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
Submitted by fortresseagle on
Thanks big Pete glad you liked it and yes will have to get eagle rocks to add some colour to his profile as well ,
We have 2 winnable games comming up the rabbits and the knights ,the knights game at the fortress brooky,if we can beat the rabbits than we will surly at brooky beat the knights which would mean we would be on a 4 game winning streak form suggests we should win both,
Teams above us on the ladder u would think will drop a couple of games looking at there draws which I have closely studied,we do have a great run home with 2 of our last 3 games at home
.
What looked like a miracle a couple of weeks ago could now be a reality let's just take it one step at a time the big motivating factor for the boys is to send the great man the killer Lyon out on the highest stage and a semi final appearance would be a fitting reward for a truly modern day great.
Be good big Pete I hope we can meet I know this is a bit of a dream but wouldn't it be something else if we can make the finals and you come with me and eagle rock and the rest of the mighty eagle flock and we win it would be a moment we would never forget mate and I'm sport anything can happen,
Chat with you soon big Pete have a great nite,,,,,,,,,,,,, and keep rockin the eaglesssssssssssss
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thinker did you think to get an autograph?
I think the Sharks were very lucky tonight. The two disallowed trys could easily have gone the Roosters way.
IMO the Roosters were the better side.
Coach do we have an update on the couch thing?
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Fortress (Capt/Sarge) - dreams can come true mate.
It would be good, but MW C Eagles take it week by week and there is that golden chance of making the 8. I think that if they make it, they wont be dislodged.
If not - we will meet. Even if one sunny Saturday/Sunday along Manly Beach doing routine inspections. I have no issues with that.
Wife works at optometrists and I can always get the pupils, re-set.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Nearly forgot to mention Fortress.
I tipped 6 out of 6 this week. Round 16 - 7 out of 7.
I missed the very first round here on this site.
The unattached tipping, are also rans, but we can match it with the guns in the "regular league".
Cheers and enjoy the rest of the week - Big Pete
Submitted by mark ashford on
BigPete you're lucky to have a wife, keep up those comments and you'll get more than your pupils reset!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Mark.
Coach Cooch might be enjoying The Couch.
He's been rather quiet the young chappy. Might be the cold weather.
He might have done a Nth Syd Bears and hibernated.
Hope he's ok. His Panthers were right in that game yesterday, where Eels started the stronger. Maybe Coach was celebrating the win and got locked in the club - ooh aah at home with the bar to himself.
Enjoy your week - Big Pete
Submitted by christine on
I finally caught rick on 95 points or so I don't upset the figures ( ninety five ) .
Submitted by EagleROCKS on
good ay to all the folks out there hi to big pete and the legend himself the fortress.nighty nights eagle rocks needs to rock to bed.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Agree with you Mark. Chooks desperately unlucky last night. I thought the Tupou "try" was definitely a try. It went upstairs as a try and there was enough hand on the ball and downward pressure to give it the nod in my opinion. At that stage the momentum was all with the Roosters.
Well done to those who tipped full rounds!!
Submitted by tigerholic on
Come on Coach, get your arse off the couch and back on track.
Submitted by Rick on
......................,.............yes Coach I am interested to see who has joined me you and thinker on the 'couch' this week :)
Submitted by Rick on
,................................................ Yes Christine I knew you were close I have my work cut out for me in the weeks ahead that's for sure :)
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Big Pete from north of Hobart, it is good see you and fortress in such high spirits, I can imagine the three of you dancing the night away at the Brookvale bash, even Bozo made an appearance, there is nothing like the silvertails high on Brookvale belief, the eagles were very good and some members are talking finals, I am a little harder to convince ,for me one swallow does not a summer make.
Submitted by fortresseagle on
Yes rocket true we have a long way to go but winning brings confidence and hopefully they can keep it up.
The same with your broncos I believe that souths win could be the turning point in there season,this weeks game will be there test but I have the feeling the broncos will now move to another gear and though the panthers are a very good side,I don't think that they can stay with the queenslanders for the 80 minutes.
Maybe the pressure is now off them they are not the favourites with the bookies and in my mind that could spell danger for the cows and the storm and the sharks.
I think if the mighty eagles Can make the finals and with the motivation of sending killer Lyon out on a high they may just ruffle some feathers .
I think the same could be said for the broncos with cory Parker .
A very interesting 2 months awaits us there are many twists and turns still to come so fasten your seatbelts and rocket keep the passion.
Off to gym to rock the iron chat laters.
Keep rockin you mighty eaglesssss
Submitted by a on
Here is the updated ladder for the people in the non tipping competition
BigPeteBx 85
Islander 84
Dragonsfan4ever 80
That puts BigPeteBx by 1 thanks to Islander missing out on 2 weeks come on Islander come back please
Submitted by christine on
Rick you don't have to worry about me i'm not on the tipping ladder but I am on your heels & I'll keep pushing you up the ladder .
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
1. Coach - PAR_CRO_NZ_TIG (Pullin' Up A Couch)
2. Mark - NZ_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL (I’m Still Standin’)
3. Baggy - NZ_DRA_MAN_PAR_G/C(I’m Still Standin’)
4. Rick - NZ_MEL_CAN_PAN(Pullin' Up A Couch Somewhere)
5. Tailspin - PAR_DRA_TIG_BUL_PAN(I’m Still Standin’)
6. a - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL(I’m Still Standin’)
7. Newbie - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL(I’m Still Standin’)
8. Tigerholic - NZ_MEL_CAN_BUL_G/C(I’m Still Standin’)
9. Rocket - PAR_PAN_CAN_BUL_MEL(I’m Still Standin’)
10. christine - NZ_PAN_MAN_PAR_G/C(I’m Still Standin’)
11. Big Pete Bx - PAR_MEL_CAN_BUL_MAN(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_BRI(I’m Still Standin’)
Looks like we all got through though Big Pete just missed being sat down. Close on over in Perth I must say.
Submitted by christine on
Have we heard from coach yet ?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Now I've seen it all.
First we had Coach being actually Jamie Soward.
Then some thought Fortress was actually Cliffy lyons
Now it seems Coach is actually Baggy Gee!!
Well done Baggy...love your work.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Righto folks, who knows what has sent Coach into hibernation, has someone pissed him off. "Coach", you should be ecstatic at present, the Blues had a win and your Panthers did enough to get the win against a determined Eels outfit.
For what ever reason you are not posting I respect it, we all just need to know if you plan to return to the site. I am not going to beg again as that is not how a Tiger growls, just let us know either way.
Thinker, do you know why Coach has gone quiet?
Submitted by tigerholic on
Thinker
Aren't you the quiet achiever, creeping up the ladder in third spot, how will you feel buying yourself a a footy jumper or a hat.
I think if you do come first, we will all chip in and buy you a footy jumper of your choice, you could even get a Tigers one:)
Submitted by christine on
Footy Chick Your services are needed to bring coach out of his silence if you don't mind helping us here ?
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hahaha.....love it Mark.
Nothing like a rendition of The Nutcracker Suite - music to my ears, or wherever.
Cheers
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
I think a Manly one - closest he'll get to Qld or Broncs
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes, over ecstatic with The Panthers win and got a bit tiddly at Panthers.
Thye now call him The Pissin Prince over there.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Make sure Christine, he doesnt have a Mexican Feast night out.
Cheers
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
The saying is Rocket - "one swallow doesnt make a Spring".
That is next season and Footy Grand Finals season.
Manly plays now on a week by week option.
Let the members talk finals - must always be confident butttttttttt........
whoever is in front of us - lookout.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Heeeeeeeee.....let me at em!!!!
Islander has surprised me - where is he.
Draggo I know, loves to dish it out as well - but his fortunes might come good.
Round 26 Manly at Pepper and Salt Squid Stadium v Panthers.
Coach and Fortress are sharing a sponsors box together.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Cheers Eagle Rocks - just rock to bed - dont rock the bed or the boat.
Keep the ship sailing - steady as she goes and we Manly Guys dont get too boisterous, just yet. Although, we do have a pretty nice draw heading to last round.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
The swallows come out in the summer up here bigpete i keep forgetting your east of Domain stadium
Submitted by fortresseagle on
Big Pete god can u imagine an eagles vs panthers grand final and sharing the box, it won't be a place for the faint hearted,
It's my younger brothers birthday this Saturday turns 18 and a mighty eagle himself I'm getting a cake delivered to the function mum and dad birthday boy and my sister will be there all mighty eagles supporters we all are always have been, the cake is going to be an eagle with his favourite mud cake with cherry on top still havnt bought him his pressie yet any thoughts remember he is 18 ok.
So big Pete need your advice on what to buy him.
Chat laters keep rockin big Pete.
Submitted by a on
Come on coach come back please
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Fortress - no probs for younger bro.
BTW - r u 21 or 30?
From the Old Fella here - most these days are buying gift cards as presents. That way the receipent/birthday boy can buy something THEY want.
However, what about an engraved pewter tankard - doesnt break either like glass ones these days.
Sounds like a good night coming up Fortress. I'll be thinking of you -WHEN.
Tell me where it is at, after the party or Rocket, Mark and Coach might gate-crash it.
Coach as MC!!!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thats ok Rocket - at least we get them here first.
NSW 1ST.
Domain Stadium also in good condition lately. I guess your being in The Lunar Escarpment is whats making you a bit Spaced Out mate.
No worries, we'll pick up your loose pieces when you fall back to earth.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Submitted by fortresseagle on
Thanks big Pete some great ideas no I'm the oldest we are three I have a brother and a sister I'm 24 my sis is 22 and my younger bro is 18 on Saturday .
Mum reckons I should put some cash in a card and like you maybe gift card will see what happens.
God no couldn't imagine them gate crashing the party although I would be very welcoming we can all get up and sing doin the eagle rock which is what I'm signing Saturday night I hope I don't break the windows should be fun night,
Eagle rock must be still in bed the cold weather has frozen his wings
Thanks big Pete have a good one buddy chat soon ...............soaring high what a feeling to fly.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey BigPete ask Linda Lovelace what she thinks about swallows.
Fortress be a man and buy that brother of yours a Broncos Jersey.
I live just north of Brisbane otherwise would love to crash your party with Rocket and sing the QLD song you know all that yippee yippee eye stuff.
Looks like "Coach" is not a footy coach but the Cobb & CO kind and has handed the reins to Baggy.
I know I said I'd only comment on football but this is too much fun.
Can't help myself.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Mark - dont know about Linda, but Monica states in a joke being circulated, that she wont vote for another Clinton ever again, as the last one left a bad taste in her mouth.
Note Fortress - NO Bronco's jersey or Cow. The yippee yippee yi yi stuff is like yabby yabby and catches you like a crab.
Forget about the crashing - catch Hoges for a shrimp on the barbie.
Alwayd fun isnt it Mark - pity some others didnt see it that way.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks for sharing that info with me Fortress.
At work, we have a tipping club going and I am known PC Eagle.
I take you gather it out. My surname starts with C and I support C Eagles.
A lass at work also follows Manly and I nicknamed her Little Eagle.
She likes the name. We have about 10 Manly followers in our Level 1 section. Even the Director is Manly. Once had a gent who worked in Bridge St Sydney CBD and hated having to move to Parramatta offices. His sons played rugby union with Manly and Jersey Flegg or U/17's with Manly.
Surname Horton - lives at M/Vale. You might know him.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
I meant to ask you Fortress what month is your b/day.
Handy to keep for us Eagles supporters.
I told you before about the fellow I knew from Silvertails, his birthday was same month as me - May.
Cheers - Roarin Soarin Pete C Eagle.
Oh BTW - its bloody Pourin here. No Mark - I'm not Snorin
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
BTW Fortress
Regarding Eagle Rocks or Eagles Rocks (yes, go back and read it slowly)
If his wings arent frozen, something off the billiard table might be.
Send him up here, over The Sandstone Curtain and he'll soon find out what I mean.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Guys we're on to round 20 now. But hasn't it been fun.
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
EagleROCKS I've got one question that will definitely make me convince that you are not Fortress, do you think that 'a' is a girl. And finally, do you make stupid nicknames like cowgirl and drag queens (which I'm sick of seeing since of course, I'm a Dragons supporter). Well I assume you are not Fortress but just in case you are, there are my questions to you. It was nice talking to you for the first time on this site if you aren't Fortress. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
Actually, Eagle ROCKS, don't bother answering my questions. I'm sure that you aren't Fortress. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!
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