Round ten selections

Three things The Thinker learned in round nine

  1. Before the season started I suspected the Dragons would be the real deal. Ten rounds in and there's no suspecting about it – they are the real deal.
  2. Fourth through to tenth on the ladder are on equal points – there'll be plenty of jostling for positions before we have any idea what the top eight is going to look like.
  3. The team with the worst attacking record has scored less points than the Dragons have conceded, and the team with the worst defensive record have conceded less points than the Dragons have scored. That takes a while to sink in, but it reinforces point one above.

Wests Tigers vs North Queensland Cowboys – Thursday night – Leichhardt Oval

The Cowboys thought it would be a good idea to bunker down in Sydney for a while after their victory in Bathurst. Given the headlines around one of their forwards at the minute I imagine they are starting to regret that decision. Team lists aren't available as yet but we know Scott Bolton won't be there. The Cowboys were better last week (probably because I finally stopped tipping them). They weren't brilliant...but they were better. They probably need to improve again to win. The Bolton issue doesn't help but a few other things are in their favour. They get two extra days to prepare for this game, and the stripey cats have lost three games in a row. Two of those losses were narrow but both were against teams that are struggling. The Cowboys have won just once at Leichhardt before, but I'm tipping them to make it two.

Verdict – Cowboys by 2

Result – Tigers 20 defeated Cowboys 12

Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers – Friday night – McDonald Jones Stadium

Two sides hoping to bounce back from losses in round nine. Trent Merrin joins the casualty list for the Panthers after all but losing his finger a week ago. He found it...thankfully. Once again the Panthers were slow starters against the Cowboys before getting close.  It's an issue that needs to be attended to and I expect they'll be better here. Even without Merrin the Panthers pack looks superior, and the Panthers halves should be able to get the job done on the back of that. Ponga is all class, but the Knights are a playmaker short at the moment.

Verdict – Panthers by 4

Result – Panthers 29 defeated Knights 18

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Parramatta Eels – Friday night – ANZ Stadium

It's 15th vs 16th but this is one of the more interesting games of the round. The Bulldogs were (probably) unlucky against the Broncos and their coach has a $25000 headache as a result of his reaction to same. That's quite a price to Pay (oh Thinker!!! You've done it again son). Parramatta looked like they were finding their mojo but forgot to play football for about 70 minutes against the Sharks. Ten minutes of actual footy was almost enough for them to win, so if they ever commit to an entire game they are a genuine contender. In any case, I'm with the Bulldogs who will be galvanised after that whopping fine. Two more points for the Dogs and one less headache for the coach.

Verdict – Bulldogs by 4

Result – Bulldogs 20 defeated Eels 12

New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters – Saturday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium

One could over-react to the injuries to key Warriors Johnson, Luke and Blair and tip the Roosters this weekend (but here's the but), but the Roosters have been dog ordinary all season, and the Warriors beat the Dragons just a few weeks ago with key troops missing. Mason Lino comes in for Johnson and he looks the goods. I wasn't the only one who thought the Roosters would be premiers this season. I was a long way wrong.

Verdict – Warriors by 8

Result – Roosters 32 defeated Warriors 0

Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium

The Storm have a better record at Suncorp than they have at home, and their record at home is top-rate. The last time they were in Brisbane they put the Broncos to the sword, so you would think the Titans are in a bit of strife here. Some of you will remember (well I do) that the Titans actually beat the Storm in this corresponding game last year...and I tipped the buggars. I probably peaked as a tipster that day. I might get that preview engraved on my tombstone.

Verdict – Storm by 40

Result – Storm 28 defeated Titans 14

Manly Sea Eagles vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium

Manly take a home game away from home, and they haven't won away from home this year – it doesn't read like a recipe for success. The Broncos aren't exactly cooking up a storm either but they've been doing enough to suggest they can do enough on Saturday night too. Jack Bird is on very good coin, and he needs to put his hand up soon. Why not now Jack? Why not now?

Verdict – Broncos by 4

Result – Sea Eagles 38 defeated Broncos 24

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – ANZ Stadium

The Nine Network have ignored my advice from last week and doubled down by not showing the Dragons Sunday afternoon game again. Oh well...they'll make the finals so they'll have to show them eventually. This is clearly the game of the round regardless of what Channel Nine thinks, and Sam Burgess returns for the ever-improving Bunnies. I can't see them winning, but they'll make this a game worthy of your eyeballs...if you have Foxtel. 

Verdict – Dragons by 8

Result – Rabbitohs 24 defeated Dragons 10

Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium

The Raiders had an almost comical start to the season but are getting their house in order in recent weeks. I do have a theory that Sunday afternoons at Canberra brings out the best in the Raiders, and I also have a theory that the Sharks are a better team at night. It's also worth noting that the Raiders beat the Titans quite convincingly last week, and just one week earlier the Sharks got over that opponent by just a solitary point. Wade Graham looks set to re-join Gallen and Lewis on the sidelines. Fifita has been playing well, but he can't carry the Sharks forever.

Verdict – Raiders by 8

Result – Sharks 24 defeated Raiders 16

Wally Lewis - round ten selections (in bold)

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

  • Tigers vs COWBOYS
  • Knights vs PANTHERS
  • Bulldogs vs EELS
  • WARRIORS vs Roosters
  • STORM vs Titans
  • Sea Eagles vs BRONCOS
  • Rabbitohs vs DRAGONS
  • RAIDERS vs Sharks

Comments

christine's picture

"A" ,Mary s & Hardyards
Veiwing last nights game between tigers / cowboys to me jt looked like he was struggling to keep up to the pace of the game , did anyone else notice that ???

Mary S's picture

Hi manyana,
I had my sulk last night - especially as my son backed the Tigers and I decided not to follow his advice!!!
Cheers & let's hope we have a winner or two in our pick for this round.

Mary S's picture

Hi Christine,
I wonder if JT is trying too hard to anticipate his own team's reactions to plays. It certainly is not coming together for them so far this season.

How much additional pressure does social media contribute I wonder, when we expect our 'heroes' of the game, no matter who the team, to be forever heroes. We can personally, be having a rotten year, but they are not allowed to!
Just rambling as certainly, I for one, are also disappointed with Cowboys results at present.
Cheers
Mary

a's picture

Yeah I think he's played a season too long

manyana's picture

Hi Mary S, I think I deliberated too long on the game.
Glad I'm not the only one sulking! My housemate tipped the Tigers & is a bit hard to live with today lol.
Yes, a couple of winners would be great!!!
Cheers, manyana.

manyana's picture

Yep, he definitely seems to be struggling, Christine.

christine's picture

Mary s
I'm saying what I saw in the game last night that jt seemed to be struggling with the pace of the game last night but I also noticed morgan isn't playing the same way this season that he did last season so it certainly doesn't all fall on just jt & the way jt is playing , jt has set a bench mark for other players that a lot of players will never reach he is in a class of his own but something at cowboys isn't going right & I hope they can get there season back on track ...

a's picture

Christine they need to get their season back on track right now

mark ashford's picture

Hi all
Watched the game and must say very disappointed in the Cows performance. Forget about Leichardt, forget about the stats.
The Tigers have lost some big names in Woods and Tedesco and are blooding some young guys who came to play.
The Cowboys were at virtually full strength but failed to cross the line many times.
JT seems well below his best as does Morgan. Is Scott fit? Taumalomo and Winterstein did well. Did the Bolton affair take the wind out of their sails.
It's looking difficult to see the cows in the final 8.
Saying all that it's congrats to the Tigers for a well fought win.

a's picture

Cowboys need to drop a few players

tigerholic's picture

Morning Folks
Two very ordinary efforts last night from the Knights and Eels, both teams had their chance to win their respective games.

I think the season is over for the eels, the knights still have a chance as they are on 10 points.

I think I fall into the Eels category with my tipping this year, everything that can go against me does.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend folks and Mark Ashford, as far as rocket goes, I like to rattle his cage a bit to try and unsettle his tipping thoughts, all in good fun.

Have a great Saturday folks.

Tiger

Baggy_Gee's picture

Was happy with the forwards last night, bit saddened by some of the calls, but swings and roundabouts. We like a few teams are trying to hard to score and forcing the issue. We should have won and if we weren't sitting on the rung below the lowest rung on the ladder, we would have been more calm and collected and might have capitalised on the hours we spent in their 20 in the second half.

BigPeteBx's picture

Good Saturday to you all.
This post is a One Size Fits All for now.
Hope u r all well. Nice a fresh here with snow around our region.
First official day of Winter hasn't struck here - yet!

@Christine - thinking of you and what u r going through. Best wishes and many thoughts from us here for next week (16th). It'll work for you, as it is my birthday week Cobbers. Yes, I'm a Taurus, without horns at the moment.
@Mark A - I did like your post about players laying down and noticed where you said it all started from. It didn't make me wild. I detest it as well. It has crept into R/League now, and it is called intimidating referee's/officials, so to gain an advantage. Instead of binning them, just bring the stretcher in, take them off and let them lay on the sideline and still watch the game. No sending to dressing sheds and they might bloody well get the message, when the team is down on player support.
@Mary and Rocket - well done last week, on the perfect wins.
@Steely & Newbie - hope all is well with you guys.
@TAD - nice up this way mate, that much that it would freeze your billiard table.
@Baggy - strewth, Eels were like my lot last week. Had it and gave it away mate
@All Mums and those who act the mum, for tomorrow - Happy Mothers Day.

Note - Don't write my boys off tonight.
Its in the bag, that they might just surprise Brisbane Boys, as they haven't been playing all that well either.

Cheers all others for now and keep well - Big Pete.

manyana's picture

Lovely words & messages Big Pete.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Cheers, manyana.

Steel Panther's picture

Sounds like it's a bit nippy where you are Big Pete. Was good here until Newbies Chooks gave the Warriors a right old hiding. The Warriors couldn't even get over the stripe at home. Even though they won their first six I've not been convinced they are the real deal. They've now conceded nearly 100 points in their last three games.

I'm currently watching the Storm struggling to get over the Titans.

Stay warm mate!!

Baggy_Gee's picture

Yeah Pete both our BOYS have been below average lately. Yours aren't going to bad Vs the ponies. Not sure how I feel, I backed the ponies so want the points, but more than happy to see them get beaten.

Anonymous's picture

Thinker was right after all. Manly v The Invisibles

Mary S's picture

The comment made at the beginning of the season about Wayne Bennett smiling - he certainly won't be after tonight's result!!!
The result didn't do my tipping points any favours, but congratulations to the Eagles team on their win - you will be 'over-the-moon' Pete, Seaeagle47 and other fans.
Cheers to all

christine's picture

Big pete
Thanks for your post & congratulations on your teams win tonight but when you say the treatment will work for me it isn't a cure there is no cure oh and to add to it all i'm a fish swimming against the current instead of with the current just thought I would add that one to list as well seeing it's two fish swimming in different directions one has to wonder which one is swimming with the current ? & which is swimming against the current ?...

newbie from perth's picture

Spent most of Saturday on my vape forum gathering information and so on and just needed a break so went and checked out some results and ….

Warriors 0 – Roosters 32 … Are you kidding me? What the hell happened there? I must be in “Bizarro World” or something. Jeez Louise, I am gob-smacked but very very happy!

I am still in shock. Might just celebrate with a coffee and a Mars Bar. Woo-Hoo! Two things I must do first. (1) Go find some highlights to look at and (2) leave you all with “Begurk! Begurk!” Cheers…

newbie from perth's picture

Oh and BTW, congratulations Big Pete and the other Manly fans. Had a feeling they were a chance and I tipped ‘em as well. What a shame I couldn’t tip my BBB as well. Sorry Bronco fans but that’s the way it goes sometimes. Hope ya had a few bevvies to celebrate Pete. Cheers.

The Thinker's picture

Greetings football fans

I have updated the tipping competition and the NRL ladder after round ten.

Congrats to The Annoying Devil who was on track for a perfect round until the Raiders got run down this afternoon. 7 from 8 was outstanding tipping regardless in another difficult round.

If anything thinks I've made an error with the scoring just let me know in the comments and I will check it out.

I will have the round 11 tipping page published soon and will have my previews and tip posted on Tuesday.

All the best

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