Round four selections

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

mark ashford's picture

Big Pete and others
The NRL has always said the bunker can't rule on forward passes as they rely on #9 camera angles. Either #9 installs more cameras or the touchies go to Specsavers. More cameras from #9 means more stop ages to rule on passes is that what we want? I say let it flow and enjoy the game. If you feel your team has been hard done by then by all accounts they will get a break next week.

Baggy_Gee's picture

I'm with you Steel. It is terrible, and those forward tries scored by the half popping a ball short to someone who can only be stopped by giving up a penalty are the perfect show of how broken the rule is. But swings and round about, the BOYS got killed by it against the Raiders a few years ago when Taka was behind the try line, the passer in front of the try line and it went forward. Till that point we were holding on and just about to start a brilliant counter attack but a dud call killed it off, and then we got monstered by the Raiders.

Steel Panther's picture

There's always going to be swings and round abouts Baggy but with all the technology we have these days it's disappointing they are still getting it wrong. I watched the game and thought your BOYS were the better team but did get the rub of the green tonight from Cumming especially with the six again calls in the ruck. It hasn't taken long to plunge the refs into the spotlight again but hey makes for some good robust discussion.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Yeah out of the hands backwards, but when the passer is tackled behind the 20M and then the winger catches it in front of the 20M it is forward, but by the letter of the law it was a fair pass. Good call from the touchie, but I can see why everyone isn't happy with the call.

The Butcher's picture

I’m with you baggy When I saw it live I saw Garrick receive the ball on the other side of the 20m line I said that’s forward . I understand after countless replays they said it came out backwards but they won’t rule on forward passes so with the speed it happened and considering where he caught the ball I can live with that.
Anyway if the try was awarded it still would have been controversial.

Baggy_Gee's picture

That's the problem, 50/50 calls that change a match are where we all want correction. The subjective nature of this backwards out of the hands needs to be fixed, I have put forward the idea that the GPS marker on the back allows for a straight line to be drawn across the field like they do in the swimming pool, and the Bunker will then have a reference point, if the player receives ball behind the line its fine, if the player is in front of the line its forward. The same tech would work with onside from a kick, inside the 10 for kick reception, and put a marker on the ref and bam there is your onside for back the 10. That one is still up for the ref to measure out the 10 in his head, but it would be easy for the bunker to have one of the 3 guys up there monitoring it all game and speaking to the ref via ear piece.

The Butcher's picture

I totally agree that’s a great idea.
I played league for over 20 years as a five eighth and I must of thrown 1000 passes the one’s I threw forward went forward the ones I threw backwards went backwards unless there was a gale blowing at my back.

Steel Panther's picture

50/50 calls that change a match are where we all want correction hits the nail on the head Baggy. If Para were up by 10 last night no one would be talking about the forward pass call. I don't condone the on field ruling but when a decision is going to determine the outcome of a game they need to get it right and involve the bunker.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Yes Steel, I'd be ropable exactly as Manly fans would be, if it had stuck. It tarnished one of the best games since the restart especially with the closeness of the score in the fortnight of blow outs that we have seen, they gave it to us as good as we gave it, it was close, errors, penalties were close, so without that call the refs were fair and evenhanded and mostly invisible.

Steel Panther's picture

If it had stuck then the refs would have got the decision right according to the NRLs own admission so I assume Baggy you'd be ropable that your team blew an 18-2 lead only to lose it with the last play of the game???

Baggy_Gee's picture

That stands to reason, but I would be upset with a pass that started on the 21, and was caught on the 19. Its as annoyed as I was about that call against us in Canberra a few seasons ago. I can accept that by the letter of the law its a fair pass, but the spirit of the law is not being policed.

mark ashford's picture

Finally saw the pass in question this morning. It definately left the hands in a backward direction (if only slightly) but with the forward momentum of Tommy the ball floated nearly 2 metres forward. To the touchies defense all he probably saw was a ball travelling forward.
It was suggested on today's #9 footy show that a couple of the Eel defenders, who were rushing to stop the try, heard the whistle and stopped so a try may not have been scored at all. Don't have a go at me take it up with Brad Fittler.
This thing about the bunker not being able to rule on forward passes is rubbish. We, the fans at home, can spot forward passes (or not) from the #9 coverage which is what the bunker sees so why can't they make a decision.
By the way the concensus of "footy show" commentators and guests thought Manly was "robbed"

Baggy_Gee's picture

You should always play the whistle, but also you never stop until the play is "safe". I did feel annoyed that the BOYS were appealing for a penalty instead of killing the dill with the pill. Its a phase of play that won't leave us alone for a while.

mark ashford's picture

Big Pete
Always thought you are a fair and unbiased person and a gentleman to boot. Your comments to Baggy just confirms my thoughts. Your Manly and the Eels will be there when it counts.
Just watching the Knights/Raiders game and it's another cracker. All I can hear is the six again bell, when will these boys learn.

Steel Panther's picture

If I recall the Warriors had a last minute forward pass call against them v the Eels last season Baggy. Again, would have won the Warriors the game. A year on and this situation still not addressed by the NRL.

I'm assuming you can't use your "captain's challenge" in these situations??

Steel Panther's picture

Mark,

U agree that was a penalty try??

mark ashford's picture

Baggy Gee
Don't lose any sleep over that decision, right or wrong, it is what it is.
Your Eels played well as did Manly in their comeback. Just enjoy the win.
Knights giving it to a premiership fav in the Raiders. Who saw that coming but it's not over yet.

Baggy_Gee's picture

The only part I'm losing sleep over that pass is the lack of a consistent standard. Going back to the BOYS vs the Broncos, Fatty said that there was a skinny 10, but at least both sides had that skinny 10, so that's fine. Its the will they won't they calls that annoy me like everyone else here.
On the Knights v Raiders it sounds great, and the Raiders can pinch it if they get it together in the last few minutes. Good games this weekend.

mark ashford's picture

Steel
To be honest I don't. The Canberra player (from what I saw) couldn't see where the ball was so assumed it was in the Knights player's hands and made the tackle. For mine not a penalty try as the ball was unsighted.
Other camera angles showed something different, the Knights player was about to take possession when he was tackled so I guess the refs had no choice. I'm a bit tired of all this technology in our game. We are down to one ref so why don't we ditch the bunker and let the ref decide.
We'll all still be arguing but it's ref's decision for me.

mark ashford's picture

We seem to have had some differences here on Thinkers site so I thought I'd post a little joke to ease the tension.
Some of you ladies may think this is a bit off colour so turn away now.
Little Johnnie rushes into the bathroom as he has to pee.
He sees his Mom in the shower who is rather well developed.
Mom he says what are those things on your chest.
Mom being a bit embarrassed says "you'd better ask your father".
So Johnnie asks Dad who after a moment says "they are your Mum's balloons and when she dies we will blow them up and she will float up to heaven" The next day Johnnie's dad comes home early from work and Johnnie rushes out to say "Quick Dad I think Mums dying"
Why says Dad. Johnnie says because Uncle Harry is lying on top of her and blowing up her balloons and Mom is saying Oh my God I'm coming I'm coming.
With apologies to anyone I have offended.

a's picture

Titans finally win

a's picture

Titans finally win

ScottySeahawk's picture

The Titans just scored more points in one game at Suncorp than the Broncos have scored in their last two games at home. Classic.

Christine's picture

I think a few of us will be affected by this weeks results ...

Rocket Ryan's picture

I just realised it could always be worse I could have been a tiger supporter proves that old saying right never as good as it seems never as bad as it seems

Mary S's picture

Hi Rocket,

I would suspect that Tiger fans might view their team more favourably than Bronco fans just at present!!

Cheers,
Mary

The Butcher's picture

28-23 is a close fought game
59-0. is a total embarrassment

Rocket Ryan's picture

Stick to selling manure butcher it's all you're really good for most people prefer to talk to the butcher than the block with you and when you're concerned I'm going for the block.

Rocket Ryan's picture

Mary the Broncos have a young team in the NRL they're going to suffer a few losses along the way long-term will be just fine I'm not sure tiger fans can say the same thing you need to worry about your Cowboys they're not exactly setting the world on fire either just quietly.

Mary S's picture

I know!!

Baggy_Gee's picture

But how good was that come back from the Titans though! I have some doubts over the first two Tigers tries, but for a team that has spent the better part of their existence rolling over and playing dead, that was spine tingling stuff to watch them hang tough and come over the top in the last few minutes.

The Butcher's picture

Rocket 59-0 is almost as embarrassing as your comments
It’s hard to sell manure to someone who is already full of it.
There’s always karma with people like you and it’s called Manly next week.

The Butcher's picture

How’s this for a try list
Roosters
J.Morrris try 4 min
JManu try 9 min
V.Radley try 18 min
A Crichton try 25 min
K Flanagan try 30 min
L Keary try 43 min
L Collins try 50 mins
A Crichton try 63 min
D.Tapou try 70 min
B.Morris try 74 min
Broncos
Didn’t try 0-80 min

mark ashford's picture

Hey Butcher
Every club has a bad run now and then. The Broncs had 4 top players out and a team of basically rookies. Your Roosters (I think I recall you saying you are a Roosters man) were without Tedesco. Yes you gave us a trowelling but look at this Roosters 2/2 and Broncs 2/2. There is a long way to go and my team can only get better. I can see you eating your words as the season progresses.

Rocket Ryan's picture

No that's not embarrassing butcher what's embarrassing is you serving up another load of Hotel grade manure I'm a Broncos supporter and member not a dreamer and fairy tale teller please for the sake of this site Let The Block start posting some comments I believe he will be more credible.

The Butcher's picture

WOW it’s only a game guys
You gotta be able to take the good with the bad
Believe me I’m more than happy not to comment again

Baggy_Gee's picture

Meh There are people I will engage with, and there are other who I can't be bothered talking with unless its sensible and football based. Ducks backs is my new motto. Unless you try to pick an argument...........

The Thinker's picture

Regarding the Manly 'forward pass'...here is a handy video to give us a quick lesson in relative velocity - unfortunately it's a rugby union video, but it's the best I could do. Almost all long passes travel forward...it seems.

Manly were unlucky no doubt, but it was good to see them make a game of that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=box08lq9ylg

 

Baggy_Gee's picture

That's a great video Boss, and thank you for digging it up for us.

Mary S's picture

I'll second Baggy's remark re the video Boss - an excellent demonstration.

Cheers,
Mary

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