Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles – Thursday night – Panthers Stadium
Granted the Panthers won last week, but that game against the Eels is leading the pack to win the title of 'Worst Game of the Season". Parramatta did us all a favour by showing everyone how badly you have to play to lose to the Panthers. James Maloney is back from suspension but they lose Nathan Cleary. Fisher-Harris has to pass the concussion protocols, Dean Whare is in doubt and Waqa Blake is months away from a return. The Sea Eagles lose Jake Trbojevic but could gain Tom Trbojevic. Cherry-Evans is in camp with the Queenslanders but he hasn't been playing anyway. The Sea Eagles have lost two of their last three but their overall form has been at another level to the Panthers. Penrith, despite the win last round, are struggling to score points, and with their chief playmaker and architect in Origin camp I doubt they'll improve. Maloney could pull out one of those 'I have a point to prove' performances. He's done it plenty of times before and he could easily do it again. If he does, I'm wrong.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 8
Result – Panthers 15 defeated Sea Eagles 12
Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – BankWest Stadium
The Eels lost in one of the poorest performances I've seen in quite some time last week, and they face a team that stand alone at the top of the NRL ladder. But rugby league is funny, especially during the Origin period, and the Eels are a very warm favourite on Friday night. They're favourites because they don't lose a single player to Origin football and have a reasonably light list of injuries. Meanwhile the Rabbits lose four of their best personnel (Cook, Walker, Murray and Gagai) to Origin camp. Alex Johnston and Kyle Turner are still a few weeks away and Reynolds has to be some doubt given we all thought he broke his leg a week ago. That's quite a challenge for the Bunnies – and remember a decent chunk of their salary cap (GI) retired mid-season. Mind you, no coach would have more experience than Wayne Bennett at managing a depleted roster at this time of the year, and he still has three Burgess brothers and a Sutton in his pack of forwards. Ferguson is likely to shift back to the wing for the Eels after an unhappy night in the centres – he's a much more potent force out there and the Eels should use him at every opportunity against an understrength Rabbitohs backline (Moses with the kick out wide, Ferguson leaps high and scores). The Eels have lost three in a row and the Bunnies are 10 from 11, but rugby league is funny.
Verdict – Eels by 8
Result – Eels 26 defeated Rabbitohs 14
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium
Another game compromised by Origin duties, with Papalii, Wighton and Cotric out for the Raiders and Napa out for the Bulldogs. Complicating things for the Raiders is the thumb injury to Josh Hodgson. With Papalii and Hodgson out the Raiders are a very different forward pack and I think the Bulldogs can win that battle. Beyond that they just need the Bulldogs attack to fire – a challenge all season but this Bulldogs spine has been improving each and every week. Woof! Woof!
Verdict – Bulldogs by 2
Result – Raiders 12 defeated Bulldogs 10
Gold Coast Titans vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium
The Cowboys have won three of their last four and it's no fluke that this little run of improved performances has coincided with the return of Jason Taumalolo. When the other JT signed that $10 million contract it raised a few eyebrows, but it could prove to be a great investment. That the Cowboys don't lose him to Origin duty is quite the blessing at this time of the year. The Cowboys do lose McGuire from their pack but Hess and Bolton look likely to return. Asiata and Clifford combine in the halves with Morgan unavailable, but they aren't inexperienced at this level. The Titans impressed with a big win over Manly at Brookvale but with Jai Arrow out I think the Cowboys pack will be hard to contain. Take note that the Cowboys run of improved performances I mentioned earlier started with a 28-14 win over the Titans. In a very short round this looks like the game of the round.
Verdict – Cowboys by 4
Result – Cowboys 6 defeated Titans 4
Wally Lewis - round twelve selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
- Panthers vs SEA EAGLES
- Eels vs RABBITOHS
- Bulldogs vs RAIDERS
- Titans vs COWBOYS
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings tipsters
I have updated the NRL ladder and the tipping comp after round eleven, and what a tough round it was.
For the first time all season all three QLD teams won...and I spent the weekend in NSW – I may have to go down there more often.
Our top tipster was scott m who came up with an impressive 6 from 8...outstanding tipping on a difficult weekend.
As you can see I have published the round 12 page for people who need to tip. Just four games this weekend but it still kicks off on a Thursday.
I will have my previews and selections published on Tuesday, and Wally's will be updated on Wednesday night.
And at some point I'll have my all important State of Origin game one preview published too.
If anyone thinks I've made an error with scoring just let me know in the comments and I will check it out.
All the best
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Mr Thinker,
Could you check BigPete, KellysLoot and Micheal N please as I don't think R 11 has been added.
Submitted by The Thinker on
You are a champ Mary S....thank you.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks from me also Mary - u r a gem.
I did also notice it and thought Thinker was having a lend of me, being so close to SoO 1. I thought here we go, Thinker is trying to rob this Southerner already, but I knew he'd try and get any advantage that he could.........hehehehehe.
Game 1 will be a good one and I even think close, as NSW are blooding new stock. Most likely be 1 all going into Game 3 and then Perth gets a good feel of this style of footy.
Cheers Miss Mary - keep well and have a good week.
Big Pete from Down South and West of The Great Divide.
Submitted by a on
James Segeyaro just got caught drink driving not good since he just signed with Broncos
Submitted by mark ashford on
I hate split rounds, it gives me less chance of getting things wrong.
We all spend time looking at who's playing SoO and how will it affect our teams only to find out only half of them are actually playing.
I know Thinker is about to publish his SoO preview but an early question is Ben Hunt at hooker? Surely Jake Granville, an aggressive tackler, ball player and try scorer should have got a look in as should have Jake Friend for the same reasons (does anyone know if he's fit)
I always thought Friend was a natural to take over from Cam Smith.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Friend is broken still. I think the Hunt at hooker is not a bad thought, a third ball player who can take on the line. But not sure how his defence is going to go. Hookers are good for 50+ tackles a game but we shall see
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hi Everyone
Arrived home on Monday after 8 weeks away, I may have left my tipping skills in Paris after a shocking effort in round 11.
Thanks to everyones comments while I was away, it was such a great feeling to walk through the arrival gates at Brisbane International to see all of our 5 kids waiting for us, so glad to be back home.
SOS time again brings plenty of debate and pros and cons for players that get picked and those that miss out. For NSW I think Pearce was very unlucky to miss a spot although he has a poor record at this level, he has been in sparkling form and probably should have gotten picked ahead of Cleary although we need to stick with the same core of players if we are to build and be dominant.
I am not convinced that Cherry-Evans is the best choice for QLD captaincy role, he hasn't been around that much in SOS.
Anyway folks, have a great week
Tiger
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Tiger
Welcome home mate. Overseas trips and adventures are great but nothing compares to family. Hope you brought back some goodies for those kids.
With all the Maroons "superstars" now well and truly gone SoO enters a new phase. Looking forward to game 1.
Submitted by christine on
welcome back tiger I haven't killed rocket for you just yet but it is coming soon ...
Submitted by a on
Welcome back Tigerholic hope you enjoyed your trip overseas
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hey Mark, Christine and a
Had a great trip and had to buy extra suitcases for the gifts we brought back.
Split rounds are always difficult with players missing to origin. Thinker says that for Manly Cherry-Evans hasn't been playing so how did he get picked for QLD, I still don't see him as a leader.
Tiger
Submitted by a on
Here’s my tips
Panthers by 2 I think Panthers will get back to back victories here
Eels by 6 I think the Eels Will beat a depleted Rabbitohs outfit
Bulldogs by 4 I think the Bulldogs will keep their season alive here
Cowboys by 2 I think we will continue our good form here
Submitted by a on
NRL have scrapped Wildcard Weekend good riddance to that because it was the worst idea they have ever come up with
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Sa-wat-dee krup,
What a rubbish weekend it was last week. My BBB got “smacked silly” by the Knights and I only got 2/8 in the tipping. The “football gods” were definitely against us. Sheesh! Failures only make you stronger eh? Well, I hope so. There’s always tomorrow as they say. And that tomorrow is this weekend. Roosters have a bye but Newbie’s not so lucky. I’ve gotta get back on the horse and keep going.
Only 4 games this week so thankfully this will be a shorter read for y’all. OK, let’s get into it…
Panthers vs Manly 40-60 @ Panthers Stadium
Ladder Position = Manly
Panthers - Didn’t think the Panthers had it in them but they proved me wrong and got the win last week over the Eels. And this was despite racking up 10 errors and conceding 9 penalties. No Nathan Cleary will (should) impact their game you would think. Mind you, Maloney will be back to possibly offset that. The Panthers should be buoyed by their win last week but will face a Manly side looking to redeem themselves.
Manly - Didn’t think Manly would lose last week but they proved me wrong as well. They raced out to a 12-0 lead against the Titans only to see it pegged back with their second half being less than impressive. Letting in 5 second half tries has me SMH. Not sure what happened to their defence in the second 40 but it was telling for sure. Only having 43% possession didn’t help either. They need to address that as well as their 24/35 completion rate from last week. Given their recent form, you could excuse them for last week’s slip up if you were feeling generous.
I’m assuming Des has worked on their defence and will get the Sea Eagles back on track. Manly to do enough to get over the line in this one.
Eels vs Rabbitohs 35-65 @ Bankwest
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Eels - I asked myself how the Eels managed to lose that one last week. Then I saw their completion rate was a dismal 28/41. Add to that 14 errors and 7 penalties and I can see why they struggled. Even with the “outs” for the Bunnies, I just can’t see how the Eels are the favourites in this one. Sure, Souths have players missing due to SOO and it’s being played at Bankwest but still. At least they’ll be able to pick their strongest side this week in comparison to the Bunnies having guys out. The Eels’ big name players need to stand up or else they’re in trouble.
Rabbitohs - The Bunnies had a good 32-16 win over the Tigers last week. I thought they’d lost Reynolds as well but it seems he might be good to go. Even so, their injury list is starting to grow. They’ll have players missing this week due to SOO so there’s no better time for opposition sides to inflict a loss on them than this week. You could say the same if they managed to get a truckload of injuries after SOO number 3 as well. The Rabbitohs’ ability to win this week obviously hinges on how the Origin replacements play this weekend.
Ignoring their injury toll and missing players, I still think the Rabbitoh’s style of play and endeavour will get them a win here.
Bulldogs vs Raiders 35-65 @ ANZ
Ladder Position = Raiders
Bulldogs - The Dogs, other than being without Dylan Napa, should have a largely intact side and might spring a surprise this week. Stranger things have happened. While they did get walloped 28-6 by the Storm last week, you gotta remember it was the Storm and it was only 8-0 at half-time. And with 30 minutes or so to go it was only 14-6. Yeah, the Bulldogs are last on the ladder (albeit only by 3 differential points mind you) but they’re not without a chance this week against the Raiders. A slim one by my ratings at least but a chance nevertheless. If Foran continues to shine and a couple of their other bigger name players get it together they can definitely get this one. What worries me is their inconsistency.
Raiders - The Raiders’ defensive effort last week was seriously lacking. Having 38 missed tackles and conceding 12 errors and 8 penalties does not help your cause. With the Raiders having 3 players out with Origin duty, the Bulldogs are in with a chance, even though my ratings show otherwise. The Raiders need to get some sort of balance considering their missing Origin players as well as Josh Hodgson being ruled out with his broken thumb. The Raiders need to get back to some basic footy in order to get themselves back in the winners’ circle. Reducing the errors and improving their defensive mindset is what they need to focus on. They’ve already lost 3 in a row so surely they can’t lose another one can they?
I have a feeling that whoever wins this won’t win by much. I’d dearly love to tip the Bulldogs (gut feeling) but based on class, bookies’ price and ratings, I’m on the Raiders to get back on track this week.
Titans vs Cowboys 50-50 @ CBus
Ladder Position = Cowboys
Titans - The Titans continue to baffle me. Pick ‘em and they lose, don’t pick ‘em and they win. Their (surprising) win over Manly last week will have injected some confidence into the team for this week’s clash. No McGuire and Morgan for the Cowboys makes their objective a little easier too. What they need to do is somehow nullify the impact of the Cowboys’ pack. Achieve that and they’re a chance. Interesting to note (although quite irrelevant I might add) is that the Titans haven’t beaten the Cowboys since 2014.
Cowboys – As mentioned, the Cowboys won’t have Morgan or McGuire this week. Nor will they have the services of O’Neill and Scott. How they replace and/or reshuffle goes a long way in determining the outcome of this one. Their win last week against the Raiders was pretty good but with so many experienced players missing I’m trying to work out if they have the ammunition required to win this one.
Geez, this is a hard one. My ratings have both sides 50-50 while the bookies say the Titans. Plus this is at CBus. But I vowed not to tip the Titans again until they won a game (or two) and the Cowboys have a lot of players missing. See what I mean? Bugger it, I’m on the Titans.
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
And now for something a little different. All I have to say is “show me another 9yo kid who can do this”. You’d be hard pressed for sure. Enjoy…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0eACoei1eo
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, I've gone with the thinker this week, mainly because I have a migraine & can't think. (Sorry Thinker).
Eagles
Eels
Bulldogs
Cowboys
Good luck to everyone. Cheers, manyana.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Newbie
That kid has some future in front of him.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Now is the time of the week where the girls give their tips, Currently it is Dad 51/88 girls 50/88. Not good for the older tipper.
Manly - Because they are purple and birds, Maybe we can rename the Brookvale sandpit to the Birdcage.
Rabbits - My name begins with a R and so does Rabbit.
Raiders - Raiders chase away bulldogs.
Cowboys - Cowboys have lassos and we are trying to make a lasso.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:
Manly by 2 - Even though Manly are more affected than the Panthers with origin, Panthers still have a horrific casualty list which keeps on growing and growing and even though they won last week, it took a very poor Eels performance for them to get the win considering them too were also poor. Manly might've lost last week, but I don't think that has affected their formline too much as they've been impressive for such a long time thus far given how young and inexperienced Manly are. Manly to get back into the winners circle with a tight win here.
Rabbitohs by 8- Yes, the Rabbitohs are the most affected by origin this round along with the Raiders with 4 players out, the Rabbitohs still have the Burgess boys and Sutton in the forward pack and I trust that Bennett is able to get the youngsters up for this one replacing their stars that are out for origin. Yes, the Eels need a win, yes the Eels are playing at home, yes the Rabbitohs are due for a loss, yes the Rabbitohs will most likely lose in this one if they are going to lose a game, but I still think that the Rabbitohs will find a way to win this one.
Bulldogs by 6 - My only problem for the Bulldogs in this one is their attack. Will they have enough points to beat the Raiders? With this Raiders side, I think that they do. Bulldogs have got the Raiders at the right time and I think that they'll beat the Raiders here.
And finally... Titans by 10 - The Cowboys are the side that are the more heavily affected by origin in this one. The Titans on the other hand, are unchanged, the only team this week that are unchanged from last week. This gives the Titans a huge advantage and I think that they'll win again this week to go back-to-back for the first time this season.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's teams for this week and with everyone's tips for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Well considering some of your favourites for this week aren't playing this week let me rephrase that;
Good luck to this whose teams are playing this week.
That's better.
Cheers and enjoy the rest for your week.
Submitted by christine on
my tips this week are the same as "a"'si am sorry I am late but I am not on the ladder anyway
Submitted by christine on
Big pete
You think it is cold well I will be having an mri at night next week not very nice I could do without that but unfortunately I have no choice in it they don't do it before 5.00pm which I am not looking forward too I get effected by heat , humidity & cold they all make my condition worse the cold is probably more friendly but my teeth are chattering right now thinking about it & I have my next infusion the following week that is a very long day 6 hours on a drip not fun really wish they could time it better for me with weather ...
Submitted by a on
I honestly think it’s going to be a tough race for the 8
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hey Big Pete
Glad to see you doing so well in the tipping mate, thanks for your comments while I was away.
What happened to the Eagles last night, they almost completed an epic comeback.
Tiger
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Sure cold up this way Christine. I'll be thinking of you and that MRI. Bloody noisy as well in that tunnel. I think they offer you a pair of headsets or earplugs, these days. But the worse part is you spacing from the tunnel walls, to your head.
Do what I did and close your eyes and slightly drift off, until it is all over.
Take it steady and relax, as things might just go your way and not be as "off-putting" as you think.
Keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Welcome back Tiger. Paris was nice for you I take it.
Eagles were their own worst enemy last night. Neither team really played until the last 10 minutes. Bloody disgraceful for supporters.
But then, Penrith has always been one of our graveyards for matches.
But I do agree, they fought back and really made a game of the closing stages. They went close, but couldn't seal it.
As for being in good company at the top of Thinker site ladder. It is only halfway and a long way to go Tige. But, teams are so undecided by the time we place tips, because sure as night follows day, after we've placed our tips, someone pulls out of a team and that could be a deciding factor.
Cheers Tiger and keep well and in touch
Big Pete
Submitted by a on
Well it’s good to see Eels get a win
Submitted by christine on
Big pete
last time I had an mri I had valium to have the dye injected into me being needle phobic they had construction work going on at the same time as I was in the machine in the tunnel I had a migraine & the combination of it all even though they give you head phones was that bad I vomited as soon as I got out of the mri before I even left the building now the mri they require me to have is for brain & c-spine usually they require you to have the dye for my type of mri but due to me being sick last time they have said no dye just incase I am allergic to it or was it a combination of everything going on all at once I don't know I have had an mri before that that never made me sick& I have had valium before that never made me sick so it has to be a combination of all of it all I can say is see what happens I know the machine is noisy but last time was really bad the first reaction they said to me you might be allergic to the dye now everyone that ever has the dye says it makes you feel warm but I don't get that I feel nothing from it I have had it 3 times in particular never felt warm from he dye only been sick once from it but only had valium once when I had the mri because when they have me in the machine already & then they come to inject the dye in my arm I flinch too much because I can't see what they are doing I need to brace myself & yes they have tried to do it with me outside the machine first they gave up trying & just did the mri without the dye so see how I go that's all I can do , I will let you know how I go ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Big Pete
Panthers beat Manly without Nathan Cleary and Manly have been going well. Maybe the Ivan/Nathan combination has been unsettling for the rest of the team. Will be interesting to see how he goes in Origin.
AS a QLDer I'm happy to have your DCE captaining the maroons.
When he came into camp a couple of years ago there were some serious egos not prepared to give him a go. It's his time now.
Baggy
Even though I didn't tip them I'm happy to see your Eels knock off the Rabbits. Gives you hope mate, gives you hope!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good Saturday evening to you Mark.
That Penrith/Manly game turned me right off, as really neither team was playing top line footy, until the last 10, when someone must have thought, time is getting away. Too many missed chances and left run late, to pull the finger out. Got close though.
I think DCE has been preserving himself, that's why he decided to miss the Titans match. He appears ready for the promotion to captain his State. He's been training the house down and Des is aware, barring injury, he'll be back to face up to Cowboys at 1300 Smiles.
Cheers mate and will see what eventuates at Brisbane on Wednesday evening. I'll take NSW by 4 or more.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hello Christine - don't be nervous about. I do think that there is a warm feeling goes through the system, when dye's are administered.
I had an IVP done years ago for kidney and felt like it was going to burn me fuzz off. Yes, I know, I laughed too, the first time I mentioned it.
We'll all be thinking of you. Keep well and what date is it set for, whilst I'm at it.
Cheers - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes 'a' - totally agree with a close tough race for Final 8.
Especially if the hot and cold teams, get hotter.
Mark those words down.
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by a on
Well I think it’s going to be tough for the Bulldogs after tonight’s lost
Submitted by christine on
Big pete
That would be 7th june & I am not nervous I just don't like the cold but for me having ms the cold is a better season for me than the rest then autum & spring not summer , I have had to have the dye before that's why people tell me they always feel warm from the dye but I don't get that at all never experienced that even once & this will be my fourth mri & I don't experience other things they say I will either such as a metallic taste in my mouth that has never happened to me the doctor tells me to expect these things but I never get it I don't know why maybe I am not normal it wouldn't surprise me I have always said I am unique that will do me so mri on the 7th june & infusion on the 13th june I will let you know how I go but I won't see my neurologist till November I am trying to change hospitals just for my treatment but still stay under the care of my neurologist by still having to see my neurologist at least once a year so I don't transfer completely my neurologist has a really good name in the business for ms he is highly sort after & praised & I have been going to him since I was diagnosed infact he was the person that not only confirmed my ms but told me what type I have the other neurologist I first had told me I have ms but couldn't tell me what type I had & then referred me to the person I go to now she asked him to take me on his case study which he did normally you have a 2 year wait for this man &thanks to her I got in 2 months later I was lucky others aren't so lucky ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
That it does Mark, that it does. Also vindicates the Broncos in pushing Bennett out the door. Even with their superstar forwards they didn't roll us like in other weeks. We shall see if we lift after beating the top team. I do agree with Phil that we aren't a finals team this year, but also agree with Brad that we can beat/compete with anyone as long as we have a positive attitude. Still will be proud of the BOYS with between 9th and 11th at years end.
Submitted by christine on
Just read at the bottom of this page here thinker a young under 18's representatives player by the name of Sae Wallace has died R.I.P Sae Wallace has died in an induced coma from infection from flu Sae you won't be forgotten ...
Submitted by a on
What good defence by the Cowboys well done
Submitted by christine on
I found out today from my father rob papworth (pappie) has a brain tumour & from what my father said he is not in a good way it is an aggressive brain tumour thinker just thought you would like too know ...
Submitted by christine on
I have to correct myself there thinker sorry about that it is brett papworth (pappie) that has an aggressive brain tumour & isn't in a good way at all thinker ...
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
I have updated the tipping comp after round 12, and I'll update the NRL ladder once I get my head around the Byes and what-not.
Congrats to Jack Starky who was the only one to get four from four this weekend. Darn good effort that because it was arguably four games without a really logical clear cut selection.
In doing so Jack skips away at the top of the comp, but there's plenty nipping at his heels.
And I believe we have had our first duck egg (0 from 4) for the season. I won't name names. It could very easily have been me.
Note the State of Origin preview on the site. Feel free to add your comments if you wish. I'll try to be online during the game on Wednesday night...join me if you are keen.
All the best
Submitted by Mike T on
My tips for round 12 did appear and now they don't?
I was in about the first 16 entered and I did see it among the 'show all on one page', now it is missing. Please help.
Submitted by The Voyeur on
Hi Mr Thinker, looks like my results have not pulled through from the weekend on to the ytd table.....
Submitted by The Thinker on
@The Voyeur
Thanks for letting me know. I have updated that now.
All the best