Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
If nothing else it will be nice to see finals football in front of a big crowd. The Broncos have won 10 from 13 at Suncorp this season – their only losses were at the hands of the Cowboys in round two and a pair of comprehensive floggings from the Storm and the Eels. All those losses were to top eight sides, and the floggings were against top four sides. The Panthers have beaten just three teams away from Sydney this year – Canberra, Newcastle and the Warriors. Not one of those teams made the top eight this year. Griffin has quite the record against the coach that replaced him at the Broncos, but that meant little the last time these sides met. Earlier this year the Broncos were convincing 32-18 winners at Suncorp, and note that the score was 28-0 up until the 65th minute – the Panthers scored three late tries when the game was over as a contest. On that occassion it was Matt Moylan who sparked their attack late in the game, and he won't be there on Friday night. My hunch is that Darius Boyd will play, with Marshall on the bench just in case Boyd goes down again. Wayne Bennett has all the time in the world for Benji Marshall, but his performance against the Roosters is an indication that the best of Benji is behind him. Ben Hunt didn't play the last time these sides met either, and his inclusion gives the home side another attacking option. The Broncos were far from their best last weekend, and they still went within a whisker of beating the Roosters in Sydney. Any improvement on that effort, and improvement is likely, should see them staying alive in season 2017 for another week. An extra day to prepare for this game can't hurt either.
Verdict – Broncos by 8
Result – Broncos by 7
Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium
I assume the Cowboys went home after the extra-time victory over the Sharks last weekend. The way the draw has fallen means that they could stay in Sydney all the way to the grand final if they wanted to...providing they keep the fairytale alive. They won just one game in Sydney during the regular season, and to win a premiership they'll need to win four games in succession in Sydney against top eight sides. It seems unlikely, and I did call it a fairytale. At full strength I'd back them in, but as we all know this side is a long way from full strength. This is the third time these sides will meet this season, but their first meeting in Sydney. In round 9 they met in Townsville where the injury-depleted Cowboys were comprehensively beaten 26-6. In round 14 they met in Darwin and it was the Cowboys at their best with a 32-6 win. What made that game different (apart from the location) was a masterclass from Jonathan Thurston, who turned up in time to show the Queensland selectors he was ready to play State of Origin football. Sadly there will be no heroics from Thurston on Saturday night. Less sadly we get at least one more week of Semi Radradra before he jumps on the next plane to France. Will we ever see him in the NRL again? I suspect we will not.
Verdict – Eels by 10
Result – Cowboys by 8
Wally Lewis - finals week two (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- BRONCOS vs Panthers
- EELS vs Cowboys
Comments
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Thanks for that Mr Thinker, I'd forgotten about the World Cup. Setup sounds good.
Cheers from Johnny Awesome
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hello all,
Getting my morning brew before heading off to the bus on this fine morn in the Nations Capital. Mr Tigerholic, For as long as I remember coaches have been venting their opinions on media after a game anyway, the difference is that it's getting more expensive these days for them to do it. The NRL have not yet resorted to turning off the sound or the camera or delaying the interview with blips yet. It could happen yet in the future. $30K fine for a 10 minute rant equates to $3000 per minute, not a bad return for the NRL. My view is that, I tend to agree with the anti-ref bagging rule. There has to be a line drawn in the sand otherwise it becomes a free for all. Flanagans problem was he went on social media afterwards continuing his rant. There has got to be some semblance of order and the rules are there. So if you are one of those coaches/club that think you are going to be dudded start saving your penny's over the off season now. Cheers from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Interesting article from the local paper here...pretty much sums up a lot of what the Thinker raised earlier....
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/league/news/article.cfm?c_id=79&objectid=11921208
Submitted by Doggie on
Hi Big Pete, thanks for the update. Oberon boys would of been shattered. Were you at the game.
Just on the world cup, we get a Q/F in Darwin. Barring any major upsets it should be Aus v Tonga or Samoa. Cant wait.
Submitted by bronx nation on
Ha ha manly!!!!! As for the grubby coaches blaming the refs, fine them double. The bunker is great and the reffing has never been better, not perfect but pretty good. I think it is going to be an eels storm grand final I am tipping broncs and eels to win this weekend .
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Not sure if that a NZ sport page Steel, I didn't see a single mention of the All Blacks or Rugby Union.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
That article is from our major paper Baggy. I selected Sport then sub category League so that's why there are no rugby articles. Trust me we are bombarded with rugby in this country. With the Warriors travelling so badly, League has become a joke here. If only those who donned the Warriors jersey had as much passion as those who pull on an All Blacks jersey!! Good luck to your Eels this weekend.
Submitted by a on
Don't forget both Manly and Sharks robbed the Cowboys in 2012 and 2013
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
I've given it a lot of thought and they did me proud last week so I'm sticking with the panthers
It's a big ask but on paper they're evenly matched though Suncorp crowds make it difficult
I think the cowboys run will end this week but if they do get up I won't be upset
With Morgan realising his potential and the return of their stars I think 2018 could be their year
Just heard on the grapevine that Blair will break his contract and sign a 4 year deal with the warriors he's undisaplined so should fit right in
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
We'll thrown Kenny Edwards in as well to sweeten the Blair deal. Thanks Steel we'll do our best to roll them, we need some momentum going into a game against the Roosters. A, if you check those scores when the Eagles and Sharks "robbed" the Cowboys it was more than a 6 point margin in both games. So those try did not turn it around.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Kenny Edwards would be welcomed with open arms at the Warriors...lol. I see the Warriors have signed Peta Hiku...ex-Manly and Penrith (actually ex-Warriors too). One of the many 20s players we've let go....
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Broncos by 6 I think the Broncos will knock out Panthers here
Cowboys by 1 Nah I think my boys will do it
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Good pick up Mr Steel Panther, the article certainly hit all the right notes.
Cheers from Mr awesome
Submitted by The Thinker on
Dave Taylor, Ashton Sims and Josh McCrone are joining FuiFui in the Toronto Wolfpack.
I don't know much about them....but I'm a big fan of their logo:
https://www.torontowolfpack.com/
Submitted by Taka on
My tips for week 2 finals
Broncos by 18
Eels by 22
Enjoy your footy...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Steel
Good article from your local and well researched.
Kinda sums up the Sharks season wouldn't you say?
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
3 big signings for the Toronto Wolfpack
Sims front row
Taylor second row
McCrone water boy
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tiger
If you're still reading.
Don't know how old your kids are mate but if they're youngsters keep a close eye on them.
As you would know the eastern beach of Fraser is a designated road and has an 80k limit with areas around settlements, Ely creek and the Maheno 40k's. I always stick to the rules but was passed by several vehicles doing 20 to 30 to 50 k's over despite plenty of families on the beach. Did see a stronger police presence this year.
There's plenty of whiting in the low tide gutters for the kids.
If you're not a wormer the pippies are easy to find.
Good luck, hope you and family have a great time
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Gidday Johnny & Mark...glad you guys enjoyed the article. Yea it pretty much says it all about the Sharks this season. They seemed to stutter along all year. Gallen is a blight on the game with the way he plays it. You kinda lose a lot of respect for Flanagan too when the stats say it all.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Tigerholic i remember how much you whinging and moaning you did after you found those tickets for the titans and took the kids makes me wonder who shouting the fraser trip don't worry mark not only will the kids dig pippies they will have to catch their dinner with tigerscrooge in charge.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Since I've been on site I can't remember changing my tips but on thinking about it I believe the Eels will end the Cowboys season.
If Semi was already in France feasting on croissants etc I'd stay with the NQ boys but that's not the case so it's Eels by 8 .
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sa-wat-dee krup,
‘Tis late in the evening and not a soul to be seen. It must be bedtime over on the East Coast. Quiet and peaceful, the perfect time for Newbie to post his tips. Finals Week 2 is here so let’s get into it…
Broncos vs Panthers
There’s good news and bad news for whoever wins this game on Friday night. The good news is they get to move closer to a Grand Final appearance and the bad news is that in order to do so, they must then square off to the Storm and manage somehow to beat them.
The Panthers managed to exact their revenge against the Sea Eagles last week but will need to drastically ramp up their game if they’re gonna be any hope in this one. Keep in mind that in the last 8 games between these two sides, the Broncos have won 7 of them (I think).
The Broncos will be playing at home – an advantage. They seemed pretty ordinary last week (not their usual best that is) against my BBB but nearly came away with the points. That sort of form should be good enough to get themselves over the line in this one. They just need to make a better start than they’ve done lately. If they can do that then they should be good. Broncos by 10.
Eels vs Cowboys
How good have the Cowboys been in getting this far eh? A mighty effort I must say. They’ve proven most of us wrong so far and I’m wondering if they can prove us wrong again this week.
Their win in extra-time last week was something to behold! I’m not worried in the slightest about their mental toughness this week. Last week’s effort against the Sharks certainly dispels those thoughts. Instead, I’m wondering how that game is gonna impact on their fitness. Was that their “grand final” effort? We’ll have to wait and see for that answer.
You’d have to concede that besides the Storm, the Eels are the “form team” of the competition. That’s why they almost pinched it last week. Had a few decisions gone their way, they may well have. Just proves that no team is unbeatable. Overall, the Eels are motoring along nicely. Thinking about their good run of wins and how the Panthers may have been “drained” by last week’s heroics, I’m leaning pretty confidently towards Baggy’s BOYS this week. I just feel the Eels have a little more class than the Panthers and that’s why I think they’ll win Saturday. Eels by 8.
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
P.S. Do you realize how many holes there could be if people would just take the time to take the dirt out of them? Hmmm…
Submitted by newbie from perth on
D'oh! I meant to say...
"I just feel the Eels have a little more class than the Cowboys" and not the Panthers.
Maybe I should do what you guys have done and go to bed. Looks like I'm getting tired too. After a hard day at the office (5.30 until 4.30) and at my age, you can understand why.
Cheers from Newbie...
Submitted by Mary S on
Not all of us have gone to bed on the eastern side Newbie.
I lived in WA for 20 + years so know what the time difference is like - a real pain sometimes when you want to connect with the eastern states.
Unfortunately, I also think the Eels have a better chance of winning than Cowboys this weekend, but I will be ecstatic if they prove me wrong.
Cheers
Mary
Submitted by newbie from perth on
@ Mary,
Nice to hear from you Mary but I have 2 questions for you if I may…
1. What are you doing still awake at 11.54pm? Insomnia? Night Owl? Just come home from work? Getting ready to go to work? At any rate, nice work!
2. Are you willing to mention which suburb you were in or were you up north/down south? Don’t have to answer if you don’t wanna, just curious.
P.S. Someone has to lose on Saturday. On one hand I’d be happy for Baggy if the Eels won but on the other I’d be happy for you and “a” if the Cows won. Thank the Universe I follow the BBB. Cheers and ala Big Pete …. keep well.
Submitted by Hardyards on
Hi footy fans,
Bit of, well life, got in the way lately but still breathing so all good…..
Cowboys - We’re not here just to make up numbers like people thought! We lost crucial games, but other results luckily went our way and we had been given a second chance, and will make the most of it. Beating the Sharkies and watching Gallon cry was as good as winning the grand final for me :)
In here, and elsewhere no one giving us much chance against the Eels, but with less expectations comes less pressure which is great for us.
Congratulations to Scott Bolton on becoming the fourth most capped Cowboys player. Bolts plays his 204th NRL game for the club tomorrow night, and Kane Linnett also plays his 150th NRL game for the Cowboys.
O’Neill has been named on the reserves this weekend pending a fitness test, I've ordered more beer and cannot wait for this game. Never say die attitude, massive injury toll and still fighting, regardless of the outcome, the cowboys are already winners.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Newbie,
Glad to answer your questions....
1. Reading a book in the afternoon & fell asleep - so was wide awake later and on the computer.
2. Lived down south (Manjimup/Bunbury for a couple of years) then north to Roebourne/Wickham/Karratha for remainder of our time in WA. Husband was involved in construction/mining so we moved around quite a bit over the years, starting off our married life by going to South Island NZ.
Have friends still living in Perth that we keep in contact with, & see periodically.
P.S. Either Baggy, "a", Tailspin or I are going to be jumping for joy after Saturday nights game!! Which every team wins, I will be proud of the way Cowboys have played and conducted themselves in their team effort throughout the season and look forward to 2018 season.
Cheers to all
Mary
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Hardyards - 100% in agreement with your comments!
Submitted by a on
Welcome back Hardyards good to see you still here hopefully you me Mary S and Tailspin are going to be happy after Saturday
Submitted by Hardyards on
Cheers 'A', Mary S. If the boys play together, hard and give their best, win or lose I'll be happy. Fingers crossed the officials wont be criticised for deciding the outcome, but the players take responsibility for the result. In saying that, if 50/50 calls have to go one way, we'll take 'em ;)
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It is the nature of ever ref call in the finals to be seen as a 50/50 call or fair. Depends on which way it goes.
Submitted by Hardyards on
That's easy, Baggy. If it's in Cowboys favour its fair………… :)
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hardyards...good to see you are still around. Have to agree with you. Considering the injury toll your Cowboys have done well whether they win or lose tomorrow night. Your other JT was simply awesome last Sunday!!!
Submitted by Hardyards on
Hi Steel Panther,
Yes, was a doubt signing him for 10 years might allow him to cruise, but he has continued to improve and is a real meter eater! I won't be blaming injuries if we lose to the Eels, the team we have now is the best we can do so bring on a close fair tussle and let the footy god(s) decide.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
See Hardyards, that sounds a bit unfair and biased to me. Eels should be getting the marginal calls, we have been to long out of the finals, we have a record membership, and we did better than most against the storm in the last two meetings. Storm and Eels would get 85,000 for the grand final, Storm and Cowboys would get about 6 (not 6000, 6 people not including the commentary team, refs, support staff and the two benches). That's why we deserve the benefit of the doubt.
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
I wouldn't go off the last time you played 2 out of 3 parra tries was when Eddie Munster was in the bin
Submitted by Hardyards on
Well Mr Gee,
A well thought out response and you even included projected crowd figures using a reliable algorithm. Hard to argue with that.
Your record membership was assessed by the same accountant that ran your 2016 salary cap, so no rebuttal space there. True, your last premiership was in 1986, but you have had four of them so maybe give us the rub of the green to allow us to catch up? I will concede that your guys pose a greater risk to the mighty Storm at the moment, so back to half the marginal calls each. Well played my friend.
Submitted by a on
Yeah Eels lost cause of a miss foward pass
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
That I can live with, I'll take a fair hard game where the players leave it all out on the field and all 34 players can honestly say they tried their very hardest for 80 minutes. Oh and Kenny doesn't give a bone headed penalty away to gift you field position.
Submitted by Mary S on
Great repartee guys - well done!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:
Broncos by 2- This should be a cracking game. Sudden death footy. Nothing is better. The Sharks-Cowboys game showed us just that. Broncos in a close one.
And finally... Eels by 8- I think that extra time game for the Cowboys would've taken it's toll. Plus, the Eels have a longer turnaround than the Cowboys only by the one day though where the Eels would've rested. So Eels for me.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's teams whose playing this week. ANd with everyone's tips for this week. For the Manly and Sharks fans on this site, sorry for the loss, must've been tough. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Mary
Went to my local today to stock up on some nice vino to see me through the two games this weekend.
There is two lovely young ladies who normally serve and they were both in Cowboys jerseys and enjoying banter with the shoppers.
I thought is this an omen?
As the Devil said Parra scored two tries against Storm during the Munsters send off. Not only is he good in attack but defends as if his life depends on it.
Takes a fair bit away from the Eels close call with the Storm.
I've tipped Eels with no conviction but would love to see a Cowboys win.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Yes Mark because the Broncos were able to keep up the Storm.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Nah Doggie - wasn't at the game. It was in Orange.
Oberon were coached by former Illawarra and St George player Luke Branighan.
Getting a World Cup match will be good for NT and The Northerners.
The Samoans & Tongans will feel like they are at home, with palm trees, gum trees, cockatoos and kangaroos....you humming mate.
Bet there is a few that are, after they read this post.
@J. Awesome - both you and Doggie would recall a local pub called The Dudley Hotel. Former Manly and Roosters player Kevin Junee, is now the proud owner of it.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Howdy Mark A - nice to see you stock and travel in economy size.
Did you get bottle or cask vino?
Saves getting up all that often to get from fridge.
I like a nice sweet chilled white, when I can get my hands on one.
Wine that is mate....sorry about the undertone description.
There are two that brings a nice taste to the palate in Berri wine cask.
No, I'm not a cheap wine consumer - but give Dolce Bianco or Lite Fruity Lexia a whirl. Better than Awesome J's coffee.
Cheers and good luck this weekend
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evenin Drago - long time no communicate.
You and I were so close in the honouree tippers comp last season.
Like your guys the previous week - hard to take and morale down.
Thats footy though and you never know what the underdog has in store.
Remember also that Eels are home team this week and now they are in finals - they owe their supporters/followers - BIG TIME.
Eagle Rocks, Fortress and I, haven't as yet, been invited to NRL Referee's end of season celebratory drinks function. KFC major sponsor is supplying the eats. Venue is The Bunker, but at which golf course - I'm unsure.
Keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by mark ashford on
Big Pete
I'm no wine snob mate alternate between De Bortoli Premium 4ltr Semillon Sauvignon Blanc or whatever reds or whites in bottles are on special. Keep coming back to the De Bortoli as it suits my palate.
The 4 ltr box saves extra trips to the pub!
Drink what you like and like what you drink.
My philosophy anyway.
Submitted by christine on
Enjoy your footy this weekend everyone ...
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Mark - that's the way I like it, a ha a ha.
Humming - KC & The Sunshine Band.
Has been cold and icy down this way mate.
Had snow falls and thick around the district here. It would freeze, no mate, not what you thought - but a bottle fast.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
You enjoy it also Miss Christine.
Keep well there Missy
Big Pete
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