South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos – Thursday night – ANZ Stadium
The cameras will spend as much time watching the coaches as they will the action on the field on Thursday night. Bennett and Siebold should know plenty about the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents – now we get to see which coach can put together a game plan to get the win. It's all good and well to have a game plan, but you need the team to implement it, and thus far the Rabbitohs appear to be responding to their new coach better than the Broncos. The Broncos were dominant against a weakened opponent in round seven, but this is another level. Anthony Milford has calmly potted two field goals in the games where Broncos were a long way in front, but he's struggled for composure in the close games. This will probably be close, and I expect Cody Walker (who should be in the mix for NSW origin selection but never seems to get a mention) and Adam Reynolds will get the Bunnies home. Note that Thomas Deardon makes his NRL debut for Nikorima who has a (cough cough) calf injury. He's highly rated, but this is a big game to be making your debut.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4
Result – Rabbitohs 38 defeated Broncos 6
North Queensland Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans – Friday night – 1300SMILES Stadium
At least one Queensland team is going to win this round. It's worth keeping your eye out for team changes heading into this game because we may have a couple of very important inclusions. Taumalolo is (potentially) returning from injury earlier than anticipated, and AJ Brimson could be named for the Titans. Jarrod Wallace definitely returns from suspension to boost their depleted forward pack. There are rumours emerging of disquiet at the Cowboys – talk of players and coach not being on the same page. I've heard this before and it's nothing new, but that doesn't mean there isn't any truth to it. I'm still tipping the Cowboys who return home after two weeks on the road. Michael Morgan gets to stake a claim for the coveted number 7 Origin jersey with a decent showing.
Verdict – Cowboys by 2
Result – Cowboys 28 defeated Titans 14
Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm – Friday night – PointsBet Stadium
There's never a good time to face Melbourne, but with Moylan and now Johnson out with gammy hammies this is about as bad as it gets for the Sharks. The Storm aren't playing at their best, but they are still beating just about everybody. The only teams the Sharks have beaten are currently 13th, 14th and 15th on the ladder. The Storm are better than that, and I think they might rack up a tally here.
Verdict – Storm by 22
Result – Sharks 20 defeated Storm 18
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday afternoon – McDonalds Park
I don't live in Wagga Wagga (or 'Wagga' as it likes to be called), but if I were I would definitely be plonking myself down on a patch of turf on Saturday afternoon. This particular venue is unique because there are plenty of good seats on the grass...and I like that. I like the Raiders too, despite their loss to the Sea Eagles and the improved showing from Penrith last week. Jordan Rapana has been named for now, but is nursing a dodgy rib.
Verdict – Raiders by 2
Result – Raiders 30 defeated Panthers 12
Manly Sea Eagles vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Saturday night – Lottoland
The Bulldogs did enough to win last week but it wasn't enough to drag them off the bottom of the ladder. Note that the team they beat are currently fifteenth while the team the Sea Eagles beat are in the top four. Manly are without Cherry-Evans for a while but they lifted without him against the Raiders and I think they'll be just fine. Their pack of forwards are going very well indeed and that's where games are won. Fonua-Blake returns from suspension to make them even stronger.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 8
Result – Sea Eagles 18 defeated Bulldogs 10
Sydney Roosters vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Sydney Cricket Ground
Jake Friend is out for a while with a busted bicep, but the Chooks have a more than handy replacement in Victor Radley – if anything the change improves them. The only reason the tricolours lose this is if they put all their energy into the ANZAC Day game and don't turn up this weekend. They're a fairly professional outfit so I'll assume that risk is low. Benji Marshall slots into the halves to replace Reynolds. It probably helps, but more help is needed.
Verdict – Roosters by 10
Result – Roosters 42 defeated Tigers 12
New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – Mt Smart Stadium
The Knights surprised us with a big win over the Eels and the Warriors surprised us by hanging tough (but just falling short) against the Storm. If both sides bring similar performances on Sunday it should be a ripper, but will they? The Warriors have three big inclusions (Tuivasa-Sheck, Fusitu'a and Green) this weekend, and they are back at home – four pretty compelling reasons to tip them here.
Verdict – Warriors by 10
Result – Knights 36 defeated Warriors 18
Parramatta Eels vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Sunday afternoon – Bankwest Stadium
The Eels all-time record at Bankwest Stadium is as good as it gets, but it's a small sample. The Dragons were competitive against the Roosters on ANZAC Day and this does look an easier task. In their last four outings they have conceded (on average) less than 12 points per game. Another strong defensive effort can set the platform, and there's enough match winners in that back-line to get them the points. If not for all the huff'n'puff over the coaches in the Thursday night game this would be the match of the round. It could still be.
Verdict – Dragons by 1
Result – Eels 32 defeated Dragons 18
Wally Lewis - round eight selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- RABBITOHS vs Broncos
- COWBOYS vs Titans
- Sharks vs STORM
- RAIDERS vs Panthers
- SEA EAGLES vs Bulldogs
- ROOSTERS vs Tigers
- WARRIORS vs Knights
- Eels vs DRAGONS
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings tipsters,
A spontaneous prize from your spontaneous tipping competition thinker guy – the top tipster in round eight will receive a bonus prize, selected at random from the Thinker's stash of NRL gear.
The prize (selected at random) is an adorable plush bear wearing a Wests Tigers jersey. If you like the Tigers you can keep it on your bed. If you don't like the Tigers you can hang it from a fencepost and chuck your empty beer bottles at it....either way its hours of fun for the whole family.
In the event of a (likely) dead-heat, those that tied for first will continue against each other in the following round until we have a clear winner.
The winner is determined by me (not selected at random). Wally Lewis and I are excluded from the comp.
Good luck everyone.
Submitted by christine on
Thinker in case of a dead heat tie they can always attach the west tigers teddy bear to there tow balls at the rear of there cars & take home half each with them , sorry tiger I couldn't resist that one ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Raids on the Broncos playing roster are nothing new but why now?
They are equal last on the ladder (forget F&A) and the Kiwis are hunting Nikorema and Souths, Roberts. Don't these clubs have a junior system bringing young players into the NRL.
According to the media the biggest rivalry in RL is no longer Roosters/Dragons, Tigers/Eels, Manly/Storm, Broncos/Cowboys but Broncos/Rabbits can you believe this. If we were watching a Bill Shorten commercial it would be the battlers (souths) against the "big end of town" (broncos). They don't meet again until #23.
May the best team (coach) win.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:
Rabbitohs by 10 - In what will be the battle of the coaches rather than the battle of the two teams or the battle of some key players, which is rare to see especially with so much focus on it, the question is; which team will respond better to their coach? To me, it's the Rabbitohs. The Rabbits have responded well to Bennett for the majority of the year thus far whereas, the Broncos haven't responded too well to Seibold. Nikorima is quite a blow for the Broncos but maybe young Tom Dearden is a good replacement for Nikorima he is supposedly a superstar in the making. But we'll see how he fairs in his debut game in such a big game as well. Broncos got their second win in an impressive performance against a weakened Sharks and the Rabbits got another tight win, this time on the road against the Panthers. The Rabbitohs look the goods here as they just have been always finding a way to win without being at their flashy best.
Cowboys by 4 - Cowboys were poor last week against the Bulldogs. Their backline have been poor which has me questioning the Cowboys attack. The forwards are doing the work yet the backs aren't capitalising. And by the sounds of it, the culture isn't looking too good in the Cowboys camp with players and coach not being on the same page as Thinker said. Without much confidence, I'm backing the Cowboys to bounce back this week with a much-needed win at home.
Storm by 18 - Storm should win and win well here. I know they are still finding their feet without Slater, but the Storm are still racking up the wins, even though they aren't winning pretty. But if they are going to win pretty, it'll be here. Now the Sharks do have quite a good record against the Storm and in recent years, they have managed to rack up some impressive wins over the Storm. But this Sharks lineup lining up against the Storm don't look too threatening and are even more understrength with the absence of Johnson along with other high-profile names in Moylan, Dugan, and Graham among others. I think the Storm will be able to handle the Sharks quite well and put on some points on them on Friday night to get a big win.
Raiders by 12 - The Raiders to bounce back here with a win over the Panthers to go 6-2.
Manly by 2 - Cherry-Evans is a huge loss for Manly but I think that they'll be just fine without him. The poor old Bulldogs are still on the bottom even after a good win over the Cowboys. The Bulldog's attack in that game was a huge improvement which is a good sign of the Bulldogs, especially if they keep that up consistently. Manly have been getting the wins over the top teams and facing off against the bottom of the table Bulldogs, I think they'll get yet another win here at home to go back-to-back.
Roosters by 16 - Roosters are clearly the team to beat. Although I didn't find their performance so impressive against the Dragons considering they could've easily blown us out of the park. But I guess with Keary out, that made that just a little harder. But in saying that, they still got a comfortable win in the end and that's all that matters at the end of the day. This week, Keary is back which is a boost. For me, the only things the Roosters need to improve on is their second halves, they can't be letting teams back into it, well I guess with the only exception being when they're 30-0 up with 20 minutes to go, but still, the Roosters need to be playing 80 and not have these little poor lapses in the second half. Other than that, the Roosters are pretty much a perfect team at the moment with not any other issue. The Tigers, on the other hand, had a much better performance against the Titans and that will give them some confidence heading into this one. Marshall is back for them which is great at the expense of Reynolds, who is unfortunately injured. Roosters to continue marching on in their journey to back-to-back premierships and I think that they'll win comfortably here.
Knights by 6 - Knights to get the upset win here. Both the Warriors and the Knights surprised me in round 7. The result though for the Warriors still didn't go their way and they were really unlucky in their loss to the Storm. The Knights on the other hand got the win over the Eels finally putting a strong performance. Now I said last week that I have given up on the Knights for the moment, but after a short 1 week, I'm back to backing them for the win here in which I think they'll get here. But I don't have too much confidence with the Warriors playing at home and they have their 4 outs from last week back this week.
And finally... Dragons by 8 - I am really proud of how we played against the Roosters. Yes, I am quite disappointed, especially since we did have dodgy calls go against us. I guess that is payback for our win the week before against Manly lol. Anyways, considering the possession that the Roosters had, especially in the first half to keep them at 14, then to come back out in the second half and come back into the game with two tries, and that Dufty try, wow just... WOW, that was an amazing try. Unfortunately the Dufty mistake gave the Roosters their match-winning try but none the less, a great defensive performance. The errors were our main issue in the ANZAC game. We need to clean that up if we are going to beat the Eels. Now, onto the Eels, after the flogging they gave the Tigers, they suffered a bad loss to the Knights, they did well to get back into the game but to no avail with the Knights finishing off the game well to cap off a big win. Not a good sign for the Eels. This makes me wonder now, are the Eels just going to be playing well and stringing up wins at their new home stadium and play poor away or are they going to be a consistent side that are able to win both at home and away? This question does have to be asked now that the Eels have the new stadium and they started off well there then follow that up with a disappointing loss away from home, will this be the trend for the rest of the season? We'll find out. But, I don't think so or at least I hope not because I obviously want and I do think that the Dragons will bounce back this week. The only thing stopping that thought is the fact that the Eels did play such a good game at their new home that they may repeat it again or even if not as convincing, still able to play well since they're playing at Bankwest and get yet another win there.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's teams for this week and with everyone's tips for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by a on
Here’s my tips
Rabbitohs by 4 Yes I do think the Rabbitohs will win but I don’t think it will be a flogging
Cowboys by 6 I think the Cowboys will get their season back on track against the Titans
Storm by 8 I think the Storm will win again here
Raiders by 2 I don’t think the Panthers are to far of but I don’t think it will be this week
Sea Eagles by 4 I think the Sea Eagles will shut out the Bulldogs
Roosters by 10 I think the Roosters will continue their good form here
Warriors by 2 I think the Warriors will bounce back here
Eels by 1 I think The Eels will win in a thriller here
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
So the girls got 5/8 again and that puts them on 34/56. Yay i'm starting to pull away, at least i am going to beat someone this season.
Here are their tips this week.
Broncos (We always back the Broncos)
Titans (They have swords)
Storm (Because they are the Storm)
Panthers (Because they went with a pink jersey a while ago)
Manly (Because they are in purple)
Tigers (They are fast)
Knights (Still are against the Warriors logo)
Dragons (They eat Eels (apparently we are disloyal))
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
Please tell your girls their picks are as good as anyone's.
This season is just as hard as any before.
I have to ask your girls a very important question, no coaching from you.
Who will win State of Origin this year.
The players in the blue jersey or the players in the maroon jersey.
Just a hint girls the Broncos play in a maroon jersey. (a little coaching from me)
Mate I love that you have included your family this year.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to Josh Reynolds and his partner for losing their twins before they were born. This is very sad and heart-breaking to hear.
Cheers!!!!!
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sa-wat-dee krup,
Here we go again. Round 8 and I reckon there’s maybe 4 or 5 that could go either way. Here’s hoping I can do a bit better than the paltry four (4) that I got last week (ha-ha). My time at the top was short-lived eh? Shout out to Baggy – hopped onto Grandstand and listened to the Broncos and Sharks game as you suggested. Well, it’s certainly different compared to watching it on TV for sure. Haven’t quite made my mind up on it yet though. Worse comes to worse I can always watch extended highlights (or full game) on the NRL website as I often do. This one’s a WIP Baggy. Thanks for the tip bro’.
Just quickly, seems like our good friend Dragons-fanboy is starting to give me a run for my money insofar as to the length of his weekly posts. I’ve noticed that he loves telling a story as much as I do and I’m diggin’ it. Well done brother!
OK, settle back for this week’s thrilling instalment. Let’s get into it…
Rabbitohs vs Broncos 60-40 @ ANZ
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Yeah, the Bunnies keep winning but they’re not blowing anyone away in the process. But if you can consistently do enough things right and get the 2 points (as they did against a very good Panthers last week) then that’s all that matters I suppose. A lot of pundits are saying the Bunnies were a little lucky to scrape home last week (and I agree) but their solid defence should be enough to keep the Broncos at arm’s length. Not to mention the big bodied forwards they have will (might) cause the young Broncos some problems. The Broncos got back on track with a big win, albeit against an injury ravaged Sharks outfit. An awesome first half but not so much so in the second. Did they drop off or did the Sharks show some grit? Souths will provide some stiffer opposition for the Broncos in both halves for sure. The key for the Broncos is maintaining their effort for the full 80 if they’re gonna be any chance here. The bookies have the Bunnies as firm favourites in this one and rightfully so. The ratings say so too which obviously means I’m on the Bunnies this week.
Cowboys vs Titans 60-40 @ 1300Smiles
Ladder Position = Titans
The Cowboys were not all that good last week which sort of surprised me. I gave them a real chance of winning but the Bulldogs win showed the Cowboys’ defence was a bit lacking. That might be a concern for them this week against the Titans (who, by the way, have me confounded). They do however have home ground advantage which might be a bonus. I’m still shaking my head in disbelief after reading that the Cowboys only managed one (1) line break last week. Sheesh! The Titans let me down big time last week (not uncommon with them). I might have to completely rethink how I sit with the Titans now. I thought they were back on track but when a side lets in 30 unanswered points and loses, well that’s a completely different kettle o’ fish. Will there be a “bounce back” factor involved I wonder. The Titans should’ve really knuckled down and defended the Tigers’ momentum away but it was obviously beyond them that day. The Titans’ defence is an enigma to me. I’m not quite sure where their defensive game has gone (was it even there to start with?) but it might return against a Cowboys side that’s slightly underperforming. If the Titans are to win this, it might have to come via the forwards. In my humble opinion, the Cowboys’ ability to score points consistently is proving a real struggle for them. I’m torn on who to tip in this one to be honest. Yeah, the Cowboys are at home and yeah, they’re favourites. I even have them rated to win. Having said that however, I reckon the Titans will be sufficiently motivated to make amends for last week’s poor effort and against my better judgement, I’m tipping the Titans yet again.
Sharks vs Storm 40-60 @ Shark Park
Ladder Position = Storm
The injury ravaged Sharks played a good second half last week (6-8) but still lost by 23 points. They will need to get their defensive game back on track this week or it’s a done deal. Their defensive lapses last week are definitely a concern, especially when they now have to front up against a class act like the Storm. The new boys at the Sharks will need to adapt to the intensity of first grade and they need to do it quickly. A worrying stat from last week was the Sharks’ completion rate. Only completing 22 from 34 is just not good enough. The Storm were very, very lucky to win last week. A somewhat suspect penalty to get them level and an extremely fortunate FG to get ‘em the win. And all this at home with the crowd behind them. They just seem a little “off” lately. Even so, good teams are known to do what they need to do and the Storm fit that bill. Considering the key personnel missing from the Sharks and the Storm’s ability to win the close ones, I’m tipping the Storm this week.
Raiders vs Panthers 65-35 @ McDonalds Stadium (Wagga)
Ladder Position = Raiders
The Raiders started well last week and got off to a handy 12 point lead but were eventually beaten by a much improved Manly side. The test will be to see if they can stand up to the Panthers game, especially if the Panthers can start the game fully switched on. The Raiders need to put last week’s result behind them and focus on implementing their assertive brand of attacking play. Do that and they’re a good chance to bounce back from last week’s disappointment. Penrith had a great game last week and were very unlucky to fall just short against the Bunnies. Their first half cost them dearly. Their second half effort should give them a shot of much needed confidence though. If Tamou can fire up again, watch out Raiders. While I have the Raiders miles in front with the ratings, I’m thinking this might just be closer than I anticipate. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Panthers caused a mini boilover but I just feel the Raiders have a little more class all round and should win. Green Machine for me.
Manly vs Bulldogs 60-40 @ Brookvale
Ladder Position = Manly
Very impressive effort from Manly last week. All made that much more extraordinary given the cattle they’ve lost so far and the fact that DCE was missing for a large portion of the game. Given the quality of their opposition last week, it franks their form perfectly. Looks like DCE will miss around 4 weeks with his ankle so I’m not sure how this will impact them in the next month. I do know however that they’re on a roll and seem to be able to get the job done without their “big guns” playing. Croker’s return will be a definite bonus for them admittedly. Hmm, food for thought. The Bulldogs were equally impressive in their win against the Cowboys. Even if they replicate that effort, and knowing that Manly rate a lot higher than the Cowboys, will it be enough to knock off the Sea Eagles? To be any chance they will have to take it up another notch. They’re a young bunch of players so it might take a while to get the experience and “fine tune the machine” so to speak. Look, they’re in with a chance for sure but it’ll be a big ask. Along with playing at Brookvale, I think Manly’s fast play the ball style can cause the Doggies some headaches and will go a long way in getting them the chocolates this week. I’m on the Sea Eagles here in this one.
Roosters vs Tigers 75-25 @ SCG
Ladder Position = Roosters
What a cracking game it was last week in the Anzac Day clash with the Dragons. Yet again my BBB “went to sleep” in the second half and almost lost it. Thankfully we managed to get it done with great defence (big shout out to Jake Friend) and with an error or two (Dufty was very unlucky I must admit). We desperately need to address this “switching off” and hopefully this is the weekend where we make it happen (fingers crossed). We’ll be missing Friend but have some impressive “ins” (including Keary) so we should be OK. I must admit I didn’t give the Tigers much of a chance last week after their shocker against the Eels in round 6 but a great comeback from them last week after being 12 points down against the Titans. Showed real determination in getting up in that one. Not sure they’ll be able to replicate that should they find themselves in a similar situation against the Roosters this week though. Benji’s back but Josh is out and it’ll be interesting to see how that pans out. Roosters $1.20 favourites and are rated at 75 for a reason. Can’t see them losing this. They just have to keep an eye on the Tigers’ right side and be ready. The Mighty Chooks for me. Begurk! Begurk!
Warriors vs Knights 65-35 @ Mt Smart
Ladder Position = Knights
Wow, this is a tough one. If it was based on what I saw from each of these 2 sides I would be hard pressed to pick a clear winner. Both played outstanding games and both impressed me. I might have to examine who they lost to and who they beat and compare apples with apples. The Warriors were very unlucky last week and could’ve possibly beaten the Storm. No use crying about a “dodgy” penalty and so on, just take note that their game was on point until the last bit of the game. The Knights need to watch out the Warriors don’t play like they did last week. Mind you, we’ve become quite accustomed to asking “which Warriors team will rock up this week” haven’t we? That always has me second guessing to be honest. They do however have the talent to get this done. The big challenge for the Warriors is to maintain their intensity/consistency here. Really need to bring their A-game to town each and every week to have any hope. The Knights really impressed me with their game last week. Sitting watching them run around and I’m thinking … “why haven’t they played like this before?” They’d certainly be in a much better place if they had. So, my conclusion is that they definitely have the ability to win matches. Upsetting the highly rated Eels was proof of that. I was still in shock when they went into half-time with that 20-8 lead. I just wonder if they can maintain it again this week against a talented Warriors. Loved the efforts from Pearce and Ponga especially. About time these two started to shine. The Knights haven’t won in NZ for a very long time. Not that those sorts of stats hold much water with me as I’ve mentioned before. Every match has its own set of variables and combinations of players from before so I tend not to over think those sorts of things. Records are made to be broken however. Assuming the Knights’ game plan was changed for last week, they simply need to stick with it. There was absolutely nothing wrong with what they did. Some naysayers might argue the Eels were flat after their huge win the week before but I reckon the Knights would’ve won regardless. So who the hell do I tip? Meh, might play it safe and go the Warriors. Peow! Peow!
Eels vs Dragons 50-50 @ Bankwest
Ladder Position = Eels
Have a sneaking suspicion the Eels’ heads were in the “wrong place” last week. Yeah, we smacked the Tigers so we’ll smack the Knights too. Pretty sure it’s only human nature to think like that so it seems to me that having a huge win could actually be a negative with some sides. Especially if you have some young fellas involved. I could be totally and utterly wrong as well (ha-ha). Regardless, I thought it was a disappointing effort from Baggy’s BOYS nevertheless. Will the Eels’ new ground prove as fertile as before? Hmm. The Dragons really took it up to my BBB in last week’s Anzac Day match. They were freakin’ relentless in attack and had me worried each and every time they got hold of the ball. Compared to the Roosters, they were making the metres so very easily. If it wasn’t for that unfortunate Dufty error right at the end (geez you gotta feel for the guy), they would’ve taken the game to the wire. And just for the record, I’ve had a rethink on that try from Dufty last week and hereby announce to one and all that it is the “try of the year” for me so far. Absolute genius! They impressed me no end with their determination and attacking flair. To almost pinch it from the best side in the competition (ha-ha) must count for something. Their defensive game is up there with the best and might just prove the difference in this one. Not quite sure why the bookies have the Eels as (slight) favourites though. Is it because of the home ground? I suppose you can make a case for them considering the “new” stadium and the class of players they have but still. Obviously, the team that wins this will be the team that stands up and takes control. Well, that’s “pearls of wisdom” I can hear some of you saying and you’d be right. I’m stuck with this one and that’s all I got. Look, I need to tip someone so based purely on what I saw last week, I’ll opt for the Dragons.
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
Anyone on here old enough to remember this hauntingly beautiful song? I am…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCBfZMM-eBc
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi all, here are mt guesses for round eight.
Rabbits
Titans
Storm
Raiders
Eagles
Roosters
Warriors
Dragons
Good luck with your tips. manyana.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
The verdict is in Mark, QLD, and that is because last year they smashed NSW down into the ground. I kind of remember the series slightly different, but I shall let them call it the way they see it.
Submitted by christine on
My tips for rd 8 are the same as wally but I wouldn't be surprised if eels beat dragons in this one ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
I recall NSW won 1 and 2 with QLD "smashing down NSW" in #3
Don't tell the girls this as I believe their prediction for 2019 will come true.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Obviously you and I remember the series completely differently, I remember a flogging for the entire series, can't remember games 3, must have been badly refereed or otherwise tainted, its what happens when your mind gets old. They will be sitting up on the night and watch the first half, it is hard as the nonsense before kick off get in the way, so they might miss some of the game.
Submitted by Tigerholic on
Hi tipsters, I have been checking in occasionally throughout our trip, Thinker I can’t see tips for me entered for this round. Can I please get in the same as rocket Ryan’s.
We have about 69 kms left to get into Santiago De Compestalla which will see us having walked 780kms.
Would love to tell some stories when I get home about our travels.
Tiger
Submitted by christine on
Baggy gee
Can you ask your girls for me when it comes to origin for either team who are your girls favourite players not for the team they play for but in general ???
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
They would have no clue. They are clubs, jerseys and logos only don't watch enough to know players or coaches.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Dragons Fanboy
I, 100% echo your thoughts about Josh Reynolds.
All I saw in the media was "Josh nearly quit the NRL due to family reasons" there was no further explanation. Watched the #9 team laugh at him last weekend trying to make tackles on one leg. Hopefully they didn't know. Josh earned his "grub" title playing with the likes of Mick Ennis and James Maloney. Since joining the Tigers it has gone from his game. I sincerely wish him and his wife/partner the very best.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
The 2018 SoO series was won by NSW as follows
Game 1 NSW 22 QLD 12
Game 2 NSW 18 QLD 14
Game 3 QLD 18 NSW 12
All 3 games were close but NSW were dominate over all.
Just thought I'd refresh your memory.
Submitted by mark ashford on
TIGER
You're walking across France!!!
For some reason my addled old brain said you were cycling.
One question...how are your feet?
Submitted by mark ashford on
Well what can you say about the Broncos performance last night.
Forget about the Bennett v Siebold rubbish once kick off came it was just two teams fighting it out. Souths came to play and the Broncs looked like they were there just to make up the numbers.
Very hard to see my team rushing to get the spoon this year.
Next week the Broncs (Suncorp) host every team in the NRL.
How embarrassing if they go down to Manly.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I think they will lift at home. It's a great idea magic round and I'm looking forward to seeing the BOYS play the Storm. But maybe the Broncos are mentally tired which builds and is hard to purge from the mind till you get a few good wins together. Still waiting to see if the BOYS can get back up this weekend.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
Thank you for the positive thoughts. At least your Eels sit in spot 5 in the top 8 and with the way they are playing should stay in the 8.
I recall how in the past couple of years the Eels struggled and were the brunt of some very unfair criticism. You stuck like chewey on the bottom of your sneaker and now it's paying off.
Good luck to your boys!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Thanks Mark. As much as you being on the other side, broncos supporter, QLD'er, I hate to see another team get hosed hard and often by the media and their own fans. I hope it turns around in round 12, after the BOYS get up in round 11. 1999, hold on to that year, it's like our 2009.
Submitted by a on
Good to see Cowboys back in the winners circle
Submitted by mark ashford on
With only a couple of minutes to go the Cows are leading the Titans.
Some relief to our NQ long suffering fans. Just wish it wasn't a QLD team you have beaten. Have a look at the Broncs, don't appear to be anywhere at the moment. Where are we going to get a decent SoO team this year. Maybe we can recruit the entire Storm team this year surely most of them would have been to QLD at some time, I'll provide the birth certificates if needed.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Mark - not sure if that would work either, as Storm are trying their hardest to be beaten by the Sharks tonight. Still 25mins to go - will be interesting!!
Broncos young Tom Dearden looks a promising inclusion to the team.
Cheers, Mary
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hahahaha....good one Mark - luv it mate.
It would be more than embarrassing, especially being another Manly home game at Suncorp. mankly styarting to form some cohesion, apart from naughty boys and injuries, but replacements appear to be really putting in and making a go. Still far too early to predict a Final 8 or 6 mate, as with these teams the way lotto is going on, anything can happen.
As for what occurred last week in very last game of the round, I was rather let down with Eels, as they cost me a perfect round, not only here, but at my work, where I stood to collect, or share in the $140 jackpot. They allowed themselves to be tossed around like rag dolls.
Completely different to the week before, but that was a special occasion for them.
Cheers and enjoy your weekend - Big Pete
Submitted by christine on
Mark
From memory broncos did get beaten last season by manly at Suncorp , lets hope it doesn't happen two years in a row ...
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Newbie from Perth,
Cheers mate!!! I'm always trying. You keep it going too otherwise I'll get you hahaha.
Cheers!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Mark,
Yeah I saw it in Facebook a few days ago. Untimely as well considering the injury as well. I'm sure they didn't know, it shows tho how tough he is and the end energy that he has to push on even through an injury. Defintely mate, his maturity has really shown over the past year or so. He is really becoming a good leader. Hopefully injuries don't ruin his career. Hope he can get through his injury and of course his loss but all we can do is show our support.
Cheers!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Baggy,
A unique concept that's for sure. I am really looking forward for the magic round. Going to be very weird seeing three games played at Suncorp back to back to back on Saturday. The double headers not so much as we've seen them before in previous years.
Cheers!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Head up Mark. We are not even a third of the way through the season yet. There have been other seasons where teams have made a run into the 8 from tough positions like the Eels in '09 like Baggy said. If any of the bottom 8 teams can make a run into the 8, it's the Broncos even though they are going through a lot.
Cheers!!!!!
Submitted by a on
Well Cowboys did in 2013
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
You're right 'a', they started the season with 4 wins from 13 games and went on to make it to the 8 by winning 8 out of their last 11. Maybe the Cowboys can repeat that again? They have the potential to considering they are a team that have had a bad start so far this season, their win over the Titans was a step in the right direction for the Cowboys this season.
Cheers!!!
Submitted by a on
Yeah let’s hope they do it again
Submitted by mark ashford on
Yes the season has a way to go and the top 8 is far from set. Sure teams in the bottom of the ladder can force their way into the 8 but usually end up in the bottom 4 not the top 4.
My memory ain't what it used to be, can anyone tell me when was the last time someone from the bottom 4 won the comp.
Submitted by a on
I know that Cowboys was last in round 3 on the year they won the comp
Submitted by mark ashford on
Knights do a job on the Warriors in NZ. Gotta feel for my mate Steel Panther, it's not unlike what's happening to my Broncs. The NSW teams are showing their ascendancy this year, no doubt full of QLDers. Just kidding.
While I was happy for Baggy to get the win over the Dragons I thought the refs favoured the Eels but that's footy. I suspect refs are influenced by home ground, fans,noise etc. Well done to the Eels but I feel the Dragons were hard done by.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hi Mark
Another disgusting performance by the Warriors this afternoon. Two straight home losses to teams also struggling. Words fail me.....
Submitted by mark ashford on
Steel
Your footy team may be struggling but take strength in the fact you live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. My trip last year through Milford Sound and then up your east coast was breathtaking.
Aus has amazing beaches etc but every step up your coast is just stunning. I used to put sh-t on all the Kiwis here but now can't understand why they left home, maybe job opportunities.
I will be back for another visit to Aotearoa soon.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Ahhhhhh there were several did calls either way, we had ours early first half they had their late game. It is still wonderful ground.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
This ground is amazing and will become your Eels fortress. A bit like Brooky was Manly's, come here if you dare.
Well done to your team as early it looked like the Dragons were on top.
Next week you face Storm at Suncorp will be an interesting challenge.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I do worry about our week to week swings. I'll be there to watch them give as good an account as can be expected. The problem is that we might lift again to compete with Storm but what will be the cost?
Submitted by a on
5 teams on 2-6 at the moment
Submitted by The Thinker on
Just a heads up that I'll have the tipping comp and magic round page up and running later tonight....with previews published tomorrow.
All the best