Three things The Thinker learned in round one
- Never underestimate the power of home ground advantage – excluding the neutral games in Perth, the home teams won 6 from 6.
- There are at least four teams with a history of drifting in and out of games and failing to play for 80 minutes (Panthers, Eels, Titans, Raiders). That hasn't changed, and if they want to play finals football it needs to change.
- The Melbourne Storm are so predictably good that we have a tendency not to appreciate how predictably good they are – we should be celebrating them like Winx.
Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Thursday night – Southern Cross Group Stadium
While I concede that the Sharks were up against a strong opponent in round one, some of the stats from that loss to the Cowboys are a concern. The Sharks made just one line break all game, and their backline is full of attacking wizards (Holmes, Dugan, Moylan, Feki, Leutele) that should be breaking the line more often than that. Their forwards too, were soundly beaten by the Cowboys in the middle. Any team that misses 38 tackles in 80 minutes is going to struggle – it's stunning to think they only lost by 6. I've flagged the importance of home ground advantage and the crowd will be particularly vocal for the local derby, but Hunt and Widdop worked and they'll only get better, and that Dragons pack is an absolute ripper.
Verdict – Dragons by 4
Result – Dragons 20 defeated Sharks 16
Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Friday night – Allianz Stadium
Round one had its fair share of surprises, but surely the Roosters losing to the Tigers was the biggest surprise of all. The last time the Chooks lost to the Tigers was in 2011, and that's the first time Cooper Cronk has lost a round one NRL game since forever. The Bulldogs lost too, but that result was expected by almost everyone. There were some positive signs – Mbye at fullback looks a smart move and there was nothing wrong with the performance of the big teddy bear (Woods) in his first effort in Blue and White. I'm sticken with the chickens – they just look like a superior outfit and I'm assuming these new combinations will get better as the season progresses.
Verdict – Roosters by 7
Result – Roosters 30 defeated Bulldogs 12
Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos were crap last Thursday, but I still wanted to go to this game on Friday night. Clearly I'm not the only one, because there are only single seat lefts available if you want to tag along. Wayne Bennett did his best drill sergeant impersonation at training this week, but is that enough? Do the Broncos have a team that can still compete with the best of the best? I can see why people are starting to doubt them, but under Wayne Bennett this side has finished the last three seasons in 2nd, 5th and 3rd place. I'm prepared to give them time to prove the doubters wrong, but I can't tip them on Friday night to beat the team I have pencilled in as Premiers in 2018. It's the game of the round, even with the Broncos in 16th place on the ladder – these two sides have given us too many extraordinary contests in recent years to think otherwise.
Verdict – Cowboys by 8
Result – Broncos 24 defeated Cowboys 20
New Zealand Warriors vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium
The Warriors have a recent (and awful) history of losing their first home game of the season, but at least this season they're playing their first home game at their home ground (and not travelling to Wellington or Christchurch). They also broke the hoodoo of the Perth game, with a convincing display over the Bunnies. I can't trust them to back it up in round two because this is a side that cannot be trusted, but the NRL is a much more exciting competition when the Warriors are going well. I hope like heck it continues. Thankfully the Titans came home strong against the Raiders and got me out of a pretty deep tipping hole in round one, but it's the home side for me.
Verdict – Warriors by 4
Result – Warriors 20 defeated Titans 8
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday afternoon – Panthers Stadium
The Penrith army should be back in numbers on Saturday afternoon given the way they finished off the Eels in round one. It was three tries apiece in that game, but it was the kicking game of Nathan Cleary that saw the Panthers win by 10. Speaking of kicking games, Adam Reynolds won't be playing for the Bunnies, and Cody Walker was hobbling on one leg at the end of their loss to the Warriors. With a home crowd pushing the Panthers up the paddock and playmakers with a superior kicking game they look the logical way to go.
Verdict – Panthers by 8
Result – Panthers 18 defeated Rabbitohs 14
Melbourne Storm vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – AAMI Park
Cooper Cronk has left the building, and Billy Slater wasn't available, but one of the big three was enough for the Storm to continue on as they always do (their last loss in a round one game was in 2002). A few journalist took some pot shots at Cameron Munster over the off-season, but his display in the number one jersey was a masterclass. The top four (at least) beckons for the purple machine once again. The Storm will be keen to show the people of Melbourne they have a team to cheer for before the AFL season gets underway. They won't take the Tigers lightly and they'll just win. It's what they do.
Verdict – Storm by 10
Result – Tigers 10 defeated Storm 8
Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels – Sunday afternoon – Lottoland
I've spent more time pondering this game than any other, so if you have a different opinion please don't be swayed by mine. The Eels looked the goods early last weekend and switched off, and I'm hopeful that they won't be switching off this weekend. An 80 minute performance from the Eels and they win, but 80 minute performances from this side are few and far between. I've never been less confident in my life, but:
Verdict – Eels by 2
Result – Sea Eagles 54 defeated Eels 0
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium
If my reasoning for picking the Eels is good enough for them it's definitely good enough for the Raiders. They let a game slip that shouldn't have slipped against the Titans and Ricky Stuart will drill the message that his team has to steer the course for the full 80 minutes. 80 minutes of the Raiders at home on a Sunday afternoon is a joy to behold, and good enough to beat just about everyone. Clearly the Knights (like Darren Lockyers' hair) are showing signs of promising growth, but I'm seeing green.
Verdict – Raiders by 8
Result – Knights 30 defeated Raiders 28
Wally Lewis - round two selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- SHARKS vs Dragons
- ROOSTERS vs Bulldogs
- Broncos vs COWBOYS
- WARRIORS vs Titans
- PANTHERS vs Rabbitohs
- STORM vs Tigers
- Sea Eagles vs EELS
- RAIDERS vs Knights
Comments
Submitted by imtonylie on
Hey all, what a great start to the season. Let's all be real here. No one was expecting that many disappointments and upsets in round 1.But here's to the new round and a better result.
Dragons by 2- Ben Hunt is going to carry on what he does best and lead his team to another victory. He did wonderful things last week and deserves more praise.
Roosters by 6- The chooks will learn from their mistakes and bounce back this week to redeem themselves.
Cowboys by 18- Come on, JT is back. They've got all the confidence and momentum in the world.
Warriors by 12- These guys have recruited some remarkable talent this year so I'm expecting some remarkable things.
Panthers by 14- No words needed. Whatever training they had. Whatever things they've done. It's working.
Storm by 18- YEAH THE STORMS. BRING BACK SLATER. MAKE WAY FOR BILL THE KID AND THE FOX.
Eels by 10- Just like the chooks, they'll learn from their mistakes, train hard and redeem themselves. Hopefully Jennings and Moses recover by next game. They need to get back on track.
Knights by 4- I'm really impressed with their fullback Ponga. He took on his entire team on his back and helped secure a shocking win. Let's see them do it again.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
This round needs a lot of thinkering
Submitted by bradapple on
Eels looked like they forgot about fitness training in the off season, Even if they train hard this week I cant see them coming back. They looked by far the most unfit team in the comp.
Submitted by manyana on
Wow!! What a 1st round! There will be a few teams who are wondering how they managed to lose, & others have shown such an improvement. I was particularly impressed with the Warriors, & I never thought I'd be saying that.
I'll have to lift my game for the next round.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I think they forgot everything about the game the moment they walked off at half time. The only thing I was unhappy about with the game was the send off. he gets square, he makes his mark, he tackles from marker. because the player walks off the mark it is not moses fault. apart from that call we got belted the way we deserved to be.
Submitted by Mary S on
Agree with you Rocket - some big surprises in the last round.
Submitted by christine on
Warriors sure did play like have never played before , good to see izzac back to his old self again ...
Submitted by Anonymous on
What a great first round!
It's looking like this year will be the closest competition we've soon. The bottom 4 teams of 2017 all getting a win in round 1. Going to be very tough tipping but hopefully a very entertaining year of footy.
I gave the Warriors no chance this year but Alex Corvo has worked his magic and got them looking fitter than I've ever seen their team. I wrote the Tigers and Titans off too but they look like they will both be very competitive.
It's looking like a long year ahead for my beloved Broncos until they can get themselves a controlling halfback who can lead them around the park.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy I've gotta agree with you could not see a send off offence.
Many upsets in round 1, round 2 won't be any easier.
Thought Hodge went ok for the Broncs despite all the NSW "boos"
Have you guys forgotten about Packer who beat a guy to the ground and then repeatedly stomped on his head?
I do believe he's still in the NRL playing for a Sydney club.
Seems to be ok in Sydney but not Brisbane.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
I thought the use of the sin bin over the weekend was like a breath of fresh air. For too long players have been getting away with niggly rubbish in our game. But yea the refs do have to get it right too. It's like the bunker...sometimes they are going to get the decision wrong or the decision seems too harsh but hey it gives us keyboard players something to talk about!! Kata was binned in the Warriors game for being the third player to give away a penalty within the space of a couple of minutes. All penalties were for the same reason. Good on the refs I say!!!
Submitted by The Annoying Devil on
Gday Mark
I don’t have a problem with the bad boys returning to the nrl if they have paid the penalty and are being helped by their club to rehabilitate.
I’m more concerned when they leave footy with no one to guide them eg Craig Field and John Elias.
I had a problem with Lodge as he still owes compensation but I guess if he was a brickies labourer then they would never see their money.
People are cruel and will only remember your bad over your good
Carney is a Dally M winner but every time he walks past someone they’ll only acknowledge that’s the guy that peed in his mouth.
I think that’s penalty enough
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Steel, as my friend and I were discussing during the game, there needs to be more marching a team ten metres, both forward and backwards. Lets say the Storm get a penalty on half way and Cam Smith gets lippy about how it should be something else, the Ref should be allowed to take it back to the Storm 40, or advance it to the opponents 40. This came about because there is a increasing trend in soccer to give a yellow and 10 in the bin for dissent in the local comp. I accept that ref bashing is a popular sport for arm chair coaches like we all are, and it takes a individual person to call the game square especially if your BOYS are on the field. But from the "professional" players they need absolute respect and also need to exercise control evenly.
Submitted by a on
Yes I agree with them sin binning players for delabotity given away repeated penalties inside the ops 10
Submitted by bradapple on
One more thing the thinker learned from round 1- The Warriors are actually looking like a NRL side.
Submitted by Hardyards on
I don’t always have time to reason why I pick who I pick, but today I do.
Sharks – Home ground supporters advantage, plus a mass of scrambled egg on their face from the Cowboy whopping in round one should fire up the guppies enough to get their first win. Should be close as the Dragons started awesome. (how can Gallen call someone else a sook with a straight face??)
Roosters - Tedesco and Friend need to atone for round one, too many big names to lose two this early
Cowboys - The Cowboys pack is just ferocious. Taumalolo, Scott, Bolton McLean, Hess – these dozers just flood over the advantage line in waves. The Cowboys accounted for the Sharks without Morgan and Coote, so are only going to get better. Broncos will be better than last week, but no good enough.
Warriors - Warriors kept the Bunnies out for multiple sets round one, not what we expect of them, and they seem fit, lean and hungry . Taylor and Elgy played great last week, exciting to watch how they continue this season. Close game, going with home ground.
Panthers – slow start but showed real gravel to keep Parra scoreless in the second half. Rabbits maybe were hard done-by ref. Too early to tell, Panthers seem better so far, crowd on their side
Storm – Convincing winners. Tigers showed great doggedness in defence and just intimidated the Roosters out of the contest but…...Its Melbourne, at home!
Eels - Cherry Evans needs more time to develop play with Croker, will stifle his attack. They were close last week. Para will be hoping to play 80min this week.
Raiders (Faiders)Faded like they do last week after a promising start. Jury’s out on whether the Knights have the capability to intimidate this year, looked the goods last week. Maybe the stupid Viking clap might be enough?
May Footy be the true winner, (and the Cowboys )
Submitted by Brad S on
What an amazing, entertaining first round of footy!!!
Not the best round from a tipping perspective but I think there's plenty more to come.
What will the week ahead bring?
I think the Sharkies are going to struggle until they get their spine in order and have players playing in the right positions. Dragons to get the win in a fiery local derby.
Doggies showed a lot of improvement from last year in their first game and would have tested a lot of teams with their performance. Although, I think the Roosters will improve from last week and sneak home with a tight win.
I think my Broncos are in trouble this week even though playing at home again. Our pack won't be able to compete with the Cowboys' pack and our halves will struggle again as a result. Cowboys to get the win.
Warriors were the most impressive team of round 1 and were the fittest I've seen a Warriors team. Can they be trusted to back up that performance? I'm backing them at home to get a comfortable win over the Titans.
Penrith are in the same boat as the Warriors. It's hard to know whether they will be consistent from week to week but I'm going to back them to get the win after their performance on the week. Rabbitohs were a let down after how well the played in the Charity Shield.
The Tigers showed that they have a lot of heart on the weekend but unfortunately they will not beat Melbourne at home.
Tough game to pick between to arch rivals in Manly and Parra. I think Brad Arthur would have put a rocket up his team after their second half performance last week and I'm expecting them to respond and beat Manly.
Newcastle were impressive in round 1 and so were the Raiders in parts. It was a big game for the Knights in front of their big home ground and I don't think they will back that performance up this week - Raiders to get the win at home.
Good luck Tipsters!
Submitted by Peter Staines on
To the "Thinker", simply making a statement "Never underestimate the power of home ground advantage" is not the right answer to your tipping woes...
The history of the NRL Round 1 2009-2017 home teams winning in Round 1 is this...
6 2018,3 2017,5 2016,3 2015,5 2014,5 2013,1 2012,4 2011,4 2010,6 2009.
That's an average of just 4 home teams winning in round 1 2009-2017 out of a competition that has 8 games per weekend (16 teams total).
Your opening game talked about the Dragons winning, yet you tipped the Broncos...? Why?
I followed your tips last year out of curiosity...you seem to have a good grasp of sides best & worst points...
Once you get past the best 2 or 3 sides in any form of rugby, afl, soccer, games are a constant lottery probably more based on whether a side can get past being a 50% side or not...
I bet and follow the AFL and it is without doubt the most unpredictable game on the planet...
Line Bets, upsets are a constant and it never stops...
I use a form guide to base results on previous wins/losses (excel) and then bet against it using a quarter by quarter theory (excel) my 15 year old son came up with that eliminates that same "form guide"...
Go figure...
Good Luck with it all...
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:
Dragons by 6- I reckon us Dragons will continue marching on this season with a win over the Sharks in what should be a cracking local derby as it always is.
Roosters by 12- Roosters too good for the Dogs here.
Cowboys by 8- Cowboys to beat the Broncos here. Should be a cracking game and I think that the Broncos aren't going to recover their poor performance last week with a win. Plus, Cowboys were great last week and I believe will and should be great against the Broncos on Friday night.
Warriors by 2- Both of these teams got an upset win last week. I'm going towards the way of the home team this week in a close one.
Panthers by 10- Panthers too good for the Rabbitohs here.
Storm by 16- Even though the Tigers got the upset win of the round over the Roosters last week, the Storm are a hard team to tip against and I think Storm will win well this week.
Eels by 4- Should be a cracking game, Eels to reply last week's lost with a win.
And finally... Knights by 7- Yes, the Knights is my tip for this one. I think that the Knights will go 2 from 2 after this week. Now that might sound crazy considering the last few seasons the Knights have finished wooden spooners but this Knights outfit in 2018 are a totally different team. I believe that the Raiders won't recover from last week's lost and will yet again lose here.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's teams for this week and with everyone's tips for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Taka on
My round 2 tips:
Dragons by 2
Bulldogs by 4
Cowboys by 7
Warriors by 10
Panthers by 10
Storm by 18
Eagles by 4
Raiders by 6
Submitted by a on
Here are my tips
Dragons by 2 I think the Dragons will go back to back here
Roosters by 4 I think the Roosters will beat the Bulldogs here in a tough contest
Cowboys by 8 I think the Cowboys will beat the Broncos here
Warriors by 2 I the the Warriors will win in a thiller here
Panthers by 10 I think the Panthers will win easy here
Storm by 14 I think the Storm should beat the Tigers here
Eels by 2 I think the Eels will win in a close one
Knights by 2 I think the Knights will go back to back here
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi TAD
On violence, any violence particularly against women I have a no tolerance policy.
Have a look at Lodge and Packer (and others) huge men badly affected by alcohol, trained by the NRL to use their size and strength to overcome opponents. Should they be banned?? up to the NRL.
Todd Carney only assaulted himself, surely he's served his penance.
Enough of that. I scored 2/8 in round 1. Probably my worst ever.
To those who managed 5, did you use a pin or a dart?
Early days tippers....early days
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Come on mark i did a lot of thinkering on those tips.
Submitted by christine on
My tips for rd 2 :
dragons
roosters
cowboys
warriors to go back to back
panthers
storm
eels
raiders
may the football gods be good to us all
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Guys’n’Gals, just remembered there’s a game tonight. That “Thursday Night” game thing has me running around in a rush again. I suppose I’ll get used to it soon enough. Anyways, I’m gonna be like a thief in the night and “get in and get out” without anyone noticing. Tonight I’m plonking on the Sharks to win. Simply ‘cos it’s at Shark Park and the “Dugan facor”. Catch up later tonight along with another musical treat (ha-ha). I’ll pick something special for ya Baggy. Cheers.
Submitted by manyana on
Round 2 doesn't seem any easier than round 1, & that was a disaster for me. This round I'm hoping that there are no 2nd round syndromes.
Tipping the Warriors goes against the grain, but they played well last week & I couldn't ignore the work that the forwards did.
Can't see the Broncos beating the Cowboys.
Good luck to all tipsters.
Submitted by Spartan Warrior on
Greetings from the Spartan Warrior,
Aye Lady Christine may ye all partake in the relative football Gods but I shall shall followeth the gods of mine own heritage Apollo, Artemis, Athena and Zeus, whom symbolise strength, victory,
The Spartan Warriors tips:
Sharks, Roosters, Broncos, Titans, Panthers, Storm, Manly and Raiders.
It is indeed a pleasure to once again meet with ye Lady Christine and Master a.
The Spartan Warrior hast spoken.
Adieu
Submitted by tigerholic on
Afternoon Tipsters
Even using the fact that it was round 1 and this caused me to only manage a paltry 2/8, I am really embarrassed that Rocket Ryan beat me and sits a top of the table.
The next thing that worries me is when Rocket plummets from the top of the table what sort of carnage and mess will he cause to the tipsters below him.
Would like to say well done to Tigergirl for her efforts, keep it going but remember it is a real long competition.
Enjoy tonights game folks, it will be a great match, Sharks to win in a tight one.
Submitted by Spartan Warrior on
Greetings from the Spartan Warrior,
A big welcometh to those who has't hath chosen to join Master Thinkers site.
It is an honour to Has't thee as parteth of the crew.
Enjoyeth thou footy and this great site.
The Spartan Warrior hast spoken
Adieu
Submitted by a on
round 2 update
Christine Lillychino Tailspin Screaming Eagle BigPeteBX please enter your tip in my 3 strike comp or you will get a strike this round no excueses
Submitted by Dugscott on
Hi I'm overseas and having difficulty with internet to tip for round 2 can I still tip
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Thinker,
When the "show/hide the tipping entry form"
disappeared this afternoon, I checked my "Log in status" which was correct so I will enter Round 2 tips here.
Sharks
Roosters
Cowboys
Warriors
Panthers
Storm
Eels
Raiders
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Esra Star on
Hi Mr Thinker.
I have tried many times but i can't seem to find the link to add my rd 2 tips. I am logged in and all seems to be right but there is no link.
My tips are.
Dragons
Cowboys
Titans
Panthers
Storm
Eels
Knights.
Submitted by Mary S on
Estra Star
You have missed the Roosters/Bulldogs match in your tipping!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good evening Thinker.
Hope all is well. The Show/Hide link, is neither hidden or visible mate for Round 2 Tipping. It doesn't exist.
Will you accept my tips from Comments Section - please.
SHARKS
ROOSTERS
COWBOYS
WARRIORS
PANTHERS
STORM
MANLY
KNIGHTS
Thanks and good luck all
Big Pete
Submitted by lillychino on
Hi Thinker
I cant find the hide show tipping entry form for round 2 . I am definitely logged in. Hope it is okay to put in the comments section:
Sharks
Roosters
Cowboys
Warriors
Panthers
Storm
Sea Eagles
Raiders
Submitted by Esra Star on
Thanks Mary.
Mr Thinker,,please add Dogs to beat the Rooters,,thanks.
Submitted by Seaeagle47 on
G'day Thinker,
Unable to put my tips in the usual way so hopefully this is except able,
Dragons
Roosters
Cowboys
Titans
Panthers
Storm
Mighty MANLY SEAEAGLES &
Raiders.
Submitted by Esra Star on
My up dated pick Mr Think. I missed putting the doggies in before.
1 Dragons
2 Dogs
3 Cowboys
4 Titans
5 Panthers
6 Storm
7 Eels
8 Knights.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Dugscott
If you are still around you can just put your tips in the comments and I'll push them through.
Good luck sir.
Submitted by KellysLoot on
My tips for round 2.
Broncos
Panthers
Raiders
Roosters
Sea Eagles
Dragons
Storm
Warriors
Submitted by a on
Tailspin and Screaming Eagle please get your tip in my 3 strike comp
Submitted by MGM on
Can't find a link to enter my tips ... I'm not too late am I
Here they are in case :
Sharks , Roostrers , Cowboys , Warriors , Panthers , Storm , Eels , Raiders .
Submitted by Dugscott on
My second round tips sharks roosters broncos warriors panthers storm eels raiders
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Hey Thinker is it better to run into a strong wind in the first half or not? Just realised that on the kick return you have the forward running into the wind to get back onside. Play a one out game into the wind first half and then come home like a truck is my thinking.
Submitted by The Thinker on
I agree Baggy....the first 15-20 minutes of most games is usually pretty straight forward so that would be the time to take on the wind I say.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Apologies to those who had trouble submitting tips before the kick off tonight.
Unfortunately the tipping comp closed itself early today...stoopid bugs. That would be why a number of you had trouble this afternoon or this evening. Very sorry about that. I'll double check before round three and make sure that doesn't happen next time.
For those that have added tips in the comments..I will push yours through the system so they are included.
All the best
Submitted by Mary S on
Congrats Mr. Thinker -See you picked the winning margin in tonight's game!!
Submitted by newbie from perth on
You gotta remember Mary - he is "the biggest mind in Rugby League" after all (ha-ha). Well done Boss!
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sa-wat-dee krup,
Shoot! My tipping for week 1 was an absolute shocker. Then again, I wasn’t alone. I was hoping for a better start this week but missed out by tipping those Sharks. D’oh! I suppose I can always daydream about getting the other 7 right…
Last week’s double header at the Stadium was a cracker by the way. So grateful I got to see some class footy. And before the AFL too! Yeah Baby! Only “weird” thing was watching the games without the commentary I’m so used to listening to on the telly when I watch the games on GEM. Kinda strange but awesome nevertheless. The light show after each try in the Dogs/Storm game was super impressive. Even though it was pitch dark outside, inside the stadium (the playing surface) was brighter than daytime. Hope the NRL was impressed by what we put on. Now for the SOO next year! Woo-Hoo!
OK, enough rambling. Let’s get this show on the road…
Roosters v Bulldogs
The Doggies were better than last week’s scoreline suggested. They looked a real threat to the Storm at times and for a fair chunk of the game were all over them. Roosters on the other hand were less than impressive by all accounts. I’m hoping Cronky and Tedesco will start to get into some sort of groove after last week’s outing. I’m hoping LK gets a start too (haven’t seen the team lists yet) and if so, can expect a better showing from my BBB. It won’t be easy but I’m tipping a Chooks form reversal that’ll get us on the board. Begurk! Begurk!
Broncos v Cowboys
The Broncos were less than impressive last week. They’re missing Ben aren’t they? They’ll also be missing Jaydn Su’A as well so things ain’t looking to rosy. Maybe playing at Suncorp will lift them. The Cowboys on the other hand were good enough for JT’s 300th and did it without Morgan and Coote, if those two scrub up alright and play, I reckon this might just about be done and dusted. The Cowboys have the best recent form in these games and that’s good enough for me to tip ‘em.
Warriors v Titans
There was an absolute truckload of Warrior fans at the stadium last week and weren’t they a happy bunch of campers. Haven’t seen so many people in one place genuinely joyous in a long time. And rightly so. The Warriors surprised everyone, including their fans, in a great display against the Bunnies. Some may argue the Bunnies had a few bad refereeing calls but IMO the Warriors would’ve won regardless. Oh BTW, the game Shaun Johnson played just reminded me what a freak he can be when he’s on song. Absolutely brilliant! Let’s not take anything away from the Titans though. To come back from being 18-0 down and win in the dying moments? Inspiring stuff. As good as they were, I’ll have to tip the Warriors simply by what I saw last week but I hope they don’t go back to their old ways, what they did last week was great to see.
Panthers v Rabbitohs
Coming back from being 14-0 down, keeping the Eels scoreless thereafter and running out 24-14 winners has me liking these Panthers. And they get to play at the Park for the second week in a row. Poor ol’ Souths gotta travel back from the West and they’ll be missing Adam Reynolds. Not looking good. Neither was their form against the Warriors. I reckon this is an easy(ish) one to pick. Panthers for me.
Storm v Tigers
Yes, the Tigers did manage to upset my BBB last week, albeit by just 2 points but a win is a win as they say. Different kettle of fish against the Storm in Melbourne though. And it’s Billy’s 300th too. Sorry Tiger fans, not a snowflake’s chance in hell this week. Not disrespecting their effort in the slightest (didn’t Benji have a burster eh?) but just feel the Storm have too many big guns. More than happy to cop an earful should the unlikely happen but really. Oh and if you wanna “gamble responsibly” Tiger fans, I’d be jumping all over the +14.5 currently on offer for the Tigers. Just saying…
Manly v Eels
By all accounts, both these two sides were a wee bit lacking in endeavour and execution last week. Who wants it more I wonder. This is a tough one. I have absolutely no idea on this one. To tell you the truth, I was putting in my tips early this morning at work and got to this one and had no idea. I wanted to “get in and get out” as I had a mountain of emails to look at so just clicked on the Eels. Good enough for me…
Raiders v Knights
The Raiders let one slip last week and might just have some of that “bouce-back” factor coming into this one. The Knights got up by one point and good on ‘em too. As we all know, playing down in the Nation’s Capital is a hard ask at the best of times and might be a bit harder too against a Raiders mob that will be dying to set things straight. Hmm, I reckon the Raiders here in this one.
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points!
It’s “Song of the Week” time again.
Hey Baggy, seeing as you didn’t think too much of last week’s song (cool with me mate), thought you might like this one instead broseph. Turn up da volume!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWXazVhlyxQ
P.S. Warning: Rude words start at around the 4:12 mark. If you’re easily offended, please don’t watch. There, you’ve been told (ha-ha).
Submitted by The Thinker on
Good morning everyone
It looks like I've found everyone's tip and pushed them through the system. Apologies again for those who spent too much of their Thursday afternoon/evening looking for something that wasn't there.
All the best
The Thinker
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