Round nineteen selections

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans – Friday night – UOW Jubilee Oval

Eighth plays ninth and the winner stays in the top half of the competition for at least another round (unless the Titans win and the Panthers beat the Eels by a lot more than anyone expects). I'm assuming Josh Dugan won't be playing after his jaw ran into the shoulder of Greg Inglis on Wednesday night - can it really be a shoulder charge when you're standing still? Nightingale is the logical replacement at fullback and he's not the sort of man to let his club down. These sides met earlier in the year and the Dragons prevailed on the Gold Coast by 19 points to 12. The Dragons have a very strong overall record against the Titans but, oddly enough, the Titans have won two from three at Kogarah. In any case this will be game number 250 in the NRL for Benji Marshall, and while his best football was with another club I'm sure the Dragons would like to celebrate that milestone with a win. Note that the Dragons have only scored more than 20 points in a game twice this year - once they scored 24 and lost and the other occasion was 30 points against the team running last. The Titans on the other hand have scored more than 20 points in a game on eight occasions. For the Dragons to win they'll need to contain the Titans attack, but I think they can I think they can.

Verdict – Dragons by 1

Result - Titans 32 defeated Dragons 12

Manly Sea Eagles vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday afternon – NIB Stadium

Despite the online bravado from the Sea Eagles fans on this site, Manly have lost seven of their last eight games, and another loss here sees them in danger of being overtaken on the ladder by a team that had 12 points docked from their total. While most of their wins this season have been against the poorer teams (Roosters, Dragons, Knights) I will give them some credit for two of their wins:

  • they're the last team to beat the Sharks - way back in round three; and
  • they did beat the Warriors in New Zealand - way back in round six.

Obviously that win over the Warriors is worth noting, and while this game isn't at Brookvale the Sea Eagles have been clever enough to pick up a cheque and take this game to Perth. That's a long way for the Warriors to travel - they've played in Perth on four previous occasions and they're yet to win. Given they struggle to win when they travel to Sydney it's hardly surprising that the trip to Perth knocks them around. All those big Warriors in those tiny little airline seats. The Warriors are a warm favourite and on form that makes perfect sense but the travel has me leaning the other way.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 2

Result - Sea Eagles 15 defeated Warriors 14

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium

Those at Redfern Central will tell you the Bunnies can still make the finals. They aren't lying, but they do need to win seven of their last eight games, and during those eight games they have to play the teams that are currently 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th on the ladder. That's quite a mountain they have to climb, and they haven't looked like mountaineers all season. Basecamp is the Broncos this weekend, who don't have to climb a mountain but they do have to dig themselves out of a hole. While they were completely flogged by the Storm last start I, like Wayne Bennett, saw glimpses of their best, particularly in the first ten minutes. The biggest concern is their defence, but I expect that's been a focus for them during the last two weeks - it needs to be. Reynolds was ruled out of Origin with injury but he's been named here ???, meanwhile this game will be without Greg Inglis and Corey Parker who are suspended following the chaos on Wednesday night. The Broncos have tapered mid-season previously and if my hunch is right they will rise again and prove to be a force when it matters most.

Verdict – Broncos by 7

Result - Broncos 30 defeated Rabbitohs 10

Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – Hunter Stadium

Bellamy may be tempted to rest a few of his key assets this weekend, but he probably won't and he probably shouldn't. The Knights on a Sunday afternoon should never be taken for granted, and the return of Mullen in the halves can only help. That said, the Storm were both clinical and brilliant in their dismantling of the Broncos, and anything near that level has to be too good for the Knights. That round 26 clash between the Storm and the Sharks looks more important every week.

Verdict – Storm by 22

Result - Storm 20 defeated Knights 16

Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels – Sunday afternoon – Pepper Stadium

Rugby League is a team game, but the Eels beat the Roosters last weekend thanks to one player. That one player, Corey Norman, won't be playing this Sunday after being stood down by the club for you know what. So all of a sudden the Eels are without their most creative player and their most potent attacking weapon following the injury to Semi Radradra. Once again, the schedule has fallen favourably for the Penrith Panthers, but I said that last week and they got flogged anyway. Moylan, Mansour and Peachey return for the home side and they're close enough to full strength. I can't tip them confidently, and at $1.28 they are at toxic odds that shouldn't be touched by your worst enemy, but I'll give them another chance to prove to me they are the team I think they can be.

Verdict – Panthers by 8

Result - Panthers 22 defeated Eels 18

Sydney Roosters vs Cronulla Sharks – Monday night – Allianz Stadium

Why take $1.28 about the Panthers when you can take $1.48 about the Sharks? Excellent question Thinker....gamble responsibly.

Verdict – Sharks by 10

Result - Sharks 32 defeated Roosters 20

Wally Lewis - round nineteen selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

  • DRAGONS vs Titans
  • Sea Eagles vs WARRIORS
  • Rabbitohs vs BRONCOS
  • Knights vs STORM
  • PANTHERS vs Eels
  • Roosters vs SHARKS

Comments

Fortress eagle's picture

And well done the mighty blues on a magnificent victory, the dawning of a new and dominate era

Doin the Eagle Rockkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Coach Potato's picture

The only Eagle playing was a Queenslander.

Rocket Ryan's picture

Not agood look all the blue grubs walking off mid presentation coach tigerholic I'd be disappointed if we ever engaged in such a gutless act

Fortress hope you haven't been betting on the eagles number one supporter like you could be in the know you know

Coach Potato's picture

I don't think you get any more disrespect if Gallen makes a speech @ Suncorp. Be serious.

Coach Potato's picture

What about Moylan at number 6 all the online experts?

Coach Potato's picture

Eat humble pie and take a gaviscon to keep it down.

a's picture

Gallen is disrecpctful

The Joker's picture

Gallen is a legend!!!
Typical redneck Queenslander can't spell Ha!

The Joker's picture

UP THE BLUUUEEEEESSS!!!!!!!

The Joker's picture

Titans
Kiwis
Broncs
Storm
Eels
Sharks

Rocket Ryan's picture

Play your panthers card a few more times this week coach shes all gone round 20 will be front row to give you updates
Whos on the couch with you and thinker

Dragonsfan4ever's picture

Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:

Dragons by 4- The mighty Dragons to get back into winning form with a tight win against the Titans.

Warriors by 10- Manly have a too depleted of a side to beat the Warriors. But, the Warriors have not won at nib Stadium. But I think that the Warriors will win there first game at nib Stadium in this one. Manly just have too many injuries.

Rabbitohs by 8- The Rabbitohs to upset the Broncos here. With the suspensions, Inglis is going to miss 4 games, and Parker possibly is going to this game. But the Broncos do get the experienced Thaiday back backing up from origin an coming back from suspension. I think that the Rabbitohs are going to bounce back here and they are going to get their season kick started again here.

Storm by 14- I don't know what is with the Knights when they play the Storm but they seem to play well against the Storm no matter how they're going. This will be the same again, the Knights will really give it there all to the Storm. But, the Storm will run away with it in the end and they'll get a the win by quite a margin.

Eels by 8- Yes yes I think that the Eels will continue on their merry ways with an important win if they're any chance of making the 8 against the Panthers.

And finally... the Sharks by 8- The Sharks will just prove a too classy of a team for the Roosters here making it 14 in a row and to remain on top of the ladder.

Awesome that's done. This is going to be some round this week. Some great action coming up this week. Good luck with your teams if they're playing in this round and also good luck with your tips. Hope that I do well this week and hopefully that the mighty red V team can get the win this week. And finally, just want to give my support to Christine, I'm aware that you are doing it tough at the moment with bullies picking on you. Just stay strong and fight off those bullies then they'll stop picking on you and all will end well. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dragonsfan4ever's picture

Sorry I meant that Parker is posisibly going to miss this game.

Dragonsfan4ever's picture

Oh and also congratulations to Benji Marshall playing his 250th NRL game this week. We'll send him out a winner tomorrow night.

Dragonsfan4ever's picture

Hey Christine, sorry I thought that you were getting bullied, well the fact is that you're not thankfully. Well good luck to your ms hope she gets well soon. And hope that you are well. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!

christine's picture

Dragons 4 ever My farther has been a long time supporter of dragons & yes I have been bullied in the past , present , & i'm sure in the future on this website which is really pathetic & completely un called for but such is life & coach before you say it ,it's a different story when it's happening to you so don't go there coach , no one should get bullied on this website & now that i'm posting this comment to you watch what happens .

a's picture

Here are my tips

Titans by 2 With Dugan out I think Titans are going to win

Warriors by1 I think Warriors are going to win in a thiller here

Broncos by 8 with Ingles out it is safe to tip the Broncos here

Storm by 30 I think Storm are going to continue Knights misery here

Panthers by 12 I think Panthers should be able to pile on more misery for the Knights

Sharks by 2 Well I tipped against them the last couple weeks to end their streak and that didn't work but if I tip them they might end their streak and I want them to so I am ti[[ing them

a's picture

And put me down for Storm in your competition please Coach

christine's picture

My tips for rd 19
titans
warriors
broncos
storm
panthers
sharks
coach for your comp titans

christine's picture

Was last night supposed to be the last origin game for rabs to commentate ?

BoozeMaster2000's picture

Holy crap!! I know I’m new around here, but I need to ask a stupid question. Is fortress eagle on some type of medication? Because I think he just wrote that he wants to pin somebody onto a dart board and throw darts at their face. Actually, I’m starting to think Fortress might actually be Cliff Lyons.

Anywho, what a game last night!! Credit to the cockroaches, they were the better team on the night. But, the boys in maroon put everything into it, defended their line like their lives depended on it. Showed true courage and queensland spirit. All in all, it resulted in a fantastic game which kept me on the edge of my seat till the end. And, made me laugh my arse off when Woods faceplanted himself trying to leap onto the celebration pack!!

Also, on a side note, I notice origin is no longer promoting the teams as the cockroaches and the canetoads? Why is that? Now its just the blues and the maroons, which seems heaps boringer.

My tips for this week:

I think the dragons will just scrape through with a win.
New Zealand with a comfortable win over the Sea Eagles (despite cramming themselves into those small airline seats for 12 hrs.)
Brisbane to get back into form with a win.
Melbourne to dominate over the knights.
Originally, was going to tip the Eels, but after reading Thinkers take on the Norman affair, I think I’ll go with him on this one and tip the panthers.
And, I’ll take the Sharks.

Coach, (if I’m still on the couch because I forget who I tipped last week), please put me down for Brisbane.

Thanks.

The Thinker's picture

Update - Benji Marshall won't be playing this week. Urgh! My tip stands.

christine's picture

Alfie Well said.

Coach Potato's picture

If noone wants to take control, if we are all just meant to self-moderate, I dont think that will last very long before people just don't want to be associated with such garbage anymore -or maybe I just speak for myself.

Threatening violence against women. Enough really is enough Thinker.

christine's picture

Coach I couldn't agree more with you on this , Thinker or TLH can you guys step in here pls no one on this site has to be abused every time they comment ?

The Thinker's picture

Coach and Christine

I can't be here all the time, but the inappropriate comments have now been deleted and the comments from that contributor have been recorded as profane.

The sin bin awaits Fortress. Steady your ship or you'll be dry-docked.

christine's picture

Thinker thankyou I wasn't just speaking on my own behalf , I was speaking on behalf of everyone on this site but thankyou Thinker your work on & with this site is appreciated ...

christine's picture

Guys you can have this all to yourselves i'm not going to be threatened or abused just to post a comment on a football comp website & then when you ask for them to be silenced you get treated like you've done something wrong nah no more good bye .

Fortress eagle's picture

Really thinker go read the posts by others who have attacked me and my club. But maybe that means nothing coach and cowgirl and there mates think they have won, no they havnt I'm proud of myself to have been able to express my thoughts and opionions on this site, the manipulative behaviour where most of these people are mates is disgusting, no the bully's have not won I just had enough and stuck up for my self and my club, you have my respect for your decision thinker but it's over for me I will go somewhere where there is respect for your opionions and the love we all have for our clubs, no the bully's havnt won they have lost.

Big Pete keep up the fight against the bully's mate I just had enough and gave back what I copped I'm glad I don't want to be on this site anymore I'm so happy it's no use if u have a different opinion different thoughts the gang pack bullies who are all mates won't give you the respect and tge hatred too wards our great and legendery club will never end , keep up the spirit and tge fight for our mighty club I will be around in spirit buddy don't give up ok I guess my love and passion for my great club is too much for some people, but you keep up the fight for us on this site .all the best mate will always be thinking of you big Pete your a champion just like our champion club.

In closing thankyou thinker for allowing me to come on here and express my thoughts and opinions.when I first came on here I came on to talk footy but the constant hate bully's and attack just got to much and I gave it back while you may think it was too much hi woukd like you to read coaches and cowgirls and tge bully's and there mates on this site,t I love my club I bleed the mighty eagles for now and eternity and I'm proud of that, the fight is not over it's only just begun to get the respect my great club and the people who refuse to be bullied by others in all walks of life
.
Goodbye thinker , and goodbye big Pete and to all the footy lovers out there,

Bully's will never win ever good bye forever,

And go the mighty sea eaglessssssszssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssz

christine's picture

I do have one more thing to say if you don't mind , I've been told to make the most of it with what time I have left & coming to this website was my home away from home when I wanted to escape the reality of my illness but some people out there are just to selfish & have to ruin things for other people , this is the biggest battle of my life & I 'm in this battle alone so thanks for the time you've given me on this site but enough there won't be any more ...

Coach Potato's picture

Last One On The Couch - Week 5

Rocket - Rick has joined me and Thinker on the couch. Really wanted to buy myself the winning beanie too.

Boozemaster2000 - You tipped Canberra who beat the Cowboys. Let's hope the Broncos don't cause you more abnesia.

Christine - Didn't you hear, there was an exorcism. The people are free to return to the village. Plus, don't you want that beanie?

1. Coach - PAR_CRO_NZ_TIG (Pullin' Up A Couch)
2. Mark - NZ_COW_CAN_BUL (I’m Still Standin’)
3. Baggy - NZ_DRA_MAN(I’m Still Standin’)
4. Rick - NZ_MEL_CAN_PAN(Pullin' Up A Couch Somewhere)
5. Tailspin - PAR_DRA_TIG_BUL (I’m Still Standin’)
6. a - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)
7. Newbie - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)
8. Tigerholic - NZ_MEL_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)
9. Rocket - PAR_PAN_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)
10. christine - NZ_PAN_MAN_PAR(I’m Still Standin’)
11. Big Pete Bx - PAR_MEL_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)
12. Thinker - MEL(Pullin Up A Couch Somewhere)
13. BoozeMaster2000 - NZ_DRA_BUL_CAN (I’m Still Standin’)
14. Broncoswimmer - NZ_MEL_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)

Coach Potato's picture

.. sorry forgot to add those that have tipped so far this week

1. Coach - PAR_CRO_NZ_TIG (Pullin' Up A Couch)
2. Mark - NZ_COW_CAN_BUL (I’m Still Standin’)
3. Baggy - NZ_DRA_MAN(I’m Still Standin’)
4. Rick - NZ_MEL_CAN_PAN(Pullin' Up A Couch Somewhere)
5. Tailspin - PAR_DRA_TIG_BUL (I’m Still Standin’)
6. a - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL(I’m Still Standin’)
7. Newbie - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)
8. Tigerholic - NZ_MEL_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)
9. Rocket - PAR_PAN_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)
10. christine - NZ_PAN_MAN_PAR_G/C(I’m Still Standin’)
11. Big Pete Bx - PAR_MEL_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)
12. Thinker - MEL(Pullin Up A Couch Somewhere)
13. BoozeMaster2000 - NZ_DRA_BUL_CAN_BRI (I’m Still Standin’)
14. Broncoswimmer - NZ_MEL_CAN_BUL(I’m Still Standin’)

Coach Potato's picture

I hear Te Maire Martin is not far away from returning, same injury as Tedesco who has been back for weeks.

Cleary Moylan Mansour Martin all in the same backline.
Would be nice if it was by next Friday night.

a's picture

Fortress do you know that calling other people girls is not on you the one that started this

Dragonsfan4ever's picture

Christine, well said, I'll definitely watch out. I'm sorry that you've been bullied in the past, present and hopefully that you don't get bullied in the future. And that's awesome that your father is a long time and I'm sure a proud supporter of the mighty red V team the Dragons. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. this goes to everyone on this site, no one should get bullied.

a's picture

Yes exactly no one should get builled

Dragonsfan4ever's picture

Oh no Thinker, that's not good to hear. But I still think that the mighty red V team the Dragons will beat the Titans and my margin will stay the same. Whenever Benji plays his 250th whether it's next week or not, I hope that we win it for him. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dragonsfan4ever's picture

Oh no Thinker, that's not to hear as a Dragons fan. But I think that the mighty red V tem the Dragons will beat the Titans and I'll keep the margin as 4. Whenever Benji plays his 250th NRL game whether it's next week or not, hopefully that we will win for him. Cheers!!!!!!!!!

Coach Potato's picture

Not seeing the offensive aggressive threatening bordering on reportable to police comments deleted.

newbie from perth's picture

Hi everyone,

Well, the “perfect round” run has finally, and quite rightly, come to an end! Was very surprised the depleted Sharks managed the win last week but hey, that’s footy for ya! Well done Sharks, your record breaking run continues.

Absolute cracker SOO3 on Wednesday night. Even though this West Aussie barracks for the Maroons, overall I thought the Blues deserved to win, albeit very lucky at the end to sneak in. Great game nevertheless. Loved reading all the comments from you guys. Geez, some of you are very “passionate” aren’t you? Thank the Universe I’m a West Aussie. Don’t think I could maintain my demeanour otherwise. Hey, quite happy to sit back and have a vicarious perve on everyone else I must admit. Thanks for the entertainment guys. I look forward to it each and every time. Cheers.

OK, another weekend of footy is upon us so let’s get into it …

Titans - The Dragons had a shocker in their last game and maybe a week off will allow them to think things through and work on their game a bit. Titans haven’t been exciting me all that much lately but I do know they’re a tough, hard-at-it side and playing a slightly out-of-sorts Dragons mob, I reckon the Titans are an average to good chance of getting the bikkies here. Tough one (for me at least) but I’ll go the Titans.

Warriors - Manly finally ended their losing streak with an impressive performance against the Dragons but they’re struggling at the moment and it looks a big ask winning two in a row here in Perth Saturday. How will they handle playing in Perth? Not sure but the Warriors have been here a few times and have somewhat of a feel for NIB. I’m sure a lot of our friends from North Beach will be at the game cheering on the Sea Eagles for sure. Given their current form lines and first time at NIB, Manly might find it hard to knock off the Warriors this week. Peow! Peow! (Cheers JR)

Broncos - Both sides in pretty average form with the Rabbitohs in total disarray. The Broncos definitely have the talent running around the paddock and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Broncos, assuming they’re on their game, possibly smash the living daylights out of Souths. I could be wrong but you never know. Ponies for me.

Storm - This is Newbie’s “Last One On The Couch” game this week. I was impressed how the Knights got to a 22 point lead against the Raiders last time but they still managed to lose it. Obviously it’s gonna be way tougher playing the Storm than the Raiders. The only way the Storm won’t rack up a cricket score is if the Knights show us all they have some ticker or Melbourne take their foot off the gas. Seriously, Storm Troopers here for me.

Eels - OK, as we all know I am somewhat of a “newbie” with all the “history” concerning certain clubs over there on the East Coast and I have just discovered that this game is what you guys would term a “Western Sydney Derby” and it’s quite “competitive” shall we say? The Panthers should have possibly beaten the Sharks last week and that’s still fairly good form though. So too is the way Baggy’s BOYS came back at the Roosters last week and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Yeah, the Eels are in the wars at the moment but methinks they might come out this week and try and show the footy fraternity just what they’re made of. I reckon they’re in with a sneaky chance here. The Slippery Ones for me. Oh and BTW, over here in the West the local TAB has them at a very generous $3.55 in the H2H market (Panthers at $1.30). Worth a few bucks on the Eels I wonder?

Sharks - Again, as much as I hate to say this, I think my Beautiful Boys will get smacked on Monday. Just can’t see how we’re gonna counter the return of the Sharks’ SOO guys coming back. Near full strength Sharks with some extra days rest = heartache for Newbie. Yikes! Can’t believe the line over here is only 6 points. Really? Sharks for me.

Just realised all “home” sides last week and all “away” sides this week. There must be balance in the Cosmos!

OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Cheers.

P.S. Why is tuna sometimes called "tuna fish" but chicken is never called "chicken bird"? Hmmm…

LAST ONE ON THE COUCH
Coach, can you pencil the Storm in for me this week? Thanks mate…

Steel Panther's picture

Warriors woes in the west

1996 Western Reds 32-12
1997 Western Reds 24-12
2005 Cronulla 28-24
2012 Manly 24-22
2013 South Sydney 30-13
2014 South Sydney 34-13
2015 South Sydney 36-4

a's picture

Yes this is a no bullying site

mark ashford's picture

Hi all...not getting into the fortress thing enough stress losing SOO3
For me
Dragons
Manly
Broncos
Storm
Panthers
Sharks
Coach can you please put me down for Storm.

newbie from perth's picture

@ Steel Panther...

Hmmm, those Warrior stats in Perth are a bit of a concern eh? Food for thought I suppose and thanks for sharing. I'm hoping the "there's always the first time" rule possibly kicks in this weekend. Maybe, maybe not. Anyway, sitting here at work and it's just gone 6.05 in the morning WST so might get myself a coffee (my third so far) and check my emails from the Northern Hemisphere. Cheers Panther and good luck against Baggy's BOYS this week.

Dragonsfan4ever's picture

Hello Thinker can I just change one of my tips, I'm changing the Rabbitohs to Broncos to win by 4- The Rabbitohs will come close, but with Inglis out, and Parker playing for the Broncos, I think that the Broncos can sneak home here. The Rabbitohs' kick start won't happen this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steel Panther's picture

Newbie - Hope you're able to get to the game this weekend to give my team some support. Yea it's a pretty ugly picture when it comes to the Warriors traveling to your neck of the woods but ugly and Warriors are two words that belong together.

Needless to say I am tipping them this weekend. If the Warriors are serious about a top eight spot this season it starts this round.

Congrats Thinker on notching up another correct Origin tip.

Baggy_Gee's picture

I'll take the Titans in the last man standing comp please Coach.
I'm with the away teams this weekend. Should be an interesting one, my worry is the Warriors in Sydney.

christine's picture

Thanks for your support there mark , It's no wonder people are leaving this site guru craig , johnny ray , Christine but you would be screaming your head off if it was footy chick so good luck footy chick now it's all yours ...

tigerholic's picture

Bye Bye Fortress

tigerholic's picture

Christine

I don't think anyone really bullies people on this site, some like Fortress go over the top but I think generally there are a lot of passionate footy lovers who express their feelings.

Tigerholic has copped a bit this year but that is all a part of the banter on the site, I love the site and I hope to be a part of it for as long as it goes on.

I would like you to re-consider leaving, even if you make the occasional post it is still nice to hear from you. If you decide to leave I hope that everything goes well for you. There is more to life than just footy but the footy can be a great distraction when things sometimes don't always go as planned.

Take Care

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