Hi Christine,
What a sod of a day - do hope tomorrow is better for you.

Cowboys will 'turn it on' Thursday, to celebrate the 'Memories & Milestones' in their last game at 1300SMILES Stadium, with the new Stadium opening for next season.

It appears Cowboys played Bulldogs on this ground (1300SMILES) when they opened it in 1995. Cowboys will want to reverse that years result!!!
Cheers
Mary

Hi Christine
That sounds like a very ordinary start to your day, I do hope you are now going ok. Don't have too many of those rums, even though they do taste good they only numb your feelings for a little while.

I am always available for a chat, if you would like my email address you can get it off the Thinker or I can get it to you via him.

Thanks for the tip, I think the cowboys will pout in a big one in their last game at 13oosmile stadium.

Take Care

Tiger

Baggy
You may see from my tips I have chosen your Eels this weekend.
I have done this in respect to your support. Thank you.
I have stood fast with my Broncs all year and this explains my poor position on Thinkers ladder. I'll probably do the same next year despite the results. But when you love a team you have to stick as you do.
Good luck to both our teams.

Indeed. Thank you Mark, I'll be down there Friday night 3 rows back from the fence northern end. It'll be an awesome night. Hoping for a great game.

Sa-wat-dee krup,

Here we go again. The penultimate round of the regular season is upon us. Should be some interesting games and maybe some upsets. Are you bored with nothing to do? If so, strap yourself in and get started on this 2,516 word novelette. If not, just scroll past 😄 OK, let’s get into it…

Cowboys vs Bulldogs 45-55 @ 1300Smiles
Ladder Position = Bulldogs
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys

The Cowboys were surprisingly leading at half-time and backed that up in the second half and got a well deserved win 24-10 against the Panthers last week. Maybe there was more to the “Matt Scott” factor than I thought. They looked a lot more enthusiastic and determined than their opposition for sure. Just look at that quick 20 metre tap that Opacic took where he passed to Feldt to score that 80 metre try. Given they had less possession than the Panthers, I thought they did pretty well in achieving an 85% completion rate compared to the Panthers’ 70. They won the line breaks (5-2), tackle breaks (38-19), missed tackles (19-38), errors (7-12) and penalties conceded (6-8). What a shame they couldn’t have had more games like this during the year eh? They simply outplayed the Panthers and came away with a gutsy win.

Yeah, that’d be right. Bulldogs get up yet again over a more fancied opposition. This time they knocked off the Eels 12-6 last Thursday night. Even though the Eels were better in the first half on balance, the Dogs hung in there and plugged away and were rewarded with a try just before half-time and went to the sheds at 6-6. Their continual pressure in attack got them another try in the 67th minute which ultimately proved enough to get them home. Encouragingly they had 5 line breaks and a massive 41 tackle breaks. The Bulldogs defence was again superb but they had 31 missed tackles, made 11 errors and gave away 7 penalties. The Eels tried to hit them with everything they had but the Bulldogs stood their ground and simply wore them down. They had huge games from Hopoate, Foran, Jackson and Meany in particular. Not quite sure what Reimis Smith was thinking of when he got himself binned. Getting some revenge for Sivo’s hit on DWZ perhaps? My exact words last week were … “As much as I’d like to tip the Bulldogs (I really would), I might just have to stick with the Eels.” Do I tip the Dogs this week or not?

Cowboys playing at 1300 Smiles for the last time versus Bulldogs trying to achieve a “dream come true” final 8 finish. Who to tip? If I tip the Dogs does that mean they’ll lose? Might go the Dogs anyway.

Warriors vs Rabbitohs 40-60 @ Mt Smart
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

A very disappointing effort from the Warriors last week against the Sharks. I thought they might’ve been in with “half a chance” when they went into the sheds after the first 40 only behind 24-10 but how wrong that turned out. Their second 40 was just not good enough. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing against, racking up 51 missed tackles is not good. There were a few isolated patches where they looked promising but overall they were just not up to scratch. Not sure where this lack of belief and this lack of determination is coming from but they’ll definitely have this to work on for next year. Anyway, this week they’re at home against the Rabbitohs so will their effort be any different this time? Can Kearney somehow shake something out of them?

The Bunnies got away with a close one last week against the Broncos and scraped in 22-20. It was a great spectacle watching those two going at it, the good and the bad. The extra penalty, Cook’s great try saving tackle on Oates and their desperate defence won that for the Bunnies. They would’ve felt relieved in getting that one for sure. Not sure what was going through James Roberts’ tiny brain when he laid the forearm on Oates’ head after the tackle. I just sat there shaking my head in disbelief. About as much intelligence as a potato! Then Su’A gets binned as well. Both ex-Broncos too. Hmm. The fact that Souths won both those “bin” periods was outstanding. Maybe the Bunnies should consider using this as a tactic in their game plans (ha-ha). The try that involved Cook, Reynolds and Walker in the second half was a joy to behold. When the Rabbitohs got the lead out to 22-8 I thought they were home and hosed but the Broncos came back and nearly pinched it. Souths’ defence was incredible in how they kept the rampaging Broncos at bay. Really top effort considering they only had 68% completions, 2 sin bins and had 47 missed tackles. Have the Bunnies finally got their act together or not I wonder.

I think I’ll tip the Bunnies again this week.

Broncos vs Eels 50-50 @ Suncorp
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Broncos

The Broncos lost a tight one last week to the Rabbitohs 22-20. When Souths scored those 14 points in that five-minute second half burst to blow it out to 22-8, you might’ve thought the Broncos were gone. But those Broncos just wouldn't lie down. They had plenty of chances as well as having the advantage of 2 Bunnies being binned but they couldn’t get it done. Not without a lack of trying though. What about the last 25 minutes eh? It was an absolute belter of a game and I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition on display. In the end it was that extra penalty goal and Cook’s tackle that lost it for the Broncos. I thought the stats were shared fairly evenly between the Broncos and the Bunnies (both good and bad) but when you have 39 missed tackles and 25 ineffective tackles, it’s not gonna help your cause. Ouch!

The Eels lost to the Bulldogs last week 12-6 in a physical and sometimes brutal game that was captivating to watch. They had a strong first half and were first to score after 7 minutes but unfortunately for them they were unable to register any more points thereafter. In desperation they threw everything they had at the Bulldogs in the last 15 minutes but to no avail. The Bulldogs defence was just too good. I thought Sivo’s hit on Watene-Zelezniak was one of the best hits I’ve seen all year, if not the best. Nathan Brown’s shoulder charge on Watene-Zelezniak (DWZ didn’t have much luck did he?) lit the fuse that sparked that all-in push and shove in the second half. Firstly, not a smart move Nathan and secondly, it was so much fun watching the boys huff and puff and let off some steam. Thoroughly entertaining. The Eels provided some thrilling play with 2 line breaks and 30 tackle breaks but just couldn’t get past the Dogs’ defence. They would’ve been disappointed with the lack of discipline though. They racked up 42 missed tackles, made 14 errors and conceded 8 penalties.

Even though Ferguson is back for the Eels, based on what I saw from the Broncos last week, I’m tipping them to bounce back and get up in a close one. Crazy I know but still.

Knights vs Titans 70-30 @ McDonald Jones
Ladder Position = Knights
Bookies Favourite = Knights

As bad as the Knights were last week and as slightly improved the Titans were last week, I’m on the Knights in this one.

Manly vs Storm 45-55 @ Brookvale
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm

Manly winning a tough encounter 18-14 down in Canberra really caught me by surprise. The desperation they showed in defence for the last 10 minutes or so was simply outstanding. Having absolutely no troops to fall back on while they were doing it made it even more remarkable. A very gutsy effort indeed. Unlike the Raiders last week, Manly were able to pressure them and were rewarded with points when it mattered. Their intercept try was a beauty and Jake Trbojevic’s try was simply good basic footy. I’m wondering if they’re gonna have players back this week as they’ll need to be close to full strength to get up over the Storm on Saturday. They beat them last time but can they do it again, especially after last week’s tough encounter with the Raiders.

Not a very good first half from the Storm last week. Got a bit of a shock when I saw they were 8-6 down. “Here we go again” I thought to myself. Not sure what rocket Bellamy put up them in the sheds but when they ran back out for the second 40 they were a different side completely. They put on 18 points and kept the Titans scoreless and ran out comfortable 24-8 winners. So much for the flogging we all expected the Storm to inflict. Even the last placed Titans proved that Melbourne are far from invincible. Just ask Manly and the Raiders about that. I reckon Bellamy would be concerned with the sloppiness of their effort last week and would have worked on it during the week. Their set completion was a poor 68%, they missed 23 tackles, had 20 ineffective tackles and made 14 errors.

I’m guessing the Storm might do a bit better than last week and they’ll be looking for some revenge over Manly for last time. Storm for me.

Roosters vs Panthers 80-20 @ SCG
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters

The first 40 last week against the Dragons was just so classy. At times it resembled a training run (no offence DFB). They lacked the same enthusiasm in the second half but still ran out comfortable winners 34-12. I wouldn’t say they were totally dominant but they were pretty darned good nevertheless. Well, except for the opening kick-off that went out on the full that is 😣 Plus we had 24 missed tackles, made 12 errors and gave away 9 penalties. Hmmm. Once again, Teddy and Cronk had outstanding games. Morris wasn’t too bad either. Great to see Billy the Kid score on his debut as well. That kick from Cronk across field to Tupou in the 33rd minute was an absolute gem! Haven’t seen a try scored like that in a long time. Heartening to know we got the job done without Cordner and Mitchell. I’m hoping my BBB are “peaking” at just the right time of the year.

Not sure what happened last week with the Panthers. They really needed to win that one to stay in finals contention but they made far too many errors (yet again) and they ended up getting dusted 24-10 by the Cowboys. Not sure if they’ll be able to make the finals from where they are as they’ll need to win both their last 2 games to be any outside chance. Unfortunately for them, one of those games is against the Roosters on Saturday night. Tough ask indeed. Penrith seemed to lack any intensity and didn’t appear to be switched on at times. Just look at the way Opacic took that quick 20 metre tap in the second half that ended up in that Kyle Feldt 80 metre try. From where I stand, that’s just poor footy on their part. They made too many mistakes (38 missed tackles, 12 errors and 8 penalties) and their set completion was a poor 70%. Repeat that against the Roosters and they’ll get hammered.

Obviously I’m on the Roosters this week. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

Sharks vs Raiders 40-60 @ Shark Park
Ladder Position = Raiders
Bookies Favourite = Raiders

The Sharks improved vastly from their last outing and led the Warriors 24-10 at half-time and then went on with it in the second to run out comfortable winners 42-16 last week. A very convincing win indeed and didn’t really look to be threatened at any stage. To their credit they didn’t slack off and just continued to smack the Warriors in the second half. They had 6 line breaks (Warriors 2) and made a massive 51 tackle breaks. Defensively they did have 31 missed tackles but that was offset by the Warriors making 20 more than the Sharks made.

The Raiders lost an enthralling game to Manly last week 18-14. Was expecting them to be a bit better than they were but penalties and errors (from both sides) may have hampered them. Try as they did, the Raiders just couldn’t get past some resolute defence from the Manly boys and just fell short. The 8 point try they gave away didn’t help either. Not quite sure it should’ve been an 8 point try but Leilua did a couple of stupid things and was a contributing factor as far as I’m concerned. Even though they were better in the line breaks (4-1), ineffective tackles (12-32) and penalties conceded (11-15), it seemed to me that the Raiders weren’t applying enough pressure on Manly.

The Raiders were a tad unlucky last week and even though the Sharks should lift for the Cry Baby’s last game at Shark Park, I’ll tip the Raiders to get back on track.

Dragons vs Tigers 35-65 @ SCG
Ladder Position = Tigers
Bookies Favourite = Tigers

What can I say about the Dragons’ effort last week? 28-0 down at half-time and the damage was done. They did however win the second half 12-6 so at least they had a go. Or did the Roosters take their foot off the gas? They had some opportunities but found it a little difficult to convert them. Hopefully they’ll learn from that game. Great try from young Tristan Sailor on his debut (some nice footwork to be sure). All things being equal, he should have a bright future considering the game he had last week. Against the Tigers, the Dragons will have to try and minimise the missed tackles and errors from last week to be any chance in the contest.

The Tigers absolutely smashed the Knights last week 46-4. They were dominant right across the park and never allowed the Knights to get a look in. They all contributed but none more so than Benji. Brooks and Marshall were really good together and possibly had their best games of the year so far. Not much more to say about their effort except that the stats tell the tale. Possession 60%, set completion 90%, post contact metres 741, tackle breaks 46, kicking metres 829 and 5 forced drop outs. Them’s some good numbers indeed. Would have been a complete whitewash had it not been for Guerra’s try in the 73rd minute.

After last week’s effort, I reckon the Tigers will be keen as mustard to have a shot at sneaking into the 8. Tigers for me.

Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrIhlXwk0Bs

OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week people. Cheers.

Hey Newbie
Gotta say I've never been into that "electronic" style of music but hey you can't please all of us all the time.
Very glad you ignored anon's request to shorten your pre-match reports. I for one enjoy reading it and I'm sure most others do as well.
Keep it up only one more round of the regular season to go.

@ Anonymous

Yeah, I hear you brother. 2,516 words is quite a lot I know. Not quite sure if I could get it down to 500 words though 😁

I thought long and hard about the Manly game and only went with the Storm at the last minute. Just wondered how much of last week’s game might’ve taken out of them and wasn’t sure on whether their injured players would front up this week or who might come into the side and so on and so on. Besides that, I’ve been pretty impressed with the Sea Eagles this year. Just a shame I can’t pick both sides.

“Talk Talk” by Talk Talk is indeed a good one mate. Remember that gem from the 80s well. Here it is just in case anyone else is interested. Thanks for the reminder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hHnOBlwU3A

My favourite track from them is actually “It’s My Life”. Great memories right here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFH5JgyZK1I

Anyways, as I mentioned to Mr Ashford, I gotta scoot and get me some shuteye. Take care Anon. Cheers…

Hey Steely,

Sad to hear about the lead singer falling off the perch but hey it comes to us all at some stage. Some earlier than others eh? So you’re gonna see Alice for a sixth time? Mate, you must really like him to do that. Hope you have a great time, hopefully up the front in the pit 😄

I never got into him as much as my mates did. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a talent alright. Big ups to him for still performing at his age. He’ll be turning 72 in February. Sheesh! I reckon he might’ve just had his birthday by the time he does your concert. Let’s wait and see eh? Did you know his “real name” is Vincent Damon Furnier? Just thought I’d throw that in there. OK bud, take it easy and keep it real 💪

Hey Anon, that Alice story was a cracker 😄 Brightened up an otherwise dull day so far. More little “gems” like that would go down well. Thanks mate.

Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:

Bulldogs by 4 - Bulldogs have been absolutely brilliant over the past few weeks and in the back end of the season winning 6 of the last 8. They're having a typical good end to the season. Their finals hopes are somewhat alive with the Bulldogs needing the Broncos, Panthers and Tigers to keep losing and them to keep winning to make it. They'll be desperate for the win and will be looking to maintain that outstanding defence that they've been showing in this run of form. Yes, I know it's the Cowboys last game at 1300SMILES, yes I know it's their last home game of the season and yes they would want to win again for Matty Scott, but I just feel that the Dogs will want it more and will show their grit to hold the Cowboys out and get a tight win.

Rabbitohs by 12 - Rabbitohs got back into the winners circle last week. With some key players back this week and a top 4 spot on the line if it goes their way, the Rabbitohs should beat the lacklustre Warriors here.

Broncos by 6 - Broncos are at home again this week and will be desperate for the win to maintain in the 8 by the end of the round because if they lose this week, they may find themselves out of the 8. Coming up against the Eels, they have to be really good but throughout the season, the Eels have been playing better at home rather than away and coming up against a real desperate Broncos, I feel that the Broncos will win it here in a tight one. Intriguing on how young Payne Haas will go this week as he has been an absolute beast as of late.

Knights by 10 - The Titans were surprisingly good against the Storm last week, particularly in the first half leading 8-6 and 8-0 early. Although, the second half didn't go to plan for them with the Storm putting on 18 to the Titans 0 to run away with it and get a comfortable win but from what we expected, that margin of 16 looks small and shows that the Titans put on an almighty effort but to be fair, it was just that the Storm were very ordinary in that first half, illdiscipline, frustration and errors costed them in the first half and was why the Titans led that one at half-time being able to hang in there. Plus, there were some bad calls either way in that game but you could say that cost the Storm in the first half due to plenty of calls going the way of the Titans in that first half. The Knights on the other hand, are coming off a HUGE loss to the Tigers 46-4, geez the news of Brown's departure must've hurt the Knights mentally. But, now they know and they've had time to get used to it and come to terms with it and they should come out and put on a much better performance to beat the Titans.

Sea Eagles by 2 - Manly have already beat the Storm once this season. Can they make it the double against the Storm? I think they can. This time they'll be at home and from what I've seen, Des has most certainly brought back the passion at Manly hence why they're in the top 4. The Storm have the minor premiership secured you would think and may take a step back performance wise due to that being the case but with Bellamy as their coach, I don't think that'll happen so I'm expecting a high-quality game here. But, Manly have been showing up against the top teams including the Storm once already and I reckon they'll show up again and beat the Storm yet again in an absolute thrilling game and hey, you just never know, this may be the grand final match or a prelim final match. That forwards battle will be worth the watch and will be mouth-watering.

Roosters by 26 - Roosters have been putting scores on teams at the SCG in recent games. Roosters will be at SCG this week so I think they'll smash those Panthers this week and they will roll over them this week to all but blow those finals hopes for the Panthers.

Raiders by 7 - This is going to be an exciting game. The Sharks who've hit their straps and are in some good form up against the Raiders and we all know how the Raiders' season has gone and how much they've improved to become premiership contenders. I reckon they'll bounce back this week after their tough loss to Manly to secure a top 4 finish and to spoil it for Gal in his last home game in Cronulla in what has been a magnificent career, whether you like him or not, you can't doubt what he has done not only for the Sharks but for his state and for his country for much a long time in a career span of 19 seasons. That forward battle will be exciting.

And finally... Dragons by 1 - With not too much confidence, I'm tipping my Dragons to come away with a win in their final home game of the season for the Dragons which will be played at the SCG where the Saints definitely have plenty of history winning 11 grand finals in a row. Although we are well past our glory days, hopefully the boys can bring in some passion and beat those Tigers who will most definitely be under the pump considering they're playing for a top 8 spot and the pressure may get to them which will cause them to lose... or not, we'll see. C'mon Dragons!

Awesome. Good luck with everyone's teams for this week and with everyone's tips for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!

Yes good win by the Cowboys they’ve finally ended Bulldogs run

Good late evening Christine.
From what you've openly spoken, I hope things get better for you.
You don't need smaller premises in your situation - animals, MS etc.
It just confines you and locks you in. I know, we've spoken before.
Butcher bird would miss you, as you've been their "mother" in caring.

Cheers and keep well - Big Pete in Bx

Mr Ashford,

It might be fun 🤔 to hear you belting out…

I came into this life
Looked all around
I saw just what I liked
And took what I found

Nothing came easy
Nothing came free
Nothing came all until they
Came after me

Mind you, I don’t reckon I’d wanna hear you sing “Dead Babies” though brother. Them’s some dark lyrics indeed. Poor Betty 😪

Stay well mate… 👍

Newbie
Ha-Ha I'd almost forgotten the intro to Killer. Always loved the lines;
Step into the street at sunset
Step into your last goodbye
You're a target just by living
$20 will make you die
I'm a killer etc (this is from memory so apologies to Alice if I got it wrong)
Yes the lyrics to "dead babies" are quite disturbing. Must have been during Alice's dark period when he was biting the head of a live bat on stage. Can you imagine what would happen if he did that today

Argh some stinking soft calls against us. Someone slipped klien a brown bag before kick off.

Baggy

If it makes you feel any better just think about the two points the refs gave you earlier in the season against the Warriors!!

Hope it all goes well Christine

Yes I have no idea