Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium
Manly are two wins adrift of four other teams vying for finals spots, and in their last four games they face top eight teams playing well. Coach Trent Barrett all but conceded that their campaign this year was over...and it is. Once the coach has given up, the players have every excuse in the world to give up too (unless they're desperately seeking a new contract). Jamie Lyon returns and they'll lift for his testimonial game at Brookvale, but that selection is for another day. The Dogs are talking. Woof! Woof!
Verdict – Bulldogs by 10
Result - Bulldogs 20 defeated Sea Eagles 16
Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
When last they met it was the very first game of the season, when the Broncos prevailed (17-4) at Pirtek. Foran was a late withdrawal before the game, and Norman got injured before half time and never returned. Since then the season has only gotten worse for them both. While the Eels last start victory over the Sea Eagles showed they haven't given up completely, they had their share of luck to get there. The 50-50 calls are less likely to go their way away from home. Abolutely no-one should be backing the Broncos to win this game at $1.22, but they are the team to tip. There were positive signs last round, and those that have written them off this season should note that the Sharks lost, the Cowboys lost, the Storm scraped home at home and the Bulldogs had their share of challenges getting over the Knights. Broncos...not finished just yet.
Verdict – Broncos by 8
Result - Broncos 38 defeated Eels 16
Wests Tigers vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday afternoon – Campbelltown Stadium
Critics of Jarryd Hayne and his return on the Gold Coast take note - he's good for business. The Titans loss to the Warriors last week was the highest rating show on Foxtel ever - not bad for an expansion club and a team from New Zealand. I'm not sure how many of those 396,000+ will be glued to televisions on Saturday, but it's worth a look. Robbie Farah was probably wrong when he said he was at least as good as Cameron Smith, and Jason Taylor was probably right when he said the Tigers were a better team without him. They've won three games on the trot, and every win has been convincing. Given their last start win over the Cowboys, you would expect these young Tigers will be starting to believe that they deserve to be playing finals football this year. This season might be one season too early, but it's great to see a young side giving it a shake. If Hayne was rusty in his first game back then his best will be very good indeed. I'll assume he improves this week, and I'll assume the Titans are a more cohesive unit this week too. Will that be enough to beat an in-form Tigers in daytime conditions at home? Not quite.
Verdict – Tigers by 2
Result - Titans 19 defeated Tigers 18
New Zealand Warriors vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday night – Mt Smart Stadium
Every season the Warriors get on a run, and this season their run has arrived later than it usually does. I blame climate change. I'm not sure what's causing the steady decline at South Sydney but this once mighty side has lost nine games in a row. Yes they put up a fight against the Storm last week, but I'm declaring that performance a one-off. Prior to that they got beaten by 50, and teams that get beaten by 50 often bounce back next start. Bounce is what they did, and now it's time they bounced back down again. The Warriors have beaten two top eight contenders in a row, and any losses in recent times have been in extra time. You can never say the Warriors are a certainty, but I feel like saying it.
Verdict – Warriors by 14
Result - Rabbitohs 41 defeated Warriors 22
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night – UOW Jubilee Stadium
Somewhere out there is a planet whose inhabitants believe the Dragons can win on Saturday night, but it's not this planet. Perhaps it's where Johnny Ray went - there were times when he did seem like he was from another world. I've felt for a while that the Sharks peaked too early this season, and their last two performances may indicate that to be true, but they're better than the Dragons. They're so much better than the Dragons. If the Sharks went into this game assuming the two points were already theirs, I could give the Dragons a slight hope, but given the Sharks comprehensive loss last start, that won't be the case. Joel Thompson, Tyson (you can't tough this) Frizell and Josh Dugan return for the Red V, but I doubt it matters. I think the Sharks win by 30, and I can't believe the bookies have them at $1.25. I like that...gamble responsibly.
Verdict – Sharks by 30
Result - Dragons 32 defeated Sharks 18
Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers – Sunday afternoon – Hunter Stadium
The Knights have an old boys game up their sleeves, but this isn't it. It's not even next week when Jarryd Hayne heads to the Hunter. The Panthers are level with two other teams on the ladder but ahead on points differential. This game gives them an opportunity to stretch that lead further, and that differential could be very important indeed when we call time on the last game in round 26. Hook knows it, and he has a team capable of racking up a score. $1.17 for the Panthers. I actually like that more than the Sharks at $1.25.
Verdict – Panthers by 34
Result - Panthers 42 defeated Knights 6
Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday afternoon – Allianz Stadium
If there is a crazy result this round (and nearly every round has one) then this game could be the game. The Roosters barely tried last week, and its very likely they're too busy getting their end of season holidays organised to be worried about winning football games. If that is the case this game is over already, but it's possible the Chooks can find a reason to win this. That reason - to finish ahead of the Rabbitohs on the ladder this season. That's all I've got. Pearce and Waerea-Hargreaves return for the tricolours, and the Cowboys are without Granville in that all important role. His absence may slow the Cowboys down in attack just enough. We are the Roosters...the red white and bluesters.
Verdict – Roosters by 2
Result - Roosters 22 defeated Cowboys 10
Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm – Monday night – GIO Stadium
Josh Hodgson isn't better than Cameron Smith, but he's a lot better than Robbie Farah, and he might be the best English rugby league player in the world right now (I know...that's a small world, but still). There's every chance they'll be vying for the Dally M this year (unless Ben Barba or Jason Taumalomo get in the way). The Raiders proved (to many) they're a contender this season with their win over the Sharks. Now they get a chance to back up that impressive left jab with a stunning right hook by knocking off the team on the top of the ladder for the second week in a row. A win for the Storm and they maintain their lead over the Sharks - a loss and they probably drop to second. A win for the Raiders and they stay in third - a loss and they probably drop to fourth. It's an important game and it's the game of the round, so who do you want on your side in those clutch moments? Answer: Cameron Smith.
Verdict – Storm by 1
Result - Raiders 22 defeated Storm 8
Wally Lewis - round twenty-three selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- BULLDOGS vs Sea Eagles
- BRONCOS vs Eels
- TIGERS vs Titans
- WARRIORS vs Rabbitohs
- Dragons vs SHARKS
- Knights vs PANTHERS
- Roosters vs COWBOYS
- Raiders vs STORM
Comments
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Oi Todd, how much does it cost to buy a result you bum. Give us Pears back as well.
Submitted by Anonymous on
well done mark and rocket you smashed them but then again so should we of..............kuntucky fried eels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the fortress home of the famouse hill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by fortresseagle on
well done mark and rocket you smashed them but then again so should we of........................kentucky fried eels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the fortress eagle home of the famouse hill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Apologies. Silence was forced by lack of internet . I will get the ABS to vouch for me.
# Really Thinker? Would you have been happy to say that at quarter time? At half time? Claiming tonight was as clinical as when the Panthers won away at Suncorp, 18-0 at the break, thats just straight literary untruth.
# To Broncos fans, I wanted to say well done.
Finally playing some good footy, although the first half an hour was horribly true to the last two months wouldn't you say?
While it's said you can only beat what's on the park, I think Broncos have had a problem up against a large section of the ladder. Granted, and congrats on making the finals, but it goes back to rnd14 v Canberra since they beat a team in the top 8. The next two weeks will say more about where they are at, than the last two ever will.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Fortress are you using Anonymous's phone? Or vice-versa?
Just keeps getting weirder and funnier.
People had a go at me for questioning, but must be now secretly silently saying sorry. (Kenny Callendar Tongue Twister not intended)
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
I have watched the replay handled the eels well coach they are hard running and have troubled a lot of siďes no problems with our spine they were in everything bring on the bulldogs coach or just worry if or not you will handle the tigers we all know you're much better at pepper
Submitted by The Thinker on
I didn't suggest the Broncos were perfect. I'm looking at how they were going 4 weeks ago, then I'm comparing that to last week and then I'm comparing that to last night.
They're improving, and importantly, their halves started showing us some of the football they were showing us early in the year.
They need to improve more, but as I said, I think they are capable of better. If that happens....they can win the comp.
Coach,
You may be right about who the Broncos are beating. Next week they face a side that flogged them when they weren't going well. That will be a good indicator of their improvement (or lack of improvement).
And be mindful, that since round 10 the only top eight side the Panthers have beaten was an out-of-form Broncos when they were losing to everyone. On that form, you have Penrith winning the premiership this season or the next.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The same one line summary said you were giving the same grade.
You are right, Thinker but lots of the Panther losses to the big teams are masked by the fact that they only just went down. They were right there against teams like Dogs, Cowboys,and Sharks, and Raiders.
To not know how Panthers have improved since should not need the assistance of blind Freddie.
Sure Broncos clicked the last half, but were horrible for 40. Oates will show as a match winner as well as a match loser.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Not sure if I made may Premiership prediction very clear either.
I said it's this year or next because that's all the time they have. Add Tamou to our lineup next, Cleary Martin Mansour Moylan Cartwright Reagan-Campbell Fisher-Harris Latu all deserving of more money and this amount of talent is gonna cause a salary cap spillover. There'll never keep such a team legally and that's why it has to be this year or next. Cowboys still play their Grand Final 17 although Tamou, a big name, and a big part of 2015 has to go. Hard to recognise Souths as the o Premiership winners only the year before isn't it?
Submitted by fortresseagle on
goodbye tigers, bad luck tigerhollic those dried tears in the tigers eyes after been washed up on the shore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thanks Coach and agree they have a way to go yet.
How bad was Parker's goalkicking.
Same thing lost it for the Tiges today.
Hope Tedesco's jaw isn't broken.
Surely Ryan James to get some time off.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Well done Titans, no come back from me, I'm feeling gutted at the moment, losing as well as Tedesco injury, fuck, can it get any worse.
Well said Fortress, I give a lot so the door is now wide open to all to give me a bagging.
Cheers
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Well that's now at least five tippers who can plan mad Monday already. Everyone else still has a prayer.
Submitted by fortresseagle on
tigerhollic your team was gutsy u must be proud of them i really hope tedesco is ok ,no matter what team you dont wanna see any player have that typwe of injury,ryan james wil be lucky to play again this year disgusting atack of the head.
i know ur gutted tiger but look ut my team robbed against parramatta disgracefull refereeing,and the ref against the dogs was a dog the bulldogs were dirty and got away with blue murder.
thats how the cooky crumbles your team stil;l in it but without teddy going to be hard see what happens.
the fortress enjoying rio and aussie gold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Education in this country is definitely Gonski.
Tigers can still make it to 30. They could lose another and still make 28. They gotta lose two more before its goodbye. Gettin bad when even the fans need a HIA.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Very funny Coach!
How good were the Bunnies today.
Where has that been all year.
Now the Dragons are matching it with the Sharks.
Tigerholic don't despair. Just one conversion short of a win.
I know all you NSW people love Aaron Woods but what exactly does he do?
Submitted by christine on
I'm out of the couch comp after nine weeks I took sharks & they lost .
Submitted by mark ashford on
Are the Sharks gone?
Dragons played like a finals team but too little too late.
Should Fiffita even be playing RL? What an idiot he is.
Makes last week's win by the Broncs look a bit better wouldn't you say Coach?
Submitted by mark ashford on
In a round (so far) of upsets, will the Knights beat the Panthers?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Anythings possible but Panthers aren't exactly in a position to take a game lightly., so you can quickly discount that factor. Time will tell who wants it more. I know they've been hungry for a good while. Last 4 games 3 wins and a golden point loss. I could have not said any of this and just said "whatever", Mark. Would have given you the same answer.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hello Christine - it has been a crazy round , so far.
I also join you, as I also took Sharks.
I think they had best take a swab on The Drags.
By my admitting that, might save Coach some stirring.
Keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The most surprising thing about this weekend, week 23 of the comp, the Great King Wally Lewis writes his first post of the year (on the Olympic page), and I am the only one who noticed.
If Newcastle beat Penrith tomorrow, the first thing mentioned will still show as the more surprising.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hey Mark, a, and Newbie.
Breathe easy. You can't lose this week.
If Penrith win, of course, you are the last three through to next week.
But because everyone can't go out in the same week, if Newcastle do win, then all this week's losers - Rocket, christine, Tigerholic, and BigPeteBx as well as Mark a, and Newbie are back off the couch, and back in it.
1. Couch - PAR_CRO_NZ_TIG (Pullin' Up A Couch)
2. Mark - NZ_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL _CRO_MAN_BRI_PAN(I’m Still Standin’)
3. Baggy - NZ_DRA_MAN_PAR_G/C_CAN(Pullin' Up A Couch Somewhere)
4. Rick - NZ_MEL_CAN_PAN(Pullin' Up A Couch Somewhere)
5. Tailspin - PAR_DRA_TIG_BUL_PAN_MEL_CAN_G/C(Pullin'Up A Couch Somewhere)
6. a - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL_CRO_MAN_BRI_PAN(I’m Still Standin’)
7. Newbie - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL_CRO_MAN_BRI_PAN(I'm Still Standin’)
8. Tigerholic - NZ_MEL_CAN_BUL_G/C_CRO_MAN_BRI_TIG(Pullin'Up A Couch Somewhere!
9. Rocket - PAR_PAN_CAN_BUL_MEL_COW_MAN_BRI_NZ(Pullin'Up A Couch Somewhere)
10. christine - NZ_PAN_MAN_PAR_G/C_TIG_CAN_BRI_CRO(Pullin'Up A Couch Somewhere)
11. Big Pete Bx - PAR_MEL_CAN_BUL_MAN_G/C_TIG_BRI_CRO(Pullin'Up A Couch Somewhere)
12. Thinker - MEL(Pullin Up A Couch Somewhere)
13. BoozeMaster2000 - NZ_DRA_BUL_CAN_BRI_MAN(Pullin' Up A Couch Somewhere)
14. Broncoswimmer - NZ_MEL_CAN_BUL_BRI_CRO_MAN_COW(Pullin'Up A Couch Somewhere)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I put this stat up last week and it may not mean too much to some.
Each team plays 8 other teams twice and I thought it might show a teams dominance by winning both him and away games.
I mentioned that it might be showing the Sharks haven't proven themselves even though they are up near the top. Two of the teams played twice are all still to come including a recharged Roosters. Are the Sharks a false top 2. Stats suggest yes. Like so many finals series before for Cronulla, it could be shaping up a lot like out in straight sets again.
Teams that beat other teams home and away
Cronulla over Panthers, Knights
- still possible over Roosters, Storm
---------------------------------------
Storm over Warriors, Knights, Titans, Cowboys, Roosters, Tigers
- still possible over Broncos
------------------------------------------
Raiders over Bulldogs, Knights, Warriors,
- still possible over Tigers, Manly
-----------------------------------------
Cowboys over Souths, Manly.
- still possible over Roosters, Bulldogs
------------------------------------------
Bulldogs over Parramatta, Tigers, Roosters, Manly
-still possible over Broncos, Souths
--------------------------------------------
Broncos over Souths ,Dragons, Eels
-------------------------------------------
Titans - Tigers
-still possible over Knights, Panthers
-------------------------------------------
Warriors over Knights, Roosters
-still possible over Titans
------------------------------------------
Panthers over Broncos (woo hoo), Eels (yaye), Roosters (cock-a-doodle-doo)
-still possible over Manly
------------------------------------------
Tigers over Souths
-still possible over Warriors, Panthers
-------------------------------------------
Sea Eagles over Warriors, Knights
-------------------------------------------
Dragons - nil
-still possible over Roosters, Knights
--------------------------------------------
Eels over Manly, Bulldogs
-still possible over Raiders
--------------------------------------------
Souths - nil
-still possible over Knights
--------------------------------------------
Roosters - nil
-srill possible over Broncos
--------------------------------------------
Knights - nil
Submitted by christine on
Hi big pete let me tell you won thing about coach , you can't stop or avoid him stirring he's coach .
Submitted by a on
Go Panthers and Cowboys for today
Submitted by St.George Illawarra Dragonsfan4ever on
What a win from the Dragons last week. Where has this attack come fro m all of a sudden. Yes we may of left it too late but oh boy wasn't it great to see the boys get a win like they did over the Sharks. What is happening to the Sharks now, two losses in a row. I know they had a couple of players out for last nights match but still they didn't play too well especially in the second half. Also congrats to the Titans credit to Jarryd Hayne with the field goal at the end. And also the Rabbitohs a great performance over the Warriors. Geez yesterday there were some upsets. Oh when the Saints go marching it.
Submitted by St.George Illawarra Dragonsfan4ever on
Sorry what a win from the Dragons last night*.
Submitted by St.George Illawarra Dragonsfan4ever on
Just also wanna say, bad luck to Manly on Thursday night. The way the Dogs are going there is no way that they are a top 4 side and no way that they're a threat in this competition. But you never know when it comes to a club which Des Hasler is coaching. They might finish 6th or 7th or even 8th and make it to the Prelims and the grand ffinal. When it comes to finals time, Des really lifts his boys. But will it happen this year, we'll just have to find out.
Submitted by St.George Illawarra Dragonsfan4ever on
or the grand final*.
Submitted by christine on
Coach I don't get it how can I still have a chance of still being in the couch comp if Newcastle beat Penrith when I took sharks to beat dragons & sharks lost & second point I tipped Penrith over knights please explain that to me even though i'm only a female something there doesn't add up ?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
christine, if everyone loses in the same week there's no winner so when that happens, everyone from that week is back in again.
Won't happen though. Panthers won't lose.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
This week anyway.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hello Rocket - re yrs of Thurs night at 8.56pm.
Yes, I hate to admit it, but yes the lights were fading and then Jamie L had the chance in the dying stages of registered time, to land 2pts for us and not need to go to Golden Point. It wasnt to be.
With added injuries we sustained, we don't look like making the 8 - so it looks like, lights out.
Oh well - EPL (UK) has commenced, so I guess I can channel my interests to FOX Sports EPL Footy Tipping.
Big Pete
Submitted by christine on
Coach good win for Penrith , so am I now out of the couch comp or not so I know seeing that knights lost to Penrith ?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Yes christine, you're out -sorry.
Rocket, your comments get more pathetic by the week.
Cent wait for your next chapter, Zzzzzzzzzz
Submitted by christine on
That's fine coach I think I did well to get to week nine of the couch comp .
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach congrats on a good win.
Knights gave it to you in the first half but the Panthers class showed up in the last 40.
Can't afford slow starts Coach, nearly as bad as my Broncs! (kidding of course)
I thought the refs were shocking to both sides but no bunker complaints.
Sorry to hear Tedesco's jaw is broken. End of season for him.
Just read Ryan James is the second most penalised player this year.
On another site read Maloney and Fiffita were first and second.
Anyone know who's correct?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
No Tedesco for Panthers v Tigers wk24, and no James for Panthers v Titans wk 25.
Talk about two birds with one stone.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Looking good for you Coach.
But what about the Hayne factor in #25
Cowboys not looking so good.
Coach the perfect end of the year would be Panthers/Broncos GF.
Certainly a chance.
Submitted by christine on
Yeah I think sharks have finally lost there momentum , not looking to good now .
Submitted by The Thinker on
Ryan James was in the running for the Dally M medal this year...until now.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Rookie of the Year - Ashley Taylor or Nathan Cleary?
Submitted by The Thinker on
Cleary.....clearly
Submitted by a on
Cowboys what are you doing you have to beat the Warrirs next week
Submitted by mark ashford on
Have to agree with the Thinker Coach. Nathan Cleary by a country mile.
Ryan James gets a one week ban either way.
Tedesco gets a season ender. How is this fair?
There was plenty of malice in the tackle.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Cowboys played poorly Roosters played very well.
What more can you say?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Then there were three.
a and Newbie still in it by using the same mobile phone.
All three though with very similar choices for next week.
Mark - NZ_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL _CRO_MAN_BRI_PAN(I’m Still Standin’)
Choices for week# 10
Game 2- Tigers to beat Panthers
Game 3- Newcastle or Titans
Game 6- Parramatta to beat Canberra
Game 7- Roosters or Dragons
Game 8- Souths to beat Sharks
a - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL_CRO_MAN_BRI_PAN(I’m Still Standin’)
Newbie - G/C_COW_CAN_BUL_MEL_CRO_MAN_BRI_PAN(I'm Still Standin’)
Choices for both a and Newbie for week# 10
Game 2. Tigers to beat Panthers
Game 3. Newcsastle to beat Gold Coast
Game 5. Warriors to beat Cowboys
Game 6. Parramatta to beat Canberra
Game 7. Roosters or Dragons
Game 8. Souths to beat Sharks
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Bulldogs , Storm, Roosters hey Broncos.
Better hope that 8th spot goes down to 26 because it would be fair to say you might be stuck there. Then have to travel to Townsville to play knock-out. Not quite a Grand Final replay huh.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Sorry still losing too much sleep. You're on 28.
Maybe you'll be stuck on 28.
Consensus is Panthers can't catch Broncos on for and against, but I think they can - especially if Broncos to down three times.
Pages