Round twenty four selections

Parramatta Eels vs Gold Coast Titans – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium

With Jarryd Hayne potentially looking for a new contract somewhere, this is the sort of game where he may pull his finger out and deliver a match-winning performance. A Titans win does seem unlikely, but they did beat the Eels pretty convincingly way back in round three (without Hayne and another former Eel in Nathan Peats). If the Titans were serious I'd be tempted, but with four losses in a row I've assumed they have given up, because prior to that run of losses the Titans were a team you could rely on to have a red hot go. In their last three games they've conceded 122 points and scored just 20...and that doesn't look like trying. Prior to that surprise loss to the Knights the Eels had won six in a row. I'm prepared to write off that performance last weekend as an oddity – we are talking about Parramatta after all, and for quite some time they've been a rocks or diamonds team (often during the same game). 60 minutes of diamonds (or more) from the home side and that should be enough, and I'm quietly hoping that Bevan French has a game to remember and tells everyone that Parramatta don't need to look elsewhere for a fullback.

Verdict – Eels by 8

Result – Eels by 22

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs New Zealand Warriors – Friday night – ANZ Stadium

Worriers....Bah! You don't deserve a preview.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by actually trying...and by 14

Result – Rabbitohs by 18

Brisbane Broncos vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

For reasons that seemed perfectly cromulent at the time I took on the Broncos last week and they never looked like losing, despite the fact that they weren't anywhere near their best. Now that they've found themselves in the top two they'll be rather desperate to stay there. Top two means they avoid the Storm in week one of the finals and they play in Brisbane rather than Sydney. Based on what's left of the draw it looks like they'll need to win their last three games to stay where they are. The Dragons have at least as much to play for, as they hover just out of but close enough to the top eight. It's starting to look like the Cowboys are the team most likely to drop out of contention. Gazing into my crystall ball and in the final round of the season I suspect the Dragons will have an opportunity to replace the Cowboys in the top eight. But before that...this. I dare not take on the Broncos again after they made me look quite the fool last week. Since round one the Broncos have lost just once at home this season and that was to the Storm. The Dragons are not the Storm..

Verdict – Broncos by 8

Result – Broncos by 12

Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm – Saturday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium

The Storm haven't quite won the minor premiership yet, but a win on Saturday and the J.J. Giltinan Shield is theirs to take home to Melbourne town. It's not often you get to say that the game between 1st and 16th is the game of the round, but this looks suspiciously like the game of the round. What an almighty statement the Knights would be making with a win here, and that statement would read 'Watch out 2018'. I'd love to see it, but I can't tip it. In a competition where so many teams let you down so often the Storm rarely do. They have dominated this competition in season 2017 and are worthy minor premiers.

Verdict – Storm by 10

Result – Storm by 32

Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium

One of the great things about the resurgence of the Knights in recent weeks has been the signs of life in Tigertown – clearly neither team wants the wooden spoon this year. The Roosters showed everyone they have a team that can (at least) compete with the Storm, and the Tigers showed the Roosters they need to take this game seriously. Given their thoroughly entertaining victory over the Sea Eagles the Roosters won't take this game lightly. The Chooks pack is first class, their bench has depth and Michael Gordon returns at the back. A top two finish is still a very real prospect and I doubt they'll drop their bundle here.

Verdict – Roosters by 10

Result – Roosters by 4

North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

The Sharks don't win in Townsville too often but they won't get many better chances than this. The Cowboys have the longest casualty list in the NRL (nine) and every single one of them is out for the seazson. While the Sharks have been deeply disappointing for a fortnight their team on Saturday night is near enough to the seventeen that won a premiership in 2016. The bench in particular, looks a lot stronger on Saturday night, which is hardly a surprise given the mounting injuries up north. I would urge the Cowboys to hand the pill to Taumalolo and have him run at the right hip of James Maloney all night. The little big men for the home side just need to follow him through and scoop up the rewards. That tactic might be enough to get the Cowboys home. I hope they win, but I can't quite tip them. Not quite.

Verdict – Sharks by 1

Result – Sharks by 10

Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium

I'm not the first to point it out (because I'm running late) but this is the game of the round. Two teams in form and two teams with much to play for. Those with reasonable memories would recall that when these sides met earlier in the season they gave us one of the games of the year, with the Panthers scoring two tries in the last three minutes to claim the win. I struggled over this game for quite a while (hence I'm running late) but I've found a way to split them. The Panthers have won just four away games this season, and those four wins were against the teams running 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th. The Raiders, on current form, are better than that. Note that the Raiders haven't set GIO Stadium on fire this season, winning five from ten at home. In recent weeks however, their form at home has been much stronger, even if they aren't winning. They were competitive (but lost) to the Storm and the Broncos, and they are our top two teams at present. I'm taking the punt on that form being strong enough. If you only watch one game this weekend try and make it this one.

Verdict – Raiders by 2

Result – Panthers by 4

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – ANZ Stadium

My thesis about the Bulldogs remains intact – they can't score enough points to win. It's been forever since they managed to score 20 points in 80 minutes. Meanwhile the Sea Eagles have scored 20 or more thirteen times this season. The argument seems even more compelling when you look back to when these sides met in round 4. Sea Eagles 36 : Bulldogs 0. I feel for Des. I truly do.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 16

Result – Bulldogs by 14

Wally Lewis - round twenty four selections (in bold)

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

  • EELS vs Titans
  • RABBITOHS vs Warriors
  • BRONCOS vs Dragons
  • Knights vs STORM
  • ROOSTERS vs Tigers
  • Cowboys vs SHARKS
  • RAIDERS vs Panthers
  • Bulldogs vs SEA EAGLES

Comments

Baggy_Gee's picture

Let me be optimistic, I was in Sydney Wednesday and it was howling. Shirley it hasn't dropped off.

pabdul's picture

I think when you watch parra the only stiff thing you need is a stiff drink

Baggy_Gee's picture

Striker, I rather the radox to keep me from stiffening up.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Got to applaud the positional play from the Titans in defence. A lot of good slips catches.

BigPeteBx's picture

Hahahaha Brother Pabdul.
Love your humour as usual. But the second comes later, along with a growing skin lesion that I have on my leg. Ageing has a lot to answer for. Yes Mark A....you know, because you and I share similar years.

@ To all My Little Lovelies and kind and considerate commenters.
THANK YOU ALL.....for the kind messages you left.

No one is sucking up E-Rocks. It's the type of friendship you make here on Thinker site. Outside of Rugby League/sport, everyone has their day and gets a bit steamy, but they don't go tearing strips off you - not unless you ask for it.
My surgery is last Wednesday of August.

No one needs to squirt any maroon dye into my eye. I already have some - compliments of Nth Shore of Sydney. Just a little north of Teddy Bear Country.

Welcome to the site ESRA.....I'll leave the name at that. I did notice it the other night, but never logged back in, as my eyes were blurry and I had a training session with my work where a full 6hrs Powerpoint slide show was viewed. But ESRA take it from me, you will be at home here with some of your namesakes, who follow The Gunners in UK EPL.

Now my good Comrades and buddies. Quite interesting in the headlines that abound. We will continue on like a Band of Gold.

Cheers and keep well - speak to all later
Big Pete

Baggy_Gee's picture

Sad that the two obvious ref mistakes have benefited the BOYS. Wasn't happy with the call after Tim Mannah lost it over his head, and then that knock on. Damn shame that.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Now the call has come down that the Titans have to get a try. The ref's are trying to gift a try ATM.

a's picture

Thinker I still think you haven't fixed u the glitch in your site Mary S reminded me that my tips were not showing so I just submit what was on the form so I don't cheat but you really need to fix it because you can still change your tips after games

Mary S's picture

Hi Baggy,
I'm surprised you have had time to comment during the match - your BOYS certainly came home for you and their fans - congrats!!!
Cheers,
Mary

Baggy_Gee's picture

Thanks Mary, was happy with the performance tonight especially that 7-8 straight sets in defence. That shows character but not sure about that call against Jennings when the Titans got the ball in an offside position. But Peatsy please come home, we'll forgive that extension as the results of a hard night out if you do.

Rocket Ryan's picture

interesting baggy that you have posted you are happy with the eels game last night, I thought they were off the pace, although the titans had plenty of ball it was low level uninspiring stuff, they played poorly and with zero discipline making the eels look better than they should of, I will be more than happy if they turn up next week in the same mode.

pabdul's picture

My wife asked me this morning that she went to use the iPad and saw the thinker site and asked what's this. I told her a nrl site where you get different views of the game. She said why don't you just ask me I said okay you follow the raiders name 4 players. She said well there's the cute guy with head gear that kicks goals the not so good looking guy that never passes the pommy guy that runs a lot and the kiwi who scores heaps of tries. So I interpret that as Crocker Austin hodge son and rapana.
She said I can name 4 roosters players from the past Craig wing SBW jack elsegood and Luke Ricketson. Now I'm impressed how did you know that and she said there all hot.
Thank god for the thinker site.

a's picture

What about that try that Randa knocked on 3 times but the ref allowed it

Baggy_Gee's picture

Happy that we won, happy with the input of the forwards and very happy that we defended well enough to keep them to 8 points. We'll bring the pain next week, Brown is on a roll, Maroa is back and fit, who do you have Mark, a bunch of classless thugs in Blair, McGuire and Gillette.

Havanna's picture

Heyeeee baggy well done to your team on your victory,it was a very good win,your winger can"t pronounce his name for the life of me, is a real excitment machine.Congrasts to you.Well back to work colour and blow drying all day have a beautiful day everyone be kind to one another..........byeeee

Rocket Ryan's picture

Classless thugs in Blair, McGuire and Gillette.

Mark can you take this hit up please.

Spartan Warrior's picture

Greetings from the Spartan Warrior,

Thank you Lady Christine, my apologies for my tardiness.

Spartan warrior tips:
Cowboys by 3
Roosters by 6
Rabbitohs by 7
Sea Eagles by 12
Raiders by 3
Storm by 15
Broncos 14
Yea, tis were an interesting week indeed. Coaches and players under the spotlight, talk of sackings, talk of leaving. This modern era couldst learn a great deal from the old ways of Sparta. A Spartan leader remains a leader during his tenure; a Spartan Warrior remains a Spartan Warrior. There are no sackings, each one completes their duty for their allocated term. In the event of a grave mistaketh or derelict of duty, the respective leadership or the Spartan Warrior wouldst simply fall on their sword. The case in point, sign a contract and stick to it for it's duration, management shouldst live by their decisions or step aside if they err. Both management and players wouldst then have full accountability of their actions and decisions.
The Spartan warrior hast spoken.

a's picture

Welcome aboard Havanna good to have more posters aboard

mark ashford's picture

Hi Havanna
welcome to this site
are you one of those beautiful ladies who massage your scalp, sending you to sleep, whilst in a salon for a haircut?
or are you a participant in the Sydney gay mardi gras?
either way you are very welcome!

pabdul's picture

MA you need to be careful the way you say things I remember I said to big Pete (because he has a moustache)
Do you look like the bikie in the village people and he got angry and said how dare you say that.......everyone knows I look like the cowboy

mark ashford's picture

Baggy
I've just come on and was about to offer sincere congratulations when I read your post. Rocket has passed me the ball and I was about to score when I recognized a juicy bait. Being a reasonable fisherman with a fair knowledge of fish I decided to swim past it.
The Broncos are playing good football and know how to get to the line, not like the unfortunate Titans last night.
Your Eels were superior by far but will face an entirely different opposition next week.
Sure Blair & Maguire play hard but how could you include Gillett?
How many of your Eels mate are in an origin team or playing for Aussie???

mark ashford's picture

Paddy
I loved the village people so different but oh so cool
all those people staying at the YMCA
(are you humming Big Pete)
as a junior I was a member of the Bris YMCA diving & spearfishing club
met lots of great people but none of us could grow a decent moustache

pabdul's picture

Totally agree I loved the song Mancho man I used to sing it all the time then one Sunday night I caught the clip on countdown It wasn't quite what I was expecting but still like the song and right now it's stuck in my head

Baggy_Gee's picture

Of course Mark. You can't put 90 odd points in two games unless your on fire. It'll be a great game and it'll be nice if we can step it up again. Worried that if we step up vs the Broncos we'll exit the finals in straight sets as everyone except the storm are seen as "lesser" game like we took the knights. Am very satisfied with how the game finished and hoping we maintain the rage.

Baggy_Gee's picture

BTW Peats is SoO and Sami has a test jersey. Also my apologies Mark, Rocket should have been fielding that question, didn't read the name thoroughly enough.

mark ashford's picture

No problem Baggy, Rocket and I both have a love of the Broncs and love the banter.
Your Eels now in the top 4. My Broncs will tip them out tonight with a win over the dragons and depending on other results.

Baggy_Gee's picture

True we made the top 4, just need the Sharks to get knocked off by the Cowboys. The bottom 3 of the eight are starting to look very shaky indeed. Manly, Cowboys, Dragons, Panthers and maybe Raiders are all working hard to either get in or get out.

Mary S's picture

I would love to see the Cowboys knock off the Sharks Baggy - will be a big ask with their injury list but Cowboys keep on keeping on until the very last. Max 30d in Townsville tomorrow so a warm, possibly humid night.

Johnny Awesome's picture

Mr Thinker, yep Mr A is right, just checked it and you can hop in and still change your tips. Cheers mate.

Havanna's picture

Thanx Mark well im a hairdresser running my own business, down here in the Balmain area its very ritzy. Yes a massage of ther scalp always helps the clients relax. Have u had one lately maybe when u come to Sydney will be more than happy to give u a colour, blow dry. lol.
Where do u reside sweetie hope your club is fairing well and thankyou to all who have welcomed me on, its great anyways......... Have a hens night out must glam up, talk laters be good to one another byeeee..........

Johnny Awesome's picture

Hi all,
Mary S,I'm hoping Cronulla give it to Nth Qld and they lose. Saints and Canberra need as many teams near the bottom 8 to lose. Apart from that, you've gotta respect how Nth Qld turn up week after week with a depleted outfit. Yep, a few other teams and some players could take a leaf out of their book. Cheers from Mr Awesome

ESRA STAR 's picture

I agree Mark. Although,the Slipperies have history of knocking the horses off.Remember when that little bastard Smith was their coach?

ESRA STAR 's picture

Well,the Worriers put up a fight,,,until half time. Do they have any Kiwis playing for them? Or are they all over here?

Baggy_Gee's picture

Let me guess Elsa your a poor misunderstood broncos supporter. It'll be OK, twice in a space of four weeks is a good win rate over the ponies.

ESRA STAR 's picture

How do you put a picture up next to your name?

a's picture

Witch team do you support ESRA and Havanna

ESRA STAR 's picture

Yeah,,i'm torn between the Broncs and the Eels,,i grew up in Granville but have lived in Queensland for 45 years.

ESRA STAR 's picture

Broncos mate,,but all the Qld teams against any others.

Baggy_Gee's picture

OK I'll forgive you that one. Best of luck tonight. Ryan 9th minute, 2 of those classy player I mentioned take out the line runner without need and both times without the ball. Not needed and just malicious.

christine's picture

Spartan warrior The problem is these days a contract means nothing to these players who only care about chasing more money it is no longer about the love of the game & for the nrl it's just business & it's a business to make money that's all they care about the more money the better yet they ban a player for life for match fixing yet they make you sign contracts that you will have sporting bet as a sponsor just to ban you for match fixing , it's a bit of a contradiction really ...

a's picture

Thinker I think you really need to fix up the glitch so no one can change their tips

BigPeteBx's picture

Sounds like Pabdul, that you have a handful at home.
Jack Elsegood - former Manly boy who finished up with a Bondi chest.
Far from Manly!
Cheers - BigPete in icy/cold Bx. Snow about the district, if you'd like some

BigPeteBx's picture

Hello Havanna and also welcome to Thinker site.
Nice area Balmain. Very yuppy like when I was last there, a few years ago now. My brother used to manage a menswear store on left hand side walking down Darling St towards the wharf. His girlfriends name was Di. The shop was then called Epic Menswear.
He was friends with owners of Blue Ginger and Zanzibar fashion shops. Other friends of mine had the kitchen at London Hotel, but they are since departed.

Enjoy your stay here, whether it is to talk sport/footy or just catch up with a whole host of good people. Christine and Mary will enjoy your company extra well, as you will be one of very few females who actually post on the site.

I guess u r a Tigers supporter, let us know for the enjoyment, of who we all actually follow.
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete

BigPeteBx's picture

Late night for me tonight Mark.
That was nice getting to know a little something of your background.
There isn't a profile link on the site for our members to give a bit of detail on themselves. I spent many years in Police Boys Club (now PCYC) movement, helping/coaching/Board member.

Re the mo - Pabdul has these relapses in memory. One day he calls me Magnum and now he's into Village People thinking I'm the Cowboy.
I guess he wants me in his band, so he doesn't have to strut around in feathered headgear reminding him of a defeathered Chook.

Your guys got up well tonight. Milford is a sure link to the team, when he is on his day/night. Very elusive when he is let run about.
Cheers - Big Pete

BigPeteBx's picture

Evening Pabdul - trying to get a bite again.
Remember, my team mate Fortress is having a bit of a rest now........try some other ideas. But yes, you did get me humming. So did Mark.
Have a good weekend.

Spartan Warrior's picture

Greetings from the Spartan Warrior to all,

Aye, Lady Christine yea are wise, it is a contradiction. I recall a time when cigarettes were major sponsors, they were removed and for the better.
Thy point regarding gambling companies as sponsors is a regressive step in my view for the NRL and sport in general. Statistics in Australia indicate 1 in 6 people have or develop a serious gambling issue and one Australian per day dies from a direct result of gambling. The gambling industry rakes in billions of dollars per year for the government and there is scant will for change.
They basically has’t the fox guarding the chook house now and another door ajar for organised crime to sneak in. As thee indicated in your comment, the temptations for players, has’t increased because of the opportunities created by the gambling industry.
I am very much anti-gambling, I wouldst prefer for it to be gone. Also, regarding contracts, it is indeed sad that one’s signature has been cheapened. I wast part of an era when a handshake deal held a stronger bond than any contract that is part of sport now. When you didst put thee name to paper, you did it carefully. Thy signature was your identity, something to be treasured.
Aye Lady Christine and others, even though I miss those days all is not lost. There are many good people like Nick Xenophon keeping the pressure on reform.
The Spartan Warrior has’t spoken.

pabdul's picture

Sorry Pete you might be the high and mighty on this site but I won't change. I don't hurt anyone I just have a bit of fun. A few had a dig at the fortress deservingly so
Everyone knows he plays eagle rocks and his mum. I wonder if he goes full character and puts on the wig and dress and now returns in the form of a Balmain hairdresser give me a break
I bid you farewell

GaryChesterUK's picture

Hey guys, a quick question!

How come your teams don't have a set home ground? As i've said before NRL is far superior to Super League in many ways but the grounds here create a better atmosphere, smaller but full, and the atmosphere is much better for me.

Probably a geography thing? Fans come from a wider area so the teams move around a bit? Or something else?

I've had a few beers, I will look if this makes much sense to me in the morning!

Baggy_Gee's picture

The NRL have this massive monument to stupidity which is ANZ. Great venue for SoO, Tests, Grand Finals when your going to get 60,000+ but to justified it we get told that some of Parramatta's home games will be played there. At the moment it is our home as they build a new home of the Eels, which is modelled of some of the great EPL grounds, big fully enclosed, and close to Suncorp with only 30,000. But everyone has a home ground, the exceptions are St George, and the Tigers, and maybe Manly.................. but those clubs are all joint ventures with home grounds from both clubs who merged. I have always been an advocate of the suburban ground, was just talking to my mother the other day about this and she has fond memories of watching Essadon winning a close game by less than a goal at Windy Hill back when it hosted games. Nothing beats winning at home and we need to get back to that "grassroots level of the game.

christine's picture

Welcome to the website havanna & anyone else that's new ...

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