Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Thursday night – Allianz Stadium
Boyd Cordnor isn't quite there yet, but the seventeen named for the Chooks on Thursday night would have to be close to the best team they've cobbled together in a season that's gone from awkward to worse. On paper they should win, but winning is done on the field and we've seen very little of that from the team that won the last three minor premierships in a row. It's been quite the fall from grace. Meanwhile the Bulldogs are becoming a little more predictable and consistent...in a good way. Convincing victories over the Broncos and the Dragons and a narrow loss to the Sharks is good form. A repeat of their performance last round and they'll be winning again. If the Chooks got up here I'd be less surprised than most, but I can't bring myself to tip them. Woof! Woof!
Verdict – Bulldogs by 7
Result - Bulldogs 24 defeated Roosters 20
Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
I really don't know what to do here. The Storm almost never lose in Brisbane and the Broncos have been off the pace since round 11. They are the facts, and on facts alone the Storm pick themselves, but this game should come with an asterisk and a disclaimer. There are murmurings that Bellamy may rest his Origin stars, and if they do that the Storm are playing without their first choice in jerseys 1, 6, 7 and 9. Note the extended Storm bench with Curtis Stott (a halfback) and Slade Griffin (a hooker). Am I over-thinking this? One player who definitely won't be there is Asafa-Solomona and his absence goes a long way toward evening out the battle of the big men. Bennett doesn't fire off rockets like Bellamy does, but he was critical of his team (or parts thereof) after their dismal showing against the Bulldogs. When Bennett isn't happy his players usually respond. The Origin players should be ready to rumble, and some key non-Origin players for the Broncos are back this week in Glenn and McCullough. Kahu isn't far away either and could be a late inclusion. I doubt it's a coincidence that the form slump from the Broncos halves has occurred while McCullough has been injured. With his return, and doubts over the Storm line-up, I'm leaning to the Broncos ever so slightly. Keep your eye out for last-minute team changes - Bellamy has been a tipsters nightmare this season.
Verdict – Broncos by 2
Result - Storm 48 defeated Broncos 6
New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday afternon – Mt Smart Stadium
I'm pretty keen on the Warriors here, and I haven't been able to say that for quite a while. Their performance against the Sharks reminded us how good they can be. I noticed, and I'm hoping they noticed. But for a few patchy periods they win that game, and if they reduce the patchiness some more they could actually be a force in this competition. Mind you, I've been saying that about the Warriors for most of this century. The Titans are missing more tackles than most in recent weeks and the Warriors are just the sort of team to take advantage of any defensive lapses. Points aplently at Mt Smart, so I'll be looking at total points overs betting unless the weather interferes. Simon Mannering plays his 250th game, and I hope the Warriors give him the result he deserves.
Verdict – Warriors by 14
Result - Warriors 27 defeated Titans 18
Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium
Two of the younger and more entertaining teams face off but they do so at a venue neither side likes very much at all. The older and slightly less entertaining Robbie Farah and Sam McKendry return for their respective sides, albeit on the bench. The Panthers held on to beat the fast-finishing Rabbitohs last week, and it's worth noting the Tigers were pretty convincing winners over that same opponent in round 14. The Tigers found their feet late against the Storm last weekend and made it a contest, and I'm banking on them bringing that form to this game. The Panthers are a warm favourite and deservedly so, but I'm with the stripey cats. Note the battle of the fullbacks...Laurie Daley will be watching.
Verdict – Tigers by 2
Result - Tigers 34 defeated Panthers 26
Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday night – Southern Cross Group Stadium
It's been a while since either of these sides lost, and while the Sharks sit atop the NRL ladder the Eels are somewhere near the bottom...of my NRL ladder at least. The Sharks last four wins have all been by narrow margins, but winning is winning and they haven't forgotten how to win just yet. The Eels seem desperate to get Semi back for this game, but he's going to leave a warm Fiji and head straight to a cold night at Cronulla. I'm not sure that's such a good idea if Semi is thinking of walking away from his contract. These evening fixtures at Cronulla are often low-scoring affairs, and with that in mind I'll tip the wise old heads of Ennis, Maloney, Lewis and Gallen to get the home side over the line.
Verdict – Sharks by 4
Result - Sharks 34 defeated Eels 24
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium
I have two things to say about this game. The first thing is that the Raiders have a rich history of losing when everyone expects them to win. The second thing is that none of you will be concerned about the first thing I said about this game...and neither am I.
Verdict – Raiders by 38
Result - Raiders 29 defeated Knights 25
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday afternoon – Barlow Park
A brave decision by the Bunnies to take this game to Cairns, although they have won two from three in North North Queensland. The Cowboys have played seven games at home this season and their lowest total in all those games was 19 points when they beat the Broncos by a field goal. In their other six games at home they've averaged 38 points. One of those games was against the Bunnies when they scored 44 points. Barlow Park isn't Smiley Stadium, but near enough is good enough, and the Cowboys are good enough.
Verdict – Cowboys by 14
Result - Cowboys 20 defeated Rabbitohs 0
Manly Sea Eagles vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Monday night – Brookvale Oval
The Dragons scored 30 points against the Knights in Newcastle while the Sea Eagles scored 26 points against the Cowboys in Townsville. I suspect the second game is a stronger form line. Couple that with the home ground advantage and we're doing the Eagle Rock.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 2
Result - Sea Eagles 36 defeated Dragons 6
Wally Lewis - round seventeen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- Roosters vs BULLDOGS
- BRONCOS vs Storm
- WARRIORS vs Titans
- Tigers vs PANTHERS
- SHARKS vs Eels
- RAIDERS vs Knights
- Rabbitohs vs COWBOYS
- SEA EAGLES vs Dragons
Comments
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good Sunday afternoon to you Mark.
With some of Moon Mans remarks, I thought The Rocket was doing a Galactica of the Solar System, off the end of someones pointed toe shoe.
Would love to catch up with you Mark...we'll see what it brings and a bribe to Bribie.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Fortress - I think The Bozo is ready to pull the pin on NSW as a selector.
Taking on a bigger role at Sea Eagles and sounds like a good one for the sake of the future and recruitment etc.
That movie sounds like a good one.
Looks to be that Raiders are getting a job done on them this arvo. Knights leading them by a good margin. I might be on The Couch this arvo.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Fortress - I think Fed Election will be a closer call than many thought.
Big shift from Party politics these days. Need those who want to fight for what they were supposedly put there to do. Fight for the truth and what is right. Not increasing their Super packets. This Country is getting sold off down the drain, too much going off-shore, jobs are an issue, govt dept's closing down to be privatised.
No-one seems to give a hoot about Climate Change or the environment. We need a Change of Climate at Brookie to modernise the place and bring it up to speed with other venues/arena's. Its been promised and whilst we wait, the costs increase and the Councils keep rubbing their hands. I havent been there for years Fortress, but the last time I was, it appears that traffic in and out of the place/locality, was a time consuming, troublesome issue.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Gee Mark , dont make me jealous with lovely days. Sun is shining here on occasions, but icy. Cold enough to chill a stubby.
Fishng - I hardly get to do that mate. One of the last times I remember going fishing, was when I was about 10, out at Neutral Bay (Nth Sydney), near submarines fishing for leatherjackets, when I was visiting my late rels. Then another, when I was in early teens, down at local river (The Macquarie), cast the lines and sat back and listened to ARL Grand Final on the radio. Manly v's Souths. Not yesterday mate, but Bob Batty was Manly's fullback and Eric Simms was Souths. Before Bronco's and Cowboys days, but the composition of both those teams would have made for an excellent State of Origin or National team, on their own.
Cheers - Big Pete (bringing back the memories).
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Draggo - wont be sloppy, nor the field. Might just be the quality that you lot bring north of the bridge with you. Lets say, pending injuries, that it might be a close game and we Sea Eagles will still get to feast on BBQ Dragon Pork Ribs, for a later than usual supper.
Steer clear of Golden Point crap - hate it. Not good for the game or the paying customer and in your case, a very slow trip home, if you happen to divert from Draggo Country.
U r always welcome to Brookvale Oval and more so when, you bring the supper.
Cheers and a Beer - Big Pete
Submitted by mark ashford on
Raiders in golden point (although it was a golden try) so myself and others are still on the coach.
Don't see many trys scored off field goal misses.
Those boys really went at each other, plenty of claret on show reminded me of the good old days or was it the bad old days?
BigPete I would love to catch up with you and all the guys & gals on this site. Just a pity there are so many K's between us all.
Be great if we could all meet for a beer with Thinker, TLH and the rest of us. We could all chip in and buy Johnny Ray a return ticket from NZ.
Who knows what will happen down the track.
My brother is away for 3 months so I'm living at his place babysitting his pampered pooch. Great little dog so it's fun. Big bonus for me is he has Fox so I get to watch all the games.
Better get back to the telly to see if the Cows can handle the Rabbits.
Cheers to all!
Submitted by a on
Cowboys are the best
Submitted by mark ashford on
Fortress you mentioned Tony Abbott is a Manly fan and you hoped he would keep his seat as he has promised Brooky an update.
Then you say you hope Labor wins?
Can't have it both ways mate. You should have voted LNP.
Tony has retained his seat but the Election is on a knife edge.
If Labor wins then all deals are off. Should think about these things.
I volunteer at the Bribie Marine Rescue and our local member promised $75,000 for a new rescue boat yet he has been defeated by Labor even though he got 3000 more votes (hate this preferential system) Now we don't know what will happen, probably nothing.
Last time I talk politics on this site.
Cowboys showed their class in Cairns this afternoon. Great city lived there for a while. A bit hot but the winters are perfect.
Congratulations to 'a" and Tailspin your team will be there.
Thankfully my Broncs have a bye next week to think about things.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Mark - does your brother live near you mate.
Good when its within easy reach.
U never know Mark, if ever The Benders round up and come south at any time, there might be that off chance we could say we'll meet in Sydney CBD and have an outing and a couple of those reds, you speak about. Not Red Fire Engine's either.
Then The Thinkers from Thinker site, could put the offer out to others who are very quiet, from within us, and all meet up.
It would make the National News and how a social bunch of tippers, hundreds of miles from each other - got together to meet each other.
Yeah I know, I'm in The Dreamtime and I'm not even at Ayers Rock.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Sometimes Mark, those volunteer things work out for the best. Because, if your Federal Member cant do anything for you, there are times under Community Partnership Grants, that State Member might pick it up and persue it.
I've been involved in community volunteering for over 40 years and as a treasurer of a sports council, not assocation, which is aligned to the local council, there are also Dept of Sport & Recreation, that have their side of grants going about. Then there is the Emergency Services side of things to equate as well.
Politics is ok to discuss, as long as it doesnt become an argumentive issue. Looks like a hung parliament mate......at least for now. One thing about an election this time of year is a) End of Financial Year and new buckets to be filled and b) with an election, it just might take a little longer for the budgets to flow down, due to portfolios to be filled.
Gives your committee a little time to re-evaluate their proposal/application, because lets face it mate, this is not a Political Pary Promise that has been made, it should be a Community Partnership Proposal/Venture to acquire a much needed asset, that is at stake.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Mark.....hahahaha, I forgot to mention that the little dog is a very clever and talented pooch having FOX on. Next you'll tell me he's a Fox Terrier, sometimes terror, like Fox executives can be known to be.
Submitted by christine on
Mark my call out to JR was to try & get a reaction but sadly to no prevail but I don't give up that easy ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi BigPete
yes mate only live less than a K from my Bro so it's easy.
Our Bribie VMR has a great team of volunteers and some very capable people. We will get hold of the new member and give her a squeeze...see what comes out.
I'll certainly give a lot of thought to a gathering after the GF maybe put some proposals up here for all to consider. Who knows?
Nice to chat as usual.
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
I'm willing to meet up with you big Pete and mark a and the rest the cowgirl can stay home cause I will have 5 other big manly boys with me 2 of them play in the manly district first grade comp the other 2 are security gaurds who work for the manly club and I'm a former security gaurd myself used to work with with them so if I was cowgirl I would keep my bra and panties on and stay out of the cold.
Would also love to meet the rocket Ryan he would be a hoot I don't know in some strange way I like him he has his faults like we all do but like me and big Pete and mark A would make a great night out 2 mad eagles and 2 mad broncos and in my mind the greatest 2 clubs of the modern era .both these clubs influenced the game glamour donation style drama contraversy u name it these 2 giants have done it. Someone told me if manly built there new great stadium of 32.000 who would u want the mighty eagles playing on the grand opening and what a day it would be can u imagine it all the greats of manly celebrity's who support them and I tell u there are many 32.000 people and me and big Pete, mark A and the rocket Ryan I went for the broncos the reason been in my mind it's the glamour the razzmatazz that these 2 clubs can bring too a colussiuem that will shine over gods country in an epic battle a night extravaganza with dance music fireworks and a showdown with the mighty eagles winning a thriller in extra time. I know this will happen and I hope I boys will accept the invitation and the tickets food entertainment will be all on me WOW WEE
So after that great prediction I want to see come on boys Monday night let's give the drag queens a right royal flogging and send that mr average benji Marshall in retirement. The mighty eagles by 20
Go the mighty sea eaglesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Baggy...re your earlier comment about the Brisbane fans leaving early on Friday night. While I don't condone this, this is a common occurrence at Mt Smart and has been for many years but with good reason as my team have continually served up poor performances to the fans. The Broncos on the other hand have had many a success and I'd give my right arm to support a club that's had as much success as Brisbane has.
Leaving early shows the players that the fans are not happy although I agree you should support your time through good and bad times. Unfortunately the good times have been few and far between for the Warriors.
You always get the hard core supporters that support their team no matter what. I remember going to a game once v Manly and the Warriors were 22 nil down at half time yet the hard core fans who sit by the tunnel where the players go back in at half time gave them a standing ovation. I was gobsmacked that fans would applaud such mediocrity!!
I too am surprised that JR has disappeared. He was one of the originals on here and a fellow Warriors supporter.
Submitted by christine on
Steel panther I agree with you about JR I would of thought JR of all people had a bit more back bone than most of us ...
Submitted by Tailspin on
How good were the mighty cowboys yesterday, shame they are going to Canberra next week without all the stars, going to be very hard for them I think.
Submitted by a on
Hopefully we can cause an upset
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Blues have picked a great team for #3
I know it's a dead rubber but will give them momentum going into next ye ar if they get a win.
Sorry to see Moylan dropped but they lose nothing with Tedesco, he's on fire.
Fortress and BigPete I'll be cheering for your Sea Eagles tonight.
I think it's their time to shine.
Both Trbojevic boys in the emerging squad. Myles back for QLD.
Looking good Manly.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Big Pete looks like the handling errors have been kept to a level you like tonight, you and fortress can dine out on this one for a while I reckon, thank god coach is AWOL he will blow up when he sees Moylan shown the door, won't matter all you blues supporters must realize for sure your clowns are in for a white wash.
Submitted by The Thinker on
With five minutes to go I've leapt to the conclusion that the Sea Eagles will hold on and I've updated the tipping comp.
Congrats to Newbie from Perth - the only tipster with a perfect round and I'm pretty sure he got a perfect score in round 16 too. Outstanding work sir.
The competition has narrowed at the top, with just three points separating the top six....and a bunch of contenders not far behind that.
Submitted by The Thinker on
I was just doing a little gazing into the future, and in the last round of the season the Storm play the Sharks in Melbourne.
There's still a long way to go but that game may determine who takes the minor premiership.
Those worried about the Broncos form slump take note - their run home is pretty good.
Submitted by mark ashford on
BigPete & Fortress Your Manly is back. DCE was superb. Congrats!
Wonder if Laurie Daly is rethinking Frizelle and Dugan as Manly made then look ordinary.
Well done Newbie, your not really a "newbie" are you.
Thanks for this site Thinker enjoy it every day.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Rocket - HOW SWEET IT IS!!!!!!
Score tonight, in case you missed it MANLY 36 def St George 6.
But at least you were man enough to come out first from hiding and the hiding you copped. Its a two-way street mate.
Boot is on our foot this time.
Yes, don't think Coach will be too happy there.
Dont know about white-wash. Things can change when the State jumpers are on. Even after a couple of selections got a touch up over the weekend.
GO THE MIGHTY EAGLES!!!!!
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Whats Newbie been drinking Thinker?
Something good in his water.
Cant be Swan Lager as I seem to think it took a duck-dive, a few years ago.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks Mark - lets see if they can put two together.
This week off and then Warriors at Brooky on Sat 16 July.
Playing for State or Nation is always a different ball-game.
Yes, a great site, isnt it Mark. I enjoy it when I can get here.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Gee Fortress - that would be a good one at The Coliseum of Brooky, where many a Tiger, Panther, Dragon, Chook, Slippery Eel and all sort - met their death.
That would be one hell of a re-union mate. Even Russell Crowe could be MC and bring the movie cameras along.
I'd take a few days off work for that. I have a fair whack of LSL up my sleeve.
However, you'd need to win Lotto to pay for all that. I'm sure we could arrange an Abbott/Baird Sports Tourism subsidy for it.
In closing as my beauty sleep awaits and off to work again tomorrow
GO THE MIGHTY SEA EAGLES!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
We are the champions my friends and will keep on fighting to the end we are the champions we are the champions no time for loses cause we are the champions of the world,
How bout that big Pete the mighty eagles crushing the inept and sloppy drag queens great attack brilliant try's,great defence and determination from this mighty club mate that felt good Ives thinking bout you when we won hoping you were here with us it was a mighty performance.
Mark a yrs I feels great they have there players fitter and they really smashed those drag queens down Nathan brown got a smack back to his face and benji Marshall looked like an old worn out grandpa now for a winning run and hopefully a finals run wouldn't that be a turn up for the books mate,
Dragons fan yes ur team are inept and sloppy but u didn't have to tell us that we already knew,
And to all the critics and haters out there stick that up u know where,
The greatest team is back and life will not be easy for the rest.
So with one voice loud and very very proud go the mighty sea eaglessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hey BigPete. Nice to see your team win last night. It was like the Manly of old. Note that the Manly v Warriors game on 16 July is in Perth.
Christine - hope you are doing well and looking after yourself. Take care
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes S/Panther - was good to seem Manly of old, in the blood, last night.
Thanks for that on Perth. We dont travel too bad.
Newbie might go along and support us, even though I dont know his real fav team. WA isnt in NRL these days. Western Reds once were.
Actually mate - who is your team in NRL, as you appear to have the HSV logo of Holden and a Panther head, that Coach would love.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes Fortress - was thinking about you tghere at Brooky as well.
Raining again here early this morning. Lets see the boys string a few wins together now. You predicted a 20 pt margin in a post you made, but it was better than that - it was Tirty (thirty) and Draggo FanBoy would be dirty on that. Draggo FanBoy is now our FunBoy as the boot is now on our foot.
Submitted by Fortress eagle on
That's right big Pete before I comment I said Nathan brown that inept drip I meant mary mcgregor but brown got his slapped on Anzac Day and or year long how pitty full is he and not to mention how disgrace full are the drag queens we never let them play oh yes there bad but we made them look bad because we were magnificent I said if we play to our ability we would crush them big Pete lucky for them they saved a fee and the killer was a little off with his boot or it would of been 50 .
Great game after the bye we will be right if we can bring that form to the next game we will win again quite frankly I don't think any team would of beaten us last night no team in the world would of beaten us they were so keyed up for the game they had that look that they could kill and my god did they kill,
Anyways big Pete buddy have a good one and this one is from you and me go the mighty sea eaglesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Submitted by a on
Here is the updated ladder for the people in the non tipping competition
Islander 84
BigPeteBx 76
Dragonsfan4ever 75
That puts the Islanders lead to 8 but still anyone game
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
Well we did get demolished by you guys. We got embarrassed on Monday night. All I can say is congratulations on the win Fortress. You guys really deserved it. We were horrible on the night.
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
And also BigPete and Seaeagle 47 congratulations on the win.
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
No I didn't go to the game. And lucky that I didn't lol. It would've been a nightmare. Because we got demolished and plus, the cold wether. Would've been alright if I got the gloves and scarf out.
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
But BigPete, not as cold as up west in Bathurst.
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