Canterbury Bulldogs vs North Queensland Cowboys – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium
A couple of important inclusions for the Cowboys in Coote and Granville, but the Thurstiest man on their roster won't be there. In one of the more unusual positional changes Asiata shifts from the halves to prop forward. If that's not a first in the NRL it's right next to first. The Cowboys will need all hands on deck in that engine room when they take on this mighty Bulldogs pack. Given that challenge, and the absence of Thurston, it all points to a victory for the home team.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 4
Result – Cowboys by 16
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Cronulla Sharks – Friday night – UOW Jubilee Oval
It's one of those special rivalires in the NRL but this clash has lost some of its lustre with the injuries to Josh Dugan and Gareth Widdop. The battle of the forwards has me salivating and that alone will keep this game close, but that Sharks backline is intact and, all other things being equal, should outpoint those opposite. Worth watching though, particularly if you like big units belting the cheese out of each other for 80 minutes.
Verdict – Sharks by 8
Result – Sharks by 4
Wests Tigers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – ANZ Stadium
Finally we get to see Robbie Farah face his old club. I imagine Farah is feeling pretty comfortable with himself given how the Tigers have gone about unravelling themselves. What's more, the Tigers are actually paying most of his salary this season, and what they are paying him would be more than what most of the players actually wearing Tigers jerseys are getting paid. Three of the big four in Tiger Town are playing on Friday night but Aaron Woods isn't, and in this case he's probably the most important of the four. Without Woods the Tigers look set to struggle in the forwards and the consistent (if somewhat predictable) kicking game of Reynolds can help keep the Tigers pinned at the wrong end of the wrong paddock (note this Tigers home game has been taken to the Rabbitohs home ground). It's not particularly funny, but Farah gets the last laugh.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4
Result – Rabbitohs by 20
Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday afternoon – Pepper Stadium
Here it is folks – this seasons most frustrating team taking on the winner of the most frustrating team award for the previous ten years in succession. And yet here I am tipping the Panthers again...I must be a very slow learner. There's nothing particularly rational about my choice, other than glass-half full thinking that at some point the Panthers are going to show us something this season, and many of these Warriors are backing up from international duty and another game in Australia. They usually save their worst for us. If they are near their best I'll have this completely wrong.
Verdict – Panthers by 2
Result – Panthers by 8
Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium
Both sides lose one key man each with Jesse Bromwich (Storm) and Proctor (Titans) suspended from duty for off-field stupidity. I assume they won't be hitting Caxton Street together for a drink or two after the game. Now I've probably told you all a thousand times that tipping against the Storm is a mugs game, but I'm tipping against the Storm. They've lost just once this season but they're missing some key men in the middle. A lot of these Titans should be nice and fresh and they'll be well prepared for this game. They've struggled with injuries all season but they have so many of their key men available right now they've got Jarryd Hayne playing in the centres. They're rank outsiders and they probably should be, but I'm giving them a live chance.
Verdict – Titans by 2
Result – Titans by 2
Manly Sea Eagles vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium
I'm tipping two upsets at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Since round two the Sea Eagles have been taking on top eight teams and have proven to be more than competitive. They beat the Cowboys in Townsville and the Raiders in Canberra. Their only losses during this period were an absolute towelling by the Dragons and a narrow loss to the Storm – that's the top two teams on the ladder right now. Last start they absolutely ran riot over the Rabbitohs, a team that almost beat the Broncos in round eight. They're up to this, paticularly while the Broncos are without Hunt and Roberts. This game gives Mr Cherry-Evans an opportunity to show the QLD Origin selectors what he can do too.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 4
Result – Broncos by 10
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium
Insert logical reasoning here. None of you would be tipping the Knights so I can say just about anything can't I? My hovercraft is full of eels.
Verdict – Raiders by 16
Result – Knights by 14
Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels – Sunday afternoon – Allianz Stadium
Shaun Kenny-Dowall really dropped the ball last week...which isn't unusual. He's resting this week, and he may struggle to get another contract from here. Mind you, for a backpacker who just turned up from New Zealand and thought he'd give the game a try he's made a pretty reasonable career out of it. It beats picking fruit for a living, which could be his next contract. Note that Bevan French is named on an extended bench so keep watching the skies in case he gets called into the seventeen. I'm a fan. In any case I'm with the chooks on Sunday – every time I look at that Roosters forward pack I start smiling like an idiot. They're so good Aiden Guerra can't even get a start. If the Eels played for 80 minutes I'd be tipping them, but they're likely to switch off in patches and the tricolours won't. That may prove to be the difference.
Verdict – Roosters by 4
Result – Roosters by 38
Wally Lewis - round ten selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- BULLDOGS vs Cowboys
- Dragons vs SHARKS
- TIGERS vs Rabbitohs
- PANTHERS vs Warriors
- STORM vs Titans
- Sea Eagles vs BRONCOS
- Knights vs RAIDERS
- ROOSTERS vs Eels
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greeting football fans
For those that need to tip early here is the round ten page. Note that some of the home teams aren't really playing at home.
For those looking for the 'A game - three strike' competition, here is a link.
Submitted by pabdul on
ricky leutele has fallen out with Flanagan and asking for a release to the titans
kane evans has signed with parra and will bolster their pack. the thinker reckons he'll replace semi on the wing
Submitted by christine on
Thinker what are your thoughts on the proctor , Bromwich incident if you don't mind me asking , do you think punishment wise enough has been done on the matter & after you answer my ? I won't bring up the subject .
Submitted by christine on
That was meant to read was the punishment enough in your opinion with the proctor Bromwich situation Thinker ?
Submitted by Islander on
Raiders for mine this week thanks.
Submitted by Anonymous on
Crap that was meant to go in the "A" game page
Submitted by The Thinker on
Sorry Christine....have been at my real job today and just saw this.
I'll try and cobble together my thoughts on the matter for you tonight.
Submitted by Anonymous on
Having log-in probs Mr Thinker. Could be my device though. Dont sweat it.
Islander
Submitted by The Thinker on
No problem Islander with your A game comp entry....I'll sort it out.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Foran has confirmed he will leave the Warriors at end of season but won't admit he's going to the Dogs.
Natural replacement for Reynolds but I would love to see him back at Manly.
DCE and Foran were a formidable combo at the Sea Eagles....why not again. C'mon Manly get your cheque book out and grab him!
Submitted by mark ashford on
For those of you who don't remember...
Eric Clapton
If you want to go out
You've got to take her out, cocaine
And if you want to get down
Down on the ground, cocaine
She don't lie
She don't lie
She don't lie, cocaine
Well if you've had bad news
You want to kick your blues, cocaine
And if your day is done
But you just got to run on, cocaine
She don't lie
She don't lie
She don't lie, cocaine
Feeling is gone but you just
Got to ride on, cocaine
But don't forget this fact
You just can't get it back, cocaine
She don't lie
She don't lie
She don't lie, cocaine
She don't lie
She don't lie
She don't lie, cocaine
Well despite what Clapton sang she does lie, she takes your brain and fries you to a situation where you lose control and you lose your NRL contract.
A great song Eric but not a lot of truth in it.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
See we don't need or want Evans, BTW if Kane Evans is reading this sorry, but find somewhere else. Move Clint to fullback where he tore it up last start, move French out to the wing with Brad inside him, Shuffle Hoffman across to be next to Jennings. That there is our back 5, get rid of Moses, Again if your reading this Moses bye, we are full. Promote Fogaty to partner Norman in the halves. Ma'nu and Moeroa are the second rowers, Matungi and O'Brien are the props, Pritchard (the younger) as our hooker unless we get Peatsy back. Fill the remaining 4 spots with the form players from the 25 and we are happy. It's a young side, but it's a side looking to the future with local youth a part of it. Lets get rid of this backward looking crap of grabbing players after they had a good season 3 seasons ago.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy you have outlined a great team but surely Kane Evans would be a huge support to your forwards. He's young, big and strong why don't you want him?
Submitted by christine on
If you were playing rugby league first grade & you got tackled by someone off there head on cocaine & they did serious damage to you as an example ( like what happened to alex mc kinnon ) which I know isn't what happened but it does have the potential to happen because they don't know there own strength when they are like that would you want to play against or face an opponent that's doing that who can seriously hurt you just because they wanted drugs ?
Submitted by a on
Cocaine is bad for you
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Zero tolerance to drugs, any drugs. There is no such thing as recreational drugs, they are a scourge. Take a look at the thefts, the murders, medical costs, the vandalism, destruction of lives. These chaps are contrite now, they were caught, if they weren't then they would have done it again. Stereo was right 2 years for first offence and 4 years for performance enhancing stuff. Any others after that rub them out. Serioudly 2 weeks is just a joke fairdinkum. A 20K match fee? Really? The lads probably spend that on alcohol a week. It's time to get serious NRL. First offence they need a chance.... but after two years. I've worked with youth that were allowed out on weekends, then go back to jail during the week. Drugs and alcohol played a part in their current situation. We need to get tough in footy. Christine, had a valid point. Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by tigerholic on
Johnny Awsesome is right, if these blokes were not caught this time than they would have gone on using, buying and selling.
Everyone deserves a second chance, I agree that the first penalty should be two years not a paltry 2 weeks WTF sort of message is that going out to the kids.
It's very similar to how soft prisons are, the juveniles can't wait until they graduate into the big house so they can be just like their daddy. We give them everything, the consequences need to be severe. We send a clear message when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, sport needs to be the same.
We are obviously not doing enough testing that shows the players that they will be caught, these players who have been caught thought that they would not be caught out and again the money they earn lets them think that they can do anything.
Submitted by Anonymous on
You've lose the plot if you think these players are playing on cocaine that's not the case.
This isn't an issue in the nrl it's an Australian problem you'd be shocked at the amount of blokes my age doing coke. They definately out number the ones that aren't
Submitted by tigerholic on
If that's true Anonymous, how are they affording it. More to the point, how much does this shit cost?
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all, in my view it's not about playing on cocaine. That's not the issue. As a sporting identity, the NRL should say in our sport we have zero tolerance for illegal drugs. Ok it's in society now, do we want it everywhere? What amount is acceptable? It's just a little bit of white stuff right? He wasn't in position right? He just snorted it? Well my view is that's poppycock. Mr Tigerholic we are on the same page. It's not about the amount or they only do it once in a while, or executives do it all the time, nah it's about opening the door to it in sport. Remember, in the 70's when the lads had a beer after a game on TV or when cigarette companies sponsored the sport? They realised even then that it wasn't a good image for the sport, that sport influences young people's lives. The Gov changed the laws with two legal products. Yet now, we have an illegal drug being used and it's acceptable? Fairdinkum, we open this door and we lose our vertical hold. I've, seen what a little illegal dug use can do and seriously it never gets less, it always goes more. Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all, it maybe time to swap spit and hit the road on these recent alleged cases of illegal drug use. That's fine, hopefully this great game develops a plan in place that includes all clubs to eradicate illegal drug use from the sport. Mandatory sentencing may not be the answer to society as a whole but it can work in sport. Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by The Thinker on
Drugs huh! Let me start by saying drugs aren't cool. Not cool at all. Like referees some drugs are clearly worse than others, and if you pinned me against a wall and said who is the worst referee in the NRL I would say 'Ice....surely it's ice'. We are seeing what this drug is doing to much of a generation of people in some regional towns in this country and sheeeesh. That's going to get a lot uglier before it gets better.
Anyways....so I'm not a big fan of drugs, but while we are talking about throwing the book at a few of these guys let me point out a few things:
In all three cases (four if you count Damian Keogh) this is a first offence. They werent dealing or supplying for mates. It was for their own stupid noses.
Those that think the NRL are soft on this may want to take a look at the AFL policy. We are always being told how superior the AFL are to the NRL in every way so here we go - the AFL are actually toughening up their policy at the moment so their policy is in transition. How tough? Well...if an AFL player is caught dealing or supplyng drugs (yes really) the AFL don't even name the player. Their coach and the management team at the club don't even get told. The AFL inform the club doctor and they're on strike one (a bit like the A Game comp on this site...but not as cool). The toughening up I spoke of is on the second strike. Now they actually name the player. Under the old policy you could strike out twice and still nobody would know, other than the club doctor. That's the toughening up part. Mind you, if you last four years without a second offence your first strike gets erased, so you go back to strike one again. Thats about as tough as a day old marshmallow. If SKD, J Bromwich and K Proctor were playing AFL we wouldn't even know about this. No fines, no suspensions....nothing,.
Kids want breakfast....I'll be back with more.
Submitted by a on
Yeah I like the NRL policy better the only time I think drugs are okay is the medication drugs but only use them when the doctor asks you to
Submitted by pabdul on
drugs has been around in sport for ever(maybe not lawn bowls). when ive asked well known people why? they say because they can. thats why they drive bmws not hyundais. the only difference is the testing now is more advanced and technology makes it harder to hide
we all get influenced and its so easy to access. but they are in a position where they are looked up too and should show more will power. when i go the Marlborough man will have alot to answer for.
Submitted by pabdul on
just changing the subject people are going off with labours new ad showing mainly white australians. to all the do gooders its because these are the people they are targeting that they are losing to other parties. there is an ad at present for holden that features an asian family because they mainly drive toyotas and Hondas. its not racist its marketing.
i remember when i was a nipper and my mum said we had to use colgate toothpaste coz 9 out of 10 dentist recommend it. to this day ive never used it coz i wanted to know what the 1 dentist in every 10 knew not to recommended it.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
I'm hearing ya Mr Thinker, very valid points indeed. Rugby League has every chance to lead the way now and make the others look ordinary by comparison. So how about they have a sit down and knowing there is no retrospective stuff, whats done is done, then formulate some new guidelines. First offence for personal use is such and such weeks [double digits] and a huge fine [min 50K], second offence is 2 years with an even bigger fine [100K] and then third offence you're goneski. Anyone convicted of supplying should be rubbed out immediately. I'm all about second chances, but also check the stats, most light drug use usually leads to more drug use. In addition, people get used to the hits and in many cases look for something more and that could open the door for ice use. Nice to hear to all the different views including your own Mr Thinker. Cheers from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by a on
Remember when the Coach of an under 14s team gave their players ice
Submitted by christine on
Thinker Thankyou for your response to my ? on this matter I for one don't think the nrl has done nearly enough & if the nrl don't take a hard enough stance the players or people involved will only do it again & that's a role model you want for your kids is it I don't think so ...
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Can the St George beat Cronulla this week?
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Thank you Mr 'a' for remembering Raiders for me in your comp.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Thank you Mr 'a' for remembering Raiders for me in your comp.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by a on
Your welcome Johnny Ray
Submitted by a on
Sorry I meant Johnny Awesome sorry about getting your name wrong
Submitted by Workingclassstiff on
Mark, It's Baggy at work. Look nothing against the guy, we are just full of second rowers, wingers and misc. I would rather foster local talent like we do and then keep the talent at home instead of keeping the beach based team without a feeder team when they know that they can just cherry pick us. Just personal preference. My worry is who is his inclusion at the expense of......................
Submitted by christine on
In regards to this skd incident he claims he wasn't alone at the time another person was with him & they got out the back door & if they test him they won't find any trace of drugs then in that case the drugs they caught skd with were for someone else if what he says is true then he's a dealer which is still a criminal offence & still brings shame on his club & the nrl & he was previously in trouble for domestic violence so how many chances do you give him ...
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Cowboys by 1 I think Cowboys have to start winning without JT and they will do it here
Sharks by 10 I think the Sharks will win here
West Tigers by 2 I think West Tigers will win without Woods
Panthers by 2 I think Panthers will beat Warriors in a thiller
Storm by 10 I think Story will cruise home against the Titans
Broncos by 2 I think Broncos will pimp the Manly here
Raiders by i2 I think Raiders will beat Knights here
Roosters by 4 I think Roosters will win in a thiller
Submitted by Fortress on
Here are my tips for round 10
Mighty sea eagles
Bulldogs
Raiders
Sharks
Warriors
Roosters
Storm
Tigers
By the way baggy pants what beach team were u referring to and ur comment on cherry picking can u explain please!!!!!!!!!
Cheers fortress
Submitted by mark ashford on
OK guys & gals we have all "vented our spleen" on the druggy thing.
Lets leave it to the Coppers, the NRL and the clubs to sort it out.
We have a very difficult round to pick. It won't be easy.
I've put my tips in without a lot of confidence.
I have a feeling the Panthers will kick off their season this weekend.
Is it too late? Of course not but they need to start winning.
The Dogs are without Josh Reynolds (after Ennis he was my most disliked player but has cleaned up his act) and the Cows miss JT.
If you look at the games 7 of them could be called "game of the round"
Don't want to disrespect Knights fans but Raiders surely win.
Good luck to all your teams!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Fortress our teams clash this Saturday night at Suncorp.
Should be a cracker of a game if all come to play.
I've tipped my Broncs but it will be a great game.
DCE will be playing for a spot in the Maroons and the Brissy boys will be playing to keep him out.
Good luck to you my friend, just hope the refs don't decide the outcome.
Submitted by mark ashford on
How's the weather in Sydney?
Been raining non stop here in SE QLD for 2 days.
Just as well no games at Lang Park (yes I like the old name)
Submitted by mark ashford on
Christine
Don't lose too much sleep over the drug thing.
Powers bigger and better than us will sort it out.
Get your tips in mate and enjoy the round.
keep well....mark
Submitted by Fortress on
Yeah mark should be a great clash hope they both bring there "A" games it will be a spectacular game.in my opinion no 2 clubs have bought the razzel dazzel to the field better than these modern day great clubs,glamour,drama controversy, its all been there both in fine form good luck to you and rocket no matter what will still be friends at the end when the players shake hands,but not during the game lol.
In my mind if the might eagles and the broncs bring there "A" games then this is the game of the round Blockbuster with a capital "B"
Cheers everyone from the fortress!!!!!!!!!!!!+
Submitted by Fortress on
One more thing mark the refs,let's hope the better team on the day wins and the game is not decided by these baffoons.
Cheers mate!!!!!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Fortress it will be a great game. Thanks for your best wishes.
May the best team win.
We both play in sort of Maroon colours.
Will that be the decider?
Submitted by christine on
Yeah I know mark but i'm in entitled to my opinion & I have noticed coach has gone quiet he isn't saying anything if you haven't noticed & I will get my tips in tomorrow when I make up my mind who i'm going to take but thanks for the reminder ...
Submitted by a on
Yeah Coach isn't saying anything I thought he would have said something now
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
The things that catch my eye have me wondering about myself sometimes. Did you know that ….
We’ve had 9 rounds of footy played so far. 9 out of 26 rounds for the year equates to nearly 35% of the season gone. Well actually it’s 34.615384615384%. Did you notice the pattern I noticed? 34.615-384 and then 615-384 again. Get it? 34. 615 384 615 384. What has that got to do with this week’s tips you might ask. Truth be told it has absolutely nothing to do with it at all. Just thought I’d throw it out there. Sheesh, is senility setting in?
I’m not sure but I think Newbie has had an epiphany. Thinking too hard about each week’s games and the ins’n’outs of a duck’s you-know-what hasn’t done me much good in the tipping stakes so I’m on a different tack from now on. Just pick ‘em quick! Go with the gut! Aw, shut up and take my money as they say! Let’s get into it …
Bulldogs - no JT, no chance.
Dragons - they beat ‘em last time and just might do it again.
Tigers - not touchin’ the Fluffy Ones after their last showing against Manly. Yikes!
Panthers - bound to win one sooner or later (they’re due) and they’re at home.
Storm - I can hear Jimmy wailing out “Purple Haze” already. Love the man. Best guitarist ever! Check it…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJunCsrhJjg
Manly - they keep surprising me so I’ll take the risk and tip ‘em here.
Raiders - this must be the “lock of the week” surely.
Roosters - gotta stay true. Not that I think they’ll lose anyway. Sorry Baggy.
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
P.S. Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON television? Hmmm…
Submitted by Spartan Warrior on
Greetings from the Spartan Warrior.
When asked why Sparta lacked fortifications, King Agesilaus simply pointed at his small army of men.... 'These are Sparta's walls.'
As in life, as in RL, real success can only be achieved as a collective. The ultimate strength of a Spartan relies on the shield of his comrade as does the success of a team. The Spartan Warrior has spoken.
Submitted by Taka on
Hi Thinker,
Here are my tips for round 10:
Bulldogs by 12
Sharks by 8
Tigers by 7
Warriors by 10
Storm by 8
Eagles by 2
Raiders by 14
Eels by 4
Thank you.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Stay the course Newbie, I just want a good clean game.
Fortress please see below for an explanation.
Thank you.
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