St George Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm – Thursday night – WIN Stadium
Both sides are severely depleted as their best and brightest head off for the final instalment of Origin 2019, but the Storm look to have the depth to overcome it. The Dragons are down three of their best forwards (five if you count Graham and de Belin) and two of their best playmakers (three if you count Widdop). The Storm will be testing the lower reaches of their squad too, but with a whole bunch of kiwis in their pack and a captain lacing on boots for NRL game number 399, the purple machine look the goods.
Verdict – Storm by 4
Result – Storm 16 defeated Dragons 14
Wests Tigers vs Sydney Roosters – Friday night – Bankwest Stadium
The Tigers find themselves on the fringe of the top eight, and if it weren't for the runaway solo antics of Michael Chee Kam they'd be on the fringe of last. His late try against the Rabbitohs in round 15 was not unlike a try he scored earlier in the season against the Broncos, and if he keeps this up he'll be able to pull together an impressive highlights reel for when he calls time on his career. The Tigers will be pleased they're facing the Roosters without Tedesco and Cordnor, but it's still the Roosters. There is also some chance Luke Keary returns this weekend, allowing Mitchell to return to his natural habitat in the centres. While the Chooks haven't been at their best in recent weeks they're still competitive, and a narrow loss to the Storm shows how competitive they are. Beyond that, I can't forget when these sides met in round eight, and the Roosters racked up 42 points. Mitchell scored 26 of those points – the NRL will be a better competition if we can find that version of Mitchell again.
Verdict – Roosters by 8
Result – Roosters 24 defeated Tigers 16
Newcastle Knights vs New Zealand Warriors – Saturday night – McDonald Jones Stadium
As a fan of the game I am frustrated by the New Zealand Warriors, so I can barely imagine how difficult it is to be a Warriors fan. A depleted Panthers ran them down last start, so depleted that they were down to 11 players on the field for a period. Seriously...if the Warriors were your girlfriend you'd hope your mates would pull you aside and let you know you deserve better. The Knights will be without Ponga, Saifiti and Glasby...but I don't care – the Warriors are dead to me.
Verdict – Knights by 4
Result – Warriors 24 defeated Knights 20
Cronulla Sharks vs Brisbane Broncos – Sunday afternoon – PointsBet Stadium
The three Queensland teams are going so badly they are below the Warriors on the ladder. Broncos captain Darius Boyd was shifted into the halves last weekend in an effort to inject him into the game. It was an entirely sensible move, except that Boyd found a way to be involved even less than he usually is. I think Milford is a better player at fullback than in the halves, but the Broncos simply don't have the options available for that to happen. There are suggestions that Boyd is on the verge of being shunted to the QLD Cup, an extraordinary demotion for the captain of a team full of youngsters. Someone at the Broncos needs to put their hand up for some leadership responsibility, but who? It may have to be McCullough – I doubt he wants to but what choice does he have? Despite their woeful form the Broncos still lose four players to Origin duty, while the only Shark missing is Wade Graham, and he's been missing for much of the season anyway. A surprise loss by the Sharks last start against the team running last, but they'll be cranky all week and keen to make amends at home.
Verdict – Sharks by 8
Result – Broncos 24 defeated Sharks 22
Wally Lewis - round sixteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- Dragons vs STORM
- Tigers vs ROOSTERS
- KNIGHTS vs Warriors
- SHARKS vs Broncos
Comments
Submitted by a on
Kallyn Ponga our of origin QLD are no chance
Submitted by tigerholic on
Come on "a", you are starting to sound like Rocket. You know how QLD respond to being the under dogs!
Tiger
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Really Tigerholic? Qld will never be underdogs again. Kev has already said they expect to win and for some reason they can’t remember who they are playing or the opposing players names.....but they expect to win.
Cheers mate and cheers all from your local Johnny Awesome 👍
Submitted by Christine on
Im going this week storm , roosters , knights , sharks ...
Submitted by christine on
"a" norman is replacing ponga does QLD still have no chance of winning just want your opinion ???
Submitted by tigerholic on
Evening Folks, learnt of a friends passing this morning, feeling a little flat at the moment. I have lost some mates over the years and it never gets any easier.
Like to say Cheers to my mate Steve
Tiger
Submitted by christine on
Sorry to hear of your loss tiger it is never easy when you loose someone you know but we are all here for you & thinking of you ...
Submitted by a on
I don’t think that Norman has the experience TBH
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
I must say, I didn’t realise until yesterday that it’s the first time in NRL history that the three QLD clubs have been in bottom four at the same time. Silly me for picking Brisbane last round thinking they couldn’t keep losing. Seibold, had a gift team handed to him at the start of the year any coach would have to loved to have had. They certainly aren’t gelling with his coaching technique or demands. I think the players are in a bit of a shock. They had a mentoring approach under Wayne Bennet and now they’ve got a hardline approach. It’s not looking good for Brisbane this week against Cronulla either. I think the only team that’s really made an effort up in the Sunshine Coast is Nth Qld. Undermanned as they are, they still have a go every week and some of those games could’ve gone the other way.
Cheers all from the Original Johnny Awesome
Submitted by a on
I am never tipping a QLD club for the rest of the season
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tigerholic
Sorry to hear that another friend has left your circle of mates.
It's never easy, just reminds us of our fragile grip on life as we age.
Or was it an accident? either way the loss is hard to take.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Johhny Awesome
Yes it's a sad state of affairs for the QLD clubs. The Titans have struggled since coming into the comp, buying x Broncs looking for a fix that didn't come. The Cowboys have at least had a go without JT but injuries have hobbled them. Then we come to the Broncs, my team.
Milford on $1,000,000 a year. What has he done since leaving the Raiders? Boyd on $800,000 a year (thanks Wayne) also gone missing.
The players earning heaps less must be thinking why bust my arse when these guys earn so much and give so little. Broncos management need to have a look at things and give Siebold more control. He's a good coach and can bring the club back.
Storm is a one club city as is the Broncs, look where they are.
Submitted by Mary S on
7.48pm: The verdict has been handed down. George Burgess has been hit with a nine-game ban.
Decision not out yet on Tariq Sims
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Latest nonsense about Boyd is he might get relegated to Q-cup on that $800k. I would love to know why the broncos aren't in his ear trying to work out what's wrong with his head. He still has the skills.
Submitted by Mary S on
Update:
10pm: The verdict is in. Tariq Sims has been found guilty. He will miss Origin III. David Klemmer is expected to be called into the team.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Mark and Baggy Gee, whether its Boyd or Milford or whoever that are not performing, it still goes back to the coaching. Sure, when you are on big bikkies as a player, if you are taking your paycheck every week then you need to earn it. I have to work hard for my paycheck so it shouldn't be any different for a player. however, the players are not gelling and positional changes are not helping either. Now, using James Roberts as a case in point, last year he played in three State of Origin games and was part of the winning series. This year, under Seibold, Jimmy played in the Qld cup, that's telling all something. I'm not saying Seibold is a bad coach, I actually rate him, however his hardline approach to success is totally off kilter with the way Wayne Bennet did stuff. he is not Wayne Bennet but he needs to take step back and reassess his approach. Playing players out of position is starting to look like desparate tactics. This year is gone for the Broncos but if Seibold backs off a little and starts to listen to players views as well, he could start getting the results he is looking for.
Cheers from the original Johnny Awesome.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
True Johnny but who ultimately is the employer of the players. A Coach (good or bad) preps a team skill wise and nuts out a game plan for the opponents on the weekend. But he is not the one on the firing line come game day. The disconnect we are seeing is the game day side where the players need to do it themselves, the only problem I can see with seibolds coaching game day is his interchange policy. But I've always been more interested in mental side of the game as that is an area where the BOYS are lacking themselves, the win in Darwin was awesome as we came back from 16-0, the sad part was when Moses admitted that usually in that position we lose by 50+.
Submitted by a on
Here’s my tips
Storm by 10 Storm to continue their winning ways here
Roosters by 2 I think the Roosters will return to the winners circle here
Knights by 8 I think the Knights will end Warriors season here
Sharks by 20 Like I said before I’m never tipped a QLD again for the rest of the season
Submitted by a on
Update with Mitchell Pearce replacing Cleary in the Origin I’m learning more towards Warriors now so Warriors over Knights
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy G & Johnny A (the original)
Thanks for your interest and comments about the Broncs. I know you are both supporters of NSW clubs so it's appreciated.
We can discuss player & coaches performance ad infinitum but on the day it comes down to player hunger for that win. Boyd has another 2 years on his contract so if dropped to the intrust supercup still gets paid
Do the contracts have a "poor performance" clause if not they should.
I was happy to see Siebold come to the Broncs, now not so sure.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Hi all,
Mark and Baggy Gee, NSW supporter I am without a doubt. I am also a lover of rugby league which includes teams from the different states and across the Tasman sea. I have a high respect for clubs like the Broncos, their lean times are few compared with their success. The Broncos are a well run organisation and being competitive is in their genes. Without teams like the Broncos and Melbourne, the yardstick would be a lot less. I reckon the other teams have been forced to up the ante because of this. When I go to a Raiders game at home, I have always clapped the opposition and never booed. I’m there to watch a game of footy why boo a team. Show respect to your opposition, clap them on but cheer loud and hard for your team. Not sure what point I was making but maybe it’s this: The Broncos are always a dangerous outfit and the top eight may elude them this year but I reckon Seibold will get it together this year and they will spoil a fair few teams aspirations for a position in the eight.
P.S I heard a whisper Christine that you will be cheering the Blues in game 3.
Cheers from the original Mr Awesome
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
P.S Baggy Gee. I agree with you about non-performance contracts being a possibility but it’s very hard to measure. A team is still 13 players and take away a few key players then that can affect someone else’s game and the general dynamics. It’s a toughy to pick.
Cheers from Mr Awesome
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sa-wat-dee krup,
Yet another “shortened” weekend of games courtesy of Origin. Pretty sure the winners will be easy to pick this week (on paper anyway) but then again, we all know it’s a funny ol’ game don’t we. There are some teams playing this weekend with massive “outs” so it’ll possibly make for some intriguing encounters. OK, let’s get into it…
Dragons vs Storm 25-75 @ WIN
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm
The Dragons have Hunt, Norman, Frizell and Vaughan on Origin duty while Tariq Sims got a week off for being naughty. Who covers for them and how they stand up will be crucial for their chances in this one. Rubbish first half last week but they knuckled down and got the job done eventually. A concern for me is that the Dragons seem a wee bit inconsistent shall we say. Interesting stat is the Dragons have won 4 of their last 6 home games against the Storm. You know how I love (not) stats like that.
The Storm will be missing Chambers, Addo-Carr, Munster, Welch, Kaufusi and Finucane but they have a knack for blooding in new blokes in times like these. A big plus is that Cameron Smith will be running around organising them all. They beat the Roosters in a thriller last week courtesy of a great “manufactured” penalty from HRH Cameron Smith. But hey, that’s what good players such as Cameron do when it’s needed.
Both sides have massive outs due to Origin and a Dragons upset wouldn’t surprise me in the least. As mentioned, the Storm have a knack for covering in these situations though and I’m thinking they might just scrape in. Storm for me.
Tigers vs Roosters 35-65 @ Bankwest
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters
The Tigers did it tough last week but got up in the end. Don’t quite know how to read that win as Souths were disappointing as far as I saw it. Pretty uninspiring stuff from both sides actually. Do the Tigers have the ammunition to upset my BBB? Play like they did in the first half last week and the answer is a definite no. At least they’ll only be missing Mbye this week.
The Mighty Roosters lost a heart-breaker last week to the Storm. I just keep telling myself we were only 2 points away to the best side currently running around so no biggie. The game was ours for the taking and we should have won by a try or two 😏. But hey, if you panic and make silly errors then you only have yourself to blame. A lack of second half possession didn’t help either. We let that one slip through our fingers for sure. Thankfully we have JWH, Keary and Ryan Hall coming back. Not sure we’ll repeat the shellacking we gave the Tigers in Round 8 but we should win this. Mighty 🐓 for me. Begurk! Begurk!
Knights vs Warriors 70-30 @ McDonald Jones
Ladder Position = Knights
Bookies Favourite = Knights
It was business as usual for the Knights last week, even without Ponga there. They get to play at home again which will be a bonus. With Tariq Sims getting a week off, it looks like David Klemmer will be missing on Origin duty. They’ll be missing others through Origin as well plus Ponga is out injured. Hmm. The way the Knights have been going, I don’t think it’ll impact as much as I initially thought it might. Time will tell. I was going to mention that Pearce would need to step up yet again and get the Knights moving early but I just read he’s been called up for Origin duty. Whaa?
Not sure how the Warriors let last week’s game get away from them. You shouldn’t be losing games at home when you’re leading 14-6. To make matters worse, you end up losing it by a field goal. Sheesh! They’ll have their work cut out for them fronting up against the Knights that’s for sure. If they don’t improve on their defence from last week they’ll be in trouble. Having said that, they might just be a chance here against a Knights side missing a few (and now Pearce). Hmm, something to ponder.
Well, I’ve had a “ponder” and think I’ll do something really stupid and tip the Warriors. No wonder I’m called “Newbie”.
Sharks vs Broncos 60-40 @ Shark Park
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks
The Sharks surprised me in losing last week but as I said, the Bulldogs always have a crack (most times) and it paid off. Not sure what happened to the Sharks (maybe they took the win for granted) but whatever it was, they need to address it and fast. Mind you, Moylan made a few shockers which didn’t help much. They just need to put last week behind them and get back to the footy we all know they’re capable of. Playing at home is gonna help them this week.
After last week’s poor showing from Brisbane, it’s only going to get tougher this week with a couple out injured and another 4 on Origin duty. These first half “siestas” are really hurting them, not to mention Seibold’s reshuffling experiments. At least I see that Darius is back at fullback. Unfortunately, Brisbane seem to be all but gone this year and will have their work cut out for them this week. Darius needs to lift from his ordinary effort last week and try and salvage something with the new players he will have running around with him. This might be a tough one for the Broncos but even so, I’ve got a gut feeling they might do alright here.
Gut feelings aside, I might play safe again and tip the Sharks at home to get back on track.
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
There’s bound to be some that won’t like this but I just love, love, love it. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFz9GEYLq80
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Boyd had an absolute blinder in a game earlier this year (forgive me I cannot recall which game it was).
His body language was positive. He was organising troops. He injected himself into the attack at the right times. He was eager and clinical with his defence. It was one of the best games he's played in his career.
If he did that every week they'd just about win the comp.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Was that the game at suncorp where they murdered whoever they were playing, sort of what the Storm did to us in magic round. Tigers/Cowboys? They looked as thought they were in tune with the world that night.
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Baggy....yes it was...against the Sea Eagles
Thank you sir.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi everyone, this week looks sooo easy. We'll see!!
Here are my tips:
Storm
Roosters
Knights
Sharks.
I can't bring myself to tip the Broncos or the Warriors. So this will be the week that they actually turn up to play.
Good luck to all.
Cheers, manyana.
Submitted by a on
Pearce and Klemmer are late inclusions in the origin side just in case you didn’t know
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Damn the Baggy Girls got 5/8 last weekend, so now are on 66/116 only 1 point behind Daddy Dearest. I can't beleieve it, 2 children under 10 with no understanding of football keeping pace with the mid of the pack here on the Thinker. Here are their tips for round 16.
Storm - Because they are big and have lightning bolts
Tigers - Because they eat meat and the can eat roosters if you live in Africa
Knights - Because we don't like the Warriors Logo
Sharks - Because they swim fast (this is from the Broncos supporter)
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hey everyone, before I start with my tips, I would like to send my condolences to your mate tigerholic. To review my tips for this week, I have gone against my team and I have tipped a couple of upsets. So without further ado, my tips for this week are:
Storm by 8 - Both of these sides are both heavily depleted at the moment. Almost 100% of those are thanks to origin, well it's 100% because of origin for the Storm but the only out for the Dragons that isn't because of origin and suspension (ahem ahem Tariq Sims) is Lachlan Maranta who is replaced by the returning Lafai. Now, I do have a little bit of hope against the Storm but even though they are very depleted, we are depleted as well which won't help our cause. Plus, the Storm do still have the likes of Smith, Asofa-Solomona, the Bromwich boys, young Croft and what about that bulldog Brandon Smith, he is a ripper. Storm should win the forward battle and they still should have enough points in the bag to beat the Red V. I hope I'm wrong.
Tigers by 4 - Yes, I'm going the Tigers for the upset. Now, my first instinct was to go for the Tigers due to the heavy players out due to origin for the Roosters but looking at that Roosters side, wow they still do have a good side even with 4 or 5 players out. Keary is back in the halves partnering Cronk, Warea-Hargreaves is back for the Roosters and they do also have Tuponiua back on the bench and he is a really good young player for the Chooks. Also, the Roosters' backline does still look good. So, you would expect the Chooks to run right, especially since the last time these two met, the Chooks smashed the Tigers 42-12, yes I know they were at full-strength (pretty much) but still. But, I'm going with yet another Tigers upset. The Tigers are pretty much settled with their lineup with not many changes made. Momirovski in for Mbye is the only change that the Tigers have made. The last time the Tigers played at Bankwest which was just last week, they just got over the second placed Rabbitohs 14-9, can they beat the third placed Roosters? I think that they can. The Roosters are still quite out of form only winning 1 out of past 5 games with that win coming up against the last-placed Bulldogs. 2 of those 5 losses were to the Broncos and the Panthers, 2 bottom 8 teams who weren't at their best leading into their games against the Roosters. Just let that sink in for a minute.
Warriors by 6 - At first, I tipped the Knights. But, as soon as I found out that Pearce is in the Blues side, I decided to change my tip to the Warriors. Ponga, Pearce, D. Saifiti and Klemmer are all huge outs for the Knights. Not to mention also, the ever so reliable Glasby is also out for the Knights. Yes, the Warriors are the Warriors. Yes, the Warriors gave up a 16-6 lead early in the second half with the opposition 11 players down only to lose 19-18 in golden point to the Panthers although in form, they were still below the Warriors and was still a winnable game for the Warriors. Yes, the Warriors are very inconsistent. But, this is usually the time that they peak, origin time. And even though in the last couple of seasons, they haven't peaked so much during this period compared to other seasons, this settled Warriors lineup along with the return of Issac Luke and also Lachlan Burr on the bench with the only out being Nathanial Roache, I think that the Warriors can get up here and will get up here to get the win.
And finally... Sharks by 18 - Easy one for me. The Broncos have been absolutely horrible. Absolutely HORRIBLE. Now they have to contend with 6 players out. I can't see this reserve grade young Broncos doing much better. The Sharks suffered a tough loss to the bottom of the table Bulldogs last week, but I expect them to get up this week and make amends for that tough loss because they should not of lost that one really. They had so many opportunities in the second half to take that game away from the Bulldogs but mistakes and illdiscipline costed them. Sharks only have Wade Graham out which doesn't hurt them too much as they have been without him for the majority of the season and have been just fine without him. So, it's the Sharks to get a big win here over this incredibly depleted and young Broncos side this week. Broncos to have yet another poor game I'm sorry to say Broncos fans.
Awesome. To those whose teams are playing this week, good luck with your teams for this week and good luck with everyone's tips for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Sorry, in the Knights-Warriors game I said with 11 players down. I obviously meant with only 11 on the field. Sorry, I just had to mention that as what I wrote sounds so crazy lol.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Thinker
You may be familiar with the saying "one Swallow doesn't a summer make" no doubt written by some clever fellow way back when.
As for Darrius it translates to one good game doesn't a season make.
I feel deeply for this man as he's had more than his fair share of personal problems. Coached his entire career by W Bennett until now.
I believe he feels a bit lost now Wayne is gone. Wayne was his mentor, best friend, coach and father figure. I'm sure they are still best mates but that closeness is now gone.
I would love to see him recover his best form but my first thought is for the Broncos, they need to start winning.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey dragons fan boy
What about Tyson Frizelle, haven't seen the teams yet but has he been dropped from the Blues.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Thinker and other NRL fans here.
I saw today on the news a team of bottom feeder lawyers are seeking a minimum of 7 x nrl players to start a class action against the NRL for concussion injuries. They are talking millions in damages (and no doubt millions to the lawyers) If this sort of shit gains momentum it could be the end of our game. I have no problem with injured players being protected and compensated but for christs sake keep the f--ing lawyers out of it.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Same as that Knights player. The ground swell of support was great and do were the job offers and ongoing assistance. Why did he have to sue?
Submitted by christine on
johnny awesome
Not now not will i ever be tipping nsw that I can guarantee you johnny awesome are you sure you did sustain any concussion in that accicdent if you think for one minute I am ever going to tip nsw seriously that would be the only thing I would let you get away with apart from that lapse in memory you surely have no excuse johnny none at all ...
Submitted by christine on
I will be changing my tip to warriors bully too do his team proud bro ...
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
I'm late again. I miss out on the point for Storm but the other 3 are boring and the same as most it seems.
Roosters
Knights
Sharks
Good luck to all!
And GO TOWNSVILLE 400! :D
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi all
The Dragons/Storm game last night was an enormous struggle with both teams depleted by origin.
Watched every minute and thought it could have gone either way.
Surprised to see Kevvie Walters son run on for the Storm, he does look a bit like dad. Maybe another dynasty being created for QLD.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Mark Ashford,
No I don't believe Frizell has been dropped. The inexperience in the Dragons-Storm game really showed though it was still a good game of footy. We were tough but unfortunately not good enough to win due to a stupid penalty that we gave away towards the end of the game.
Cheers!!!!!!
Submitted by a on
What a crazy game Knights vs Warriors was
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Steel,
My commiserations - your team has done it too you again!!
You pick them they lose, you don't they win - I know the feeling of frustration
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Morning Mary....trust you are well...I was with the Thinker this week. The Warriors are dead to me....haha!! I won't tip them again this season. There was a lot of bad calls for both teams in the game and they only just won against a very depleted Newcastle outfit. The thing I can't work out is they have a better away record than home record this season...oh well...
Submitted by a on
Well to be fair Peace Klemmer and Ponga were all out for Knights so it’s not really anything special
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Steel
Yes I did tip the Knights despite their origin players being absent.
My brother tells me a dead set Warriors try was disallowed without reference to the video ref so you should have won by more.
On a lighter note maybe your boys should think about relocating here to Aus as you seem to win more here than at home. Maybe the Warwick Warriors (has a nice ring to it. Warwick is a very nice town in SE QLD pronounced "Warrick") On the upside you are now clear of all 3 QLD teams. At least that's some comfort.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hi Mark.....the dead set try did go up to the bunker & was given a no try. It was a disgraceful decision but in the end didn't affect the result. Last week the Warriors were given a try by the bunker which wasn't, so guess you take the good with the bad but with all the technology these days you'd they'd get it right!! There was several bizarre calls for both teams throughout the match.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Gutsy win for Brisbane will make you smile Mark!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
The Sharks have scored more tries than their opponent in their last three games...and lost them all.
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
That's a crazy stat Thinker! Well done to the Broncs for holding on!
Submitted by a on
Yep they surely did the Sharks there in huge trouble the goal kicking sucks
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