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
Submitted by Coach Potato on
baggy, my belief when teams are doing well, or doing poorly, is not about running, passing, strategy, fitness, mentality. None of those things. I believe it's x-factor.
When teams are doing well, they have players which throw doubt into the opposition defensive line, whether it be imposing size, blistering speed, or crafty inventive ways of fooling the opposition, or all of the above.
To my eye, Parra are missing Radradra more than they want to admit. He surely was their x-factor and yet who is showing the x-factor in his place? I can't say Norman or Moses are scaring anyone. Hayne? Less impact than Thurston these days. Pretty simple, if you don't worry the defence, you don't win. So when will they find another x-factor? I don't have the answer to that one. Can teams just work themselves out of these predicaments without the help of x-factor? Personally, I don't believe so.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
The only place we are going get a new x-factor is from the young guns coming through the rank. I like how Brad is blooding some new kids. Young Mahoney played well last night and the forwards bent the bunnies line quite well. We used those good runs to build off and that is close to the best teams plays. Get the confidence back, allows the bad ref calls to roll off our thick skin, and when we were rolling last night we had the 4th place team on the back foot.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
As if the Qld Origin I team wasn't enough of a shuffle up, not sure what they'll come up with now for Origin II, no Scott, no Morgan.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Maybe add the Napster to that list. That doesn't look good.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Now Campbell-Gillard.
Looks like there could be another 11 debutants for game II
Submitted by Coach Potato on
At least Panthers have shown 14 down is not out of it.
Not thrilled, but not unhappy it's 14.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach I remember the Gasnier thing surely a "cheat" by the Roosters as Gasnier quit at end of season. Should their premiership stand well smarter heads than mine decided yes.
When I said I felt for the Dogs players left standing I was referring to the guys not involved in the back ended deals who would have no idea of the trouble the club was in.
Cows go down again at home, injuries to Morgan & Scott.
Cowboys finished for 2018
Roosters giving the Panthers a touch up so far. Can't see the black cats coming back from this.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Dragons I guess you mean, mark.
Just left a nasty taste having been good enough to sign a 4 year contract , then suddenly retire not injured. I mean did Dragons suddenly no longer need this guy.
Sure , not the Dogs fault individually, or their fans, although Year 7 maths would tell any player signing up that these deals are unpayable past the first couple of years.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Latrell gone.
Is there anyone left?
Can someone injure Maloney while they're at it? He's playing like he's still a Rooster.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
exactly what I said earlier in the week.
Refs are just going to pick any old penalty and say its a sin bin.
They told us it was for head high shots. What a lot of BS.
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
I could not have called the Roosters v Panthers game any more wrong I think. Panthers getting a flogging! I might need to work on my coin flipping!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
cordner cracks us straight across the face. sin bin right ref?
our player had to leave the field to have his face put back together.
oh, just play the ball.
...no worries.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Just as well you had the Cowboys game fully sorted then, NuL1F3.
(how do you pronounce that one btw?)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Too good for us tonight Roosters.
Fluff your chest out and have a good cluck while you can, though.
Come finals we'll be back to de-feather you again.
Submitted by a on
Cowboys are no chance of making finals
Submitted by Coach Potato on
One Cowboy no longer in denial
Submitted by Rick on
Happy Birthday to you Coach cheers. I see you share it with the great Peter Sterling and Craig Fitzgibbon.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Cowboys...what a disappointment.....
Submitted by Coach Potato on
How ironic SP, the comment usually reserved for the Warriors.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning TAD - Game 34, I went for Uruguay, as I feel that two of Uruguay, Russia or Egypt will progress.
I didn't see the match, as I had a funeral to attend yesterday and was later hitting the sack last night. But how good was CR7, this morning, with another hat trick to relieve the pressure and get a draw against Spain.
One never writes off African Nations either, as they are developing and getting better. Not to the standard (yet) of more professional nations/leagues. However, cast our minds back several world cups ago, to Cameroon and Roger Milla. He was a dynamo for them.
Snow expected around these parts tomorrow and the air has a feel of it, already.
Cheers mate, keep well and have a great weekend.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Happy Birthday to you for TODAY, Coach.
Have a good one and keep well.
It is nice to know when some of our members have a birthday here. We don't need the year, just need to remember and acknowledge them.
Fresh enough here this morning, to chill a stubby for you.
Cheers - Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by pabdul on
If you look it up a lot of famous rappers like Tupac ,MC Renn, TK47
and Gnash are born today
Just like you they have a lot to say and and half the time I don’t know what they’re on about
Happy birthday Coach
Submitted by Steel Panther on
You said it Coach!! I'm pi$$ed because I tipped them. I've been waiting all season for the Cowboys to turn it on like the last few weeks of last season but sadly it's never happened. Warriors so hot & cold & with such a poor record in Townsville I honestly thought the Cowboys would win.
Enjoy your day!!
Submitted by christine on
I don't see Panthers winning a grand final playing the way they did last night ...
Submitted by a on
Happy Birthday Coach
Submitted by Coach Potato on
You have to admit SP, Warriors rarely win ugly/ scrappy affairs so last night may be of some significance to the outcome of this season
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hi christine
I think that’s the kind of thing you could say about any team.
Roosters lost 30 - 6 against Warriors
Dragons lost 28 - 2 against Penrith
Warriors lost 50 - 10 against Storm
Storm lost 34 - 14 against Dragons
Sharks lost 40 - 20 against Dragons
I don’t think you can make those calls on just one game, else you’d have no one in the Grand Final.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Nul1F3, I've given up on the coin toss, now I'm just going with my gut feeling. Decided I couldn't do much worse. lol.
Hope your coin gets a few more games up for you.
Cheers, Manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Coach, have a very Happy Birthday.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Coach, Happy Birthday.
Being a Gemini shows in the fact of your sharing ideas and concepts with others.
Star signs are not everyone's 'cup of tea' but if interested check
https://www.horoscopedates.com/zodiac-signs/
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Lets not forget we have Willie Kikau, Josh Mansour, Waqa Blake, and Moses Leota to return in the next month and possibly Dylan Edwards at some stage before the end of the season. We are hardly full strength at the moment, while Roosters appeared to be fielding all ammo.
Just going by the score line of one game and writing off Panthers title hopes is not the thing to do.
Submitted by christine on
Coach I was only commenting on the game last night as I said if that's the way Penrith played then I don't see them winning a grand final from what I saw last night & I am entitled to that opinion I am how ever sure when it does come time for finals footy just like any other club that will also be in finals footy they will all step up a notch or two ...
Submitted by Coach Potato on
yes of course christine that is your opinion and there’s no problem with that. It’s nothing personal. There’s just a difference of opinion here. My opinion is different to yours.
Having a different opinion to someone else isn’t an argument. I get this weird feeling that people on this page assume that it is.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Thanks all for the well wishes. Although my team did go down yesterday, and it should be the day I cop a bit of flack.
I’m pretty sure we have thick skin around here, and can all handle a little lighthearted ribbing about their team or State going down. So how about it? Throw me a barb today. It’s only fair.
Submitted by Mary S on
Well Coach , I'll be the first to say your team put in a dismal performance.
I think even worse than the Cowboys, considering Panthers wins so far!!!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I said I didn’t want to update too often about the soccer but thinking there would be a galaxy more players. As there’s only 4, I don’t mind updating each day.
Baggy - 3/4
a - 2/4
Bx - 2/4
Coach - 1/4
Good luck Australia tonight, even though my tip wants it to end in a draw.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Nice barb Mary S.
I feel much better. I really do.
All this hand-holding on a footy page is just not ... cricket.
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
@Coach, Happy birthday and its pronounced New Life ;)
@Manyana, Yeah I think for me it's the games aren't even as close as I thought they were going to be haha. I did go against my gut with Roosters, my head said Panthers would be too strong. My gut said Titans are back baby!, my head said they don't have what it takes to beat Bulldogs. So you are definitely on to something in regards to listening to your gut and putting the coin back in the purse :P
Though.. My gut said Broncos and... they seem to be chocking in this second half!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
A lot of soft calls for the French in the game, they seem to be weaker than tissue paper, a filthy look and down they go. But the BOYS are going well.
Submitted by a on
Australia are still in it
Submitted by christine on
Coach I"m not making it personal & i'm not saying it to offend you , annoy you or argue with you but panthers didn't play the way I expected them to , but every team has there off days & sometimes it doesn't hurt to lose a game because after all you can only play as good as your opponent lets you so enjoy your birthday coach & don't worry about panthers they'll come good ...
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hi christine
Appreciate you clearing the air.
I agree, players like Maloney were off.
His 2nd intercept pass in three games, and then he is suddenly scared to pass the ball at all. How can you win like that ? They need to improve no doubt.
If I was coach, I would switch Maloney to 7 and Cleary to 6.
The way Panthers play, 7 more often passes to 6 (ie. 7 takes himself out of the play by giving it to 6), so would rather its Maloney giving it off to Cleary than vice-versa. I also think the leading pointscorer of 2017 should be taking the kick at goal. Maloney has missed a few this year that Cleary just wouldn't have.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
If you are interested in Streak Theory anymore than thinking it's absolute dribble, check out last week's table compared to this week's table.
Last week
1st Rabbitohs .... 10
2nd Panthers ...... 9
Eq3rd Sharks ......... 8
Eq3rd Dragons ...... 8
_________________
5th Roosters ..... 7
6th Broncos ...... 6
Eq7th Storm ......... 5
Eq7th Tigers ......... 5
Eq7th Warriors .... 5
Submitted by Coach Potato on
If you are interested in Streak Theory anymore than thinking it's absolute dribble, check out last week's table compared to this week's table.
Last week
1st Rabbitohs .... 10
2nd Panthers ...... 9
Eq3rd Sharks ......... 8
Eq3rd Dragons ...... 8
_________________
5th Roosters ..... 7
6th Broncos ...... 6
Eq7th Storm ......... 5
Eq7th Tigers ......... 5
Eq7th Warriors .... 5
Submitted by Coach Potato on
.. This week
1st Rabbitohs …. 11
2nd Dragons …. 10
3rd Panthers …. 9
--------------------
E4th Roosters …. 8
E4th Sharks ….. 8
6th Warriors ….. 7
7th Broncos ….. 6
8th Storm ……. (*5 if they lose tomorrow, 6 if they win)
9th Tigers …. 5
#Dragons come back up into 2nd
#Roosters and Warriors continue their streak and move up.
#Broncos only start a new streak this week so will need to win next week to jump up.
Submitted by Tailspin on
Happy Birthday Coach, good to see you back. To all the cowboys fans, no finals this year. maybe good contenders for the spoon though. Something very very wrong up there at the moment. Next origin will be interesting with all the injuries happening.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Thanks Tailspin.
Prodigal Son stuff alright.
Spurned upon leaving, lauded upon return.
Submitted by a on
Yeah I agree with you Tailspin Cowboys are contenders for the wooden spoon along with Eels Bulldogs and Manly hopefully we finish above all 3 clubs
Submitted by Coach Potato on
What my table as shows is Storm are well off the pace this year, but only believers in the Streak would think so. They are only half the score of the leader with 10 games to go. Unless they go on a big long streak very soon, they will not finish top3. They will not win the comp. They are even a good chance of missing the top 8. They would be nice odds to miss the finals, newbie. Even today, I wonder if the Knights at home knew that Storm were on the brink of skipping September, could they win at juicy odds this afternoon ?
The other one for me is Panthers. They need to start another streak immediately. Roosters and Warriors are hot on their heels, and they could be out of the prized top 3 by as early as next week. (christine's intuition says this just might happen)
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Agreed in regards to Cowboys season, in truth (and in hindsight), that loss handed to us by the Eels was the final nail in the coffin. Certainly not the final season JT would have wanted but maybe now the boys can just get out there and have some fun playing the game they love. They might even cause a few upsets along the way just to keep everyone honest.
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