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
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Afternoon Pab - I'm no high and mighty or might and power (m&p) here. Although, I would like the cash that the four-legged m&p raked in.
It just goes with what people at the time are posting. I try to be friendly with all, no matter what the discussion. That is what us country folk are made of.
But getting back to my departed Brooky colleague, if it was him in disguise, the typing, language, spelling & comprehension, sure did improve - unless someone was his stenographer/typist.
Enjoy the weekend mate and a break from trains. Sounds like NSW Transport is replacing fleet and that The Bullet up this way, will also be. Hope they do something about seating, because the ones that are in there, sure numb your rump.
I bid you a nice afternoon - take care and plenty of bonox bro.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good afternoon from Aust, GaryCofUK.
Yes - Baggy G is correct with most of his response.
Manly does have a home ground at Brookvale Oval aka Lottoland (sponsor rights). West Tigers formerly Balmain, use several grounds like at Campbelltown, Leichhardt and train on "occasions", or did, mostly at Concord Oval in western Sydney.
However, there were times they, Manly RLFC, took matches to Graham Park in Gosford, but retained the home ground status, even though away from Sydney. It is allocating matches around to regional areas, so people get a chance to see some of the clubs/players. But with Gosford, Manly had some issues with their local Council at the time and it did at one stage look as though a move to there, could be permanent, if their Brooky ground/facilities - didn't get some much needed attention.
Much like Arsenal/Liverpool coming Down Under, for a series of matches. There is also big bucks in it. Another example, was Round 17 where Manly played NZ Warriors at NIB Perth (Western Aust). That was a Manly home game.
As with Baggy's club (Parramatta), the new refurbed/renovated ground formerly Cumberland Oval/Parramatta Stadium - aka Pirtek Stadium as major sponsor given naming rights, like numerous they will be updating, over a period of time - will be square in shape.
It will be like UK grounds, with the intent of getting spectators closer to the game/action. Yes maybe even close enough for any smart alec comments, to get a boot in his mouth, a la Eric Cantona style. Top player he was mate, but I guess you can take so much, on the spur of the moment.
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete in Oz.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Thanks Pete didn't know enough history about the Manly joint venture to know if you guys kept both grounds or it was Broadcast only.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Stupid phone. Brookvale not broadcast.
Submitted by Mary S on
Thanks Pete for the info about grounds - and GaryChesterUK for asking!! As a relative newcomer to the sport, I found it interesting. Amazing how things can change too in accordance with Sponsorship!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Spartan and Chris
I too dislike the intrusion gambling has made into our game.
Our beloved Thinker even dabbles from time to time.
That of course is his right as a "thinkering" person.
What I can't handle are the ads showing punters always winning or "if your team does this or that we'll give you your money back"
Seems like you can't lose. The ads always end with "remember gamble responsibly" which of course is the last thing they want.
Our Govt makes trillions in taxes from gambling, drinking, smoking and fuel so don't look for anything from them.
Nick Xenophon is perhaps the only voice against gambling, strength to you mate (hope he gets his citizenship thing sorted)
It's been said Aussies will bet on anything even 2 flies walking up a wall.
Would like to see some protection for our younger generation.
Submitted by Havanna on
Hi everyone, thankyou Pete,but im no bloke its funny though well i hope im not haahaa.Thankyou for your kind words, you sound like a true guy and also like the chat on here. Had a great night last night,one of my besties getting hitched, poor thing haahaa.Went out on Darling Street if u you know the strip.Off to Birkinhead point great chatting sweetie........
Submitted by a on
Yeah I agree it also encourages kids to gamble to witch is wrong course their is nothing worse in sport than underage gambling
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It's the issue, if players are going to demand more and more cash then it has to come from somewhere. It is particularly players like Cam Smith who "need" 1,000,000 a season for something he would play for his local team for a lot less. Cut players salaries and then you don't need gamblings dollars.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Paddy
surely if fortress had returned he would be a hairdresser on the corso at manly? not a hairdresser from the tigers traditional home of balmain?
lift your act mate you're slipping.
Havanna
ignore the nonsense here...goes back a while
next time I'm in Sydney I'll call in for a head massage and a bit of colour
sure need it my colour went years ago
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
As someone who dyed his hair back to his natural black a while ago, don't do it. Get the head massage which is always great, and let Havanna do what needs to be done. But stay grey I'm regretting it since I did it.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
You continue to criticize a couple of my Broncs despite a good game of footy between the Broncs and the Dragons.
I thought the game was played by both teams in a fair manner without much rubbish.
Are you serious or are you just tossing out a few baits?
You and Fortress went at it for some time. Are you looking for someone to replace him?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
both my brother and I went grey early. He just let it go but my ego said no dye it. At first I went brown, looked silly so I went blond, looked even sillier as the blond turned orange, fair dinkum I looked like an orangutan.
Just happy to be a grey head today and growing old gracefully.
Submitted by GaryChesterUK on
Cheers Baggy/Pete - All makes a bit more sense now!
The storm look a cut above for me this year, looks like the world club series will be them v Castleford if they do it again next year. Greg Eden & Zak Hardaker having great seasons for Castleford, probably showing that SL is a little easier than NRL after their tough spells over there last year.
Submitted by mark ashford on
OK
lets get back to footy.
Storm just smashed the Knights to guarantee a minor premiership spot.
Who will beat them at the GF?
Give your tips here.
Sharks? Broncos? Eels? Dragons? Cowboys? Panthers? Raiders? Roosters? or maybe even Manly all are in the mix.
The winner will come from the top 4 if history repeats.
Good luck to your teams!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
No no bait Mark, I really detest off the ball play. If I was allowed it would be a penalty if you hit the kicker more than 3 seconds after the kick like so many do. If the kicker has completed the action of the kick yet some numb skull player hits, even if it is softly to impede his ability to join in in the play then BAM. It is a blight of our game like the wrestle and the hanging on after the ref's called held, the deliberate penalty given inside the attacking 20M, back chat from any player except for the designated captain on the field at the time. Keep it clean as possible while maintaining the contact aspect, as rough as it looked last night that penalty called against McGuire for the "high shot" was nonsense. If there is intent the judiciary needs to kick their ass out for a decent amount of time minimum 4 weeks would be a deterant, but a light tickle that bounces off the ball is just a hazard of the game. Manu's shoulder charge needs to be the same 4 week penalty no some pathetic 1 week if he pleads guilty 2 weeks if he fights it and fails. BAM 4 weeks no question will be fielded. We are talking about livelihoods here, and nothing less than draconic penalties will get the grubbiness out of the game. Spirit of the game vs Letter of the law is killing the game in addition to the nonsense with match fixing and other crap.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I started to go grey last year and i resolved to do it with dignity, but my ego cracked a few weeks ago and I dyed. it looks appalling now and I have my bosses bosses boss coming to see my shop and I look like a galah. Its not pretty.
Submitted by a on
Wow that was a good fight by Tigers Roosters only just won
Submitted by Steel Panther on
After just watching the Roosters win I can't see them as a threat to Melbourne. I thought they were awful tonight. Butchered a couple of certain tries although the game was closer than it should have been with the refs missing the forward pass that put the Tigers in the lead. Shocking miss as the ref was in a good position to call it!!
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Good to see you back on deck Big Pete. I think Mr Pabdul may have misconstrued some of your comments inadvertently, hence the confusion . I agree mate, us country folk don’t go hunting problems, but we don’t go running from them either. My Dad travelled to Oberon yesterday and it was snowing there. Fairdinkum, It’s pretty cold here in Canberra as well, the Brindies have snow all over them as well. Anyway, glad to have you back, you were one of the first one’s to welcome me when I first joined Mr Thinkers site, it’s in your DNA.
Anyway all, I agree, I’m not a fan of the gambling and it’s promotion during the footy. A perfect example of when gambling takes hold is Chris Grevsmuhl from the Titans. It’s been in the news that he has alleged personal issues and an alleged gambling addiction which led to some unsavoury actions. Look at what happened to Ryan Tandy, what a shame, gambling is as addictive as alcohol and cigarettes and yet we promote it around our young sportspeople. I grew up in the country, when I turned 18, I spent a bit of time in the Rylstone club on a Friday night after work. Had some beers with the local bush cocky mates from down Nullo mountain way but refused to touch the one armed bandits. Guess what, still don’t go near them and don't bet either. To each his own, but I realised a long time ago when I met 'She who must be obeyed' that I could easily get an addiction. Lucky it was only with her, still is after 30 years.
Have a great weekend, I’ll be at GIO stadium cheering on the Raiders.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by mark ashford on
Cowboys struggling against the sharks at half time.
Can't see them coming back from here.
Kaylin Ponga (apologies for the spelling) the next big thing? and going to the Knights next year? From what I've seen so far good luck to the Knights
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Yep Sharks giving the Cowboys a touch up and also nailing the door shut on the BOYS getting into the top 4 with a abysmal +/-. We now need the Sharks to fall in a massive heap in the last two games for us to have any chance and put on a few big scores against the Broncos or the Rabbits. But after too many years in the wilderness I'll take 5th instead of 9th.
Submitted by christine on
Guys don't dye your hair yourselves unless it's going from your natural colour to another colour , don't put a colour in your hair then dye over that colour with another colour you can't do that with all colours better still get it done properly or just leave it alone , sorry thinker I know it's not nrl related but it has to be said ...
Submitted by christine on
Mark in regards to your earlier comment now they want a bigger salary cap it's never enough , how much do they really need but then again in saying that how much does the nrl really need ...
Submitted by Havanna on
Thankyou for your warm welcome Christine. Went shopping down here in Birkenhead Point, have you ever been, great bargins. I take it your a country bumpkin. The footy's been great today, been watching it on and off between my chores. Great to have some girl power on here. I'm sure will be chatting quite a lot.
Submitted by a on
Oh damn Cowboys have too many injuriy problems the play Tigers and Broncos in the last 2 weeks what do you think of their changes
Submitted by Mary S on
Unfortunately 'a'. I would think their chances are pretty slim. The Cowboys fight to the bitter end though, so whatever the outcome over the next 2 rounds, they will have played to win.
Cheers, Mary
Submitted by christine on
Havanna I'm not a country girl let's just say i'm in sydney's north area due to having a problem with someone before on this site I won't say what area i'm in but yeah we can chat no problem ...
Submitted by christine on
Mary s Have you introduced yourself to Havanna yet ? & mary s & "a" sorry for your loss with cowboys tonight ...
Submitted by a on
Yeah it's sad Cowboys injury toll has gone up again
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hello all,
Sorry Mr a for the Nth Qld’s loss. I've been a Paul Green fan for a long time now. I also admire the spirit the Cowboys play in. A decent side with a fair dinkum coach. It was only for Saints and Canberra to have a chance, that I obviously wanted them to lose, including for and against. That injury toll that Nth Qld have is reminiscent of the Titans, Penrith, Manly in recent years. A few years ago Geoff Toovey had a terrible run with injuries in his side, a dysfunctional board and he gets the chop. Cleary gets the same treatment at Penrith. Now, Neil Henry is under pressure and the major of his woes has been a depleted outfit for the last two years. Put it this way, if Titans had been winning the Hayne stuff would be hidden in the background. It’s hard to win games with the bulk of your team watching on. So let’s hope Nth Qld get through their troubles and no-one starts blaming the coach. Also Christine, thanks for the dye advice. Have you got hair dressing experience? My Bubby Loo wants to do hair dressing.
By the way all, don’t miss the Canberra and Penrith game, it will be a cracker. I’ll be there with ‘She who must be obeyed’ and if the camera pans my way, you won’t miss me. I’m the only one that goes to a Canberra game cheering Canberra in complete Saint George clobber.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by a on
Cowboys play Tigers next week hopefully the Cowboys win that
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good frosty Sunday morning to you Awesome J, from here in the west.
Yes champ, I remember well, when we first got to speak here, at the mighty Thinker site. We got onto origins of residency etc., it wasn't being intrusive of you, or anyone, when I ask. It gives me personally an idea geographically of who/where I am talking to, the unknown at.
Then Kandos came into it and we expanded on cement after that. Not David Gillespie, as he is from Narromine.
I have many rels at Oberon myself, so I hope your dad had a nice time over there. It was snowing on Friday at both Tiger Town (Oberon) and Orange and we were getting the brisk cold winds off it.
I'm off to Orange today, to do the fortnightly visitation. Attended the WRAS Annual Dinner last night at Panthers. Lovely meal and great night, that didn't drag out. Special guest was Australian Netball rep Susan Pettitt (57 caps), grew up in Bega. Tall, slim, long-legged lass and one can see where she came to shooting 26 straight goals without a miss, in the 2006 Grand Final for Sydney Swifts.
Thanks for the welcome back, but I haven't really been away - yet.
I only get certain times through the week, to do some posting or reviewing. The eye surgery comes end of this month, leg skin lesion next month. But as Pabdul quoted, in another way.........I'll fortunately still have one eye for Sea Eagle watching......hehehe, until all repairs.
Agree with you about steering clear of the one-arm bandits. A flutter doesn't hurt, but know when to dip out. The old Rylstone Club not cowboy ay. RIP Glen Campbell and great to see our European footballers, acknowledge what has happened in Barcelona.
I best push on....have a great day and enjoy the game.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Havanna,
Welcome to the site! Like you, I came across the site a few years ago now, when I decided to become involved in a tipping comp, in a sport I knew absolutely nothing about. It has only been the last few months that I started to comment - more on attitude that unfortunately crept in at that time than footy facts - I leave that to those who know. That way I learn more without making a fool of myself. I'm based in Nth Qld and Cowboys are my team.
@ pabdul - I thoroughly agree with your wife's take (and Havanna's) Its great to appreciate the 'hunks and spunks' on the footy field.Your never too old to appreciated good eye candy as far as I'm concerned!!
@ Mark - glad to read your decision to grow old gracefully and not dye your hair!! I know what Baggy was saying, as my next door neighbour dyes his black and it looks so artificial - even worse when it starts to grow out!!!
Found this sight with some excellent (and humorous)sayings -
http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/getting-older-quotes/
You may have to copy & paste it if you want to check it out.
@ Big Pete - it is a warm 30 degrees in Nth Qld today - looks like summer wants to start early.
@ Johnny A - I would have loved to try and find you in the spectators this afternoon as you would certainly confuse everyone - sorry though as I don't have Fox Sports. Make do with matches on Nine.
Cheers to all posters and hope your tipping is going well.
Mary
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Pleasure there Havanna.
I didn't say you were a bloke. That was from another poster, who included his deducted thought, in a response to something of another, to me.
I know Darling Street from a couple of visits I've made in the past to there. Walked past a fruit shop heading to wharf, from Rozelle end, on left hand side and out flies a mynah bird. Coffee shops/cafes were seen to be rather pet friendly, as well. Didn't see any 4-legged tigers there.
What interests me is the name Havanna!
The Cuban version, I recall was one n, Havana.
I was raised in a street as a young lad in Havannah Street. There is also an Havannah in Vila (now more commonly known as Vanuatu).
Please explain (not Pauline), but only if you want.
Tigers pushed the Chooks last night, if it is Tigers you follow in NRL.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Didn't see you in the crowd today Johnny A but I did see a disappointing effort from the Raiders. Too many mistakes. Young Cotric had a first half to forget and veteran Croker also guilty of errors. Hats off to Penrith who hung in there & defended well going on to snatch a late win. A season of "if onlys" for Canberra...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Fun thing about this game, no matter who wins someone will walk away this weekend with a perfect round.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Just watching Manly/Dogs and its half time.
Neither of these teams will feature in the finals.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I think that the one team from here that will be in the finals at the expense of the Cowboys might not survive week 1 at the present rate. Not sure if Manly can fall out of the top eight on present numbers.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Well Manly are trying their hardest to do so Baggy!!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Your mate was right BigPete. Dogs do have one more good game in them. Unfortunately for you it's against your team.
Submitted by Anonymous on
Train fares to anz. $15
Food for the family. $40
Tickets to the game. $80
Watching manly lose 2
Weeks in a row against
Lowly placed sides to slide
Down the ladder on the verge
Of missing the 8........PRICELESS
Doing the eagles lost
Submitted by Mary S on
Wow - what an unexpected result -Bulldogs winning 30/16!!!!
Submitted by Mary S on
On this site - 7/8 achieved by Dugscott, Islander, newbie from perth and Rick
Submitted by The Walkin Dude on
Can we just make it top 6 play finals this year? Any of the last 2 placed teams are simply making up numbers..Cowboys absolutely ravaged by injuries and Manly putting in 2 horrendous performances at the worst possible time..The Raiders will be feeling even worse after letting that one slip this afternoon.
On a positive note, really proud of the Broncos putting together a great season. If you had told me 6 weeks ago they'd be sitting in 2nd place with a couple games left I'd have quietly asked for a little of what you were smoking..Storm still the absolute cream of the crop, will be hoping for a repeat of 06 if all goes to plan!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I know but with both the Dragons and Cowboys also a coin toss per week Steel, and the Raiders 4 points behind Manly it seems inconceivable.
Submitted by The Anti Eagle on
Cmon DCE was involved he set up the Morris try
Submitted by mark ashford on
Anonymous
Yes it's expensive to go to a live game.
i'm sorry you think that seeing Manly lose is "priceless"
Who do you support? and where are they on the ladder?
Are you a Doggies tragic?
At least Manly are still in the 8
Yet another Manly 'hater" on this site.
I'm starting to feel a bit sorry for Fortress etc with this sort of comment.
And no I don't support Manly I'm a Broncs fan.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
https://youtu.be/YIP6EwqMEoE
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It's all good mark if he had a spine he wouldn't be anonymous. That's pure troll bait right there.
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