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 a on
Yeah bad decision against the Knights
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Did you see it "a"? Well most of us will be happy since we took Manly in your comp lol
Submitted by pabdul on
yep the thinker is good with his tips and predictions but picking the shortest price favourite to score a try against his old team was like picking black caviar in a donkey race. i think he'll live on his titans by 2 for a little bit longer.
Submitted by a on
Yeah most of us will be
Submitted by christine on
Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts I appreciate it so thanks ...
Submitted by Fortress on
Yeah steel panther robbed because it was the mighty eagles haaaahaaaahaaaa you and your mate are waiting for them to fall over guess what they won't OK got that ur both mugs.
We see the refs make mistakes every weekend if newcastle had scored that try Mr steel and baggy pants would of been dancing in the rain it would not of bothered them one little bit.
The mighty eagles tough it out with passion,grit and determination in the worst conditions for both clubs,plus we had a fair try taken off us,at one stage in the first half the knights got 5 straight penalties some described by Andrew Moore as soft at best,but does Mr steel talk about that of course not never in a million,billion years so suck it up the both of you haaaaahaaaaaaaa
So now for my other hounour roll for 2 people I missed .......
Baggy pants for been a fake not seeing fact not accepting the truth calling me a small man syndrome everyone in his last post OK everyone read his post.so baggy pants your a small pimple on the donkeys hind.
Steel panther for his award for best supporting actor to the best actor baggy pants,for his I don't hate manly but never ever says one positive word about them what a joke and the both of them think they have us fooled I'm onto the both of you soon the sideline with spud head will be your home away from home go jump the both of you.
Rember everyone I'm defending myself again against baggy pants calling me small man syndrome and steel panthers denial for his hate for the mightier than mighty eagles .......
Guts,skill,never say die attitude that's my club and that's me the mighty eagles and the fortress
Mighty and proud and we win again yeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Submitted by mark ashford on
Didn't see the game but hey Manly won. All you nay sayers blaming the refs etc.
You need to win a game by being the best, forgets the refs, just win the f--king game.
Congrats Fortress another win by your boys.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Didn't see the game, saw a snap shot of the score at the 50th minute. Thought that it was impressive that a team that has been universally canned for the last three years was taking it to Manly. Nothing positive to say about Manly, haven't seen them play on the box this year.
Submitted by mark ashford on
A nice sneak home from the Broncs.
Can't take anything away from the Rabbits.
Lots of people bag the Broncs buy of Benji but he came through at the end.
Hope Milford's injury is not too severe.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Really the MILF is broken, who is going to stand in for JT if he isn't ready for game 2. Would they give Ben Hunt a crack?
Submitted by a on
I think Morgan or Evans
Submitted by Fortress on
Yes spoken just like the mug you are you see everyone read his last post "he hasn't got anything postive to say about manly" and we are up there mixing it with the broncs,the storm,the sharks,the roosters,and whats the matter mixing it with mud,slime and the gutter far out do you really truelly think us mighty eagles care if have anything to say bout us or not we don't give a rats baggy pants in fact the only positive thing I can say bout your trash club is yuk,yuk,yuk,and I hope the cowboys thrash the daylights out of your club.
Mark Ashford and rocket well done on your win a win is a win ey!!!!!!!
So another victory so good nite everyone!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress on
Sorry my fellow posters my reference to what's the matter mixing it with if u read my post above I didn't mean that against any other club with or below them I meant they are mixing it with exactly what I meant not any other clubs just wanted to make that clear respect to all other clubs expect for what's the matter parramatta gosh if ever a club I really and truelly despise!!!!!
Just been out with the girlfriend on my way home good morning everyone !!!!!!
Submitted by Mary S on
Reports indicate Milford has dislocated his shoulder and could be out for 6 weeks.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
That'll disrupt the QLD prep.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
I watched Manly v Knights last night & the weather conditions played a big part. Manly ground out a tough win & well done to them. My point again lost on you Fortress was the glaring mistake by the refs that was in the end the difference between one team winning & the other team losing. My comments wouldn't be any different if the outcome was in Newcastle's favour.
It's 12-8 in poor conditions, slippery ball etc. The refs should have gone to the bunker. If it was 36-8 at that stage it wouldn't have made any difference in the end.
I'm talking about an incident in a footy game nothing to do with hating a club.
Submitted by The Thinker on
There's no denying the error made by the referee in that Manly v Knights game. Klein should have gone upstairs, especially when a touchie is right on the spot and he tells you to take it upstairs.
Mistakes are made, some more costly than others. A tough loss for the Knights.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Yep, fair call Mr Thinker and Mr Steel Panther. I really don't get the ref's logic at times. They virtually use the bunker for anything near the try line these days, and he doesn't check this one? It was a crucial call. Take away 6 points and give Newcastle a 7 tackle re-start and it's a different ball game. Might have been the same result in the end but gee, they deserved a go. I'm warming up to Nathan Brown, saw his comments and his meeting with Leon Cameron from the GWS AFL team. Basically getting info on how the youngest team in the AFL have become favourites for the comp. Both clubs have a bit in common in that they have gone back to scratch and started with youth. For GWS it was draft picks, for Newcastle it was a lot of local talent. I like the way Brown is thinking, he wants to recruit astutely and that means not just buying a team but buying selected players that will boost his local and young talent and that folks takes time. Browns comment says it all, "We've got to get it right because if we get it wrong, the Knights will have another 5 years like the last 11 years have been". Good luck Browny, I wish you and Newcastle the best.
Cheers all from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by pabdul on
good call mr awesome. GWS had a pick of the best talent but lacked someone to lead that talent. last year they recruited experienced players and it turned them around as they missed the GF by one game.
Newcastle are the same with a really youthful team but no real leader or match winner. look at the top teams they all have a leader in the pack and at least one great half. cronk and smith.maloney and gallen.pearce and Cordner. look at the improvers in st george widdop and vaughn. raiders are frustrating as they have the team with forwards and match winners but average halves caeser inconsistent and austin not a team player. i cant think of who the knights have recruited for next year but if it aint a great half and a 17 stone nutcase they may be spoon collecting for a while.
Submitted by a on
I hope mistakes doesn't cost the. next state of Origin
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good morning and hope u r all well or a little better.
Yes, obviously some sore points from last nights Brooky match.
Totally agree on the weather playing a part in it with slushy, muddy conditions. I have a cousin lives out in P/matta suburbs and she commented to me last night that thunder and lightning scared the living daylights out of them - yesterday/last night.
I agree that watching some NRL.com highlights, as I don't have Pay TV either, that Manly were lucky and Knights - very unlucky. Grounding a ball or losing it on the way down under slippery conditions, is part of basics. You either want it dearly or not at all.
Browny has got Knights finding themselves, but slowly.
@ All Thinkers - no rain in Bathurst, or yet. Slight cloud about, no frost or fog with sun trying to break through. Rain was predicted until next Thursday here. I'll send you all another update after lunch.
@Awesome J - yes mate, agree with Bathurst being a lovely place. I'm off to Mudgee tomorrow for the day. Unable to attend match this afternoon/evening. Ground looks excellent and Group 10 match Bx Panthers v Orange Hawks will be a good opener. Kicks off at 2.30pm. Young talent in both teams, as out this way is a nursery for NRL. The name Mortimer comes to mind for starters. Daniel that is, but we can go back well before that. Peter has a winery in Orange. Steve visits quite often, but remember they came from Wagga Wagga comp (Turvey Park) before the boys made a name and parents moved out to historic Millthorpe. Don't forget, Dubbo also has good talent, like where Andrew (Bobcat) Ryan hailed from.
This Group 10 comp is strong, even if played on a short season.
@Baggy G - everyone is honored here on Thinker site. But with Fortress' honor, I'd gather, it depends on the content of comments exchanged. Us outsiders, looking in, can see it.
Yes, I know, our Fortress doesn't take a backward step. Also Baggy for a blast from the past, does the name John Fearnley ring a bell with you. Ex Eels player (forward) who came from this area. He is GM at Bathurst Panthers these days. His wife works where I am and I coached their daughter in Little Athletics, a couple of years ago. Their son plays junior rep footy here. Lovely family they are.
Keep well all - Big Pete
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Johnny you hit the nail on the head. I for one get frustrated at times with what seems like a continual reliance on the bunker but conditions more than anything last night warranted closer scrutiny & involvement with the bunker. I didn't know the touchie said go upstairs. That makes Klein's decision not to even more bizarre. Well...we move on....it sure as hell won't be the last mistake the officials make...enjoy the rest of the footy.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
BigPete...both teams last night found it tough with the conditions. Certainly not ideal footy weather that's for sure. It's just unfortunate that a bad mistake from the ref basically determined the result. As I said in my earlier post if the score was a blow out at that stage no one would have cared.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Correct there Steel, many were expecting a cricket score, but I knew at the end, there wouldn't be much diff.
Its those sort of conditions, where the underdog can bring a "high flyer" (pun) down.
Have a good day.
Submitted by christine on
I don't think milf should be in origin I think he was the wrong selection in the first place ...
Submitted by pabdul on
ah the bunker isn't it there to avoid human error. you would think on a wet night diving into a corner being tackled with the ball unsighted and with a touch judge referral that what the system was for.
i think either get rid of it or use it to its full potential. overide the obvious strips, knock ons and forward passes. i hate the term he passed it backwards and floated forward in most cases to go that far forward a mini tornado would of simultaneously passed at the same time. i would rather the game go a little bit longer to get the right result.
its as obvious as thurston playing his next game in Darwin.
Submitted by a on
Millford season may be over
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Padbul I was watching the first half of the Broncos last night, Can't remember which team but it doesn't matter, a forward received the ball standing in front of the passer (short pass type of stuff) yes he turned to receive the ball behind him so the pass was "legal". But isn't that receiving the ball in an offside position?
Pete, I know all about the Fortress list, it was a joke which didn't translate to text as well as I thought it would. Hope its a blinder down there this afternoon and you all get your moneys worth and more. Yes read about John when I was getting up to speed with the BOYS history and like so many of that era, played hard and fair. Hope the Leagues club in Bathurst is going ahead in leaps and bounds with a good head leading it. Humming now.
Submitted by Fortress on
Hey folks that so called mistake by the refs should not of mattered watch the game again everyone way before that the mighty eagles were leading 12_8 and uate was deemed to have pushed the knights player in the back on the way down to scoring that was rubbish he never ever pushed him Trent Barrett pointed that out today when interviewed on fox when they replayed that incident the reporter said well yes that was a fair try are people really watching the game.I was at the game braving the weather no one commenting on a try that was taken away from us everyone go watch the replay,so steel panther we would of won anyway all the commantators on fox today agreed with Barrett,it's funny how more comments are made because it was the mighty eagles,we were robbed as well could u imagine disallowed try against happened than they went on and won,I just wonder how many on here would of cared weather manly won or lost that's my big question.
Big Pete we were robbed as well I was at the game heavy rain buddy no one talks bout the 40/20 that Newcastle were awarded that was never 40/20 they could of scored a one stage we defended our line after they got 5 straight penalties ,no one talks about the magnificent on line defence to keep the knights out at that point.
The mighty eagles defended with guts,grit and determination had they given the uate try that should of been given than the last try wouldn't of mattered plus for mine is was 50/50 at best and many people today on TV and radio have said that,worse trys have been given in many other games I've seen this year.
It all leads back to one thing we won and the haters can suck it up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a great long weekend everyone as the might eagles dry there wings!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress on
Does not translate to text baggy pants far out your lost intranslation.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on the raiders and cows really want those 2 clubs to win today for many reasons.
Doin the eagle rock !!!!!!!!!
Submitted by pabdul on
then baggy your off side i dont think paul the world cup predicting octupus could catch a legal pass in an offside position. there is an old trick say your passing to the left and the player overuns you .you cock your wrists to the right at the last second which gives the illusion that you were passing backwards but actually it goes forward rugby players do it constantly .try it youll see what i mean
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Good to hear you were at the game Fortress. Weather looked terrible & there didn't seem that many there but who would blame them.
Think about this...refs went upstairs on the Uate no try. They made a call either rightly or wrongly. Agree in the end it was probably a 50/50 call to make. Archer (if he's still in charge will more than likely defend the decision). With the Uate try awarded the ref didn't go upstairs & if they did it was 100% no try.
A real opportunity was blown by your centre Kelly, line wide open and he spilled the pill but considering the weather there was very few handling errors by either side.
Submitted by a on
Guess what Thrustons back
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good place Baggy for a good feed and a few ales at Bx Panthers.
Leaps and Bounds certainly, but no Paul Kelly there.
@All at Thinker site.
Cloudy outside and a cool breeze blowing. Will suit Raiders to the T. Roads are dry, thus no rain, so far. Had a few light spots around 1pm. I'll be heading out at 4pm and not back until around 6.30pm, so the match will be well into 2nd half.
Keep well and good luck with tipping.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Reminds me Pabdul of The Hokey Pokey, but no cocking it, like you coined it/phrased it, to Baggy.
Cheers Old Son.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks Fortress for letting me know about the match.
Hope you were sitting in the stand and not on The Hill.
Your feathers would have been saturated and most likely suffering moult today.
Certainly atrocious conditions, but at Steel Panther pointed out, very few handling errors - I guess, apart for over try lines.
Yes, you certainly believe in an early arrival home. Does the little lady go to matches with you or does she work at the club and meet you after.
Cheers - Big Pete (heading out at 4pm - not Eagle or Crocodile rockin either......humming).
Submitted by Fortress on
Well said steel panther your kiwi pride is starting to surface best post I have read from you yes the weather was real bad!!!!!
Hey big Pete mate it was pouring down no I was sitting in my golden eagle chair in the grandstand with the lady she comes with me as often as she can,most times with the family ,mum loves watching her mighty eagles mate.
Mark ashford and rocket heard it today milf out for 4-6 weeks not the year,hunt more than handy and that new boy going great guns if ur club stays up in the top 6 should hold them in good stead leading into the finals they will be fine!!!!!
Interesting games tonight everyone enjoy and stay warm and dry!!!!!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
That has always been my thoughts on the passing nonsense, They have those monitors in the players jersey's to track every little thing, draw a line using for example, Milford's tracker, if Thaiday catches the ball and his tracker is ahead of the Milf's then forward pass/offside, that would include passing in the line and getting hit. That way at least one of the three jokers up in the Bunker would have something to do all game. Same as in front of the kicker, if your tracker is ahead of the kicker, your out, the ref's would know immediately and it would speed up the process. Use the current tech and bend it to the need.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
How did you and Susie enjoy the game today Pete?
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Does no one teach proper English or comprehension in the NSW schooling system anymore?
Submitted by pabdul on
just heard a commentator say he thought the better team lost. how can they be the better team....they lost.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
LOL was that from last nights Knights/Manly game Padbul? But I know what your saying, commentators subscribe to the Douglas Adams approach to speaking. "At first Ford had formed a theory to account for this strange behaviour. If human beings don't keep exercising their lips, he thought, their mouths probably seize up. After a few months' consideration and observation he abandoned this theory in favour of a new one. If they don't keep exercising their lips, he thought, their brains start working." They say more darn'ed things than kids do and Bill Crosby got a show out of the kids. Listening to the radio and every time they speak the are praising a different team to the highest of heavens on to do the other team in the next breath. how does any team lose if they are both playing extraordinary football?
Submitted by pabdul on
hitchhikers guide to the nrl.
its like when you die.
he was the greatest guy in the world. everyone loved him.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
even the guys who you owed money to and they broke your legs.
Submitted by pabdul on
johnny was a real bastard he slapped me around neglected the kids.
but we'll miss his pay cheque.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
If we could stop Kyle Feldt we might be in with a chance. I love Johnny, he was a awesome guy.
Submitted by pabdul on
if you play a home game away from home you shouldn't play it against a team that is more climatised to the conditions thst you are. johnny was a good father.
Submitted by pabdul on
*than
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Yes and no, it's our challengers that mark out growth. I'm happy with playing against a better team in the conditions. I have every confidence that we can come back and get the win, Move Clint the fullback and French out to the wing and we should be gold.
Submitted by pabdul on
yeah like thats going to happen your baggy gee not baggy Arthur. u got more chance of quickly signing cooper cronk getting a release in the next 10mins and he just happened to be holidaying in Darwin
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