Round nine selections

Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers – Thursday night – Suncorp Stadium

The Panthers were pre-season premiership favourites but have won only twice this season, and only against poor opposition. We salivated at the potential of this Panthers backline but they've scored only ten tries in those six losing games. Something is missing. Trent Merrin has earned himself another Test jersey but he's missed 14 tackles in his last three games. He has some (bad) company in that Panthers pack as Campbell-Gillard and Peter Wallace have been found out in defence in recent weeks too. I expect the Broncos to focus on that, with Milford and Nikorima ready to expose the Panthers right up the hi-diddle diddle. The Broncos have had an extra day to prepare and are preparing at home. The logical tip.

Verdict – Broncos by 8

Result – Broncos 34 defeated Panthers 18

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles – Friday night – Allianz Stadium

Note that the Rabbitohs are playing this home game away from home, although Manly fans are notoriously poor travellers so the Bunnies should have the majority of the support in the crowd. The shoulder charge by Burgess (George) was deemed worse than the shoulder charge by Burgess (Sam).  George takes a seat on the sideline as a consequence. Manly have surprised most of us (especially me) with the quality and consistency of their performances this season. I have to accept they'll turn up to play...and they're good enough. The Cherry-Evans/Green partnership in the halves is working, and their fullback has slotted in to fill the space once filled by Brett Stewart. The local lad looks like he'll be wearing the number one jersey on the northern beaches for the next decade. This is a football team, and I'm tipping them here.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 4

Result – Sea Eagles 46 defeated Rabbitohs 8

North Queensland Cowboys vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

All eyes will be on the Cowboys line-up on Friday night, with Jonathan Thurston named on the extended bench. Rugby League may be a team game, but Thurston is among a handful of players that can make a mockery of that truth. I've tipped against the Eels in their last two victories and I'm taking them on again. Surely I'll get it right...eventually. Coen Hess has replaced Gavin Cooper as the Cowboys try-scoring back-rower – he's racked up 6 tries in 6 games. With that in mind, the Eels will be watching Hess like a hawk, so it's probably time to back Gavin Cooper in try-scoring markets. It's so darn crazy it just might work.

Verdict – Cowboys by 4

Result – Eels 26 defeated Cowboys 6

Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium

15th plays 16th but fans of both teams can, at the very least, appreciate the efforts of both sides. While both are competing against superior opponents, the Titans do appear to have more upside.The Titans forwards look set to dominate, and one has to assume that Peats, Taylor, Roberts, Hayne and Elgey (off the bench) can create enough try-scoring opportunities on the back of that.

Verdict – Titans by 10

Result – Titans 38 defeated Knights 8

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium

For some time I've had doubts about the ability of the Bulldogs to cross the stripe. Thus far in season 2017 they are averaging a snifter more than 15 points per game. That's not enough, particularly against the Raiders who are racking up (on average) 25 points per game. That's a lot of points for a team who have lost as many games as they've won, and the Bulldogs haven't scored 25 or more points in a game all year. You score more points than your opponent and you win folks...it's not rocket surgery.

Verdict – Raiders by 8

Result – Bulldogs 16 defeated Raiders 10

Wests Tigers vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night – Leichhardt Oval

Aaron Woods has announced when he will make his announcement (I'm disappointed he didn't announce when he was going to announce when he will make his announcement but I'm hard to please). I suspect he's holding off until after he has played this game at his 'spritual home'. Given that, I'm expecting a bit of a battle here and I've got this game pencilled in as the match of the round. The Sharks will be keen to win after the shock loss last week, and the stripey cats could step up for Woodsy. The Sharks are clearly the better team and I'm tipping them, but I'm expecting a closer contest than most.

Verdict – Sharks by 4

Result – Sharks 22 defeated Tigers 16

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

Where the bloodity heckity heck are my team lists for the Sunday games? Sheezus McSneezus won't somebody think of the Thinker? Anyhoo...the four teams playing on Sunday are the same four teams that played on ANZAC Day, which seems fair. And I think it's fair to say that the two ANZAC Day games gave us the highest standard of NRL we saw for the round – perhaps everyone just lifted given the occasion. Now these sides have to lift again, and I'll take a little punt on the Warriors having a little more to play for this weekend. They're at home where they are an entirely different proposition and there is an ANZAC Test coming up.

Verdict – Warriors by 2

Result – Warriors 14 defeated Roosters 13

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – WIN Stadium

Again no team lists are available at the time of writing so I'm shooting fish in a very dark barrel with this prediction. One thing I do know is that Gareth Widdop is out for six weeks. I can't say that means the Dragons can't win, but it certainly makes it an awful lot harder. As for the Storm, they are a pretty predictable piece of machinery regardless of who laces on the boots. I may be in the dark, but it's dark purple.

Verdict – Storm by 10

Result – Storm 34 defeated Dragons 22

Wally Lewis - round nine selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

  • BRONCOS vs Panthers
  • Rabbitohs vs SEA EAGLES
  • COWBOYS vs Eels
  • TITANS vs Knights
  • Bulldogs vs RAIDERS
  • Tigers vs SHARKS
  • Warriors vs ROOSTERS
  • Dragons vs STORM

Comments

pabdul's picture

what happened at the tigers was Aaron woods called in the 3 amigos regarding their futures. Aaron said we need to stay together so we can build this club to a premiership that what our fans deserve. moses put up his hand and said sorry ive signed with the eels then tedesco said yeah i wanna play semis im going to the chooks Aaron said well if you 2 are going we got no hope im taking the dogs offer. then Aaron felt a tug on his trousers and brooksy said what about me and Aaron said sorry i didnt see you down there

a's picture

Yeah but Paul Gallen took a dive

Johnny Awesome's picture

Hi all,
Talking about dives, what Gallen did was exactly what most players do during the game. How many times in the play the ball, and tackle do the players try to milk a penalty by falling over deliberately because someones finger touched them or making out like the ball has been stripped. I think WestsTigers had their share during the game as well. Fair dinkum, its up to refs to make a decision. It boils down to the fact that if Woods didnt touch him, there would be no penalty. Get it over Cleary.
Cheers and kind regards from Mr Awesome

Baggy_Gee's picture

OK Mr Awesome, glad the doc cleared you for active duty. I agree with you about diving, make it the same as a deliberate penalty in the opponents attacking 20, 10 in the bin with no limit on how many carbs sent. Offside gone, high shot gone, laying in the ruck gone, and pretending that you've been pushed back down, gone. That will clean it up pretty fast. From the Eels game Corey would have been sent when he got up holding his neck after a stock standard tackle, ref ignored him and quite rightly. But now Kenny got sent for slapping see how many others do it, they have seen that it is enforced.

Johnny Awesome's picture

Valid points indeed Mr Baggy Gee. I'm just glad that zero tolerance for slapping is in. Its a gutless act. Lets face it when Kenny slapped Cooper he moved quickly behind his mates. If he moved a little slower, it would have been a slapathon and my money would have been on Cooper.
Cheers from Mr Awesome

Baggy_Gee's picture

Yes. Same as the punch and you go rule that is being enforced as well. I liked his excuse, he was going to punch. let the other guy punch and get sent, not slap first and then whinge after.

a's picture

Well I blame the diving rule on Issac Luke

The Thinker's picture

All of Queensland is hoping the NSW selectors aren't watching Mitchell Pearce trying to close out this tight game against the Warriors.

The Thinker's picture

The Warriors just won a game with their defence – I don't believe I have ever said or thought that before in their entire history.

Could all that learning Kearney undertook at Bellamy University finally be paying off?

The Voyeur's picture

Thinker you have taken the words out of my mouth, in many long seasons supporting the Warriors that was the best defensive effort I can remember for many a year !!!!.........lots of hero's in the tackle count, and also thank goodness for Pearce.......solid club player at best, but just found wanting in the big moments in my view........

Baggy_Gee's picture

We all know that if he is chosen then it's series lost.

mark ashford's picture

Hi all
Been at a BBQ for a feed and a drink or two, most enjoyable.
Have read a few comments and think RL players should be banned from watching A league. Best divers since Jacques Cousteau was exploring our oceans.
Missed the Tigers/ Sharks game. Was Maloney charged for his high shot.
Storm demolishing Dragons half way through the second half.

Steel Panther's picture

I almost didn't recognise the Warriors today!!

Melbourne carving up St George. You'd think it was 1st v last.

mark ashford's picture

A joke yes? Cronk was entitled to make the tackle.
Then ball was lost over the line. Ref blew whistle without looking at it.
Gee it's good to be a QLD or Vic supporter.
We have to flog you NSW people to get a win...but don't worry we will!

Steel Panther's picture

Melbourne too clinical Mark. They are the bench mark in the NRL. Some of those first half tries where sheer bliss to watch.

a's picture

Dragons did a pretty good fight back

a's picture

Thinker now thanks the round is finish you will update the score board in my comp

Fortress's picture

Mighty eagles ,the storm and the broncos the teams to beat for the title with the sharks and raiders after them.

Can channel 9 please get rid of Phil gould and brad fitter people have been turning the tele off for ages .

Gould thinks he knows it all,yes he does have the knowledge,but he just goes on and on and on and on and brad fitler is on the whacky tabacky,someone save the us from these 2 Boring has beems.

Cheers everyone!!!!!!

Fortress's picture

Meant to say "has beens"!!!!!!!!!!!!

mark ashford's picture

Fortress I couldn't agree more.
Time for new blood on the #9 team.
Surely there is someone out there who is less biased in their calls.
Can I nominate Coach and Padbul and maybe Baggy?
Would they be an improvement?

mark ashford's picture

Hi Steel
Yes a clinical first half from the Storm, great winger tries as we all love to see.
Cronk's binning was a joke. He's one of the cleanest players in the game and entitled to join in the tackle.
I tipped Roosters but happy to see your Warriors get a win.
I support Broncs but want to see all teams in the struggle for the finals.
Our game is the greatest game you can watch.

mark ashford's picture

Coach
You are probably still licking your wounds after the Broncs win but I feel most here would like a comment or two from you.
We are approaching Rep round and a word or two would be nice.

a's picture

Yes Gm AUS for next week

The Thinker's picture

Greetings football fans,

I've updated the NRL ladder and the tipping comp ladder. The Storm have stamped their authority on the competition with an emphatic win over the second placed Dragons in Wollongong. That's the high water mark right there...now we need to find a team that can lift to that level.

Scott M retains his lead but some bloke called The Thinker has narrowed the gap. Still plenty of time for just about anyone to win...and there are prizes for the top three.

A round of international rugby league next weekend which I am a big fan of. I'll publish some sort of rep round page if anyone feels like commenting about any of the games. No tipping needed though.

All the best

Baggy_Gee's picture

Hell yeah, I could do that job. Can I bar myself from the get go from calling any Eels games? But it'd be a few good laughs, Mark could be the half and full time interviewer. Lets make this happen.

Fortress's picture

Mark agree with u gould makes me cringe,and fitler looks like his half asllep,

The others you have mentioned well maybe not to be hounest and that's not saying they won't be better!!!!!!!

Mark I know its 2 weeks away but what a block buster coming up at Suncorp between my mob and yours I feel a massive crowd both teams surging towards the finals and if they both bring the form they have been showing,then we could see a dazzel dazzel classic here's hoping mate.

Chat soon mark

Fortress's picture

Meant to say razzle dazzel mark!!!!!!!!!!!!

christine's picture

I'm only two points away from you thinker & three points away from scott m so look out I'm headed your way but i'm not on the tipping ladder so it doesn't matter I can't win the comp anyway ...

christine's picture

Your doing well this season Thinker ...

Rocket Ryan's picture

This is officially my worst tipping performance ever cannot take a trick....................hang on what is this in my pocket 32-18 ah yes now I feel better.

a's picture

This has been my worst season

christine's picture

Thinker I think New Zealand should have been aloud to have there Anzac game played against storm in New Zealand , They faught too & they have just as much right so why don't the nrl at least let them have one game over there each season when they play against another team just for Anzac ???

tigerholic's picture

Morning Folks
Just home from work and have read the updated ladder for tipsters, well done Thinker and Voyeur getting 6/8 and anyone else who did, there is a long way to go and running from the front can add a lot of pressure to picking winners.
I'm off for a weekend away with the Missus this coming weekend, our 28th anniversary and she has planned and paid for the trip, she has made it clear that there is no reception so no football.

Have a great week everyone, that includes you Coach and old Rocket.

PS- Rocket, maybe you can ask Coach for some tipping advice:)

Tailspin's picture

Thanks Thinker, We don't know yet, taken blood and sent it away, all fingers and toes crossed.

pabdul's picture

id like to hear fortress call a manly game he'd make rex mossop sound like a choir boy.

christine's picture

does anyone agree with me that new Zealand should have been aloud to have one Anzac game in new Zealand because they faught too in the war so it's a mark of respect to acknowledge that by letting them have one Anzac game played in new Zealand ???

a's picture

Yeah I think they should

Fortress's picture

Pabdul wasn't Rex mossop a character I think that's what's missing in the commentary box,real characters I mean Phil Gould thinks he knows it all,he makes me turn the sound down and listen to the live radio call and just watch the TV with out him and brad fitler dribbling on echhhhhhhhh.

Yeah rexy was great a manly man through and through I met him many times at brookie me and mum sat not far from him and I was nick named Jr Rex for my passion for the mighty eagles.

When he passed away I cried really adored him a true legend of the game and in my mind along with ray warren the best commentator that would be a great team on TV mossop and warren.

As for me calling a mighty eagles game why not only that it would be a grand final and if we won the glass in front will shatter.

Padbul I wasn't in his erra as I'm only in my mid twenties but I've heard Rex mossop was tough as teek a real team man what's your take on him!!!!!!!!!!

christine's picture

Thanks "a" for responding to my ? earlier on about new Zealand playing one Anzac game in new Zealand I did ask the thinker yesterday why the nrl don't let new Zealand have one Anzac game there because they faught too but I didn't get a response to my ?

tigerholic's picture

Evening Folks

Just watched the replay of Paul Gallen milking the obstruction rule in the Tigers game that cost them 6 points. All I can say is, Paul Gallen you are a joke and a disgrace and an embarrassment to the game.

Why is Paul Gallen captaining a team when his rep days are over, have I just woken up from a decade long slumber. If that decision was made in an english soccer match, they would be rebuilding the stadium, that will do me.

Thinker, please tell me what your thoughts are, I am a Blues man through and through but that is bullshit from Gallen.

BigPeteBx's picture

Fortress - memories of The Great Rex.
His anniversary is nearing - 17th June.
Six years since he left us. Rex, Rabbits and Frank Hyde would go well in a commentary box together. They had nothing like they have today.

Cheers and Mollymook was lovely.
Johnny Awesone was right about the mens jakes. Clean as they come.
Big Pete

The Thinker's picture

Tiger,

I don't think I've been shy when it comes to my feelings about Paul Gallen.

My opinion – I think the man is a cheat and the sooner this game kicks him to the kerb the better off the game will be. NSW went backwards under his 'leadership' so as a Blues fan you should be glad to see the back of him too.

Sadly, he appears certain to pick up a lucrative media gig when he retires so we won't see the last of him anytime soon.

Christine,

Just saw your question about ANZAC Day and I agree. The Melbourne vs Warriors game should be played on both sides of the Tasman...just as the Roosters and Dragons share home ground advantage in their ANZAC Day games.

pabdul's picture

sorry mate just got home yeah rex was awesome i loved his show sportsworld particularly a segment called controversy corner a bit like 5 minutes in he bin on the footy show but was more full on. but for me my fav was frank hyde. its high its long its straight between the post. great memories

a's picture

Yeah sooner Gallen retires the better

Baggy_Gee's picture

Can we also see the back of c Smith and c Bellamy as well. They have taken the spirit of the game out as they push the rules to the enth degree in their search for a win. The whole whinge about Cronk is a perfect example, legally allowed to join the tackle, but against the spirit of the game to do so.

BigPeteBx's picture

Good evening Thinker.
Interesting those notes on Michael De Vere in "life after r/league".
Correct it states him being a Broncos Development Officer.
I think he came from Campbelltown (Sydney) area and was graded into St George.
However - from my athletics coaching days, USA had a Mike De Vere who was a very successful athlete in many race events - sprints to middle distance. Don't think this is the same fellow.
Aussie version known as Michael and USA version known as Mike.

Never know, it was quite possible that our Michael did athletics after league, but I cant seem to find it recorded.

Cheers and keep me in the loop on that one.
Big Pete

Fortress's picture

Well I'm too young for Frank Hyde's era but sounds like another legend.

I just think that the game lacks characters too many big heads that love themselves some look like they have a carrot shoved up there behinds.all they do is talk about themselves I just hope we can get some real people talking about the game.

What do you think of Erin molan I don't mind her only that she"s not allowed to say much.

One more question padbul do you think players should wait to the end of the year to jump ship I just can't understand why they sign contracts in the middle of the year,where is the loyalty very sad!!!!!!!!

The Thinker's picture

I take your point Baggy. Gallen rubs me the wrong way and clearly Smith and Slater and Bellamy rub some people the wrong way too. I hate him...he's my villian...and I'm Batman.

BigPeteBX,

I don't believe De Vere got anywhere with the athletics thing...but it was something he was interested in pursuing.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Nananana nananana Thinker. It's just gamesmanship pisses me off, it should be the best 17 representing Parramatta vs the best 17 representing Penrith. Playing to the rules and winning through best play, not best rule interpretation.

pabdul's picture

yeah i think all player movements should be in the off season it annoys me like xmas in july or couples celebrating 1 month anniversaries

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