Round twelve selections

Three things The Thinker learned in round eleven

  1. You can still get sent off in the NRL.
  2. I'm serious...you really can.
  3. But you have to really earn it.

Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels – Thursday night – Suncorp Stadium

The NRL are cracking down in time-wasting in round 12 so I'll try be brief. Once again the Broncos have put in a spirited display after I (gently) put the boot into them last week. They've lost another forward with Korbin Sims nursing a jaw for a while. They can't afford to lose too many more. The casualty list would concern me but the Eels unavailables is just as long. Beau Scott joins Mannah, Hayne, Brown and Evans in rehab, while Kenny Edwards won't be playing while he spends some time at traffic school (Kenny...Thinker shakes head). Broncos at home, with a few in their side trying to get noticed before the State of Origin teams are selected.

Verdict – Broncos by 4

Result – Broncos 18 defeated Eels 10

Canberra Raiders vs Manly Sea Eagles – Friday night – GIO Stadium

The arrival of Trent Hodkinson at Manly is well-timed given the swollen nature of Dylan Walkers' face. These sides met in round four where Manly prevailed 32-16 at Lottoland. A couple of things to note about that game – Manly battled a heavy injury toll  and had just 14 men left at full time...and Canberra were awful. They'll be better this time but not good enough. Since Trent Barrett told the team he wasn't going anywhere the Sea Eagles have taken their game to another level.

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 4

Result – Raiders 21 defeated Sea Eagles 20

North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm – Friday night – 1300SMILES Stadium

Signs of life from the Cowboys last weekend but the injury to Matt Scott is quite a blow. Francis Molo is the likely replacement but he's no Matt Scott. Michael Morgan looked good at fullback and I expect he'll be there for at least one more week. The Storm were about as awful as they get last weekend and they usually bounce back to form after a poor showing. Given the return of Cameron Smith it's almost a certainty. Note that Kasiano will return also, and there's some chance Jesse Bromwich could be back too. The visitors look too big and too strong. If they can hold the ball they'll rack up a score.

Verdict – Storm by 10

Result – Storm 7 defeated Cowboys 6

Sydney Roosters vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday afternoon – Central Coast Stadium

No injury concerns for the Roosters as they look to bounce back after a spirited loss to the Broncos in Brisbane. Dylan Napa used his head (for a change) and escaped suspension – upstairs is for thinking Dylan. The Titans have found another promising playmaker in AJ Brimson – if they can resolve some of their off-field issues they are starting to build a very competitive team. I'm with the Roosters who were good without winning last weekend, and quite a few of these chickens  (Tedesco, Keary, Ferguson, Mitchell) get one last chance to push for NSW selection.

Verdict – Roosters by 7

Result – Roosters 34 defeated Titans 14

New Zealand Warriors vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday night – Mt Smart Stadium

By sheer coincedence I found myself at the Townsvile airport with the Rabbitohs on Sunday after their win over the Cowboys, and a shortage of seating meant that Angus Crichton, Sam Burgess and Adam Reynolds sat down with ye olde thinker in the cafe for half an hour or so...so that was cool. Anyhoo...the Rabbitohs back up from the trip to Townsville with a trip to Auckland, and I think the travel will wear down those big big Bunnies. I felt like the Cowboys forwards were getting the upper hand late in the game last week, and the Warriors might be facing the Bunnies at a very good time. Tuivasa-Sheck returns for the home side, and there's a fair chance Shaun Johnson will be back too. With those inclusions, and a tiring Bunnies pack, I'll take the home side in this one. Keep your eyes on Issac Luke – I expect a big game against his former club.

Verdict – Warriors by 4

Result – Rabbitohs 30 defeated Warriors 10

Penrith Panthers vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Saturday night – Panthers Stadium

First plays second in the game of the round, and once again you'll need a subrciption television package to watch it (Thinker shakes head). The Panthers in 2018 are what many of us expected the Panthers to be in 2017. This is their sternest test thus far, and I think they'll fall short. There's some chance James Graham is rested for this game with a minor back complaint, but every other starting forward for the Dragons is in contention for a NSW Blues jumper. Providing the Dragons back three can handle those impossible bombs from Nathan Cleary the Dragons will prevail. I'm unusually confident for some reason.

Verdict – Dragons by 8

Result – Panthers 28 defeated Dragons 2

Newcastle Knights vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium

Two teams whose prospects appear to be heading in opposite directions – the Knights have drifted out of the top eight while the Sharks have won five in a row and sit on the cusp of the top four. No doubt a big home crowd will be on hand to give the Knights a boost, but it won't be enough.

Verdict – Sharks by 8

Result – Sharks 48 defeated Knights 10

Wests Tigers vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – ANZ Stadium

The Bulldogs have two prop forwards with Kangaroos jerseys in their closets, but they'll need to put on a show on Sunday if they want to play for NSW this season. While the selectors will be watching those two closely, most eyes will be on Josh Reyndlds if he returns in this game (and you know he wants to). The Tigers defence is still holding firm, but its their attack that needs to improve. The good news for the Tigers is that the only team to score less points than them this season is the Bulldogs. Hardly the best choice for the Sunday afternoon timeslot on Channel Nine I would have thought (Thinker shakes head again).

Verdict – Tigers by 4

Result – Tigers 14 defeated Bulldogs 10

Wally Lewis - round twelve selections (in bold)

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

  • BRONCOS vs Eels
  • RAIDERS vs Sea Eagles
  • Cowboys vs STORM
  • ROOSTERS vs Titans
  • WARRIORS vs Rabbitohs
  • Panthers vs DRAGONS
  • Knights vs SHARKS
  • TIGERS vs Bulldogs

Comments

tigerholic's picture

Morning Folks
A few interesting match-ups this weekend. Panthers V Dragons, Warriors V Rabbits, Raiders V Manly.

After reading a few news pieces about what the NRL management think of some of the ugly traits that have crept into the game I am hopeful that they will introduce some rule changes, in particular the penalty for being in the playable after the dummy held deliberately throws the ball to hit the infringing player.

My big tip for round 12 is the Tigers to bounce back and do enough to beat the dogs, Josh Reynolds returns so there will be plenty happening against his old club.

Can't wait to see the tips from the top 5 tipsters this week, might have to follow one as I can't pick anything this year.

How good was it to see a little biff on the weekend, who thinks we should bring back the biff? Good win BigPete and all of the other Manly fans, even without Cameron Smith, Melbourne are always hard to topple at home.

Have a good week folks.

Tiger

FrankQLD's picture

I seem to have lost the link to submit tips. I thought I had put tips in last week but they did not get through. Now I don't get the submit link at all.

a's picture

I don't see the link ever

Mary S's picture

Hi Frank and 'a',
No, the link is not available at present. I have logged off then signed back in, but 'no go'.
The Thinker (or his 'Little Helper') will need to check/fix the problem for us.

The Thinker's picture

Morning football fans

You are quite right that the tipping form isn't showing for tipsters (but it is for me....bit strange). I will try and resolve as soon as I can.

In the interim you may want to put your tips in the comments and I will make sure they get submitted.

All apologies

The Thinker

The Thinker's picture

Okay....I know what the issue is but I need to wake up my little helper buddy to fix the settings for me.

In the meantime feel free to put your tips in the comments and I will make sure they get through.

Apologies again for the issue....stoopid computers.

Thinker's Little Helper's picture

Morning everyone - I'm awake and I've fixed the tips entry form thing... sorry for adding drama, I'm not good with computers.

@Modesta - there should be a link in the comment notification email that you can click to stop receiving them. Sing out if you get stuck.

 

Anonymous's picture

Looks like a Red-Letter day @Red Hill

Taka's picture

Hi All,

My round 12 tips;

Broncos by 8
Eagles by 10
Cowboys by 1
Roosters by 12
Warriors by 8
Panthers by 7
Sharks by 12
Bulldogs by 10

Enjoy your footy...

Cheers..! :-)

a's picture

Here’s my tips

Broncos by 6 I think the Broncos will continue the Eels misery

Raiders by 2 I think that Raiders will end Manly run here

Storm by 4 Cowboys always play better when I tip against them so I will continue it here

Roosters by 26 I think the Roosters will flog the Titans here

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

Panthers by 1 I think Panthers will win which is what set to be the game of the round

Knights by 2 I taking a huge risk here but I am confident in the Knights winning they nearly beat the Sharks twice last season and last week I think suggested the Sharks were close to losing a game so yeah a huge risk but I think the Knights can pull it off

West Tigers by 2 once again Bulldogs will come close but close is not good enough

NuL1F3's picture

Hi fellow NRL fans! So for what it's worth you can find my tips below. Agreed there are some interesting match ups this weekend, should be some great footy! I'm betting on Storm to play as poorly as they did in the last round and Cowboys to continue a return(ing) to form. Panthers have been looking dangerous of late but will it be enough to slay the Dragons?I certainly am excited to find out!
Round 12:
Broncos
Raiders
Cowboys
Roosters
Warriors
Panthers
Sharks
Tigers

newbie from perth's picture

Sa-wat-dee krup,

Using a commonsense approach to picking winners has let me down so far this year. What I might have to do is throw caution to the wind and try and tip a few “roughies” each week from now on. But which ones to pick? Aye Curumba! Running behind schedule a bit tonight (still a long read though) so without further ado, let’s get into it…

Broncos vs Eels 70-30 @ Suncorp
The Broncos bounced back and knocked off my BBB last week. But like my Roosters, can they play consistent footy week in, week out? The Eels lost again and nothing’s going right for Baggy’s BOYS. Now, any sane person would expect the Broncos to have the Eels’ measure at home. I consider myself relatively sane (ha-ha) so I’m gonna have to go with the Broncos in this one.

Raiders vs Manly 60-40 @ GIO
Canberra’s recent form hasn’t been too bad even though they’ve lost their last 2. I see they have a bye next week so they might just go hard in this one. Manly have been surprisingly good the last couple of weeks but I see they’ll be missing some players due to last week’s “difference of opinion”. Given Manly’s form of late, it won’t be an easy ask for the Raiders to win this, but win it they will.

Cowboys vs Storm 45-55 @ 1300SMILES
The Cowboys seemed a tad unlucky last week against the Rabbitohs. I’m sure they’re trying their best to turn things around. It seems the effort’s there but they’re really making hard work of it. Having no Smith obviously affected the Storm last week but no excuse as far as I’m concerned. All great empires come to an end sooner or later. Is this the start of the Storm dynasty developing cracks? Anyway, Smith will be back this week so that’s a big plus for them. They’ve also won the last 7 times against the Cowboys. Will this be number 8? Commonsense says they will (or should) bounce back here but guess what, I’m gonna tip the Cows at home this week. Crazy I know but I’ll stick with them Cowboys. Yee Hah!

Roosters vs Titans 70-30 @ Central Coast
Talk about errors! What were my BBB doing last Friday night? Not taking anything away from a gutsy and determined Broncos but really? Breakin’ my heart they are (Roosters that is, not the Broncos). So, we’re taking our “home game” to Central Coast Stadium are we? I read we’ve only won once from the 10 (yes 10) matches we’ve played there. But, and this is a big but, the game we won was against the Titans apparently (I could be wrong though). Is there an “omen” in that or am I kidding myself? The Titans got back on track after accounting for the Knights last week. Are they going to be able to match my BBB who should (will) be “embarrassed” enough to come out firing? Methinks not. I’m keeping the faith. Roosters for me. Begurk! Begurk!

Warriors vs Rabbitohs 50-50 @ Mt Smart
The Warriors seem to have gone off the boil recently and by all accounts weren’t that impressive in their win last week. Mind you, overall they’re doing alright and should see the return of Mr Tuivasa-Sheck and rumour has it, Mr Johnson as well (not sure on that though). The Rabbitohs seem to be getting better and better but were a bit lucky to get up last week against the Cowboys. But hey, a win is a win. The Warriors have had an extra day to recover while the Bunnies have to fly over the “dutch”. How’s that gonna affect them I wonder. I know a lot of people are talking the Bunnies up in this one but I’ll stay with the Kiwis in this one. Warriors for me.

Panthers vs Dragons 45-55 @ Panthers
The Panthers won again at Panthers Stadium against the Tigers last week. That makes it 10 from the last 11 there. They definitely have the bodies to match it with an impressive Dragons outfit. The Dragons bounced back as expected with a good win over the Raiders last week. Their defence will need to be on song if they’re gonna get up in this one. Theoretically this should be a hum-dinger. Yeah this will be a tough test for the Panthers but I’m thinking they’re just about good enough. Panthers for me.

Knights vs Sharks 40-60 @ McDonald Jones
I can’t believe no Mitchell Pearce should have had such an impact on the Knights but it sure looks that way from the outside. Apparently they have the worst defensive record in the NRL at the moment. Does not bode well against a Sharks mob that just keeps on grinding out those wins. If they continue in that vein and play the style they’ve been playing in the last month and a bit, they should certainly be able to rack up another win here. Sharks for me.

Tigers vs Bulldogs 50-50 @ ANZ
Wow! What’s happened to the Tigers? Now lost 4 from their last 5. And they only managed 2 points last week. But I know they’re a better side than recent results suggest and will be desperate to put an end to some rather disappointing footy of late and they get a pretty good chance at it this weekend against the Doggies. Another loss for the Doggies last week. I watched them last week playing the Sharks and for the most part, they weren’t that bad. I give them a good chance in this one as well. Pretty sure a couple of fellas from the Doggies (c’mon, you know who they are) will be out to impress Freddy for Origin duty so expect a big show from them. I love to bag the Morris boys any time I can and to whoever will listen (sorry, don’t know why) but bloody hell, they are great players. So strong and fast and hard to tackle. Aw heck, you know what? I’m going the Doggies this week. It won’t be easy but I reckon they just might get up here.

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

It’s “Song of the Week” time again…

OK, fair warning, this one is an oldie. I must admit, I’m not one for dancin’ (a bit embarrassing at my age ha-ha) but when I hear this one …. away I go! “shimmy, shimmy” side to side …. ooh yeah! Sad I know but what the hey. Just listened to it again now before I posted this and still gets me movin’….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm8h1-E1KuE

Cheers y’all…

manyana's picture

My tips for round 12. Hope my 50 cent piece does the right thing this week. I was reasonably happy with it last week.
I've gone for the following teams:
Broncos, because they're playing the Eels.
Sea Eagles, because I think they're in better (a bit anyway) form than the Raiders.
Storm, because belly-ache would have given them the rounds of the table last week.
Roosters, because the Titans seem to be a bit up & down this season. Although I wouldn't be surprised to see the Titans get up.
Warriors, because the Rabbitohs have been on the road & could be a bit weary from the travel they have done.
Dragons, I'm being very hopeful here.
Sharks, because the Knights just don't seem able to win.
Tigers, because the Bulldogs can't seem to get over the stripe, but then the Tigers haven't been too convincing either.
Hope the 50 cent coin landed the right way up for my tips. lol.
Best of luck everyone, manyana.

Dragons-fanboy's picture

Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:

Broncos by 8 - Broncos to beat the Eels here.

Raiders by 4 - Raiders to win at home here in a close one.

Storm by 6 - I don't think that the Cowboys will kickstart their season from this game. Storm to bounce back here in a close one.

Roosters by 16 - Roosters to win big here over the Titans bouncing back from last week's loss.

Rabbitohs by 1 - Rabbitohs to win in golden point.

Dragons by 2 - Dragons to march on this season with a massive win in terms of the season thus far to get win number 10.

Sharks by 18 - Sharks too strong for the Knights here.

And finally... Tigers by 10 - Tigers will be too good for the Dogs here.

Awesome. Good luck with everyone's tips for this week and with everyone's teams for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

christine's picture

my tips rd 12
broncos
raiders
storm
roosters
souths
dragons
sharks
tigers

BigPeteBx's picture

Hey Newbie - hows this percentages of yours work again Bro.
Either your giving the WA Turps a lashing, or my eyes are totally buggered.
Two games - Panthers vs Dragons 45-55 and you say Panthers for me!
Cowboys vs Storm 45-55 and you say Yee-Yah and stick with Cows.

My apologies, if its my interpretations gone wrong, otherwise send me over some of that fire water you're consuming.
Cheers mate - Big Pete

BigPeteBx's picture

Good luck with your tipping this rund Chris.
Thanks also for the well wishes for last - much appreciated.
Head up this way in October - Prince Harry is here with Miss Meghan.
Cheers and keep well or try to - Big Pete

Baggy_Gee's picture

It's good to be at suncorp tonight. World's worst seats though getting altitude sickness at sea level.

BigPeteBx's picture

Good Thursday evening to you Manyana.
Not many riding Sea Eagles this round, as they are playing in the Cold Capital. A couple of mainstays out, but remainder still have the heart to go on with it. If Eagles kicking is on, then points might just roll in, or roll over the crossbar with more confidence. Something that has been lacking with Manly, when they are hot on the trot with scoring tries, its conversions, that have been flagged away. Hoddy might just fill that void. He's been at Northern Beaches and Manly before, he knows the style and whats expected of him and kicking is one of his forte's.
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete in The Bx Cool Climate

Rocket Ryan's picture

How'd you like that baggie yous. went alright for about 9 minutes what side are you sitting on

BigPeteBx's picture

Good evening Baggy G.
Is the weather nice there tonight?
R u on a self do thing or did you take an organised trip up to Brisbane.
Sounds like u r in the real Back Stalls there.
Have you seen Thinker or Mark A yet?
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete

Baggy_Gee's picture

Nose bleeds above the players entrance. Hale St stand. How about dem apples rocket

Baggy_Gee's picture

Self do Pete. Beautiful night up here though. Perfect football in a bloody great Stadium.

The Thinker's picture

It's a cracking stadium Baggy.

At least you got some nice weather and your mob had a go.

Screaming Eagle's picture

Hello Thinker,

I was not able to enter my tips for this round. What are the rules around entering tips after the round has started? Can i still enter my tips for the remainder of the round?

newbie from perth's picture

@ BigPete

Ha-ha! I actually thought someone may question my “chance percentages” and who I tipped. Nah, the percentages are correct but as I stated in my “opening address”, I was thinking of tipping some roughies as my commonsense approach hasn’t been too kind for me so far. Those 2 examples you’ve quoted are confirmation of same. All good mate, at least I had a giggle. And all without the aid of any “fire water”. Cheers Broseph, you’re a champ.

manyana's picture

Hi Big Pete, you could be right about the Eagles & Raiders game, but Manly played well last week, & the Raiders shot themselves in the foot.
Should be an interesting game.
Good luck with your tips.
Cheers, Manyana.

Baggy_Gee's picture

They did, after that start I was thinking we were looking 54-0 again. But a credit to them, it was a lot closer than people thought.

Anonymous's picture

Ball clearly knocked out from Jennings grasp by the defender as he was about to ground the ball, rolls on into the ingoal and Parra still ground it. Why no try??
There was just no possibility that he simply lost it on his own?
What is going on in these Broncos games?

The Thinker's picture

Screaming Eagle

If you can put your selections in the comments (for the games that haven't started) I will push them through. I have done it for others so I will do it for all.

All the best

 

Baggy_Gee's picture

That is correct anon, but we didn't play well enough. It was a fair result in my opinion. I'm sad to lose, especially to the ponies, but in the balance it was the right result.

Steel Panther's picture

Raiders poor but still win 21-20 at the death. Aidan Sezer in my opinion is the worst number 7 in the comp!!!

Rocket Ryan's picture

If you picked the Eagles or the Cowboys last night you'd have to be just a little bit frustrated both sides probably should have won.

Anonymous's picture

goal line drop out call. video ref has the next 40 seconds to see if the call was wrong. so what were they doing? were they off taking a leak?
didn't appear to be anyone driving the bus at that time. else why could ref not just reverse his own decision? better to admit you got it wrong than pretend you got it right.

BigPeteBx's picture

Good morning Baggy G.
I actually have a liking and fascination for stadiums and their structure, layout and thought that is given to holding capacity and accommodating patrons/spectators.
Can't wait to see a match (NRL or A-League) from the NEW Parramatta Stadium, when it is completed. I think they quote, it will be completed during next season.
I've never been to, but would love to visit Old Trafford in Manchester (UK). I saw the 99th FA Cup Final from former Wembley, when I did a trip to London/Europe back in early 80's. Fantastic atmosphere.
Hmmm...when Thinker said Suncorp was a cracking stadium, I'm glad you got out o'k, incident free.....hehehehe.
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete in a very foggy Bx this morning.

BigPeteBx's picture

Good Saturday morning to you Screamin Eagle - if u r like me, I'd be more than Screaming this morning. Hoddy off and DCE missed a kick.
I think Raiders were more than lucky last night and they were playing at home. But Manly, when in front, should have gone on with it. Not the first time that they've surrendered a lead and gone down by the barest of margins.
That is why The Thinker and his/this site is so good and considerate.
With your tips, he'll give you, like others - a chance, within enough time.
I had noticed that Bronco Swimmer didn't seem to appear to get his/her tips in. How I actually noticed that, was due to Swimmer's ranking on our Thinker Tipping Ladder and who was breathing down my neck.
Cheers and have a nice weekend - Big Pete in Bx Country

BigPeteBx's picture

Thanks Rocket - appreciate that comment about C/Eagles and Cows.
That was a compassionate thought, as others would feel about the same. As I said earlier, I felt Raiders were rather lucky, or was it Eagles were unlucky.
So then next round (13), it is Manly v NQ, as the Thursday night match.
Cheers and have a great weekend - Big Pete in Bx Country.

a's picture

Cowboys were robbed you are damn right there Anonymous

christine's picture

Looks like storm is not quite the force they used to be ...

Anonymous's picture

anonymous = controversial comforting carbohydrate

mark ashford's picture

Baggy glad you made it up for the game. Happy my Broncs won but your boys gave it a real shot, not far from a win or two.
Know what you mean about those Suncorp high seats. Last time I was there that's where I was seated. I do suffer from a fear of heights and felt that if I stumbled I'd fall about 10,000 feet to the hallowed turf.
Big Pete, your Eagles were the best team last night, can't believe they let that one get away. I always think one pointers are harder losses than big scores against.
"a" I don't know that the Cows were robbed last night. Both teams are playing below their normal ability. A 7/6 scoreline is something we have seen many times in Origin not club footy.
For the last ever game between Cam Smith and JT maybe it was a fitting finale.

Steel Panther's picture

Just got back from witnessing another debacle at Mt Smart. If anyone thinks the Warriors have turned a corner they are sadly mistaken. The same old soft under belly is still there making it as difficult as it's always been to support this team with any conviction. So disappointing...

mark ashford's picture

Hey Steel, don't feel so bad. It seems to be a thing this year that teams who look premiership material one week come out next week and play like your local under 15s. Just look at the Dragons yesterday, Panthers gave them a footy lesson for sure.
Tiger, your boys ground out a deserved win against a determined Dogs today with little help from the refs. Thought Josh Reynolds went ok against his former club. Saw him interviewed earlier and he said his only fear was that big Klemmer didn't come after him, can't fault him for that.

Mary S's picture

Congratulations to Tiger717 and GaryChesterUK for a complete card this round.

The Thinker's picture

Greetings football fans,

I have updated the tipping comp and the NRL ladder. As mentioned by Mary S above, congrats to GaryChesterUK and Tiger717 with perfect scores in round 12. Outstanding work from you both.

I will have the round 13 tipping page published shortly and will have my previews and tips published on Tuesday.

Screaming Eagle,

I couldn't find any tips in the comments from you...but if they are there and I've missed them let me know.

And welcome back anonymous....if only your team played this well last season when I backed them for the premiership.

All the best

Tigers717's picture

Thanks Mary S & Mr Thinker its been a few years since Ive had a perfect round they are so hard to come by these days when virtually any NRL side can win on their day.GO THE BLUES

Anonymous's picture

Round respect from others whilst wearing a burka.
Who'd have believed.

Anonymous's picture

This year will be 4 years out of 5 making it to finals wk2 or better.
Don't be so hard on yourself.

Anonymous's picture

Cambridge Analytica texted me to say that you tipped Cowboys to win in 2013. Two years too early. They say that based on your tip of Panthers to win last year, your forecasting shows as improving.

Rick's picture

Welcome back.

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