Greetings football fans. For those of you that disappeared for the off-season...welcome back.
Registrations for new tipsters have now closed. Apologies to those who have missed out. Here are our tipsters for 2019 (assuming all of the tipsters from 2018 return):
TigerGirl, Rocket Ryan, Steel Panther, Brad S, Footy chick, KellysLoot, Dragons-fanboy, Rick, a, BigPeteBx, The Voyuer, The Thinker, Mark Ashford, MGM, Tigerholic, Tigers717, Esra Star, Manyana, Johnny Awesome, Mary S, bradapple, scott m, Taka, NRL Fan, Wally Lewis, Bronco Swimmer, Newbie from Perth, The Annoying Devil, Tailspin, Hardyards, Islander, Gad, Pabdul, Baggy Gee, Lillychino, Dugscott, SeaEagle47, SteveUganda, Jack.Starky, FrankQLD, Shauno77, Screaming Eagle, GaryChesterUK, Mike T, Catdog, jonkulator, NuLIF3, teraflare, Walby, ScottySeahawk, Shonky, The Butcher, Buzz105, Niftyone, Grahamgunners, DarK-HorsE and Grasshopper.
It's a good list. Plenty of familiar names and a bunch of fresh recruits.
I'll have the tipping page for round one up and running later this week. That will give everyone plenty of time to get their head around how to submit their tips and ask me any questions before it all gets up and running.
Prizes
There will be prizes but I'll let you know in the weeks ahead what and how much. Some of you may have noticed that this website no longer has an arrangement with a certain online bookmaker. As such, you won't see their ads on these pages going forward (well....google might load them on my behalf but that's a separate story).
I've had a good hard think about this one. While I'm not averse to an occasional flutter myself, I feel there is more than enough gambling advertising in Australian sport as it stands...and I didn't want to add to the noise. None of this means that much to any of you, but it does mean the revenue I was getting from the website will be reduced. Most of that revenue goes to my little helper buddy to keep his liquor cabinet stocked, or back to you guys as prizes. So the prizes this year will be smaller than last year. They'll still be pretty good, they're still worth winning and you still get to see your name on the Honour Board if you do well. How do you put a price on recognition like that?
If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. The season kicks off on Thursday 14th March. Welcome back football...I have missed you.
All the best
The Thinker
Comments
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It's all good Mary, he know that his boys are under a unproven coach, who's team did drop off when under the pump last season. They have lost a lot of experience in the forwards and if the young blood fails then they are shot. The halves will struggle even if the forwards are giving them ground, and the only good player they have is coming back from a pretty rough injury caused by that thug who should be in jail called Lodge. All Ryan has for the season is talking trash. But at least the Ponies have a better hope than the Silver Spoons do.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
Goodness me about 3 weeks out and you're already talking nonsense.
Wait until the games start my friend and then you can offer your uneducated opinions. Matt Lodge has been cleared by the NRL to play.
How many of your Eels can say the same thing. And oh by the way where is your super star Jarrod Hayne? Perhaps defending a rape charge here or in Seattle USA
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Ahhhh it's good to see Rocket has people in his corner. The eels players that have been jailed did their time and paid their debt to society. JH has no criminal case to answer in America, it is a civil case that seems to be based around how much the woman can get out of him via litigation. The Australian case is following standard protocol, he plead not guilty, he goes back in front of a jury of his peers and at that point he is decided if he is innocent or guilty. I will wait for the verdict and am more than happy for him to be found guilty if the evidence points that way. Lodge on the other hand has been convicted, has not paid the damages required, has not served jail time and unlike Barba, Walker, Carny, is allowed to pursue a career in the NRL. All the above did just as heinous deeds against women, except Carny pretending to piss in his own mouth, and deserve the sanctions against them. So why are the Broncos and Lodge different? The De Belin issue needs to be treated exactly the opposite as the B. Stewart debacle, and could cause the game massive problems if it is a money grab, but again if he is convicted then hammer him hard.
Submitted by christine on
i'm tipping rocket to win the thinker's comp & I'm going to be on his heels giving in hell to make sure he does , you better get ready for this one rocket ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
BAGGY
I'm sure your not a lawyer or any other type of legal eagle just an Eels fan. So maybe you need to lighten up and let the NRL decide who can and can't play.
We are 2.5 weeks out from the start of the season so why not let your team speak for you. Which surely is all that is required.
I sincerely wish you and the Eels a winning season in 2019.
Submitted by christine on
That meant to read giving him hell to make sure he does ...
Submitted by christine on
Manyana with your cfs as people do with ms are you affected more with weather being hot or cold please let me know I might have some info for you ? sorry thinker but season hasn't started yet so wanted to ask the ? as I have foud out i'm now eligible for a medical rebate for heating & cooling that if manyana is also affected with cfs might be good for her , just trying to be helpful ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Thanks Mark, I'm sure that we will both enjoy the kick off to the season. I'm just a fan of the Whitlams and Duffy's Song.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Gidday Thinker
Looking forward to another exciting year of footy. I'll be overseas from 29 March through to the end of May. I'll put my tips in through Rocket Ryan if that's ok with you.
The prizes are not what we seek Thinker, the glory of winning is more than enough.
Happy New Year to all tipsters both old and new, good luck and enjoy the banter.
Tiger
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sa-wat-dee krup,
Sheesh, is it that time already? Was “cruisin’ the net today and wondered to myself what was stirring here in Thinkerland and saw that the Boss had put up this here “calling all tipsters” post. Takes the worry out of trying to fight my way into the tipping competition knowing that I don’t have to nominate again.
Thanks for that Thinker. Oh and of course I’m back for another year. It’s a privilege and an honour to get amongst it again this year. Now if only I could’ve inserted a smiley face there. Oh well…
Great to see all the old faces commenting here and good also that we have some new faces that have appeared. Good luck to you all. Yeah, like some others have hinted at, big prizes aren’t the be all and end all here. Bragging rights indeed and the simple “warm glow” knowing I’m having a crack amongst some of the finest footy minds in the land will suffice for me.
Hey Baggy, I know it’s way too early for SOTW but here’s a little present for ya…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLu_q6k0qI0
OK kids, I’m off now but I’ll keep checking in seeing as the excitement is starting to slowly simmer. All I gotta do is start hunting around the net for a small pocket-sized fixtures card I can download. Hell, if I was in Sydney or Bris-Vegas I’d get one in the paper but no such thing exists over here in the West. Hmm, might ask someone at our Brisbane office if they can grab me one. Yeah, that’s an idea. OK, keep well y’all…
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Big Pete, thanks for thinking of us, but we've only had some wind blowing & no rain. Luckily for us Oma turned out to be a fizzer, but we certainly could use some rain. Cheers, Manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Christine, thanks for thinking of me, but it really doesn't matter how the weather is with my cfs, I can feel terrible anytime, winter or summer.
I currently have some sort of infection (no surprise) & feel yukky. My GP sent me for a chest x-ray, more blood tests, & I'm on a very strong antibiotic. Currently can't do much except sit around & sleep a lot, but it won't last forever, & I'll be back to feeling like a human being again soon. It certainly won't stop me from putting my tips in when the season starts. lol. Hope you are feeling reasonably well.
Good tipping this season, should interesting for the first few rounds. Look after yourself, Manyana.
Submitted by a on
Just remember we're all thinking of you Manyana
Submitted by manyana on
Thank you "a". It's a pleasure to be on "Thinkers" site. I feel like I'm part of a family. I've "met" some lovely people here, as well as meeting one very nice bloke in person.
PS saw my GP this morning, x-rays & blood test were clear, it's just the Chronic fatigue, so it's a matter of my most despised word "rest"!!
Cheers, Manyana.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hi Thinker,
I would like you to add me in this year's tipping competition. Thank you!!!
Cheers!!!!
Submitted by bouzouki1967 on
Hi thinker,
I have been participating in your tipping site as an outside tipster and I would like to be added into your tipping competition!
Can you please add me.
Thanks
Michael N
Submitted by TigerGirl on
I would love to be in the comp again
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy Gee
I listened to the Whitlams song and quite liked it. Bit of a shot at Bondi there. Hope we all play nice this season with so many new people.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Newbie
Round 1 is (home teams shown first)
Thursday March 14 Storm V Broncos
Friday March 15 Knights v Sharks & Roosters v Rabbits
Saturday March 16 Warriors v Bulldogs, Tigers v Manly & Cowboys V Dragons
Sunday March 17 Panthers v Eels & Titans v Raiders.
Hope this helps and good luck to your Chooks.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Newbie,
Good to see you back on site!!
I see Mark has helped you out with the first round but if you want others, check out
https://www.nrl.com/draw/?ompetition=111&season=2019&round=1
In the top LH corner you can forward the next round - whose playing, times & grounds.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by The Thinker on
I think Newbie was looking for a pocket version of the draw, one that he can carry around with him (or I could be wrong).
I know there are versions of this for individual clubs, but I don't know if you can get one for every game. That's a lot of games to fit in your pocket.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings everyone
For those of you who have asked about joining the tipping comp and are wondering what next, I'll be here on Thursday with some more details.
In the meantime, if you want to have a crack at creating an account for yourself please do. It's free and relatively easy. Just click on the 'register' link at the top right of the page, add a couple of details, then click 'create new account' inside the rectangular box. Some of you have already done this which is super. For those that haven't, you will need an account if you want to participate in the tipping comp.
If you have any trouble or any questions, just let me know in the comments and I'll give you a hand as soon as I can.
A couple of semi-serious trial games coming up this weekend. Not far away now.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
G-day all and hello Mr Thinker Sir, I would love to be included in this years competition. Thank you for your consideration.
Submitted by Grahamgunners on
Thinker,
I tried last year to join but I was too late. Can I get in this year??
Graham
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Indeed Mark, they are very very very AFL. But I really enjoy the feel and tune of the song, A great Aussie band with a wonderful back catalogue. We shall see how the BOYS go with Panthers this week and then Panthers again the week after.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
So your Eels play Panthers this weekend in a trial and then meet them again in round 1 on Sunday 17th? Look I'm no rocket scientist but what is the purpose of these trial matches. Coaches and fitness staff have these guys ready to play. Yes you can blood some newcomers but surely that's what lower grades are for. How many a grade players are injured in trials, have a look back it's frightening, anyway just my thought.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It is the world's dumbest idea. Yes it is true, do you show your hand and get match fitness into your first graders, or do you give them the week off. I would rather play an NRL side than run an opposed session vs the Reggie's but not against your round 1 opponents. But back in 2009 we got towelled by the dragons last game of the regular season andcreturned the favour 7 days later.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Grahamgunners
You are in this year. Welcome aboard sir. You will need to create an account on the site. Just click on the 'register' link at the top right of the page, then fill out a few details, and click 'create new account' inside the rectangular box.
If you have any issues just let me know.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
Mike T
You are in the comp this year. Welcome aboard.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
NuL1F3
You are in the comp this year. Welcome aboard.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
bouzouki1967
You are welcome to join the tipping comp but you will need to create an account on the site to do so. Just click on 'register' at the top right of the page and follow the steps. It's not too tricky and it's free to sign up.
If you have any issues let me know.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
jonkulator
You are in the tipping comp for 2019. Welcome aboard.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
ScottySeahawk
You are in the tipping comp for 2019. Welcome aboard.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
Shonky
You are in the tipping comp for 2019. Welcome aboard sir.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
Walby
You are in the tipping comp for 2019. Welcome aboard...and that's a nice looking dog you've got there.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
The Butcher
Fanatics are welcome. You are in. Welcome aboard.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
Grasshopper
It looks like you've been here since the very beginning. There aren't many who have had Thinker accounts for more than six years.
Welcome to the tipping comp my insect friend.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
Buzz105
You are in the tipping comp for 2019. Welcome aboard.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
Dark-Horse and Niftyone
You are welcome to join the tipping comp but you will need to create an account on the site so I can make you a tipster. Just click on the 'register' link at the top right of the page, then follow the steps and click on 'create new account' inside the rectangular box.
Let me know if you have any issues.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings everyone
I will be closing the tipping comp to new participants tomorrow (Friday). We need some time to get things up and going in time for Round One in mid-March.
If you wish to participate and haven't let me know, now is the time to give me a holler. If you have friends or family that wish to participate, now is the time to give them a nudge.
Some will probably miss out and be annoyed, but we'll do our best to include as many as we can.
If anyone has any questions just let me know.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by a on
Will you open my 3 strike comp tomorrow Thinker
Submitted by manyana on
Hi everyone, Yes Mark, I totally agree with what you said. The number of injuries to players during these games is ridiculous.
Even during training there are injuries when there's body contact, that should be sufficient to let the coaches know who is fit & who is not.
Trial games really don't give you much of an idea about how a team is going anyway, as players are taken off & on & you don't know where they're playing, or how they're going anyway.
last week I think there were at least 3 injuries, which means that those players may not be available for the first game. So what did the trial prove? Nothing!!.
Cheers, for now, Manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Thinker, I gave Niftyone a "nudge" yesterday, and he said that he had registered & hoped that he was able to compete in the competition.
Another Bribie Islander...….Yaaaay!!
Cheers, Manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
A big warm welcome to the new tipsters. I was lucky enough join the "experts" lol, last year, & now feel like one of the family.
It's a great site & lots of lovely people here.
Good luck with your tipping.
Cheers, Manyana.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hey Manyana...sorry to hear you're not well. Mark and I have been corresponding behind the scenes and he's advised me that you can't make the lunch next week. That's a shame as I was looking forward to meeting you. I'm thinking holidaying on the Sunshine Coast may become an annual thing for me so maybe next year!! Best of luck with your tipping this season and look after yourself.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I looked at the trial team Mark, and it is what I would call the first BOYS, so why put the exact same team on the park 2 weeks running. Some Bozo came up with this idea and blowed if I know how we signed off on it.
Submitted by a on
I'm glad NRL is standing down players until they behave themselves
Submitted by a on
But I do think this is wrong
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6753349/NRL-star-Scott-Bolton-v...
Submitted by Mike Tucker on
Thanks for including me, I just hope it easier to name winners than last year.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
I always thought a "trial" was to see if players came up to NRL standard.
Yet clubs regularly play first choice players in these games.
There are no points or glory in the trials, in fact most RL commentators disregard the results completely. If your club (or any club) is unlucky enough to have a top player injured then what is the point.
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