Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels – Thursday night – Suncorp Stadium
A lot can change in a month. The Gold Coast need a new coach. Ms Thinker has completely different coloured hair and the Broncos are a raging hot favourite to beat the Eels on Thursday night. Astonishing really, given the Eels ran roughshod over the Broncos just four weeks ago when they won 28-14. The longer that game wore on the stronger the Eels looked – they won the last 70 minutes of that game 28-2. On the back of that performance I'd pencilled the Eels in as a team that could give the premiership a shake...so what's changed? Well...in the three weeks since the Broncos haven't looked like losing, conceding just 22 points while they scored 110. Those are compelling figures at the business end of the season, particularly when two of those games were against teams that really wanted to win. The Eels have had three games in a row against teams outside the top eight, so they'll need to lift here, but given what happened four weeks ago they should, at the very least, go into this game with some self-belief. I'm tipping the Broncos, because this weird Thaiday/Hunt strategy seems to be working a treat, and the Milford/Nikorima halves pairing hasn't lost a game all season. Note the return of Frank Pritchard on the bench for the Eels – I'd all but forgotten he was still in the NRL. What a game on Thursday night folks – round 25 peaks early.
Verdict – Broncos by 4
Result – Eels by 18
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights – Friday night – GIO Stadium
There was talk that the Raiders finals hopes were dashed with their loss to the Panthers on Sunday, but that isn't strictly true. They will need to win their last two games (which may not be as hard as it looks on paper) and they'll need games they aren't involved with to go their way. Once you're facing that equation you're in a spot of bother...but this isn't over until Dave Taylor sings karaoke in a backpacker bar in Thailand. Whatever happens this is the last home game for the Raiders this season, and I hope they give their loyal followers a performance worthy of The Clap (note to Dave Taylor – take care in Thailand my good man). Theoretically the Knights can still avoid the wooden spoon...but I think that's more unlikely than the Raiders making the eight.
Verdict – Raiders by 10
Result – Raiders by 18
Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday night – Campbelltown Stadium
Unlike the Raiders the Cowboys finals prospects are still in their hands. If they win their last two games a top eight finish is theirs. Some big inclusions for the Cowboys in Cooper and Coote but note that they are named in the 21 man squad and not the 17 man squad – that leaves me thinking they are very unlikely to play. The Tigers have played three games at Campbelltown this season and been comprehensively flogged every time. If this were their last home game of the year I'd be tipping Tigers, but I might save that tip for next week. The Cowboys have lost four in a row but their opponents in all four games (Roosters, Storm, Panthers, Sharks) were better teams than their opponent on Friday night. I'm tentative...but Cowboys
Verdict – Cowboys by 2
Result –Cowboys by 8
Gold Coast Titans vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Saturday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium
Des Hasler you fox you! For months we've all been wondering when you were going to get the sack, and here you are, the penultimate round of the season and you're taking the lads up to the Goldie for the weekend. And you're playing a team that just sacked their coach. And you won last week against a team you used to coach. Well played Des Hasler. Well played indeed. I have no idea how the Titans are going to respond on the field following the dramas off the field in the last week, and I doubt they know how they'll respond either. I'm going to assume Jarryd Hayne will have a bloody blinder, because the only way to get him to pull his finger out is to put a rocket under him. He needs to show the fans on the Coast that he actually cares enough to make a positive difference instead of tearing the joint apart. I think he can do that....for one game.
Verdict – Titans by 4
Result – Bulldogs by 12
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday night – AAMI Park
The purple machine have wrapped up the minor premiership so it's worth watching for significant changes to the Storm line-up. If there were ever a game for Bellamy to rest a few players this would be it. To demonstrate just how dominant the Storm have been this season the team in second place (and the second favourite to win the premiership) played the Storm at home and got absolutely towelled up. They've lost just once since then (to the Eels) and in the last seven weeks they've been conceding (on average) around 12 points per game while scoring (on average) more than 27. The Rabbitohs most prolific try-scorer is unavailable with injury, and I can't possibly imagine how the Rabbitohs can score anywhere near enough points here. Unstoppable.
Verdict – Storm by 16
Result – Storm by 58
Cronulla Sharks vs Sydney Roosters – Saturday night – Southern Cross Group Stadium
Take note tipsters – I haven't had a ton of success tipping for or against the Sharks this season. While their performances at home have been pretty ordinary this season this is their last game at home for the year. Also note that when these sides met on the Central Coast not so long ago the Sharks gave us arguably their best performance of the season. They've been beating up on the Roosters for a while now and I suspect they can do the same on Saturday night. Third plays fourth and there's much at stake. These teams need to decide if they want to travel to Melbourne or Brisbane in the first week of the finals. Decisions Decisions...
Verdict – Sharks by 4
Result – Roosters by 2
New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium
I can't believe I'm saying this – I miss the old unpredictable Warriors. I used to tune in every single time they played, because there was about a 30% chance they would deliver the most entertaining rugby league you were going to see all weekend. But now...now I don't even have to watch them. My eyes deserve better than that, and your eyes don't need to read me crapping on about them either. So instead, I'm just going to sing my Manly song (which isn't Eagle fricken Rock).
Oh Manly. Well you came and you gave without taking. But I sent you away. Oh Manly. You keep losing and I am not learning. And I've tipped you again. Oh Manly.
Verdict – Oh Manly by Barry Manilow (and by 8)
Result – Oh Manly by 1
Penrith Panthers vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – Pepper Stadium
The Panthers are on a seven match winning streak, and I don't know how many teams can say they've won seven games in a row this season. While many of their opponents during this run have been pretty ordinary, seven wins is seven wins, and my early tip for the Premiership this season can still, believe it or not, finish in the top four this year. While the Panthers were winning seven games in a row the Dragons have lost five of their last seven. Their only two wins during that period were over the 14th placed Titans and the 16th placed Knights. Moylan is out for the Panthers but they have another exciting young talent stepping in to take his place. Last week when the game was there to be won, Tyrone May walked off the bench and into the game and scored the winning try. Two Tyrones in the one team...it wouldn't have happened in my day. Three Garys maybe. Four Steves sure. Even a couple of Alans in the backline. The names have changed to protect the innocent.
Verdict – Panthers by 8
Result – Dragons by 2
Wally Lewis - round twenty five selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- BRONCOS vs Eels
- RAIDERS vs Knights
- Tigers vs COWBOYS
- Titans vs BULLDOGS
- STORM vs Rabbitohs
- SHARKS vs Roosters
- Warriors vs SEA EAGLES
- PANTHERS vs Dragons
Comments
Submitted by ESRA STAR on
The Eels have been a Broncos boogy team ever since Brian Smith was the Eels coach. I will pick the horses but with no confidence.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evening Bob M (Marley if it is).
Welcome!!!!
Curtis was playing some very good free running footy, until his injury.
As well as really getting in and having a go. Its time's like this that they should have held onto Willie Mason and Jamie Buhrer, because I've said it here before, Willy was giving it more than others gave him credit for and he still had the mongrel in him. Now he's cooking up a storm (not Melbourne) on Hell's Kitchen.
The way the game is today, you cant carry players, but then you cant be guaranteed they're not going to go the distance either.
Manly might just turn the corner this weekend, but many of these guys haven't played finals footy before and that is where Tooves' last squad - did.
Doing the little things exactly right, is the difference between winning and losing.
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Mark & Chris,
I like many were very sore on the sacking of Tooves from Manly.
The board wanted to get back to glory days and decided to remould the team. Tooves still has the club at heart, but has moved on from what happened back in 2015.
He's up in Yorkshire area (UK).
Rippin (not Jack) them up there. Coaching Bradford Bulls in the Championship, which is the division under Super League. Don't know their standing at present, but Bradford had gone into receivership on a couple of occasions and I seem to think, that Graham Lowe sought Tooves out, to take the coaching role on.
Got to go for now - best I can do to help, but I'd say Bradford would want to keep him for now to see their season out - at least.
I feel for Neil Henry, not Hayne, the bloody glory seeker. Send him back to the US, so they can pull his pumpkin head in for him.
Best Titans can do with two rounds to go, is appoint a caretaker coach or two, as long as they are compatible, without difference of opinions.
Big Pete
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Fair call Mr Mark Ashford,
But they were coaching the Jets in a casual not full time capacity. Also, they were dealing with younger players not seasoned NRL guys. As full time coaches they will bring stability and consistency. They both were coached under both Bennet and Belamy as well. Bennet and Belamy are always making slight tweaks without changing too much. I think the Walker lads could do ok. You are right Titans could do a lot worse and why step out the comfort zone hey. Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Meant why not step out the comfort zone...these phones
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evenin Awesome J - sure its the phones and not your frozen fingers, thawing out, a bit later than the usual.
Has been some nice morning temps here also this week.
You like the crackle of the ice on the ground/grass. We used to like the ice in the pools of water or buckets etc.
Much like the back lane to our residences here, last Sunday morning.
A car had driven through a large hole full of water, from the remaining showers we had the previous days. Frozen as it was and looked like smashed glass all over the laneway.
Are those youthful days of yours, coming back as a reminder to you mate?
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
ESRA -
Eels are away and Bronks are more confident at home at Suncorp.
But first I'd like to ask what the weather is like up there tomorrow, because Bronks can be their own worst enemy if it is raining.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Live from the gold coast picture perfect weather so far and nothing to suggest that it'll change. A fast track and should be a few points scored.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Yep Big Pete, Nice memories indeed. I remember those frozen moments indeed. At tennis tonight so you've pegged it right, cold fingers and small phones ha. apart from Kandos We actually built snowmen in a few places on the way to Bathurst as kids at different times. Wattle Flat and Sofala. When I got my motorbike licence my first bike was an XL 500, and in those days you could ride on a goats trail from Sofala up the mountain till you got to Cherry tree hill on the other side. From there you go to Running stream, Cullen Bullen before you hit Walllerang. Great country Big Pete. Still gets cold there but the snow is much rarer now. I have some old BW photos on the different trips in the old FC Holden as well at those places. Thanks for the extra memories mate. Cheers from r Awesome
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks for that Baggy G.
So u r heading across to the game tomorrow.
Try touch base with Thinker, I think I recall he lives at The Caxton oops sorry.......not far from Suncorp.
Cheers and enjoy - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Nothing like memories J A.
The boys from the beach might call it otherwise.
My forefathers and rels came from/still live at Sofala/Turondale.
Many on this site wouldn't know its past history or possible whereabouts.....but folks, we are speaking gold from early days of gold fossicking and prospecting.
Then Hill End - the biggest rock/boulder of gold ever unearthed in Holterman's Nugget and when stood on its end, is the height of a human.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Again Baggy - Thinker might be at The Caxton.........he's getting a bit merry and singing. Check him out with his Manly v Warriors prediction.
The old fella's got talent!!!!!
Didn't mind Barry Manilow either - made a few hits.
But next month, I'm off to ICC Sydney to see Tina Arena and then in December out to Pabdul Country, to see Paul McCartney.
Cheers - sleep zone cutting in.........zzzzzzzzzzzz.
Big Pete
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Love to be there to cheer the BOYS home but work has me tied up tomorrow night. I'll be there in heart and mind only.
Submitted by Footy chick on
Oh my Barry Manilow. That nose could be quite useful I think. xx
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sa-wat-dee krup,
I’ve waited all year to use the word “penultimate” and this week I can. [Edit: Damn, just read the game previews from the Boss and he’s beaten me to the punch and used it in the Titans-Doggies preview! D’oh!] Anyway, we’re at the penultimate round of this year’s normal season’s games and the pressure’s gonna be on for some. OK, let’s get into it…
Broncos vs Eels
Broncos were pretty clinical last week against the Dragons and I can’t see anything changing this week, especially at Lang Park. The Eels managed to bounce back and flog the Titans but we all know that the Titans aren’t having much luck with injuries this year and maybe that contributed to their poor effort. Not sure how to read the Eels’ performance given that but they have won 7 of their last 8 nevertheless. Nah, the Ponies should have a slight “class edge” in this one. Broncos for me.
Raiders vs Knights
How desperate are the Raiders really? Do they believe? OK, the Knights got smacked last week but they were up against the best outfit in the competition so I’m not reading too much into that. Man, I’m sorely tempted to tip the Knights in this one considering how they’ve improved of late. Love that they got 3 in a row too. Should I tip them? Yeah, why not. Knights for me.
Tigers vs Cowboys
The poor ol’ Cowboys can’t take a trick of late. Lost 4 in a row but have played some decent footy in the process and desperately need to win this one to try and cement their place in the 8. If they lose they will need to beat the Broncos in the last round to have any hope. The Tigers have been pretty impressive in the last couple of weeks and are a real good chance in this one. It all boils down to how desperate the Cowboys will be to stay in the 8 versus how desperate the Tigers will be to not finish with a spoon made from wood. This is indeed a tough one. My head’s telling me the Tigers.
Titans vs Bulldogs
The Titans are just not travelling that well at the moment. Lacklustre performances, injuries left, right and centre and now they’ve sacked Neil. Sheesh! While the Doggies did win last week and looked pretty good doing it, I keep reminding myself how awful they have been in the months leading up to that. Did they play well or did Manly have an off day? I just can’t trust their form from last week. I’m tending to think that the Titans might make a statement here and notch up a much needed win this week. Titans for me.
Storm vs Rabbitohs
Another methodical display from the Storm last week. Basically untroubled and weren’t really tested from what I’ve read. I’m led to believe the Rabbitohs weren’t that impressive last week and only got away from the Warriors courtesy of a 7 minute spell where they put on 14 points. Unfortunately, that’s not gonna cut it against the Minor Premiers this weekend. Hey, they have found a little “spark” in their game but can’t see them troubling the Storm too much. The Storm by 3 or 4 tries.
Sharks vs Roosters
This is crunchtime! This is a time for revenge! Games against the Sharks always have me worried. They seem to have the wood on my BBB of late but I was gladdened by the way they fought out last week’s game against a pretty good Tigers mob (thank god Tedesco is coming our way next year). The Sharks got back in the winner’s circle last week but their form lately has been inconsistent. The Roosters’ form is pretty much the same as well. Two things come to mind with this game. One, the Sharks’ form at home has not been as good as their away form and two, underdogs (that’s the Roosters this week) have a great record in games between the Sharks and Chooks. Against my better judgement I’m tipping the BBB this week. Begurk! Begurk!
Warriors vs Manly
Man, how the hell do you pick the winner in this one? If Manly continue the way they’ve been playing lately, you could almost make a case for a Warriors win here. And that’s saying something! But then I look at this with a cool head and have to remind myself that Manly are, after all is said and done, a much much better side than the Warriors are at the moment. I’m thinking that Manly have simply had a few games they’d rather just rule a line through and this week they’ll pick up where they left off from a month ago. I’m still in shock that they got done last week to tell you the truth. They simply cannot drop this one and they know it. Manly to wake up from their nightmare and get the job done.
Panthers vs Dragons
Geez, the Panthers are ticking along aren’t they? On paper they should have no trouble beating a Dragons side lacking some defence. The Dragons need to win their last 2 games to have any hope of making the finals. I’m pretty sure they can beat the Doggies next week but not confident they can knock off the Panthers this week. Have they thought about that I wonder. Will they be good enough to get the job done? Methinks maybe not. This should be a “done deal” up at Pepper. The Panthers for me.
@ Footy chick – You might be out of luck with Barry. You do know, don’t you?
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
P.S. Does killing time damage eternity? Hmmm…
Submitted by The Thinker on
Sheesh Footy Chick....I think I've worked out what you had in miind when it comes'to that snoz on Barry Manilow.
A man has to breathe....although there are probably worse ways to die :-)
Submitted by ESRA STAR on
It's as dry as a Nun's you know what,,but a little cloud around this morning,,but no rain enough to effect the game.
Submitted by ESRA STAR on
If he went swimming on his back at the beach the life guards would sound the shark alarm.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Drizzling now on and off on the coast. Mark, Ryan, Thinker hope you enjoy the game tonight and it is as always left to the 34 players and not the 4 officials to decide the result. But face the reality it's the year of the Eel and we're going all the way with LBA (legend Brad Arthurs)
Submitted by Doggie on
Just read your tips a, you got Rabbitohs down for a big weekend. lol.
Submitted by Geoffo on
This round is a 50/50 round... and could cost me my lead in the office footy comp! I'm 7 ahead of my nearest rival, but he still has his Joker (double points) to play. I've gone against the Thinker at my own peril. I'm thinking Dogs, Roosters and Tigers will get up this weekend...
Dogs will have some confidence and have a cohesive unit, Sharks have lost many games at home this season and the Roosters almost beat Melbourne the other week, while the Cowboys are a casualty ward and the Tigers are their bogey team.
Man I hope I'm right... because this round could cost me!
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Geoffo,
I understand where you are coming from as I am in exactly the same predicament, but only lead my comp by 3 points!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Good luck Geoffo....that's a handy lead this late in the season.
I hope it works out for you...and thanks for being here.
I received an email from someone who didn't want to comment on the site. They are two clear in their tipping comp and they just follow my tips each week.
First prize is $2000....second prize is a refund of their entry fee to the comp.
No pressure.
Submitted by christine on
My tips for rd 25 are as follows
broncos
raiders
cowboys
titans
storm
sharks
manly
panthers
enjoy your weekend everyone ...
Submitted by Taka on
Here are my tips for round 25.
Broncos by 10
Raiders by 16
Tigers by 7
Bulldogs by 8
Storm by 14
Sharks by 2
Eagles by 20
Panthers by 12
Come near the finals now and enjoy your footy..!!!
Submitted by christine on
I will change one of my rd 25 tips so my tips are now as follows :
broncos
raiders
cowboys
titans
storm
roosters
manly
panthers
Submitted by a on
What the hell are you talking about Doggie I double check my tips and I said Storm will beat the Rabbitohs this weekend
Submitted by Mike O'Brien on
Check out this version of Mandy by a Kiwi Warrior. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfCT1vIqjlM
Submitted by Chriso_66 on
Mark & Johnnie A
The Titans could do a lot worse than grab the Walker Brothers to coach. Only problem they will have is the board, they would need a strong coaching director or similar to keep the front office problems away from the field.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Nice stuff Mike O'Brien
I'm impressed there's another person out there whose name in Bunny. The only other one I know of was one of my childhood heroes and one of the nicest humans ever to walk the earth – Bunny Pearce.
Died in the most bizarre of circumstances, and when news filtered through to Redcliffe the entire Peninsula burst into tears.
https://www.facebook.com/803861033084220/photos/a.804568679680122.107374...
Submitted by Doggie on
Hi a. You also picked the Cowboys to beat Rabbitohs, hence the big weekend for the bunnies.
Submitted by a on
Thanks Doggie I did thank you for picking that up
Submitted by Spartan Warrior on
Greetings from the Spartan Warrior,
Spartan Warrior tips are:
Storm by 12
Cowboys by 2
Bulldogs by 4
Raiders by 7
Sea Eagles by 2
Panthers by 8
Sharks by 1
Broncos by 10
Aye Master Thinker, Ian "Bunny" Pearce wast very special indeed. Another great player that cometh to mind from RedCliffe is Bob Gehrke who played hooker and sadly hath passed away in 2007. Bob Gehrke wast the first Redcliffe player to be chosen for Queensland and eke chosen for Australia. He wast a special in dive passing from dummy half.
Sadly the Jets art not travelling well in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW Cup but I’ll picketh them to beat the Bears this week.
The games of the round this week in the NRL, hast to be Broncos vs Eels and Sharks vs Roosters.
Good luck to the Titans also, but even without Reynolds the Bulldogs shall prevail.
The Spartan Warrior hast spoken
Submitted by christine on
I'm changing one more of my tips from roosters back to sharks ...
Submitted by christine on
I'm changing one more of my tips from roosters back to sharks ...
Submitted by ESRA STAR on
Geoff,,just heard that Green is likely to bring some injured playes back early to keep the finals spot.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thinker and others
Footy Chick was just referring to Barry's capacity to sniff out a terrorist or two in this troubled world.
Shame on you.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:
Broncos by 10- Broncos will be too good for the Eels here.
Raiders by 4- Raiders in a close one.
Tigers by 4- Cowboys injuries will effect them in this game as well I think. Tigers have been playing great footy staying in games and their defence has definitely improved under Cleary. I believe that the Tigers can beat the Cowboys again here.
Bulldogs by 4- Pity that Neil Henry got the sack. It should've been Hayne. Some people may not agree with me but I believe that Hayne is overrated great player can't doubt that but still overrated in my eyes, he can also be very selfish as shown in the first tackle kick aginst the Broncos a few weeks ago. Cannot believe that he's captain-coach for this week, what a joke, well at least I've seen that he's going to be captain-coach for this game on somewhere. Both of these teams have some issues going on though with the Titans situation, I cannot see them responding these week plus, the Bulldogs will at least have some confident after last weeks win and I think that they'll win it here.
Storm by 10- What else can I say, week in, week out the Storm show why they are the standout this year and are now the 2017 minor premiers.
Roosters by 8- Roosters haven't been playing great footy over the last month or so, they only just got past the Tigers last week and lost a few including a heartbreaking lost against the Storm before that. I think that they'll get the upset win over the Sharks who have a poor home record against top 8 teams this season.
Manly by 10- Warriors would be glad to have some troops back including Shaun Johnson. Though I don't think this will be enough to beat Manly. THough I'm not entirely confident here and am hoping that manly will lose for our sake depending on how we or Cowboys go this week.
And finally... the Dragons by 2- Please Dragons... don't throw this game away, even if we don't win and at least are in the contest I'll be fairly happy. But in the circumstances that we are in, we need to win this week. A bit more comfortable with Moylan out. Though they have Tyrone May in his place which is a handy replacement. An issue for the Dragons over the last 6 years has been the coaching I believe. With the squads that we have had, our coaches haven't got the best out of the players. Look at the Storm, Bellamy got the best out of the likes of Smith, Cronk, Slater, even Munster now, also the younger players in the squad, but then you look at the Dragons, great side on paper but McGregor hasn't got the best out of them. For instance, for the Christ of me why the hell did McGregor have McCrone on the bench for the whole game, he was picked on the bench yet McGregor doesn't use him at all, why pick him when he isn't going to play at all, should've picked someone else them like Jai Field or Leilua. Those youngsters if given a chance like Dufty, can show their talents, Field is a great runner of the ball and Leilua is a good offloader of the ball. Also, it disappoints me that McDonald has been chosen, why not give Fai Fai Loa a crack or even Taane Milne, McDonald cannot defend, the expect the Panthers to go to that side for the majority of the game and get success, still not going against my team although we will lose here. But there's still hope, HOPEFULLY we can take it with two hands and get the win we most desperately need.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's tips for this week. And with everyone's teams for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:
Broncos by 10- Broncos will be too good for the Eels here.
Raiders by 4- Raiders in a close one.
Tigers by 4- Cowboys injuries will effect them in this game as well I think. Tigers have been playing great footy staying in games and their defence has definitely improved under Cleary. I believe that the Tigers can beat the Cowboys again here.
Bulldogs by 4- Pity that Neil Henry got the sack. It should've been Hayne. Some people may not agree with me but I believe that Hayne is overrated great player can't doubt that but still overrated in my eyes, he can also be very selfish as shown in the first tackle kick aginst the Broncos a few weeks ago. Cannot believe that he's captain-coach for this week, what a joke, well at least I've seen that he's going to be captain-coach for this game on somewhere. Both of these teams have some issues going on though with the Titans situation, I cannot see them responding these week plus, the Bulldogs will at least have some confident after last weeks win and I think that they'll win it here.
Storm by 10- What else can I say, week in, week out the Storm show why they are the standout this year and are now the 2017 minor premiers.
Roosters by 8- Roosters haven't been playing great footy over the last month or so, they only just got past the Tigers last week and lost a few including a heartbreaking lost against the Storm before that. I think that they'll get the upset win over the Sharks who have a poor home record against top 8 teams this season.
Manly by 10- Warriors would be glad to have some troops back including Shaun Johnson. Though I don't think this will be enough to beat Manly. THough I'm not entirely confident here and am hoping that manly will lose for our sake depending on how we or Cowboys go this week.
And finally... the Dragons by 2- Please Dragons... don't throw this game away, even if we don't win and at least are in the contest I'll be fairly happy. But in the circumstances that we are in, we need to win this week. A bit more comfortable with Moylan out. Though they have Tyrone May in his place which is a handy replacement. An issue for the Dragons over the last 6 years has been the coaching I believe. With the squads that we have had, our coaches haven't got the best out of the players. Look at the Storm, Bellamy got the best out of the likes of Smith, Cronk, Slater, even Munster now, also the younger players in the squad, but then you look at the Dragons, great side on paper but McGregor hasn't got the best out of them. For instance, for the Christ of me why the hell did McGregor have McCrone on the bench for the whole game, he was picked on the bench yet McGregor doesn't use him at all, why pick him when he isn't going to play at all, should've picked someone else them like Jai Field or Leilua. Those youngsters if given a chance like Dufty, can show their talents, Field is a great runner of the ball and Leilua is a good offloader of the ball. Also, it disappoints me that McDonald has been chosen, why not give Fai Fai Loa a crack or even Taane Milne, McDonald cannot defend, the expect the Panthers to go to that side for the majority of the game and get success, still not going against my team although we will lose here. But there's still hope, HOPEFULLY we can take it with two hands and get the win we most desperately need.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's tips for this week. And with everyone's teams for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
You have referred to the "thugs" from the Broncs so how do you explain your super clean Eels Manu Mau (sorry if that's wrong) getting a holiday for a shoulder charge against the Titans?
We have lost our main goal kicker Jordan Kahu but Milf will step up.
Look to the second half for the Broncs small men to carve you up.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Also, continuing on with the issue with the Dragons, the only coach who hasn't been involved with the Dragons as a player, trainer, etc. Wayne Bennett, who coached us for 3 years running, our results in those seasons, minor premiers two years in a row, a premiership win and in his final season at the Dragons, we finished at 5th though were coming 1st for the majority of the season having a bad finish to the season. We need a coach who hasn't come from our system to be coaching us, Bennett done it and had immediate success, give a coach like Hasler, Walters, Hagon, Elliot, these are just examples, you get my point lol, to coach us and you watch how good the Dragons will go because these sort of coaches get the best out of their players unlike McGregor who puts talented youngsters who are the future of the Dragons to waste.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I said earlier he deserves longer, shoulder charges should be 4 week min, and I'd be happy for him to serve that ban.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Havanna
Saw your post where you thought I was "hot".
I thank you for that.
30 years ago on the Gold Coast some ladies thought I was "hot"
Unfortunately since then I have "cooled" considerably to the extent that I am happy to be luke warm at the very best.
Thanks anyway and keep posting you may just spark me to simmering!
Submitted by KellysLoot on
Round 25 tips
BRONCOS
RAIDERS
COWBOYS
BULLDOGS
STORM
ROOSTERS
SEA EAGLES
PANTHERS
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Broncos vs Eels has produced two games of the round in the last month. Awesome game indeed.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Who would have thunk it eh? Those Eels were pretty darn good tonight and have made chumps out of all us “experts”. 86 points in 80 minutes of footy? This is why I love this freakin’ game.
I reckon Baggy is on the floor weeping with joy. Well done to your BOYS Baggy. Can they go all the way? Do you believe? I love this game…
Submitted by a on
Wow Eels scored after 18 seconds they had this game right from the start
Submitted by Mary S on
Baggy - you will be 'over the moon' with the result tonight!!
You got any voice left from cheering?? See you were the only 'tipper' to pick the Eels to win.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Baggy...it was a disgrace your team leaked 34 points......lol
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Indeed Steel, but at least we had more points in us. Let's hope that they don't read their own press again or we'll get beaten by the bunnies next week.
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