Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos – Thursday night – AAMI Park
The Storm have named Jesse Bromwich on an extended bench – he must be a quick healer. I would urge the Broncos forwards to avoid making contact with the bones poking out of his body. Also back, after a slightly longer break from the game, is Billy Slater. He reclaims his number one jersey, Munster moves back into the halves while Riley Jacks and Young Tonumaipea will probably have to wait for another day. In a competition that is so darn unpredictable, I take some comfort from knowing what I'm going to get with the purple machine. Undefeated thus far after two away games in atrocious conditions, they continue on in their relentless pursuit of rugby league perfection. Some may say they are bored by the way they play, but by gee by jingo by crikey it's successful. The Broncos back up from another epic golden point encounter with the Cowboys. They have a short turnaround and one of the hardest road trips in town. I have to single out two Broncos from last week – Ben Hunt showed us how good he can be and Sam Thaiday played the full 87 minutes and looks ten years younger. He must be on the Corey Parker diet. The Storm return home and they don't lose their first home game of the season very often – they do like to remind the people of Melbourne that they have a very good NRL team before the AFL takes over the town like some hideous pandemic. It's the game of the round.
Verdict – Storm by 7
Result – Storm 14 defeated Broncos 12
Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors – Friday night – Forsyth Barr Stadium
Note the locations tipsters – this is the home game the Bulldogs take to New Zealand so they can come fly home with a briefcase full of crisp non-sequential fifty dollar notes. They often get the two points too, despite the travel. For those of you that aren't Super Rugby fans (and there are many of us), Forsyth Barr is the home of the Highlanders in Dunedin. It's an interesting stadium, and that's a good thing too because it usually plays host to Super Rugby matches (take note that I'm planning to have a dig at every other sport on the planet this week...two down). For reasons unknown the Bulldogs are rank outsiders on Friday night. They have lost Hopoate and Holland with injuries but they bring a big and willing forward pack, a pair of halves that have to prove themselves and enough Morris brothers to fill a......Mini Morris. The fullback for the Dogs, Brad Abbey, is a former Warrior who sought a release from them when they signed Tuivasa-Sheck. He'll be keen to prove himself. Marcelo Montoya gets a start on the wing. It's a name that wouldn't be out of place on Channel V or Rage but in reality he's a promising young Fijian and a great finisher. If there's one thing this game can do it's unearth a promising Fijian winger. Good luck son. The Warriors just beat the Knights and never looked likely against the Storm. Granted this game is in New Zealand, but the Warriors have a pretty ordinary record when they head out on tour in their native land. The Dogs competed in a high quality game in round two and I'm tipping an upset. $2.70 looks generous to me if such things interest you.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 4
Result – Bulldogs 24 defeated Warriors 12
Gold Coast Titans vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – Cbus Super Stadium
When Channel Nine claimed this for their Friday night timeslot they were banking on Jarryd Hayne taking on his old club – but it's not to be. To make matters worse Corey Norman is out with a hamstring issue. Jeff Robson steps into the halves in lieu of Norman, and while he doesn't have the speed or the brilliance (or the looks according to Ms Thinker), he does bring a steady hand and a wise old (unattractive) head. Providing he can give his backs enough opportunities there's enough finishing power out wide for the Eels to get the job done. The Titans won't relent easily – that loss to the Knights would hurt even though circumstances were against them on the day. They'll try, but they'll fall short.
Verdict – Eels by 8
Result – Titans 26 defeated Eels 14
Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium
Well blow me down with a feather – the Knights have won their first game in 300 and something days. Good for them I say, and may they celebrate like it's 2001. Clearly they are getting better but the stars did align for them in round two – round three may be more of a horrorscope. The Bunnies proved they could still compete in a post-Inglis world and they're unlikely to take their opponent lightly.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 16
Result – Rabbitohs 24 defeated Knights 18
Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters – Saturday night – Pepper Stadium
If Channel Nine could swap their Friday night game I suspect they'd ask for this one. The Panthers bounced back in the best way possible with a demolition job on the other cats while the Roosters are undefeated after two solid performances. I'm leaning to the Panthers in their first home game of the season – given I've tipped them to win the premiership this season I naturally think they have a little more upside in them than the tricolours. The absence of Blake Ferguson gives me a little more confidence too – that does take some of the firepower out of that backline. Take note also that the Panthers have named Hiku and Zelezniak on their extended bench. The weather in Sydney is a little bleak of late and that may take some of the shine off this contest – in any case this is one of the must see contests this weekend.
Verdict – Panthers by 2
Result – Roosters 14 defeated Panthers 12
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
The Cowboys are without Matt Scott, Jason Taumalolo, Lachlan Coote and Antonio Winterstein on Saturday night – yet they remain a $1.25 favourite to beat the Sea Eagles. That's hardly a ringing endorsement for the Sea Eagles. I accept they were pretty awful against the Bunnies, but their narrow loss to the Eels in round one had merit. If I could add Martin Taupau to the Sea Eagles pack I'd be tipping them. I still think they can win, and I will disclaim that I have backed them with 11.5 points start at $1.91 (gamble responsibly), but the Cowboys have players in their deck who just know how to win. They're on track for 26 consecutive golden point victories this season and it wouldn't surprise me if this went beyond 80 minutes also. The Cowboys...but only just.
Verdict – Cowboys by 1
Result – Sea Eagles 30 defeated Cowboys 8
Canberra Raiders vs Wests Tigers – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium
Hey Dave Taylor is a big man. Never one to be late. Explains complex ideas in his brain.
He just wanders around, unaffected by, the winter winds, yeah. He'll pretend that, he's somewhere else, so far and clear, about two thousand miles from here.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart was disappointed with the Raiders poor choices, silly errors and poor handling last weekend, and he's addressed that by bringing big Dave Taylor into the seventeen. Sheesus McSneezuz, I think Ricky has finally lost his gourd. Despite this rather baffling selection, I expect the Raiders will regroup and give their fans at home a better performance this week. That said, the Tigers at $2.94 for this game seems an over-reaction. Was their loss to the Panthers poorer than the Raiders loss to the Sharks? Anyhoo, I'm here to tip a winner and it's the green machine to bounce back at home. Total points overs folks...these two sides will rack up about 70 points in the capital on Sunday afternoon.
Verdict – Raiders by 4
Result – Raiders 46 defeated Tigers 6
Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – Southern Cross Group Stadium
As far as local derbies go this is one of the biggies. I don't want to say these sides hate each other, but they definitely don't send each other Christmas cards. To borrow a phrase from the great Steve Roach – forwards determine who wins the game and the backs determine by how much. This forwards battle looks delicious, and I'm giving the Sharks a very slight edge because they'll have a big home crowd pushing them on. While the Dragons attack is showing signs of life, the Sharks are racking up 42 points against the Raiders. They may even give Valentine Holmes a run on Sunday. Worth watching.
Verdict – Sharks by 10
Result – Dragons 16 defeated Sharks 10
Wally Lewis - round three selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- STORM vs Broncos
- Bulldogs vs WARRIORS
- Titans vs EELS
- Knights vs RABBITOHS
- PANTHERS vs Roosters
- COWBOYS vs Sea Eagles
- RAIDERS vs Tigers
- SHARKS vs Dragons
Last one on the Couch competition
For those of you looking for the Coach Potato competition you can find it in the Lounge section of the website. Just click on 'The Lounge' tab at the top of the page, or you can find it here.
Comments
Submitted by Coach Potato on
It's my feeling the NRL is showing itself as not as smarty-pants as they thought they were.
Noone goes into business without thinking there's a profit to be made (right?)
The NRL taking control of Newcastle and Gold Coast, wasn't just a kind gesture to keep it a 16 team comp. It would also have been to make money if they could.
Both teams are showing as financial basket-cases. Businesses that probably should have foreclosed long ago. Businesses you'd be mad to buy into. Businesses that the NRL are now seeing as not good investments, and happy to cut their losses and sell up for whatever the market price may be.
Do we need a team on the Gold Coast ? Arguable both ways but history does show failure after failure. As for Newcastle, it is an iconic working class city, but as far as league goes, it's much stronger half an hour down the road. The place that year upon year, they have wanted to call a team The Bears but NRL says no.
My vote, let Titans stay.
But just like St George-Illawarra, why not put on the table a Newcastle-Central Coast merger. How about 'Castle-Coast?
#Coasties would be happy
#Newcastle would be much stronger
#Financial bonanza if local league's clubs become affiliated
#They already have the alternative ground at Gosford
(Don't they?)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
The Castle Coast Bears
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi Mr Coach Potato, Newcastle region is a rugby league region. Can't blame a club and change a culture because a private businessman nearly killed it. The NRL taking over blithe clubs was hopefully get them a chance to get on their feet, and be viable again. It would look worse and bad for business for the NRL if they threw them to the wolves. A GoldCoast merger has merit but NewCastle needs to stand on its own methinks
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Thinker, nothing new really.
When it comes to footy we probably only agree on the dimensions of the field, but that's fine.
This site is about footy. But let's not get carried away. It's not about being bosom buddies either. Dislike for teams and their fans has been around since 1908. Get rid of club rivalry and you kill the game itself.
God help us if this page gets it's way and has us all holding hands dancing through the meadow.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
And singing Kumbaya
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
I think Billy Slaters return maybe like Peter Sterling shoulder injury return reincarnated. I hope not but got a gut feeling he' may be injured again and this time maybe career ending.
Cheers from Mr Awesome and happy to do a Kumbaya singalong
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Mr Awesome, there comes a time when reality bites.
Teams don't run on fresh air, (although in Awesomeville, I wouldn't, doubt that they do.
I'm sure Balmain and Western Suburbs had fans that were against merger.
I'm sure St George and Illawarra had fans that were against merger.
Not doubting there would be Newcastle and Central Coast fans that were against merger.
Not doubting if it was put on the table that there would be Broncos and Gold Coast fans against a merger.
One thing I know is that every merger has won a comp and no merger team has folded to date.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Yes. Exactly.
Kumbyah.
Oh Lord.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
.. and Gold Coast has never won, and doubt they ever will without the strength that a merger provides.
How about the NRL just merge it's own two clubs - Gold Coast and Newcastle. The Knight-ans.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Knight-ans?
Why not the Tights?
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Shit there's a team called Crystal Palace.
I got a feeling there's actually no such place.
Why not, then Gold Castle !!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Thinker, I will continue my goodwill and visit the lounge room if it is there to view this place.
Indoor Rugby League.
Lounge Footy Heaven.
http://trendsideas.com/article/across-the-line--forsyth-barr-stadium--ro...
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Only problem is Queensland require to watch Queensland teams on Friday nights and the Channel 9 game is Gold Coast v Parra.
What a disappointing alternative.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Two weeks in a row Coach, I've tipped the Tigers. I feel something in my waters, there is an upset in the making here folks, come along with me and cruise to the top of your tipping comps.
Come on Tigers!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
No I think you're right Tigerholic.
You know too well last year going to Canberra and losing by about 100.
The team will seek to correct that for sure.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Price update - Bulldogs were $2.70 this morning. $2.10 now.
Apologies to those reading now (and tomorrow) and wondering what I'm talking about.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I also get the feeling that the Vikings in the crowd are not happy clappers.
Another loss and they'll turn their backs Wanderers style.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Warriors have an appalling record playing away from Mt Smart, somewhere else in NZ.
But I can't see whats positive about the Dogs.
# Re-signing Hasler? Like keeping Pearce in a blues jumper. Backwards as it gets.
# No goalkicker. Kerrod Holland out and Mbye - just horrible.
# New attacking style? What style? They just throw it around hoping something will open up. Playing the Warriors at their own game on away turf? Sounds doomed.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Very cryptic coach you might make a mark you may not, I see you are along for the ride, would be good to Marshall something special up for you, make sure you cheer when Darius scores, old blue blood potato brain cheering for the Broncs must want to win thinkers cap.
Go Broncos.
I will do you a favour Tigerholic and tip the raiders!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hi everyone,
Well, after Thurs and Fri last week I was 3 from 3 but fell in a heap and limped home with a mere 5 in total. At least I’m averaging 5 a week so can’t complain too much I suppose. Plus I’m only 2 away from The Boss and Gary on the ladder so still half a chance of finishing mid table with luck.
Newbie’s not standing anymore (couch-wise) after choosing Manly as his “safe” bet last week. Good luck to those of you still left. My money’s on “a” and Baggy. Even though I’m not in the running any longer, big thanks to the Coach for putting up the prize again this year. Thanks to the Boss as well for the “perfect round” thing. Here’s hoping someone pulls it off. Anyhoo, on to this week’s games …
Storm vs Broncos - what a game to start Round 3 off with eh? Storm Troopers 2 from 2 in style while Broncos 1 from 2 but still impressed last week I thought. With the AAMI advantage, I’m figuring the Storm should win this but it might be tougher than some may think.
Bulldogs vs Warriors - the Doggies will be buoyed by last week’s comeback effort against my BBB while the Warriors haven’t impressed me that much so far. Why have the Doggies taken their “home game” to Dunedin? Short of cash maybe? At Belmore I would’ve tipped the Dogs but being “over the dutch” and with all those Kiwis behind them, I might just get crazy and lean towards the Warriors this week. A major concern would be trusting that they can concentrate on playing footy for the whole 80 minutes though. Peow! Peow!
Titans vs Eels - the Titans and Eels in Adelaide or Cbus this week? The Boss says Cbus but a well known online bookie says Coopers Stadium (or whatever) in Adelaide. Mes confused! Regardless, I reckon Baggy’s BOYS will smack a Titans outfit that just can’t seem to get it together yet. Early days I know and things might “click” sooner or later but I’m thinking later. Eels for me this week.
Knights vs Rabbitohs - Geez Louise, the Rabbitohs really surprised last week. Well they surprised me at any rate. Glad to see the Knights got up. Whether they can do it again is another thing entirely. As good as they’ve been so far, I’m thinking the Bunnies will have too much class for the Knights this week.
Panthers vs Roosters - Newbie actually watched the Panthers rip into the Tigers last week and was pretty impressed. Very good, very good indeed. Meanwhile, my BBB went out to a sizeable lead last week against the Doggies and nearly threw it away. What to do, what to do? I’ve tipped against my BBB before but given what I’ve seen so far, I’ll go out on a limb and tip the Roosters to just get up again, even though it’s at Pepper. Fingers crossed.
Cowboys vs Manly - the Cowboys have had 2 hard games so far this year but they’ll find this one a hell of a lot easier I would imagine. Even with their “outs”, the Cowboys should have too much firepower for a sadly underperforming Manly outfit. I’ll be very surprised if the Cowboys don’t win by at least 12.
Raiders vs Tigers - based on last year’s efforts, the Raiders have been a smidge disappointing in the first 2 rounds. Where were the Tigers last week? This game is doing my head in to tell you the truth. Hang on, excuse me for a few seconds while I toss a coin ….. Raiders for me.
Sharks vs Dragons - with the Sharks’ effort last week and the abysmal record the Dragons have as “away underdogs” (1 from the past 8), you have to tip the Sharks in this one don’t ya?
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points!
P.S. Why are the numbers on a calculator and a phone reversed? Hmmm…
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Nothing cryptic Rocket.
Broncos to win and here is why.
Bennett coached teams are very structured in defence. Very planned.
Makes sense that they would do well against teams with very structured attacking styles.
Cronulla. Very structured attack.
North Qld. Slightly less structured attack so gives Broncos that eencey little problem.
Storm. Very structured attack.
If I'm making sense so far old (B)uckhead then thats good. Good news for Broncos tonight.
Bloody horrible news for round 9 when Panthers visit.
Submitted by pabdul on
as good as he is william slater will be the talk of Bennetts game plan for his weaknesses for a change. its not often you can expose a champion but time out of the game,age and match fitness catches everyone
Submitted by lillychino on
Hi
Every time I log in I am having to reset my password. Help! What am I doing wrong or what can I redo to make it work! Thanks.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Manly might be a chance this week broncos had their chances last week cowboys have lost good players i would have had a bet if the game was at lootoland but then again my tipping well potato brain has picked more winners than me and he likes them as well.
Is it great minds think alike?
Submitted by christine bailey on
My tips for round 3
Broncos
Dogs
Eels
Rabbits
Roosters
Cowboys
Raiders
Sharks
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, didn't go to well last week, 3 out of 8. I'm looking to improve this week. Also, congratulations so far to Thinker and Gary for being on top of the leader board. My tips for this week are:
Storm by 8- Storm too good for the Broncos in this one. Rarely do you see the Storm lose their first home game of the season.
Warriors by 4- I think that the Warriors will just beat the Bulldogs here at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin where the Bulldogs have taken their home game to. It'll be good to see how the fullback Abbey goes against his former club in New Zealand and also it'll good to see how young debutant Montaya will go. The Warriors will be missing Tuivasa-Sheck their captain which is a huge blow for them but they do have Manu Vatuvei back which adds a little bit of attacking flair into the Warriors line-up.
Eels by 14- Eels will be too good for the Titans here. Disappointing that Hayne won't be playing against the Eels and the inform Norman is out for the Eels.
Rabbitohs by 10- A huge congratulations to the Knights for winning their first NRL game in 336 days last week. Those were unbelievable scenes over there. But I think that the Rabbitohs will be too good for the Knights here to continue on their winning ways.
Panthers by 1- Now this is the game of the round people. Let's hope that the rain doesn't stop an entertaining high scoring match. But, even a low scoring, physical tight contest will be entertaining to see between these two sides. This one will go down to the wire which I think will go the way of the Panthers who will win their first home game this season here.
Cowboys by 6- Scott, JT (Taumololo), Winterstein and Coote all out for the Cowboys this week. Doesn't matter, Cowboys have Ponga in, the exciting young star and Javid Bowen in and they still have some good depth in the forwards. Manly will put on a fight, but Cowboys to win but only just.
Raiders by 12- My god will the Raiders fans be ecstatic if the Raiders win this week, their may be a sigh of relief too as the Raiders have had a tough first two weeks of the season. Should be a cracking game, with the Raiders scoring their first win of the season here.
And Dragons by 4- Ah yes, the local derby. Big brother Dragons against the now inform little brother Sharks in the Shire. Should be a great game of football. I hope it is. Don't want to see a one sided game (unless it goes the way of the Dragons). I believe that we can beat the Sharks here and I've got a feeling that we will in an entertaining, tight affair.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's teams this week and for everyone's tips this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Forgot to mention, the Cowboys also still have the master JT (Thurston) if Manly are to win though, they have to target JT.
Submitted by GuySmiley on
Well that escalated quickly! :D Coach, you might want to direct your frustrations towards the Courier Mail, which is where I copied and pasted the well-curated list from :) http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/the-whingeing-and-whining-from-n...
Submitted by Tailspin on
Hello everyone, hope all is good. Back from stinking hot Cairns but lucky the beer and rum was flowing freely.
Here we go,
Storm by 6 - broncos too worn out from last week.
Warriors by 8 - I have backed the dogs twice and lost both times.
Eels by 30 - titans are shot ducks
Knights by 4 - they look like the team that wants it more.
Panthers by 2 - only because of home advantage, roosters playing well though.
Cowboys by 24 - watch the Ponga step.
Raiders by 8 - due for a win.
Sharks by 14 - too good for the dragons.
Hope you all have a great weekend of footy.
GO the Cowboys, Ye Ha.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Shared as if it was your own, you may as well have written it anyway.
Bit of a pointless list though, when birthplace doesn't equal eligibility.
Submitted by Tailspin on
It is a bit pointless Coach, seems like they all want to play for QLD, cant blame them though :)
Submitted by christine on
I'm going to say in no particular order warriors , bulldogs , manly will battle it out for 10 ,11 ,12 could even be 11, 12, 13 place ...
Submitted by Anonymous on
My tips for Round 3:
Storm
Bulldogs
Eels
Knights
Panthers
Cowboys
Raiders
Sharks
Marita
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I'm in my lounge. Don't see Thinker in his.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Two weeks in, two months early, wasn't a bad lighting of the fire, that is Origin.
Certainly no love lost.
Not that there was any to lose.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Broncos fans take heart but also take note.
The way you feel right now is just the way a Blues fan feels leaving Suncorp most often.
Like it's been the biggest carve up ever.
I thought the Broncos Gold Coast semi last year was the biggest carve up. There's probably a new contender.
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Ah crap. And I was so certain that Broncos were going to win this game. How godamn lucky can one team be ? Storm ... >:-(
Submitted by a on
The refs helped the Storm out
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Really having trouble working out this Loungeroom.
The Light's Not On,
But Everybody's Home.
Submitted by a on
What are you struggling with the lounge room Coach
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Aha!!
I thought this game and the Broncos Titans semi had a similar feel for some reason.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/titans/gerard-sutton-de...
Submitted by Peter Graham on
Thinker for some reason I can't see your tips for week 3 - am I wrong or are you late??
Submitted by Peter Graham on
Thinker for some reason I can't see your tips for week 3 - am I wrong or are you late??
Submitted by a on
Look up above Peter
Submitted by Peter Graham on
can see them now thanks
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
I look up above swearing most of the time
Can't win a thinkers cap this week.
Submitted by a on
Maybe next week Rocket
Submitted by Coach Potato on
You don't always need a tipping point to show you tipped it right. That's the way I see it anyway.
Week 1 and the Knights were playing away, paying $6 to win. In front with only minute to go, but somehow the win got snatched away. So no tipping point but who assessed it better? I say I got it more right than the next guy that said Warriors would win by 30. Didn't matter that they didn't win. I was justified in my tip. I'm happy.
Last night, the Broncos got an absolute smashing from the refs and still managed to be in front until 5 minutes to go. Darius's pass called forward was a howler. Storm still tried their best, but the Bennett organised defence was too good, time after time.
Play this game at Suncorp, and the Broncos probably win by 20. So again, no tipping point, but no matter. Result aside I reckon I got it spot on. Justified in my tip. I'm happy.
I still hate the Broncos with a passion, but can't deny they were shockingly hard done by last night.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Peter Graham,
Usually I'll have my tips and previews published by around lunchtime on Wednesday each week.
If you can't see my tips on a Friday you are probably looking at an old version of the web page.
If you refresh/reload the page my previews and tips should appear like magic – unless I've fallen down a well with no wifi and can't get out. If that happens call me an ambulance.
All the best
Submitted by The Thinker on
Sheesh.....we might have an even competition but compare the quality of this Bulldogs/Warriors game with the Storm/Broncos last night.
Sheesh!
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