Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters – Thursday night – Suncorp Stadium
The stint of Alex Glenn as captain was short-lived - ferried down the road from Suncorp for a good old fashioned stitch-up. He won't be playing this week, and the last thing the Broncos need is to be missing more forwards. Lodge got through the game okay, but whether he has the frame for this faster version of the game is in question. The Broncos also lose their most potent strike force in the backline with Staggs suspended. A few kids get a chance, but this is a big ask against a side that impressed last start. At the time of writing we await the fate of Victor Radley at the judiciary. In any case, the Chooks have Taukeiaho back for this game which is a big plus. The Broncos will be better for the hit-out, but the Chooks look too strong.
Verdict – Roosters by 8
Result – Roosters 59 humiliated Broncos 0
Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors – Friday night – Campbelltown Stadium
If you asked me to pick a team in round three that would hold their opponent to zero points, the Warriors would be one of the first I would put a line through. That's amazing, but not as amazing as the Warriors breaking an historic (statistical) record by completing 46 of 48 sets. Who is this team, and why didn't they move to Tamworth twenty years ago? On form the Warriors are specials, but you can't tip the Warriors on form because they're less predictable than a bucket of sand crabs. Hiku and Paasi join an already lengthy list of unavailables for my second favourite NRL team. The Panthers couldn't put the Knights away last week, but this looks a shade easier.
Verdict – Panthers by 4
Result – Panthers 26 defeated Warriors 0
Melbourne Storm vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – AAMI Park
Two of our best (and crankiest) coaches will be adjusting the settings all week, following disappointing performances and big losses (by their standards). Im not sure how often the Storm get beaten by 16 points or more, but its not often. Not a lot of changes to the rosters - the Storm lose Asofa-Solomona (aka the biggest man in the world) and the Rabbits look set to quietly slide James Roberts back into their seventeen. More than anything, the Bunnies need Cody Walker back, because without his creativity and decision-making they are a far easier side to contain. The purple machine are pretty skilled at containment, and their spine of Smith (and Smith), Munster, Hughes and Papenhuyzen should do enough things right to see the home side home.
Verdict – Storm by 4
Result – Storm 22 defeated Rabbitohs 8
Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles – Saturday afternoon – Bankwest Stadium
Have I mentioned I like the Sea Eagles this season? I must have done. Anyhoo, I still do after their dominant performance in round three, albeit against an easier opponent than the undefeated Eels. The new rule around ruck infringements seems to have opened up the middle corridor of the field, so teams that have players who can make the most of those options through the middle will shine brightest. A few players come to mind in this regard: Tedesco, Cook, Tuivasa-Sheck...and Tommy Turbo. Turbo scored an early double last week, and another big performance here seems likely. The Eels have emerged as genuine contenders this season and deserve favouritism in this, but I like the Sea Eagles. Have I mentioned that this season?
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 2
Result – Eels 19 defeated Sea Eagles 16
North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks – Saturday night – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
There should be some feeling in this game, with Valentine Holmes squaring off against his last team. I expect he will handle it - if you grow up in North Queensland with a name like Valentine you get used to a few barbs. This contest has lost some of its lustre, with Taumalolo injured, Morgan still a week or two away and Gavin Cooper in doubt. Meanwhile the Sharks are set to lose Fifita and Townsend, with Moylan named to return in the halves. With Moylan and Dugan actually named in the same starting thirteen, I can only assume one of them will bust their hamstring getting off the bus or putting their socks on, and be a late withdrawal. Watch for late team changes. I rarely enjoy tipping the Sharks (actually that's not true...I never enjoy tipping the Sharks), but I think they can win this.
Verdict – Sharks by 2
Result – Sharks 26 defeated Cowboys 16
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights – Sunday afternoon – Campbelltown Stadium
It's the game of the round, and it's great to see the Raiders get a slot on free to air television this weekend. It's also the afternoon slot, and the Raiders are a great team to watch in those conditions. They surprised most of us with a big win over the Storm, but it probably shouldn't have done (their record over Melbourne in Melbourne is simply awesome). This weekend they face another undefeated side, strengthened by the return of Ponga and the likely inclusion of Pearce who looks likely to pass concussion protocols. They were gallant without being brilliant last week, but those two inclusions should see the brilliance return. A big wrap to the Raiders for finding us another star Englishman, with George Williams delivering one of the best individual performances of the round last week. This looks a ripper contest, but the Raiders style of play looks suited to rugby league in a post-Covid world, and the Knights might tire late after that extended effort against the Panthers.
Verdict – Raiders by 10
Result – Knights 34 defeated Raiders 18
Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers – Sunday night – Suncorp Stadium
He's not as quick as he once was, but Benji Marshall is exactly the sort of player I was referring to earlier (i.e. players that can take advantage of opportunities in the middle corridor). This could be one of his best seasons in years. and he's got a new book out, so he'll be keen to play well and give that a plug. The Titans tried (as they usually do) last weekend, but they simply lack the cattle to compete with the better teams.
Verdict – Tigers by 16
Result – Titans 28 defeated Tigers 23
Canterbury Bulldogs vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Monday afternoon – Bankwest Stadium
Two teams under scrutiny and barring an extra-time draw, one of these sides will notch up their first win for the season. The Dragons coach is said to be under mounting pressure, but he's kept his hand steady on the wheel and stuck with the same side that couldn't get out of the blocks against the Warriors. I actually think they'll win this, and the Dragons did beat the Bulldogs pretty comfortably twice last season.
Verdict – Dragons by 10
Result – Bulldogs 22 defeated Dragons 2
Wally Lewis - round four selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- Broncos vs ROOSTERS
- PANTHERS vs Warriors
- STORM vs Rabbitohs
- EELS vs Sea Eagles
- COWBOYS vs Sharks
- RAIDERS vs Knights
- Titans vs TIGERS
- Bulldogs vs DRAGONS
Comments
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:
Roosters by 8 - Broncos are very disappointing last week against the Eels in the end to lose to a blowout score. Now this week they have to contend with the Roosters who were bloody brilliant last week against the Bunnies. They really got back into form in a flash to get their first win on the board this season. The Broncos are missing their captain Alex Glenn, Turpin and Kotani Staggs in this one whereas the Roosters will be missing Brett Morris with Ryan Hall coming in as a late inclusion. Will be interesting to see how the Broncos go after that big loss last week whether or not they'll bounce back. I think they won't and the Roosters will be too strong for the Broncos to get back-to-back wins.
Panthers by 10 - How good were the Warriors last week against my mob. They were absolutely brilliant, near perfect completions and they were just much better than us. As disappointing as that was as a Dragons fan, gotta give credit where it's due, the Warriors were awesome last week. Panthers on the other hand, had a draw with the Knights in a game that they should've won considering they had the 14-0 advantage and the Knights lost a couple of key players during the game. Panthers are still in good touch not losing a game this season thus far so with that and the fact that it's against the Warriors (no disrespect intended), the Panthers should win this one at home, even if it isn't their spiritual home.
Storm by 6 - Remember, the Storm rarely lose back-to-back. They rarely do. This week they come up against the Bunnies who had a last start loss to the Roosters. I feel that the Storm should bounce back here after a disappointing loss to the Raiders. It's so unusual seeing the Storm lose by a margin of 16 but that's what happened last week, does this mean the Storm have lost their flair, that they've lost their touch, Friday night will be where we find out. I think that the Storm should bounce back though.
Eels by 2 - The Eels were absolutely amazing last week against the Broncos. They are definitely going to be up there by the end of the season I reckon. They just really suit this style of footy so well. Now they have Manly in front of them who themselves were dominant albeit against a weaker opposition. This should most definitely be a cracker but I'm going with the Eels here at home at Bankwest to get a tight win over Manly here. So many intriguing battles all round as well in the halves, in the backs and in the forwards. Will be very exciting. If only crowds were allowed back sigh.
Cowboys by 7 - The Cowboys were another team who were brilliant last week, yes they played the Titans but still an impressive performance nonetheless. This week they face a team who is yet to win a game in the Sharks. Now the Sharks will be desperate to get their first win on the board this week. They had a good chance to last week after leading 16-10 at one stage to give up that lead that led to them being back into the game to lose 28-16. I wouldn't be surprised if the Sharks win but I'm going with the boys from North Queensland in this one to get yet another win on the board. Will be tough without Taumololo, he was really good last week and will be a huge out for the Cowboys.
Raiders by 12 - The Raiders will definitely be up there yet again this season that's for sure. What an impressive win that was against the Storm in Melbourne. Now that's three wins in a row for the Raiders against the Storm in Melbourne! That's an unbelievable stat. Now the Raiders have to contend with another undefeated team in the Knights. The Knights were lucky to come away with that draw. That one point could be crucial at the season's end you just never know. Mitchell Pearce will be right to play in this one which is a plus for the Knights and another plus is that Ponga is back for the Knights. This should be a great game but I'm going with the green machine to remain undefeated. By the way, how good was George Williams last week huh? Amazing performance from him!
Tigers by 18 - Tigers should win here over the Titans. The poor old Titans are in for another tough season for sure. I feel for Justin Holbrook, how is he going to get the Titans out of this hole? He's a successful Super League coach so I assume he has it in him but so far not so good for Justin. The Tigers on the other hand besides the period where the Sharks got back into the game, the Tigers were really good on Saturday night and expect them to put on another good performance and get a big win over the Titans here. I mean rugby league can be a funny game you know but it should be the Tigers here getting the win. Marshall has started off the season really well as well. He was instrumental in both of the Tigers wins so far this season.
And finally... Dragons by 4 - We end here with the annual Queen's birthday clash between the Bulldogs and the Dragons. Both the Bulldogs and Dragons were poor last week. Particularly the Dragons considering their opposition. To stay on nil against an opponent like the Warriors is just appalling. I know the Warriors were really good last week but he were just so underwhelming. It was just like our final training run. Our performance in an NRL game was just like that of a final training run. Absolutely pathetic. We are in for a long season if we keep that up. We have another winnable game here this week in the Dogs. Foran is back though for the Bulldogs which is a positive for them and he should at least help improve the Bulldogs attack but to what extent? Will he help it a lot or just a bit? Regardless of the opposition, the boys just need to muscle up here, Mary is under so much scrutiny and pressure at the moment it isn't even funny, it's that bad for Mary and honestly as a Dragons fan, I'm sick of it! If he is the major problem or if he can't fix the slump we've been on for a while now, then he should go, simple as that. Well they have given him two more games so we'll see if the boys can muscle up on Monday. Hopefully we do and we come away with our first win of the season.
Awesome. Good luck with everyone's teams for this week and with everyone's tips for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Steel
I thought it was a nasty high hit and Katony deserved what he got.
I don't agree with the defence "he was falling into the tackle" swinging arms are meant to hurt or disable and should be dealt with accordingly.
The two things I hate most in the NRL are high hits and late hits on kickers with the last being my pet hate. Most times the kicker is unable to defend himself and ends up smashed. Hope that answers your question Steel.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
My mistake, it's Tedesco missing so Morris has been moved to Fullback with Hall coming in on the wing. Interesting to see the effect that'll have on the Roosters without Tedesco.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Evening Mark,
I think it was something you see week in, week out in the NRL but what made it look worse was the boy didn't see it coming.
Good luck to your Broncos tonight. I won't see the game as it's on too late when I have an early start for work tomorrow.
Cheers!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I think that's what really nailed Staggs, the error followed by the blind high shot. Agree with Mark about JWH and leading with his elbow, a very bad habit, like Napa and leading with the head, or McGuire trying to make the opposition like himself, blind in one eye. Bring back Mark Carroll and he'd sort all this stuff out.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Don't think the Roosters are missing Tedesco at all. Broncos are missing some muscle in the forwards and some options in the halves. JWH still leading with the forearm, what a thug he is.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Big come back from the Broncos Mark?? I am worried how tired the Broncos will be late in the second half, this could get really ugly.
Lodge needs to be careful with his defence, he hits with his forearm which can go wrong.
Like Lockyer just said, the Broncos need to show some pride to finish with, young players with heaps of talent with a dent in their confidence.
Enjoy the rest of the game folks.
Tiger
Submitted by The Butcher on
I’m not one to rub it in but I will say I’m proud of the roosters keeping the Broncos to zero.
Submitted by Esra Star on
I will say it again,,Boyd and Milford have to go. Their hearts are obviously not in it. Once again both of them had that look one gets after a 60 nil drubbing,,,5 minutes after the start of the game.
Submitted by Christine on
Tigee i am going ok my professor tells me now i haveca thyroid problem my reading previous wae normal 7.1 last reading was 3.5 so i havechad a sore on my leg since the middle of feburary they can't heal i have had 4 types of antibiotics for it to clear it bothing is working my professor tells me it is from my thyroid no antibiotics will clear it i have to go see a thyroid specialist i don't know when i am waiting to find out & it is up too them what they do about it i asked has it changed because of my ms treatment he said no but i haven't changed anything else so another one to to add to the already long list of things wrong with me tiger how are you going ...
Submitted by Christine on
That did say tiger...
Submitted by Christine on
That tiger bacically said my professor informed me i now have a thyroid problem i have had a sore on my leg sincs middle of feburary & 4 4courses of antibiotics will not clear it my professor tells me nothing will it is my thyroid causing it my rrading has come back low instead of my previous reading of 7.1 which is normal my reading was 3.5 so inactive thyroid i will now have to see a specialist for my thyroid just another thing to add too tge list tiger how are you going in your 4walls wash basin prison bed sorry tiger i Couldn't help myself ...
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hi Christine
In prison you get more than just 4 walls, basin and bed, you also get a roommate, TV, hot showers on demand, movies, 3 meals a day, access to buy chocolates, chips, muscle builder, its not a bad life, Ive entered my 25th year of being behind the wire.
I hope your sore does heal, hopefully the specialist can find the answer. What did you think of the game last night??
Tiger
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Butcher, Esra Star
There are no words to describe my Broncos performance last night. I watched the game to the end in the hope someone would take a little pride in the Jersey to avoid that dreaded zero, to no avail.
Siebold has asked members and fans to keep the faith, is he kidding?
I'm asking him to either wield the big stick or find a way to get that Bronco's pride back and do it now. Roosters showed how a club plays when supporting each other. Those Morris twins must be nearly as old as me but played like the champions they are. The mind boggles to think what the scoreline would have been had "Teddy" played.
RL is a gladiatorial sport and like back in old Rome when you sense a weakness in the opposition you go for the kill, and the Roosters did.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Hey Mark
Proud of you for getting on here and talking about last nights game. It is a hard pill to swallow but there is always something good that will come out of it.
I'm worried about Rocket Ryan, for some reason he didn't respond to my texts during the game, over all of the years that I copped plenty when the Tigers were hammered I know how it feels.
Just like a bad hole at golf, that's over now so lets move onto the next round. Have a great weekend.
Tiger
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Its hard for me to comment, Its similar to the 2016-2018 Eels, new coach trying to put the pieces into place but the old guard weren't playing ball. It hurt watching the press conference as he was talking the bullet for his players performance, I know why he is saying trust him and give him time, once the cap around the Broncos is back in a healthy state then they can work, but if your hands are bound to a 20ft length of rope and your target is 23ft you kind of stuck. Last night really did sadden me, and not just because we lost the record for margin against the Broncos, I feel for the young kids coming through the system and having that in the back of their minds for years to come.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Tiger
Thanks for those kind words. Yes I'm devastated my usually proud club rolled over like they did. Not surprised Rocket isn't returning calls if he feels anything like I do. We face Manly next week and I fear another flogging unless Siebold can get something happening.
At least your Tigers are showing they will compete this year.
Submitted by The Butcher on
Fans allowed to return to watch the footy from next Thursday but numbers will be limited
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
The Broncs co-captains refused to attend the after game press conference leaving Siebold to cop the lot. What does that tell you about their resilience. Yes it would have been hard but grow a set and support your coach. Milford I believe is on a Million a year, Boyd on 5 or 6 hundred thou. This is a disgusting waste of money. It's time for the axe to fall. If the Broncs think these new guys are good enough then give them performance based contracts and watch them go.
Last night every time the #9 camera focused on Milford he looked terrified and Boyd looked like he just didn't want to be there.
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Butcher
Heard from Ray Hadley that even the cardboard cutouts started walking out of Suncorp stadium long before the game ended last night.
Maybe my Broncs need some actual people to fire them up.
Submitted by The Butcher on
They scary stat is that there worst defeat previously in 2009 to the Raiders was 56-0. It took 10 years to break that when last year the Eels beat them 58-0.
Then it only took 4 games to break that being last night.
On the good side the Broncos have scored 10 tries this season and 7 of them were by players not playing yesterday
By the way I heard the cardboard cut out of the dog stayed.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I had to watch the extended highlights to see Boyds bombed try, how do you not put in that extra step to catch the ball and score. It would have lifted the young guys no end to see a leader put his hand up.
Submitted by Christine on
Tiger i didn't expect any different result to last nights game than what we got rockets off liking his wounds like a dog does with its you know whats got to keep it clean for the younger generation he will surface again when he is ready , i don't really know what seibold will do about his team there is only so much a coach can do the players have to do the rest sorry to say it i don't see them turning it around something has to turn around in there favour or say by to the broncos this year i still think titans will get the wooden spoon ...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Yes Baggy
We just needed someone to stand up but it didn't happen. I'm sure this young team will come back when there is some outs back in. I'm not giving up on my team and never will.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Normal transmission has returned at the Warriors!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Yeah i was optimistic that one good result would snowball into others, and they are completing at 100% for the first 20 minutes as well. Ah well never tip them again.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Steel,
I have to say, after Warriors performance last week, I wondered if the sacrifices their families (and the players) have made, had spurred them along to a new outlook!
Maybe a tad optimistic on my part!!
Cheers & keep well,
Mary
Submitted by mark ashford on
Steel Panther
Sorry to see your Warriors go down with a zero after their effort last week. This restart to the season has a lot of us scratching our heads.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Morning Mary & Mark,
We all know it's either rocks or diamonds with the Warriors. Unfortunately more often than not it's rocks. Nothing surprised me about last night's performance. I guess both you and I Mark are having donuts for breakfast this weekend!!
Stay safe and enjoy the footy!!
Submitted by Esra Star on
I am a Bronco's fan,by the way,Mark. Always have been,in fact,i was in one of the first adds on the telly for them when they first started up. Let's go,Broncos!.
Submitted by The Butcher on
At least I now know why your picture is a stooge Nyuk nyuk nyuk
Submitted by mark ashford on
Esra Star
Always knew you were a good bloke, supporting the right team. I remember the "lets go broncos" ad, funny though I can't remember Curly being in it!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
OOF! Hasn't this game been a cracker. Could have gone either way, just wish I could see it, only got the radio but the call is so exciting.
Submitted by The Butcher on
I’m watching baggy and it’s awesome
Actually a bit like this https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-wyogZhDva8
Submitted by The Butcher on
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/06/06/jennings-collects-a-sivo-offload-for...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Thanks for the Ad Butcher, didn't Price look running a line. Its starting to get dicey for the BOYS.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
It's nice to be able to breath again. Nice to see we can compete against the better teams in the game and hold our own, such a better result than when we had teams in that position in the past and gave the game up. Great game, Pete.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Manly robbed kane evans bullshit try then the forward pass well that will do me
34 nill still going.
35 nil i hope.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
Your heart must have been in your mouth as Manly staged a comeback.
Your boys hung in there to get the win. Have a beer, relax and enjoy.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
A disgraceful call has given your team the win Baggy. Overall Para probably the better team but Manly have been robbed!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Sadly Steel many teams get robbed by those 50/50 calls. We need to fix the forward pass ruling before we needed the 6 again idea. I'll call it as i see it once the full match is uploaded, but my beef with the call is the forward hand off to a player in the defensive line. This subjective idea of forward out of the hands is wrong and leads to potential thefts.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Whats this 34 nil Ryan?
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Agree Baggy. I have no idea why the bunker can't rule on forward passes. They can rule on bl00dy well everything else. They need to go upstairs when it's a try scoring situation. As it turned out the call was the difference between winning and losing......
Submitted by The Butcher on
It’s obvious who rocket tipped.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evenin B G - from what I read it was a great game. Sounded like the usual crackers they play, when close. I don't have Fox or PAY, so I just followed time on NRL Live Scores. Like many games of past few seasons, Manly seems to give opposition start on them. Then at 75th minute IF Manly had scored, it would be 18 each and bugger me I could sense Mitch Moses going for a field goal and he did and got it.
Congrats here mate on this one - no slinging, as the game was no walkover. Butttttt......after the game, I did propose a toast to you in the form of a cherry ripe ice cream (the ones you buy in the box at s/mkt fridge). Very nice indeed and just like a Cherry Ripe. Try it some time - you, wife and the girls. There's 4 to a box and this week they were discounted to $6.00. Have a nice night after that and enjoy the remainder of your weekend.
Big Pete - can take defeat.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Thanks Pete, sitting here with a glass of Proper 12 raised in a salute as it was a wonderful game from the ABC call, just shame it was spoiled by the last call. It was apparently called by the touchie the moment it occurred, so not a in hindsight call. A great game made better for Butcher digging up that old Tooheys ad. Till next time we meet good sir, till next time.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evenin Esra - I guess from your past W/Syd haunts, you were giving The Eels a bit of a cheer. Like I said to Baggy G, it was The Slippery's game, as they started much better.
I have read some media comments since, about forward pass, but NRL has an issue there and that should have been ruled on, before other rule changes came in, as to who judges what and calls it. The KFC Bunker would certainly have judged, if called upon.
No hard feelings.
Keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by mark ashford on
Steel Panther
I didn't watch the game not having Fox but it seems some controversy has occurred. Forward passes have never been ruled on by the Bunker only by the touchies who I believe are useless. I don't know how we can fix this, seems to me many teams are "robbed" by forward passes each week but we play on and rely on our team to get the win.
Rocket Ryan
What does the 34 nil 35 nil mean? As another Bronco supporter I'd like an explanation so we can all sleep well tonight.
BAGGY GEE
Enjoy the win! Calls go all sorts of ways, so don't worry about it.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Great advert Baggy - even those cricket ones of the pyjama game, were great ads back in those days. Peardy, Pricey, Higgs, Thomo, T. Randall in that ad, sure makes us wonder, where the years have flown.
Keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by Steel Panther on
There's missed forward passes and passes called forward when they aren't throughout the game week in week out but my main point here is this call was the difference between a team winning or losing. In a case like this the ref should call try, go upstairs and let the bunker decide. In fairness to the ref and touchie they have to make a split second decision but when the result of the game is on the line the bunker should be called into play. Manly got robbed and deserved better after coming from 18-6 down.
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