Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm – Thursday night – Southern Cross Group Stadium
The Sharks have had plenty of time to prepare for this game, and their big-name Origin players return after a confidence-boosting performance for NSW. These sides met in round 6 when the Sharks prevailed 11-2 in Melbourne, but a few important points to take away from that game. The weather was terrible, and the Sharks scored just one try in the 73rd minute. Those conditions, I would argue, suit the Sharks more than the Storm. The weather in Sydney does look pretty bleak (again), so it's worth keeping an eye on the sky. Another wet night and you have to start leaning toward the home side again. Also worth noting that the Sharks in round 6 had much the same team as they do this Thursday, while the Storm have some pretty handy additions to their seventeen this time around (Cameron Munster, Jesse Bromwich, Tohu Harris and Cheyse Blair). Furthermore I note the performances this season of the Sharks at home and the Storm away from home. The Storm are undefeated on the road in 2017 – six wins from six starts. The Sharks home ground used to be a fortress but this season they've won just 3 from 6 – those three wins were a one point victory over the 16th-placed Knights, a one point victory over the 14th-placed Bulldogs and a four point victory over a Thurston-less Cowboys. If the Sharks want to beat the Storm they'll need to be better than that. Clearly they can be better, but I'll stick with my purple buddies in what looks likely to be a gripping, low-scoring contest.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Cooper Cronk has now been ruled out and he's pretty darn important. I'll stick with my original tip but you should all be aware of this team change before you select yours.
Verdict – Storm by 1
Result – Storm by 5
Manly Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights – Friday night – Lottoland
The Knights have won just two games this season and they've won just two of their last ten starts at whatever Manly are calling their home gound these days. Akuila Uate gets a chance to show his old club he isn't a spent force just yet. He's worth backing in try scoring markets if such things interest you. Sea Eagles comfortably on a dry track and slightly less comfortably on a wet track, but Sea Eagles whatever the weather.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 14
Result – Sea Eagles by 4
Brisbane Broncos vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
The Rabbits have lost five of their last six games, and that one victory was over the Tigers who are a rabble. One of their more competitive losses during that period was a one point loss to the Broncos. On that occasion, Cody Walker played in the halves and I think they're a better side when he's there. On Friday night he's playing at fullback to make way for Adam Reynolds, and this playmaking combination just doesn't have the spark to challenge the defence of their opponents. The Bunnies record at Suncorp isn't flash at the best of times and we are a long way away from seeing the best of the Bunnies. The Broncos just fell short against the Roosters in Sydney in round 13. Back at home and with Milford and Nikorima returning – they just look like a team with points in them. I can't see the Bunnies keeping up.
Verdict – Broncos by 16
Result – Broncos by 6
Gold Coast Titans vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium
On paper this should be the game of the round and it would be if the Warriors weren't such a useless lump of lumpiness. Jarryd Hayne has agreed to terms with the Titans and picks up the number one jersey this weekend for his troubles. He's a better player at fullback...surely. A good chunk of the crowd on Saturday will be ex-pat Kiwis but it won't make a lick of difference. The Titans pack will actually turn up to play and they'll win that battle for sure and certain. On the back of that, this fabulous Titans spine of Peats, Taylor, Elgey and Hayne will outpoint that fabulous (on paper) Warriors spine. Back the total points overs I say – there'll be no shortage of razzle and dazzle on the Coast on Saturday afternoon.
Verdict – Titans by 8
Result – Warriors by 22
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Carrington Park (Bathurst)
Forgive me Ricky Stuart for I am about to sin. From memory I had these sides pegged as my top two teams at the start of the season. The Panthers then went out of their way to prove to everyone just how wrong I was, but in recent weeks things are starting to look up. Now I accept that their last three victories have been against some pretty ordinary opponents, but they have scored 114 points in those three games, and last week they kept their opponent on zero. That tells me that, slowly but surely, the Panthers are finding their feet. Beating the Raiders is a step-up compared to their recent opponents, but I think they can do this. Note that the Raiders are without the two prop forwards that were injured in the Raiders loss to the Sea Eagles. That evens up the contest for the big men, and the Panthers little men have clearly started to work out where the try line is. Those of you in the greater Bathurst region should find your way to this game. There should be plenty of attacking flair on show and I'm expecting one of those 38-30 scorelines.
Verdict – Panthers by 8
Result – Panthers by 4
Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – TIO Stadium (Darwin)
Note the venue folks – this is closer to Townsville than it is to Parramatta, but it's really an away game for everyone. Keep in mind that Darwin still gets maximum temperatures in the low 30s this time of year, which is a little more like Townsville in June than what you'll cop during a western Sydney winter. There'll be more thongs than ugg boots in the crowd on Saturday night. On extended benches we have Corey Norman for the Eels and Jonathan Thurston for the Cowboys, but I'm assuming neither will play. The Cowboys have named debutant Kyle Laybutt in the halves for this game. Laybutt is a promising kid (and at 6 ft 3 inches you won't miss him) but this is a big ask. John Asiata was a revelation in the playmaking role for the Cowboys earlier this season but clearly the Cowboys need him as a prop. You can't trust the Eels for a minute and this is just the sort of game they should win but will throw away with ten minutes of stupidity (I'm looking at you Kenny Edwards), but I'm tipping them anyway. No confidence...and I'm actually hoping I get this wrong.
Verdict – Eels by 2
Result – Cowboys by 26
Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters – Sunday afternoon – Campbelltown Stadium
In round 11 the Broncos beat the Tigers 36-0, and just last week the Roosters beat the Broncos 18-16. I have every expectation that the Roosters will do to the Tigers what the Broncos did to the Tigers. 36-0 would be a stretch, given the venue, but it's the tri-colours in what I expect will be a dominant performance.
Verdict – Roosters by 20
Result – Roosters by 22
Canterbury Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Monday afternoon – ANZ Stadium
If the Bulldogs weren't awful in round thirteen they were something very close to it....unlawful perhaps? I expect they will improve after that effort, if only because they couldn't possibly get any worse. The problem for the Dogs, above and beyond their crappiness right now, is that the Dragons know the Bulldogs will improve and will prepare accordingly. Given there's next to no chance the Dragons will take this game lightly, they will take this game and win it. It's the Red V for me.
Verdict – Dragons by 8
Result – Bulldogs by 14
Wally Lewis - round fourteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- SHARKS vs Storm
- SEA EAGLES vs Knights
- BRONCOS vs Rabbits
- TITANS vs Warriors
- PANTHERS vs Raiders
- Eels vs COWBOYS
- Tigers vs ROOSTERS
- Bulldogs vs DRAGONS
Comments
Submitted by christine on
Mark I will solve the problem I will just cease posting as many comments on this site & only speak when spoken to just like I am at home really , isn't that what your all saying ?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Chris
As a red blooded Aussie male of course I like Footy Chicks profile.
But I believe a previous poster has pointed out that the pic is a well known model.
Footy Chick could be Tommy Radonicus for all we know.
It's just a bit of fun.
Submitted by a on
Yeah Fortress is just Fortress and no over account
Submitted by pabdul on
christine i came to this site mainly because i had read posts and wanted to challenge the person who cant be mentioned as he was dominating this site with boring stats. but when i took him on he put me down and twisted my words so i latched on like a bull terrior to the point he couldnt return serve.
i like to be challenged so when the spartan arrived i took him on hoping he would put me in my place but buckled which i understand why.though im glad hes back and putting in tips.
what im saying people are different.
i love your comments as much as i love fortress passion mary s vocabulary ashfords rivalry and big petes similarities. i even get baggy..i think.
so dont take things to heart and go by the 3 Ls. live love league.
Submitted by mark ashford on
No Chris
That's not we're saying. Just keep posting mate but don't get involved in the Baggy/Fortress thing.
Just keep posting your tips and opinions on the games.
We've got two SOO games to go and we need Qld to win the next one.
But seriously pick an NRL team and concentrate on that.
Fortress only lives a few K's from you, time to kiss and make up.
Submitted by a on
Yeah I agree with Mark just let Fortress and Baggy sort it out for there self
Submitted by mark ashford on
Padbul
Are you finally showing a bit of softness. You have been a tough guy here in the past but I have to admire your words.
I think we all worked together to rid us of the potato man and I guess I'm glad he's gone. SOO time was fun though but look what has happened. NSW has won the first in Bris. For the first time in years Qld is talking major changes (sounds like NSW) is this the time for the Blues to start a dynasty?? Wouldn't hurt, give Qld something to go after.
Submitted by christine on
Mark I know that the point is it is just a picture your so hung up on & I can except that the niggling between fortress & baggy gee is banter but sometimes it goes to far when you start insulting some ones I Q next they will be making comments about each others mothers for gods sake why did I just say that please don't what it comes down to mark is today is a bad day for me it happens from time to time with the ms I can't help that it doesn't happen that often but when it does it does & I have no help here when it does happen i'm on my own with this illness & it's hard I was told the other day you don't die from ms you die with ms but it doesn't make much difference you still have it ...
Submitted by pabdul on
wouldnt call it a dynasty were not over the line yet. it hopefully makes it less one sided. qld will alway produce great players....even if they were born in qld or not.
Submitted by pabdul on
by the way mark im not tough....im just brutally honest.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Chris
All I can say to you mate is just try and enjoy what happens here.
I know you have good days and bad days and some really bad days.
My sister-in-law has suffered with MS for 20 years so I guess I have a little insight into what you go through.
Just keep well Chris, keep yourself positive, don't let things beyond your control effect you.
We are here in support of you Christine, don't forget that.
Submitted by christine on
Pabdul I 'm not tough i'm just drawn that way & yes mark today has been a rather down & depressing day people with ms get bad depression at times , some times I can lift myself out of it & some times I can't ...
Submitted by christine on
I don't want to pick a team to follow this year but I do support qld with origin ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Padbul
Qld has had a dynasty why not hope for a NSW one.
As a rusted on Qld supporter I honestly hope NSW take this series 3 nil.
The Qld selectors will then get rid of the "pick and stick" players and blood some new guys.
As a Broncos supporter I think Big Sam should be gone.
He has been an amazing player for Qld but it's time.
Qld need some huge guys up front to stop Fiffita who will be there for a few years. He's the best prop in the game for mine.
OK you claim "brutal honesty" but I say "tough" on your posts.
I would like to differ but respect you neverless.
Submitted by pabdul on
just heard the commentor on tv say gal referring to gallen and the fox referring to ado carr.
nicknames in footy are great. like gillmeister was the axe eadie was wombat james graham bupa coz he looks like the unhealthy version of tolman and waltzin matt hilda was probaly the pick.
they used to call me the exorcist....coz everytime i went to someones place i made their spirits disappear.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good evening all - strike a light, what a massive two and a half pages have accrued here, since I went to sleep last night. I knew I hadn't turned tv on and I know Coronation Street hasn't been televised for yonks.....but we have some really good playwrights in the making here. Rusty Crowe might be looking for a prelude to Spartacus as well.
Okey dokey.......I'm tossing whether to post or not, but I will say Penrith Panther boys look in good shape. I went to a civic reception this afternoon at Mt Panorama Motor Racing Museum, where the reception was laid on for the visiting Panthers. It is a good gesture and is done each year. For those interested, weather has been slightly cloudy and very cool and crisp. Rain is predicted for game day (Saturday). I'll send you all an update on Saturday around lunch time, before I head out.
@Doggie - good to see u r still about, as you've gone quiet on us. Can't get to the big match this year. Saw a couple of Oberonites at the gathering. Len and Doug B if you recall them.
@Baggie G - I see you've been responded to about Darwin. Doggie comes from up around my way, before he migrated North to Darwin for the bigger stubbies. Glass not shorts.
@Awesome Johnny - don't know how the crowds will be this year for the Bx match, as the same two teams played each other here last year. NRL had better look at that one or Penrith for that matter.
@Fortress - keep the passion going Pop. Yes mate, we are passionate about our clubs, all of us here. You my Eager Eagle, raise the bar to the next level. Keep well old son.
@Pabdul - hows it going SBAB. "not arf in brutal" there mate.
I looked around this arvo at the panthers reception and got talking to the club photographer carrying a few camera's. Never saw any guys walking about with a clipboard - so I deducted The Mulgoa Spud out of the equation. Tell you what though, James Tamou is taller than I expected. I am 6ft 3 in old scale. Everyone wanted to get photo's of Nathan Cleary. Anyone with good perception will see they are snapping a future Kangaroo, but he may not be with the same club when that happens. Tigerholic take note.
@Christine - don't stress. Yes, pick a club and stick with them. It will give you more added interest. I recall you when I first came on site that you had Souths on your radar, but after reading a last round post before SoO, you loved winners. Are you a north of the harbour,
or inner city CBD lass?
@Mark A - how you keeping mate?
Get the esky loaded with some Tooheys Blue ale. But great to see you speak what you feel. All players age and there is a time to surrender the boots. Its just that your toads will lose a few (players), all in one hit. Rebuilding starts last season and should be happening well and truly now, as the southerners from NSW admit in their performances and selections.
@ "a" - I read last night where you picked Manly and hated picking them. Well, lets put it this way mate. U r a Qld'er and don't forget many a great Qld'er played for the Manly club. Don't forget also that maroon colour. Keep well and be happy.
Cheers all - keep well and warm.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Pabdul - are you sure on the spirits. Was it Ouzo and surely not Bundy.
I thought you liked an ale.
C ya - keep well
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Keep an eye open for a dalby boy heading down the Pete, makes the trip every year. It's what it's all about isn't it. Backing your team to the best of your ability, celebrating their success, mourning the losses and always hopeful that the powers to be pick the right team so next year it's your BOYS holding the trophy at the end. Dynasties come and go, look at the Lions, 3 straight flags, and then a slew of player retired at the top and they are still rebuilding to this day. They come and go and the incumbent policy breeds contempt, and a she'll be right on the night. There has to be a way to get a mind set like the all blacks, hold all the records for winning streaks, time between losses and that stuff. Shorter season in Union, and they do have the super 16's to temper their mind set, but still.........
Submitted by a on
Did anyone notice I picked Manly before Cowboys in my comp
Submitted by christine on
Big pete bx I'm not interested in any one team in particular this season & I do support QLD in origin even though I live in nsw call me a traitor that's fine by me my father is a passionate nsw supporter so we are rivalries when it comes to origin he calls me a traitor I call him a filthy dwelling roach that i'm going to flatten with anything I can get my hands on but that's how we do things when it comes to origin & with treatment coming up soon either by the end of june or july which will be a Thursday I will be occupied having things to do in prep for that & we have some one coming here from New Zealand to stay with us for a couple of weeks so we will be busy doing things keeping him occupied ...
Submitted by christine on
"a" yes I did & I know why to the same reason I did in fact I still have roosters , sharks , eels , cowboys , warriors , souths , knights ,tigers , bulldogs , to choose from for my A game comp tip ...
Submitted by christine on
Gary chester uk glad to see you back on site please stick around don't let anyone put you off being on site okay
Submitted by Fortress on
Forgot one more poster and sorry for that the grand dame of this site christine,through her struggles and illness she keeps on keeping on and with renewed confidence speaks freely about the game she loves I applaud her for her fighting spirit and her passion to belong and Christine mate I can assure you that you belong!!!!!!
What a cracker of a game tonight the storm got home but the sharks were in it up to their necks off to a great start in my tipping!!!!!
Cheers everyone from yours truely the fortress!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Did you notice Baggy that you and I didn't get a mention in Fortresses role call of honourable tipsters on the site. I can't understand why.....it's disappointing....
And where has Tailspin gone? Not hearing much from you these days??
Submitted by a on
It was good to see the Storm win
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning Baggy from foggy Bx.
Yes, its about results. All Blacks seemed to always have good combinations on the paddock. I dread it when Wallabies get flogged by them, but they just seem to have the nucleus of winning.
I'll push on as time to head out to the daily grind.........
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Baggy and Steel Panther - I don't think Fortress omitted you guys about tipping, I think he might have been referring to honourable posters/bloggers/commenters, from his Roll of Honour.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
I'm sure Christine you will be kept occupied and busy with your NZ friends. Don't forget our Fortress keeps the site busy and on their toes as well.
Nothing like in-house rivalry and the challenges that get thrown forth.
Keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Steel I'd be worried if it was something more than the noise of a "small man syndrome". More worried about competing in Darwin this weekend with out the crowd backing us.
Pete, could you imagine how a team with that 80+ minute mind set would rip a comp apart. Has to be something that can be coached.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Pete are you saying both Steel and I are without honor? ????
Submitted by christine on
Big pete bx to answer your ? yes i'm north of the harbour I hate the CBD i'm at least 35 - 40 mins away from manly so I suppose you could say fortress & I are almost neighbours really ...
Submitted by a on
Do you know Fortress Christine
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Good to hear from you Big Pete. You are obviously down Bathurst way. I reckon the lads in the Bathurst Panthers vs Orange Hawks, will be keen to show the NRL guys how tough and good country footy is in the curtain raiser match. Enjoy your time there mate. I love Bathurst, I could easily live there or even Mudgee. As much as I love Kandos, couldn't live there now, too used to having all those facilities I get in Canberra. Love visiting my folks there and you can't beat fresh country air mate.
Also good to hear from you Mr Fortress, glad to see you're moving on and up, cheers.
Anyway all, will be a ripper of a game with Penrith vs Canberra. Don't mind Penrith but here's hoping Canberra finally get a deserved win, effort is there, it's got to pay off at some point.
Cheers all from Mr Awesome
Submitted by christine on
"a" No "a" I don't know fortress our suburbs aren't that close together there are still a lot of suburbs in between ...
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Christine,
Good to see you posting again today, and hope you are having a better day healthwise than yesterday.
Do hope you benefit from the trial treatment you are due to have soon, and that it gives you additional relief from the debilitating symptoms.
Take care.
Submitted by christine on
Mary s , I don't even know what date I will have to have the treatment as yet & the treatment isn't to give me relief from my condition there is no cure for ms but they think I may have a lot of inflammation around my spine so the treatment is to block the inflammation & slow progression which I believe they have had 35% success rate with the people that have had it at this stage so I 'm in my neurologists hands with this one but thankyou mary s for asking today is day 4 of a migraine for me but it's not as bad as it was yesterday ...
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi Christine,
Just want to wish you the best. Gotta hand it to you, you are an honest fairdinkum good role model. Keep those comments coming and it's nice that you always stick to your ethics.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by a on
I wish you the best too Christine I hope you get it soon
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Wow looks like a wet track at Brookie tonight!!! Absolutely hosing down...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Guys
With all the off footy talk we seem to have missed the win by the Storm last night.
Sharkies home ground, no Cronk and Sharks at full strength.
Along with many others here I tipped Sharks but was pleased to see Storm tough it out.
I've been out fishing all day but remember Jack Bird limping off.
Has anyone heard if he is ok?
Baggy you won't like this but Cam Smith was superb.
AND what about Sharks coach accusing storm of wrestling their way to a win. Did he have a look at his own players?
Both teams overdid the holding down thing. Why aren't the refs penalizing this out of the game?
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Mr Mark Ashford,
With Cameron Smith in the team, Melbourne got the rub of the green last night. Ultimately the better team won, I watched the game and the referreeing did suit Melbournes game. That's neither here nor there, Cronulla should have been prepared for that. In saying that, Cronulla started slowly again and they ultimately got what they deserved for a lazy start, zero points. I might have missgivings with melbournes tactics over the years, but gee, they are well drilled, ruthless and disciplined. Melbourne is the yardstick others should aspire to. Cronulla did ok, could've won. Top game of footy mate.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hahaha thanks Mark yeah don't really post much besides my tips :).
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Yeah I wish you all the best Christine!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
And I forgot to mention my involvement in those extra comps as well.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Lol Mark, it was the same as last year, the Raiders beat the Storm and Bellamy and Smith had the front to accuse the Raiders of giving deliberate penalties inside the 20M to allow for setting up the defensive structure. It seems everyone can only see the speck in the eye of the other guy and not the plank in their own. Just Irony.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Don't have Pay T.V, but I think all of the team better wake up to the fact that after a few years of struggles the Knights are starting to put it together. Might not be every game or for a full 80 minutes but they are going to scare a few teams and might not end up the Spooners again this year.
Submitted by Gary on
The Thinker,
Storm to beat the Sharks. Tick!
Akuila Uate worth backing in try scoring markets if that is your thing. Tick! Tick!
I don't think people thank you enough. So thank you.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Mr Baggy Gee, i'd agree with that if you said 2018, but mate, theyll get the wooden spoon this year. But it just goes to show how tight the NRL is when a team near the bottom plays with so much passion. Its a great comp.
cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Mr Gary,
Spot on with Mr Thinker. Saves us doing the hard yards hey.
Cheers from Mr awesome
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Newcastle robbed of victory tonight after another disgraceful refereeing decision!!!!
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