Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Thursday night – Pepper Stadium
There are 12 premiership points available in what is left of the regular NRL season and, in my humble opinion, the Bulldogs need all 12 to make the finals this year. While they aren't playing any of the absolute top tier teams in their last six games, four of their matches (including this one) are against teams fighting it out for slots in September. The Bulldogs 2017 campaign is effectively over, and they are too far in front of the Knights to be worried about a wooden spoon. That leaves them stuck in neverland for the next six weeks, with little to play for. Meanwhile the Panthers have won 7 of their last 9 – their only hiccup in recent months was their baffling loss to the Rabbitohs. They don't look like potential premiers, but they remain the most lkely team outside the top 8 to force their way in. These sides met in round 10, when the Bulldogs actually had a reason to try, and the Panthers won 38-0 at ANZ. The NRL can always throw up a surprise result, but if the Bulldogs win this game I will fall off my chair and I doubt I will ever get up again.
Verdict – Panthers by 16
Result – Panthers by 8
New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks – Friday night – Mt Smart Stadium
What I said about the Bulldogs is just as true for the Warriors, although they do have an easier run home. This is their most difficult challenge in what is left of their season, and while they are often a better team at home they'll need to be much better here. The last time they played at home they were bidding farewell to Manu Vatuvai. They couldn't get out of second gear for that game so why would anyone expect them to make an effort here? Cronulla need to keep firing to hold on to a top four spot so expect an effort from them. Note that they are without James Maloney until round 24, but he's been quite the tool in recent weeks. The Sharks will win without him, and be slightly less annoying in the process.
Verdict – Sharks by 10
Result – Sharks by 14
Parramatta Eels vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – ANZ Stadium
May I be the first to congratulate Baggy Gee, because his beloved Eels will be playing finals football in 2017. Given I had them pegged as a top three team at the start of the year it's the least they could do. They have one difficult team to face in what is left of the regular season, but they do have to face them twice. Friday night is the first of those meetings. Only a week ago I was chatting with myself about rugby league (yep...weird) and I was asking myself which players have surprised me this season. The first name I thought of was Clinton Gutherson, who really has come of age in the number one jersey this season. Sadly his season is now over, so I'm going to try not to think about any other footballers in case I'm cursed. While the Eels lose their fullback, the Broncos get theirs back. Darius Boyd polarises football fans like few others do, but I've seen how much he does for the Broncos when he's in the number one jersey. He reads the game, in attack and defence, at a level that few others match, and his return makes a world of difference as the Broncos prepare for yet another finals campaign. There's a few cracking games of football this weekend, and this is definitely one of them.
Verdict – Broncos by 4
Result – Eels by 14
Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Saturday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium
The Knights, like The Thinker last week when he had a long drinky night at Noosa, have fallen down and I don't think they can get back up. At the very least they need two wins from their last six games to avoid the spoon (more accurately, they need two more wins than the Tigers). Given what's left in front of them, I can't see where they can get two wins. The Dragons were fantastic for about 80% of their contest with the Sea Eagles last weekend. That should be good enough here, and they add Dugan and Thompson to their starting thirteen. If the Red V keep winning they make the eight. The winning shouldn't end this Saturday.
Verdict – Dragons by 16
Result – Knights by 7
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium
The Raiders find themselves on the cusp of the top eight but they really need a team or two above them to start falling over. By the time the Raiders take to the field their two nearest rivals on the ladder (Panthers and Dragons) have probably skipped further in front. Perhaps that will deflate them a little, and perhaps footballers don't even pay attention to such things. I expect Raiders coach Ricky 'shut up and take my money' Stuart will keep the message simple – start winning...and keep winning. They'll need to win without Sia (the forward not the singer) and Jordan (the winger not the country) but what's left of the green meanies looks good enough to prevail here. I announced the Bunnies season as over last week. It still is.
Verdict – Raiders by 8
Result – Raiders by 14
Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – Allianz Stadium
It seems a little silly to be critical of a team in outright second, but I feel like the Chooks aren't going as well as some people may believe. In their last seven games they have had two convincing wins, but they came at the expense of the 15th placed Tigers and the 16th placed Knights. They got over the 14th placed Bunnies by just two points. Their other wins were during the Origin period against teams managing the Origin period – where they beat the Broncos by 2 and the Storm by 1. They're winning, but they haven't won me over just yet. Their other two games were losses to the Raiders and an absolute flogging by the Sharks. As I said, they haven't won me over. Meanwhile the only two teams to beat the Cowboys since Thurston has been unavailable are the two grand finalists from 2016. Are the Roosters that good? That's for you to decide, but I've a hunch they aren't quite at that level, particularly with Cordnor, Friend and Gordon sitting in the bleachers. The Chooks are the favourites, but it's the Cowboys in a minor upset.
Verdict – Cowboys by 1
Result – Roosters by 6
Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – AAMI Park
In round 20, when the Sea Eagles had thirteen men on the field they conceded 52 points and scored 4. While they had 12 men on the field they conceded 0 points and scored 18. This is a peculair phenomenon, which shall henceforth be known as 'the curse of Lussick'. Trent Barrett surely has to pull his key men into a small room and ask them, off the record, what is it about the presence of Darcy Lussick on the field that makes you all drop your heads? Instead, Barrett was so discombobulated by what happened that he's dropped the wrong Lussick, with younger brother Joey getting punted this weekend even though he scored a try while his older brother was fuming in the sin bin. Perhaps he hopes Lussick will be sin binned again, during which time the Sea Eagles can score enough points against the Storm to prevail. It's an unusual strategy. A unusual, losing strategy. The Storm to win at home, even without Slater and (possibly) Smith.
Verdict – Storm by 8
Result – Storm by 34
Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers – Sunday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium
Some may look to the Tigers narrow loss to the Eels last weekend and think they're some chance of an upset victory here. I'm inclined to think the complete opposite. I fear they'll look at last week and think 'you know what, even when we put in and have a dig we still lose'. This is a danger game for the Tigers...for their PR department. They have nothing to play for, and they've got a team of young men with high disposable incomes on the Gold Coast for a weekend. I'd be flying a dozen minders up with them...and locking their hotel rooms until kick-off. Technically the Titans season isn't over yet, and it won't be over this weekend either.
Verdict – Titans by 14
Result – Tigers by 22
Wally Lewis - round twenty one selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- PANTHERS vs Bulldogs
- Warriors vs SHARKS
- Eels vs BRONCOS
- Knights vs DRAGONS
- Rabbitohs vs RAIDERS
- ROOSTERS vs Cowboys
- STORM vs Sea Eagles
- TITANS vs Tigers
Comments
Submitted by Rick on
Welcome back everyone good luck with all our tips.
Submitted by Mary S on
Can't believe how much I missed checking out this page over the last few days.
Weren't there some huge results over the weekend? The race to the finish is on! Congrats to to all the people who achieved 8/8 on their Round 20 tipping -The Thinker, 'a', BroncoSwimmer, Christine Bailey, Islander, Johnny Awesome, Steel Panther, Tailspin. I also scored 8/8 for my exwork comp.
Not going to be so easy to pick in the next few weeks I feel.
Cheers and good luck to all.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi Mary S and Mr Rick,
It will be an interesting last 6 rounds. I was having a chat with the lads earlier on, and obviously the top five look home. That leaves Manly, Parramatta and Saints making up the 8. Realistically, I think the top 8 is done, the teams on 18 will not win 6 out of 6 and even if they did Parramatta, Manly and only need two more games and Saints three to get in. The wild card is still Penrith on 22. Personally, I think the top eight is what we see and pretty much the same order. I was disappointed in the referring of the Canberra game on Saturday. Taking nothing away from Melbourne but gee they had a leg up with some of the decisions. A lot of the play occurred in front of me, and Melbourne did have a fair few forward passes with their flat style of playing gone unnoticed. The 10 m was also non existent. That hit from Soliola was bad and Soliola looked like the cheese had fallen off his cracker straight after. He deserved 5 weeks plus, fairdinkum every Canberra fan was clapping Slater as he went off. Slater didnt deserve that and I hope he'll be ok. Anyway, still enjoyed a good game of footy with Bubby Loo, ultimately Melbourne deserved the win, you can't blame the refs for those dropped balls Canberra gifted Melbourne in the second half. Anyway, thanks for having us back Mr Thinker. Cheers from Johnny Awesome
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
P.S. Hi all, welcome back.
cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Good morning all,
A relatively milder morning than usual this fine dark Canberra morning. I was re-reading my last post and thought maybe the meaning could get misread. Slater was clapped out of respect and he didn't deserve that hit he got. Whether it was reckless or careless, it was a low act in my view. So low you wouldn't fit a rug under Soliola that night. I hope he learns from that and it's a one off for a usually fair footballer. There was unusual intent for Soliola to take Slater out, maybe not the head but the shoulder at the least. He's 6 foot of muscle weighing close to 110kg. Hits like that end players careers and that hit was a low by Canberras high standards. Anyway off my soap box now. I think this week should play out one or two upsets, the trick is picking them. I've had my brew, off to the bus stop cheers from Mr Awesome. ( Sorry for typos)
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Thanks Thinker for reopening the comments.
Mary S, Hardyards...good win by the Cowboys on Saturday night but a heck of a lot closer than I thought it would be. Warriors in it until the final whistle, certainly surprised me. Not sure The Thinker had me down for a full round last week but I'm pretty sure I picked one. A rarity indeed!!
Johnny A...agree with your comments on Soliola. It was a low act. A lot of talk about whether he should have been sent off and I think he definitely should have been. You get 10 in the bin for holding down but the only punishment from that act was dished out to the Storm losing a player. I struggled to see a lot of what Ricky saw to be honest and while he ranted about the season being on the line, in my opinion, that's because the Raiders have been poor all season.
And how good were your Dragons!! Manly "winless" at WIN since 2003.
Submitted by Mary S on
See Soliola has been suspended for 5 weeks over the incident - is due to return R 26 - against Storm!!
Johnny A -See that Jordan Rapana and Josh Papalii are also set to miss Saturday's game against the Rabbitohs, making it difficult for your team.
Submitted by a on
Yeah tough test for the Cowboys
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Last 10 mins on the bus before starting work. Mr Steel Panther you are right regarding my Saints. A good performance against Manly, but gee they've still got me nervous with how they switch off. If they play for 80mins, they can match it with anyone. Didn't realise the Win stadium stat against Manly went so far back, wow. Mr Steel Panther, I do agree with you regarding Ricky's comments, I was at the game and not being biased, Melbourne got the rub of the green excluding the send off. It wasn't the best referring display to be sure. In saying that, dropped balls at crucial times lost the game for Canberra and understandably, they were playing catch up. Mary S, Soliola deserved his suspension and to his credit was remorseful. He deserves time on the sidelines. I really like Slater and watching what happened to him live was actually quite distressing. Anyway, Mary S my Canberra have got some handy replacements for the three that are missing, They've got some options such as Clay Priest, a new signing in Michael Oldfield former Souths, Jeff Lima, Liam Knight from Manly, Scott Sorensen, Royce Hunt etc. All these players have something to prove. Canberra have got some depth. I think they should get home. Probably some new blood will change their mentality a bit as well.
Cheers all, time for work from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by Hardyards on
Good day Steel Panther,
You should be proud of the Warrior's efforts last Saturday, that endeavour would have won against a lot of teams. Defence by both teams was impressive, revealed by the number of "held up" decisions over the try line. 16000 of us turned up, was a fun and awesome atmosphere at the game. Solid, fast and entertaining game played, with the result in doubt up till the end.
Well, now the test for the Cowboys starts. Our winning streak so far only involved one top eight side (Para) so now the real test begins with the roosters on Saturday. Our players have settled into positions now after the earlier injury changers, the current run has allowed a smooth integration of players into their new positions. In the next four weeks, we will know how we stack up in the finals.
Canberra, I heard there was some boo-ing as Slater was carted off, really bad form!
Manly – What the hay happened last week????
Submitted by a on
Yeah it going to be a interesting few weeks for Cowboys
Submitted by a on
Thinker the only 2 teams who beat Cowboys without JT this year is the 2 grand finalist but Dragons and Eels were the first 2 teams who beat Cowboys without JT
Submitted by lou on
panthers by 16?! without matt moylan? they have been super ordinary the last couple weeks, apart from the warriors game. I reckon dogs can grind one out again, maybe in golden point?
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, welcome back to the comments section. Though I don't comment much in the comments section mostly besides my thoughts on the games and tips every week. Anyways now to the footy, my tips for this week are:
Panthers by 14- Bulldogs' attack has been absolute rubbish this year(sorry Dogs fans). But now that they have nothing to lose, they might change their style of play and start playing some free flowing football. Though I don't think they will here and the Panthers with everything to play for will put some sort of score on the Bulldogs.
Sharks by 10- Maloney is out but Sharks still too good for the Warriors here.
Broncos by 8- Broncos are pretty much back to full strength and will be too good for the resilient Eels side in want should be a cracking game.
Dragons by 8- Dragons to continue on our form which started last week and get the win here over the Knights. Knights to play tough but the boys will find a way to beat the Knights again but this time they'll be chasing points, not us.
Rabbitohs by 1- Both teams in disappointing form. Two major problems for the Raiders this season have been there ill-discipline and their culture. Rabbitohs though in bad form, at home to get the win here to end the Raiders' season here perhaps golden point is required in this one, I think it's a likely possibility.
Cowboys by 7- Cowboys to upset the Roosters here and send a message to the rest of the comp on why they're winning games although their big star JT (Thurston) is out. They have a good culture about them, they have a magnificent coach, gotta say also, Morgan has really grown into that conductor of the side with Martin backing him up well, Granville great as always, Coote also, the forwards have also stood up, Bolton, Taumalolo, Hess, yes Taumalolo is a consistent forward and is up there as one of the best in the modern game, he has been a big part in their success without JT. Enough about only the Cowboys, Roosters are going brilliant too playing a brilliant, unique style of footy. Though Cowboys to get the upset here in a cracking game.
Storm by 4- Storm just too good still although Smith may be out and Slater is out. Manly were very poor last week alas that little period early in the second half. They'll definitely improve with their stars that were out last week back this week, but this still won't be enough to beat the Storm. Will be tight though.
And finally... Titans by 4- Titans to keep their hopes alive with a tight win over the Tigers. Keep your eye out on this one, it'll be a cracking game to watch. Don't you worry the Tigers will come out to play too.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's tips for this week and with everyone's teams for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Good luck lou
If the Bulldogs did win a victory by one point sounds about right. They don't have the attack to win by much more.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Mary S
I need you to contact me via email so I can organize a prize for you, but I do not have your email address.
Can you email me at:
heythinker [at] the-thinker [dot] org
replace the [at] with @ and [dot] with .
Hope that makes sense. All the best.
Submitted by christine on
My tips for rd 21 are as follows :
panthers
sharks
broncos
dragons
raiders
cowboys
storm
titans
good luck with your tips everyone ...
Submitted by pabdul on
Mr thinker
I actually like the bulldogs in this one
With Graham back they look strong in the forwards Mbye at hooker.
The backline looks strong with Frawley Reynolds and more morrises than a mini convention.
And panthers lose Moylan and merrin
I would have your kids with their arms out ready to catch you it could be your worst injury since the plate spinning attempt.
With the cowboys v roosters there are great players out on both sides and it should be a cracker if it was in Townsville I'd favour the cowboys but it's not and that's why the roosters are favourites roosters by 4.
Submitted by Taka on
Hi All,
My tips for round 21.
Bulldogs by 4
Sharks by 8
Broncos by 7
Dragons by 18
Rabbitohs by 6
Cowboys by 7
Storm by 10
Titans by 12
Cheers...!!!
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Panthers by 6 I think the Panthers should continue Bulldogs woes
Sharks by 4 The Warriors season is gone they wont try anymore
Broncos by 6 I think the Broncos will beat the Eels here
Dragons by 10 I think the Dragons will win well against Knights
Raiders by 2 I think the Raiders will win in a hard fought contest here
Cowboys by 1 think the Cowboys will upset the Roosters here
Storm by 4 I think the Storm will beat Manly here
Titans by 10 I think the Titans will continue West Tigers woes here
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Mr Hardyatds the booing was localised to a very small minority of idiots. The clapping including myself and daughter was more prominent. As a Canberra fan, I still felt he should have been sent. Anyway it is what it is and Slater is on the mend. Anyway all, not too sure yet who'll I'll be tipping, got a fair idea but I'll wait till tomorrow methinks. Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi All
First thanks to Thinker for letting us back on. I hope we all respect this and keep our comments to RL.
Solialo,s hit on Slater was deliberate and nasty. Totally deserves his 5 weeks and should have been a send off.
Round 21 has heaps of possibilities for upsets. Keep this in mind so you may slide up the ladder a bit.
I'm trying to pick one or two to improve my position. Tips in tomorrow.
Welcome back to the regulars who talk football and not nonsense.
Submitted by a on
You don't get send off in rugby league anymore
Submitted by tigerholic on
Giddy Folks
Great to be back on the best RL site in Australia. The year has been tough on the Tigers and NSW, still heaps to look forward to like slipping in a perfect round or two to make those on top look over their shoulders a touch.
One thing Tigers fans have become very good at is to "Never Ever Give Up"
Tips in tomorrow after golf.
Cheers
Submitted by christine on
Hi Thinker do you or anyone else feel that billy slater should have had something put on his neck for support before he was stretchered off the field even though he didn't get taken to hospital just in case there was a problem ?
Submitted by a on
Well I thought they could have done it after all he said he couldn't remember what happened 2 weeks ago so he must had brain damage so I think they could of
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Ahhh the Solialos hit should have been eight weeks. It looked bad in the papers, and that was only 3 still shots. At speed it looked worse than that hit on Dean Young a few years back. Nothing vindictive against the guy but it should be the end of his season this year.
Sorry Tigerholic, it was a shambles and in then end not sure if we deserved the two points, we got them and are still in the eight with -18. Crying out loud we are lucky that there isn't a chasing pack closing fast or we could be in 12th after the coming weekend.
The Knights really took it to the Roosters, it was great to see, and a few brilliant tries took the wind out of their sails. So much potential which should build with time and a few off seasons.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Thanks Boss, I know its ancient history but I'm casting my mind back a few years when all we needed was a win over the Knights to get into the 8 in round 26 and we bombed it badly. Back to my favourite subject involving minds, I'll be interested in the way the BOYS perform this weekend. The talk seems to be knife edge, they will either fall apart with the "loss" last weekend, or it will get everyone pulling together for that winning run. But what about those Dragons????
Submitted by christine on
My thoughts go out to brett Kenny with his diagnosis of lymphoma I lost a family member to lymphoma six years ago & I know someone in remission with it , it nasty to have & it makes the toughest person appear week ...
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sa-wat-dee krup,
Another early start to this week’s round I see. At least I’m not too late tonight (compared to last week) in getting my tips up. Thought I was gonna get a perfect card until I saw the Dragons-Manly result. Holy hell, what happened there? This wonderful game continues to surprise me when I least expect it. Gotta love it eh? OK, let’s get into it…
Panthers - The Panthers are in pretty good form at the moment. The Dogs’ effort last week was a tad uninspiring and there’s just a little too much drama happening down at Doggie-land for me to have enough confidence. A missing Matt Moylan shouldn’t be a problem. Panthers to get up again.
Sharks - I reckon the Warriors’ season might just about be cooked. I’ll reserve my decision a little while longer though as I wanna see how they go without Shaun Johnson over the next few weeks first. Cronulla should have the edge here, even without Maloney. Might not win by much but expect them to win nevertheless.
Broncos - Were Baggy’s BOYS lucky to get home last week or did the Tigers put in a good effort? Regardless, they’re gonna have to ramp it up a bit if they expect to beat the Ponies. The Broncos certainly ramped it up in the second half last week against the Dogs and if they bring that to town then watch out. Boyd back for the Broncos and the Eels lose Gutherson. Yeah, this one picks itself. Broncos for me.
Dragons - What the hell happened last week? Don’t think many pundits saw that shellacking coming. Well done Dragons! For some reason Newbie doesn’t see that happening again this week but the Dragons will certainly win against a struggling Knights outfit.
Rabbitohs - Can’t believe the Raiders are $1.55 favourites here when they’ve lost 5 of their last 6 games. Interesting. The Raiders will be missing Soliola, Rapana and Papalii while the news is that Big Sam is set to play for Souths. I’ll believe that when he runs out. Even if Big Sam doesn’t play, I’m still thinking the Bunnies might have enough in them to get up. Call me crazy but I’m tipping the Bunnies this week.
Roosters - A lot of people may think the Roosters will be vulnerable without Boydy, Gordo and Jake but I’m gonna stick with my BBB to get up in this one. It’ll be tough no doubt as the Cowboys are ticking along really well at the moment (even without the Master) and have a pretty decent away record. I’m not super confident about this one, especially looking back at who we’ve beaten and who we’ve lost to in the past 10 rounds but I’ll stick. Cowboys a definite challenge. Go the Mighty Roosters! Begurk! Begurk!
Storm - You would certainly expect Manly to have the “bounce-back” factor working for them this week. Added to that they have a couple of key players returning to the side. The Storm are without Billy and there’s some doubt on whether Smith will play or not. Regardless, I don’t think Manly have enough to manage a win down at AAMI. I’m reminded of how well the Storm cover at Origin time and just keep getting the job done. I’m thinking the same will happen this week but stranger things have happened eh? Storm Troopers for me.
Tigers - On paper, you’d expect the Titans to win this but I was pretty impressed with how the Tigers went about their work last week. The Tigers know they won’t be playing finals footy whereas the Titans need to just keep winning if they’re a chance. Will that pressure take its toll I wonder? I’ll most probably get found out but I might just go for a mini-upset here and tip the Tigers.
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
P.S. If a hen and a half can lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how long would it take a monkey with a wooden leg to kick the seeds out of a dill pickle? Hmmm…
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Bad news baggy Darius is back, that means more pain for you I am afraid.
Submitted by pabdul on
I noticed that everyone is having a say on the soliola tackle.
There are 3 things you look at when judging this was it dangerous yes was it careless yes was it intentional no. Slater slips which lowers his body and soliola would of hit him around the shoulders which probably would of warranted a penalty.
Should he been sent off yes.
If your driving and you run up the back of a car that suddenly stops your in the wrong but you didn't mean it.
If you compare it to Martin taupaus tackle on jack bird last year and only getting one week makes me think 3 weeks was sufficient if they want to be consistent. Billy's 2 weeks of memory loss shouldn't come in to play. Jordan McLean is still playing and Alex McKinnon may never walk again.
Submitted by bronx nation on
Tough round to pick this round, couple of games could go either way including Souths v raiders, cows v chooks, and who knows what the knights will do this week. I am spewing I didn't go with the thinkers saints tip last weekend! I am winning my Comp by 4 so trying to protect that lead. I will go with the thinker this weekend but think I will go cows over the chooks as my only change. Go broncos, and looking like manly got a tough run to the finals with my tip bring they will only just scrape into the 8
Submitted by bronx nation on
Bronx peaking at the right time and with all out talent Como g back think we are in for a good run home, especially if Milford and hunt start combining well again, I am tipping a Bronx storm GF
Submitted by christine on
If you remember the match review made suspensions tougher for certain grades of high tackles weather you have carry over points or not earlier on this season back when they bought in if you throw a punch your sin binned you get marched off the field & rubbing a players face in the ground is a cheap shot they should put a stop to that as well ...
Submitted by Spartan Warrior on
Greetings from the Spartan Warrior,
The Spartan Warrior tips are:
Storm by 8 points
Cowboys by 2 points
Rabbitohs by 2 point
Broncos by 2 points
Titans by 8 points
Dragons by 12 points
Sharks by 2 points
Panthers by 10 points
I wast contemplating round 20 games and the non-send off of Sia Soliola. It seemeth send offs art getting scarcer with referees afraid to upset a balanceth of a game. The game becomes unbalanced anyway be it at which hour the victim is taken off the field due to an illegal play, regardless of the intent.
I agree with Mathew Johns somewhat radical idea.
I quote from Fox: Johns is calling for a tweak to the system so a referee can send a player off but the bunker officials are given as long as they need, to review the decision and after play resumes. If the send-off is deemed incorrect or over the top, the player can be sent back out into the action.
The Spartan Warrior doth feel yond a good suggestion but with a max 10 minute curfew:
If a player may get 10 mins in the sin bin for a non-violent professional foul, then a player who also gives a penalty for other types of foul play deemed dangerous shouldst also. This shouldst be mandatory if the victim is injured and a penalty is deemed. During the full 10 mins in the sinbin, the bunker can reviewth the incident and either allowth the player back after the total 10 mins is served, or permanently leaveth that gent there for the duration of the game. Either way, he hast served an appropriate 10 minute sentence.
The Spartan Warrior has spoken.
Adieu.
Submitted by EagleROCKS on
Hi Thinker, thankyou for inviting us back, hope everyone has calmed down and back to footy chat.
Everyone has a bad day we had ours last week, watch the eagles give it to the storm and surge back to the top 4 we are the real deal, one bad day does not make a season we have been great and we will be there dont worry bout that everyone.
Keep well and the EAGLES WILL ROCK ON BABY!!!!!!!!!!!! I JUST TURN AROUND ONCE AND WE DO THE EAGLE ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Darius who Ryan.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hey Baggy
Dario's daddy Waney Pooh Bennett of course, unfortunately for the eels I think he will be crowing tomorrow night.
Should be an great game to watch though.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Baggy
That should have read Daruis
Submitted by pabdul on
No, it should of read Darius
Pretty close not bad for a tigger
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Yeah Yeah I know. But I'm really hoping that this game is a watershed moment for us as a team and we gain the belief that we can compete with the contenders and deserve our place. Its got to be a big thrill for some of the players to potentially play in the finals, its been a while I hope they keep their heads screwed on tight.
https://youtu.be/XvZsrYZuYq8
Just watched that a had a teary moment, number 1 is someone who doesn't get mentioned as a possible immortal but is well deserving of the title.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Pabdul dont make fun of tiger supporters it is too funny.
Submitted by mark ashford on
I've seen a comment or two here trying to mitigate the Solialo hit.
How can you say Slater contributed by "slipping" or are you just Storm haters?
It was a deliberate high shot meant to take Slater out of the game, which is what happened. Storm got a penalty but lost one of their best Solialo played on. There was no benefit for Storm the only teams to benefit are those who play Raiders for the next 5 weeks.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Mr Thinker I've got my official 1 year and week anniversary on your site, even though I've been a follower for a few more. Firstly Mr Thinker, thanks for having me on your site and secondly, cheers for your hard work and patience. We all know you have a life away from here. Dealing with us all can be like putting socks on a rooster but mate you do it well including the sharing of your footy knowledge. By the way, I still reckon it was Artie's hat.
Thanks Mr Thinker
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
As a Canberra fan I agree with you Mr Mark Ashford. I watched it live and Soliola was gunning for Slater. It looked like he was trying to hit his shoulder. Either way he would have done a lot of damage and that's not his go. I've met him and he's a decent player and bloke. Always got time for fans and kids. It was a brain snap but that's no excuse, brain snaps kill players careers as we've seen in the past. He went to the medicab after the incident and his actions and comments after the suspension showed remorse. I'm glad Slater will be ok it was ugly to watch live. I believe Soliola will handle things differently in the future. Lesson learn't, and thats part of footy and growing up. Cheers from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Johnny A
In the heat of the moment unfortunate things happen.
You have met the man so I accept your comments.
It's easy for people (me included) just seeing TV replays to condemn a player. No doubt he will return a better person.
Dogs/Panthers....who will win this one?
Des must have pleaded with his boys for a win.
Save me boys...save me
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Went the dogs in Mr Thinkers com'p. I'm a sucker for punishment.
Cheers all from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Johnnie A
With 25 minutes to go it's 8-8.
I went Panthers. Could go either way.
Submitted by Mary S on
I went Panthers too - now 12-8 in Panthers favour. 15 min -hope it continues!
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