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 a on
Yeah that was a good post Coach
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hello all,
I haven't had the time to go through all the messages but I noticed a 'H' word mentioned? Tell me if I'm wrong and maybe getting on and a bit naive but I thought it meant 'hell yeah'? A term of agreement? Anyway what is it with abbreviations today [no disrespect to you 'a'] but fair dinkum my kids use them all the time. For example, I asked my daughter on the phone via sms, what IDK, LY and TTYL meant? She replied, I don't know, love you, talk to you later. I replied, fairdinkum, no probs, I'll ask your sister then.
Anyway hello Big Pete, Mr Fortress and notice I will digressing from footy a tad initially. Seriously Mr Fortress, I thought Mr Coach Potato could start a fight in an empty house but you are getting as friendly as blackberry bush to some on this site. Maybe its time to wash off that camouflage war paint mate. Anyway, another big hello, I hope you all a had a safe weekend and maybe had some family time like I did. The wedding went great at Molly Mook [Twynam Reserve Burleigh Way], reception at Molly Mook golf club. Yep, a good way to adjudge a good club is by checking out the toilets. Seriously, that Molly Mook Golf Club had the cleanest toilets I've seen anywhere. If they look after the worse end of the club like that, you can be sure the rest will be spot on and it was. Really nice friendly venue. Anyway, heres a bit of footy trivia for you all that's easily forgotten or unknown by the younger generation these days. There was a player from yester year that played Rugby Union both for club, state [NSW] and played for Australia. He also played Rugby league for club, city/NSW, two states, yes thats right, both NSW and Qld and played for Australia and he also played for NewZealand. Yes, he was born in Balmain NSW. So in summary, He played in two codes at the highest level, played for two different states, and played for two different countries. He also represented Australasia, played a bit in Victorian rules footy [AFL now], cricket, sailing and he was offered contracts from some English soccer clubs which he declined. So who was this great player? It can be the only and great Dally Messenger. Cheers all, and remember this great day is all about our freedom made by the sacrifices of our soldiers and those of our brother nation NewZealand. Go the Dragons today and good luck to New Zealand in the footy as well. Cheers from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Mr Thinker,
As talented as you are, would you consider a spell check function on this site. Just a thought Mr Thinker.
Cheers from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by pabdul on
abbreviations
i have a question for "a". on this site there are names that people use in their lives like mark ashford christine bailey and coach potato. there are some that use their first name like pete mary and Johnny. not sure about the fortress and being a manly supporter maybe he watches game of thrones. its not like your parents were watching happy days and said they'll call you the first thing that came out of henry winklers mouth...so why "a".
Submitted by Mary S on
A very moving poem in its entirety - thanks for sharing the web address Coach.
Mary S
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning Pabdul, Mark A and Fortress.
Coach - even for you, if you enjoy a laugh outside of footy banter.
Just one for you to start yr day. Bet u r humming at the end of it.
Stevie Wonder is playing his 1st gig in China and the place is packed to the rafters.
In a bid to break the ice he asks if anyone has a request.
One chap jumps out of his seat in the 1st row and shouts at the top of his voice "Play a jazz chord ! play a jazz chord!"
Amazed that this guy knows about the jazz influences in Stevie's career, The blind impresario starts to play an E minor scale and then goes into a difficult jazz melody for about 10 minutes.
When he finishes the whole place goes wild.
The chap jumps out of his seat again and shouts
"No, no, play a jazz chord, play a jazz chord".
A bit cheesed off by this, Stevie, being the professional he is, dives
straight in to a jazz improvisation with his band around the B flat minor chord and really tears the place apart.
The crowd goes ballistic with this impromptu show of his musical expertise.
But, still the little Chinese man jumps up again and shouts
"No, no. play a jazz chord, play a jazz chord".
Stevie is really pissed off now that this chap doesn't seem to appreciate his playing ability and shouts to him from the stage
" OK - smart-arse, you get up here and do it".
The little bloke climbs onto the stage, takes hold of the mike and starts to sing............
"A jazz chord to say, I ruv you...
Cheers to all and have a remembering day
Big Pete
Submitted by pabdul on
nice one centurion like it like it
wasnt that on the same album as fot once in my rife and isnt see ruvly
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Excellent idea with the spell-checker there Johnny A.
It helps those in need, for correctness or others interpretation.
I think there was a process here at one time, that if a word appeared with a red color squiggle under it, you could highlight the word and right click it and have it checked and corrected.
Jolly good and and an Awesome idea JA. Maybe also colour option in fonts to add - never know what type of enhancements this site could produce, to be the best in the banter business.
BigPete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning Awesome JA,
Doesn't matter if we digress from footy or not. Friends are friends.
This site has clocked up 8 pages this round and was a little light on in others.
Thanks for the tip on Mollymook Golf Club. I'll be there next Saturday night. We could be in for some unpleasant weather. Very windy and overcast here today. Rain predicted and could be heading for The Big Smoke (Steak and Kidney).
Dally was a legend....thanks for the memories. Plenty of memories abound here, these days and makes it more for the person that doesn't post too much about footy, but does tip.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes Pabdul - sure Stevie had them all on one, with greatest hits.
Coming in dark here now and blowing yr way. Yes, its Blowing in the Wind. Chooks might need galoshes or bucket and douse the Drags fire.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Never fear Mary S.
Many a family has a black sheep. Bit of history associated with Harry.
Lovely speaking with you and I didn't get a confirmation, but is it Nth Qld (Townsville) where you write from?
Breaker had his name included on our special Boer War Memorial here also. Lord Kitchener stands atop it under cover. I am very good friends with a local RSL Historian.
Need I say, I love my local history as well. I take pride in us being Australia's Oldest Inland City. Thrive on sports history where it relates.
Man Utd got some injuries, but doing well to be among "runners" for re-entry into Europe next season.
Keep well..........
Submitted by Fortress on
Sorry trust factor is nil,the damage done,yes lest we forget regarding Anzac day but to me its hiding behind the truth of what u have done,once again trying to pull the wool over our eyes to win some votes so you use Anzac day which should have full respect ,but you use it to squirm ur way back and win some votes,sorry the damage done,
No answer because there is only one and that is you are FAKE!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress on
Go ahead everyone fall for his lies and deciet he doesn't fool me.
Once again another desperate attempt to hide behind what you really are and Anzac day was used by you because u know it will bring you sympathy.
Your post I cut and paste says it all if the rest of the people on this site think that's OK well good luck but how cab u trust what he says or whatever he does not me never in a billion years !!!!!
Submitted by Fortress on
Really johnny awesome well mate we have been taken for a ride I'm not buying it,the bloke is a disgrace hecwent silent after he was exposed for his lies and making us into fools trying to run this site he has no respect noe of all the most disrespectful thing anyone could do he uses Anzac day to post a poem to win a sympathy votd ,so he thinks everyone will fall dir it he had to do it because I had him done so mr awesome believe whar u want there are only 2 people not friendly with on this site and they know who they are they both are liars trouble makers a father and son act on here to stir trouble and that's my I can't satand the bothbof them.
Cheers
Submitted by Fortress on
Lest we forget!!!!!!!!
Submitted by a on
Hello Pabdul the reason why I went by that name proparly because I dont really want any of the friends or family if any of them visit to say hey I know that person
Submitted by christine on
If people don't want to use their real names that's up to them .
Submitted by a on
Yeah it is
Submitted by tigerholic on
If the Tigers win the premiership this year I'm going to =change my name to "Tigerholic", Mr Tigerholic sounds ok don't you think?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
So ironic on such a day as this that the one among us who only has abuse receives the support, the pats on the shoulder.
Really does one's head in.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Good old Tigers supporter win one game and dine out it for ages, I can see you now running around the place in your tiger pyjamas telling everyone how good the tigers are and that you tipped them and incredibly you did tip them that will do me.
Tell me Mr Tigerholic will you be on board this week?
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Mr Fortress, like any website I go on, my actual real life begins only when I leave the computer screen. But whilst I'm on there, I prefer to have an amiable atmosphere, and good ribbing banter can play a part. I think Mr Coach Potato's apology was genuine to those involved, he never trod on my toes. If Mr Coach Potato is clucking then its because he's looking to settle in his nest and time to move on. Now onto footy, Mr Fortress, Dragons vs Roosters, tough one with two different styles. Its raining here in Canberra, maybe a wet track in Sydney as well, does anyone have a weather report for Allianz stadium? If it's wet, I think the Dragons style of play will help limit the Roosters and give them the edge. If its a dry track, well, lets hope the extra error count and penalties the Roosters produce will give the Dragons a winable edge. Another stat in the Dragons favour is that since this Anzac day game began between these great clubs came in 2002, Dragons are up 10 to 5 with a win in 2015 and 2016. So, here's hoping 2017 is kind to us. Cheers all from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
I keep waiting for the Dragons to fall over incredible turn around from last year lets not forget they were a laughing stock.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hello Mr Rocket Ryan, it wasn't a good last year and I must admit, I wanted Mary out as coach. They are looking like a footy team for a change. Its funny though, if there are a couple of losses, knives get re-sharpened. Its such a great rugby league but gee very unforgiving. Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Will be interesting because more often than not in recent years, it's been the Roosters who have gone into the game, the form team, with the Dragons left to call on ANZAC spirit.
Tables have turned, and although both teams are playing well, it's the Dragons who go in as the team riding the bigger wave. Broncos and Manly are the highest placed teams the Roosters have faced so far, and both times the chook pen got up-ended. So clearly, this is their biggest test by a long way. Difficult to work out how the punters have Roosters as favourite - $1.70 / $2.30. I would have assessed it exactly the opposite.
For me the Roosters would have to be in their best form to be any chance. Any less and I think it's Dragons. As for St George, they look like they can be a bit off and still do enough to win.
Weird how the other game Storm and Warriors always manages to be scheduled at AAMI, the place where calls usually only go one way. Not much doubt the scoreline will reflect.
Hoping next year the NRL might share the ANZAC spirit a little with NZ. Not holding my breathe though.
Submitted by pabdul on
by the law of averages the roosters should win
by the odds on the tab says the roosters should win
coach tipped the dragons ..i rest my case.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Rocket, the only difference Dragons last year to this year was picking up Paul Vaughan, and kissing Benji goodbye.
Think that I'm stirring all you like but Benji has been bringing teams down for a decade. The Broncos are blessed that he is injured at the moment. For all his freakish occasional abilities, for the most part noone has a clue what he's up to. There's nothing magic about that cloud of confusion at Kogarah dissipating, and the rest of the team now thinking and playing with a clear direction.
The cloud of confusion has moved North.
Play him on Thursday (please).
Submitted by Coach Potato on
pabdul, my weekly average is 3.
I have 1 in the bank, and there are two games left.
My tips today are looking like specials.
Submitted by pabdul on
good to hear from my nemesis but u didnt mention the other difference this year cameron mcinnes
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
I actually agree with your assessment Mr Coach Potato. A cursary glance at their respective stats show points for is 191 to 138 Dragons favour and points against 104 to 116 Dragons favour. Dragons have also an overall better completion rate 79% to 75% [Roosters]. Dragons have completed more sets, have had less completed sets, higher average runs, more run meters, more average offloads. Roosters have more average line breaks and average kick metres. Roosters also give away more penalties which probably contributes to their higher tackle rate. All in all $1.67 Roosters and $2.25 makes it worth putting some on the Dragons, gambling responsibly of course. Once the game starts however, the previous stats take a back seat, its a new game of footy and I'm nervous.
Cheers all from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Coach Potato on
That's true and he's been good.
The other cloud of confusion, Mitch Rein moved West.
Can't wait til he breaks into Panthers firsts (not).
The thing I've noticed about Dragons play in general, is their backing up of the ball-carrier. On most every run, there is one, two sometimes three offload options. I hate the Dragons and it pains me to say, but I love the way they are playing the game. The other week I think it was De Belin who got an offload away to ... Russell Packer backing up - who then drew and passed to Widdup -under the sticks. There's no rocket scientists out at Kogarah, but then this game doesn't require the building of any.
Submitted by pabdul on
its gonna be close if the dragons keep playing this way. its wet so ball security is a must if i was widdop id target SKD with his kicks
Submitted by a on
Yeah the game is going to be colse
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I think it's not gonna be close if the Dragons keep playing this way.
Submitted by pabdul on
pleade explain
meaning theyll win easy?
Submitted by pabdul on
please*
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Yep.
I think if the Dragons are on, and they usually have been, they can't be stopped. (Again, it pains me to say such things).
Submitted by pabdul on
fair call but i think low scoring game.
Submitted by a on
Yeah I think it will be a low scoring game too
Submitted by Fortress on
Liar fake no abuse its what u are exposed I like everyone else on this site expect for you and your son stop gulit tripping people for your actions.
And I ask you ance again and I will keep asking you the answer please u gutless disrespectful coward!!!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
It must be bloody great be Roosters or Dragons fan.
Every..single.. ANZAC Day (into infinity it seems) means their team is playing footy. Fans of those teams will say it's a tradition, but it's only been a tradition for a relatively short time.
I don't think it's fair.
All NRL teams deserve to fight like an ANZAC for a day.
It's a great for these teams, but it only highlights that the NRL makes decisions that favour some clubs over others.
What makes them so much more special than the other teams?
The red white and blue are a foundation club, but that's only if you regard the team representing Eastern Suburbs and the team that now represents all of Sydney is one and the same team. The Capital City team only kicked off in the 90s.
The red and white started out in the 20s, but the current , merger team also only kicked off in the 90s.
#GiveOtherTeamsAGoOnANZACDay
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes "a", I know the feeling with revealing identity.
I know a person sent me an email from work and discovered who I was on site. The giveaway was Bx. But a couple of fellas from work called me Big Pete or Big Fella, so I guess at the time of creating my "stage name" I went with Big for starters. If I was Magnum PI, Pabdul would have asked questions of me also.
So the "a" relates for you, to first letter of the alphabet, is it not.
Submitted by Fortress on
So that poem gave you the sympathy vote ,u have sqirmed ur way back but that's what u think im speaking to some people down here at the football club ur about to get the shock of your life some have read your posts and they agree with me "a" gave me a website to report you but I'm going higher im going to report you to a different place and by the time its done me and everyone else won't have to deal with you anymore u have used me as a scapegoat to get ur way you have tried to make me out to be this bad person I'm not so im going to put an end to it your actions have been a disgrace and I for one have had enough of it.
Coach your a disgusting lieing coward !!!!!!!!
Submitted by christine on
Lets not forget why we are all here NRL & ANZAC hasn't there already been enough fighting ,blood , sweat & tears ...
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes Rocket - Dragons certainly a surprise packet this season.
How the change came about.
They've since re-signed Whiddop and last season, Mary was about to be shot to the dairy. They were certainly a bag of licorice all sorts. This year, so early, they play like gunslingers and not plastic water pistols.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
One can't stop firing missiles, the other is just not retaliating.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
This discussion about the Dragon's form is the crux of the mind set of a successful team. They have put the past behind them, realised that the Bennett years are gone and are rallying under the club flag instead of each individual doing it for themselves. We were sort of getting that way at parra, but it seems people are trying to boost their own value at the expense of the team.
Submitted by pabdul on
even though roosters have had the rub of the green still shaking my head at the nightingale knock on
the dragons defence is supurb aiken coming out of the line and shuting down the backline. in for a great 2nd half.
Submitted by a on
Yes a is the 1st word in my name
Submitted by a on
A is the 1st letter in my name
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