Round two selections

Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Thursday night – Allianz Stadium

Both sides have named eight on their bench, but that appears to be the new normal for just about everybody. It does give the coaches an opportunity to keep an ace up their sleeve before game day, but it doesn't make tipping any easier. The Bulldogs didn't find attacking any easier last week but that was against the Storm who can suffocate the very best of attacks when their systems are working to capacity. We can't assume the Bulldogs attack isn't firing after one game, but it's a cause for concern. No problems for the Roosters attack last week...in the first half at least. Their coach will remind them to play for 80 minutes if they want to remain undefeated. Much gets made of the Bulldogs forwards and with good reason, but the Chooks aren't short of Foghorn Leghorns in the engine room. That's a battle worth watching. As for the backs – on what we've seen the Chooks outpoint the Dogs with the ball in hand. I've done the maths, and I'm pretty sure that points to a Roosters victory. I say, I say boy, don't bother me when I'm thinking.

Verdict – Roosters by 8

Result – Roosters 28 defeated Bulldogs 24

New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm – Friday night – Mt Smart Stadium

Just one change to the line-ups from last week but it's a pretty big one, with Jesse Bromwich taking some time away from the game while he puts his skeleton back inside his skin. Two weeks tops. They breed them tough in Auckland. Tim Glasby steps up to the starting line in his absence, and he'll be perfectly fine. Note that my rising star suggestion for the purple machine gets his chance alongside Cooper Cronk this weekend – the name is Riley Jacks (not a restaurant). Munster slots back to fullback and Tonumaipea joins the cast of thousands on the extended bench. As I said last week it's hard to get a read on the Warriors performance last week, but barely beating the Knights at home doesn't sound like the right form to beat the purple machine. Note that the Storm have just a 50% win rate at Mt Smart – possibly their least successful venue. A game that could surprise to the upside if the Warriors have one of their nights, but even if they do the Storm probably get the points anyway.

Verdict – Storm by 7

Result – Storm 26 defeated Warriors 10

Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

Their last five clashes (yes...five) have given us rugby league at the top of its game. They can't keep up this level of wow forever, but this is the match of the round regardless. Both sides won in round one against high class opponents and impressed in the process. Yours truly looked to get tickets to this game about six weeks ago, and the best I could find was up in the third tier of the grandstand. That put me off a little, so I'll be plonking down on The Lounge instead (sorry Coach). Join me if you wish. I'm leaning to the Cowboys but it's a very light lean. I think their forwards can gain the advantage and Granville has the pace out of dummy half to wreak havoc if the defensive line is on the back-pedal. Thurston, Morgan and Coote can conjure magic off the back of that. Ben Hunt, bless him, still has a habit of making errors when he needs to make quick and important decisions. This looks like the sort of game where such an error could prove the difference. Thurston eats pressure for breakfast. Hunt chews his nails. Cowboys for mine.

Verdict – Cowboys by 4

Result – Cowboys 21 defeated Broncos 20

Newcastle Knights vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium

The Knights go into this game with something they've been lacking for quite some time – confidence. There was enough in their first up performance to suggest they can compete with the most of them. While I would never begrudge anyone a bit of self-belief, I will always take a competitive performance against the hot and cold warriors with a dose of scepticism. I liked what I saw from the Titans when they finally woke up against the Chooks, and I expect a better start from them here. Proctor has been named so lets assume he plays, and you'd think Jarryd Hayne at fullback will be keen to make his mark given the recent criticism. Great players respond to criticism in the best way possible – it's time to find out if Hayne is great.

Verdict – Titans by 8

Result – Knights 34 defeated Titans 26

Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday afternoon – Lottoland

After recent periods of on-field success these two sides ended season 2016 in 13th (Manly) and 12th (Souths). It's a long season, but finals football already looks a bridge too far for both these teams. Eventually the Bunnies had to get used to a post-Inglis world but they wouldn't have thought it would happen so quickly. Once-in-a-generation players don't grow on trees – I fear that 2017 will be a very lean year for the red and the green. Manly didn't jag the supplementary number at Lottoland, and they won't win a lot of games at him this season, but they can win this one.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 2

Result – Rabbitohs 38 defeated Sea Eagles 18

Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night – GIO Stadium

The first of our viking claps in season 2017, and Michael Ennis won't be there to fire up the locals. Both sides lost in round one but there were positives to take out of both performances – certainly enough to suggest that both teams can be in contention at the pointy end of the season. The Sharks have a pretty good record in the capital, but the inclusion of the largest man in the world (Junior Paulo) and Jack Wighton at the back has me feeling green. I'm feeling confident too.

Verdict – Raiders by 8

Result – Sharks 42 defeated Raiders 16

Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers – Sunday afternoon – Campbelltown Stadium

What the heckity heck do we do here? The Tigers impressed while my tip to win the premiership this season leaked 42 points to an attack that usually takes months to score 42 points. If the Dragons can do that to the Panthers what can Tedesco and Co. rack up on a Sunday afternoon at home? Can the Panthers just turn on the form like a tap? A rational mind would say no, but time and again we see teams that are humiliated one week turn it all around the next. Perhaps the off-field controversies got the better of the Panthers last week but we're all guessing right now. My guess is Panthers, but if they get flogged again I wouldn't be surprised.

Verdict – Panthers by 2

Result – Panthers 36 defeated Tigers 2

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Parramatta Eels – Sunday afternoon – WIN Stadium

Naturally I'm as confused by the Dragons form as I am by the Panthers. On face value they were bloody terrific, but perhaps their opponent made them look better than they are. I honestly have no idea. What I do know is that I was keen on the Eels in round one and they didn't let me down. Their under-rated pack was tough and resilient and they will need more of that this week as that is clearly where the strength of the Red V lies. I'm banking on the Eels backline outscoring the Dragons, but I could have that hopelessly wrong if the Dragons can repeat their round one heroics. As for Corey Norman, if he can keep things together off the field he's the best number seven for the Eels since Peter Sterling. Cor blimey...he's probably better than Peter Sterling. He's got better hair, and Ms Thinker tells me he's much better looking.

Verdict – Eels by 8

Result – Eels 34 defeated Dragons 16

Wally Lewis - round two selections (in bold)

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

  • ROOSTERS vs Bulldogs
  • Warriors vs STORM
  • BRONCOS vs Cowboys
  • Knights vs TITANS
  • SEA EAGLES vs Rabbitohs
  • RAIDERS vs Sharks
  • Tigers vs PANTHERS
  • Dragons vs EELS

Last one on the Coach competition

For those of you looking for the Coach Potato competition you can find it in the Lounge section of the website. Just click on 'The Lounge' tab at the top of the page, or you can find it here.

Comments

Coach Potato's picture

I really don't know what to say about a page that was on the Lounge last Thursday for footy kick off, is not on the Lounge this Thursday when two Sydney teams play, but Lounge is open again tomorrow, Broncos v Cowboys. Then the Lounge will be closed again.

I for one, am never stepping foot inside the exclusive Lounge. I don't care if the Lounge is open week 9 when Broncos host the Panthers.

Discrimination. Segregation. Fascism.
Hard to possibly believe the subject is footy.

Johnny Ray's picture

Crap. I really had a feeling that Canterbury Bulldogs were going to win and would of if Hopoate didn't get himself injured in last minutes of game. This is like Inglis last week. I need a hug ... :-(

Steel Panther's picture

Surely it doesn't matter what game is on in the Lounge this week? As a footy fan (and that's why I'm here) I just want to see a good game no matter who's playing. I think most of us who enjoy rugby league can't argue that the Broncos v the Cowboys games over recent seasons have been some of the greatest in the modern era.

Coach Potato's picture

Close games undeniably,GF 2015 was a great game, but the greatest games of the modern era? That's hand on the toolbox stuff.

Don't make things up and say you speak for most rugby league fans. Speak for your bloody self and be done with it.

tigerholic's picture

Rocket
I thought you were going to assist Coachy Boy to get off the bottom of the ladder, if you keep tipping the way you are you will be enjoying the same view from the rear of the field that has normally been owned by him.
What does everyone think about the brawl that broke out during last nights game, do you think the viewers should have been shown what was going on or is it best left to hopefully fizzle out.
What game was it last year, the Bulldogs were involved where it went to shit.

tigerholic's picture

Welcome back Seagle 47, I thought you were banned for off the field indiscretions , what have you been up to?

Steel Panther's picture

Sorry Coach...you don't share my view so I must be wrong. I'm sure there's a lot of people on here who would agree with my post. Whoops....I'm speaking for others again. Whether you agree or not how about showing a bit of respect as we are all entitled to our opinion.

The Voyeur's picture

Steel Panther well said !!!!!!!!!

pabdul's picture

just a thought
we stick with our teams thru the highs and the lows
so during the year you tip against your team..... are you a true supporter?
i don't think so.

Dragons-fanboy's picture

Thanks for clarifying the rules to me Coach. I know that can't pick the same team but I just thought that you can't tip the same as someone else that's all. But thanks for clearing that up to me :)

Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coach Potato's picture

So I needed to just agree with you to start with because I am the exception and don't have the right to my own view?

Do you know how idiotic that makes you and the peeping tom sound ?

Coach Potato's picture

So I needed to just agree with you to start with because I am the exception and don't have the right to my own view?

Do you know how idiotic that makes you and the peeping tom sound ?

The Voyeur's picture

ok so I am the "peeping tom" and your a "lard ass on the couch"....gee name calling must make you feel so "teddy tough nuts"...Steel Panther had a view, you essentially attacked him because he spoke in the context about "fans enjoying a game"......nothing more nothing less, all I did was support his view......obviously that's not allowed in your website....oh hang on its not just yours......get on with the football and let others have a view occasionally that might just differ to yours.....just like your picks are different to most YTD, just like last year .....

The Thinker's picture

Coach,

The lounge was open last Thursday because it was the very first game of the new season. It seemed a pretty good readon to choose that game as the first game on the lounge.

This round I chose the Broncos vs Cowboys for pretty obvious reasons.

Each round there will be a different game. Free-to-air games will often (but not always) get priority because they are free to air and more people can join in. Not everyone has Pay TV.

Whether you want to be there or not is up to you, but you are leaping to assumptions.

Coach Potato's picture

Sometimes you throw the line in and nothing. Not a bloody nibble.

Other times your bait gets taken hook, line and sinker.

Thinker is a much wiser fish species and doesn't as easily fall for the plastic lure thing anymore.

Rookie's picture

Reynolds and George Burgess, both been named in the update 17 for Souths. I wonder if that changes anyone's thoughts and tip on the game.

Coach Potato's picture

Back to your knees old (B)uckhead.
You're lookin: goooood.

a's picture

Cowboys will win this year

newbie from perth's picture

Hi everyone,

Seriously, these Qld Derbies are insane! A “great” type of insane though. Man, this is why I freakin’ love this game. Nothing compares to the type of game we witnessed tonight. Nothing! I’m still flabbergasted that yet another one has gone to ET.

Hope everyone out there enjoyed the spectacle. Commiserations to you Bronco fans but as long as the NRL persists with the ET rule, someone has to lose. Personally, I’d rather see the points shared as was the case back in the day but the rules as they are have to be adhered to. Pros and cons for sure but …

Quickly, must say how pleased I was about last night with my BBB hanging on against the Doggies and just managing to get the bikkies. Phew, that was a close one. Newbie’s 3 from 3 but anything can happen on the weekend eh? Just take the WA Election we have to endure tomorrow. As an old, but very wise drunk once told me when I was a mere slip of a lad of 18 … “it doesn’t matter who you vote for, the government still gets in.” Wise words indeed. Anyone from the West perusing these comments on the Thinker’s excellent website, please don’t forget to vote tomorrow (Saturday) unless you’re happy to cough up the $50 fine or whatever it is these days.

OK kids, must dash but before I go, you might want to ponder this …

If something "goes without saying", why do people still say it? Hmmm…

Tailspin's picture

Wow. What another great game of footy, go the cowboys. May struggle next week with injuries, but an awesome game once again.

Tailspin's picture

By the way, I'm with you newbie, games like that shoild be shared as 1 point each. You can thank the cockroaches for that ruling when it was brought in through origin.

Tailspin's picture

Got to be happy with that a?

a's picture

Yep I surely am

Coach Potato's picture

As great entertainment it is, the close results are ably assisted not through refereeing blunders, but rather through contrived rulings on the run.

Clear forward passes by the Broncos not called. Led to one try, but almost three.
Clear shepherd by the Broncos not called.
Penalties blown at the end to even up the scores. Noone still knows the reason for them.

Nonetheless, great entertainment. But so too was watching WWF. Totally contrived but good close contests. Never one-sided. People used to come away from the wrestling also fully entertained, and either:
1.# None the wiser, and outraged that anyone may think it's all rigged, or
2.# Happy to accept it's all just a sham and embrace it in the context of entertainment

Ask yourself which one are you?
Know that it's one of them.

Rocket Ryan's picture

Lot to like about the broncos the halves were awesome jimmy the jet seems up amd about the young forwards went well cant worry about golden point we seem stuck with it JT x2 what a package the cowboys have there.

tigerholic's picture

Well done Cowboys fans and all of those that tipped them last night, you can find a lot of reasons to say why Brisbane let their lead go and why they lost but that is yesterdays news, a long long way to go in the season and this tipping comp.

I see a few have taken the Coach on, you have to learn quickly not to be sucked in by him/her/it, that is exactly what he/she/it is after.

Good luck for the rest of the weekends games.

Coach Potato's picture

Everyone has been on Hunt's case since he dropped his bundle in GF 2015, but the one who's legs consistently keep turning to jelly when the heat is on is Milford.

Just as many are spruiking him for Origin.
I reckon he'd be great for NSW's chances.
Game on the line, he's a real go-to man isn't he? Not.

Coach Potato's picture

Hey Raiders,
The Viking Clap seems to be getting slower and slower, not faster and faster.
Seems to be getting softer and softer, not louder and louder.

Coach Potato's picture

(B)uckhead - 1 for 6
Tigerholic - 2 for 6

#ShoveYaTippingHelpUpYourAsses

Rocket Ryan's picture

Your on fire coach i really need cleary to do something tomorrow.

Coach Potato's picture

Cleary needs to learn real fast that Cartwright is not there to take charge of the halves anymore, while he just plays the supporting role.

Cleary and Martin both played last week like they were second in charge to each other. Neither played like they were first in charge. Neither played like a leader of a team. They need to sort that out. Decide who is the gun, and who is the holster. Don't care which is which.

If they can't, or won't sort it out, then Cartwright needs to come back to no 6. ASAP.

Cartwright as 6 would endlessly take on the line.
So in the halves is replacing this? Last week it was neither of them. I won't be happy if tomorrow, it's neither again.

Coach Potato's picture

So Foran has the NRLs ok to play again, but where is the integrity unit up to win with investigation of betting on games from current and ex Manly players.

Where is this up to- and if Foran is one of the players under investigation how is it he ok to play?

Rocket Ryan's picture

Panthers looking good at half time not sure tigers have the answers tough fist half.

Coach Potato's picture

Keep cheering those Panthers on, (B)uckhead.
Bloody hiilarious.

Coach Potato's picture

Enjoying the game alcoholic Tiger?
Crack open another one I reckon.

Coach Potato's picture

Just don't forget to tip the Tigers opponent in future you fruitloop.

Rocket Ryan's picture

Tigerholic just when you thought it was safe to go swimming again

Coach Potato's picture

How bout you Voyuer.
Got those binoculars in focus ?

mark ashford's picture

Hi all
For all the years I have been on this site, I have enjoyed most of it.
Then along came Coach. You know, in life, you meet people who you like and some you don't.
I have tried to "make friends" with Coach but he keeps being a person who likes to upset whoever he can.
Your Panthers are flogging the Tiges Coach but will you be a respectful winner or a fool. Most of your Panthers comments show you as a fool.
What is your intent on this site Coach? Do you like making enemies or are you just a sad sack trying to be a "footy legend" in your own mind.
We are all here just having fun with our tips but Coach likes to belittle people who try and support their clubs.
This site belongs to Thinker not Coach.
Coach you need to rethink your approach here...just be a little nice.

Coach Potato's picture

17 Tigers Tipsters licking their wounds.
14 Panthers Tipsters happy to add plenty of salt.

Coach Potato's picture

Mark. It's called bragging rights.

Which of those two words do I need to help explain to you (again)?

Seriously, if you have no memory of the answer, the ok of what to say on this site, you best see the GP and ask to run a few tests. Not having a go at you. Concerned.

Coach Potato's picture

Is it also all the fine an well for others to dish it out but not have to cop any in return?

It's called Give and Take.
You want to give it. You need to be able to take it.

Sounds a lot like you may be reneging on the deal, Mark.

That's where the problem is.

Steel Panther's picture

I couldn't have said it any better myself Mark....bragging rights are fine but it's the belittling that isn't.....

Coach Potato's picture

When you give people a spray pre-game but then go into lockdown after your team gets flogged, that shows us all who has class and who has none.

Coach Potato's picture

Is this a page for Men and Women, or for mice -( both male and female meeces that is)

The Voyeur's picture

First sign of weakness is when some attacks others and uses the defence of "I only did it because some person picked on me", the post history tells the real story over the past 12 months, grow up you fool, you are becoming even more boring.......nice post Mark and Steel Panther.....there is a lot of Trump in the Coach....a lot

Coach Potato's picture

You're an ace on the keyboard Voyeur.
Those comments cut me so deeply.

Panther, didn't you read the census which showed a majority of fans thought I was ok? I mean to say, you know them all personally so not sure how you missed it.

Bottom line is painfully obvious.
Some of you just can't cop it.

Kinda too bad really.
Don't like it, tune yourself out.

Coach Potato's picture

Hows ya tips going this week, all those having a sook?
Let me check....

tigerholic's picture

Ah Coach

I can surely give it and I now need to take it. Well done to your Panthers, enjoy the win. That is typical Tigers and typical Jason Taylor. Enjoy the moment, I missed the game but probably lucky I did.
Thanks for your support Mark, Coach cops a fair it so I am happy for him to dish it out today,

Cheers

Baggy_Gee's picture

Man, the BOYS are top of the table, 2-0 26 points differential, and still at $15 to win the lot. How good was the game. 4 Tries for Sami but still think we need to start blooding a left winger before the seasons end. But Titans next week potentially without JH and NP, always good to play the Titans when they are out, that way no bad blood can be formed between current and ex BOYS. CARN YA GOOD THINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!

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