Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers – Thursday night – Bankwest Stadium
The Eels lost top spot on the ladder last week, and it's fair to say their last two performances haven't been table-topping standard. They do welcome back some key inclusions on Thursday night in Moses, Matterson and Ferguson. While the Tigers impressed against the Broncos, and Marshall sparked their attack, there are huge question marks over that form. The Broncos goal-line defence was as bad as it gets, and that has clearly been one of the strengths for the Eels this season. They'll be much harder to crack in defence, and Moses can only improve their attack. It's the game of the round.
Verdict – Eels by 7
Result – Eels 26 defeated Tigers 16
North Queensland Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles – Friday night – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
A much improved performance from the Cowboys against the ladder leaders in round ten. Can they repeat that effort, or was it a one time only performance for their departing coach? Josh Hannay takes over for the rest of the season, and has an opportunity to prove himself for next year if things go well. The first up assignment for Hannay is a tough one, with Manly feeling buoyent after a win over the Eels. Fonua-Blake returns to bolster what is already a very strong pack of forwards, and he'll be keen to make amends.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 8
Result – Sea Eagles 24 defeated Cowboys 12
Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
I didn't expect the Broncos to beat the Tigers but I didn't expect 48-0. The old boys are right - they are disgracing the jersey. The Storm have a better record at Suncorp than they do at AAMI Park, and haven't lost at this venue to the Broncos for more than a decade. Every Broncos team that has been beaten by the Storm since 2009 would beat the 2020 Broncos side. The loss to the Tigers was hard to watch. I'm not sure I can even turn this on.
Verdict – Storm by 60
Result – Storm 46 defeated Broncos 8
New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters – Saturday afternoon – Central Coast Stadium
This could be even harder to watch. I was hopeful that the Warriors would put in a fair effort last week before a quartet of their squad head home, but they played like they all want to go home. In games against sides in or near the top eight, the Warriors have scored 0, 6, 0, 12, 6 and 10 for a total of 34 points in 6 games. The Roosters will score more than 34 in this one game.
Verdict – Roosters by 34
Result – Roosters 18 defeated Warriors 10
Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Saturday night – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
I'm not sure if the hatred between these clubs runs as deep as it once did, but hate each other they do. This is usually enough to make this game interesting, but with both sides in some winning form this is potentially the game of the round. I'm sticking with the Dragons who are starting to impress me, what with their under-rated pack of forwards and some rising stars in their backline. And I've been given a tip that this debutant for the Sharks (Teig) is pretty good, but what a truly unusual name he has (I don't even know how to pronounce it).
Verdict – Dragons by 2
Result – Sharks 28 defeated Dragons 24
Canberra Raiders vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday night – GIO Stadium
The Raiders surprised most of us with a win over the Roosters, but only because they found their usual form after a period of under-performing. The Bunnies head to the capital without James Roberts and Ethan Lowe, and both will be out for some time. Campbell Graham returns after a facial injury which helps. For the Raiders, John Bateman has been named on an extended bench, but is probably another week away. As a rule, I like to do a quick weather check before any game in Canberra, and on Saturday night we are expecting rain and temperatures near enough to zero. All the poms won't mind, but brrrrr!!!
Verdict – Raiders by 4
Result – Raiders 18 defeated Rabbitohs 12
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium
The Knights have a woeful (recent) record against the Bulldogs, but surely...surely, history counts for little on Sunday afternoon in Newcastle. The home side found their spark in round ten and I don't expect them to lose it overnight. The Bulldogs tried hard against the Dragons for their new (interim) coach, but no one has ever accused the Dogs of not trying. Unfortunately, they just aren't good enough.
Verdict – Knights by 10
Result – Bulldogs 18 defeated Knights 12
Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers – Sunday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium
The scoreboard would indicate otherwise but the Titans were pretty good against the Storm last weekend, until half time at least. That tells me they are giving it a red hot go, but will usually fall short against the very best teams, and occasionally spring an upset over a more fancied rival who doesn't turn up to play. The Titans bring back Proctor and Copley on Sunday which helps, and the Panthers are without professional tackling machine Koroisau, Edwards and Whare. A Titans win would be a proper upset, and while I wouldn't be quite as surprised as most, I have to tip the Panthers. The steadying influence of the TikTok man should see them home.
Verdict – Panthers by 8
Result – Panthers 22 defeated Titans 14
Wally Lewis - round eleven selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- EELS vs Tigers
- Cowboys vs SEA EAGLES
- Broncos vs STORM
- Warriors vs ROOSTERS
- SHARKS vs Dragons
- RAIDERS vs Rabbitohs
- KNIGHTS vs Bulldogs
- Titans vs PANTHERS
Comments
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I find it hard to agree with that Butcher and Boss, part of being an efficient organisation means that you use your resources effectively, so no right thinking group would sit around with 100-150$K of cap space if there was no point, it doesn't get rolled over, and that might be split between younger lesser players to retain them against potential poaching (see the Fafita saga). I also think that SBW to anyone inside the top 6 is a wasted opportunity as it would cause a great deal of damage to the playing group as who misses out on the end of the season for a fly-by-night to swoop in and take their spot, or he leaves on GF eve and they have to perform on the greatest stage with little time to get game time. If he goes to the bottom 6 teams then it is money well spent and he has a real chance to teach what he is advertised in bringing, professionalism and experience.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Baggy
My understanding is that the Chooks are around $400k under the cap this season. They wouldn't be the only ones (and some will be over), but the Chooks being under would surprise a lot of people (not The Butcher obviously).
It's not a silly thing to do, because it gives them some artillery in case they need to go to market mid-season (because of injuries, retirements, suspensions, court hearings or pandemics that shut down Toronto/SBW).
Submitted by The Butcher on
Baggy
Love your comment but I totally disagree with you.
If you can stay under the cap you can have a little aside for this situation though give me a fit Victor Radley any day.
If SBW went to a club outside the top 6 he would be just used as a battering ram and wouldn’t achieve much in the 4 games.
He’s 35 and not the player he was, who knows if he can still tackle coming from rugby but it’s his presence that will get the best out of his team. Just like in 2013 it may be just that one play that can win you the title.
Submitted by Peter on
Thinker, I'm waiting for the rest of your tips. Thanks Pete
Submitted by The Thinker on
Morning Peter
They should all be there now. Apologies for the delays.
Kind regards
The Thinker
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Butcher, If they are holding on to $400k that's 3.5 base players, or 2 average, or one full price journey man. I feel that a season long player would be better than a hit and run mission. The reason I feel the SBW would be better is exactly as you say, he wouldn't bring a lot to the Broncos on the field, but he would fill that McCollough gap in the squad, a proper professional who lifts the young players to a level of professionalism for their future, no just a hired gun. Who knows he might even reinvigorate the senior leadership to pick up the ball and run after his time is over.
I feel that he should be a teacher and mentor more so than a player. Its what I feel is missing in a lot of teams, like the Eels in 2018, we were brilliant in patches, but no professionalism or leadership.
I get what your saying, but as you said I feel that we are at odds with what he should be brought into the league to achieve.
Submitted by The Thinker on
The shares Uncle Nick owns in his car business are worth just under half a billion dollars. If only every NRL club had a chairman like that.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Afternoon Folks
Just put my tips in and for those who see the need to have a crack at a bloke who hasn't tipped his team then nows your chance. Would love to see my Tigers prevail tonight.
Christine
I've gone for the Sharks against the Dragons, not sure if you wanted to change this one for yourself but I am confident.
Enjoy the footy folks, I note that Rocket has not pout his tips in yet, he';; be last in the barriers so he can assess all of the tips.
Tiger
Submitted by The Butcher on
Thinker
What are you insinuating?
Not many know that Politis grew up in Ipswich.
If he is as eligible for origin you’d steal him.
Submitted by The Butcher on
Tiger
I have no intentions of calling you defector
betrayer
traitor
turncoat
Judas or Benedict Arnold
I’ve changed you can tip who you want.
Submitted by The Thinker on
No insinuation at all Butcher.
He's very successful, and the Roosters are very successful. Same goes for Melbourne Storm and Matt Tripp. I wish the NRL had a dozen clubs like those two.
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Butcher
Had no intention of shooting the messenger mate, just thought SBW would be better used at the Warriors. Read somewhere he is only available for 5 or 6 games at around $20,000 a game so is certainly affordable. As you said he is 35 and may just be past his prime but he is an incredible athlete. Would love to see him in the ring with P. Gallen.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
I agree totally with your last two comments. SBW would lift any team in the bottom six just his presence and experience would be invaluable.
Why doesn't the NRL grow a set and say yes you can come back but you will be playing for x or y or z club. They after all have to register his contract. Would be interesting to see if he was still interested.
Submitted by a on
Yeah I think SBS should be playing with Warriors
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hey everyone, my tips for this week are:
Eels by 10 – Eels are coming off their first loss in a while last week. Their first half were very poor and they found themselves 22-4 down at halftime. They did manage to turn it around in the second half but to no avail as they ended up losing the game 22-18. The Tigers on the other hand, got a massive 48-0 over the Broncos. Phenomenal effort to keep their foot on the pedal for the full 80 and continue piling on the pressure on the Broncos. They’ve really improved on their 80 minute performances this season pulling that off more often than past seasons. This may make the difference on whether they make the 8 this season. This week they face the tough task of the Parramatta Eels. I think that it’ll be the Eels who bounce back this week welcoming back big time players in Moses, Ferguson and Brown. I think they’ll get it done in what will be a great game of footy. Battle of the forwards looks good.
Manly by 4 – This will be a close game I think. Both of these two sides surprised for different reasons in rd 10. The Cowboys played well and kept the Panthers in a contest last week in which many of us didn’t expect to happen. Impressive stuff for the Cowboys to stay in that game and not give away the match winning try for Panthers until that final minute considering the injuries the Cowboys have suffered this season and of course their formline. Manly on the other hand, are coming off their good upset win over the Eels. Sweet revenge for Manly after what transpired in rd 5. They will take plenty of confidence coming into this one after last week’s win. Yes they were poor in the second half but they done enough in that first half to suggest that they aren’t completely out of it this season. Plus, they do welcome back Fonua-Blake this week who will only strengthen that already good forward pack that Manly possesses. If Cowboys can play like they did last week, they are definitely a good chance in this one but I’m going for Manly to spoil it for the Cowboys at their home ground in a close one.
Storm by 40 – Geez aren’t the Broncos under a heap of pressure right now. Coming off an embarrassing 48-0 loss to the Tigers. I think the Broncos need to studying that article that Mary S shared in the comments. Step-by-step is all it is but something is definitely not right at Brisbane. Now they face a massive task facing off against the Storm. The Storm weren’t at their best last week yet they still managed to put a score om the Titans, yes the Titans aren’t a formidable opponent, but still impressive stuff nevertheless. I think that the Storm will put a score on the Broncos here, especially if the Broncos players continue to not show up and play for one another. And I don’t think those changes that Seibold will change much either if the Broncos keep playing like they have been. The senior players desperately need to step up and identify that there is an issue and act accordingly. Just can’t see it happening against a classy Storm side who I think will get the job done and put on a massive score on the Broncos. The Broncos haven’t beaten the Storm in Brisbane since 2009, considering their current state, I doubt that will break here, the task will be too much for the Broncos. The likes of Cameron and Brandon Smith, Munster, Papenhuyzen and the forwards will all play good games I think and I also predict that Vunivalu will score plenty here, 3 or 4?
Roosters by 36 – It looks like the Warriors have given up. They are going through all of these obstacles and plenty of sacrifices have been made and their coach got sacked. They’ve been through a lot. And now they have to contend with the Roosters who are coming off a loss. Good luck Warriors! Would be nice to see the Warriors at least play with some heart but it’s surely going to be the Roosters who would want to bounce back to put on a clinic over the Warriors. Roosters to put on a schlacking on the Warriors here away from home.
Dragons by 2 – Ah yes! Here we go, the local derby. This instalment of the local derby should be good. Two inform sides going up against one another. Should make for some good footy, hopefully. Both of these two sides have been great in attack and in particular the Dragons have immensely improved from what they dished up in attack at the start of the season. The Sharks can score points themselves scoring 40 or more on three occasions. Knowing the Sharks like to get into the grind, expect some tough footy to be played too, especially in the start of this game when these two sides feel each other out. I think that the mighty Dragons will handle the gritty tough style the Sharks like to play very well. And I think that we can get yet another win over the Sharks. Flanno will give us the tricks we need to beat the Sharks just like rd 5 considering he is a premiership winning coach at the Sharks after all. The big time players for both clubs really need to step up. Whichever big time players can step up from their respective teams the most and who will inspire the most will go a long way in their team getting the win. Although the Dragons look the goods in the forward battle, don’t underestimate that young Sharks forward pack, they’ve been going well. Going to be quite a tough game, but I’m going the mighty Dragons to make it three in a row! We do have to improve from last week though, that’s for sure. These two will also be eyeing off that top 8 as well with the Sharks being outside the 8 only just right now and the Dragons slowly but surely getting closer to that top 8. So this is a really important game from both sides. C’mon the Saints! Show those Sharkies whose home Jubilee really belongs to, it’s crazy how for the first time ever, we’ll be in the away sheds at Kogarah :O.
Raiders by 6 – This is potentially the game of the round folks! Potentially though because there are others which looks good too including the game right above. The Raiders are coming for an incredible win over the Roosters. Incredible considering it was the Roosters, they had some casualties, they weren’t expected to win yet they came out with the right attitude and it paid off. It most definitely felt like a true grand final rematch but in the end, the Raiders were just too good and got the revenge they were after. The Rabbitohs on the other hand, fought back in the end but were completely outplayed by the Knights. 20-18 looks a whole lot flattering than what the game truly reflected. The Bunnies were disappointing last week and almost got out of jail in that one only to have been stopped by some good Knights defence in the end, but they did still manage 3 tries in the final minutes there at the end. If they can bring that into this game, they are definitely a real good chance to get the win but at the chilly Canberra on a Saturday night, I think the conditions suits the Raiders more and if they can bring in the same attitude that they had against the Roosters, the Raiders win this one. The Raiders also proved that may go a long way into the competition after last week against the Chooks.
Knights by 26 – As we all know, the Bulldogs give it a real go, week in, week out. Last week they almost beat the Dragons but were very unfortunate in the end. They did play very well there in that last 20 minutes of the first half and were defending well for the majority of that second half until the final 15 minutes when the Dragons clawed their way back. The Knights on the other hand, came off a good win over the Bunnies. Geez weren’t they classy and clinical for 65 minutes of that game. The Rabbits were pretty poor, but the Knights were playing some amazing footy. Sunday afternoon in Newcastle in front of some of the faithful fans, expect the Knights to come in and play some more footy, the Bulldogs will try but the Knights will be too good and I think that they will smash the Dogs and blow them away in the end.
And finally… Panthers by 16 – Titans are coming off a big loss to the Storm. It wasn’t like they deserved that big loss, the Storm were actually poor and the Titans were in it in that first half but the Storm just ran away with it in that second half. The Titans need to continue to work on their defence, they’ve improved from last year but it does still need plenty of work. Yes the Panthers will be missing a few troops, but they can most definitely score plenty of points and they can really put it on when they have to. The Panthers are coming off a tough win over the Cowboys in the end but hey, a win is a win! It took them to the final minute to get the match winning try but they did enough there to get that win that has them at top spot. Titans may be pretty brave but it’ll be the Panthers who will still prove too strong for the Titans here away from home to remain on top spot. That forward pack still is formidable and pretty strong. Would like the Titans to give it a go though. Them being at home may be the motivation they need.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone’s teams for this week and with everyone’s tips for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by The Butcher on
DFB
Another great preview
Believe me the Dragons will get the home sheds. I know players who have got sin binned on purpose from the away teams because how quickly the hot water runs out
And the use of the word shellacking to describe the roosters win was the icing on the cake(walk)
Submitted by Christine on
Tiger i am staying with sharks i only wanted to make sure it was raiders that was being tipped & you already told me it is so all is good i am fine I hope you tipped manly ? Tiger
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Butcher,
Thanks mate! It will sure be justice for the Sharks sharing a home ground with a team who has plenty of history at their home ground. And how will they manage the sheds anyways, the Dragons always have their shed prepared and that is the famous home shed. Would be awesome if we do in fact keep the home shed ;). Why couldn't the Sharks just adopt a new home ground in Cronulla, surely there's another footy ground in Cronulla! Maybe they didn't want a park with a capacity of under 5,000 ;P. That was an amazing ending too mate, hahaha it is true though, Warriors have lost their heart they will be copping a shellacking, simple as that! Thanks for correcting the spelling too since I got it wrong. Nobody's perfect aye? Enjoy the round of footy and the rest of your week.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by tigerholic on
Certainly did
Submitted by tigerholic on
Rocket
How can you not tip your own team ? LOL
Tiger
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi to all,
For an amazing show of athleticism from last nights Eels v Wests Tigers match, I found this 'non-try' worth a second (& third ) look!
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/24/blake-ferguson-with-his-entry-for-th...
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by The Butcher on
Finally returning home
Thanks rocket for checking up on me in Adelaide. I tried to check up on you but apparently all the astronauts are currently on jobkeeper.
So I thought I’d check up on Tiger.
So I rang the prison near Laidley and asked do you have anyone by the nickname Tiger. The guy said let me see we have a Davo, Macca Johno ,Loretta forget I said Loretta and a guard dog named Hanson for some reason only barks at the Asian prisoners.
He said can you tell me anything else about him? He likes golf? Yeah we all like golf anything else?
Well he does like to go against his team.
I know who you mean now we have an annual prisoner vs officers match and he always backs the other team all the time.
Yeah that sounds like him can I talk to him?
Sorry you can’t talk to the inmates.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Hypothetical scenario
The Storm are five metres out from the Broncos goal line. Cameron Smith lobs the ball to a rampaging Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Will Brodie Croft stop him?
Submitted by Mary S on
Maybe step aside???
Submitted by mark ashford on
Mary S
Watched that video twice myself and sure as hell Blake was dudded.
I've seen some amazing trys scored in the corner but that has to be one of the best.
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Thinker
Thanks for that horrific hypothetical. Don't worry about Brodie Croft, I doubt the entire Broncs team could stop him.
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Butcher
Enjoyed your little dig at Tiger, which I'm sure he will take as intended, a bit of fun. Had a good laugh about that dog called Hansen and who he chose to bark at.
Looks like your mail re SBW was spot on with V'landys weighing in to get him to the Roosters. I know your team is really struggling but do you really need him?
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Mark,
It seems there was a 'knock on' prior to Blake's athleticism, which is why the try was not allowed as it went to the bunker.
Actually in the match report on the game, there are 8 still pictures, that show the 'no try' even better.
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/23/maestro-moses-guides-eels-to-win-ove...
Which ever way you look at it, it was a "hell of a move"!!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Butcher,
You tell some very interesting/funny stories at times.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by tigerholic on
Butcher
That was actually funny, I laughed as I read it. You should have asked" Who is the highest paid most experienced Supervisor that works here, they would all of known straight away that's not me as well:)
I think we would have a laugh over a few Toohey's old's if we ever get the chance. I would even bring my mate Rocket with me cause believe it or not he is a top bloke with a wicked sense of humour he just happens to follow a QLD team and the Maroons, you will have to overlook that side of him.
Have you heard about the Rooster who went from being a Rooster one day to a feather duster the next? That was because Karma got him!
Enjoy the footy tonight, I hope the Storm pile on the misery for Brisbane, sorry Mark, Rocket, Bronco Swimmer, and any other Broncos fan.
Tiger
Submitted by Christine on
Hey tiger i live in nsw but i tip qeensland in origin it really annoys my father but no one asked me were i wanted too pledge my loyalty when my mum was pregnant with me it is just a state with a boarder thanks to covid 19 that has a long history with origin ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Yeah it was the one mistake that Davey made in his last two games, subtle, but obvious. Still that put down between the legs from a massive jump was incredible.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Boss,
I see the gremlins have been on your site again, leaving a comment in A's comp and several in the Honour Board.
As if you haven't got enough to do - they should show more respect, and hack someone else' site!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by a on
Yeah agreed they should be reported to the police
Submitted by The Butcher on
David Fifita just signed a 3 year deal with the Titans
Submitted by mark ashford on
Sorry to see Fifita has decided to leave the Broncs but hey what else could he do. $3.5 mill over 3 years would be hard to turn down. He's been out injured now for some time but being so young he will be an asset to the Titans when he gets there. I wish him all the best.
Submitted by a on
Nice to see the Warriors try
Submitted by mark ashford on
"a"
Yes very nice to see the Warriors have a crack even led the Chooks at one stage. Hopefully will put a smile on our friend Steel's face.
Submitted by NuL1F3 on
What an upset from the Bulldogs!!
Submitted by Christine on
David fafita will regret it when he is at titans but maybe he can see the writing on is on the wall at broncos neither clyb is doing any good so why not get paid more for it will you can ...
Submitted by DLion on
Hello where should I place my tips
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