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 Coach Potato on
Updated Couch
1. Coach - Parramatta
2. Mark - NZ
3. Baggy - NZ
4. Rick - NZ
People playing their Warrior cards first up huh? Interesting.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Your right mark i will apologize to all eskys.
Submitted by Tailspin on
Hey everyone, hope you are all good and ready for the short round.
Eels to beat the bunnies by 14
Storm to beat the dragons by 10
Warriors to beat the roosters by 6
Titans to beat the eagles by 10
And I'm in coach, I'll go the Eels.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Updated Couch
1. Coach - Parramatta
2. Mark - NZ
3. Baggy - NZ
4. Rick - NZ
5. Tailspin - Parramatta
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Wally Lewis.
Jumper no 6.
Immortal no 6.
Couch no 6?
Better be quick if you want lucky 6.
Submitted by a on
Coach I think I will take Titans this week
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
OK, another short round this week which is good for me. Less games I can get wrong! Boo-Yah! With the second SOO just around the corner, Newbie wonders how much effect the missing Origin players will have on the outcome of this week’s 4 games. I’ve been burnt before not taking this into consideration. Definitely thinking about the chances of the Stormers and my beloved Roosters but don’t wanna think too hard in case my head explodes.
Eels - with GI Joe and Reynolds out, I’m thinking Souths might struggle just a little against the Eels. I keep giving them a chance but Souths look to me like they’ve simply lost interest in this footy caper. By all reports, the Eels showed plenty of guts winning last week and may have found just a little more of their mojo. I’ll go with the Slippery Ones Friday night.
Dragons - this might be a tough one for a Smith-less and Cronk-less Storm outfit methinks. Not saying they can’t win and I’ve underestimated them on a few occasions this year but players MIA at Origin time always makes me ponder. Dragons have a great opportunity here to grab another 2 points and I’m sure they realise that. Playing at WIN helps I would think and their form isn’t that bad really. Beat the Cows (without JT) 3 weeks ago so why not the Storm without Smith and Cronk? Yeah, let’s go the Dragons this week.
Warriors - crikey, didn’t we get an absolute “towelling” last week. I was that close to weeping it wasn’t funny. I’m hoping with all my heart that the Warriors don’t dish up this week what the Stormers dished up to us last week. After two wins against Broncos and Knights, have the Warriors found some form? As much as I hate to think it, maybe the Warriors will get to record three wins in a row this weekend. Yikes! Not sure how the Mighty Roosters are gonna get some confidence back. One way would be to win on Sunday but not sure if we can do it across the “dutch”. We’ve lost Aidan and Blake to SOO. Another 2 are out. Good to see my current fave Dylan Napa returning and SKD and Isaac back from injury. Plus 2 making their debut (I think). I reckon we need some time and consistency in the side before we can expect to get our whats-a-name together. Unfortunately, Newbie has to tip the Warriors here. Yikes again!
Titans - Manly have lost five in a row and apparently they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last week. Yeah, Taupau and Jamie are back I’ve heard, but they still have too many regulars out injured for my liking. Poor ol’ Titans have racked up some serious Frequent Flyer points last couple of weeks eh? Perth one week and then Darwin 6 days later. Taking nothing away from the Eels last week but it might’ve been a small factor in the Titans losing up there. Maybe, maybe not. Who knows. At least they’ll be at home on Monday and would have benefitted from the 11 day break. Yeah, this one picks itself. Titans for me.
Good luck to those on both sides of the border in next week’s SOO. Without the “passion” of all you home-grown East Coasters, all I have to say is I hope the game’s a cracker. Go you Maroons!
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Cheers.
P.S. Why is a person who invests your money called a "broker"? Hmmm…
Submitted by newbie from perth on
@ Coach
Please Sir, may I play "Last One On The Couch"?
If my humble application is deemed acceptable, can you pencil the TITANS in as my pick.
Yeah, just wanna be different. Cheers.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Newbie from Perth,
Your Oliver-request-for-more-food-like application is accepted.
Anyone else out there, regular viewer or first-timer can play.
Sorry Wally, 'a' took your number 6.
Please Sir, would you like to play "Last One On The Couch?"
Updated Couch
1. Coach - Parramatta
2. Mark - NZ
3. Baggy - NZ
4. Rick - NZ
5. Tailspin - Parramatta
6. a - Gold Coast
7. Newbie - Gold Coast
Submitted by tigerholic on
Rocket
That was actually funny:)
Submitted by tigerholic on
Morning Coach
Warriors for me thanks.
Submitted by Islander on
Eels
Saints
Warriors
Manly
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Could be right. I only ever see BLUE eskies. Don't think I've seen any MAROON ones.
But then again, what IQ would you be registering if you were trying to apologise to them?
Updated Couch
1. Coach - Parramatta
2. Mark - NZ
3. Baggy - NZ
4. Rick - NZ
5. Tailspin - Parramatta
6. a - Gold Coast
7. Newbie - Gold Coast
8. Tigerholic - NZ
Submitted by tigerholic on
Well said Coach, Rocket would have to be on the same level as the Esky. I can see Rocket at home trying to reason with his Esky, having the esky win the debate.
Bring on the footy, I can this week tip the Tigers with confidence.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I wonder if it would turn out anything like Jack Wighton's apology to his team for a shocker a couple of weeks back - as told by StickyTwit
https://mobile.twitter.com/Rick_Stuart07/status/736875310675693568
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Mark me down for the Eels thanks coach.
Submitted by christine on
Coach NZ for me
Submitted by BroncoSwimmer on
Thanks Mark Ashford for allowing me to be quiet this week, I have a little premonition - the warriors are going to cause havoc over the coming weeks. Might have a little wager on them for finals play. Might.
Submitted by BroncoSwimmer on
you should of tipped them last week tigerholic!! I WISH I HAD OF.
Submitted by BoozeMaster2000 on
Hi All,
New kid here. I’ve been lurking in the shadows on this site for a couple of weeks now, skulking from Round to Round, quietly eavesdropping, but never revealing myself. Well, I say, never say never…I say. So, I’m here right now….revealing myself. I have read so much absolute garbage being spewed out from everyones keyboard that I thought….hey….I’d fit right in here! I also like to anonymously spew absolute garbage out, so I’m gonna sign up! My tips for this week are:
EELS
DRAGONS
WARRIORS
TITANS
QUEENSLAND
BoozeMaster2000
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:
Eels by 6- Eels to just get the win in this one. Eels are in form and Rabbitohs aren't. Also, Rabbitohs are more effected by origin than the Eels.
Dragons by 4- My beloved Dragons to get the win over the Storm. Both teams have two origin players out. We should do enough to beat the Storm who have Smith and Cronk out even though we still have Dugan out and we also have Frizell out. It'll be close but it'll go the way of the Dragons.
Warriors by 20- Warriors to smash the Roosters here.
And finally... the Titans by 10- Titans to go home with the two points here.
Great. That's done. Good luck to all the tipsters on this site with which will have not a lot of games this weekend. But with the short round this week, all the games should be crackers. So get ready for some great footy ahead. I know I am.
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
Oops my bad we only have the one player out in origin camp. Dugan's still injured.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Welcome BoozeMaster2000. Another Maroon!!! YES
Feel free to speak your piece. It's all good fun.
You might want to have a look back to page 1.
Coach is running a separate "last man standing" comp.
Have a look at his rules and join in.
See here Tiger & Coach I happen to be very fond of eskies.
I own 2 of them but yes they are both blue.
Funny you should say that I've only ever seen blue ones.
No doubt SOO marketing sell maroon ones, just never seen one.
Beware of a Bunnies surprise tonight.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Updated Couch
1. Coach - Parramatta
2. Mark - NZ
3. Baggy - NZ
4. Rick - NZ
5. Tailspin - Parramatta
6. a - Gold Coast
7. Newbie - Gold Coast
8. Tigerholic - NZ
9. Rocket - Parramatta
10. christine - NZ
If anyone out there either regular or "first timer" want to join the new comp starting this week, read the rules and post your tip.
Coach's "Last One On The Couch"
#Winner receives an NRL beanie of their choice
#Just pick the winner of one game each week starting this week
#Win your game 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.
#For the first week I will accept entries right up until Monday's game. (although that would limit your week 1 choices to Gold Coast or Manly).
At the moment there's a 1 in 10 chance of winning. Could be better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick wouldn't you say?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach don't mean to be picky but #3 probably should read "if your team loses then you are OFF the couch not ON it.
As the last man (or woman) on the couch wins?
Not trying to be a smart arse...just asking?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
No, I mean what I mean. It's a play on the usual name of this which is Last Man Standing. So lose and you get to sit down. Win and you're still standing. Last one on the couch wins.
No you're not being a smart-arse. Moreso playing the fool.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evening Folks and looks like wet weather footy about the place.
Mine for Round 15 are:
Eels, Dragons, Warriors, Sea Eagles and NSW in SoO.
After last week, I think the newies at Manly learnt a big lesson and will come back this week.
Have a great weekend if u r tipping and have a nice weekend if u r entertaining and trying to keep dry.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evening Coach
Re: "Last One On The Couch" - Eels for me
Thanks - should be fun
Big Pete Bx
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hello Mark - nice to read your comment mate.
This is a great site and personal tirades should take a back seat.
Dont worry Fortress had his ways, but like us all was very patriotic towards Manly.
Buggered if I know where he is!
Thinker- is Fortress still tipping and just stopped posting?
Please send him an email, from his initial registration and tell him I am concerned about him.
Yes Mark is right - my Manly allies are few and far between.
Cheers mate and thanks
Big Pete Bx
Submitted by The Thinker on
Great idea for a mini-comp Coach....tough round to start things off.
I will take the storm
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Updated Couch
1. Coach - Parramatta
2. Mark - NZ
3. Baggy - NZ
4. Rick - NZ
5. Tailspin - Parramatta
6. a - Gold Coast
7. Newbie - Gold Coast
8. Tigerholic - NZ
9. Rocket - Parramatta
10. christine - NZ
11. Big Pete Bx - Parramatta
12. Thinker - Melbourne
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach I love to play the fool. looks like I get to sit on your couch win or lose.
Hi BIG PETE Pretty dry (occasional showers) up here. But looks like you guys are copping plenty.
Fortress will come back after the next Manly win.
Bronco Swimmer we need plenty from you and Rocket next Wednesday.
There's the kick off gotta go
Submitted by Tailspin on
Go the Eels, still on the couch, ye ha.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hey Baggy, I know most have given up. Points lost. Injuries. Player off field dramas. Just no chance from here. Can only lose one more game and still make it.
..... but look.
Look at the top of the streak table now. When usually only the top 3 streakers win the comp, look who have shoved Broncos back to 4th.
1 STORM......10
2 SHARKS.....10
3 EELS.....8
4 BRONCOS.....7
5 COWBOYS.....5
6 RAIDERS.....5
7 TITANS.....5
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I was tempted to point that out, as we shall be the only bottom 8 side with a better streak and points deferential. Wasn't happy at all with some of those calls tonight, but a highlight for me was our 17, dancing with the dead ball line, before throwing it forward and then trying to claim it went backwards. Good ball control, but lousey outcome.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
What a horrible decision it would be to take the Grand Final from its historic home.
Try telling the AFL they should take a Hawthorn - Swans GF to Subiaco.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Roosters have come away winners their last three visits to Mt Smart.
Form might give way to winning memories. Interesting.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Not sure how that would work. When you have lost 10 out of 14 rounds that's a big of a mole hill to overcome to remember the good times.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The international terminal might serve better latte.
Submitted by BoozeMaster2000 on
Not sure if its too late to start playing the couch game, but if not, I'll take the Warriors.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
No not too late. First week you can join any time. Welcome newcomer #1.
Updated Couch
1. Coach - Parramatta
2. Mark - NZ
3. Baggy - NZ
4. Rick - NZ
5. Tailspin - Parramatta
6. a - Gold Coast
7. Newbie - Gold Coast
8. Tigerholic - NZ
9. Rocket - Parramatta
10. christine - NZ
11. Big Pete Bx - Parramatta
12. Thinker - Melbourne
13. BoozeMaster2000 - NZ
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hmmmmmmm.......nice one Tiger.
U sure it is batteries - better get the recharging type then.
NSW have done it before up in Toad Country.
A big LESSON learnt with not making points count. Ground the bloody pill and make sure of it. Unlikely then that Bunker Boys will need to decide.
That has been an ongoing issue with reguar NRL Round matches as well. Cheers Bro's
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning Baggy - I think the highlight of the match last night and the game breaker, was Semi's try to seal victory for you Eels.
I was thinking, that if they trim him down a little, reduce his leg mass and correct his posture - he'll be ready for 2020 Olympics - sprint events.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Welcome to Thinker Tipping, BoozeMaster - or is it Chuck.
Mark has evaluated you as a Qld'er Maroon in SoO.
Going by your "Avatar/caption" - it doesnt really reveal what NRL Club you support, Any early hints, or have I missed a posting of yours.
Cheers- Big Pete Bx
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hello Boozemaster200
Just a quick comment on your user name and caption. For me I don't believe that this site promotes the use of alcohol and with a user name like you have it sends out the wrong message.
Then we have your picture, what is that saying to our followers, if we do drink and gamble we do so responsibly, your picture does not achieve this.
I agree with Coach in that we do not know anything related to who you follow in either the NRL or Origin, give us something to go on.
This comp allows the odd dribbler, we do have ours in Rocket, Coach and of recent times Mark Ashford, if you need to dribble please do so responsibly.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Mark Ashford
You have taken over as the site policeman, you got stuck into Rocket the other day for his esky entry, do you agree with Boozemaster20, surely this Boozemaster20 goes against your beliefs.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Queensland up their old tricks, injuries, viruses and the same old poor poor me, NSW will not be put off nothing but victory will suffice.
Submitted by tigerholic on
I must have the same virus as @Queensland cause I have the shits as well:)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I think people will be what they wanna be, say what they wanna say.
Say what you want about players, teams, refs, Bunker, NRL, but leave each other alone.
Me. I'm gonna start using something I call the Grandfather rule.
Write your stuff as if it was being sent to your Grandfather.
If it's not something you would say (or would have said) to his face, then it's not good enough to be sending to anyone else.
Submitted by a on
No QLD will win
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