South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Gold Coast Titans – Friday night – ANZ Stadium
Two sides without a win since round 10 and both teams are in danger of slipping out of finals contention if they can't resurrect their seasons soon. The Rabbitohs were good in patches against the Broncos and their coach is pretty convinced they aren't far away from where they want to be. The Titans on the other hand disappointed against the Warriors but they did get the Warriors on one of those days when the Warriors could have beaten anyone (it does happen sometimes, but with not much more frequency than Cronulla premierships). More importantly, the Rabbitohs bring a settled squad into this game while the Titans have had a raft of significant changes thrust upon them – no Peats, no Hayne, no Wallace, no Elgey. Chris McQueen, once a winger and now a forward, has put his hand up for playmaking duties. Does he still have that Rabbitohs tattoo on his neck? The burrow gets a night to celebrate in what has been a pretty lean season.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 8
Result – Rabbitohs by 16
Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – AAMI Park
We all (well..almost all) love Origin football, but that love doesn't come without a cost. Origin has cost us what would otherwise be a rip-snorter of a football game in Melbourne on Saturday night. What remains is a close contest, but it lacks the absolute class that our Origin players would bring. After assuming Laybutt would play last weekend (and consequently getting my tip wrong) I'll get to see him here – he's a big tall blond boofhead halfback so you won't miss him out there. Kane Linnett slots into the back row to make up for the absences of Cooper and Hess. Six big changes for the Storm this weekend but the players they have stepping up have done this before. Their coach is near enough to a genius when it comes to getting his players to work to a plan, and there's no denying the class of Cameron Munster. It's hard to imagine the Storm without their big three but he is clearly one player that will be stepping into the breach. There's plenty of class in that Storm forward pack and I think they can get the points.
Verdict – Storm by 4
Result – Storm by 1
Cronulla Sharks vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Southern Cross Group Stadium
In round 14 the Roosters were pretty average, and they scored 40 points against the Tigers. That gives you a fair indication of just how poor the Tigers were, and they were playing at home and with Tedesco and Woods on the paddock. If they were in any sort of form I could tip them here, because the Sharks are without their two best forwards, their two most dynamic backs and their most important playmaker and goalkicker. And the Sharks record at home this season, as I've pointed out previously, has been terrible. They lost again at home last week to the Storm, and if they can't beat the Storm at home on a wet night when they are resting Cooper Cronk I'm struggling to see how they can beat them in September. That said, if the Storm are a pineapple the Tigers are a turnip, and the only teams Cronulla are beating at home this season are turnips. I love rugby league, but if it's raining in Sydney on Saturday night this game will be almost unwatchable. I might even drag Ms Thinker out for a bite after the early game. Date responsibly.
Verdict – Sharks by 4
Result – Sharks by 2
Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – ANZ Stadium
I'd expect a fair crowd to show up at ANZ on Sunday afternoon as two of the more popular teams face off. These sides met in round two at WIN Stadium and the Eels were the victors in a dominant display. Corey Norman tore the Dragons apart on that occasion and Semi Radradra racked up a record four tries. Since then the Eels have added Mitchell Moses, while the Dragons won't have Dugan or Frizell on Sunday. Both these sides let me down in round 13 but I'm a little more forgiving of the Eels performance given their opposition on that occasion.
Verdict – Eels by 4
Result – Eels by 14
Wally Lewis - round fifteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- RABBITOHS vs Titans
- STORM vs Cowboys
- SHARKS vs Tigers
- Eels vs DRAGONS
Comments
Submitted by a on
Wow what a comeback by the Rabbitohs
Submitted by Tailspin on
Typical Titans a, falling to sleep in the second half.
Submitted by Tailspin on
Can anyone confirm for me that Matt Moylan is 18th man for Qld and wont be playing for Storm tomorrow night?????
Submitted by Tailspin on
Sorry, retract last comment, I meant Cameron Munster 18th man, not Matt Moylan, had a brain snap and 20 rums :)
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Disclaimer: this post is non-football related so if not interested, simply page down a little. Hope the Boss doesn’t mind too much but I’m just filling in time before I hit the sack…
@ Mr Ashford,
Mark, fish farting in the surf? Nice one (ha-ha). Looks like I might have a partner in crime with these “cosmic” ponderings eh?
Nah, sorry bro’, I have absolutely no idea. Never wondered about fish farting until now but mind you, I have however often asked myself …. “do jellyfish fart after eating jellybeans?” Hmmm…
Speaking of fish… as lads we went night fishing in the Swan River up under the Fremantle Train Bridge (it’s still standing). We used to sneak in through the security fencing and climb up underneath, sit on the wooden support beams and dangle the hand lines down into the river. Catch a bag of fish and take ‘em to the local fish’n’chip shop and he’d give us a chip butty and a free game of pinnies in exchange for the fish. Great times indeed. Pretty cool when the Fremantle to Perth train would rumble past above our heads. Being constructed mostly from timber, the whole thing (the bridge that is) would shake and vibrate like crazy. Again, great times!
P.S. Me and Shanghai were in the same boat with the fortnightly treat thing but we were a bit luckier. We had “takeaway” once a week, every Friday night. The good thing was that us kids got to choose what it would be. Had to learn to get on with each other and agree on something otherwise the treat was off the table so to speak.
@ pabdul
Newbie had a paper run of sorts back in the day. Used to sell the afternoon paper (when Perth had one) every day after school. I had my own corner in Fremantle (there’s a 7-Eleven there now) opposite Target and used to make some serious coin. For every paper I sold for 5c, I got paid a quarter of a cent! Still managed to sell enough to make some decent spending money. One year on Christmas Eve, a guy came up and bought 3 papers at 5c each. He gave me a $20 note but I told him I just started my shift and didn’t have enough change so he just said “Merry Christmas son, keep the change”. Dude, that was the best tip I ever got. A Merry Christmas it certainly was!
Anyway, I do have a habit of rambling on so I’d better go. How much longer will this nostalgia thing run I wonder? I reckon some of the younger ones on here are wishing it would end as of right now. Hey, we’re old and not long for this mortal coil. It’ll be done soon enough (ha-ha). Cheers…
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Tailspin, Munster is listed as 18th man for Maroons on the
nrl.com website - story "Maroons confirm Origin 2 line up"
Tried, unsuccessfully, to copy and paste the link for you.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
My paper run consisted of riding about 10km a week letter box dropping the free local, that was worth $7. All the plum runs had been snaffled and there was an actual waiting list to get considered. But that's how life was in a small western town. Also how I picked up my caffeine addiction, cold coke after a stop start ride in the middle of summer, almost as good as a cold beer after a proper days work.
Submitted by pabdul on
yesterday i was working in Sutherland and was given an hour break knowing the area i took a walk down to sutherland oval a place where i first saw a tall blond skinny kid destroy batsmen. Glenn McGrath became a champion.
but as usual my mind turned to footy.
in 1982 i played in a junior rep game against the sharks on this hallowed turf. the game meant a semi spot and we were up by 12 with 10 to go.
the sharks desperate bring on a tall skinny kid who we watched score 4 tries in the previous game. i was at fullback and with his first touch broke thru and as he approached me he changed direction and left me clutching for air and scored under the post. soon after he broke thru again but tried the chip kick i dropped my shoulder on him they get a penalty then blondy score 2 tackles later anyway . all locked up. the blond kid gets it on the 3rd with only a minute to go throws an erratic pass we pick it up and score and win the game. all i remember saying to him not a bad days work 6 tries in 2 games he just smirked and said yeah 2 off my record.
the following year he played first grade. Andrew ettingshausen went to play over 300 games for the club he loved.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Like it Pab - Ooh Aah came from west of here and further west from Dubbo, as did Melinda Gainsford-Taylor. The same town.
Were you playing with Tigers in the junior rep team against ET/Sharks?
One of my close friends lives in Jannali. I love the Services/Tradies Club there on Manchester Rd as I think it is also the Sydney base for Man Utd Supporters Club in Australia.
Keep well and have a good short round weekend.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning Baggy - if you don't mind me asking, what was the small western town you mentioned - of that's how life was.
Its interesting to ask, when one was maybe born or brought up in country towns/cities. Then some moved to Big Smoke of their States.
Much like Sydney and Brisbane football, wouldn't be what it was, if it wasn't for country players moving there.
We could talk for days on that topic, because if you look at some of the big name players, there are many that came from country areas.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Pab - going back to yours of Thursday, I don't forget the coke yo-yo as Coca Cola used to run competitions for tricks with yo-yo's. Walk the Dog, Round the Corner, Around the World, Swing/Rock a Bye (depends) and so on.
Understand if you dont want to let on about age and 1969 on your arrival to Aust. Just figuring out the age group of some here that communicate freely on Thinker site. At least we have the childhood memories and never let them take them from you. Future history abounds on the past.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning Mark A - re yours of Thursday.
Some great household names there, you mention in your faves.
I wont go back in prior posts as Fortress and I had a session on them just as this season kicked off.
Cement (David) Gillespie was ex Bulldog who came over to Manly. He also hailed from west of Dubbo, as did a former "old" Shark in Bob Weir.
I think the player you were recalling was Mark (Spud) Carroll who had the long standing stoush with Chief Harrigan - not Cement.
I have friends near Labrador/Runaway Bay and was told last week that one canoed over to Stradbroke and back. They can have it, you never know when your oar might get eaten.
What species of shark do you mainly have there?
I knew of grey nurse (not hospital species) had habitat there, or further north as did tiger shark.
Nice to also see you let on about your early days of arrival here in Oz. Its nice in ways, to know who we are actually speaking with, along with likes and dislikes. Enough mate......I'll leave it there for now.
Have a nice weekend also.
Big Pete
Submitted by pabdul on
newbie
paper run and roosters supporter. As bert newton once said to Mohammed Ali "i like the boy"
usually something from perth that longs for the eastern suburbs of sydney is called the indian pacific.
Submitted by pabdul on
BX you wouldnt be my brother if you brought home a fanta yoyo
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good one Pab - if it was Fanta, I'd be rolling like an orange.
Cheers
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Great trip Pab - the Indian P.
I went to Perth by railway ballot back in 1980's. Also travelled either way, or round trip via Melb to Adelaide on seven other occasions.
Great Southern Railways run it now and more expensive I am told.
But for the enjoyment/experience - best take train to Perth and fly back, as it is easier on the wallet - with or without feathers.
Have good day Chooky.
Submitted by pabdul on
just had to break up a fight a male resident in the dementia ward hit a female carer. it happens quite often. anyway ive finished my training and sydney trains gave my an iphone 7. they really invest in their staff. im glad i yook this opportunity
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Born Brisbane, but spent 20 years in Dalby, moved to Toowoomba and am now commuting back to Dalby daily. It does set your mind more on the process than the outcome being "country" and my occupation is all about the journey of a team more so than the results. As I learnt years and years ago, a good team will produce good results (and much fruit)
Submitted by mark ashford on
Big Pete
Research the Broncos, Storm (not including the Cowboys as they draw from country teams) and the QLD origin teams.
You will be blown away by the number of players that come from country teams. I guess it's the same in Sydney. Us city folk have become a bit soft and the country boys show us up.
Thank you it was "Spud" and the "Chief" how could I not remember that?
Some of those hits were grandstand shaking.
The chief went on to represent a health insurance company on tv.
Spud went on to inspire people to get plastic surgery!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
Born in Bris. A Dalby and Toowoomba boy!
How on earth did you become an Eels and Blues supporter?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Storm sneak home by a point over the Cowboys.
Both teams stripped by origin I guess it's a fair result seeing the Storm were at home.
Just shows how good these teams are.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Paddy
Are you working/training as an aged carer?
If so you have my utmost respect.
Submitted by pabdul on
thats the only reason i talk to you coz i need experience with the older generation.
not really. 4 weeks ago i started with Sydney trains but i volunteer at a aged care facility on saturdays so i can give back to the community. i work on reception and keep them amused woth my boring stories and compare life experiences
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Blues was actually based on JT. That year Scott Prince tore it up and lead the Titans to 4th he was overlooked because of the incumbent rule. Eels was just based on my friend supporting them and it was mutual love of the game and sport, and going to the game properly with people who share the same passion. It's why I'm not chest thumping about our wins and am always looking for improvements.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Seriously Baggy I don't think Scotty Prince could hold a candle to JT.
He was a sensation for the Tigers (premiership), not so good at the Titans and no good at all at the Broncs.
But mate you support who you support and I respect that.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Paddy
I hope they don't let you actually drive the trains.
Just keep looking after the old folks mate.
You'll be there soon enough.
Submitted by pabdul on
mate im a good driver i could of got a gig on petticoat junction.
im just happy to do a community service without being influenced by a magistrate.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I agree Mark, but you asked, it is also part of the reason that SoO has so little interest for me, now it is just 3 week day nights that I can watch the first half with my 2 daughters. they get a kick out of it and that is what I enjoy about it. If I was single it wouldn't be a game I watched.
Submitted by a on
Wow Sharks won at the last minute
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Leave Pabdul alone Mark, he is a very safe driver, it is all laid out and he has just to push a button.
Submitted by The Thinker on
The country has always provided the 'cattle' for rugby league teams in Australia. That's not unusual, but it's also not just a rugby league thing.
I doubt that St Kilda, Richmond or Carlton have had a kid play AFL for them that grew up in that suburb for a very long time.
One of the challenges facing sport is the simple fact that there are less kids in the country now. Where are these sports going to get their 'cattle' from?
At least the NRL can find plenty of cattle (big cattle) offshore. Not so easy for the AFL, because the Pacific Islanders aren't really built for that sport. Perhaps the AFL can start looking for future talent in villages across the Netherlands.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
The Sudanese aren't doing to bad in the AFL, tall, can run and jump, but it is definitely horses for courses.
Submitted by pabdul on
the afl have every state and territory to choose from they have a dozen overseas players now even last years norm smith medallist is a south african. the game at all levels are strong they are so sure of crowds they can produce their draw and days they will play on at the start of the year the nrl do it in 5 week blocks and where the teams are on the ladder. unfortunately as good as it is to have the pacific islanders to watch they are a part of the reason alot of the other kids go to other sports
Submitted by The Thinker on
pabdul,
While the AFL threat is not to be taken lightly (because they are hellbent on destroying every other sport in this country until Aussie Rules is the only sport anyone plays or watches) their numbers when it comes to participation rates are dubious. Both my sons are AFL participants, because they did Auskick at school and got a bunch of free stuff. If I asked them what is the name of the AFL team in Brisbane I don't believe they would know.
At the elite level, the fact remains that most of the AFL players come from the states that have always played AFL. The Gold Coast is a good city to look at as it has an AFL team and an NRL team. The Gold Coast also has tens of thousands of ex-pat Victorians living here. They have been here for decades, and there are plenty of teenagers on the Gold Coast who were born there to Victorian parents. The Suns have been around since 2009, so let's look at the make-up of the Suns current senior list.
45 players. One is from NSW and four are from the Gold Coast. The rest are from country Victoria, South Australian, Tasmania and Western Australia...and one Irishman.
The Titans have 23 on their senior list. One Englishman, three kiwis, 9 from NSW, 6 from the Gold Coast and 3 from the rest of QLD. Granted there are no Titans that were born in Coburg or Frankston, but 25% of that first grade list are local juniors.
I have no idea how many of the GWS Giants are from NSW...I suspect it's not many...if any.
Kids not playing because they find it scary (or there parents find it scary) is a real issue (and a growing issue) but it's not a new thing. I found it scary as a kid too....and that's a long time ago now. There were no big polynesian kids playing with me back then.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Pabdul,
Curiosity got the better of me....started looking at the Giants list. I got through the first 25 and got bored.
One from SA, 4 from WA, 19 from Victoria, 1 from Broken Hill and 1 from Albury/Wodonga. Not sure what State to give Albury/Wodonga too, but it's always been an AFL town/s.
Will the make-up of these sides be different in ten years time? Probably...I'm sure the AFL hopes that they will be.
No one in Brisbane cares about the Lions anymore now that they are terrible. Will the same thing happen to the Giants? I'm not sure if anyone cares about the Giants now...and they're really good.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Sounds like Pab that the wards are starting early on the Mayweather/McGregor fight. Hang in there Bro and sort them out.
Isn't nice when you see it, but the resident doesn't know, as their recall has diminished or gone. I saw years of it, when visiting n/homes and off to another today, to see my brother.
Submitted by a on
AFL take it all around the country why can't NRL they never take games to SA and TAS
Submitted by pabdul on
GWS were given the best up and coming players 5 yrs ago to be competitive and are now seeing the results so obviously they came predominantly from victoria.
but im not going to a computer to get stats im going to tell you what i see. ive been involved in coaching kids for some time. like it or not most immigrants are from Asia or india (cricket stocks are thriving)but dosent help the growth of league. its like the republican issue as our nationalities are changing with no allegiance to britain we will dump the royals and have president hanson.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Pab - how did you like the simulator practice starts?
I think they still have it at P/ham Trg College, if it is still existent.
I knew DoE/TAFE was moving in there, but not sure if it was rental or sold-off.
As long as you aren't influenced by a high perch judge, as in White Leghorn. Rhode Island Red would be more Bondi Roosters oriented.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes Baggy - Pabdul likes Buttons, but I think Steggles or Inghams is better.
Well Cobbers, Clinkers and Freckles - have a good day.
Talk later today
Submitted by The Thinker on
Pabdul
I'm not denying the existence of the AFL monster. It's real. And I'm certainly not denying your experience on the ground.
For decades soccer was going to swamp rugby league....people are still saying this will happen. Maybe it will, but it hasn't happened yet and we've been waiting 65 years since this was first being trumpeted as the sport that would kill rugby league. Participation rates are still massive...but rugby league is still here.
Then it was basketball. Basketball was very popular for a time, and participation rates are still really high. Rugby League is still here.
When we had a half decent Rugby Union team that was going to kill Rugby League...and it hasn't.
Now AFL is going to kill rugby league. Well the Swans have been in Sydney for 35 years now. They've been a very successful team on the park for quite some time, but interest is limited. TV ratings for Swans games in NSW are tiny. A lot of the Swans members are actually just SCG members in disguise. It counts...to a degree.
When the Giants hosted a semi-final at their home ground 80% of the crowd were Bulldogs fans. Nearly half had flown there from Melbourne. Again...interest is limited.
That may change...and rugby league needs to keeps its house in order...but it seems to keep on keeping on.
Note also that Touch Football has only very recently affiliated itself with the NRL. Touch Football is a lot closer to rugby league than Auskick is to the AFL. There are 700,000 registered touch footy players in this country and growing fast..and it's a lot less dangerous for all those soccer mums that are worried about their kids getting hurt.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
My first hit up scared the hell out of me, got collared high and from the resulting tap my captain told me to go again. It's a rough physically game and there is sense if a healthy fear. But the upsides of playing a te sport outweigh the little Jim got tackled worries. AFL does the crowd thing better, Saturday and Sunday afternoon games, where you can take your kids to see their team and still be home in time for tea. All the rounds at the start of the season so you know if you can go during the holidays and make a massive day of it. Things that fans like to know, all I want to know is the price difference between a day out for both codes.
Submitted by pabdul on
thanks for mentioning the bulldogs v gws game im a bulldogs member and its was more like 90%.
Australia has a rare situation that when we play at home in most sports we are out numbered by the other countries supporters. league wont die but financially it will always struggle as we are happy with crowds when they get above 10000 afl get a crowd of under 30000 and they'd be disappointed. soccer seems to be the winner in sydney being so big internationally. if we can't compete players in nrl will look at other sports and countries for a better payday. surely if we lose the best athletes the game suffers
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
"Playing a team sport" dammit the lack of spelling is contagious here.
Submitted by The Thinker on
AFL has more to fear from soccer than rugby league does for a number of reasons.
1. Soccer Mums...it's a thing
2. Global footprint...in terms of seeking junior talent you can't get much bigger
3. Global opportunities as a player
4. Earnings as a professional
5. International competition....soccer has a World Cup. Aussie Rules has a Kontiki tour to Ireland.
Improving our AFL playing stocks by pilfering the best sporting talent in our country is a bloody disaster I think. It doesn't matter how crap we are at AFL....Australia is always going to be the best in the world at it. All that's happening is we are getting weaker at sports that other countries actually play. Our female athletes in particular will be a real issue....particularly athletics and basketball. Apparently womens AFL is good for womens sport in general. I hope it is, but i think things will get worse before they get better.
Basketball is more of a threat to the AFL too (for many of the same reasons listed above, but also because AFL players and basketball players often have similar builds). Basketball is a bit of a sleeping giant I think. It's big with kids because of the rise of computer gaming. More and more kids are watching the NBA. There's plenty of kids playing it and kids in metropolitan areas play it more than kids in the country (and we have less kids in the country).
And when Patty Mills signs his next contract its going to be enormous. Even if he takes a pay cut to stay loyal to San Antonio he'll still be looking at $16 to 18 million per year for his next contract. If he were prepared to leave he'd be looking at north of $20 million a year. Our best basketballers are now earning more than our best soccer players.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
More forward passes called in 25 minutes than in the last 4 rounds.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Your BOYS are doing well Baggy. Guthbertson on fire!!
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Mr Thinker and Mr Pabdul, talking about crowds, sure league is used to getting smaller crowds than AFL, because as the crowd sizes have been diminishing over the years, everyone’s gotten used to it. So many things there, cost, pay TV, free to air TV, hard to go to a game and back out again, yahoos whatever. AFL doesn’t seems to have that as a lesser problem. Sure when they had the Swans it was a one team to support but now there is GWS and numbers are still strong. I think GWS is averaging a tad less than 20 000 per game and Swans are averaging around 34 000 per game, impressive figures in Sydney. Swans might be going a little tough at the moment but they are still a force in the scheme of things. GWS are like Melbourne Storm, were created to succeed and succeeding they are. Brisbane Lions, the old Fitzroy is still averaging around 20 000 per game and they are dodgier than an obstacle course. So tell me, what is the secret for crowds in the AFL? I can understand it in Victoria, but its right across the board? Surely their pricing must be similar to league and it’s still on TV as well? Does it come down to the fact that footy is regarded as more as thuggish? AFL is smart it’s started with the women’s AFL, Big Bash cricket is doing the same. League just seems to have many more controversies and a lot involve women. The NRL has made progress with women commentators which is great, but more needs to be done. I personally feel there should be more stringent rules in contracts for players bringing the game into disrepute. We need to get the Mum’s and families on board but it’s hard.
Cheers from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
French brilliant & great kicking game from Norman & Moses. & 1 penalty all game & that was in the 71st minute!!!!
Submitted by pabdul on
thinker just addressing your 5 points
1. soccer mums..well you just dont deal with 4WDs
2. aussie rules have double the registered juniors the nursery is thriving in most states. i can uses your gold coast suns example where its like a warriors home game.how many islanders play afl none bro coz its not like rugby. lets look on the other hand at the storm as far as local talent...exactly.
3. global opportunties afl is crap in the rain it wont work in pommieland. besides afl average earnings is 100k higher.
4. i just answered the earnings question.
5. soccer has a world cup and afl play a always competitive game against ireland.
if thats a kontiki trip well the league world cup is a 3 hour tour on the ss minnow.
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