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 pabdul on
cool. i just wanted to let u know i finished my training at petersham. still have right of way on tuesday.
Submitted by pabdul on
im glad u said that Mark coz i thought you were going to say i touch myself by the divynals
Submitted by a on
Yeah we just sung our last song
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Head this way soon Baggy, as we have a Winter Festival where heaps of people come from miles to see and experience. An Outside Skating Rink is setup in the main street and streets are temporarily cutoff to traffic for it. Ferris wheel and usual small sideshows to add.
Music and buskers etc. and plenty of food stalls to add.
Plus all those pubs and good restaurants we have in close range.
Similar takes place when V8 Great Race is on, without the skate rink.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Great stuff SBAB.
In the dept u r with, is it locomotives section where u r at, or Traffic Branch as we used to know it in the days.
Is that right of way to RSL Club?
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Well work wise I've got a possibility of being there for the big track day in Oct. Might run into you there. But till then no holidays.
Submitted by pabdul on
yeah locos they think im a bit loco.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
I'm still here Fortress.
As much as many detest Gus G, I have found him a very knowledgeable person. He knows the game and has coached it. Was our last NSW most successful coach - so I give him credit where credit is due.
Gus does it much better than Freddie Fudpucker.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Padbul
I thought about touching myself after watching Chrissy Amphlett (sorry about the spelling) but decided It was not the right thing to do in public.
Would rather touch Chrissy but she wasn't available.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Gotch ya Pabdul.
You might finish (FIN) that way.
So is it a Chargeman role or r u getting into the cab and taking us for a spin down the tracks - Johnny Cash style.
Submitted by pabdul on
ill be workin for the maan workin for the man..hum woh woh
Submitted by pabdul on
yeah mark i loved that clip get me outta here
Submitted by Fortress on
Goodnight everyone the fortress will leave you with one of my all time fave songs "forever young" I wanna be for ever young do wanna live forever,forever,for ever young "by youth group"
Catch u all laters nite!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Let me know Baggy Gee if u r in the area. Even if just to meet.
R u into the hospitality side of it, coz I'm sure you aren't one of the grid girls. Footy Chick, Mary S and Christine would beat you hands down for that title.
So going on that otherwise, u r still working for a crust and not retired. Am I on the right plane with you there.
Great V8 atmosphere here. You wont regret it as the festivities officially kick off on the Wednesday with The Pantech Parade up through main streets and Driver Autograph signings. Free posters signed, but it is a line up with free sausage sizzle sponsored by our local radio station 2BS.
Submitted by pabdul on
there's a bit of 2BS on this site
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Baggy - Pabdul might be referring to the credits at the end of movies/shows etc. The ones you have to squint and go blind for.
Subtitles (under-titling) are usually like SBS lingo programs. Spend more time reading that seeing the picture.
Submitted by a on
Well I going to do morden song called Uptown Funk cause Uptown Funk gonna give it to you It's Saturday Night and we're in the spot don't believe me just watch
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Retail, and I'd be camping at the top of the hill, living the dream while the great and unwashed relaxed.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Not a bad station. GM there and I are good friends and both life members at Western Region Academy of Sport. I was on the board (not surf) for 11 years there.
Yes, however - plenty of heifer dust spread here.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
No a Saturday's a great fighting night as well.
Submitted by pabdul on
u can interpret any way u want. until i was 25 i thought the song the nips are getting bigger was about the japanese rugby team
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Got ya Baggy - souvenirs and shirts etc.
I was camping in a canteen van working for local Police Boys Club, the night the bikies (when motorcycling was held here) threw the molotov cocktail into Police Compound and blew all the power out at the top.
Memories........two tier of canned drink boxes for pillows we used.
Its (catering) mostly all under fly in contractors these days - with massive big rigs. Rigs I said.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
More chaz promo gear Pete, he's a champ.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
That is Chaz Mostert, I take it.
Great gear - GO FORDS!!!!!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Quite a conversation you peoples have been having while I was away.
Those trackers you were talking about earlier, the rectangle in the back of the jerseys....it's a thing.
I don't believe every club uses them, but the Sharks, Storm, Cowboys and Broncos certainly do. Most of the AFL clubs use it. Those funny blue maps they were showing of player movements during Origin One (and the extra data on speeds and distance travelled) all comes from it.
The product is made by a little Aussie tech company called Catapult. They are used all over the world in a wide range of sports, and once you know about the little rectangles in the back of jerseys you start seeing them everywhere.
Here's a link if you're a bit of a nerd like me and find this stuff remotely interesting:
http://www.catapultsports.com/au/
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hello all,
Mr Thinker, now that's real interesting. I had no idea they were using trackers and sort of wondered how they were getting the extra data. Thanks for the info' and the link. So Mr Thinker, the tracker can measure speeds and distance travelled, but does it differentiate between back pedalling and going forward with distance travelled? I haven’t checked the site yet , but it would probably be something like a gps methinks?
On another note, we’ve got the bunker in league well this tracker gismo has given me an idea. Why not use it on the refs and touchie’s as well and if the players have them, well they’ll be able to track how often the 10 metre rule is broken, offside positions etc. Going a tad further, develop a footy ball with a tracker in it, then you’d know how many forward passes were happening, get the 20/40 right and other controversies etc. Now progressing even more, have the sidelines, goal lines, any lines, goal posts with trackers and you’ve got yourself one very accurate tracking system. Everyone knows where everyone is at any point in time. Now that was a tongue in cheek comment, but you never know how far technology will be pushed in the future.
Cheers from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Johnny,
They are working on a ball actually. I believe the AFL are possibly going to trial a ball with a tracker in it during their pre-season comp next year.
The great challenge with trackers in balls and measuring forward passes is a phenomenon called relative velocity. Balls passed backwards travel forwards in flight - especially long passes....and who doesn't like a long pass. So for a tracker to work it needs to only measure the ball as it leaves the hands....tricky...but not impossible.
Here's a video that shows the phenomenon in action....the pass over the back of the head is particularly telling:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=box08lq9ylg
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Mark....are you blaming the refs for a lop sided penalty count? Usually the refs blow a penalty when they see an infringement. If in the refs eyes one team is infringing more than the other you end up with a lopsided penalty count. To those watching the game the ref only ever gets his decision to blow a penalty right 50% of the time. The refs are the judge, jury & executioner and we know they don't always get it right.
Submitted by a on
Yeah trackers can do a lot
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It would also be a great boon to inside the 10 on kicks, if it detects another one then bam offside.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Nice work Mr Thinker. Top link, and easy to follow. You are a wealth of knowledge. I reckon the tracker in the ball and the player would be measuring velocity and position. But like you said, it can tricky to correlate because as soon as the ball is released, it starts to slow due to friction of air and the lack of impetus provided by the player. You are right Mr Thinker, the longer passes even more so. But even if the gps would pinpoint the exact position of each player and the ball you would need another sensor that is sensitive to touch. So its not only a tracker but a touch sensitive device that works with the tracker. This device would monitor when the ball is being held? Probably some thermal imaging type of sensor I guess. measuring heat? Between the two and you've got the system operational. Maybe that's what is happening? What do you think Mr Thinker? Certainly interesting where they heading. What about using hawkeye as well? You've it in tennis and cricket. It works for LBW decisions tracking the flight of the cricket ball etc. Maybe that would be the go getting the hawkeye on board? Your thoughts Mr Thinker?
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Pressure, like that nonsense with Tom Brady (the DCE of the NFL). At a set pressure the ball has to be gripped, if the pressure drops rapidly then it is not being held, or if it spikes massively and the drops to operating pressure it was kicked. Means that BALL CONTROL needs to be there to claim a try unless the ball is rolling in goal and is dived on.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Are you guys serious?
I've got a great idea replace all humans with robotic players. All wired up to the max. No more offside play, no more forward passes, no more high shots, no more strips, no more spills over the line, no need for refs or linesmen, no need for a bunker, no need for the tribunal and probably no need for anything.
Wouldn't it be fun every weekend the winner would be decided by one of the betting companies who held the most. And how boring would it be.
Why don't we leave the game as it is...refs make a mistake, bunker makes a mistake, we'll all human and live with it.
We're blessed with a great game, just enjoy it warts and all.
Submitted by pabdul on
i actually like the sound of the futuristic NRL the national robotic league. they can just smash each other. if a player gets hit high he can just put his head back on and keep playing if a player goes down you know its a flat battery and you can replace the interchange with the oil change. there wouldn't be any off field dramas unless a players caught using premium unleaded outside a 24hr servo.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
HIA would be out of the question at least, shoulder charge would be useless.
Submitted by Fortress on
Isn't it funny his team was like a bag of s##t last night yet he continues to bag out my club and a champion bloke and player.
I mean There must be someone that knows this gronk away from this site that can knock some sense into him because the brain anit functiong gee whiz!!!!!!!
Anyway away from the zombie and back to reality the chooks in fine touch and a big game tommoz goodnight folks!!!!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Do you even know who the Gronk is? I appreciate the compliment.
Submitted by a on
Breaking news Jarrod Wallace could miss Origin with a suspension
Submitted by Fortress on
Yes you !!!! U are as thick as bricks far out turn urself upside down and use ur brain even then sawdust echhhhhhhhhhhh
Submitted by Mary S on
Interesting report on Thinkers site -NRL mid-season report card: How does your team measure up? from theroar.com.au 12/6/17 4:20am AEST (see link below).
Fortress, you should be pleased with his take on your Eagles!
Will be interesting what posters think on his take on your team!!
Agree with his comment on referees - "I’d hate to be a referee. They’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t. Send a decision upstairs, and you get criticised for not using your own judgement. Make a snap decision on the field, and your boss publicly shames you and demotes you on the spot. You couldn’t pay me enough to take that job."
Submitted by Mary S on
Should have said see article below as I did not include the link- sorry!
Submitted by a on
I'm am really happy about the Origin side for QLD
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good afternoon Pabdul - or is it Dr Who/Spock.
The way the game is going, it is getting far out of this world.
However, the robotic/electronic form, could well see what you describe and then the little green men come down and carry him off, to become a recycled martian.
Good win by Chooks yesterday Pab.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by pabdul on
i guess its DR smith as he had a robot (you bumbling ninny). good players in the future ...robot reddy and my fav android ettingshausen.
qld know they have to make changes but glasby for Guerra they forgot to watch yesterday's game.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Correct there Zachary about yesterdays game.
Three doubles to Chookies and Morgan rolls another 6 over.
Guerra knows big tough footy and Qld will sorely miss him.
Big Guns lift themselves for BIG games.
They've made four changes.............so NSW knows they'll need to contain any miracle spurts from them.
Submitted by Fortress on
7/8 folks not bad for someone not even in the tipping comp the one I missed was the raiders losing in the last 2 MTS or else would of got the clean sweep.
Well round 14 comes to a close the cream of the crop rises with the cane fodder left to dry.
And the mighty eagles won again hope ur all having a great evening!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Fortress on
Good evening thinker can u tell me where I can read ur mid season report card that Mary s was talking about thankyou!!!!!!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
I've updated the tipping comp after round 14. Scott M rejoins some knucklehead called The Thinker at the top of the competition ladder, and lillychino is edging ever closer to both of them.
Top scorer for the round was Steel Panther with 7 from 8...quite a few of you got 6 from 8 and most of you seemed pretty convinced that Thurston would be playing for the Cowboys...or something.
I'll have the round 15 page published as soon as I can for those that need to tip early. I'll have my previews and selections published on Wednesday.
All the best
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good one Fortress - I'd say a few more would have got 8 from 8 if Titans (at home) had been their usual selves and Dragons played how they have been. Warriors don't usually come across The Ditch and win by that margin.
But Dogs were at home and had nothing to lose, apart from some areas calling for Des' head.
Beware of calling Baggy G a Gronk, as The Gronk actually plays NFL in USA and is on big, big bucks. I think it is Patriots that The Gronk (not Baggy) plays for.
Have a good week - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Fortress.
I think that Report Card that Mary S quoted, was actually at The Roar site. Even though it may have been mentioned in news drop-downs (Tweets) that appear on Thinker site. The link most likely led to The Roar site/page.
I also freely tip with The Roar. There is a bloke there that tips as well as My Mighty Manly 4Ever. I think his surname is Carling. He's been around a few places that I've visited and also EPL.
Get yourself into gear next season and approach Thinker about joining our Tipping Comp. Its fun - doesn't matter a rats if you have to occasionally tip against Manly. You would only be doing it, if they had the backside out of their pants and dwelling around the last 5.
Cheers - Big Pete with some food for thought.
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