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
#Tigerholic your moniker surely had the influence of alcohol in it's creation. A bit tough of the new guy. This ain't no nanny state you know. Would you be unhappy if someone called themself "Sugarholic"
#The again BoozeMaster2000, what is it about booze you have mastered? Your photo ID only shows a guy not being able to handle his grog ?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
* bit tough (on) the new guy - I meant
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Draggo - like your predictions except Titans.
What do you mean - Titans to go home with the two points here.
They are at home Bro - its their home game at Cbus Stadium.
Cheers mate and keep warm - oops u r warm - you're a SGI Flamethrower arent you mate.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Agree on Grand Finals Coach.....I cant see AFL taking any from MCG. Its tradition/heritage. I actually did an on-line vote with an NRL Sports question that was posed to me. If a G/Final was to go to Qld/Brisbane, then it should be based on the logistics of who is playing.
Otherwise, like old days at SCG of a Saturday afternoon - leave it as it is. If its not broken, dont fix it or stuff it up.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Coach, Rocket, Tiger and Mark -
Quite a number of eskies have contained quite nice beverages. I think over the years The Blue ones have been the best, until a company called Castlemaine Fourex came along and did some investing marketing and then LION Nathan did similar.
So what I'll do, is have one for each of ya - especially a Blue one.
Cheers!!!!
Big Pete
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tigerholic as an avid lover of beer and the grape I can't fault Boozemaster in any way.
Don't want to look like a copper just would like to see personal attacks gone.
Baggy your Eels were great and while not wanting to take anything away from their win thought the Rabbits were very ordinary. Semi has amazing skills.
Fine them, sack the management, get under the cap but don't take the points.
Morris out for the Blues...won't lose anything with Jack Bird.
Thinker/Coach there has been a push from club coaches, RLPA and some of the media for Judiciary grade 1 offences to be dealt with by a fine only no suspension.
Question;
Do you think this will increase foul play as most players are on big money and they or their club will pay the fine happily. Surely a threat of suspension is a far greater deterrent.
IMO the current system is working.
Submitted by BoozeMaster2000 on
I guess I was a bit vague. Ok, some info about me since everyone is curious.
I grew up in Queensland, worked in the coal mines, then moved to London. Worked on office buildings. Moved to Poland. Worked in a Mountain Chalet. Moved to Greece. Worked as a tour guide for drunk Poms. Moved back to London. Dug some holes for some blokes pool. Moved to Mackay. Built a Woolworths while living in a Backpackers. Moved to Brisbane. Worked in an office. Now I work in a mine in Papua New Guinea. I also ride a motorbike, water ski, listen to country music and take long walks on the beach.
I’m a queenslander, this is true. I support the Cowboys, although I’m not a ‘die hard’-‘every other team sucks’-‘if you don’t support my team, you’re a chung nugget’-type fan. I just love the game and I enjoy kicking back on a Sunday with a beer and watching 2 great teams battle it out.
If my user name and logo are already offending some other users, please let me know ASAP so I can smile, shake my head and say ‘what a nanny state we live in’ in a wistful, remembering the good years type fashion. Just like my grandfather would have said, bless his gentle soul.
Submitted by a on
Yeah the people is someone just throwing up
Submitted by BoozeMaster2000 on
yeah
Submitted by mark ashford on
Big Pete my fridge is well stocked with XXXX GOLD and VB along with a good supply of Sauv Blanc and a couple of good reds (like my reds chilled)
So I'll have a drink to your health next Wednesday.
Won't be using my "blue" eskies.
My fridge is stainless steel so I guess that makes it neutral.
Gotta admit I'm a bit nervous about next Wednesday night.
Submitted by christine on
I'm going to speak for everyone here , we don't judge anyone when thinking responsibly ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Boozemaster2000.
GREAT POST
I too can't stand the "nanny state" crap our politicians have delivered us to.
I don't think anyone is offended by your name and post pic except our sensitive friend Tigerholic.
Coach sorry to correct you but the suffix "holic" simply means an addiction. In this case to the Tigers.
Admittedly it normally refers to alcohol or drugs.
Perhaps Tiger is a total non-user. Then we must respect his views.
Submitted by a on
Yes only God can judge people
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Like I said sometime ago. Get rid of the judiciary all together.
Immediately after each game, a board of 10 respected mix of ex- players each put in an electronic vote on what if any suspension is to be given. If the average score is 3 weeks, then 3 weeks it is. If the average is less than 1, then the player gets off. There's no appeal process. It's trial by jury and the average score is final.
There's no gradings, no carry over crap. No getting off because you pleaded guilty. It's simple, it's quick, it will always work out to be the average opinion of league experts.
NRL you could do far worse than to listen to pure genius ;p
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach I have to admire your assessment of your genius level but can find no fault with your offering to the NRL.
10 xplayers would be fine as long as there was a mix of NSW and QLD asked to vote.
An electronic vote with the average taken as the penalty is actually pure genius.
No meetings, no hearings, no lawyers, no media. It would work.
I take back my first comment, this could work.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I admire your assessment of my assessment.
Submitted by BroncoSwimmer on
Mr Coach Potato - I would like to pick NZ,
regards, BroncoSwimmer
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
13. BoozeMaster2000 - NZ
14. Broncoswimmer - NZ
Submitted by The Thinker on
Goodness me....this storm team looks very different to what I was expecting. Oh well.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I thought it was all over with that soft try in the ten minutes. But we hit back quick and sami's try was similar to Inglis one vs the broncos. A good team game and the boys were still getting there in numbers at the pointy end of the contest. 12 points are going to hurt when it comes down, but they are doing the fans proud atm.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Very odd score, wouldn't have thought the dragons had enough points in them.
Submitted by a on
Yes it was a very odd score indeed
Submitted by Coach Potato on
20 - 10 is an odd score? Apart from being even numbers made up of tries and goals, and the favoured team winning, what's so bloody odd about it?
Submitted by mark ashford on
I am none from 4 so far....up to my usual standard.
What's this I hear about Semi shooting through?
Submitted by BoozeMaster2000 on
Just rumours so far. He's left the country because they've got a buy next week, but is still expected back for their Rd 17 game against the sharks. If he really does go, the Eels are royally screwed.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
As if we aren't already screwed this season. It just makes the screwing hurt more. But we could get Nathan Peats back though. Might even have the cash to afford Jarryd Hayne back as well. We as Football fans want him to stay, and I want him to stay with the BOYS.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
None from 4 after only two games. That is bad.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
It may only be a rumour, but from what we no of this Fijian Kangaroo, he has no affinity with blue and gold other than they are paying him more than anyone else is offering at the moment.
No affinity with his own country. No longer able to play for Fiji at next year's World Cup since his sold his birth certificate to the ARL.
He was ready to sell it to the NSWRL as well but didn't find a buyer.
Make no mistake, as good a footballer he is, he won't be playing for Parra a day longer than the next offer comes in, and with that, you could only summise, he is a day to day proposition.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach I must have been predicting how I'll end up after Monday.
Maths was never a strong point.
I think the ARL and the NRL should hang their heads in shame re Semi.
Play for Parra sure but never Aust. or NSW. He should be playing for Fiji.
Instead of instilling some loyalty in him all they did was fill his head up with $$$.
His manager also needs a good look at.
Hayne also appears confused. Fiji rugby, French rugby or Japanese rugby. He has also said if he returns to the NRL he would prefer Parra.
Maybe now they can afford him.
There must be a lot of Chinamen out Parra way and the club has run over every single one of them.
Submitted by christine on
Coach how many weeks does your on the couch go for so I know how many weeks I have to do it for ?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Until there's only one left. Hard to say. Could be over and done in a few weeks or could go all season.
Currently out of 14 starters, there's only Mr Thinker who is out - plus two that need Gold Coast to win to tomorrow.
Submitted by christine on
There is only eleven rounds left to go not including finals & you can't tip the same team twice so you are going to end up tipping a team you know can't win but if you tip a team that can't win & you loose then your out so what happens if there is a draw ? What going to happen then we have had one this season ? ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Speaking of surprising scores, would have thought that the Warriors would have put more on the Roosters. Maybe they aren't in as bad a shape as they appear.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Christine, the problems you have worked about making a selection towards the end of the season are the problems that the Thinker would love to have. Meaning, if you find yourself in a bind over who to pick after several weeks, it means you are still in the comp, and that's a good thing. Which team you pick each week and how you manage your selections is you own management.
Just remember favourites don't always win. They have all won so far this week, and true to form, lots of people are through, but any time the favourites start going down, you will probably see lots more bite the dust. Eg Had Warriors gone down today , there'd only be 6 players left including 2 that still need to win tomorrow.
I doubt it, but if it went all the way to Round 26, you would still have 6 teams to choose from which I dont think is too bad. The comp will run into the finals if it has to, but I doubt it will. 6 or 7 weeks is my guess.
If there's a draw after extra time, then you will sneak through to the next week because the emphasis is on your pick not losing.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The Warriors beat Broncos who had players out post Origin I, then beat Newcastle, then scraped home against Roosters.
All up this year they've beaten Newcastle twice, Roosters twice, Bulldogs, and Dragons.
3 wins in a row, but don't expect they will have too many supporters next week.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Meaning ..... again.... not such an odd score. More like on the money.
Submitted by a on
Yes coach that a good thing you can tip an upset go faviourites to start with and than risk it of you have to
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hayne is preparing for the Olympics which don't finish until NRL round 24. What good is he going to be to anyone come that time. Two games for either Parra or Roosters and onto MadMonday. What's the use?
Don't forget too, this guy is no different to Radradra - just the exact opposite situaion. Hayne has no affinity with Fiji apart from part-parentage. He holds no passport, no citizenship, no residency. What right does he have to represent in front of someone who does have the above? No right I say.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hey Boozemaster2000
Welcome to the site, I wrote my first welcome to you with the attack on your name trying to stir up some interest and banter over the weekend.
I hail from NSW originally, a place called Raymond Terrace, I now live in Qld where I suffer badly around this time every year.
I really don't mind your user name or picture, I hope you find the site enjoyable. This is a bad year for you to join the site as a Queenslander, NSW are going to win this week then take the series at home in a few weeks time.
The old legs in the QLD team are going to be shown up.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The Bunker really needs to smarten up the language they use when they are making a decision.
They have to stop thinking that their rulings are beyond any doubt. I cringe by the fact that absolutely every single review comes up with phrases such as
"..as we can see, the ball carrier loses control..."
"..as we can see, the ball is short of the line..."
Bunker, please don't insult people's intelligence by allowing yourself to speak on behalf of everyone.
Not asking to change any decisions , just make it your opinion, your ruling and noone else's. The above examples would be much easier on the ears with something like
"..we 'have judged' that the ball carrier has lost control.."
"..based on 48 different angles the ball 'is ruled' to be short of the line.."
Cut out this "as we can see" bullshit.
Feels like we are being corrupted to believe everything they say with this subtle use of persuasive wording. Bloody insult.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tiger this origin game has just got more interesting.
Your new young guys worry me Moylan, Mansour & Bird.
Our QLD legs may be getting a bit tired but a new factor has entered the contest.
Last origin for Paul Gallen and now last origin for Cory Parker.
Which side will want the win more?
My money is on QLD...you want to know why?
All QLD detest Gallen and so do most (except Sharks) NSW clubs.
The QLD & Melb. clubs love Cory Parker.
So who would you rather play for?
It's a no brainer. QLD to win .. Cory to go out a winner.
The Broncos, QLD and AUST to certainly miss him.
Manly look lost tonight. What has happened to this great club?
Injuries sure, but their coaching looks ordinary.
Bring back Toovey.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach I know you don't like the bunker but I can't see a lot of difference between what the bunker says and what you think they should be saying?
I didn't do so good at Maths but got straight "a"s at English
After all we just want them to make a decision.
Does it matter how they say it?
Submitted by a on
4 out of 4 this is awesome
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Its just every time you see the action differently to the Bunker and then get told "as we can see.."
Bloody just as well they're holed up in a bunker.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings folks,
I've updated the tipping comp and the NRL ladder. Not a lot of changes in the tipping with most of us scoring 3 or 4 from 4.
I'll have the round 16 page published on Wednesday morning as I prepare myself for the big game with some light stretching and an afternoon nap. I'll do my best to have my previews and tips published as early as I can on Thursday morning.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Who would have thought the greatest mind in league is the only one out in Coach's Last One On The Couch.
13 players left.
From this week on your tip needs to be in by the first game.
Remember to choose wisely, and cheer loudly that everyone else loses.
Submitted by a on
You can only choose the same team once
Submitted by tigerholic on
Mark
Did you see Corey Parker turning on the tears as he announced his retirement, there will be plenty more tears on Wednesday night at full time when he plays his last origin at suncorp, and it will be a loss because the Blues want revenge.
Everyone hates Gallen but I hate Queensland so that makes us even.
Rocket, my esky wants to know when you plan to return his joke book and IQ, my esky said to let you know that you can borrow his IQ and joke book until the next time NSW win, so have them ready to hand back Wednesday night.
Submitted by The Thinker on
I've been outsmarted by many an esky* over the years. I don't think that necessarily means I am an idiot.
Esky technology has come a long way.
* translation for our Kiwi cousins - Esky = Chully Bun
Submitted by a on
Here is the update for the people in the non tipping ladder
Here is the updated ladder
Islander 72
Dragonsfan4ever 64
BigPeteBx 63
That makes Islander lead by 8 1 less than last week still anyone game
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