Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Thursday night – AAMI Park
Both teams lose plenty of troops to game three of Origin but the Storm look better placed to deal with it. James Graham is a collosus but he is just one man, and most of his usual forward pack won't be there with him. Ben Hunt was 'dropped', but stays on the bench for Queensland. The Dragons pack has been one of their key strengths this season, while the Storm will lose just the one back-rower to Origin duty (Kaufusi). The Dragons don't have a great record in Melbourne at the best of times. I'm no Charles Dickens, but this looks the worst of times for the Dragons to be facing off against the purple machine. The Storm get an opportunity to peg back the lead of the premiership front-runner, and they'll take it.
Verdict – Storm by 13
Result – Storm 52 defeated Dragons 30
Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors – Friday night – Penrith Stadium
Is Hook about to get hooked? The Panthers are undertaking the dreaded mid-year review even though they are in the top four. Some may see that as an over-reaction, but their last two games have been ordinary, their one point win over the Raiders was fortuitous, and 11 of their 15 games this season have been against teams outside the top eight. There aren't many teams in the top eight that look like they could slide out of finals contention from here, but the Panthers are a candidate. They'll be without much of their playmaking prowess on Friday night too, with Cleary, Maloney and Peachey on Origin duty. Meanwhile the Warriors are near enough to full strength, and showed enough last week against the Sharks to suggest they can get the job done here.
Verdict – Warriors by 8
Result – Panthers 36 defeated Warriors 4
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Belmore Sports Ground
The Bulldogs showed some of that traditional Bulldogs spirit last week with a thumping win over the Knights. Unfortunately their best player in that game was Klemmer (who carted the ball for 200 metres and gave his all), and he won't be playing this weekend. The Raiders are losing plenty of close games this season, but games are (usually) won by teams that score the most points. Only the top two teams on the ladder have scored more points than the Raiders this season, while only two teams have scored less than the Bulldogs this season ( the Eels and the Tigers). Without Klemmer they'll have even less opportunities to be in a position to score points, and the Bulldogs need more opportunities to score than most.
Verdict – Raiders by 8
Result – Raiders 32 defeated Bulldogs 28
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos – Sunday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium
The Titans probably can't make the top eight this season, but they're good enough to create nuisance value for every team they come up against. They lose a fair chunk of their engine room to Origin with Wallace and Arrow suiting up for QLD, although it looks like Ryan James will now be available. The Broncos lose Wallace and McCullough which weakens them in the middle and they also lose Oates – his runs and yards early in the tackle count will be missed too. I'm sticking with the Broncos who have plenty to play for and plenty of big game experience to draw on despite the absence of their Origin players. This should be tight though, and given the weather and timeslot I think this is the game of the round.
Verdict – Broncos by 2
Result – Broncos 34 defeated Titans 0
Wally Lewis - round sixteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- STORM vs Dragons
- PANTHERS vs Warriors
- BULLDOGS vs Raiders
- TITANS vs Broncos
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Three games down - one team scored 30 and lost and another team scored 28 and lost.
Unusual.
Submitted by Mary S on
Well, with 4 minutes to go I thought Bulldogs had caused that upset NuLif3 was mentioning earlier. Got one heck of a surprise to come back to my computer and see the final score.
Hardyards, Jack.Starky and Tigergirl are off to a good start this round.
Cheers to all
Mary
Submitted by a on
Raiders made a great comeback in the final 5 minutes
Submitted by Coach Potato on
There’s no rhyme of reason if it’s true that the rampaging Panther’s coach is out of favour, while the hapless Bulldog’s and Eel’s coaches have secure ongoing employment.
Hard to think of a third Dally M Coach of the Year nominee. I can only think it’s a race in two, Seibold or Griffin. Given the Panthers massive injury toll, you would lean towards Griffin. In his 3rd year at the club he’s on track to take his team to finals wk2 or better for the 3rd straight year. Hard to ask much more.
Seibold in his 1st year has turned virtually the same cellar dwelling team around to be currently top4.
You really would think they were mad if someone told you either of these two were getting tapped on the shoulder.
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
Hi Mary, what a crazy game that was! Boy did the Doggies look powerful out there! Certainly a theme for this weekend it seems.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Coach you left out Nathan Brown. He is still dealing with the same issues as well and keeping them off the bottom of the table. An easy job you say when wevhave stuck ourselves like a barnacle there.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
https://coupler.foxsports.com.au/api/v1/article/amp/nrl/nrl-premiership/...
Manly hooker, Manase Fainu.
Charged with allegedly filming himself having sex earlier this year. He then posted it on social media - so no allegedly there. That happened. The sex was allegedly conscentual but the filming not.
Fainu faced court in May but was adjourned to August. The matter being dealt with under part of the Mental Health Act. It was not a plead of not guilty.
So Manly were all over this from way back, but decided to let him debut v Penrith. Not to say he was man of the match, but no doubt he helped his team win the game.
Another NRL player who has helped take competition points away from other clubs.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Baggy I just wouldn’t class ‘not’ winning the spoon yet again as the Dally M coach of the year.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
What a great game this morning in the wee small hours - Russia v Croatia. Watch the highlights if you get a chance.
Pete, the Russians first goal must be up there with the sweetest plays of all time, controls and beats the defender with the first touch, then turns a soccer ball into an arrow with the second.
Exciting shootout at the end as well, as they are.
a, baggy, and Pete -
11/7 FRA v BEL
12/7 ENG v CRO
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good Sunday morning Coach, 'a' and Baggy.
Top shot at that Coach. Has been a couple of good, outside of box, long range shots, that have resulted in goals.
I watched the England v Sweden game and thought the ref, handled it pretty much A1, to get a look in for either semi, then final.
Needless to say, the cards had to be shown later, as some cheap dirt, had crept in. Otherwise, he kept the game flowing.
Cheers and enjoy your Sunday - up here, it is nice and fresh and great for ice creams or sundaes on a Sunday. Even some snow around the district. The Nth Qld'ers would love it!
Keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Pete - I probably wouldn't have enough winter woollies these days for your climate!!
How are the eyes since your last op?
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hello Mary - very icy out here at the moment. I've just returned inside from getting some "fresh air".
Thanks for asking about the eyes - truly a thought that some go through and you hadn't forgotten. I'm still on three lots of drops and return to surgeon tomorrow week. Biggest hurdle I have is, I'm given two new eyes, but require new specs, only for reading or computer. At present with computer, I can see better without the specs.
In for script test (glasses/specs) this week, before surgeons visit.
I will say to any out there, who haven't had the procedure done - yet. The op is approx 20mins in duration and you are awake to it all. The eye area, is well sedated and you feel nothing, except in the wallet or bank account, after your claims are done. That is, if you aren't retired/pension, but it is then when you have to go on waiting list, unless privately covered. I could detail all other, some other way to you all, but remember foremost, that funds and professional costs, continue to increase. Many I know say, show me a better health care system in this world. My out of pocket, could have taken me on say 3 or 4 trips to London & return, but you cant buy your eyesight.
Keep well Mary and all - Big Pete
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Well given that coaches like Green, Bellamy, and Bennett are always mentioned as coach of the year due to stacked rosters and premierships it needs to go to coaches who improve the group of players they have to exceed the expectations of the population. So (Dad) Cleary has lifted the Tigers well, I agree Griffin has done the same with many injuries and rep duties and Brown has kept the Knights from self-destructing after Pearce went down for the season.
Submitted by Mary S on
Interesting now Baggy, to go back to TAD's 2018 Nostrademon competition and see who we thought might be coach of the year, the top and bottom 8, and the possible grand finalists.
I was way off!!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Coach Potato on
So Broncos win well and move to 22, 4 points of equal 1st, 2 points off equal 3, and still 6 points clear of the nearest chaser.
The top8 may look sorted a whole two months out, but the formation of the 8 certainly isn’t (imo)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Baggy, dury is out for me on the Tigers season so far. Sure it has been better than previous years, some games belying their cattle, but still, not making finals yet again, I would have thought, was not the expectation of the Tigers hierarchy.
Submitted by a on
Yes anyone could win
Submitted by mark ashford on
"so the Broncs win well" your only comment Coach after a 34/nil win over the Titans at their home. Many of our tippers picked the Titans.
You always complain when no one congratulates your Panthers usually directed to myself & Rocket.
Have a look at those young Broncs coming through makes a mockery of your previous comment about Broncs recruitment.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thinker & TLH
I'm off to Fraser Island next week for a week or so of fishing, drinking, eating, worming, eating, drinking & maybe a little fishing.
Can you please put these in for me.
Round 18 Panthers, Knights, Rabbits, Storm, Raiders, Broncos, Dragons. Roosters
Round 19 Eels, Sharks, Broncos, Titans, Rabbits, Cowboys, Storm, Roosters.
Thank you and good luck to all with their tips.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Yeah quite right Mark we got some nice talent coming through interesting the Titans couldn't post a point against us
Submitted by The Thinker on
Will do Mark
Have a great holiday
Submitted by christine on
Mark enjoy your trip & stay safe ...
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I’m the only one who said anything at all, and you require to take aim at me? How ungrateful. Should I have said nothing like the rest - or would you still have singled me out?
What, are we congratulating each and every win? You beat a team down the bottom. If that wasn’t expected then sure, great stuff. But I don’t think that was the case at all.
———————————————
Yes Rocket, they won’t score a point against you through September either.
Submitted by Mary S on
Enjoy your fishing and all the rest Mark.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
mark and Ryan
If you beat the Warriors as convincingly next week as we did this week, then you’ll definitely hear from me.
If you don’t, then you’ll definitely hear from me.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Never mind. With teams still to play Broncos including Warriors, Panthers, Sharks, Rabbitohs, and Roosters, there are plenty of congratulate-type games left.
Submitted by pabdul on
Coach
You spelt jury as dury
The only dury I know is Ian Dury and the blockheads of hit me with your rhythm stick fame Pete’s already hummin
I’m surprised our resident spell checkers didn’t pick up on it but then Petes getting a bionic eye and Mary is checking her Nostrademon results 3 months early
Does this make you an honorary blockhead?
Submitted by a on
Enjoy your fishing trip Mark
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
I have updated the tipping comp and the NRL ladder. Congratiulations to TigerGirl and Hardyards (who tipped early) – both tipped four from four.
I'll have my Origin preview and tip posted soon and will have the round 18 tipping page published as soon as I can.
All the best
Submitted by Mary S on
It's alright pabdul, I picked up on the dury (jury) and I usually put in missing punctuation, capitals etc too as I read.
Have a great day tomorrow
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Wow I thought it was a ‘thing’ to spell as you may say it.
Fancy you make a return only to pick something apart and namecall.
You are as funny as you are familiar with the rules of the game.
#NotVery
Submitted by pabdul on
Return I haven’t gone anywhere
#illiterate
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Oh that’s right, just back in your box after my assessment of Parra’s backline was howled down by nobodys but then no sooner, admitted by the club itself.
Submitted by pabdul on
Don’t recall talking to you about that
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Is always difficult to successfully prosecute the one that doesn’t remember.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Wow 4 boys have been rescued. So sad that one of the rescuers died in the line of duty.
It’s still a hip hip hooray from me though. A life saved is a life saved. No matter what colour race or creed.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
My turn as grammar Nazi was a once off. I usually believe in intent as opposed to accuracy. As the great playwright once said "Anyone can play accurately, but I play with wonderful expression. Where the piano is concerned sentiment is forte, I leave science for life."
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good morning Coach.
Big Pete's tips for World Cup 2018 - Semi-finals.
11/7 FRA v BEL - (H)
12/7 ENG v CRO - (H)
Cheers all and keep well
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
BTW Coach with W/Cup Semi's tipping.
That is France and England to go forward for me.
Not sure who they are showing as home team, in Croatia v England, but if it is Croatia, then my tip in that match should read: (A) for away to England.
Croatia might just lift themselves and stretch England to maybe X/Time. Croatia showed Argentina what they are capable of doing.
France have been on those stage, thus far before. Belgium has a good team, but IMO, I think France has better finishers.
Cheers and have a good day.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
She's cool Pab - I saw the d replace j in Coaches post.
I kept clear with so much being exchanged. Bionic eye or nothing - it stood out. Some have a lot to type/say and can often make mistakes. I've done it myself.
If someone is a bad speller, or they mix up comprehension, I try to read into it. Me old teammate from Brooky used to be like that, as often, or not, he was also steaming/fuming.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by Coach Potato on
No worries PBX, I would have expected that as England were first into the semis that they get to call Russia home. Although if they had played Russia, then, that would blow that theory.
Anyway, France and England.
Got it.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
All faux pas aside, did you know you actually support Dallas, Mary S ?
Submitted by a on
Here's mine Coach
11/7 FRA v BEL - A
12/7 ENG v CRO - A
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
My tips are in origin, but draw FRA V CRO and ENG to win in regulation
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Yep, I caught them at deep 3rd man.
Will post scores soon and start back on the Round 18 page with final game tip after Origin.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Ahhhh just need to clarify >>>
France actually play Belgium and Croatia play England.
If you dont reply I’ll put you down for draw first game, England second game..
Submitted by Coach Potato on
All good. The other page has it down right.
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