy - NZ
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach your Panthers have also won/lost by small margins but still sit in 8th spot behind the Broncs on 4th.
So what is your point?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach your Panthers have also won/lost by small margins but still sit in 8th spot behind the Broncs on 4th.
So what is your point?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Just saying my team beat your team.
#ItsCalledBraggingRights
Submitted by mark ashford on
OK that's acceptable. Lets see what round 20 brings at Suncorp.
A Maroons series win and the Broncs over the Panthers would suit me just fine.
You have the bragging rights now...so enjoy it.
Submitted by Rick on
Hi coach Warriors for me please.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
New "Last One On The Couch" rule:
#For the first week you can put your tip in anytime over the weekend before the start of a game. That means you have until 7pm Monday to be in on the fun.
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