Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Allianz Stadium
It's always risky to look at the form from one weekend in isolation, but I'm finding hard to look away from the performances of the Roosters (who were spanked) and the Rabbitohs (who spanked someone else). We could easily have a turnaround here – take note of the Rabbits seriously woeful record at this venue, and up until last weekend the Roosters form was vastly superior. But last weekend....yeeesh! No Napa, Cordnor, Pearce or Ferguson for the Chooks. Their pack is weakened and the Bunnies can name the same team that decimated the Panthers. Adam Reynolds delivered what Adam Reynolds does best...a kicking game. A spot on kicking game that had a little more variety than he has shown for much of the year. It was easily his best performance this season and a repeat of that has them winning again.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4
Result – Roosters by 2
Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday night – Pepper Stadium
On what basis has the universe determined that the Panthers deserves to be favourites on Saturday night? They were at best ordinary and at worst abysmal against the Rabbitohs last week, and now they take on a team that's been playing an awful lot better than the Rabbitohs. Daly Hyphen-Evans gets to make some sort of statement following his shock omission from the Queensland seventeen for Origin III. I understand the notion that the Panthers were embarrassed last weekend, and they'll be desperate to put on a better showing in front of their own. They're better than what they gave us last time around and I expect them to improve, but even then they're likely to fall short against a team that hasn't lost in quite some time. Even the games Manly probably shouldn't have won they have won. That's the thing about winning. Like losing, it's a little contagious. Manly are winning, Penrith are just letting everybody down.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 8
Result – Panthers by 8
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday night – AAMI Park
If ever you wanted to see an example of how the Origin series challenges some sides more than others look no further than this. The Storm have Smith, Cronk, Slater, Munster, Chambers and Glasby at Camp Maroon this weekend. The Eels are watching Origin on TV like the rest of us. The Storm are also getting by without the injured McLean and Welch so even their formidable forward pack is weakened at the minute. Clearly they can't be taken lightly, because this side has been taking on some of the best teams in the competition with key players missing and either beating them (Sharks) or nearly beating them (Roosters). I'm sure Bellamy has a plan to win this game and he has a team that know how to play to a plan, but with so many key men missing I'm leaning slightly to the Eels. The most important person on the park is probably Kenny Edwards – he can single-handedly lose this game for the Eels with his extraordinary moments of footballing lunacy. Providing he can limit his stupidity to less than 3 or 4 minutes the visitors can prevail.
Verdict – Eels by 4
Result – Eels by 16
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – Belmore Sports Ground
I know Des Hasler signed an extension recently, but if the Dogs don't walk away from Belmore with two points on Sunday the Board would be thinking about calling him in for a chat on Monday. I like Des, and I think his players like Des, and for that reason I'm tipping them here. It's not a great reason to back a team, but I'm struggling to come up with anything else. The Knights had a really off day last round, and it wouldn't surprise me if they were much better here. Unfortunately though, their much better still tends to fall just short. The Dogs couldn't find four points on a rectangle at the minute, but someway, somehow they will graft out a win. An ugly ugly win.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 1
Result – Bulldogs by 2
Wally Lewis - round eighteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- ROOSTERS vs Rabbitohs
- Panthers vs SEA EAGLES
- Storm vs EELS
- BULLDOGS vs Knights
Comments
Submitted by a on
Just to let everyone know who is still in my comp that my comp is still running the ten people who are left still needs to tip a team
Submitted by Fortress on
Daley cherry Evans hold ur head up u mighty eagle champion u have put egg on all the faces of the haters of the critics to shine like the star you are,u are playing magnificent footy steering our mighty club around the park with skill,speed guts and determination I'm sure Daley and me and all the mighty eagles supporters wish Ben hunt all the best a fine replacement for jt Mr hunt is no mug with skill to burn and as both boys are qld's will support one another through thick and thin and would want Ben hunt to get Daley's state qld over the line in soo3 for their state.
I'm proud of u Daley u are a superstar and u will get ur chance brother so now u can chace the ultimate crown the premiership and wouldn't it be something else if on the big day in September u hold aloft the trophy in front of the world with ur team mates to hopefully deliver us one magnificent memorable triumph !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From the fortress eagle proud and soaring high with the mighty eagles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Munster and Hunt i like it queensland will miss JT but this pair will never let us down.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Fortress
I thought DCE would get a jersey for SOO 3 but the QLD selectors said no.
I thought Daly had done enough but it's not to be.
Munster and Hunt will do their job for QLD they too are in good form.
Your Blues have a couple of players under injury cloud so it should be a great game at Suncorp.
Submitted by Fortress on
Yes mark bud I did state in my last post that any one of them would be a great replacement as hunt will play the role well I'm jt"s absence and I disagree with reports that there are problems between Daley and the senior players or the selectors in Queensland the decision was made and I'm sure Daley will get his chance at a future date.
This will put fire in Daley's belly and all the better for the mighty eagles.
Soo3 will be a mental battle for NSW can they overcome a losing run in front of a pro qld crowd,they will need to get on top early to silence the crowd then they can try and control the match
It is definitely an edge for qld playing at Suncorp stadium but not the edge they would of had for example last year I think the blues are a stronger outfit this year with there forwards able to match it up front,the back lines for both sates bout even so its going to come down to what I believe who's halves control the game better,who gains the territory advantage to wear the other team out.
This will be a fight to the death will qld continue there dominance or can the blues finally break the hoodoo and claim the prize.
My heart says the blues mybhead says qld so I will go with my heart and say in a thriller the blues by 1.
Enjoy the game mark and rocket and may the better team win!!!!!!
From the fortress!!!!!!!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Fortress -
Kelepi Tanginoa, good pick up from Eels/Cowboys, if he can stay injury free. We still haven't used the 1.5 mil from Brett S, Steve M & Nate - yet. Does he train at your gym?
I feel for DCE, but glad in other ways, as we don't want to see our game breaker injured. SoO is well known for get back.
Big ask for Blues up there at Suncorp, especially after Sundays big bout
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by a on
Yeah I thought DCE deserved it to even though I thought Morgan did to
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Honestly if he was the best fit for the team he would have been there. It annoys me that the coach and selectors have to explain their position. Kevin should have just said "he doesn't fit with our plan" and left it at that.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hi Thinker, you forgot to update me, SeaEagle47 and Chriso_66 results for round 17.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:
Rabbitohs by 8- Roosters with their origin players out will lose to the Rabbitohs here. The Rabbitohs have got their mojo back, and if they beat the Roosters, depleted or not, they'll definitely be in with a big chance of making a run to the top 8.
Panthers by 2- Damn, this was a hard game to choose from, Panthers don't have their full strength team with Whare out, Manly do have their only origin player out in J. Trobojevic but still have a cracker of a side on paper. Plus, they are in magnificent form, but, I think that the Panthers will bounce back here and break Manly's winning run here in a thriller.
Eels by 14- Just have a look at the players the Storm have out and you'll see why I tipped the Eels. In saying that, the Storm haven't played horrible with their big 4 out though. Eels aren't affected by origin hence why I picked them and to win by a big margin.
And finally... the Bulldogs by 4- Knights are under the pump at the moment, so are the Bulldogs. Both teams have players out. Question for me is that do the Bulldogs have the points to beat the Knights? Because the Knights' attack alas last week hasn't been their problem this year whereas, the Bulldogs' attack has throughout the year. Belmore hasn't been their hunting ground in the last few years they've played there. But I think they'll be pumped playing there. They'll just come up with the win in a close, low scoring, ugly game I believe. That's right, this game won't be pretty to watch I believe.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's teams playing this week and with everyone's tips for this week. P.S. my prayers go out to your daughter Johnny Awesome, hope she is going well mate. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress on
You know what all my fellow posters I'm going to ignore him this time a waste of space I have said it all I will leave it up to you all to try and understand this mans lack of understanding of the game and hate DCE is the form half back we all know that but once again he chimes in with hate I suppose in the famous line every dog has his day !!!!!!
Hey big Pete yes dce will fire up mate a champion down to see laces and yes he trains at da gym will thrash da panthers with DCE once again showing the hated poster on here why he is da best mate chat soon champ.
Goodnight all !!!!!!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
He might be the form halfback of the comp but that isn't what qld are looking for you goose. Having Cronk means that you are looking for someone to compliment his skill set, and that is not Evans. Read and comprehend what is written instead of giving into paranoia.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Good morning all,
Another fine winters morn in the Nations Capital, bit wet, bit chilly but hey its all good. Just thinking Qld look too good on paper this time around and sadly it will be another long day in the office for NSW. NSW will be going in with in with injuries on top. Anyway, I've shut up shop on this one sadly it'll be Qld by 9. Cheers from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Apologies Dragons Fanboy....for some reason your scores didn't stick when I was updating, but they've stuck now,
Submitted by Doggie on
Morning Big Pete and Johnny Awesome. Just been reading posts from the weekend. Bloody cold down your way, made me laugh, last week in Darwin it got down to mid teens overnight and blokes were turning up to work in jumpers. You guys would have been sunbaking lol. Keep warm guys.
Cheers from Doggie.
Submitted by Fortress on
So everyone baggy pants has just attacked me for my opininon now after all the times I've been attacked for his in education of the game he does it hate to bring in the "h" word but this time it applys.
Look no matter how u all read his posts no matter what u all think of me for the last time he hates my club,our success and my ability to understand the game,and until he faces these facts it will always be the same no more for god sake man just forget my club and me exist which in reality we do,but leave it alone why post about us there are 15 other clubs to post about including yours and gosh there is many things you can post about your club I'm sure and your incorrect judgement of me that i have paranoia is furthest from the truth just read u like a book that's the end no more from either side please got better things to do and want to post to people with passion who know the game and I get along with thankyou and goodbye!!!!!!!!
Have a great day everyone be good!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress on
Sorry meant to say uneducated from my last post the spelling police are out in force !!!!!!
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi Mr Doggie, yep it’s definitely as cold as a frosted frog here. It’s the wind chill factor not so much the temperature that really cuts through. Now, Mr Doggie, Friday 14 July is when Canberra play Saints at GIO stadium. Game time starts at 7.50pm which should ensure a cold one. Guess what? I’ll be at the game but won’t be taking my daughter this time; my best mate deserves a chance to enjoy the cold, he doesn’t know it yet but he will soon.
Mr Fortress and Mr Baggy Gee, hey guys lets all simmer. I think both of you are decent guys. Mr Baggy Gee, your last references to Mr Fortress were a tad disrespectful, no need to include feathered creatures and alluding references to other names, mate. Mr Fortress, how about you use Mr Baggy Gee's proper name not the derogatory term of baggy pants you regularly do which he doesn’t appreciate. Bit of respect never goes astray chaps.
Cheers mate from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by Christine on
You call it banter , I don't ...
Submitted by Taka on
Hi,
My tips for round 18:
Rabbitohs by 10
Eagles by 4
Eels by 7
Bulldogs by 12
I know my bulldogs a struggling but they need to win games for us the fans.
Submitted by ay on
They'll put on a big one for Reynolds last Belmore game mate you'll be alright. Plus you know.... Newcastle
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I wouldn't count Newcastle out till the final siren. They are a bit hot and cold, might turn it on this weekend.
Submitted by Les, Ayr on
Hey Thinker
It's Wednesday afternoon - where are your tips I am doing well this year thanks to you so I need your support
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Alright thanks Thinker.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress on
Hi Christine waiting for your tips have u got them I'm yet hope ur well just had lunch at the corso looking stunning with the new additions if you ever get down here !!!!!!
My tips for round 18!!!!
The mighty eagles.
The mighty eagles to continue there magnificent charge to the finals with DCE another man of match performance go gettem champ.
The roosters.
So many outs for the roosters if it wasn't for that they would be a shoe in despite the rabbits ambush of Penrith last week but still enough class there to win.
The storm.
Many outs for the storm if they were full strength it would be a blood bath but they will win in a closer affair.
The bulldogs.
Last game for reynolds at belmore so he and they will put in for him,no one denies the knights fight and effort but the fact is they sit last the dogs for mine.
Hope u all have a great Wednesday cheers from the fortress!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Taka...what's happened at the Dogs?? It seems that ever since Hodgkinson was let go they have gone down hill. Probably the worst 5th tackle option team in the comp in my opinion. They were dreadful in Auckland a week or two back. Looked totally disinterested.....any thoughts?
Submitted by ay on
I'm a die hard eels fan so would love to see them put one on our rivals the doggies however cant see it happening
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings Les from Ayr
Apologies for the delay....juggling the kids on school holidays at the minute. I'll be publishing my previews and tips tonight after they have called it a night.
All the best
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Come on ay, we can do it, we can do it. Let's just have some faith. It'll be a rough day but it's not beyond us.
Submitted by Christine on
Qld will prevail ...
Submitted by Christine on
Qld will prevail ...
Submitted by Christine on
Qld will prevail ...
Submitted by Taka on
Hi Steel Panther,
Yep you are right, 5th tackle options were very poor in the last couple of games that we lost.
When Frawley made his debut, he was pretty good in his kicking games. Consistency is a key factor.
Week in week out we need to be consistent in our performance.
well this Sunday will be Josh Reynolds last home game & I know they'll play their very best
Submitted by christine on
Sorry for my last comment I posted going on here three times it was sent from my phone ...
Submitted by Anonymous on
Christine, I thought you were letting us know emphatically that Qld will win SoO3 when you posted three times - it was great!!!
Submitted by Doggie on
Manly might be over the salary cap.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Doggie, I heard on the news last night about Manly.
NRL have issued a statement yesterday afternoon on their website, stating they were investigating the allegation.
Cheers to all
Submitted by christine on
Anonymous Maybe unconsciously I was ...
Submitted by christine on
My tips for rd 18 are as follows :
souths
manly
eels
dogs
have a great weekend everyone ...
Submitted by pabdul on
im at work and i get an email to meet up with a Steve linnane who is a manager for train station presentation. steve played in the 80s for the dragons i did meet him thru friends back then but i doubt he'd remember. Anyway he is responsible for one of the nastiest acts in nrl when he eye gouged greg Alexander and got a 20 week suspension.
i toured with greg in 1980 for nsw catholic colleges to NZ. didnt really get on with him as he wasnt the team player and threw more dummies than passes and playing at fullback and with a 3 man overlap and not to see it i wonder if he was ever eye gouged by his own team mates. so im going to have a bit of fun when i meet him and tell him im one of Alexander's best mates. his face should say it all.
Submitted by Jon M on
That is literally gonna depend on officials doing the job properly, not like the last fiasco that was lost on forward passes, inside tens, penalties, and lack of evidence.
That is what makes SOO so bloody annoying.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
When will losers learn to stop blaming everything else but themselves annoyed or not your still a loser.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Rocket, Rocket, Rocket
I am going to so love the aftermath of the Queenslander loss next week. I am sure you won't be soooo smug. How many changes did NSW make from game 1 through to game 2 through to game 3 =0
How many changes did Queensland make in their panicked back to the drawing board reaction to the smashing in game 1 = heaps.
My 9 year old son was contemplating playing league next year. He asked me this during game 1, "dad, who will I play for when I play origin, I said if you play your first senior game for Queensland then that would see you be a Queenslander, he replied with "dad, I'll stick to soccer", I said "good decision".
So Rocket, what I am trying to say to you and all of the other Qld grubs, us Blues supporters we will never go away, we will never give up, we will always enjoy a victory as we will next Wednesday night.
Cheers and good luck.
Submitted by Doggie on
Looks like the story on Manly salary cap is a storm in a teacup. No pun intended Fortress.
Mates telling me Dogs will go better next year with the signings they got. Dont see many Warriors games, just wondering how Foran is actually going.
Submitted by Fortress on
Load of rubbish they have been audited thoroughly if anyone should know I should know look if my club were involved I wouldn't stand for it because on here in the past I have stated the same of one club of last year I think we all know who they are I said then it was inept and criminal now what would I be if I was to defend my club of wrong doing it would mean i hate the word starts wit a 'h' and god forbid would never ever be that so the haters the scum that are making up they'd false aligations should be sacked and banned from the game for life and I think i know from which party it is coming from.
Success breeds hate if they think they can bring down a mighty proud successful club with a record an envy of rival clubs than they better think twice the mangement down here are already investigating who these low life termites are don't worry u can't hide were coming to get u and not just for the integrity of my club but other clubs as well.
Now back to reality it pains me to say this but I will it's not a suck up ok I would never ever suck up to anyone i know people who support all clubs but the clubs who have been involved in unlawful doing and have now turned things around and are getting things in order I appauld them we all make mistakes some that destroy the integrity of the game and their club,but must move forward and I think those clubs have so hats off to them
Great now enjoy ur late night shopping Thursday everyone and smile!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress on
And one more thing every club should be investigated each and everyone starting from the top to them bottom that way we have a complete clean out of rorts and salary cap breaches so I ask the NRL to comply and will be bringing this up this week in my forums and speaking to people that can get this up and running then we can all get on with life and footy!!!!!!!
Cheers!!!!!!
Submitted by tigerholic on
Fortress
I agree with you 100 %. Every club needs to be subjected to a full salary cap audit, there would be a number of clubs who would be cheating the cap, Brisbane, Melbourne to name a few.
Go The Blues
Cheers
Submitted by Spartan Warrior on
Greetings from the Spartan Warrior
Round 18 Spartan Warrior picks:
Roosters by 2
Sea Eagles by 2
Storm by 4
Bulldogs by 12
I recall a saying many years ago when I was a young Spartan Warrior developing skills to combat those who would want to invade,
my Commander said: ‘Do not wish for an easy life but only wish for the strength to endure a difficult one’. When yea place this comment in its proper context, it is not about seeking adversity, it is in fact about combating adversity.
Aye, it brings to mind the many obstacles and challenges we all face through our daily lives and yea this not unlike rugby league.
Rugby League has also been part of the Spartan Warriors battle ground, and yea rugby league has survived, will survive and will progress. The challenges that arise daily, such as salary cap dramas, player incidents, pay scales, depression, trials and tribulations though unwanted, will always play a part in rugby leagues growth. Aye, it is about creating the positives out of the negatives.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said it all in one sentence: ‘When it is dark, you can see the stars.
The Spartan Warrior has spoken.
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Rabbitohs by 4 I think the Rabbitohs will win against a depeated Roosters
Panthers by 2 I think the Panthers will win in a thriller here
Eels by 8 I think the Eels will continue surge into the 8 here
Bulldogs by 12 I think the Bulldogs will keep their season alive
Submitted by Fortress on
Thanks tiger yes has to be done for the sake of the game we love mate hope ur well !!!!!!
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