Round fifteen selections

Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium

In round 13 the Rabbitohs took on the Sharks without their four Origin players. They won anyway, against a team on a roll. In round 14 the Rabbitohs rested their four Origin players against the Titans. They won again. Those four Origin players are back on Thursday night. I can't see them losing. The Eels surprised almost everyone with a win last weekend. No surprises here.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 16

Result – Rabbitohs 42 defeated Eels 24

North Queensland Cowboys vs New Zealand Warriors – Friday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

A lot of people are scratching their heads when it comes to the Cowboys and their season thus far. To my eye they just look off the pace – half a yard slower than most of their opponents. Half a yard may not seem like much, but over the course of 80 minutes it takes its toll. I don't know if that explains the Cowboys performances entirely, but it's my explanation. The Warriors by comparison, are one of the quickest teams in the NRL. I should add that I'm heading north this weekend and will be at the game on Friday night. A drink in the sheds with the Cowboys after the game is on the cards for Mr Thinker...if the Cowboys win, so I hope I'm wrong.

Verdict – Warriors by 4

Result – Warriors 23 defeated Cowboys 16

Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers – Friday night – Allianz Stadium

The Panthers have made their home ground a fortress this season (6 wins from 6 games). Their away record is much less formidable – they've lost games away to the Bulldogs, Sharks and Cowboys, and the teams they've beaten away from home (Cowboys, Eels, Knights and Raiders) are all outside the top eight. The Roosters aren't firing, but they're better than the teams the Panthers have beaten on the road this year. That said the Panthers should be the favourites here...I'm just not tipping them. Gosh I'm confusing sometimes.

Verdict – Roosters by 4

Result – Roosters 32 defeated Panthers 6

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday afternoon – Belmore Sports Ground

A short turnaround for the Bulldogs but they will take plenty of positives out of their narrow loss to the Dragons on Monday. The Titans have lost Jarrod Wallace this weekend and the Bulldogs aren't short of big forwards. Given the venue I expect the Dogs can grind out a victory in the old fashioned way.

Verdict – Bulldogs by 4

Result – Titans 32 defeated Bulldogs 10

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday night – WIN Stadium

Just three teams have beaten the Dragons this season, and they are second, third and fourth on the NRL ladder. That's pretty good form. Manly gave their backers hope for a while there, but it was clearly a false dawn. I imagine they'll jag a win here and there throughout the remainder of the season, but finals football is beyond them. Winning this game is beyond them too.

Verdict – Dragons by 14

Result – Dragons 32 defeated Sea Eagles 8

Cronulla Sharks vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Southern Cross Group Stadium

I thought the Broncos were competitive enough against the Storm while the Sharks took an age to get over the Tigers last weekend. Darius Boyd plays his 150th NRL game this weekend (I'm surprised it's not more) and he'll be focusing on the Broncos from here on in. That Broncos bench has enough size in it to match the Sharks pack. An upset on the cards.

Verdict – Broncos by 2

Result – Broncos 20 defeated Sharks 16

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

Much interest here will be in the battle of the fullbacks, with Ponga looking likely as the long term replacement for Billy Slater as the QLD (and probably Australian) fullback for many years to come. He's doing some incredible things in a struggling team. These sides met in round six and the Storm gave the Knights a footballing lesson. Another schooling looks the logical outcome.

Verdict – Storm by 14

Result – Storm 28 defeated Knights 10

Wests Tigers vs Canberra Raiders – Sunday afternoon – Campbelltown Stadium

The Raiders have been in five close games this season and lost four of them. They can be a frustrating team to support. Those frustrated fans welcome back Josh Hodgson on Sunday, but it may take him a while to regain anything like the form we have seen from him previously. Given the venue I expect the Tigers to make a game of this, and if it's close I can't tip the Raiders so it's Luke Brooks with the field goal and...

Verdict – Tigers by 1

Result – Raiders 48 defeated Tigers 12

Wally Lewis - round fifteen selections (in bold)

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

  • Eels vs RABBITOHS
  • Cowboys vs WARRIORS
  • ROOSTERS vs Panthers
  • BULLDOGS vs Titans
  • DRAGONS vs Sea Eagles
  • SHARKS vs Broncos
  • Knights vs STORM
  • TIGERS vs Raiders

Comments

Coach Potato's picture

Ok. Here we go.

**** The Russia World Cup 2018 - "Dribble 'n Score" ****

You have just the next 48hours to enter.
With just …. 48 selections to make... initially anyway.
After that a window of …. ahhhmm, 48 hours Fri 29th, and Sat 30th to tip the finals in the same way, and more windows after quarters and semis.

Just tip (H) home win, (A) away win, or (D) draw for each of the 48 pool games. (1) point for each correct selection. That's it. Winner declared after the final.

I am happy to keep the score, but will only be updating once at the end of the group stage, and after each round of finals.

Simply copy this below template and then put (capital) H, A, or D after each game, and paste back. Don't make your own list of 48. (I need to see a copy of the template below with your entry).

Entries close Thursday midnight. If you are new to this site, you are most welcome to play, but you need to register. So you can't be anonymous. I mean, who would want to be anyway?

I will send Thinker $20 to start the hat. Anyone else that wants to throw in over the next few days is most welcome. It's not compulsory though, so if you are only in it to win others money, that's ok too. I won't judge you. God may, but I won't.

Good Luck. Cambridge Analytica appreciates your support.

Thinker may possibly move us all to the Lounge area - where there is more room, you can make as much noise as you want, and overall a lot more comfier.

1- 15/6 1am Russia v Saudi Arabia
2- 15/6 10pm Egypt v Uruguay
3- 16/6 1am Morocco v Iran
4- 16/6 4am Portugal v Spain
5- 16/6 8pm France v Australia
6- 16/6 11pm Argentina v Iceland
7- 17/6 2am Peru v Denmark
8- 17/6 5am Croatia v Nigeria
9- 17/6 10pm Costa Rica v Serbia
10- 18/6 1am Germany v Mexico
11- 18/6 4am Brazil v Switzerland
12- 18/6 10pm Sweden v South Korea
13- 19/6 1am Belgium v Panama
14- 19/6 4am Tunisia v England
15- 19/6 10pm Columbia v Japan
16- 20/6 1am Poland v Senegal
17- 20/6 4am Russia v Egypt
18- 20/6 10pm Portugal v Morocco
19- 21/6 1am Uruguay v Saudi Arabia
20- 21/6 4am Iran v Spain
21- 21/6 10pm Denmark v Australia
22- 22/6 1am France v Peru
23- 22/6 4am Argentina v Croatia
24- 22/6 10pm Brazil v Costa Rica
25- 23/6 1am Nigeria v Iceland
26- 23/6 4am Serbia v Switzerland
27- 23/6 10pm Belgium v Tunisia
28- 24/6 1am South Korea v Mexico
29- 24/6 4am Germany v Sweden
30- 24/6 10pm England v Panama
31- 25/6 1am Japan v Senegal
32- 25/6 4am Poland v Columbia
33- 26/6 12am Saudi Arabia v Egypt
34- 26/6 12am Uruguay v Russia
35- 26/6 4am Iran v Portugal
36- 26/6 4am Spain v Morocco
37- 27/6 12am Australia v Peru
38- 27/6 12am Denmark v France
39- 27/6 4am Iceland v Croatia
40- 27/6 4am Nigeria v Argentina
41- 28/6 12am South Korea v Germany
42- 28/6 12am Mexico v Sweden
43- 28/6 4am Serbia v Brazil
44- 28/6 4am Switzerland v Costa Rica
45- 29/6 12am Japan v Poland
46- 29/6 12am Senegal v Columbia
47- 29/6 4am England v Belgium
48- 29/6 4am Panama v Tunisia

Coach Potato's picture

Sorry in case it wasn't clear you need to tip 48 games all at once.
48 hours to tip 48 games.
Game 1 for Australia 16/6, I turn 48, but I guess it's all pure coincidence.

Coach Potato's picture

Back to Wallace, he may have been the only player going around who had absolutely no concern about doing his ACL - (because he didn't have one).

Matter of fact, I was actually there Bx, when he did the ACL v Sharks@ Bathurst on the hill, Northern end. I think he did it in the 1st half, and he played on in the 2nd half. I thought going down by 2 points hurt me bad until I just thought about Wallace's knee. Ouch.

a's picture

Sounds good Coach I will enter later on today

pabdul's picture

Coach
Suzi Quatro was hot back in the day
I had a big black & white poster of her at the end of my bed and when I looked at it at night I couldn’t keep my hands off it...,,the poster that is.
I hope she’s not talkin to ya coach as the song is about men hitting 48 and facing men’s menopause and sexual dysfunction and you thought things were looking up
Love the clip though

a's picture

Here’s my tips

Rabbitohs by 10 I think that Souths should beat the Eels here

Cowboys by 2 not feeling to confident here but I’ll tip the Cowboys

Panthers by 1 I think that the Panthers will win in a thriller here

Bulldogs by 4 I think the Bulldogs will keep their season alive here

Dragons by 26 I think the Dragons will flog Manly here

Sharks by 1 I think the Sharks will win in a thriller here

Storm by 6 I think the Storm will continue their form here

West Tigers by 2 Tigers to win in a thriller here

Coach Potato's picture

Greenberg you idiot. Sending players straight to the bin without warning isn’t the fix. Let’s hope this latest knee-jerk phase is gone by finals time.

Baggy_Gee's picture

I agree with him in part and with you in part. If that moron who blindsided Thurston got sent off it would have made a statement, but the system will be abused for the softest things like giving the opposition a filthy look. Hit like the Thurston, Cleary any half you want to mention are fair game.

a's picture

Here’s my picks Coach

1- 15/6 1am Russia v Saudi Arabia H
2- 15/6 10pm Egypt v Uruguay A
3- 16/6 1am Morocco v Iran D
4- 16/6 4am Portugal v Spain A
5- 16/6 8pm France v Australia H
6- 16/6 11pm Argentina v Iceland H
7- 17/6 2am Peru v Denmark H
8- 17/6 5am Croatia v Nigeria H
9- 17/6 10pm Costa Rica v Serbia A
10- 18/6 1am Germany v Mexico H
11- 18/6 4am Brazil v Switzerland H
12- 18/6 10pm Sweden v South Korea D
13- 19/6 1am Belgium v Panama H
14- 19/6 4am Tunisia v England A
15- 19/6 10pm Columbia v Japan H
16- 20/6 1am Poland v Senegal H
17- 20/6 4am Russia v Egypt A
18- 20/6 10pm Portugal v Morocco H
19- 21/6 1am Uruguay v Saudi Arabia H
20- 21/6 4am Iran v Spain A
21- 21/6 10pm Denmark v Australia H
22- 22/6 1am France v Peru H
23- 22/6 4am Argentina v Croatia D
24- 22/6 10pm Brazil v Costa Rica H
25- 23/6 1am Nigeria v Iceland H
26- 23/6 4am Serbia v Switzerland D
27- 23/6 10pm Belgium v Tunisia H
28- 24/6 1am South Korea v Mexico A
29- 24/6 4am Germany v Sweden H
30- 24/6 10pm England v Panama H
31- 25/6 1am Japan v Senegal A
32- 25/6 4am Poland v Columbia D
33- 26/6 12am Saudi Arabia v Egypt A
34- 26/6 12am Uruguay v Russia H
35- 26/6 4am Iran v Portugal A
36- 26/6 4am Spain v Morocco H
37- 27/6 12am Australia v Peru A
38- 27/6 12am Denmark v France A
39- 27/6 4am Iceland v Croatia A
40- 27/6 4am Nigeria v Argentina A
41- 28/6 12am South Korea v Germany A
42- 28/6 12am Mexico v Sweden D
43- 28/6 4am Serbia v Brazil A
44- 28/6 4am Switzerland v Costa Rica H
45- 29/6 12am Japan v Poland A
46- 29/6 12am Senegal v Columbia A
47- 29/6 4am England v Belgium D
48- 29/6 4am Panama v Tunisia A

NuL1F3's picture

A very good day to all!

Sounds like the weekend gone was a good one for tipping! My (maybe not so mighty) Cowboys cost me a perfect score, I usually pick them anyway, usually with an amount of faith that maybe they will bring home a win but loosing against the Eels!!? I picked my team last weekend KNOWING it was a sure thing! Goes to show in this game, nothing is.

My tips for this week:

Rabbitohs, the Eels win last weekend is much more of a crash and burn for the Cowboys than the Eels stepping up in my opinion. All in all the Cows v Eels game was not enjoyable to watch and it feels right that these two teams should duke it out for the wooden spoon this year.

Cowboys, will all that said however, the Cowboys' backs have never been more against the wall, in recent years anyway, and with the changes made to the team (not that I necessarily agree with them) maybe a stronger side will show up to meet the Warriors at 1300 Smiles. Will it be enough to defeat NZ? Honestly I'm thinking no, but as a fan I can't help but believe in my team. They have certainly earned it.

Panthers, can I pick both? I am expecting this game to be a cracker! Should be close but I think ultimately Panthers will have a feed of Roosters.

Bulldogs, I felt Titans were robbed last weekend with poor refereeing, and I'm not usually one to point fingers at the officials. I do think they will definitely bring it to the Bulldogs and we will be gifted with a nail biter of a game with the doggies to only just be in front at the sound of the horn.

Dragons, I'm not expecting Sea Eagles to end their loosing streak this weekend (or the next for that matter) but they have surprised before.

Broncos, my head says Sharks but my gut is telling me Broncos. They fought hard last weekend but were let down in the second half, I'm thinking with Boyd's retirement from rep footy he will be more focused and lead his team to a close victory.

Storm, I'm expecting Storm to continue their winning ways against Knights this weekend.

Raiders, just about another coin toss for me this match up. I expect another close score.

I also want to say thank you to Coach for sharing the streak theory, I found it very interesting and will be keeping a close eye on the teams streaks from here on out. My wife had the nerve to call me 'cute' as I explained the theory to her with keen, perhaps a little boyish, excitement :P

Coach Potato's picture

Good job ‘a’.

Please don’t be shy about joining the World Cup tip for the mere fact you don’t follow the game. Most of you consider yourself pretty up with rugby league, yet still struggle to tip 50% right each week.

A bit of fun, and whoever sneezes at an easy way to win a prize.

Remember, tips in by Thursday midnight. Sorry Thinker (!!!) for not clearing this all with you first. It was very spur of the moment, and thought a minimum 48 hours was needed.

Coach Potato's picture

That’s not what my take on it was, Baggy.

I didn’t read that there would be an increase in sin-bins for reportable offences, I read that there will be an increase in sin-bins balanced by a reduction in nit-picking penalties. Tells me, the ref can bin for anything at any time. Kade Ellis for Panthers got binned for holding down in a regulation set near the half-way. He hadn’t done a thing wrong before that. There was uproar and confusion about the use of the bin in this way, but worryingly seems like it’s going to be the norm.

I really wish refs would stop referring to their role as “police-ing” the rules. Infringements of the rules result in a penalty. Please don’t treat the players like wanted criminals.

BigPeteBx's picture

Many thanks Coach for being able to get W/Cup Tipping going here.
I would have been happy just for a posting page to discuss ad hoc, as I'm not always able to access computer every night.

Truly, I thought you were of retired age and a former teacher/lecturer in maths or statistics. Best wishes for the 48th (not Suzy's Crash).

Cheers - Big Pete in Bx

Coach Potato's picture

NRL site spells it out baggy , and sin bins are for late and high hits + shoulder charges on decoy runners.

No mention of sin bin for diving to have the other player sin binned.

Gallen you now have a license to fall over.

Coach Potato's picture

I’m none of what my monicker describes which kinda proves how easily we all pre judge others

tigerholic's picture

Mark Ashford
Come on mate, Darius may have had an ordinary childhood as far as his father goes but you must admit he has put himself out there, quitting rep footy after being overlooked for game 1.

There is no denial that he has been a great player, as far as my view as a NSW fan, he will always be a grub,
Have a good week Mark.

Tiger

BigPeteBx's picture

Yr a cunning Coach, u r Coach.
Why didn't you touch base with me. I'd have loved to have met you and gone for lunch, or a beer before the game. I never made it to the match.
No doubt you see and feel it here. Friendly site and I would like to catch up with several who might wander this way. Pabdul never did.
Yr not a scourge here, you speak your peace/piece and are well researched. Many appreciate that.

@Doggie and J. Awesome - if you guys are tuning in and reading here, Jock Schrader former Oberon Tigers captain and coach for years, passed away this week. He was a legend in Group 10 Rugby League.

Cheers all and keep well - Big Pete

BigPeteBx's picture

I know you are very patriotic rugby league Mark A.
I thought in our early days of discussion here, that you were a soft spotted Gunners man, even though Portsmouth weren't in Premier League. Oh well, Spurs did well for you this season.
Look out, as their manager is being approached or considered in other areas/clubs, even though Poch has his eyes on a spend up, for next season.
Cheers mate and keep well - Big Pete

mark ashford's picture

Big Pete, Never a Gunners fan just a big interest in Spurs after a couple of London trips. Will always be a RL tragic QLD supporter.
Tiger, Darrius has put himself out there by following Wayne.
Is it so hard to understand this young man was looking for support.
As a NSW supporter living and earning your cash in QLD did you not cheer when he scored tries for the Aussies.
So easy to criticize, but so hard to praise.

mark ashford's picture

Coach your take on the new refs rules has led me to think you are a person who thinks he knows more than anyone in the RL arena.
Real Coachs, players, commentators and anyone else who has a clue has praised the changes. Seriously would you like your playmakers smashed, with no result for the Panthers.
Gotta ask you a question Coach. Have you ever played RL or are you just a keyboard warrior.

Coach Potato's picture

The Coach Approach

1- 15/6 1am Russia v Saudi Arabia H
2- 15/6 10pm Egypt v Uruguay D
3- 16/6 1am Morocco v Iran D
4- 16/6 4am Portugal v Spain H
5- 16/6 8pm France v Australia D
6- 16/6 11pm Argentina v Iceland H
7- 17/6 2am Peru v Denmark A
8- 17/6 5am Croatia v Nigeria A
9- 17/6 10pm Costa Rica v Serbia H
10- 18/6 1am Germany v Mexico A
11- 18/6 4am Brazil v Switzerland H
12- 18/6 10pm Sweden v South Korea D
13- 19/6 1am Belgium v Panama D
14- 19/6 4am Tunisia v England A
15- 19/6 10pm Columbia v Japan H
16- 20/6 1am Poland v Senegal H
17- 20/6 4am Russia v Egypt D
18- 20/6 10pm Portugal v Morocco H
19- 21/6 1am Uruguay v Saudi Arabia H
20- 21/6 4am Iran v Spain A
21- 21/6 10pm Denmark v Australia A
22- 22/6 1am France v Peru H
23- 22/6 4am Argentina v Croatia H
24- 22/6 10pm Brazil v Costa Rica H
25- 23/6 1am Nigeria v Iceland H
26- 23/6 4am Serbia v Switzerland A
27- 23/6 10pm Belgium v Tunisia D
28- 24/6 1am South Korea v Mexico A
29- 24/6 4am Germany v Sweden H
30- 24/6 10pm England v Panama D
31- 25/6 1am Japan v Senegal H
32- 25/6 4am Poland v Columbia A
33- 26/6 12am Saudi Arabia v Egypt A
34- 26/6 12am Uruguay v Russia H
35- 26/6 4am Iran v Portugal D
36- 26/6 4am Spain v Morocco H
37- 27/6 12am Australia v Peru H
38- 27/6 12am Denmark v France A
39- 27/6 4am Iceland v Croatia D
40- 27/6 4am Nigeria v Argentina D
41- 28/6 12am South Korea v Germany A
42- 28/6 12am Mexico v Sweden H
43- 28/6 4am Serbia v Brazil A
44- 28/6 4am Switzerland v Costa Rica H
45- 29/6 12am Japan v Poland A
46- 29/6 12am Senegal v Columbia A
47- 29/6 4am England v Belgium H
48- 29/6 4am Panama v Tunisia A

Coach Potato's picture

6:01 I retracted somewhat.

I thought they were being told to sin bin instead of the nit-picking penalties, thinking you could be binned for standing still.

Looks like now it's for foul play which is fine.
There will be diving going on left right and centre though from certain teams who are coached to win penalties.

More dives than you'll see in a month of Russian Sundays.

mark ashford's picture

Coach I'd like to see foul play, laying on, high shots, late shots etc whichever way the refs see it result in a sin bin.
May just bring Storm and others back to the field.
Don't you want to see a game where the best players win.

Coach Potato's picture

Remember we all don't have to have the same opinions on everything, but we need to be respectful of others right to their own.

If you feel you can't respect others rights, and must resort to the old chestnut of getting personal, then I guess that's something that you need to work on.

newbie from perth's picture

Sa-wat-dee krup,

Running extremely late tonight. And so many posts to read through first. D’oh! Starting to yawn (real early start today) so I’m just gonna get stuck into it…

Eels vs Rabbitohs 20-80 @ ANZ
OK, Baggy’s BOYS did manage a win last week against the odds but nearly let it slip. They won’t be shown the same latitude afforded them last week this time around though. Bunnies are just plain too good for that to happen. Yeah, the Bunnies just managed to scrape in too but it was without Greg, Damo, Angus and Dane. Plus I rate the Titans just a bit (a lot) better than the Eels. I remember saying I was off the Eels until they won and win they did but I can’t consider them here against the Bunnies. Lesser sides I might be tempted but against Souths? Nah, Bunnies for me.

Cowboys vs Warriors 60-40 @ 1300SMILES
On paper you’d expect the Warriors to get home in this one but a few things have me thinking. Did we see an uncharacteristically poor display from the Cowboys last week for some unknown reason? Are they really shot or will they bounce back and start playing for pride at the very least? I tend to think it was just one of those games (it happens to all of ‘em from time to time) and they might just have to move on from it and play some uncomplicated footy (return to basics) and get back on that horse. The wins will come if they do. Pretty confident they have their opportunity this week against the Warriors. Mind you, their record this year at home is nothing to get excited about either. Having said that though, I see the Warriors have lost 11 out of the past 12 at 1300SMILES. I don’t dismiss their chances here as they had a pretty good win last week along with a nice return game from Shaun so who knows. My ratings have the Cows ahead while the bookies have the Kiwis ahead. Tough one this. Dunno, I might give the Cowboys another chance but it’s not sitting too comfortably with me at the moment. OK, Cowboys for me.

Roosters vs Panthers 45-55 @ Allianz
My BBB scraped in by 2 and the Panthers scraped in by 1. Powerhouse displays from both of them. Sheesh! Still waiting for my BBB to show some consistency and for their (obvious) class to start shining but gee they’re making hard work of it. But hey, don’t get me wrong. I’m stoked we won as we all know “a win is a win” and that’s the name of the game in this caper. I’m just hoping our defence can keep those Panthers at bay this week. The Panthers are playing good footy at the moment and this is gonna be a tough one for us to win. Can’t really understand why the bookies have us as the favourites though. My brain is telling me the Panthers but my heart’s telling me the opposite. As they say … “no guts, no glory”. Roosters for me. Begurk! Begurk!

Bulldogs vs Titans 75-25 @ Belmore
Never saw any footage of the Doggies and Dragons match but I’m led to believe the Doggies weren’t too bad, especially in the second half. Watched the Titans play against the Bunnies however and I was impressed. Yeah, the Bunnies were missing personnel but still, they only lost by 2 and at certain stages I thought they’d get up. Based on what I saw, I’m assuming the Titans should win this but only if they play like they did last week. Anything less than that and they can kiss it goodbye. Even though my ratings show otherwise, it’s Titans for me.

Dragons vs Manly 70-30 @ WIN
By all accounts, the Dragons weren’t too impressive against the Doggies last week. Or did the Doggies play better? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again … Manly have me confused. Not sure what’s going on there. I reckon they’re a whole lot better than their results suggest, especially with how well they started last week. But for some unknown reason they just switched off. Yeah, can’t work ‘em out. Honestly, I just can’t seem to think of many “positives” that would entice me to tip them the way they’re travelling at the minute. Just think the Dragons will be too quick and have a bit too much class for the Manly boys this week. Big Red V for me.

Sharks vs Broncos 80-20 @ Southern Cross
Tough win to the Sharks last week. Gee I hate it when the “Cry Baby” (Gallen) scores tries! I thought I was in with a chance when I tipped the Tigers but whatever. But to their credit, the Sharks fought their way back and eventually got up. I think their slow start and subsequent fightback will hold them in good stead (re-focus them) for this match. The Broncos had a sniff last week against the Storm but managed to play themselves out of it. I could be wrong but I don’t think the return of “Jimmy the Jet” this week will help the Broncos’ chances that much. Sharkies for moi.

Knights vs Storm 40-60 @ McDonald Jones
Those Knights eh? They gave my BBB a scare last week. OK, we know the Knights beat the Eels and then nearly beat the Roosters but now they have to face the Storm. That’ll show us where the Knights are at. Interesting stats – the Knights have conceded 113 points in their last 3 losses at home. Watch out boys, a Storm is heading your way! I saw the Storm of old (sorta) return in last week’s clash. Gee they played well. Love watching them when they’re on song. Especially Cameron Munster and Josh Addo-Carr. The Storm will win this.

Tigers vs Raiders 70-30 @ Campbelltown
The Tigers ain’t travelling too well at the moment. Not sure why they’re in this slump of theirs but I do know they’ve only won 2 from their last 8. Mama Mia! I reckon they have a chance to fix that this week. Nearly got me the tipping bickies last week but managed to let it slip. The Tigers have lost a few by skinny margins but the difference with them is they’ve also won some by skinny margins. That may help (mental toughness) if this one gets close. Canberra keep on falling short don’t they? No way they should’ve lost last week (some say) and while there’s some merit in their close losses this year, a loss is still a loss. Wondering what effect these close ones are having. To have any hope in this one they obviously need to forget last week and start playing 80 mins of footy each week. While the Raiders have won 5 of the last 6 against the Tigers, I’m gonna go out on a limb (again) and tip the Tigers here. Will I ever learn?

OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points!

It’s “Song of the Week” time again…

What can I say … it really is a wonderful life!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1ZoHfJZACA

Cheers y’all…

TigerGirl's picture

Thanks for all your kind words and thoughts. Think I’ve got all the favourites this week.

Coach Potato's picture

Padbul

Question asked through a little hole in the fence.

Which hurt more :
A/ Grand Final 2003 Roosters fielding none other than Penrith’s 5/8; or
B/ The 1 v 4 Final 2014, Roosters in front by 6 points with 2 1/2 minutes to go

pabdul's picture

Coach
Both were hard to swallow
I attended both games and I remember waking up in 2003 and it was raining I knew then the Panthers would win just from their different styles of play
We did you a favour by knocking out the dogs who had the best points differential and loved the wet but having said that Penrith were awesome and being minor premiers deserved the win
2014 hurt more especially going out in straight sets and another ex rooster kicking a field goal with such arrogance
But worst was yet to come when we played the preliminary final and led Souths 12 nil and lost
Should be a great game tomorrow
I can’t go as I’m going to the Enmore to see Mondo Rock but when I get home I’ll watch the replay
May the best team win

Coach Potato's picture

Agree, but for your sake hope your Maloney doesn’t seal a one-point win in Golden Point.

pabdul's picture

Actually I remember a roosters v panthers moment that hurts even more. It was in 1991 I was in a tipping comp leading by a single point last round roosters who were pretty bad and were not making the finals or panthers who as we know went on to win their maiden premiership
The girl coming second was a panthers supporter and winner takes all $500 at stake which would be huge to our one income family
Was I willing to do something I had never done before and have never done since and tip against my team.
I did the right thing by a family and did the unthinkable but even to this day it doesn’t sit right .

Baggy_Gee's picture

Just saw the Fiji team, how in all that's good and holy did Kane Evans make it. He's been in trouble, playing like a third grade replacement so who picked the team. Does any other team need a second rower cheap and not to miles in the legs this season.

Baggy_Gee's picture

1- 15/6 1am Russia v Saudi Arabia H
2- 15/6 10pm Egypt v Uruguay A
3- 16/6 1am Morocco v Iran A
4- 16/6 4am Portugal v Spain H
5- 16/6 8pm France v Australia H
6- 16/6 11pm Argentina v Iceland H
7- 17/6 2am Peru v Denmark A
8- 17/6 5am Croatia v Nigeria A
9- 17/6 10pm Costa Rica v Serbia H
10- 18/6 1am Germany v Mexico H
11- 18/6 4am Brazil v Switzerland H
12- 18/6 10pm Sweden v South Korea H
13- 19/6 1am Belgium v Panama H
14- 19/6 4am Tunisia v England A
15- 19/6 10pm Columbia v Japan A
16- 20/6 1am Poland v Senegal A
17- 20/6 4am Russia v Egypt H
18- 20/6 10pm Portugal v Morocco H
19- 21/6 1am Uruguay v Saudi Arabia H
20- 21/6 4am Iran v Spain A
21- 21/6 10pm Denmark v Australia H
22- 22/6 1am France v Peru H
23- 22/6 4am Argentina v Croatia H
24- 22/6 10pm Brazil v Costa Rica H
25- 23/6 1am Nigeria v Iceland H
26- 23/6 4am Serbia v Switzerland D
27- 23/6 10pm Belgium v Tunisia A
28- 24/6 1am South Korea v Mexico D
29- 24/6 4am Germany v Sweden H
30- 24/6 10pm England v Panama H
31- 25/6 1am Japan v Senegal H
32- 25/6 4am Poland v Columbia D
33- 26/6 12am Saudi Arabia v Egypt D
34- 26/6 12am Uruguay v Russia A
35- 26/6 4am Iran v Portugal A
36- 26/6 4am Spain v Morocco H
37- 27/6 12am Australia v Peru H
38- 27/6 12am Denmark v France A
39- 27/6 4am Iceland v Croatia D
40- 27/6 4am Nigeria v Argentina A
41- 28/6 12am South Korea v Germany A
42- 28/6 12am Mexico v Sweden A
43- 28/6 4am Serbia v Brazil A
44- 28/6 4am Switzerland v Costa Rica D
45- 29/6 12am Japan v Poland H
46- 29/6 12am Senegal v Columbia D
47- 29/6 4am England v Belgium H
48- 29/6 4am Panama v Tunisia D

manyana's picture

Hi all, it looks like another few head scratching games again this week.
These are my tips: Warriors, Rabbits, Panthers(with a question mark?) Bulldogs, (not too hopeful) Dragons, Broncos (without much faith), Storm, Tigers (another very hopeful tip).
Good tipping to everyone.
Cheers, manyana.

christine's picture

My tips for rd 15 are
souths
warriors
bulldogs
dragons
sharks
storm
panthers
tigers

BigPeteBx's picture

Hello Coach - my World Cup picks for starters
Thanks Big Pete Bx

1- 15/6 1am Russia v Saudi Arabia - H
2- 15/6 10pm Egypt v Uruguay - D
3- 16/6 1am Morocco v Iran - D
4- 16/6 4am Portugal v Spain - D
5- 16/6 8pm France v Australia - H
6- 16/6 11pm Argentina v Iceland - H
7- 17/6 2am Peru v Denmark - A
8- 17/6 5am Croatia v Nigeria - D
9- 17/6 10pm Costa Rica v Serbia - A
10- 18/6 1am Germany v Mexico - H
11- 18/6 4am Brazil v Switzerland - H
12- 18/6 10pm Sweden v South Korea - H
13- 19/6 1am Belgium v Panama - H
14- 19/6 4am Tunisia v England - A
15- 19/6 10pm Columbia v Japan - H
16- 20/6 1am Poland v Senegal - H
17- 20/6 4am Russia v Egypt - D
18- 20/6 10pm Portugal v Morocco - H
19- 21/6 1am Uruguay v Saudi Arabia - H
20- 21/6 4am Iran v Spain - A
21- 21/6 10pm Denmark v Australia - A
22- 22/6 1am France v Peru - H
23- 22/6 4am Argentina v Croatia - H
24- 22/6 10pm Brazil v Costa Rica - H
25- 23/6 1am Nigeria v Iceland - D
26- 23/6 4am Serbia v Switzerland - A
27- 23/6 10pm Belgium v Tunisia - H
28- 24/6 1am South Korea v Mexico - D
29- 24/6 4am Germany v Sweden - H
30- 24/6 10pm England v Panama - H
31- 25/6 1am Japan v Senegal - H
32- 25/6 4am Poland v Columbia - D
33- 26/6 12am Saudi Arabia v Egypt - A
34- 26/6 12am Uruguay v Russia - H
35- 26/6 4am Iran v Portugal - A
36- 26/6 4am Spain v Morocco - H
37- 27/6 12am Australia v Peru - H
38- 27/6 12am Denmark v France - A
39- 27/6 4am Iceland v Croatia - D
40- 27/6 4am Nigeria v Argentina - A
41- 28/6 12am South Korea v Germany - A
42- 28/6 12am Mexico v Sweden - H
43- 28/6 4am Serbia v Brazil - A
44- 28/6 4am Switzerland v Costa Rica - H
45- 29/6 12am Japan v Poland - A
46- 29/6 12am Senegal v Columbia - D
47- 29/6 4am England v Belgium - D
48- 29/6 4am Panama v Tunisia - A

The Annoying Devil's picture

Hey big Pete
I like your World Cup tips especially game 34 picking the home team is a non losing bet
Uruguay is the listed home team and Russia is the genuine home team

Coach Potato's picture

Hi Thorny Devil
Q? shouldn't the first one to do that one get the credit ?
Anyway, for the sake of the comp, Russia gets to play away here.

Sounds like your entry is also about to hit the "net".
All the best with your aim.

How to remember who's who is to maybe think of the prodigal son.
He Left-HOME to get Right-AWAY.

tigerholic's picture

Howdy Couch
I appreciate your effort to have the soccer comp, I'll give it a miss thanks mate.

Good luck to all that have a go though.

Tiger

Coach Potato's picture

No worries.
We're a sporting nation, and we give anything a crack.
(Although then again we also often tend to say, .. nah bugger it! )

You know, at least you would have had a chance at winning.
My best hope is to win my own money back.

Coach Potato's picture

Did Gerard Sutton miss the refs meeting this week?

Baggy_Gee's picture

He was born an idiot. That was not a knock on by Norman or worth checking the grounding of George Jennings try.

Coach Potato's picture

Pointless going on about how great Reynolds' kicking game is.
He can't put one through the posts to save himself.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Another BS call. If you wave 6 again then you can't go backwards to the knock on, that one on one strip should be our ball. Frigging stupid ref

mark ashford's picture

Coach, my computer ability to cut & paste mark the expected results and get it back on here is sadly lacking. So I hope you don't mind if I pass.
Baggy, your Eels started so well I thought we were in for another upset.
Is Norman staying at the club? Can't fault the effort of most of your players. Souths just too big and too strong.

Baggy_Gee's picture

No idea on Norman, half the fan base seems to blame hit for everything from Australia not existing (a flat earth theory) to us losing games. I think he and Moses need to work out who is the show and who is the boring straight man. I wouldn't be sad to see him go but at the same time he is the player we need, his kicking was mostly good tonight a lot better than Gutherson. Yes South's beat us like most expected but our wide defence let us down badly but we didn't allow them to dominate in the forwards, good points to come out of the game but we are still miles off the pace.

mark ashford's picture

Does anyone else feel sorry for the predicament the surviving Bulldogs players are in?
Des Hasler under the management of Raylene Boyle put in so many back ended contracts affectedly bankrupting the Dogs.
Aaron Woods on a big 3 year deal has to go.
Moses Mbye has to go.
Morris Twins have to go.
Kieran Foran being pushed out.
Dogs have no money to replace them. Who will be their marque players next year.
Heard today the club has had to pay an enormous payout to Hasler for the final years of his contract.
No doubt Raylene Boyle was well compensated for her time.
Surely management & coach should bear responsibility and not be paid for their poor decisions.

Coach Potato's picture

Good questions mark.
Bulldogs are certainly in a mess.
Sea Eagles are not much better off from what info is allowed to pass outside of their boardroom.
Although to be fair, we could list almost every club through the years when it comes to cheating in terms of player roster v the salary cap.

St George planted the back-ending seed with Gasnier's $50k contract in 2010, drafting him back from French rugby to help them win the Premiership, that showed other teams this method could be a highway to immediate success.

I personally, highly doubt they would have won the title without him.
Were they entitled to recruit him in this way, and does their 2010 Premiership show as valid? (and not rorted just as Storm rorted in 07 and 09 via 3rd parties)? Time certainly told that Gasnier had no intention of seeing out his back-ended contract even past 2010, and so the Dragons got away with severely undervaluing his salary that year. The overvalued years they never had to pay out, so got out of cap trouble the following years scott-free. Allowing him to be paid sp little, they were entitled to be in cap trouble for years to come, but they never did.

The NRL should have taken a stand on this from the start and said no, this is just another form of cheating. They didn't. They knew where this would lead clubs in three or four years time. Yet they validated these contracts as legal. Ultimately, I say heads should roll at Headquarters.

Coach Potato's picture

.. not withstanding, the Clubs and to a certain extent, players knew where this would all end up down the track - sure should we feel sorry for teams that fell into the back-ended trap? I can only speak for myself, and I'm currently not requiring the use of Kleenex product.

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