Canterbury Bulldogs vs Parramatta Eels – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium
At the risk of repeating myself (no risk...I am repeating myself) the Bulldogs are yet to find a way to score enough points to win many (or any) games. In their last twelve attempts their highest score was 20 points (against the Knights). Here they face a team that has averaged more than 21 points in their last seven games. Note that these sides met in round 17 in a low-scoring grind, but even then the Eels prevailed in golden point (13-12). The Bulldogs didn't have James Graham that night, so there's an argument that the Bulldogs will be better this time around, but there's a more compelling argument that the Eels are a better side now than they were in round 17. This looks like a team peaking at the right end of the season, and they have a run home that gives them every chance of a top four finish. Their performance against the Broncos was (probably) their most impressive this season. As the game wore on they looked stronger, and they kept the Broncos pointless for the last 70 minutes of the game. Their under-rated pack needs to match it with the Dogs, but I think they can, and I'll back the Eels backline to outscore the Bulldogs every day of the week. I'm not going to say this is a foregone conclusion, but there's only one team you can tip on Thursday night.
Verdict – Eels by 10
Result – Eels by 16
St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Sydney Cricket Ground
I stand by my thesis that teams with little to play for won't perform, and while that thinking did me little good last week I'm sticking with it here. The Rabbits remain in limbo land – too far away from both the top eight and the wooden spoon to do what it takes to win an NRL game. The Dragons, after an almighty stumble last round, need to rebalance the ship quickly. The Bunnies have lost their last ten matches against top eight teams. Last week they played a team on the cusp of the eight and lost again. This looks set for a similar outcome. Note the venue folks – it's always nice to see some rugby league at the SCG once in a while.
Verdict – Dragons by 10
Result – Rabbitohs by 2
North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm – Friday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
It is often said that a team needs to win away from home if they want to win a premiership, so let's take a look at our ladder leaders and their performances this season. The Storm have lost one game away from home in 2017. That game was to the team currently in outright second. In that game the Chooks scored a match-levelling try in the 80th minute and won the game with a field goal in golden point. In that game the Storm scored more tries than their opponent. They made twice as many line breaks as their opponent. They made more metres than their opponent. They completed more sets than their opponent and missed 26 less tackles than their opponent. They won that game almost everywhere but on the scoreboard, and here's the real kicker – missing that night were Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Will Chambers. The Roosters had Jake Friend and Michael Gordon playing that night – in fact the only starting player missing for the Chooks was Cordnor. In round 21 the Cowboys lost to the Roosters when the Roosters didn't have Cordnor, Friend or Gordon. Given all that, and given that Smith, Cronk, Slater and Chambers are all playing on Friday night, it's hard to see anything but a purple victory. The Cowboys get a chance to make a statement about their premiership credentials without their two co-captains, but I'm not sure they're good enough to make the statement they would like to make. The purple machine rumbles on...somebody stop them..
Verdict – Storm by 7
Result – Storm by 18
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium
For mine this is the game that has me scratching my head the most in round 22. The Knights don't win often but they won last week against a stronger opponent than they face here. Winning is almost as contagious as losing so I'm hopeful they take some confidence and momentum out of that performance. That they are playing at home in front of another amazing crowd boosts my confidence even further. Of course the Warriors have a team that can win this, but I could say that every week...and they usually don't. Much like the Bunnies, the Warriors don't have much to play for, and this is one team that doesn't need too many excuses to put in a disappointing effort.
Verdict – Knights by 4
Result – Knights by 16
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Cbus Super Stadium
This used to be the great Queensland derby, but it's been forgotten a little in recent times because the Cowboys v Broncos battles keep blowing our minds. Rugby League players do like to take things one game at a time, but if the Broncos are looking forward at all they will note that their last four games during the regular season are against some pretty formidable opponents (Sharks, Dragons, Eels and Cowboys). They are hanging on to their top four berth with one little pinky finger so this is a game they simply have to win. Note that Ben Hunt slips into the number 9 jersey – not a bad move if he can handle the additional workload in defence that comes with that role. Hunt, Kikorima. Milford and Boyd is a handy spine. I doubt it's a premiership winning spine, but they should be good enough to guide the Broncos home on Saturday night. Another challenging year for the Titans but I've been impressed by their efforts. Perhaps next year but in 2017 they are making up the numbers.
Verdict – Broncos by 8
Result – Broncos by 54
Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Southern Cross Group Stadium
I had all but talked myself into the Raiders and then I talked myself out of it again. That's because I remembered the last time these sides met, way back in round two. Most of us were keen on Canberra in that game (in Canberra) and the Sharks absolutely belted them that night (42-16). I had high expectations for the Raiders this season and I wasn't alone, but they've failed to live up to (my) hype. Right now they need teams ahead of them on the ladder to lose for them to make the eight, and once you are dependent on results of games you aren't playing in your season is all but over. If the Sharks want to finish in the top four they need to win this.
Verdict – Sharks by 2
Result – Raiders by 18
Manly Sea Eagles vs Sydney Roosters – Sunday afternoon – Lottoland
Daly Hyphen-Evans, the Socrates of the NRL, sees recent performances by the Sea Eagles as an opportunity to reboot and start afresh. They've conceded 92 points in their last two games, so what they probably need is a reboot up the bum. The Roosters record at Blottoland isn't great, but it's hardly been a happy hunting ground for the Sea Eagles either. They've won 4 of 8 which is okay, but the four teams they beat were the Bulldogs, Knights, Tigers and Raiders (by one point). I think the Chooks are better than that. Note that Jake Friend is named on an extended bench. He's probably one more week away but I suspect he's the sort of player that rehabs quickly.
Verdict – Roosters by 8
Result – Sea Eagles by 18
Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers – Sunday afternoon – Pepper Stadium
We saw the Bests Tigers in round 21 and not the Worsts Tigers (most other rounds) and I think they performed because the Knights won earlier on that weekend. It gave them the jolt they needed to just throw the ball around and try and play football, and it reminded me of the some of the early form they have displayed in the last two seasons...before it all fell apart. Theoretically that could happen again on Sunday. A few quirks about this contest. The Coach of the Tigers is taking on his son. We have two brothers wearing different jerseys but the same number. And the last time these sides met they both had number 6s that are now playing with other clubs. Moylan and Whare are unlikely starters but have been included in the extended Panthers squad. Assuming reasonable weather I'd assume they'll pack the joint for what is almost a local derby. I'll tip the Panthers again who are on some sort of roll – that pack (and the bench) looks too strong for mine.
Verdict – Panthers by 4
Result – Panthers by 14
Wally Lewis - round twenty two selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- Bulldogs vs EELS
- DRAGONS vs Rabbitohs
- Cowboys vs STORM
- Knights vs WARRIORS
- Titans vs BRONCOS
- SHARKS vs Raiders
- Sea Eagles vs ROOSTERS
- PANTHERS vs Tigers
Comments
Submitted by Mary S on
Yes 'a', the Cowboys put up a hell of a game but were unable to stem the tide & the 'sneaky' moves Storm produce . A really good crowd too. We look forward to a quick recovery of injuries and a winning game next week.
Submitted by a on
Yeah me too
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Tough loss from the boys this week. But credit to the Rabbitohs they fought to the end and came away with the win. Lucky for them that penalty goal early in the second half while trailing ended up costing us the game. Oh well, we've got the Titans next week, will be tough, the Titans do fight until the end although they didn't really show that last week. Also considering our form as well, two winnable games against the Knights and Rabbitohs I which we lost. Hopefully we can get back on track next week. Also credit to the Storm on their big win over the Cowboys, didn't watch the game though seeing the comments about the game it seemed that the score didn't reflect the game. It was a tough, physical game with the Storm running away with it in the end. Now that we lost to the Rabbitohs, I'm hoping hat the Tigers do beat the Panthers for our sake.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Spartan Warrior on
Greetings from the Spartan Warrior,
My apologies for the late replyeth and not submitting my tips Lady Christine and others. I has’t been busy in boot camp training young Spartans with physical and mental arts, required for the contests in their everyday lives.
I readeth an interesting article from Pam Whaley regarding referees. It is refreshing to read her style of comment, which tends to look at positives rather than negatives. Yea, congratulations Gavin Badger on the refereeing of his 300th game of rugby league. Also congratulations to all the other referees who contribute to this great game.
I concur with Pam that there is no way to keep everyone happy, this is the nature of human beings. As she says, accountability for mistakes is higher than ever and the focus on this is increasing, with criticism from a multitude of sources. Rarely, are the referees commended for a fine job. Aye, it is among one of the toughest jobs in the NRL.
Here are some interesting stats Pam discovered:
A referee makes around 400 critical decisions during an 80 minute contest, which equates to around 5 per minute. This only relates to critical decisions and does not include keeping the 10m rule intact, checking each pass, keeping the ruck clear all whilst running 8 to 10km’s per game. Thank you Pam for your insight and pragmatic view.
Yea, I personally agree with the NRL, that it’s not ideal for coaches to blame referees for a team’s loss after a game and the fine system is equitable. There is nothing positive to be gained from public criticism of a referee during a post game interview. I believe it averages out in the end, that every team gets a fair share of good and incorrect decisions. Every game is analysed after the event and referees has't to answer to their boss as well. Yea, there is a forum in place for coaches to submit their views in an organised manner and this has't to be followed.
So a big thanketh thee to all the referees who help keep this game so great, mistakes will happen but I have a belief in thy integrity. Remember, like everyone that doth takes part in rugby league, referees have a passion, have families, have feelings and are accountable.
The Spartan Warrior has spoken.
Adieu
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Yep Mr Steel Panther, I was in the members stand last night at the SCG and I thought we had it, should of had it and then lost it. Fairdinkum Saints are ordinary. They only played for about 20 mins in each half and still managed to lead. The 6, 7 and 9 let us down. The forwards had a good crack as per usual. Kurt Mann and Fritzell were good when they came on. And fairdinkum how good is Dufty? What a talent. He kept us in the game. It was generally a bit of grind. The ref was keeping a very skinny 10 and the ground looked heavy. Souths seemed to handle it better. In the end it's inexubale to be leading by 10 and lose in the last 5 mins. Ultimately Saints kicking game was ordinary throughout and it's that fact that contributed to the loss in the last 5. Very sad trip to Canberra so we changed the subject and talked about the woes with rugby union instead. Cheers all, morning tea over back to work from Mr Awesome.
Submitted by christine on
Spartan warrior Your right referees are accountable for the calls they make & they do have someone to answer to but when the call was bad & your team looses two points on the ladder that doesn't really help does it , we need consistency in our great game of nrl & were is it bad calls cost teams points & games ...
Submitted by pabdul on
The only people that criticise refs come from the coaches and supporters of the team that loses
The ones that win will always say both teams had calls that went both ways
Submitted by a on
Paul Green just critised the refs but the Morgan try should have been awarded so he could be right
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
A very good point Mr Pabdul. The winner is mostly not critical. There are some instances in close games, where the winner has still had a go, but the percentage definitely goes the other way. I agree with Mr Spartan in that there is an opportunity to forward grievances through the right channels, but mincing words that allude to them cheating is not on. I think coaches can get their point across without bagging the ref. For example, in last nights Saints game, Souths were regularly standing 1 m in front of the ref, call it a skinny ten or whatever. It didn't help with the flow of the game but ultimately Saints lost it themselves. The Canberra and Melbourne game was similar in that Melbourne got away with a forward passes and a very skinny ten. Ricky's assessment was over the top. I was there as well and Canberra gifted Melbourne with two tries off two mistakes. That lost them the game.The ref didn't make them do it. I agree that the coaches mightn't like decisions and yep some decisions can affect a game, but don't get personal, dosnt achieve anything. I still reckon the great percentage of decisions don't affect an outcome, most things even out. Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by pabdul on
When you watch a game and the other person is going for the opposing team all the close calls will be debated in favour of the team you support " what are you blind" is a common one .
So put yourself in the refs shoes watching in real time. We get to see replays and still disagree
Submitted by christine on
I can except it when the team you chose to tip looses because they stuff up & just play bad but when it is inconsistency in decisions either by the ref or the bunker then that's what needs to be fixed & as I have asked the thinker off this website about how every time they go to the bunker for another kfc moment the nrl get paid for advertising so that's why we have so many bunker moments when the ref could have just as easily made the call but instead the send it to the bunker ...
Submitted by a on
Yes agreed sometimes the ref just goes up stairs and saids I have a try just adertive KFC please they should just make decisions on field especially when they were right there
Submitted by Islander on
If i may add, the refs do have an enormous task of running the game for 80mins. Making decisions in real time, no replays what so ever, making decisions relying just on plain sight. Meaning a few bad decisions here and there are bound to happen and the coaches need to understand this and not bag the refs for every little mistake they make....they are only human after all...(at least for now)
But having said that, the more games decided by the refs in the NRL era is increasing, and when you watch these games you know that the outcome is not based on which team was better on the night. sometimes its just daylight robbery.
You don't have to go back too far to witness this. One of, if not the worst game of refereeing i have ever seen was week one of finals footy last year the game between The Broncos and the Titans. the refs practically handed the game to the Broncs. Quarter way into that match and you could tell that the job for the refs on the night was not to officiate according to the rules of the game, instead it was to make sure the broncos don't lose not matter how good the Titans played.
I know Broncos fans might have something to say about this, and i suggest they do, because i would like to know if we all watched the same game.
The debates will go on as will the game, yet the problem remains. Solutions if you have any please!!
Submitted by Islander on
My bad, I meant........the number of games decided by the refs....
Submitted by The Thinker on
Knights penalised for pushing in the scrum...in retro round.
Disgraceful.
Submitted by a on
Wow Broncos won 54-0
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Yet the BOYS nearly pushed the Dogs into the in goal on Thursday night.
Submitted by The Walkin Dude on
Don't think the refs had much influence in the Broncos/Titans game tonight..as for the game you're referencing Islander..I honestly don't recall it.
Submitted by pabdul on
Of course the refs had an influence on the broncos v titans game ...... they only awarded tries to the one team.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Might have been a bunker error? Did anyone see the game to be able to say if the Titans were that rubbish?
Submitted by pabdul on
No team gets done by 50 and we're unlucky of course they were rubbish
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
What about 92 points in two games?
Submitted by pabdul on
That's called a council clean up
Submitted by christine on
You know why we have on field refs because the bunker can't break up any fights seriously can you imagine the bunker trying to break up the fight that broke out years ago between glenn stewart & adam blair & then the rest of manly & storm got involved , the bunker can't control that & yes refs are only human they do make mistakes as islander said they are trying to do it on the spot so you have to say they are doing the best they can ...
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Baggy I watched the Titans game last night & they were woeful. Jarryd Hayne especially poor. He hasn't recaptured that form he had prior to leaving for his stint in the US. Might have been a blessing for your mob not to have him back. Gutherson way better this season.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Baggy I watched the Titans game last night & they were woeful. Jarryd Hayne especially poor. He hasn't recaptured that form he had prior to leaving for his stint in the US. Might have been a blessing for your mob not to have him back. Gutherson way better this season.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Great game of footy between Canberra and Cronulla. Canberra started off slow but once they got going they played till the last minute for a deserving win. Some might say Canberra have been unlucky this year with 8 of their 11 losses being less than 10 points. Its not about luck, its about a bit gumption, hard work and cohesion. Last night Canberra got it together finally, good on ya boys. It might be a bit late for the finals but finishing on a high will be good for next year.
On another note, it was sickening to see that back injury to Nathan Ross from Newcastle. That knee from Blake Ayshford might have been deemed to have been accidental but crikey, players have some responsibility about going into a tackle leading with a knee, shouldnt happen. Anyway, I hope his back fracture heals up, it was sickening to watch on TV. Couldnt believe the medical staff had him walking off the field, seriously? Any injury like that requires a player to be left prone and the medicab should have been out there taking him off on a stretcher.
Lastly, hoping West Tigers get over Penrith and Roosters take care of Manly. Sorry Steel Panther, Big Pete and other Penrith and Manly fans, I need Saints and Canberra to have a chance at the 8,
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by Chris on
Hey all
Fan of the page good reads here.
I am leading our tipping comp and winning by 2 with the rest of the field 10 points behind me . I thinking manly will come through as I feel they must win this. I know roosters are good but I feel there is a up set any advice
Submitted by Mary S on
Sorry Chris, I'll be hoping that Roosters win this afternoon for the same reason as you want Manly to win. I picked them for my tipping comp (that I am leading) and Manly seem to have gone 'off the boil' in the last couple of weeks. In the race to achieve the top 8, then final 4, anything can happen.
Submitted by pabdul on
Hi Chris
At this time of year it's hard not to get an unbiased opinion as people will be tipping on how it affects their own team chances of playing in the finals
Roosters and manly supporters will pick their own and broncos supporters will pick manly so they can get in the top 2
All the cowboys raiders and dragons supporters will pick roosters to benefit their clubs
Go with your heart if your winning your comp keep doing what your doing
Submitted by Chris on
Cheers
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Now now Baggy - naughty naughty with hint hints.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning Pab Bro.
Its the Battle of The Birds and Cats this round.
Hope all is well at your work.
I'm heading out and should return by half time this arvo.
Catch ya later
Submitted by pabdul on
Hi Pete bro
I miss our conversations but we're both busy and I only get one day off a week and my new nickname for Paula is Schindler coz you always produces a list on that day
Hopefully I'll be done by then I only just stopped for a drink and she's giving me the evils so it's back to the grind
As lover boy once said everybody's working for the weekend you must be hummin to that one
Submitted by a on
Hi Chris I sorry but I think Roosters will be all the best I hope to see you more in the future
Submitted by christine on
Nathan ross has broken his back he has a fractured his l 1 but doesn't require surgery but is out for the rest of the season they are saying it will heal on it's own in time ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Ok Pete, I can behave sometimes.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Well done on your win today Big Pete. No surprise for me. You know I dabbled with picking Manly but didn't have the balls in the end. Good stuff!!!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes mate - miss the convo's.
Today we was working for the man.
Manly Man..........I'll leave it there, but never underestimate a fallen eagle.
Hope all is well out your way. Giants got home in your neck of the woods.
Keep well so you dont need a Schindler ..............lift.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by EagleROCKS on
MANLY the magnificent!!!! What a comeback, what a team, that's what guts and determinaton is all about.
No one gave us a chance today against a real heavyweight, but we proved we are the real deal bouncing back in stunning fashion to shock the chooks.
That was a very high quality game, great attack, great defence and a five star performance.
That's what the mighty eagles love the haters and the “critics” and there are some on here I would say.
How about that Big Pete surely that puts a smile on your dial, and Fortress who was at the game was dancing in the Ken Arthurson stand it was so funny Big Pete.
Magnificent victory against the odds and the Mighty Eagles are back .
The eagles rock my world and they rock on and on and on, towards GLORY!!!!!!
Where doing the Eagle rock yeah baby !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good boy Baggy Gee - be like the Bee Gee boys, saved by the bell.
No 92 points against us this week. I thought it would be closer.
Now equal 4th.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey E-ROCKS,
Great to hear from you.
YESSSSSSSSS..........great win, but I thought it would be closer.
Certainly a nice smile.......welcoming smile.
Fortress dancing??????.........sounds like Sitting Bull, about the get into Custer - feathers and all.
Have a grand week, Tigers at Leichhardt next week.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Howdy Steely,
Dabble how you wish my friend. But I did warn you about fallen eagles.
They've done it before and came from down the ladder, to make a grand final appearance, just a couple of years ago.
Win today, they had to and my faith was firmly in them.
Have a good week, coz next week there is Storm v Roosters & Broncos v Sharks to sort some sheep from goats out - Big Pete
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Warriors getting a roasting here in the press but I'm sure the journos jst rehash the same articles they've been using for seasons now. Nothing to say that hasn't been said multiple times before. Another disgraceful effort yesterday...
Submitted by EagleROCKS on
Come on haters where are you its not that hard to come on and give the Mighty Eagles some credit, come on ladies its not dinner yet I'm sure that game was a grand game, 5 star rated indeed, how sweet it is!
Yeah Big Pete if only you were sitting with us, Fortress and his mum and the family his lady friend, me and my Mrs and we were all doing the Eagle Rock, only Fortress did it with so much more passion, what a legend and what a legendary club.
Good Evening everyone from the Rocking Eagles !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by pabdul on
Hey Pete and co
Just got home heard the game on the radio it sound like a game of 2 halves. I can't see why people consider this as a big upset as if I wasn't a roosters supporter I would of taken manly we have a 75% losing rate at Brooke I should know I played there twice and never won and I've watched the roosters there at least 5 times and that was zip also. But it sound like a great win especially with me myself and I dancing in the stands. Eagles have a good run home so all good for you. We cope the storm which will show where we're at cordner and friend should back.
Submitted by Chris on
Glad I tipped Manley was a good game
Submitted by a on
Well done Chris for your tip
Submitted by EagleROCKS on
So Pabdul are you saying, all manly supporters are Fortress. Mate,f air dinkum!!!!!!!!!!! Suck it up, you and Baggy Gee were having a go at us with our last 2 weeks scores, “council clean up" well then today was a “council mop up”. We are not all Fortress, the haters rise to the top, accept the fact there are many mighty eagles supporters buddy and we do have a voice, stop all this rubbish, please accept defeat and good luck to your chooks next week.
Well its great been a Manly supporter as we see not much credit here, that was the game of the weekend by a long mile.
Were is everyone, very quite on the western front, and were still doing the Eagle Rock.
Good old Eagle Rock were coming to get ya !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by pabdul on
No worries fortress it's good to hear from you again
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