Round nine selections

Three things The Thinker learned in round eight

I thought the Broncos had a future star in Tevita Pangai Jnr, and they probably do, but the star of Payne Haas will shine brighter still.
If the salary cap penalty doesn't de-rail the Sea Eagles season their home ground will.
Two high profile AFL coaches are under scrutiny at the minute. There is no doubt in my mind that the scrutiny would be much harsher if we were talking about two high profile NRL coaches.

Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Thursday night – Suncorp Stadium

Andrew McCullough returns early from an elbow issue – he's either a quick healer or a sucker for punishment. The timing is fortuitous with Josh McGuire likely to miss six weeks with an ankle injury. If McCullough plays and lasts the 80 minutes I think the Broncos can get home, but don't be surprised if Klemmer or Woods decide to give his elbow a decent workout. The only time the Bulldogs have looked good this season was against the Cowboys, and that form is questionable at best.

Verdict – Broncos by 8

Result – Broncos 22 defeated Bulldogs 20

Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – McDonald Jones Stadium

What makes the Knights impressive start to the season all the more impressive is that they've played just two of their first eight games at home. They haven't lost in Newcastle yet (beating Manly and Brisbane) so we can expect a bumper crowd on Friday night. Mitchell Pearce won't be there but it didn't stop them last week, but beating the Bunnies looks a tougher challenge than beating the Sea Eagles. The Bunnies have played some good footy over the last month. They might have won just two of their last four, but narrow losses to the Dragons and the Broncos isn't bad form. Hard to split these two but...

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 2

Result – Rabbitohs 36 defeated Knights 18

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday night – Carrington Park (Bathurst)

BigPete country hosts another NRL game this Friday night and there'll be a chill in the air the Cowboys haven't had to contend with in season 2018 thus far. The injuries are mounting for Penrith with Dylan Edwards unavailable for an extended period. Watene-Zelezniak borrows the number one jersey in the interim. Peter Wallace returns at hooker and brings maturity, solid defence and a kicking game. These sides met in round four and the Panthers won in a canter (33-14) on Townsville. The Cowboys have improved since then but I doubt they've improved enough.

Verdict – Panthers by 4

Result – Cowboys 26 defeated Panthers 20

Canberra Raiders vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday afternoon – GIO Stadium

These two met back in round one where the Raiders appeared to have the game in hand but were run down in the last ten minutes. That was quite the trend for Canberra for a while. They've been a more complete outfit in the last month, winning three from four including two at home where they conceded just 12 points. I expect they'll win again.

Verdict – Raiders by 10

Result – Raiders 32 defeated Titans 18

New Zealand Warriors vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Mt Smart Stadium

The Warriors are back at home where they have lost just once this season. The last time they played at Mt Smart was probably their most impressive – a 20-12 victory over the Dragons and a defensive effort we almost never see across the dutch. The Warriors also welcome back Shaun Johnson, Tohu Harris and Solomone Kata this weekend...handy inclusions. They've had plenty of time to bounce back from that big loss to the Storm on ANZAC Day and bounce back they will.

Verdict – Warriors by 4

Result – Warriors 26 defeated Tigers 4

Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday night – Southern Cross Group Stadium

The Eels scored six points or less four times through the early rounds of the season, but in the last fortnight they've racked up 68 points in attack. Things are starting to gel. The Sharks have named Wade Graham but a fitness test beckons – I expect he will start. Josh Dugan has four-six weeks to find some skin to ink while his foot heels, with Valentine Holmes slotting in at fullback. Holmes has made no secret of his desire to play there permanently. He'll leave Cronulla if he has to, so look for a bold showing as he tries to secure a new contract somewhere. These sides met in round three where the Sharks won 14-4, but I think the Eels have lifted since then. Visiting teams rarely come away from Cronulla on a Saturday night with a win but...

Verdict – Eels by 4

Result – Sharks 22 defeated Eels 20

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday afternoon – Jubilee Oval

It's clearly the game of the round but those without pay television will miss out (seriously Channel Nine...Thinker shakes head). Both teams come to this game well rested after dominant performances on ANZAC Day. The Dragons are unchanged from last week and have been virtually unchanged all season. Clearly luck with injuries plays a part in a teams success but it's much more than that with the Red V. Much much more. The last two weeks from the Storm have been freaking unbelievable, and it blows my tiny tiny mind that I'm not tipping them. Why you may ask. No Jesse Bromwich and no Tim Glasby is why. This Dragons pack is a ripper, and with a home crowd pushing them on I think they can win that tussle. What a game though (seriously Channel Nine...Thinker shakes head).

Verdict – Dragons by 1

Result – Dragons 34 defeated Storm 14

Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – Allianz Stadium

Trent Barrett has been scouring garage sales and gumtree looking for footballers and has managed to cobble together a team of seventeen for this weekend. It may very well include Jackson Hastings, which is probably the most interesting thing about this game. The Roosters have had a few extra days to prepare for this, and their performance against the Dragons wasn't bad. They probably can't win a premiership, but they're good enough to win this.

Verdict – Roosters by 10

Result – Roosters 22 defeated Sea Eagles 20

Wally Lewis - round nine selections (in bold)

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

BRONCOS vs Bulldogs
Knights vs RABBITOHS
PANTHERS vs Cowboys
RAIDERS vs Titans
WARRIORS vs Tigers
Sharks vs EELS
Dragons vs STORM
ROOSTERS vs Sea Eagles

Comments

Submitted by a on Fri 4/5/18 - 10:04am AEST

Yeah Broncos should be near the bottom not the 8

Submitted by Baggy_Gee on Fri 4/5/18 - 10:11am AEST

Pete, is BX like Western QLD, Dry in winter means cold nights starting early or is it going to mild but nippy i.e. 8-10C?

Submitted by Mary S on Fri 4/5/18 - 12:06pm AEST

Got a lisp there newbie - loved "May The 4th Be With You!"

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Fri 4/5/18 - 5:25pm AEST

Hey Baggy G - hows it doin, apart from our teams in peaks and troughs, mine in a deep trough at times - lately.
Bx Country is cold Winters and hot Summers and some times, we can get a fog right through to 2pm, if it lifts.

Today, the showers have gone before 12pm, but the air is crisp/cold and we've had a wind for most of the day. So if JT has his remote control with radar working, he might bang a few over, from all over Carrington Park. Nice ground it is, but can get slippery, as a dew sets. Always curated for big time TV viewing. With the air the way it is, there'll be some sting in those tackles.

@Newbie - no probs Bro. I'm not going to the match, as I've had a couple of cold night walks in the past month and trying to shake a nasally congestion off. I'll sit back and think of some friends there - freezing their udders off. Have a beer and watch it, like my good friends at Thinker site. Maybe a wine later, like the girls here.

Gotta move and get my EPL tips in for this round, as there is a match from UK at 4.55am in the morning. Two rounds to go and she's finished for EPL for another season.The Gunners fans here, so sorry to see, that you are out of Europa Cup having gone down this morning and beaten by aggregate. Wenger had his moments, but very experienced to the last day.

Cheers - Big Pete in Bx Country.

Submitted by Steel Panther on Fri 4/5/18 - 5:31pm AEST

Big Pete will you be at the game at Carrington Park tonight? I hope to be watching couch side after also watching the Knights v Bunnies game. I see you are quite a trek from the Sydney CBD.

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Fri 4/5/18 - 5:42pm AEST

Nah Steely - as I mentioned to Baggy G a moment ago. I'll sit at home this year. Shakin off a nasally congestion. Air cons at work and then out in cool air, doesn't help much either.
Mate - I love Sydney, to visit. Can be, or is a rat race otherwise.
Big trek for Cowboys this week, but they've been looked after, getting about with junior sessions and schools.

XPT train to Bx is around 3.5 - 4hrs. Drive by car 3 to 3.5hrs. From Penrith to Bx can do it in 2.5hrs. Nice viewing (Blue Mntns and the ecology) and new stretches of road have been laid and widening keeps occurring more and more. Always roadwork or trackwork taking place, so it has to get better. The tourism out this way is a boomer.

Cheers mate and keep well - Big Pete in Bx Country.

Submitted by Baggy_Gee on Fri 4/5/18 - 6:28pm AEST

The only whine on this site will be the qld'ers this year. But NSW will be up the creek if they pick that clown from the broncos for a centre position. I reckon new blood both sides, the old guard from the south don't deserve a game and if QLD don't blood the new'uns then it will be to late. Enjoy a cold one Pete, I'm chineseing and scotching for the game tonight.

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri 4/5/18 - 9:53pm AEST

Bl00dy hell that was a tough watch!!! Cowboys nearly self destructed after a handy 1st half lead.

Submitted by Mary S on Fri 4/5/18 - 10:04pm AEST

That was a hell of a second half to watch - so far this season Panthers have come back strong and I dreaded that Cowboys might lose.
A great result for Cowboy fans!!!

Submitted by a on Fri 4/5/18 - 10:17pm AEST

Yeah to see Cowboys back bring on the West Tigers

Submitted by Graham on Fri 4/5/18 - 10:36pm AEST

Hey Mary, any update with your comment Re: TigerGirl being late with her tipping last round?

Submitted by Mary S on Sat 5/5/18 - 7:53am AEST

Hi Graham - The Thinker has sorted it and all is as it should be.
Cheers

Submitted by Tailspin on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:00am AEST

Good to see the cowboys have a better game Mary. Still got a lot of improving to do. a I cant believe you backed against them. I suppose I can't blame you on their past performances. I actually backed the Panthers then give myself 10 uppercuts and changed its to cowboys. ????

Submitted by Mary S on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:41am AEST

It's all good 'Tailspin'. I nearly did the same as 'A'
I considered the way Panthers first half has been this season, thought if Cowboys could pour on the points in that time they had a chance with their current play.

I have to say it was great seeing more of the 'spark' back in Cowboys play last night. Hopefully this is their 'turn-around' match.

Cheers to all

Submitted by Binksway on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:42am AEST

Tigers and knights have improved the most and shocked teams early. Both have greatly improved attack. Going forward the Opposition has studied their defensive weaknesses and they will now be exploited. Both will have better years than 17. But neither will be a end of year top 4 contender. Storm will beat both of them if they meet again.

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:44am AEST

Good Saturday morning Baggy, Mary S and Tailspin.
I hope the chow and scotch night was nice for you, Baggy.
Also, meant to mention in last post - Bathurst can have very wet Winter's, but what is rain lately.

@Mary S and Tailspin - I sensed a Cowboys win in Bx last night and I tipped it also. First Panthers try, they should have bungled him over the sideline, before he even cut in to score. I was also dreading those closing minutes. However, credit due to Cowboys, as they would have been tired. I read where after three flights and a coach trip, players and supporters eventually arrived here on Thursday.

Nice and cutting in the air this morning.
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete in Bx Country

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:57am AEST

Yes Anonymous, whatever your real name is.
Talk about trying to throw it away. Just soft stuff, where long runs should have been nipped earlier. That would have cut down the build up of what was and could have been.
Never fear though, I don't mind the old Panthers/Choc Soldiers. They did it hard for years, we even had some players come over the B/Mntns and play in Group 10.
But as I once said/remarked to a departed (Panthers Potato) one from here, never forget, or underestimate what country football can do, or produce and don't forget The Amco Cup and who won that first cup, against Mike Stephenson and the then known as Chocolate Soldiers, from Penrith.

Cheers and keep well - have a great weekend ALL.
Big Pete from Bx Country

Submitted by a on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:59am AEST

Yep I did tip against the Cowboys because of their recent preformance I think I might back them next week against the Tigers

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 9:14am AEST

Morning 'a',
Oooohhhh, big prediction that for next week. I'd prefer to tip Cows at home, but that match next week is programmed for Leichhardt Oval, next Thursday night. Tigers are a steady bet when playing at their original home ground. They pack the rafters out and is much like Penrith Park of old - a graveyard for visiting teams.

Which also reminds me of The A Comp, which we all enjoyed being in.
Was last nights match the decider for A Comp, if Cowboys won and were picked accordingly?

Cheers mate, have a great weekend and keep well
Big Pete from Bx Country.

Submitted by Tailspin on Sat 5/5/18 - 9:30am AEST

Hey big pete. I am very concerned with JT at the moment, his kicking game is way off and he always looks tired. Maybe old age is catching up with him. Maybe they need to concider having him as a bench player to let morgan take his role. I think this is JTs last year so they need to get the ongoing players more time to ween JT out.

Submitted by Tailspin on Sat 5/5/18 - 9:42am AEST

Hey Graham, I personally think that professional fouls are 10 in the bin and should probably even go to 15 in the bin and that would definitely hurt the team. As far as the refs are concerned, I think that 1 ref is enough with the inclusion of if he is uncertain if its a try he says that and the bunker checks everything and makes the call. Also if they see any indiscretions including a forward pass that they can call on that. Its very disappointing for players and fans when you can plainly see this and no one can rule on it. Why can't they rule on it when they can plainly see it on the big screen. It just doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever.

Submitted by Mary S on Sat 5/5/18 - 10:07am AEST

Hi Pete,
If you go to 'The Lounge' at the top of the page, click on the 'A' comp, you will find that 'The Thinker' closed the comp when the 3 remaining players all crashed out in round 8.

Cheers down there in the cold country - it is to be a balmy 29 -30d in Ingham today!!!
Mary

Submitted by a on Sat 5/5/18 - 10:28am AEST

Yeah the Thinker did close the comp down with 3 players remaining

Submitted by Baggy_Gee on Sat 5/5/18 - 12:40pm AEST

Look Nathan Brown needs to be given credit for his work at the knights. They are doing a lot better than people thought.

Submitted by Steel Panther on Sat 5/5/18 - 6:36pm AEST

I have to confess that last night's post by Anonymous was me Big Pete. Have no idea what happened there as I was still logged in from my previous post asking you if you were going to the game. Like you I felt an upset may be on the cards and tipped the Cowboys but it was a hard watch as the Panthers had a strong 2nd half!!!

Half time in the Warriors v Tigers game with the Warriors up 12-4.

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 7:43pm AEST

Evenin Tailspin.
Many are concerned about JT and I feel he is still carrying injuries, that is why he's been playing spasmodically. I could be wrong, but maybe The Cows doc could tell us. No, don't want that, as he'll be done sooner than what we expect. Good point with being a "benchy", but he has skills to teach others and went ok last night.
For starters, any young goal-kickers out there, should follow him everywhere he goes at training and see what they pick up.
From what I am led to believe, down here in NSW Taily, JT retires at seasons end. JT is one Qld player, I like. Funny bugger to listen to in interviews and that laugh/smile.

Cheers Champ and keep well - Big Pete (getting ready for A-League Grand Final in Newcastle).

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 7:44pm AEST

True Baggy with N. Brown - Knights are also going a hell of a lot better than last year. They'll truly miss Pearce, like my Eagles miss their trifecta.
Cheers Champ - Big Pete

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 7:50pm AEST

No more refs Graham, please no more. There's enough running around now, getting in each others road. Go back to former days, if need be, when there was no video evidence or technology to correct things.
The refs were only humans in those days and called what they saw, if they saw it. Look at what its done to EPL in UK, where the ref runs to the sideline, to get a preview on things, before he calls the shot/decision.
Today The Bunker is run on advertising and a slow play, so players can catch their breath back and the field refs, stop those in the bunker, from eating all their KFC on them.

Cheers and keep well - Big Pete

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 7:57pm AEST

Thanks Mary - appreciate that update. The truth is, I hadn't looked in there for a couple of weeks.
She's cool down here, it must have been zero minimum, this morning.
R u in Ingham, as I thought you were a Townsville resident.
Nice temps to have.
Wasn't Ingham where Kerry Boustead came from.
Cheers and keep well/warm.
Big Pete

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:00pm AEST

No furries Steely.
Yes mate, I was kicking the ball, with the players, if nothing else.
Warriors up and won.
Cheers Champ - off to get into A-League G/Final, after posting my Thinker scriptures.
Big Pete

Submitted by Steel Panther on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:16pm AEST

Enjoy the final Big Pete. It's live on another channel here but I'm sticking with the Sharks v Eels match. I actually played football all my life but the theatrics in the game these days has spoiled it for me. While I love football I struggle to watch a full match & would choose an NRL game over a soccer game anyday. Go Newcastle!!! I dislike Muscat immensely. One of the biggest thugs to lace a boot!!
Cheers Pal

Submitted by Mary S on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:21pm AEST

Hi Pete
Enjoy your A-League G/Final
I have family in both Townsville & Ingham, so wonder between the two (about 1 1/2 hrs drive), assisting family/grandchildren where required!!

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:28pm AEST

Hey Steely - yes mate, I know the feeling. Actors, divers ruins the game, but I still love it and my teams.
Yes, I'm on the Jets but I see they're down 1 nil. Nothing new for Jets, as that's been their style all year coming from behind. A young lad, when he was, his mother went to school with Nick Topor-Stanley's mum. Nicks a legend in A-League, having played with Wanderers before heading o/seas and back here.
Oh yes Steely, K. Muscat was a hacker of a defender, ruthless in his playing days. Had the reputation and its following him with his style, today.
Archie Thompson (ex Victory and Socceroo) comes from Bx Country and Nathan Burns who played with Phoenix came from nearby us here.
Cheers - gotta get a look in.
Big Pete

Submitted by BigPeteBx on Sat 5/5/18 - 8:31pm AEST

Both nice places Mary - been to both, quite a number of years ago now.
Yr a good grand-mother and nice to have them these days. World is changing and so are the ideals.

Any word on Christine lately, she's a quiet lass at the moment.
Hope she's ok!
Keep well - Cheers - Pete

Submitted by a on Sat 5/5/18 - 9:27pm AEST

Sharks only just hold on

Submitted by Mary S on Sat 5/5/18 - 9:42pm AEST

Christine posted a comment Pete on pg1 in Round 8, to say treatment is due about 16th May.

@ Christine - Do hope this treatment goes well for you and it improves your situation.

@ Baggy - your boys certainly came back late in the second half for a tight finish.
Cheers to all - Mary

Submitted by Rocket Ryan on Sun 6/5/18 - 9:09am AEST

Tigerholic it's a good job you support the Broncos and not your own team very often you'd hardly have any points speaking of good Losers I imagine you and Baggy getting for your annual flogging at the hands of the Maroons we can only wonder what that feels like do we feel sorry for you no in the short answer.
I was interested to see the Eels make a big thing of that come back fair dinkum the Sharks clocked off after the Valentine Holmes no try I don't think the Eels were ever a chance.

Submitted by christine on Sun 6/5/18 - 12:40pm AEST

Mary & Big pete : My treatment date is may 16th but it won't improve my situation as there is no cure , if anything they are hoping to just stabilise my ms & slow down a decline in my condition but with everything in life there are no guarantees , thanks for keeping me in your thoughts Christine ...

Submitted by Baggy_Gee on Sun 6/5/18 - 1:08pm AEST

Ryan your right, same as the Manly game. Are we in the hunt or are we just able to polish beaten teams off. As we proved the last three weeks we have the physical game to score points and compete, but we still have a soft mental game. I was upset to hear Moses was upset after missing the goal to tie it all up. Passion is great and to be sad after a loss is how the great teams stay sharp, but to feel like it is all your fault? There was 16 others on the field so it doesn't come down to just one man. Cry with frustration from what could have been, not because "you lost that game".

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun 6/5/18 - 2:55pm AEST

The NRLs most pedantic referee Matt Checchin & his co-pilot are ruining the game of the round. Melbourne robbed of a fair dinkum try & go into the sheds at halftime 12-4 down.

Submitted by Steel Panther on Sun 6/5/18 - 3:01pm AEST

Geez I'm posting as Anonymous again!!! Very disappointed with refereeing in the 1st half. Melbourne on the wrong side of several poor calls. Hope it doesn't affect the result.

Submitted by christine on Sun 6/5/18 - 3:09pm AEST

Newbie from perth I have to say I for one miss your rhetorical qestions , could you please slot them back in at the bottom of your tips please ...

Submitted by Baggy_Gee on Sun 6/5/18 - 4:35pm AEST

It's always nice to hear grub Smith losing.

Submitted by Mary S on Sun 6/5/18 - 5:54pm AEST

Roosters/Manly a lot closer than was anticipated 22/20 with 3 mins to go!!

Submitted by tigerholic on Sun 6/5/18 - 5:55pm AEST

Well done Rocket, 8/8 is a great effort.

Tiger

Submitted by mark ashford on Sun 6/5/18 - 6:48pm AEST

Baggy Gee
Just as I'm about to start liking you again and feeling sorry for another Eels loss you come out with another pathetic comment about Cam Smith.
Well done the Dragons, a good win.

Submitted by a on Sun 6/5/18 - 6:50pm AEST

Well that kicked Evans missed from infront was the difference

Submitted by mark ashford on Sun 6/5/18 - 6:59pm AEST

Just watched the Manly/Roosters game.
Not a lot of skill shown but physical as all get out.
Both teams went at it big time. Thought that Roosters were best when Jared W-H was on the field.
DCE threw at least 5 forward passes only pinged for 1.
Gould said "touchies" now ruling on the 10 must be too hard to see those forwards as well. Talk about walking and chewing gum at the same time.

Submitted by The Thinker on Sun 6/5/18 - 9:25pm AEST

Greetings football fans

I have updated the tipping comp and the NRL ladder. Congrats to the always fabulous Mary S and the occasionally fabulous Rocket Ryan – perfect scores from both of them in round nine.

I will have the round ten tipping page up and running shortly. My previews and tips should be done by Tuesday.

All the best

Submitted by tigerholic on Sun 6/5/18 - 9:29pm AEST

Well done Mary S, great effort.