Canberra Raiders vs Manly Sea Eagles – Friday night – GIO Stadium
The Raiders are warming up nicely as the season progresses, and are on track for their fourth win in succession in what is a rare game for them under the bright lights on a Friday night. Their victory over the Warriors last week was full of merit – two late withdrawals left the Raiders with just 15 players to work with. It's been nine years since a team have done that in the NRL, and not only did the Raiders win but they were strong at the tail end of that 20-8 victory. They are the real deal. The Sea Eagles were strong at the tail end of their round seven game too, but left their run too late. Martin Taupau returns up front for the visitors and Manly will need every one of their big men performing if they want to match the might of the Raiders pack. That said, the forwards battle won't be where this game is won (and that's unusual). That edge attack from Leilua and Rapana is probably the best in the league, and it's that edge where Manly have conceded most of their points this year. Those looking at try-scoring betting options take note, and for those just looking for a tip....the Raiders are specials.
Verdict – Raiders by 8
Result – Sea Eagles 20 defeated Raiders 18
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – ANZ Stadium
In the last five weeks the Bunnies only victories have been at the expense of the spare tyres at the Panthers (by a solitary point) and the Knights by six. In their three losses they got towelled up by the Chooks, Storm and Bulldogs. I think the Broncos have more in common with the teams that towelled up the Bunnies. Sam Burgess gets to lace on the boots, which makes the Bunnies slightly more competitive but not competitive enough to win. I thought the Raiders were specials, but the Broncos even moreso.
Verdict – Broncos by 14
Result – Broncos 25 defeated Rabbitohs 24
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday afternoon – ANZ Stadium
While the Eels vs Tigers game on Easter Monday was entertaining to watch, few would have walked away thinking either team would be competing with the better sides in the competition. The Eels looked good late, but the Tigers made them so. Penrith are fast becoming the most disappointing team this season (which isn't easy when you're in the same competition as the Warriors). I suggested many times last season that the Panthers looked very good against the poorer teams but struggled against the very best teams. This theory had me in a running battle with you-know-who...but I was right. This year they've flogged the Tigers and the Knights, but lost to the Dragons, Roosters and Sharks. It looks like nothing has changed. Now I just have to decide if the Eels are a good team or not. I don't think they are, but keep an eye on the team line-ups. If Kenny Edwards starts at fullback (ignore this...I'm an idiot), Gutherson switches to the halves and Takairangi takes on utility duties off the bench I could change my mind. As teams currently stand, I'll tip the Panthers with almost no confidence whatsoever.
Verdict – Panthers by 2
Result – Eels 18 defeated Panthers 12
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
There's been a playmaker inside John Asiata bursting to show himself and he gets another chance to shine. So too Ponga in the fullback role, against the club he joins next season. Clearly the Cowboys are one or two forwards and one or two Thurstons short of a premiership threat at the minute, but they finished well against the Dragons last week and they should be too strong at home.
Verdict – Cowboys by 10
Result – Cowboys 24 defeated Knights 12
Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday night – Southern Cross Stadium
The extended bench for the Titans creates interest with Hayne, Proctor and Hurrell all named in the 21. Of those, only Hayne is any real chance of playing. If he does, this is quite the task he faces in his return. The Sharks haven't conceded a try in their last two games, and those games were away from home. They're back at their spiritual home with an unchanged line-up, and they'll win this in a canter.
Verdict – Sharks by 22
Result – Titans 16 defeated Sharks 12
Wests Tigers vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – ANZ Stadium
I spoke of the Tigers earlier but I'll say it again. They aren't good enough. Their right edge defence leaked points last week, and I'm sure Des Hasler noticed. Note that one of the weak links on that Tigers edge is out injured this week but they don't exactly have a truckload of first grade centres to call upon. I'd be tempted to throw Chris Lawrence back out there again, if his hamstrings can take the pace. There's not many levers Cleary can pull, and whatever he does come up with is likely to fall short. Note the venue – it's a Tigers home game played at the Bulldogs home ground.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 8
Result – Tigers 18 defeated Bulldogs 12
Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Tuesday afternoon – Allianz Stadium
If you only watch one game this round make sure it's this one, and if you're in Sydney on ANZAC Day you could do worse than stroll down to the Sydney Football Stadium for what is one of the real highlights of the NRL season. My blood flows red, white and blue so perhaps that is colouring my judgement but I'm happy to tip the Chooks here. Their forward pack will be a sterner test for the Dragons than what they faced in round seven. Note that Dylan Napa is some chance of an early return too. If the Roosters are to be taken seriously as premiership contenders they need a big scalp, and I've a feeling they'll be primed for a breakout performance.
Verdict – Roosters by 4
Result – Roosters 13 defeated Dragons 12
Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors – Tuesday night – AAMI Park
This ANZAC Day clash is often over-shadowed by the afternoon game, but is a worthy spectacle indeed. In fact, the Storm have often shown us their very best on this day, and the Storm at their best are better than everyone. Will Chambers returns to strengthen the backline. The Warriors are yet to win away from Mt Smart this season, and they're backing up from a trip to Canberra with a trip to Melbourne. Do they actually go home in between? A game that often surprises on the upside, as the Warriors do like to remind us that NZ is a very important part of ANZAC. In any case, the Storm will get the points in the end.
Verdict – Storm by 8
Result – Storm 20 defeated Warriors 14
Wally Lewis - round eight selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- RAIDERS vs Sea Eagles
- Rabbitohs vs BRONCOS
- Eels vs PANTHERS
- COWBOYS vs Knights
- SHARKS vs Titans
- Tigers vs BULLDOGS
- ROOSTERS vs Dragons
- STORM vs Warriors
Last one on the Couch competition
For those of you looking for the Coach Potato competition you can find it in the Lounge section of the website. Just click on 'The Lounge' tab at the top of the page, or you can find it here.
Comments
Submitted by Tailspin on
I hope the Titans win, they deserve one. They are playing some really good footy and showing a lot of ticker for a very depleted side.
Submitted by Tailspin on
Hey mark, Broncos lucky to get away with a win against the Bunnies, very very lucky I would say, but they have the 2 points and that's what counts.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
15 minutes in is a bit of a stretch to say they are gone. Its only 6-0. Thanks Mark, good to get the win but should of got more points if we scored in the first five of each half.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tailspin...what is the score?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thanks Baggy
Yes 6 nil is hardly "gone" no doubt the score has changed by now.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good evening Pabdul - the volunteering you do would get a little emotional at times would it not. My mum was in residential nursing home for 9 years. We made plenty of friends, but there were occasions you'd go out there next and they passed on. Again I made friends too easily. I take it that the Bayswater you mention is out in Balmain/Rozelle country and not of Kings X bayswater variety.
I know precisely what your Saturdays at home could be like.
Has Tedesco signed for Chooks as yet?
I hate this when it all happens mid-season.....should be made wait until seasons end and do the negotiating.
How disrupting to teams, but I know they are big boys and they need to think of themselves and futures.
What consideration about the club that made the commitment to sign them in the first place.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The Panthers have got the Ian Baker Finch's.
1991 - British Open. 2 over first two rounds then blazed through the last two rounds in 10 under par. His first and only Major. Three months later he watches the Panthers win their first Premiership.
So Baker-Finch started tinkering with his swing shortly after, when he was hitting it perfectly well, but somehow seeking further perfection. Wasn't long and he had completely lost it. So many swing thoughts in his head, about 287 all up, I think it was.
He was hardly breaking 100 most days.
One British Open at St Andrews a few years later he hit it left and Out of Bounds off the first tee. Commentators had never heard nor seen such a thing. You need to hit it about 120 yards left to do that. That's about 2 1/2 fairways across on most courses.
This is what I think has happened to the Panthers.
Started tinkering with what was going perfectly ok after 2016. Somehow think they don't really need to play fancy to win. Now they have so many thoughts going on about what to do next, they end up just screwing everything up. They've got the Baker Finch's, and if it's anything like the real thing, they won't win again.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Baggy and Mark, I'm only averaging 3 wins a week, am 0 and 4 this week and have tipped the Sharks.
Forgive me for thinking they're goners.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Pabdul - Horrie played some exciting footy in his days.
I'd been to Easts Leagues a couple of times through mate who was a Roosters fanatic and his dad who once served on Souths Juniors Board.
Also The Hakoah Club from soccer days and associations I met through coaching of round-ball code. The late Eddie Thomson was great for the game and he laid the foundations for a very successful Sydney City Slickers Club.
Peter Mortimer has a very successful vineyard/winery in Orange about 40mins from me. His parents retired to Millthorpe after Sydney and Steve makes the occasional visits through town here.
Submitted by Tailspin on
10 - 6 mark to the sharks, go the Titans
Submitted by pabdul on
evening gros pierre
your spot on bayswater is in Abbotsford and yeah u cant get too attached. my dads 94 and ive taken him in ex boxer ww2 vet he'll be around for a while. i know your little manly mate wears his heart on his sleeve but just ignore the bus enthusiasts (coach lovers)there up there with scientologists and greenies.
tedesco is signed sealed delivered im your i know your humming.
Submitted by mark ashford on
So Coach is it the players fault (doubt it) you have an excellent register or has Hook just gone off the rails? May explain why the Broncs punted him?
Hook is what I'd call a "soft coach" as opposed to Bellamy or Hasler.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Padbul what are we humming?
I love humming
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes Baggy G - it is only 42 bushes thank heavens.
Roses are work, but must watch for the black spot that can knock em a sixer. Winds/rain not about.
Did get some rain a few weeks ago and then a couple of late showers to settle dust. Could get rain here ANZAC Day.
Nothing like what Qld'ers got.
Did you once say you lived in Qld and followed Parra or was that another who said. Maybe you were a St Marys Eel that I got it mixed up with.
6pts over Panthers today at home was a good one for you.
I tipped Panthers in that one, but should have realised that it was Eels home game away from Pirtek.
Submitted by pabdul on
tedesco at the roosters
signed sealed delivered im yours
stevie wonder sang it and he even saw it coming
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Christine
I feel for your parents in those times. I am good friends with some Dutch families. I also coached kids whose parents hailed from Poland/Belgium. What I was told about war times and crimes is very draining and when we all see those b&w photos, it just adds to the traumas of it.
Now issues brewing in our seas and closer neighbors. More to it that just Donny T and Kim Jong wanting a face off.
Why does this Nth Korean fruit-loop want to be testing missiles and I'd further ask, is he just testing and tempting to start something bigger.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Teams usually play the way they are coached.
Eg. The Bulldogs change of playing style this year. It's dictated by the coach, just as their grinding style was dictated by the coach last year.
It's seems for all and sundry to be coaching influence.
Either that or there are internal pressures from somewhere that are dictating these game plans to the Coach.
One way or the other it's not time to follow Trent Robinson's lead of not being worried week in week out. It's time for action.
Offloads, backing up the ball runner, drawing the defence before passing. Bloody U12 coaching manual stuff.
Submitted by Tailspin on
Ah Tedesco, the injury king, grubby roosters are welcome to him.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks Mark A re our Canberra win.
Its always hard down there no mater how he weather. I'm glad we have that game out of the way before the icy Winter sets in down there.
That was a very awkward position for Milson to pop the winning f/goal.
He was on the twist and bend, then left foot from front right and presto, he got that one over.
Submitted by pabdul on
out of all the players off contract the prize catch was tedesco will be buy of the year.
if i remember you follow the one man team called the cowboys lachlan coote never gets injured
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good one Pabdul -
Stevie didn't even have to take his sunny's off for it.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
A few years back North Korea artificially created newsreels which showed they had defeated the enemy from the South, killing 100s of thousands in the process.
If you live in North Korea you know no different. You only know what you are told.
It kinda told me, they don't need to fight wars. They only require to have the people know they are the victors.
If they don't need to fight the wars to achieve this result, then the weapons of mass destruction don't need to exist. It all just needs to be a show of power. Like the military parades. Just needs to impress the people.
The missile fizzer the other day, did nothing to disway me from thinking they don't actually have the military capabilities they are thought to have. Afterall, the leader only requires the support of his people and propaganda safely takes care of that.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes Pabdul - humming along nicely.
Did your dad box out of any certain gym or former Police Boys Club?
My late dad served in New Guinea and we they came back before discharge he was at Cowra, when The Breakout occurred.
Will be great when your dad hits 100 - not in cricket terms but like it.
We had friends in Lilyfield and once operated the kitchen at London Hotel in lower Darling St Balmain (heading down to the wharf).
I don't mind the area at Balmain at all - real yuppy style and its all go free for all living. Even dogs (woof woof's) allowed into eateries.
Submitted by pabdul on
the old man lived in england and they used to have fairs and one of the attractions was try to knock out the strong man in 3 rounds you won £5.
apparently he knocked him out in the 1st then he was spotted and started amateur boxing then the war broke out.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Mark A - you have good climate for any garden chores and keeping.
We get severe frosts and that knocks the plantings about and the arse out of the household plumbing. Freeze the balls off a billiard table and I take it you get my drift.
Now back to footy. If Woods gets a haircut they might allow him into Bankstown and get full Bulldogs support.
Pabdul reckons Teddy is all signed sealed and delivered - he's a Chook.
Foran had a clause at Manly, that if Dezzy left he could leave and follow him to wherever. That vision might well soon appear after a couple of years and speculative Foran events/scenarios.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Aah so Pabdul - you have UK blood in your veins.
R u a migrated Pommy or born Aussie?
What part of England did your dad come from?
They were strong in and loved their boxing over there, as much as they loved their soccer/football.
R/League over there was a bit like Clydesdale's in the mud - much slower.
Submitted by a on
Good to see Titans win
Submitted by Tailspin on
Ah pabdul, nice comeback, yes we have one great player in the team and he is probably one of the best, but comparing coote to Tedesco, hmmmm, I think you are a bit off. Anyway glad you got him, best of luck.
Submitted by pabdul on
i was born in North London mad arsenal supporter came here when i was 4.
i also noticed you like afl. i also support a Victorian club and swans are my 2nd team.
Submitted by pabdul on
i actually love the Cowboys and JT is the best but calling the roosters grubby i had to respond
Submitted by pabdul on
i actually love the Cowboys and JT is the best but calling the roosters grubby i had to respond
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks Coach - hell, we do actually agree on something.
Wasn't a case of being misread or not getting through, but when you made a comment to Fortress along the lines of - When you to tell Johnny A he talks too much off subject, are you also asking Big Sea Eagle Pete to reign himself in too?
I know it was only a question, but I took it that you were egging Fortress along and he knows better to do that to a team-mate or that you were actually impressing how you felt in another sense.
Apologies (that isn't seen too often here), as you have now said write what you want to say.
But in closing - what the hell is wrong with those Chocolate Pussies from Mulgoa Road?
Is it worth tipping them again this season. I feel and see some heads rolling before long, that might bounce over the road to Campbelltown next season.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Well Pabdul.
Arsenal on Monday morning against Man City in FA Cup semis.
I saw Arsenal play West Ham at "old" Wembley back in 1981. Greatttt atmosphere.
Then we have the mighty Fortress supports Arsenal.
I found that Johnny Awesome is an Everton follower and I know from last year in a chat with Mark from Chester that he follows Man Utd.
So that is good to see another footy code, has its Thinker site supporters. Again its a mixed site.
Submitted by Tailspin on
Sorry pabdul, but I will always think of them like that ever since freddy fitler and gus winged numerous times to bring in golden point in origin as they kept losing, and now it is into the NRL games which I personally hate with a passion.
Submitted by pabdul on
went to wembley in 88 to wstch FA cup final Wimbledon v Liverpool and challage cup final wigan v halifax loved it
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes I loved that Wembley atmosphere Pabdul, especially due to my sporting background coming from soccer/football. We did a tour through there, four days before FA Cup Final and West Ham team were there for their team photo for program etc.
1988 was a good year here as it was Australia's Bicentenary birthday.
I take it you went back to UK to see those games, especially if you migrated here as a 4 y/old.
I saw Frank Stapleton playing for Arsenal, that day and he was transferred to Man Utd a couple of seasons after. Good striker along with Alan Sunderland.
Paddy Rice was their captain. Had a young Scot (Clive Allen) being blooded that year. Gee did he get a serve from the terraces, where I was standing just left of the tunnel.
Thanks for the memories. Will be signing off shortly.
Big Pete
Submitted by a on
Wait are you leaving BigPete if you are please do not leave I will miss you please stay on
Submitted by pabdul on
got my ticket for the challenge cup from a scalper it was graeme eadie and chris andersons last game. i was going for wigan as i once played against ellery Hanley when he first started at Bradford nortern and also ex roosters player joe lydon
Submitted by pabdul on
tomorrow heading down south coast going to do the ritual and stop at mick cronins pub.
last time i was there a drunk out the front said its your lucky day inside is first grade players from the broncos and the dragons there is also a fijian international.
pretty disappointed it was the sims brothers
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Its cool "a" - just signing off for the evening.
Not leaving buddy, but nice to know one is appreciated by some, even if I do drift away from r/league a little. I take it here, it is friends and others, not just who we support.
You take it easy young fella. We'll have a short chat tomorrow. I had eye surgery 10 days ago and the eyeballs and glare aren't doing me good.
Its enough at work with all the bright lights. The occasional bright spark exists, but that is everywhere.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Pabdul - I liked that Joe Lydon, played wing if I recall and was very good on the toe. I also coached athletics and that means a good sprinter in footy boots.
Ellery Hanley had a stint here with Balmain Tigers quite a number of seasons back now.
You wont let me know who you are will you mate!
But good to see a former player making a go of it here among the "paupers".
Submitted by pabdul on
just coz its u pete im known as A. Nonamus
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Enjoy Sth Coast Pabdul.
I know that Gerringong Hotel well. I was at a N/Years Eve Party at Gerringong Bowling Club (down on the beach) many many years ago now and Micks brother and I got to know each other and had a few beers together.
Micks done a lot to that pub since. I think there is a motel and squash courts all incorporated in it. Correct me where required.
I'll be at Mollymook next weekend.
Ex Parra and Kangaroo player Barry Rushworth had the Lansdown Pub at Lithgow, east of here. Brian Hambly also played r/league in Group 10 at Lithgow, as did former Penrith Choc Soldier Mike Atherton.
Which club mainly in Sydney was it, that you played most of your "career" with?
Cheers
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
No probs Pabdul - I respect your privacy, as you never know what to expect next.
Nice speaking with you anyway.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Is that a joke name? Like sillius sausage or biggus dickus?
Submitted by pabdul on
good try but its sillius sodus or biggus dickus
great movie
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Indeed it is, always thought it was sausage though but not interested enough to go find a script. Strike him centurion, strike him roughly. And throw him to the floor Sir.
Pete your a man with passion as roses can be quite fussy even in the same garden. Hope you can stay on top of their individual needs, 42 what a guy.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Thinker,
Could I bring a suggestion to your coffee table?
Could I offer to make Sunday arvo, the best setting for a footy game, the standard Live Lounge Game?
# You have always been big on free to air, giving viewers the best chance to see and type.
# People would always know the meeting place was in the Lounge 4pm Sunday.
# You wouldn't need to be home yourself necessarily. Just set and forget.
Obviously it's not just my opinion that counts.
Would also need to be favoured by others.
What say people,
Q? Should Sunday arvo be Live Lounge day?
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
The only problem I see is the Broncos will never be the Sunday feature game.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
@Baggy G
@Pabdul
Looks like we have some playwrights among us, do we.
Cheer up, Brian. You know what they say:
Some things in life are bad.
They can really make you mad.
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle,
Don't grumble. Give a whistle.
And this'll help things turn out for the best. And...
Always look on the bright side of life.
That's why we have The Thinker site
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