South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium
It seems a long time ago, but it wasn't, when the Rabbitohs and Tigers were at the top of the table. Both teams won their first two games of the season, and by convincing margins. The Bunnies scored 90 points in their first two outings, but they haven't scored 20 points in a game since. The Tigers scored 70 points in their first two outings, and have scored 20 points in a game just once since. I'm no mathemagician, but if you want to win games you need to be scoring points. Last weekend the Tigers conceded 60 in what will probably be their low water mark in season 2016 - at least I hope it was. We're likely to see a Dead Tigger Bounce on Thursday night but how high can Tigger bounce? These two teams have managed just one win between them in the last six rounds, but at least the Bunnies had a go last Friday night. Clearly the Tigers put the cue in the rack against the Raiders, and that's not rugby league. Not the rugby league I like I tells ya. Neither team can be tipped with confidence but I can't the Tigers full stop.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4
Result - Tigers 30 defeated Rabbitohs 22
Parramatta Eels vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – ANZ Stadium
These sides met back in round three on this night at this venue, and the Eels absolutely dominated. The Bulldogs scored a consolation try to make the score (look) respectable, but all respect was with the Eels that night. Their forwards were expected to crumble under Bulldog pressure but crumble they did not. What makes that performance even more impressive is that they were without Nathan Peats and Manu Ma'u in that game, and both players are lacing on boots on Friday. Semi 'The Big Australian' Radradra scored two tries in round three in one of his best performances thus far. Given his recent call-up to national honours another big game wouldn't surprise. The Bulldogs are hard to get a read on this season - they drift in and out of games like a truck driver 42 hours into a 48 hour shift. If they're on they'll win, but they're on less often than Bert Newton at the minute.
Verdict – Eels by 8
Result - Eels 20 defeated Bulldogs 12
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday afternoon – Carrington Park
Last week I pointed out how much the Panthers were scoring every round. They maintained the pattern in round 8 so I may as well point it out again - 22, 16, 23, 12, 20, 18, 16, 18. It doesn't seem to matter whether they're playing the Broncos or the Roosters, the Panthers score about the same number of points every game. The Raiders usually score more points than that, including in round one when they beat the Panthers 30-22 in Canberra. Now this game isn't in Canberra but it's not in Penrith either. Segeyaro returns this week, with Wallace switching back to the halves to replace the injured Martin. That's a darn good spine the Panthers have there (Segeyaro, Wallace, Soward and Moylan), but it might take them a week or two to gel. The Raiders are outsiders but backable at the price.
Verdict – Raiders by 2
Result - Panthers 19 defeated Raiders 18
Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium
I've an uneasy feeling saying this, but the Roosters are rolled-gold, lock-of-the-week, get-in-the-queue, red-spot specials this week. Everyone's favourite dog handler is back and he's bringing Waerea-Hargreaves with him. Those two will be desperate to get off the leash and onto the field. Here's to you Mrs Robinson had a bit of a spray after the ANZAC Day game, but let's be blunt - when you let your opponent get out to an 18-0 lead you can't afford a single dud call from an official. Laugh about it shout about it when you've got to choose. Every way you look at it you lose. The Knights have named a squad of 20 for this game so it's hard to know what their team will look like, but they haven't named Mullen and this very young Knights side will struggle without an experienced organiser and playmaker.
Verdict – Roosters by 20
Result - Roosters 38 defeated Knights 0
Manly Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – Brookvale Oval
The big news leading into this game is that Sea Eagles captain Jamie Lyon has announced he will retire at the end of this season so he can focus on representative footy. Hyuk hyuk hyuk....I like that one....well done Thinker old chap. Regardless of whatever sense of occasion the Lyon announcement brings, the Cowboys are too good. Far too good.
Verdict – Cowboys by 10
Result - Cowboys 34 defeated Sea Eagles 18
New Zealand Warriors vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium
It looks like those bookies are going to let me back the Dragons again this weekend. Granted they have to travel all the way from Sydney to Auckland, but the Warriors have to travel all the way from Melbourne to Auckland. If this game were in Sydney I suspect the Dragons would be favourites, but the Dragons have won 6 from 9 at Mt Smart. In fact, the Dragons have only lost to the Warriors four times anywhere. Warriors coach Andrew McFadden shook the cage and told everyone to lift their game or else. That didn't work last time and I've no reason to believe it will work this time. Mannering out. Lolohea out. I can't have them.
Verdict – Dragons by 4
Result - Warriors 26 defeated Dragons 10
Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium
The Storm haven't unleased in attack too often this season, but they did last week and they did in round two when they played the Titans in Melbourne. Billy Slater was a late withdrawal from that game and the virtually unknown Curtis Scott stepped in to fill the void. A 42-0 victory last round is difficult to ignore, even if the opposition that day was questionable. While the Titans have shown plenty of competitive spirit in recent weeks they've still lost four games in a row. I've no doubt they'll be competitive again this Sunday, but they're facing a team who know how to win the close games better than anyone else.
Verdict – Storm by 1
Result - Storm 38 defeated Titans 0
Cronulla Sharks vs Brisbane Broncos – Sunday afternoon – Southern Cross Group Stadium
Those in the Shire are getting a little bit excited about their team in season 2016...and that's okay. They're winning games and they're playing with an expansive flair that we haven't seen from Cronulla for many years. But....and there's always a but, the Broncos have conceded just one try in their last three games. Cronulla are one of the form teams in the competition but the Broncos are the form team in the competition. Nikorima will be tested by the Cronulla forwards in the nine jersey as he takes on more minutes, but the return of Alex Glenn for the visitors eases some of my concerns on that front. It's the game of the round and it will go to the wire. Broncos...just
Verdict – Broncos by 4
Result - Sharks 30 defeated Broncos 28
Wally Lewis - round nine selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- RABBITOHS vs Tigers
- EELS vs Bulldogs
- PANTHERS vs Raiders
- ROOSTERS vs Knights
- Sea Eagles vs COWBOYS
- WARRIORS vs Dragons
- Titans vs STORM
- Sharks vs BRONCOS
Comments
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
That doesnt sound good Coach, but I get your drift with a free-for-all to go anywhere and play attitude, that was given.
We mightn't like that proposal, but there is a bank that would - ANZ.
Cheers Coach - Big Pete Bx
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Fortress - I hope u r yelling hard on The Eagles. Half time looks like a bad case of catchup footy in 2nd half. Cowboys are dangerous, but give them credit because they've been good all season, so far. I doubt Thurston has put a foot wrong. I'll hear back from you Bro.
Marty Kapow better be getting into it, because I feel he's been coasting along on many occasions this season. At least Willy Mason gave his all when he played with us. It might have been in bursts, but he gave his all.
Cheers Fortress - Big Pete in Bx.
Submitted by The Joker on
Update: Cows 34 Manly 6... *puts hand on mouth*
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Concentrating on the game, no worries Fortress. A true supporter, I'm sure you'll stay there til the siren. Don't worry about the 12,000 fans around you walking out. They don't know what they're missing.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Manly playing their next home game against Broncos at Suncorp. Sublime arrogance, stupidity, or both?
Submitted by a on
Cowboys are the best Manly are the worst everyone knows it
Submitted by fortress eagle on
coach at least i get out to the games and support the team i love and the game i love and not just sit there and dribble and blow wind we tried hard had some troops missing big pete from sx box we had our chances too much dropped ball cant do that,just a little message to cowgirl u think manly get ref calls hope u were watching the game tonite what a face these refs are sub standard ref the cowgirls deserved to win but the ref was not of nrl standard none of them are anyway we have a bye then hope to get back troops for another favouriter of the nrl bennetts team who believe they are owed a comp after losing last years gf,cheers to you big pete of sx box we wil be there mate dont worry the broncs and the cowgirls are the favoirites but its a long season lets hooe when they get there 5 day turnarounds injuries catch up with them sport is a funny game i beleive there is a twist to this comp yet i will never give up and i know u wont mate we will be there mate all the best mate chat soon big pete of sx box and last but not least go the mighty eaglessssssssssssss
Submitted by fortress eagle on
everyone knows it cowgirl no you see only u have that opionion and ther rest of the haters like you dont worry ur team will come unstuck big injuries comming up i hope u see cowgirl its a long season we will be hunting u down and i will be waiting to wipe the smile of ur aveage team and your face cant wait just cant wait anyway have a good day at ur pension lawn bowls day with rest of your cowgirls,predicting major injuries soon to your stars you will sink like the titanic cant wait its comming cowgirl its comming and you will then feel how were feeling praying for ur downfall and once again go the mighty eaglessssssssssssss
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
I understand your concerns Coach and I thought what was going on here.
Apparently 14th May is a double header at The Thunderdome/Cauldron.
Must be dollars in it, promised from NRL for Manly to offer to take the match up there. Oh well, some would do it, but lots wont be able to travel to it. I think I saw an advert where Manly Supporters/Travel Club are arranging a pretty good deal and outings, for those who wish to go.
Big Pete Bx
Submitted by fortress eagle on
you see coach and cowgirl i follow my team through thick and thin not just when there winning ,praying for your teams downfalls it will happen sport can be a cruel thing few broken legs to major stars then it will be on cant wait to see u both squirming cant wait and once again go the mighty eaglesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
She'll be right Fortress - we'll be hanging out.
Rep games to come, including SoO and then the injuries follow.
Others will see how others are feeling, until the comp can settle down to play steady footy until the finals. Manly wont be dead and buried. We might be the most hated and disliked, but we manage and handle that so well. You do know that Manly loves to be Hated, dont you. Thats what fuels us and we get back into winning ways like that. Give Barrett time to mould this side and then we can kick on. How did Marty Kapow go tonight. He needs a needle in his arse these first few rounds. I'm not picking on our players but I never as a sports coach carried loafers. Cheers Champ - have an ale and just play cool at The Thinker site. I can see the psychology a few play on here. I just love the way they "niggle". There's a couple of real Tommy Raudonikis' here. Go The Blue Heelers.
Cheers - Big Pete Bx
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Wind huh? You sound a bit winded yourself there Fortress, not quite yourself. Copped one in the solar plexus tonight I would reckon. Lots of Internet data to sneak in there in the middle that the better team won, but at least you owned up to it. Next two away v Broncos and Sharks. Tough draw. No wins last year without Stewart, no wins this year without Stewart. Dont think that's just a coincidence. Better hope he gets back soon.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Apart from the fact that 35,000 Brisbanites will show up to the game why would Manly give up a home game? You can guarantee that there won't be much cash left after Suncorp and the Broncos take their cut, so that leaves Manly with nothing really to show, and more importantly their fans who can afford Beachvale, but not the flights, accommodation, miss out on a game at home. I feel that it's just another way that the game is moving away from the people.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
That Manly Supporters Travel Club is a gee-up right?
Submitted by fortress eagle on
you are a legend big pete of xbox no mate im fine just a passionate supporter i mean why cant the nrl get better rfs this is sub standard this is the best footy comp in the world the toughest as far as skill talent speed its rthe best beats the poms comp by a billion miles yet we have these inept disgusting refs who not in just tonites game but in most of the games for all the teams are destroying the ethic of what if fair and what is not they are deciding most of the games the 50/50 calls when the game is on the line they are deciding no one in there riteful mind can tell me that they have faith in these gronks who call themselves nrl first grade refs and yes they are human we all make mistakes but the thing is its not just some mistakes its hundreds year in year out and im talking out for all clubs get rid of them and bring in refs that are fitter faster have the balls to make the rite calls get rid of the bunker make the decision on the ground than the fans will start believing again at the moment its a lottery,i love my team and i love the game the greartest game of all but the people who are running the game anfd the refs are destroying the heart of it the broncos do not run the nrl but have a look at them thinking that whatever they do whatever they say is gospal wish we can go bavk to the god old days when the plasyers played foer the love of the game yes they got paid but they als had real jobs and they played it hard and fair no its al;l bout bums on seats with inept administraters and disgraceful referees who have no idea its a farce,on the good side we support a tough strong willed great footy team who never give up just like us the fans dont worry toupu willm improve and when we get the full team onn the park lon ger turnarounds we will be there in the top 4 and fighting for the title talk soon big pete of s box u are a chamion just like the great and mighty sea eagles and last but not least go the mighty sea eaglesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Submitted by a on
Fortress Cowboys won because they are the best
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
Thanks for the advice big Pete of Sx box u are a legend mate good to have a mighty eagles supporter on here with me it's a real shame that there arnt too many people like us who have good taste like me and you mate chat soon buddy and as always go the mighty sea eaglessssssssssssssssss!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hey Fortress, do you have the lowdown on whether Lyon taking up a contract in Hollywood next year?
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/sea-eagles/video-m...
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Forget about the farcical refereeing that doesn't pick this one up, think more about the integrity of the player involved. Lyon, happy to cheat to win. Just like Reynolds on Friday night, pretended to be knocked out with 5 minutes to go, wins a penalty, but somehow ok not to need a concussion test. Too bad these cheaters didn't prosper.
Submitted by a on
Lyon has got a prize for the best dive of the year
Submitted by The Thinker on
No doubt the Manly club are getting paid to take this game to Suncorp. The Melbourne Storm were heavily involved from the get-go and its definitely a financial windfall for them.
Tourism Queensland/Events Queensland are also involved - so there would be money for the clubs coming from there and from the NRL.
All expenses would be covered, and they get (guessing) $200,000 for coming.
And there's a decent break before they play this game. The clubs gets to do some promotional stuff in a part of the country that likes the game. Both teams will have club members in this region - I'm sure they'll be organizing an event that said members can come along too. Billy Slater gets to earn his salary by pressing the flesh and visiting some new schools.
Manly need the coin - and let's be honest - they're not likely to beat the Broncos anywhere at the moment.
It's a great initiative....good on the Storm for pushing hard to make it happen.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Too bad their fans don't travel to away games.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
No doubting its also some sort of showcase of a stadium : capacity 50k trying to sell itself as the new Grand Final venue. Can't wait for this to happen and then two Sydney teams play in front of empty seats. Everyone knows Qld'ers are not NRL fans. They dont turn up unless it's to support their own . They don't turn on the tele unless it's to support their own. #NoSuncorpG/F
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
Keep the hate comming we love it don't we big Pete of Sx box like the famose words of the immortal and greatest ever bobby Fulton they only hate us cause there jelouse and by the way cowgirl and coach if u go back and look at the game thurston jumps up and down during one of his so called try's when he clearly knew he had knocked it on carrying on like a raving lunatic trying to cheat to win ey but of course we shouldn't mention that should we cause his not a manly player I mean you see big Pete of Sx box my fellow mighty eagle the haters just won't go away dear oh dear cheers to you big Pete of Sx box hope ur having a great day regards from fortress eagle and as I always say go the mighty eaglessssssss!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
Oh is that so killer is a cheat is he well coach and cowgirl if u go back and look at the game mr thurston jumps up and down like a raving lunatic thinking he has scored when clearly he knocked it on cheating to win ey but then again we shouldn't mention it should we cause his not a manly player in the famouse words of the greatest of all the immortal bobby Fulton they only hate us cause there jelouse dear oh dear keep the hate comming we love it and a huge hello to my fellow mighty eagle big Pete of Sx box see mate the haters just won't go away bit we love it mate have a great day buddy chat soon and as I always say go the mighty eaglesssssss!!!!!!!!!!!! B
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Keep guarding that fort buddy. Take no bloody prisoners. You're hilarious. Just what this page needs.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
The game is heading to be electronic Baggy Gee.
Think back to when Super League was in Murdoch's vision. He couldnt have given a rats over bums on seats. All he wanted was TV rights to televise matches. Thus, I dont have Pay TV and I vote at all times for Free to Air when then surveys are about. I also look ahead at us all, as to affordabilty of the paying for such "luxuries" when we are pensioners and as to what we really want as TV content.
Cheers BG and have a nice Sunday
Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good one Coach, probably is part of QLD Tourism lure as well.
At least Benny (Wayne B) spoke out about traditions a few weeks ago and keeping NRL Grand Final in Sydney.
Money is being injected into transforming round stadiums back to square, so spectators can be closer to the action. Now the SCG has a nice note to it, why not take NRL Grand Final back there, as long as it doesnt interfere with Sydney Swans matches. But that depends on the greed in sport and what the holding capacity is in the comparable scale, as to who gets and when.
Cheers Coach - sun shining here today and nice breeze to add.
Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
So killer is a cheat coach and cowgirl look at thurston jumping up and down after he made out he scored a try after a clear knock on dear oh dear
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Coach - it'd be bumper to bumper over The Harbour Bridge and they would sell the house down.
But that would only happen if some political dollars from Baird and Abbott could be granted to resurrect Brookvale Oval. I can see why supporters from others clubs might feel similar, in ways.
Spend our money at home to get better facilities. If it was a two-way street, yes travel.
Remember Penrith Panthers (Gus G - then GM) offered West Sydney Wanderer's to play at Penrith Park (Pepper Stadium) as opposed to Parramatta Stadium (Pirtek), due to the support they were attracting, as not all supporters could attend matches, due to sell-out.
Now the Councils are also an issue, because they want their rates paid and if Councils merge/amalgamate, that might be better for Manly RLFC, as they have been hacked, kicked, pushed and shoved about Brookvale Oval with ad hoc increases in rates and payment fees.
I'd love to see all grounds and stadiums looked after, as I dream of what could be, when you see some of the English/European venues in football (soccer). Cheers - Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
We are the champions my friends and will keep on fighting to the end,
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Aah mate - sure do.
Bozo (The Legend) loved him when I was growing up. Never met him but saw him play when Western Division defeated Manly in AMCO Cup at Wade Park Orange. Also saw him play a couple of times in Sydney when I visited. Stayed at Brookvale Hotel which was between Manly Leagues Club and Brookvale Oval, in those days. It was bedlam getting home along the "escape routes".
To be quite honest, I think there are many players from many clubs who have registered with Actors Equity for a life after football - acting.
They seem to be all trying it in matches, to persuade the ref, or confirm the action, so they can quicken it up and not go upstairs to the Video Ref (Bunker).
Cheers - Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Fortress certainly will Coach - he's The John Wayne of this Thinker site.
He's rough, he's tough and he takes no s-hit from anyone.
Cheers - Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It's ok to move towards a better balance of televised and live, but 2 old guard AFL clubs managed to get 80,000 to the G for a club game. We have had games this year where the 10,000 hasn't been broken, and they weren't out in Bathurst. Having been to ANZ and watched it half empty is terrible compared to Pirtek or Suncorp when its 75-85% capacity and vocal. Lets keep the game cheap enough for the average Joe to take the family, expensive enough that the clubs can support themselves and local so you can still watch your team go around where you first started the journey with them.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes mate - it can only get better. Just note to all readers what was achieved under Tooves, when the courageous fighting spirit, set loose and Manly just missed the 8 - last season.
Hey Fortress, we'll have to try and meet or catchup some time. I met a supporter one day through supporters site and we kept in contact via home email, as he resigned from their site over inequalities in member "blogging".
Cheers and have a nice Sunday - Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks Fortress Bro, in those kind comments.
Bathurst was 200 years old last year and as Australias Oldest Inland City - 200 Living Local Legends were nominated to celebrate the cities birthday. It was something appreciated and never expected, but I was one of those "legends". Not a bad effort I guess out of a 40,000 plus city population.
Cheers mate and you have an extended nice Sunday - its now half gone.
Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Broncos streak of 5 ends.
Sharks streak of 6 continues.
History shows when Sharks best three streaks have totalled 10+ wins, they go deep into September every time. $7 to win at the moment is not bad odds .
I also note, after Broncos, Cowboys, Sharks, Storm, Eels - the Panthers are next. 6th line of betting huh? Ahead of Bulldogs, ahead of Sea Eagles. I thought we were meant to finish bottom 4.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Anyone realise there was footy played today?
Oh yeah. That's right.
Broncos lose and their fans go into hiding.
Weak Wallies.
Geez, you wouldn't want to go down to Manly in 2 weeks time.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Fortress - u were up late mate doing this one. Oh watch the comments roll in now. I picked Sharks in tipping, to cause an upset today.
Now regarding referee's. Let this cheer you up. Some blasts from the past and remember most of them, did it in the middle, on their own.
Keith Barnes, Bill Harrigan, Greg Hartley, Keith Holman, Ashley Klein (born in Bathurst and I knew his dad from Rural Bank days), Darcy Lawler, Col Pearce, Barry Gomersall, Kevin Roberts, Greg McCallum, Keith Page, Mick Stone, Gary Cook, Eddie Ward. John Gocher.
These mate are some names that came flooding back to me this afternoon in memories. I'd say it would have come down to Col Pearce and Bill Harrigan as to being the best. I knew Bill from my Police Boys Club (now PCYC) days when he used to come to Bathurst with NSW Police - TRG. He was the fittest and they reckon that Col Pearce was the fairest. Anyway mate, I dont know your age, but there is certainly some names there to go by, when you feel down with current refereeing standards.
Cheers mate and keep well. Have a good week and also to you other tippers and stirrers.
Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Anythings possible Coach. Especially north of the border. Manly has a pretty fair success rate at Broncos home grounds - I think.
The others will come out of the woods mate. Bronco's will have been served a good lesson today, but Sharks got in front and hung it out until the end. A good comeback by Bronc's and Sharks need to take from that also.
Cheers - Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by a on
Oh Fortress keep on talking shit because it's funny
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
Dear oh dear cowgirl getting a bit personal are we naughty naughty here is something just for you I'm sorry it was a silent one u wouldn't of heard it . Saying a big hello to my fellow great eagles supporter big Pete how are you mate would rather talk to you buddy than that waste of space glad the sharks beat those panzie banana benders great win hope we can knock them off then hoping the cowgirls get thumped as well don't worry mate it will happen they can't stay up forever and the only way is down be good buddy and we will meet up omeday hopefully on the hill of the famouse hill at fortress brooky by the way mate I'm on my 20's ok but heard of all those legendary players I really miss the moose Rex mossop what a legend and a very nice man I met him once at the fortress he is dearly missed by all of us chat soon champ and as always go the mighty sea eaglesssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
I'm just crazy bout the way u move doin the eagle rock. That's for you big Pete daddy cools smash hit from the 70's which is our team song I love it and when it's packed at the fortress I get everyone to clap as one it creates a great atmosphere mate.
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
Got 6 out of 8 in my tips not bad at all week off for the reps getting ready to fly to suncorp next week for the bananna benders let's hope 2 lossess on the trot and the cowgirls lose that would make my weekend go the mighty sea eaglesssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by a on
Nah we will beat the Storm
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Warriors....hmmmm.....the typical rollercoaster...win when you should lose and lose when you should win.....after the weekend keep the same 17 who played the Dragons with maybe only injured players Mannering and Lolohea considered. Leave those that broke team protocol in reserve grade!!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans,
I've updated the tipping comp and the NRL ladder - top score in round 9 was 6 from 8 and there were plenty of you. Well done. Rick stays at the top but Footy Chick/Dick is starting to loom. The Thinker has fallen through the pack faster than Josh Reynolds milking a penalty.
A break from the NRL this weekend but I will be posting my preview of the ANZAC Test plus my tips for the rest of the representative footy this weekend.
All the best
Submitted by a on
Here is my updated ladder for the people in the non tipping compertition
Islander 46
The_NRL_Whisperer 40
Dragons fanboy 2007 38
BigPeteBx 38
The Joker 31
I remove a couple of people who seem to have left us that makes it 5 people competing with Islander out in front
Submitted by Coach Potato on
On the point of the Panthers field goal, why should it have been disallowed? The players just stood still, and the defender made the contact. Were they obliged to step to one side and wave the defender through? Come off it.
In the case of blockers in a kick chase, players are definitely allowed to stand their ground aren't they? (Everyone nod yes). Defenders making contact with someone standing still, and not changing line, that's the defender's problem.
In the case of an attacking decoy runner play, if the defender initiates the contact, that's their problem and it's not an obstruction right? (Everyone nod yes)
Think back again to the field goal where Panthers players are standing still. Surely it can't be obstruction for a defender barging into you. Who's to say Wallace was not going to run it instead? Why is there a problem just because he decided to kick?
To me it doesn't contravene any rules. The NRL and other teams just don't like that Penrith thought of it first.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I've got the solution to the City-Country dilemma. Hope someone's listening.
For decades people have been unhappy with the City Country fixture.
1/ It's pits possible teammates against each other and the obvious possibility of injuring each other.
2/ The whole thing about fighting tooth and nail against each other and then suddenly forming a team. Not logical.
Here's my answer and this week's rep games triggered my thought.
Why not City take on Fiji, followed by Country taking on PNG - or vice versa.
1/ You would be doing a favour to the minnow nation by exposing them to NRL standard
2/ You would give selectors a proper chance to look at what the City and Country players bring.
I think it's worth a try.
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