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 BigPeteBx on
Cheers Newbie - my margins this week would need to be an odd number.
If a match is evenly poised - the field goal pot shotter's will come into play.
Be good and Keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by mark ashford on
I've never been one to listen much to "conspiracy theories" but if recent posts are right that the constant referrals to the bunker are simply to give KFC more exposure then the NRL has lost me.
No wonder Wayne Bennett said he wants it gone.
We have a great local team here on Bribie called the Warrigals who have produced players like Gillett and Jack Reid.
Only a 15 minute walk away may just follow them instead.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Ha ha Big Pete
Saw KC twice at Brisbane's Festival Hall
First time he was unreal had us all rocking and singing "that's the way" etc or "please don't go" even better.
Next time about two years later he came on stage very over weight but still in the leather, he appeared quite p***ed and kept forgetting the words. Lots of fans left disappointed.
Still love his work.
"Once in a lifetime you meet someone who looks as beautiful as you, please don't go, don't go, don't go away."
Humming? try and get that outta your head!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Back to the football, we finally have a game where the players decided the result. Good game and the Panthers just couldn't find the goods.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Agree there Baggy. Officials almost invisible. Gutsy win by the Broncos tonight. Hope Oates is ok after a nasty collision.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It was rough but at least it was a freak accident and not foul play.
Submitted by Mary S on
Was a good hard game - Broncos defence extremely effective tonight.
Submitted by anonymous on
Doin Da Penrith Lost.
Doin Da Penrith Lost.
Submitted by Russell on
Should have been play on when Oates was injured as the play was away from injured player and would have resulted in a try 4 seconds later.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Everythings ok Mark - we ain't goin nowhere.
Just staying round here tipping and all.
Was a hummin mate.
Not good when they get like that at concerts. We the audience, are paying their way and they have to stuff it for everyone. Off to Sydney next weekend to see Tina Arena at ICC, then Paul McCartney in December.
As much as I loved her voice, I never saw the late Whitney Houston's second visit/concerts. She was bombed too often. To think of her singing background and religious upbringing in church choir groups, I'd point the finger at that other half of hers (B. Brown) and that is where the drug activity got out of control. She was a great talent in her time and gradually faded away. May she rest in peace. She'll be singing with the angels now. She'll be also dancin with somebody (plenty) who love her. Hummin Bro.....................
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by a on
Broncos have a tough challenge against the Storm
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evenin TAD - yours of Tues 12.9.
I was reading back over your post and totally agree with you about Gal. He has experience written all over him and teams need that, apart from the ways he niggles into things, that gets him disliked by many. There has been a few times this season, when Gal had those short bursts of brilliance and won games for Sharks. Don't forget his boxing career is "blossoming", so we can comprehend if he's stuck his head in one scrum too many.
That pet hate is one of mine as well - fence sitters I call them. Probably the type that follow the next season, whoever wins the previous years grand final - in whatever sport you wish to mention.
But TAD, if you don't mind me asking - when you said he (Gal) did for nsw we might of won more. That indicates to me that you follow NSW Blues. Do you live in NSW or are you interstate.
As I've said to others - just asking and curious and getting to know our posting bloggers. Lets say it starts friendships here and not wars.
Cheers - Big Pete (Bx - NSW)
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evenin 'a' - yes mate Broncos v Storm, will be like the teacher and the student, as it once was in very early days.
Presently the student is running the race and a very good race, thus far.
Cheers, good luck and have good weekend.
Big Pete
Submitted by bronx nation on
Awesome defence by the Bronx especially with the three HIA stretching the bench we may just be able to get over Melbourne, hopefully Oates is ok
Submitted by christine on
Mark annoying devil is a nsw resident he goes to souths games at anz & i had a bet on sharks to win the grand final when they did last only because to me it was obvious they would but i'm not a sharks member or am i a sharks follower but that doesn't make me a fence sitter , i chose not to follow anyone team this year & i will probably do the same next year as well but that's my choice to do so ...
Submitted by christine on
Mark Ask the Thinker yourself about every time they go to the bunker during a game for what is now referred to as another kfc moment the nrl get paid for advertising , i have spoken to the thinker via email outside of this website about it & it's true they do but the figures i was given were a lot less than what the Thinker told me the deal is worth & i don't doubt it so believe me it is no conspiracy kfc are sponsors & they pay for their advertising to the nrl the nrl are in it to make money it's a business mark & i agree with you they put you off this great game of ours now is just a money making business to them ...
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
Did anyone see the RLPA team of the year
Ok so your voted by your peers in a 3-2-1 system on the team that wins and loses but if you look at the team there are only 3 players out of the top 8 that made it only 1 player in the top 4 cam smith so as Julius sumner miller once said why is this so?
Because when you vote players on a good team your votes are spread over more players
On the other hand when you flog a team say the west tigers for example you give it to the players that had a go that's why Tedesco won it and woods polled so high
So I don't think this is a fair way like the dally Ms any thoughts?
Submitted by mark ashford on
TAD
Didn't see the whole thing only that Tedesco had won the RLPA player of the year. My only thought is that he probably deserved the award.
Doe's it count for anything?
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
Don't get me wrong Tedesco is a special player but if every player voted for their best players in positions say after the 26 rounds I think the results would be more accurate
Why vote who was best in the losing team?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tough game last night both teams went at each other well.
IMO Tatu Moga, Herman Esse and Adam Blair were some of the Broncos best and none of them will be there next year.
What was Wayne/Broncs thinking when they let these players go.
I know we are getting Jack Bird next year but who is going to provide the grunt up front?
Thaiday is near the end of his career. Josh Maguire runs hot and cold.
Jai Arrow has some go forward but will it be enough.
Anyone heard of other signings to prop up our forwards?
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
Mark your getting a really good lock called Andre sevellio from Warrington
He has been compared to SBW at the same age I think he's about 21
He's well known in super league
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi TAD
Thanks for that. If he's the new Sonny Bill then should go well at the Broncs.
I guess my real question is why not hang on to players that are really performing. I know the cap comes into play but if the Broncs can't afford to keep them how can other clubs afford to buy them?
Ben Hunt who also runs hot and cold is going to the Dragons on a massive million dollar contract. What happens to the rest of the Dragons squad? Pay cuts? Ignoring juniors coming through?
To me it's all a disaster in the making.
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
I believe by offloading Dugan packer and mccrone they can fit hunt under the cap
St George have a small junior comp in most cases need to merge with Cronulla to make it work Matt fifty is their best junior and he's signed up
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
Dufty *
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Proof KFC needs to be shown, how was there a question about the semi grounding.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
What are your thoughts at half time Baggy? Cows look the better side to me.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Eels have got two cheapies baggy might be your night.
Submitted by Mary S on
Nights not over yet Rocket!!!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Not very happy with will Smith, he should have passed it back inside. But its going well enough.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
I don't want to put the "mocka" on anything but...
Dare to Dream Cowboys, dare to dream...
Submitted by newbie from perth on
I think the deal is done...
Submitted by Hardyards on
I. LOVE. MY. TEAM!!!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
I think you're right Newbie. Para have self destructed!!!
Submitted by Hardyards on
Not self descruct, great defence and very minimal mistakes from the Boys.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Congratulations Cowboys. You've made "mugs" out of all of us here except the true believers. Congratulations to Mary, Hardyards, "a" and all the other Cowboys fans. Bad luck Baggy, your BOYS did you proud mate. There's always another chance for everyone my friend.
Pretty impressed with the Cows' effort tonight against all odds. Has me thinking about next week I can tell ya. Should be a cracker. Bring it on!
Well done Cows! Nighty-Night from Newbie...
Submitted by Mary S on
Sorry Baggy and other Eels fans, but from a Cowboys fan's point of view - What a win!!!!! It was a hard, fast, heart stopping game.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Another great effort from the cowboys. Some hope of a repeat of the 2015 grand final. Some.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Lets hope NOT Thinker
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Thats all she wrote baggy.
Get on the broncos now
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Really Ryan??? I have some level of dignity left, not a lot but some. At least Kenny played a good game, so we'll happily keep him.
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
Well done cowboys the fairytale continues
I think the roosters will be just as happy with that result as who thought they were going to play the team that just scraped into 8th
All those tough games at the end of the season having put the cowboys in good stead but it is a step up next week
So we have a Sydney team 2 qld teams and a interstate team full time of qlders I'm sticking with a roosters broncos final but after tonight who knows
Submitted by a on
Yes My boys are still alive now let's bring on the Roosters next week
Submitted by The Thinker on
For those who haven't seen the joke I will pass it on (with apologies to Baggy):
Only the Eels could lose two Semis in one night.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
I'll throw in a beanie for you.
Submitted by ESRA STAR on
Congratulations to the Cowboys for last nights win. But,gee,wasn't it a forward pass-a-thon?
Not moaning about who won or who lost,but the lack of control by not one but two ref's,yet again.
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
Thinker that's is pretty funny
At Souths their saying that's all we need another gagai in our team
Submitted by christine on
Well done cowboys fans "a" mary s & hardyards but baggy sorry for your team loss I had taken eels myself ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
HA HA HA HA. Actually that's not to bad a joke, We lost quite convincingly, should have won, but that Smith try should have been under the posts and 12 - 6 at half time would have made some difference after the Cowboys got back level. We could have reset, gone back to the basics instead of panicking and chasing points to claw back the 2 we were behind. We didn't play the percentages last night.
Submitted by a on
Yeah Eels did not play well looks like I have a nervous wait with a trio of stars nt suspend
Submitted by a on
AND INJURED
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