Brisbane Broncos vs Wests Tigers – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
With six of their best unavailable (five Kangaroos and one who will be) the Broncos depth will clearly be tested on Friday night. Importantly, their high-performing spine remains virtually intact - the only change is Kahu moving to fullback for Darius Boyd. Note that Kahu did play fullback for the Kiwis in the ANZAC test so he should be okay. He's also pinched the goal-kicking tee off Corey Parker in recent weeks so no changes on that front. That relatively intact spine means that Nikorima, who played in the halves for New Zealand in the ANZAC test, stays on the bench. Deep huh! The Tigers are without Aaron Woods and technically without Robbie Farah. Farah didn't play for the Tigers against the Knights last week but he's ready for Origin duty. For those with memories as long as mine he could become the next Olsen Filipaina. What remains of the Broncos pack needs to stand up, but with Blair and Glenn on duty the defensive structures should remain intact.
Verdict – Broncos by 8
Result - Tigers 19 defeated Broncos 18
St George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – WIN Stadium
If Origin duty doesn't defeat the Cowboys the weather probably will. A top of 15 degrees in Wollongong on Saturday and they're due for a strong westerly change on Saturday afternoon. Some of those Cowboys will need mittens. I don't have a great deal of faith in the Dragons attack. Their most potent attacking force is stuck on a roof with Blake Ferguson, but the rest of the Dragons spine (Rein, Widdop and Marshall) have no excuses this weekend. The Cowboys are without their twin towers up front so the Dragons pack, at home, have no excuses either. I was hoping Lachlan Coote would get moved into the halves, if only to give me a decent look at Kalyn Ponga at fullback (remember that name folks). Jahrome Hughes will debut in the halves alongside Ray Thompson this week, so I'll need to be patient. The Dragons to win, but win ugly. Dropped pie ugly.
Verdict – Dragons by 4
Result - Dragons 14 defeated Cowboys 10
Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium
Earlier today I took a breath and did a spot of introspective navel-gazing, and what I learned was thus:
The Canberra Raiders are not my friend.
The last time I tipped them correctly was back in round eight. Back then I tipped them to win by 2 and they won by 54, so you could mount a fair argument that I got that game wrong too. For mine, they have replaced the Warriors as the most enigmatic team in the NRL, if only because we can now rely on the Warriors to be crap each and every week. I don't think the Bulldogs are my friends either, so I feel like I'm up against the wall picking a winner here. The Raiders spine and backline just looks like an enormous amount of fun, and I think cool, dry, daytime conditions in Canberra bring out their best. Papalii heads north to join the Maroons, but the return of Soliola and Fensom for the Raiders are massive inclusions. The Dogs lose Klemmer and Jackson to Origin duty, and while their pack is still enormous they aren't anywhere near as mobile with those two missing. Just four games this weekend, and this stands out as the best of them.
Verdict – Raiders by 10
Result - Raiders 32 defeated Bulldogs 20
Newcastle Knights vs Parramatta Eels – Monday night – Hunter Stadium
The Knights can barely put together a reserve grade team to play first grade at the moment, but they still lose as many players to Origin duty as the cap-cheating Eels. On paper the Eels win this and win easily, but that assumes they still believe they're chasing a top eight finish. Since their penalty they've lost two winnable games at home, and it makes me wonder. Yes, there are two paths they can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road they're on.....just. Buying a stairway to heaven - that's what got them in trouble in the first place. The Eels need 12 wins from 13 games to play finals football. That's a big for ask for anyone, let alone a team lacking momentum. If they've got anything left to give they have to start giving now...surely.
Verdict – Eels by 14
Result - Eels 20 defeated Knights 18
Wally Lewis - round twelve selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- BRONCOS vs Tigers
- DRAGONS vs Cowboys
- RAIDERS vs Bulldogs
- Knights vs EELS
Comments
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Baggy you talk about James Roberts average form, but which world has Jennings set on fire this year?
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evening Thinker Tippers -
It has been a very long week/2 weeks for me.
My closest and last uncle passed away and you know what is involved with cancelling things and arranging a funeral.
He actually passed away on my daughter's 21st birth date. Add to it - he was a grand Sea Eagles supporter, but goes back to the days they also followed Nth Sydney Bears, as they lived in Neutral Bay (Sydney).
Family moved out to Pendle Hill before moving to Bathurst and no way was he changing his colours.
Played excellent Darts in Penrith and Blacktown comps with both Prospect and Pendle Inn Hotels.
Thanks Cobbers and where r u Fortress Eagle - did you come back from Brisbane or not mate.
Anyway, my tips for Round 12 are:
Bronco's, Dragons, Raiders (in a cold Canberra because it is bloody icy air here in Bx), Eels and rip into em NSW.
Cheers and keep well all - Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach for those uplifting words I thank you.
I just wonder why it has taken them so long to learn the lesson?
Submitted by tigerholic on
I would just like to say how much I admire Seaeagle47 for tipping the Tigers.
Even with 6 players on origin duty, it takes a huge set to tip the Tigers and I am not meaning a set of 6 tackles either.
As much as I love my Tigers, I can't see them upsetting the Broncos tonight. Coach, what happened to you, you took the Knights and even you the biggest taker of the under dog stayed away from the Tigers.
Anyway folks, thanks for another great week of banter, if you believe in being able to manifest things then I am manifesting a Tigers upset and the Blues winning game 1.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Stats that suit you can be used those that don't can't be Mark do you get the idea.
Thigerholic we need some tiger supporters in here don't blame you for not coming.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Big Pete, Sincere condolences for your Uncle mate unfortunate timing on your daughters 21st.
Sounds like a great guy mate. All the best to his family.
Well with regard to Fortress, I've gotta admit Rocket and I kidnapped him after the game at Suncorp and we are brainwashing him to become a Broncos and Maroons supporter.
If that isn't enough to make him resurface well/
C'mon Fortress Manly needs you.
Submitted by a on
Thinker how about we get a page of the NRL Rookie serise and update it each week what do you think
Submitted by tigerholic on
Rocket
What was the final score tonight??????
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hi Mark
Before tonight North Melbourne Kangaroos were undefeated. 9 from 9. Tonight they faced Sydney Swans at ANZ.
Rewind to finals week 2 last year. Same venue same teams. Kangaroos were victorious by 26 points, shattering the Swans 2015 campaign.
Tonight the Swans beat the undefeated Kangaroos ... by 26.
Lesson learnt Swans. History turned on its head.
Look out QLD because NSW remembers the last game score of 52 - 6.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Guess what Tigerholic? You are speaking to a bunch of sulks. Lose and you don't hear boo. You'd get more out of Fortress Eagle.
Typical QUEENSLANDERS!!!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Where are you Rocket? Authorities have listed you as Suncorp missing person #2?
I got an idea. Let's get the Rocket stopwatch out.
Let's see how long it takes the ol' One Point Losing Bronco to talk.
We'll estimate the game finished around 9:30pm
#ROCKET STOPWA TCH.....9:00HRS
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Shame you did not have the same set as seaeagle 47 tigerholic.
I was there broncos off there game gave them self belief thats all you need in nrl
Will the tigers play finals this year afraid not will you start backing your team araid not.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
We need to start our own field goal Academy the panthers are on to something here.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Reality TV has taken over the world.
It's a damn remote controller's minefield to avoid it.
Let's please leave reality TV crap off this page.
Does anyone second that motion?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Only 5 minutes. The Stopwatch worked.
Should we Stopwatch Fortress? JR?
Rocket, know what an effort Panthers 2014 was to take the Roosters in Week 1 and make the Prelim. Devastated by injuries all season but somehow kept winning games. The almighty Broncos 2016 in a similar situation, well, they just wouldn't be playing finals at all would they? Milford can fall down all he wants, wouldn't be enough.
Submitted by christine on
What has happened to johnny ray bring back johnny ray , come on bro you can't be serious you've got to come back ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Coach
sorry I've been off the air.
Congrats to the Tiges they played well.
Too many players missing from the Broncs and I thought Hunt would step up but not to be.
We expect to lose a game or two around origin.
Helps a bit being up near the top.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Cheers Coach, I have heard all of the old gems today like, " we had all of our good players out", we always lose a few around origin", "we fielded an U20 side and only just lost".
How about you Queenslanders just accept losing graciously, only Hunt last night said that they were out played , the Tigers played a bloody great game of footy and credit should be paid where credit is due.
I know we have all talked about how out of control the game is with the obstruction rule but last night Milford brought the game down a level with his pathetic dive dragging the attacking player with him , is this how Bennett Coaches his team, that was embarrassing .
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tiger Tiger Tiger I was trying to be nice and gracious in defeat.
The crap you have just written is just that CRAP.
You beat the Broncs with 6 of their best out while you had 2 and I won't say your best by 1 lousy point.
If that's the best you can do then good luck with the rest of your season.
It's the only time our teams meet this year (unless finals) so chalk it up mate. Your Tigers are going nowhere.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Ahh yes. A Cowboys team without Thurston - 5 wins, and now 12 losses.
The Cowboys also have no bye before Origin III playing on a Monday night in Canberra - and with noThurston.
Any comments North QUEENSLANDERS ? Typically. No.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Cowboys were penalised out of the game 7/3 in the first half then a fair try was taken off them by the bunker.
Amazing how you hate the Bunker Coach except when it suits you.
With most of their stars out to go down by 4 and a terrible referring display again is nothing to worry about.
Interesting isn't it that the Cows have no byes in the origin period.
If it was one of your inept NSW teams you'd be bleating like the pathetic sheep you are
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Get in to them Mark, but then again remember Coach and Tiger have suffered a decade of defeat, can you imagine what losing series after series after series does to them, then they get to support the panthers and the Tigers more pain and disappointment, so lets not be too hard on them, no bugger that get in to them!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
You should both know better than anyone, it only takes 1 extra point from the other team to be too good. Go the Panthers and well done Tigers.
So funny to hear the defeated with fighting words.
Can't wait to hear your pathetic excuses on Wednesday. What a riot that'll be.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
If I'm right about Newcastle Monday night results, I'd say there might be a few out there just a little desperate to get off the duck in today's game. There's only been one zero score all year. Newbie from Perth round 3. We wish luck today to:
# a
# Baggy Gee
# Sawmills
# scott m
# Tailspin
Unfortunately they all can't win so regardless of the result there will be two or three facing the prospect of a Round 12 zero.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Sorry Sammills. Please blame Thinker's spell corrector for calling you Sawmills!!
Submitted by a on
Hopefully I get of the duck
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thank you Mark for that.
U r a pretty genuine bloke and there are a couple that I have found like that here, since I joined The Thinker site.
I've had quite a bit on the plate, mate. Having the past week off work for annual leave, hasn't really been any holiday, I can assure you.
I'm buggered if I know what happened to Fortress. I did see a few weeks ago that Manly RLFC had an interested in purchasing Nth Manly Bowling Club, like several NRL clubs have done in the past with real estate as an asset. Maybe our good friend Fortress, has gone into early retirement to play bowls. Maybe the area (I don't know the acreage of it), might be a future Brookvale Oval to get away from warring, greedy Councils who want to rate you out of your playing arena. That my friend would be why Manly would take matches to Gosford and even Brisbane, because there may be a nice "nest egg" to support what that have to outlay at Brooky.
Cheers Bro and enjoy your Sunday. I pick no wars with you mate, but I'll take NSW in the 1st SoO, in a closey.
Cheers - Big Pete in a fresh air Bathurst (like most of the State at present)
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It hurts me to admit that the reason I'm slightly happy about Jennings being off on a camp, is that it might allow a slightly better flow of ball on our left edge. Jennings was consistent last week, 3 touches in both the first and second halves. He isn't going great guns, and another reason why the ridiculous incumbent policy of the test, and origin teams should be taken behind the sheds and put out of it misery. He is not the best player in the position for NSW, and like our hooker who went AWOL last time we won, should have been over looked, origin is not the place for final farewell tours, it is about getting the trophy, and then keeping it for the next 9 year. Let's advocate a meritocracy in NSW and let those Canadians do what ever they damn well choose. NSW first, Daylight second everyone else third.
Mark, why did the Eels push the Cowboys in both rounds this year? We shut down Thurston, and the only thing that stopped us getting 2/2 was a brain fart by Norman which gave them the game equalling points. We know that without Thurston that the Cowboys shut down, without him QLD has to rely on Cherry-Evans. Not a happy night after he hasn't played much for Manly, or that well.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Baggy
No doubting your Eels have played well this year under the most difficult of circumstances. Is it Pauli Pauli or Junior Paulo (with apologies to our Kiwi mates as I get these two mixed up) who has been released and gone to the dogs (ha ha no pun intended)?
And talk of Norman being investigated over some drug thing (recreational not performance enhancing)
Mate it's not happy days for the club and I feel for you and all eels fans.
Talking SOO, DCE has been sent home as Cronk is expected to play.
If not then Morgan gets a start and QLD has no reserve halves.
Anyway Baggy I've picked your Eels tomorrow night, they should win despite what Coach says.
Raiders had a good game today.
The Dogs looked exhausted in the second half. Des where is your fitness trainer?
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Missed the second half as I was driving back from Dalby with a few tired children, but even in the first half, once the Raiders got back on the board they seemed to be done.
And it is Paulo to the Raiders, yes it is really shit time to be an Eels fan, but as my mate told me, there have been rough times, there have been great times, and while this is a horrible season, even worse than the Kerney/Sticky years, there are good times to come. We shill have most of the core of this team together, I crying tears of blood as we release good young forwards at the expense of a few old boys, that is where everyone's future is, good juniors and we and the Panthers have them in spades. But next year, even with this $500,000 reduction in the salary cap we will be competitive, make me wish that the Eels didn't bother playing for points and just retained all the BOYS with eyes to the future. But what's done is done. At least we haven't accrued points while the finalise the penalty. Look for rays of light.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Newcastle $4.15 to win at home tonight against a team driving 2 1/2 hours to the base of Mt Everest.
I say load up !! .... (responsibly of course of your own doing)
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I'll drop some bucks on the Knights, the teams I bet on never seem to get up. I'll put the mock on them.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Paulo leaving the Eels, and Tariq Sims has packed his bags and will be heading to St George after full-time tonight.
Sinking ships....
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The papers say Parra have hit rock bottom, so I'm guessing they must also have the inside info on tonight's result.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
A disappointing week coming up coach starting tonight you are all alone on the knights
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Not disappointing at all. No Monday Knights but was a pretty good tip. In the end no tipping point to show for it but I'm satisfied I had the game nutted out better than anyone.
Submitted by parrafan on
obviously not coach
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Enjoy your win parrafan. In the next few months you won't have too many more. 2 points after 12 rounds and those illegally overpaid & overpriced players dropping like flies.
Spoon winners during the cheating years. How fitting it would be if they won the club some more woodware in 2016.
Very much looking forward to the Panthers being the ones to deliver your knock out blow Round 19. Will be our pleasure.
Submitted by a on
NRL Rookie starts tomrrow as I suggest eailer that you should do a page for it what do you think Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans,
I've updated the tipping ladder and I'll sort out the NRL ladder when its warm enough to take off my slippers so I can count to twenty.
Not much change on the tipping ladder but well done to SeaEagle47 - the only person to tip the Tigers and a perfect 4 from 4 to boot.
Just two sleeps to Origin game one....hooray!
Submitted by The Thinker on
a,
I don't even know if I'm going to be watching The Rookie to be honest. I'm more than happy for others to talk about it if they want to though.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Jarryd Hayne should try out for NRL Rookie.
C'mon people. He has all the skills to make it.
Submitted by a on
Yeah Coach he should
Submitted by a on
Here is the update for the people in the non tipping ladder competition
Islander 60
Dragonsfan4ever 49
BigPeteBx 49
Islander is still in front by 11 but the other got 1 closer to him can they catch up to him we will see
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
'a'. Me and Big Pete are beginning to claw our way back aye. But we still need a lot of catching up to do. Hope that towards the end od the season, it goes down to the wire.
Submitted by a on
I hope you do never give up no one likes quitters you can do it I believe in you takes risks
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Noone can hear you buddy, players are reading Thinker page pre-game!
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
Yes, of course I won't give up. Yes I know, I have to take risks as the season continues to progress
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