Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters – Thursday night – Suncorp Stadium
The Storm have escaped the escalating madness in Victoria and resettled on the Sunshine Coast. It's a sensible choice for a whole range of reasons, and on Thursday night they take on the defending premiers at what is likely to be their 'home ground' for the foreseeable future. Both teams bring glistening form to this contest, and both have significant injuries to significant players. The Chooks lose Radley and Verrills for the season, and Isaac Liu is unlikely to play with a broken rib. The Storm lose their most dynamic and enigmatic playermaker in Cameron Munster, and they are also monitoring Addo-Carr, Welch and Kenny Bromwich after head knocks last week. Tedesco will return for the Chooks after his head knock, and Josh Morris has also been named. The Roosters appeared rattled by the injuries to Radley and Verrills during the game against the Dragons, but they were professional enough to regroup in the second half and win fairly comfortably in the end. Clearly this is harder than that, but they've had a week to prepare for the new normal. Last week they moved Manu to fullback and Brett Morris into the centres. They both had blinders and Morris scored three tries, which shows just how adaptable this team is. Obviously it's the game of the round, and I might even drag myself down to Lang Park and watch it with my own eyes.
Verdict – Roosters by 4
Result – Storm 27 defeated Roosters 25
Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Friday night – Campbelltown Stadium
Some positive signs in attack for both these clubs, despite the losses in round seven. On four occasions this season the Raiders have held their opponent to six points over the 80 minutes. The teams that scored more than that (Sea Eagles 14, Eels, 25 and Knights 34) are nearer the pointier end of the NRL ladder this season. Given the Dragons often struggle in attack, I'll be backing the Raiders defence to do the job it has to do.
Verdict – Raiders by 8
Result – Raiders 22 defeated Dragons 16
Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday night – Bankwest Stadium
Only the most ardent of Cowboys supporters thought they would take care of the Knights last weekend. Actually, that's not true - even they didn't see that result coming. This game is at least as hard, and it's in Sydney, and their opponent shouldn't take them lightly now. Mitchell Moses is a big loss for the ladder leaders, but the rest of that spine (Mahoney, Brown and Gutherson) are doing some pretty special things this year. Even more importantly, their defence continues to be a standout.
Verdict – Eels by 14
Result – Eels 42 defeated Cowboys 4
Gold Coast Titans vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday afternoon – Suncorp Stadium
Those that have been following this site for some time would know that I've never been a big fan of the Sharks. They are the brussel sprout of the NRL - unattractive, unpalateable and a strange choice of vegetable for a football fan when there are so many better vegetables out there. Many of you would also know that I have a bit of a soft spot for the Titans, but right now they look like kale. Neither option appeals to me, but I have to eat one of them. Cronulla Sprouts it is. Better get a bucket, I'm gonna throw up.
Verdict – Sharks by 4
Result – Sharks 40 defeated Titans 10
New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Central Coast Stadium
The 59-0 loss to the Roosters looked like the Broncos at their all-time low, but the performance against the Titans last weekend was around the same mark. In response to this, the Broncos look set to drop one winger from their starting side. It's hard to see that making the difference, but what they do have in their favour is an opponent who may have lost heart. Their coach got punted, they're away from home, and they can't go home. As Victoria unravels, the chances of a trans-tasman travel bubble become less and less likely. As a result, the Warriors are trapped a long way from family and a long way from the top eight. Tough going. It's the only reason I'm tipping the Broncos who, against any other team, would almost certainly lose. They can probably win this, but it's hardly anything to celebrate.
Verdict – Broncos by 4
Result – Warriors 26 defeated Broncos 16
Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday night – Bankwest Stadium
At times the easiest way to line up two sides is to look at who they have played. The Tigers have had a pretty soft draw thus far, with only two games against what I would call genuine top eight sides (and they lost them both). The Panthers, by comparison, have played five top eight teams. They beat three of them, drew with the Knights and went very close against the Eels. The Tigers are going well, but the Panthers have better form.
Verdict – Panthers by 10
Result – Panthers 19 defeated Tigers 12
Manly Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – Lottoland
Both sides disappointed in round seven, although the Sea Eagles loss was slightly less surprising given the injuries to key playmakers. With Turbo and Walker out, much of the pressure lands in the lap of Cherry-Evans. He doesn't seem to mind, but the Knights aren't easybeats. The return to Brookvale for the first time in a long time helps too, but I keep looking at the Newcastle line-up and thinking they have the Sea Eagles covered across much of the paddock. I'm writing off the performance against the Cowboys as an aberration.
Verdict – Knights by 7
Result – Knights 14 defeated Sea Eagles 12
Canterbury Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Sunday night – Bankwest Stadium
As one of the true glamour clubs in the NRL, the Bunnies have had to face plenty of high quality opponents through the early rounds. On the occasions when they have taken on the lesser teams, they have won comfortably. Given the Bulldogs current position on the ladder, I'm willing to put them in the lesser team category.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 10
Result – Rabbitohs 26 defeated Bulldogs 10
Wally Lewis - round eight selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- Storm vs ROOSTERS
- RAIDERS vs Dragons
- EELS vs Cowboys
- Titans v SHARKS
- Warriors vs BRONCOS
- Tigers vs PANTHERS
- Sea Eagles vs KNIGHTS
- Bulldogs vs RABBITOHS
Comments
Submitted by tigerholic on
Great game Ashley Klein.
Worst referee in the competition.
Tiger
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Hey block how about a few stories I've run out of product I will take a few airport stories where you meet
a celebrity or 2 that rubbish with the wine yard just isn't selling come on it's what you really good at supply
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Good on your tiger I take it you're on the favourites again
Submitted by Mary S on
Turkey Flat Butcher's Block Shiraz Grenache Mataro is available from Dan Murphy's @ $22.00/ bottle (when they have it in stock!)
https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_381168/turkey-flat-butcher-s-bl...
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by tigerholic on
Good onya Rocket, only surface when things are going your way. I reckon you must be a short man with short mans syndrome, other wise surely you can't be that simple minded.
One lucky tip does not make a season, keep on tipping for the upsets I'll enjoy seeing you down the bottom of the ladder with your Brumbies.
Tiger
Submitted by a on
Wow what a bloody good game that was
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
I don't forget we're both on the honour board plenty of time the run you down especially a simpleton picking favourites every week and you dodge and the tiger's at every opportunity I hope they start winning take you a while to get back on the bus
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Gee that was a really good game
Submitted by Christine on
I am changing one tip so broncos from warriors i am not on the tipping ladder so it does not matter anyway so my tips are the same as tiger i just found out rts is out for warriors so i have to go broncos in hope seibold pulls out something special this week sorry cor the late change i am not on the ladder ...
Submitted by Christine on
That said sorry for the late change ...
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
You can't change its too late.
Way the Broncos have been going you're probably on the winner anyway
Submitted by The Butcher on
Mark Ashford
One thing I won’t take is being called a bully. No where do I say you have to pick your own team I said I’m loyal and never pick against my team but as usual you misread my comments and create a personal attack which seems to be a regular occurrence.
Only last week I made a fair comment about the Broncos and you went on your usual personal attack and if that wasn’t bad enough you came back the next day to have another go until steel had to put you in your place.
So who’s the bully?
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
https://youtu.be/z5OXON8vIaA
A song for Friday.
Submitted by Mary S on
Interesting song choice Baggy, and appropriate.
While watching ( & listening), I found it fascinating to note all the things that would currently, be deemed politically inappropriate.
How times have changed!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Newbie
I have to say you have an extreme range in musical taste. Compared to my musical tastes...some of the worst and some of the best. It's like being on a roller coaster musically with you. One week it's up, the next it's down. And if I can quote the Thinker recently, it's like a box of chocolates. This week it's a thumbs up from me with Echo and the Bunnymen. A band from my youth that I had almost forgotten about!!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Rocket comes out of hibernation....quiet as a mouse last weekend.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
I could not trust myself to talk only a rooster defeat thawed me out.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Up until the penalty that sealed the deal both teams were pretty good. I feel for Boyd Cordner, he was shagged when he came off, not sure that it was a HIA or just exhaustion.
Submitted by Christine on
Rocket you have not worked it out yet i always change my tips i am not on the tipping ladder so i can change them first i tipped warriors but at the time i didn't know rts was out as i did not see last weeks game so nowi know rts is out i change to broncos which almost makes it certain warriors will win with my luck & most of you all took broncos so that means i will do no worse than the rest of you son i won't get ahead but no one else will get the points that took broncos either now rocket is that explain it or you i change my tips if you don't liike it don't go by my tips do the opposite for as long as i have been on the thinkers site i have done so i always change my tips only 1 here & there but i always have just enjoy the game rocket i have tipped broncos ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Butcher
I did read your comments, always do, and thought you were being a bit unkind to the Tigerholic. I promise to be nice from now on.
Last nights game was the best by far this season. I honestly didn't think the Storm would stay with your team the way they did. Don't know that Jake Friend's infringement in golden point was worth a penalty. It's rare for a ref to award a penalty in extra time and this one in front of the Chook's posts. Oh well a great game and maybe a draw would have been a fairer result.
Submitted by Christine on
Butcher
give tiger a break he is going through his own battles with working in a prison & married life you are both here for the same reasons the love of the game & your teams just find a happy medium there somewhere & enjoy the games guys that applies to both of you ...
Submitted by Christine on
before anyone says it also applies to them too itbis nrl that brings us all toughter ...
Submitted by Christine on
I would seriuosly smash this mobile but then i wouldn't have one & i need it for when i have falls with my ms so i can get help when i need it ...
Submitted by a on
Come on let’s play nice a bit of banter doesn’t hurt but let’s not make it personal
Submitted by Christine on
Your right "a" we are all here for the same reason this game brings us all toughter we unite for the nrl & for our teams i just don't have one this year i used to be a souths supporter for my mum after she had a seizure & a stroke & still managed to watch them win the grand final from her hospital bed she was a trooper when league was on anyone would of thought she was actually playing the game so the following year i joined souths that's been 5 years already it will be 6 in janurary now my father is with a women that doesn't like sport at all she hates nrl my father plays golf she hates golf i think one thing they have in common is polotics basically they ste both liberal supporters ...
Submitted by newbie from perth on
First up, what a game that was on Thurs night between the Storm and Roosters eh? One of the best I’ve ever seen even though we lost 😥. We only had ourselves to blame though. Looks like we saved up all our “unused errors” and cashed them all in on Thurs night. Against any other side we might’ve got away with it but no, we had to do it against the Storm. No sour grapes but we had that won on 2 occasions but still lost it. Ten points up with roughly 9 mins to go and we let ‘em back in courtesy of errors. One point up with 40 seconds to go and with a full set of 6 to come we manage to give possession away. Don’t even wanna talk about extra time, I’m too gutted 😥. But hey, credit where credit’s due. The Storm handled the pressure better than us and won. End of story…
@ Dragons-fanboy
Yeah mate, word doc’s the way to go my friend. Collect your thoughts on the one game, type it all out, check spelling, add thoughts in, make it shorter (or longer in my case) and you’re golden. Repeat the process for all the games and it’s a done deal. Using a word doc you can easily add emojis as you see fit, just like the 🐔 I’m so fond of (I use the Segoe UI Emojis font that everyone has in the fonts drop-down in word) and it’s handy when you don’t want to be misunderstood when you say something that might be taken the wrong way. You know what I mean? 😁
Anyway bud, that’s what I do for what it’s worth but “you just do you” as they say. You know, have your own style if that’s what you want. Do it like someone else if that’s what you want. At the end of the day it’ll still be your style. Does that make sense or am I rambling again? 🤪 Best of luck with whatever you decide and looking forward to your comments next week (please be kind with my Roosters eh?). Cheers.
@ Steel Panther
Yeah my music tastes are a bit up’n’down I’ve been told 😁. It’s just me but I know there’s heaps of people just the same. Sorta “same same but different” if you know what I mean. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact I never married and had kids (is that a blessing or not I wonder) so I never had to stop listening and my tastes just went onwards to wherever they are at the moment. Without any exceptions, all of my mates and relatives basically stopped listening to new stuff once they got married and kids appeared. No time or money available for them to indulge so to speak. Hey, that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it 🤪. Glad you like the song bro’. It’s a ripper eh? Maybe an acquired taste but still a goodun’. Cheers.
Anyways, as usual, this is far too long. I’m outta here. You could almost say that “I’m running away”. Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48Oq9zcf5hg
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Dragons-fanboy,
Like Newbie, I use word a lot too.
It gives one the opportunity to save as you go, re-read and correct, walk away and calm down if the subject is a 'touchy one' , and more importantly in some cases, the chance to rethink before you act.
Once you are happy with the result, you just copy and paste into the comments section, or an email reply (if that is the current task).
Like Newbie, I always enjoy reading your weekly 'take' on the coming matches.
Cheers,
Mary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPf2e2_eJx0
Submitted by tigerholic on
Morning Folks
Just wanted to say to everyone that I have changed my picture on this site. When my old mate the Butcher made a funny remark about me being Ivan Cleary I thought I would show just how deep the Tigers Blood runs through my veins.
My new picture is a picture of my number plates, the only down side is the QLD next to it.
Have a great Saturday everyone.
Tiger
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Newbie,
You're all good mate. I understood you well. Yeah I may just stick to my usual style or even do what Mary said and save as I go. I see you used to do different parts in the past. It may seem to work. I'll just have to see how I'll go. The way I do it has worked for such a long time. So J may just stick with it. Bad luck to your BBB on Thursday night. Was a great game and I am glad that I did get the tip right 😉. I promise I don't pick on your Roosters Next Week 😂😂. Have a great weekend mate!
Mary,
Thank you so much for your idea. I might use that in the future. It could help me out if I do need to have a break or even just move on with life outside this site in that very moment. I hope you have a great weekend. 😀
Cheers!!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tigerholic
Don't worry about those "TIGERS" plates having QLD on them. The way the Broncs are playing we might all become Tigers supporters up here.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Mary S
Thanks for that song. You can post BGG's numbers anytime you like.
Newbie
Never was a Bob Marley fan but hey each to their own. Now Jimi Hendrix was always a big favourite. This should bring memories.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJunCsrhJjg
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Submitted by Steel Panther on
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
Submitted by Christine on
Surely seibold has too be a bit more uncertain of his job security now my advice never tip broncos again this season always tip against them until you see signs indicating otherwise & one or two wins don't count as a turn around , rocket let me be the first to say i told you so ...
Submitted by ScottySeahawk on
Christine, word of advice, never change your tip ! Hahaha. Broncos deserve to be wooden spoon.
Submitted by mark ashford on
STEEL
Yes unbelievable that the Broncs are in this situation. Congratulations to your Warriors on their win with everything they are dealing with.
Didn't see the game but the result tells all. I'm concerned what this will do to the Broncs going forward as most expected a win at last.
I believe this puts Broncs at # 16 first time ever in the clubs history.
Saying all that well done to your Warriors.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Mark,
If I'm being honest, considering the state of the club, the Warriors should never have won that game. Players Green & Beale told they aren't wanted next season. What would that do to your psyche? RTS suspended. Players wanting to go home. Interim coach. The score flattered Brisbane. Intercept try to Coates, wicked bounce for another & the Warriors had a try chalked off. Add to that, the Warriors lost Nikorima in the first 10.
So where does that leave your Broncos? Haas & Pangai are powder puffs. Croft & Glenn crying at the end of the game. Surely Seibold will be walking the plank. You know you've hit rock bottom when you lose to the Titans & Warriors in consecutive weeks.
Submitted by Christine on
Scotty seahawk you obviously missed what i wrote to rocket in the comments section prior to the game i was cjanging my tip because rts was out & everyone else had tipped broncos so by changing my tip it would make it certain warrors would win so i would lose bur bo one else would get the points either except for newbie & stallion who did take warriors so good for newbie & stallion had i of not changed my tip warriors would have lost that is my luck so when i put my tips in it ia not always rhe way it stay i have win 3comps before but not from changing my tips & those comps have not been run since 2015 i won 2011 , 2012 , 2015 but they place that did the in housd comp no longer does it & hasn't since 2015 ...
Submitted by Christine on
Rocket sorry what can i say ...
Submitted by Christine on
Broncos are not on the bottom of the ladder bulldogs are on 2 broncos are on 4 wonder when they play against each other could be a draw so no team wins that would be a boring game ...
Submitted by a on
They play against each other next week
Submitted by ScottySeahawk on
Christine, I actually did read it but thanks for the information anyway.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Christine
You are right Broncs not quite on the bottom yet. If Bulldogs win tonight they will be on for and against.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Steel
The Broncs laughing with the Titans after last weeks troweling and now crying with the Warriors after another beating where has the club pride gone. Local media tells me Paul White (Broncs CEO) has said Siebold is safe as the Coach. So it appears no one is taking any responsibility including management for the current state of affairs. So it's up to the players to get out of this. At the moment they look like a team of headless chooks (no reference to your boys Newbie) and badly need a true leader. I'm currently watching Manly/Knights and Cherry-Evans & Pierce never stop talking and directing their players. That's what the Broncs need. There was talk a while ago about the Broncs approaching James Maloney after he left Panthers but it didn't happen. He would have been perfect.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
This is part of the on going problem, everyone keeps selling the Broncos the next big thing, and sadly no-one or circumstances will change until the attitude improves. A new coach might get a dead cat bounce, but until the players themselves want to turn it around, its a long road back. I know I relate what the Broncos are going through to the 2015-2018 Eels, but results didn't really come for us until the players stood up and took ownership, an example is Moses, and D Brown, took the team by the scruff of the neck and said this is my team. It will happen Mark, but maybe the players should look to themselves before they look at the guy beside them.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Mark,
Trust you have sobered up after the Broncs defeat yesterday. Your club is too proud to not come right. When that will be though who knows.
So was that a penalty to Manly at the end? Surely it was but somehow the bunker didn't see what us viewers saw. Goes back a step though. Ref Adkins had a good view to rule a penalty straight away. Was never going to be a penalty try. Manly dudded again by the officials. No guarantee they would have kicked the penalty had it been awarded but they should have been given the opportunity.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
You've been through some rough years with your Eels and you must be proud they are on the top of the ladder and keep finding ways to win.
The Media keeps saying the Broncs have the youngest roster in the comp and they will improve. Did you see McCullough's effort for the Knights? Why was he let go? Did you see Josh Mcguire's effort for the Cows in a losing team? Why was he let go? Yes it's nice to have youth coming through but a win or two would be nicer.
Submitted by Christine on
Everyone please stay safe this virus is far from over they are now refering to this virus (covid 19 ) as a bush fire for health it spreads just as fast as one & we all no what we just saw with those bush fires we had it is dangerous so please stay safe i am immune compromised i am out on a regular basis but i try to stay safe as best i can , look what is going on now again in victoria do we all want restrictions too start again ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Steel Panther
Mate as you can imagine I don't really want to talk Broncos unless the Butcher has some condolences to offer.
I thought the Manly/Knights game was a ripper and could have gone either way. As for that last bit of push & shove I'll happily go with the refs, after all aren't they all seeing and the bunker can't be wrong.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
After all Parra has been through it is wonderful to get to the top for a bit, but like 2001 and 1980 I'm going to keep my mouth shut and wait until we have the trophy. Life will be good for the Broncos but short term pain will be good for the team.
Pages