Better get back to taking favourites you goose

Morning Rocket

I see you have still opted to go without someone to proof read your posts, let me know if you need a hand cause I know a few kids in the 3rd grade that could do a better job.

I didn't want to say anything about your position on the tipping ladder, you are that far down I thought you had given up. I can ask around to see if anyone is willing to help you out but I think with your nasty comments people won't be too willing.

Tiger

BigPeteBx
Well done mate, huge effort.

Tiger

Mark
Broncos won't sack Seibold, they have already said that publicly. He has a few years left of his contract doesn't he?, it would cost the club a fortune.

In reality he does seem to have lost the support of the players, I can't remember the Broncos ever having a worse season.

Maybe there should be a bottom half of the table finals series, your team and mine just have a show at winning something.

Tiger

Brisbane should hire Gordy as CEO, let the 'Raging Bull' into the boardroom, too many clowns in this circus, the occasional Goering keeps everyone on their toes, bit of blood is good for moral.

The question The Guru is pondering, when it comes to his beloved Bronco's, is...Will the club begin to fix the problem now? or....are they going to place this #$%&ing disaster at the feet of the new CEO? It's an important decision, because right now they need a Raging Bull, someone to drain the swamp. A CEO who has the fortitude to make changes at board level, remove the coaching staff and pay several current contracted players to play for other clubs.

Brisbane have not hit rock bottom yet, if nothing changes, then nothing will change. Brisbane will not win another game in season 2020. Unless they change the coach.

Seibull #$%&ed up big time, he has lost the majority of the playing group, now taking a little holiday in Sydney.... now is the time to cut out the cancer, get the penicillin shot, you've had your dance with the MBA showgirl, she gave you nasty cooties, everyone knows now.... best thing to do is accept it, kick her to the curb and move on. Bring in your new CEO, Coach and rip the band-aids off. Restructure now, 2020 is goooone.

Welcome RoostersRule

I love your comment mate but in the defence of our Bronco supporters on this site, it's easy to be like you are when your team has won two premierships in a row. It was interesting to see the Bronco's lose there for a while but for a super club like the Bronco's it is really not good. You have to ask and wonder just how deep the rot has set in.

As everyone on here has said recently except for me, the coach has to go!!

Tiger

Hi all,

An interesting article on the 'ifs' and 'maybes' of coaches, and who is available when -
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/08/10/titans-plan-to-remove-holbrook-from-...

Cheers,
Mary

RoostersRule
Mate I understand your passion for your club and in some way your hatred of the Broncs. There is an old saying "you don't kick a dog when he is down" and the Broncs are certainly down. We have some excellent Rooster supporters here who don't stoop to your level. Another old saying is "what comes around goes around" and I'll remember your name.

Sa-wat-dee krup,

Looks like the match of the round will be Thurs night with my BBB up against the Storm. I know the Storm are missing some big names but I just cannot believe that the Roosters are such short favourites with the bookies. We’re still missing (according to the NRL website) JWH, Crichton, B. Morris and Cordner. Yeah, the Storm will have Smith and Munster out but still. Obviously I’m hoping my BBB will get up but not very confident at all. If a smart man wanted a “win-win” scenario he’d put a bet on the Storm to win. That way, if the Storm do win, he pockets some extra cash and if the Roosters win, well the Roosters win 😉. Yeah, a hard one for sure. OK, let’s get into it…

Roosters vs. Storm 50-50 @ SCG
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Roosters

Roosters
The Roosters made a quick start last week against the Dragons and got out to a 10-0 lead but the Dragons pegged them back and it was all tied up 10-10 going into the break. Even though the Roosters have 8 or 9 top players missing through injury (or dropped), they still had just a little extra class in their ranks to get over the line against the Dragons and ran out tough 24-16 winners over an undaunted Dragons side. Luke Keary had a burster in the second half, scoring the winning try and having a hand in two more. He was definitely the difference between the Roosters winning or losing in my book. A terrific performance from Taukeiaho who ran 288 metres (of which 132 were post contact), made 37 tackles and kicked 2 conversion goals. A fantastic 80 minute effort. It was great to see Mitch Aubusson score a try in his 300th game. The Roosters had 3 blokes taking try conversions. Taukeiaho 2/3 Lam 0/1 and Hutchinson 0/1. Trent needs to bring Kyle Flanagan back 😉. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Roosters 49% Dragons 51%
Kicking Metres - Roosters 660 Dragons 755
Forced Drop Outs - Roosters 2 Dragons 5
Penalties Conceded - Roosters 4 Dragons 1

Storm
The Storm were pretty messy early in the game last week against the Bulldogs and even though they made a few too many errors in the last 10 minutes or so of the first half, they did manage to score 4 tries in that first 40 (and a field goal to boot) and led 23-4 at the break. Another 3 tries in the second half and they ran out comfortable winners 41-10. Last week was yet another example of a top tier side not at their best but getting the win regardless. The Storm not at their best were still far too good for a persistent Bulldogs outfit. The obvious downside in their win was the loss of Munster for 2-3 weeks with another medial ligament injury. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Storm 52 Bulldogs 48
Line Breaks - Storm 4 Bulldogs 1
Tackle Breaks - Storm 33 Bulldogs 17
Kick Defusal - Storm 88% Bulldogs 100%
Errors - Storm 12 Bulldogs 11
Penalties Conceded - Storm 8 Bulldogs 5

Verdict: Man, this is a hard one to pick. Do I listen to my head or my heart? I might live to regret this (and more than happy to sacrifice a tipping point if I’m wrong) but I’ll tip the Storm 😱.

Warriors vs. Panthers 35-65 @ Central Coast
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers

Warriors
The Warriors jumped out to a 16-0 lead after just 17 minutes and at half-time were leading 20-10. They started the second half much like the first and after 46 minutes were ahead 26-10. They didn’t manage any points after that and had to withstand a Manly comeback. They had 2 blokes sent to the bin and both occasions Manly scored tries. Makes you wonder. In wet and greasy conditions their determined defence held on for the final 12 minutes and they ran out 26-22 winners. Great games from Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita. Stats show that 4 of the 5 Warrior tries came off their combined kicks. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Warriors 47% Manly 53%
Line Breaks - Warriors 3 Manly 7
Tackle Breaks - Warriors 14 Manly 31
Kick Defusal - Warriors 82% Manly 40%
Ineffective Tackles - Warriors 16 Manly 7
Sin Bins - Warriors 2

Panthers
The Panthers first 40 last week against the Raiders was excellent but their second 40 was lacking to be honest. They scored 4 tries in the first half, kept the Raiders scoreless and went into the break leading 24-0. The Raiders looked gone but fought back in the second 40 and the Panthers did what they had to do and ran out 28-12 winners. It’s looking like the Panthers are a real (good) chance in winning the flag this year. While it was an outstanding first half effort, they went into their shell (attack-wise) in the second 40 and had to settle for just 2 penalty goals, one of which was a minute before the final siren. But on balance it was a very good win against quality opposition. Once again, Nathan Cleary demonstrated some superb "game management" as well as a couple of great defensive efforts and I’m wondering how good he’s gonna be after a few more years. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Panthers 51% Raiders 49%
Bombs - Panthers 8 Raiders 1
Missed Tackles - Panthers 26 Raiders 19
Ineffective Tackles - Panthers 8 Raiders 2

Verdict: No brainer, Panthers for me.

Eels vs. Dragons 60-40 @ Bankwest
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels

Eels
The Eels had one hell of a tussle with the Sharks last week. With just one try each in the first half, the Eels walked off to sheds leading with a skinny 6-4 margin. The weather was absolutely atrocious and the errors (from both sides) were quite understandable and could be forgiven. In an even tougher second half, the Eels had to fend off a determined Sharks outfit and thanks to a late penalty, managed to scrape in 14-12 winners. They weren't at their best but they were cool under pressure and managed to get the chocolates. No disrespect intended but they were lucky to win that as I felt the Sharks were the better side on the day. But as we all know, a win is a win and good sides find a way. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Sharks 51% Eels 49%
Completion Rate - Sharks 76% Eels 75%
Dummy Passes - Sharks 30 Eels 4
Forced Drop Outs - Sharks 3 Eels 6
Ineffective Tackles - Sharks 17 Eels 9
Errors - Sharks 10 Eels 15
Penalties Conceded - Sharks 7 Eels 2

Dragons
The Dragons found themselves down by 10 points early in the first half last week against the Roosters but fought their way back to level things up 10-10 heading into the sheds. The Dragons had a red-hot crack but couldn’t quite do enough to get them home. A (very) late consolation try from Dufty proved they hadn’t given up but it was a case of too little, too late unfortunately and they eventually went down 24-16. The Dragons were always a chance when Tristian Sailor kicked into Ryan Hall’s corner. One big mistake I saw was when Keary put up that bomb in the second half and the Dragons just let it bounce. Tedesco grabbed it and passed to Aubusson who passed to Manu and the Roosters scored. Seriously? I don’t know much, but something I do know is that you never, never, never, let a bombed ball bounce! Sheesh! Zac Lomax scored 2 tries, always looked dangerous and kept the Dragons in the match for almost the entire game. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Dragons 51% Roosters 49%
Kicking Metres - Dragons 755 Roosters 660
Forced Drop Outs - Dragons 5 Roosters 2
Penalties Conceded - Dragons 1 Roosters 4

Verdict: The Eels had excuses last week (the weather) and they should do better this week. Eels for me.

Sharks vs. Titans 65-35 @ Jubilee
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks

Sharks
In atrocious conditions, the Sharks had a tough encounter in the first half last week against the Eels. Both sides scored a solitary try each but the Sharks found themselves behind 6-4 at the break. Lots of errors from both sides but completely understandable given the conditions. The Sharks were right in it in the second 40 and got it to 12-12 but they gave away a penalty right at the end and the Sharks lost a tight one 14-12. Without any disrespect to the Eels, I thought the Sharks were the better side on the day (3 tries to 2) but the best side doesn’t always win as we all know. Shaun Johnson played an absolute ripper on a losing side. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Sharks 51% Eels 49%
Completion Rate - Sharks 76% Eels 75%
Dummy Passes - Sharks 30 Eels 4
Forced Drop Outs - Sharks 3 Eels 6
Ineffective Tackles - Sharks 17 Eels 9
Errors - Sharks 10 Eels 15
Penalties Conceded - Sharks 7 Eels 2

Titans
The Titans were just too good for the Cowboys in the first half last week and they ran in 4 tries to go to the break leading 20-0. It was 10 points each in the second half but the Titans had done all the hard work in the first half and were (fairly) easy 30-10 winners. The Cowboys did come back in the second half but the Titans didn’t really look like losing that one. It took them until the 69th minute but Sami made sure of it late when he scored the sealer. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Titans 55% Cowboys 45%
Completion Rate - Titans 79% Cowboys 67%
Post Contact Metres - Titans 652 Cowboys 551
Missed Tackles - Titans 19 Cowboys 34

Verdict: Based on what I saw last week I’m tipping the Sharks here.

Cowboys vs. Rabbitohs 35-65 @ Townsville
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Cowboys
The Cowboys had a shocker of a first half last week against the Titans and found themselves down 20-0 going into the sheds. Too many errors and penalties were the main reasons for their downfall. An improved effort in the second half where they scored 2 tries in 3 minutes (the first one was very fortunate though) but they just ran out of steam and finally lost it 30-10. Apparently this is the first time in 10 years that the Cowboys have lost 6 in a row. Will it be seven this week? Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Titans 55% Cowboys 45%
Completion Rate - Titans 79% Cowboys 67%
Post Contact Metres - Titans 652 Cowboys 551
Missed Tackles - Titans 19 Cowboys 34

Rabbitohs
There was nothing in it for the first 30 minutes last week against the Broncos but the Rabbitohs scored 2 tries in 5 minutes and the Rabbitohs went into the sheds with a 20-6 lead. After a good first half, a converted try and a penalty in the second saw the Rabbitohs win comfortably 28-10. Very good games from Walker, Reynolds and Burgess. It was an especially good effort from Adam Reynolds where he fashioned multiple repeat sets with astute kicking, scored a try and kicked 6 goals. It looked like he was in total control from beginning to end. All in all it was a pretty professional outing from the Rabbitohs you’d have to say. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Rabbitohs 57% Broncos 43%
Kick Return Metres - Rabbitohs 276 Broncos 90
Forced Drop Outs - Rabbitohs 5 Broncos 0
Kick Defusal - Rabbitohs 100% Broncos 69%
Penalties Conceded - Rabbitohs 4 Broncos 11

Verdict: Yeah, gotta get on the Rabbitohs here.

Raiders vs. Broncos 75-25 @ GIO
Ladder Position = Raiders
Bookies Favourite = Raiders

Raiders
Not a great first-half effort from the Raiders last week against the Panthers I have to say. They were kept scoreless while letting in 4 tries and went into the sheds 24-0 down. As expected (maybe) they came back in the second half and scored 2 tries of their own (both from CNK) but the Panthers’ defence just stood up. The Panthers simply outplayed the Raiders in the first half and to come back against a side who are in the form they’re in was just asking a bit much and the Raiders finally went down 28-12. Still, a good effort against top tier opposition, especially given the Raiders’ poor start. I’m starting to wonder if the “shock and awe” approach is the Raiders’ weak point. Hmm. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Raiders 49% Panthers 51%
Bombs - Raiders 1 Panthers 8
Missed Tackles - Raiders 19 Panthers 26
Ineffective Tackles - Raiders 2 Panthers 8

Broncos
The Broncos were right in it for the first 30 minutes last week against the Rabbitohs but let in two more tries and the Rabbitohs led 20-6 at the break. The Broncos hit back 4 minutes after the restart but a converted try and a penalty to the Rabbitohs and the Broncos lost it 28-10. There was some pretty “soft” goal-line defence from the Broncos that allowed Nicholls to take a quick tap from 10 metres out and “stroll” past Haas, Lodge and Boyd to score. It’s no use those 3 guys looking at each other after the fact, these sorts of things just shouldn’t happen. Other than that, I thought the Broncos had a decent crack with strong efforts from Fifita and Pangai Junior. Shame Junior got the boot (I think). Such is life 🙄. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Broncos 43% Rabbitohs 57%
Kick Return Metres - Broncos 90 Rabbitohs 276
Forced Drop Outs - Broncos 0 Rabbitohs 5
Kick Defusal - Broncos 69% Rabbitohs 100%
Penalties Conceded - Broncos 11 Rabbitohs 4

Verdict: What can I say? Raiders in this one.

Knights vs. Manly 65-35 @ McDonald Jones
Ladder Position = Knights
Bookies Favourite = Knights

Knights
A very good effort in the first half last week against the Tigers saw the Knights head to the sheds leading 24-4. That, my friends, is where they won it. The Knights stepped it up another notch in the second half and completely dominated the Tigers, racking up another 20 points (and keeping their opposition scoreless) to run out (very) easy 44-4 winners. They simply applied too much pressure on the Tigers and were unrelenting in the process. Pearce and Green combined well together and Ponga caused the Tigers all sorts of problems. So too did Klemmer and Saifiti. Looks like Green might’ve got himself some sort of fame by getting a win against the same side 2 weeks in a row while playing for different sides. “Cosmic” to say the least. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Knights 53% Tigers 47%
Completion Rate - Knights 89% Tigers 67%
Post Contact Metres - Knights 805 Tigers 641
Line Breaks - Knights 8 Tigers 1
Kicking Metres - Knights 641 Tigers 434
Errors - Knights 6 Tigers 15

Manly
OK, like a few other clubs (including their opponents last week), Manly have some injury concerns but still, not many would’ve thought they’d lose at home last week. The Warriors jumped them and had a 16-0 lead after just 17 minutes and at half-time were leading Manly 20-10. The second half started out badly for Manly and they were behind 26-10 after 46 minutes. Manly put together a late comeback after scoring tries at the 56 and 66 minute marks to get within 4 points but it just wasn’t enough. Interesting to note that 2 of their 4 tries came when the Warriors had blokes in the bin. Hmm. More injury dramas when they lost Fonua-Blake and Taupau during the game. How much more can they take? Poor ol’ Des Hasler's 400th match as coach wasn’t one he’d wanna remember you’d have to say. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Manly 53% Warriors 47%
Line Breaks - Manly 7 Warriors 3
Tackle Breaks - Manly 31 Warriors 14
Kick Defusal - Manly 40% Warriors 82%
Ineffective Tackles - Manly 7 Warriors 16

Verdict: I just can’t make a case for Manly so I’m tipping the Knights.

Tigers vs. Bulldogs 60-40 @ Bankwest
Ladder Position = Tigers
Bookies Favourite = Tigers

Tigers
What can I say about the Tigers’ effort last week against the Knights? Basically “8 tries to 1” tells the story. And the Tigers try was 5 minutes before half-time. Speaking of half-time, the poor ol’ Tigers went into the sheds trailing 24-4 and things weren’t looking all that good. They were absolutely dominated in the second half and were kept scoreless while the Knights put on another 20 and the Tigers finished with a disappointing 44-4 loss. I just thought they might’ve done a little better considering it was 250 game milestone matches for both Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence. Their reaction however was disappointingly lacking. Such a shame really. I know things like this happen but they just weren’t able to endure the Knights’ pressure. The Tigers defence was very poor to say the least. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Tigers 47% Knights 53%
Completion Rate - Tigers 67% Knights 89%
Post Contact Metres - Tigers 641 Knights 805
Line Breaks - Tigers 1 Knights 8
Kicking Metres - Tigers 434 Knights 641
Errors - Tigers 15 Knights 6

Bulldogs
The Bulldogs did look semi-dangerous in the early stages of the game last week against the Storm, mainly due to the “home” side gifting them territory through errors. The Bulldogs were throwing the ball around (which in itself is not such a bad thing to do) but the Addo-Carr intercept try off of Lewis’ attempted cut-out pass in the 9th minute was the start of the “Dog Day Afternoon” (with the Storm running in another 6 tries after that). The Bulldogs let in 4 tries in the first half and found themselves down 23-4 at the break. The Storm gave them some opportunities through some errors but the Bulldogs couldn’t capitalise. Pretty much the same in the second half and the Bulldogs eventually went down 41-10. They showed little glimpses every now and then but they were never really in the hunt. Match stats worth a mention:

Possession - Bulldogs 48 Storm 52
Line Breaks - Bulldogs 1 Storm 4
Tackle Breaks - Bulldogs 17 Storm 33
Kick Defusal - Bulldogs 100% Storm 88%
Errors - Bulldogs 11 Storm 12
Penalties Conceded - Bulldogs 5 Storm 8

Verdict: The question I’m asking myself is can the Tigers play as bad as they did last week or will they come out and make a statement? It’s all about pride sometimes. Yeah, I’ll give ‘em another chance. Tigers for me.

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

This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if images of foetuses disturb you. If so, just close your eyes and listen 😍. Enjoy…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7K72X4eo_s

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

G’day Tiger,

Yeah, the decision to tip the Storm was a tough one for sure. I was just going by what I read on the NRL website (as of yesterday at 4:01pm) concerning team lists and it mentioned no return for JWH, Crichton, B. Morris and Cordner yet so based on that I weighed up the pros & cons and thought hard and long and even though it broke my heart I tipped the Storm. Hey, don’t get me wrong, I’ll be more than happy to lose the point if the Mighty Chooks do win and I’ll be cock-a-doodle-doin’ all over the place 🐔.

Meh, that’s the “theory” anyway and I will be ropeable if the NRL player lists are not up-to-date. If JWH and Cordner are in fact playing then I’d more than likely change the tip. Actually I might just go and see if other websites mention anything. Stay tuned…

Cheers mate and have a good one…

The pain continues for Broncos and fans, with Pangai jnr being fined $30,000.00 and being stood down indefinitely!

https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/08/12/pangai-fined-$30000-stood-down-indefinitely/

Mary (no cheers for the above)

Hey Mark

We are definitely in unprecedented times and the footy season is certainly no different.

The Broncos have been a power house of the NRL for years and this is their lowest time that anyone can remember.

The shit just gets deeper and deeper as the season goes on, I think the Broncos need to withdraw from the remainder of the season and salvage something, that something may just be the desperate need and fortitude it took to make the decision to can their season.

They need a huge overhaul and an independent review, a player clean out that will take the club 1-3 years to recover from. In all honestly they have the roster to be competitive and I think the issues are from the top through to the bottom.

Mate, I for one will not kick a bloke when he is this low, I feel for you and the Brisbane fans. I hope they can sort their shit out for all concerned.

Tiger

Thanks Tiger for you thoughts re weather about our way.
We'd had the lot around the countryside, copped winds from the snow and more rain forecasted. Our local dam has now risen to 50.9%, it holds a fair bit but the last drought took a lot away and introduced water restrictions in our LGA.

Cheers mate and keep well, as we continue tipping and posting here at Thinker site.
BigPete Bx

@ Mary

Thanks for the link. Yeah, I go to the “casualty ward” sometimes to check on things but seeing as I usually put my “novels” up on a Tuesday or Wednesday night I have to take what information is current before then.

I’ve had another look today and I was hoping things might’ve changed (then I’d have a reason to change my tip back to the 🐔) but it still shows as just Josh Morris coming back this week but I’m super excited that they “guesstimate” we’ll have JWH, B. Morris, Crichton and Tupou back in Round 15. If so, watch out Tigers 🙏. Thanks again for the link young lady, it’s much appreciated.

Good morning fellow tipsters,
First, congrats to Big Pete for winning the 'a' game! (and Buzz105's unbelievable 10 game run)

Storm (Really, this game could go either way)
Panthers
Eels
Titans (Taking a leap of faith Gold Coast will continue building momentum)
Rabbitohs
Raiders
Knights
Tigers

Once again tipping mostly with the masses, it's just been that kind of year I guess.

@Newbie not quite sold on the song but I loved the tv show that used it.

Here is my contribution:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIzDsGyxsQM

Good luck to all and peace!

Hey everyone, first off I would like to congratulate Big Pete on winning the a game and Buzz for getting the 10 straight. Almighty effort from both of you. My tips for this week are:

Roosters by 6 – Both of these sides have some casualties coming into this one. From what I know, the Roosters are still missing JWH, Cordner, Tupou and B. Morris but they do welcome back Josh Morris who is a key addition to the Roosters. The Storm on the other hand, have Munster and Cameron Smith out who are some key personnel missing for the Storm. I think that the Roosters have the edge in the halves due to them having a chief playmaker in Keary. Luke Keary will be the key for the Roosters. I think this is where the Storm will be lacking tonight. But they do have the edge in the forwards but you never know come kick-off if JWH will play or not along with Cordner but those two are two key outs in the pack. I still think the Roosters have the ticker in them to beat the Storm. They have been showing some character even with so many injured and are still so professional. This won’t be as chaotic as that last meeting between the two but it will be very close to being. Home ground advantage may help the Chooks too. This was so hard for me to tip but it’s the Roosters for me in a tight one in what most definitely is the game of the round.

Panthers by 16 – Huge credit to the Warriors! The Warriors have around half of their team either injured or back in NZ and they have every reason to give up, they have had everything go against them but they still find a way to show plenty of heart and perform. Unbelievable stuff. But this week they face a huge challenge coming up against the ladder leading high flying Panthers. The Panthers just have too much talent across the park, and they will be too good for the Warriors here. If they win, it will be their record-breaking consecutive wins ever in which should be plenty of motivation for the Penrith boys. Would love to see the Warriors give it a red-hot crack but I am going with the Panthers to win and win well here to remain on top.

Eels by 10 – This one should be interesting. Given the fact that Mary has been sacked, how will he go coaching his final game? Will the players show up for him in his final game as coach for the Dragons? I really hope that we do but it will be a really tough ask coming up against the Parramatta Eels. The Eels are coming off a really tight win over the Sharks in dreadful conditions. The Dragons on the other hand, are coming off yet another loss to the Roosters where we were actually looking promising throughout the game and were in a position where we could win once again and end up going down due to some mistakes and some poor defence. We desperately need to stand up here against the Eels and with our finals hopes fizzling away, this is now do or die you would have to say in terms of our chances of making finals football. It has come to the point that we have to win this game. One for the players to send a message to Mary and to send him off on a good note and two to keep our season alive. Will we win though with everything to play for and some pressure coming into the game? We’ve done it before this season but I don’t think it’ll happen here. The Eels just keep on winning and the Dragons will have another loss in the bank. I want the boys to win it, but I must be realistic. Against the Eels at home, it is not going to happen unfortunately. But for what it is worth, c’mon boys! Give it to those Parra boys!

Sharks by 7 – This one will be a good game. The Sharks are coming into this with some good form. Winning four straight and taking the Eels to the limit. They probably deserved to beat the Eels too. The Titans on the other hand have brought in some good form coming into this one too, they took the Panthers and Roosters to contests and they smashed the Cowboys. And they are now the best team in Queensland now. This is a great sign for the Titans for the next few years. I think they are getting set for a really good 2021 season. You never know, they may just string together a few more wins in 2020. I give them a chance here but the Sharks will just be too good for them in the end. They will frustrate the Titans and hold them down for the full 80 and will be too tough in the end. The Titans are getting there but they aren’t quite that tough, gritty side like the Sharks are and although they can light it up like they did against the Cowboys, they don’t match the gritty style that the Sharks have and that plays right into the Sharks hands. I may just be plain wrong here you never know, we could even see an open game with plenty of entertaining footy being played but we’ll see what happens. Sharkies to remain in the 8.

Rabbitohs by 20 – The Cowboys have just been really poor. I would’ve thought they would’ve won last week against the Titans. With some experienced heads back and the fact that they took the Raiders to the limit, I would’ve thought that the Cowboys would’ve been too good for the Titans but oh how wrong was I! The Cowboys were completely outplayed and never looked like winning. They did get back into it at one stage but the Titans shut that down eventually. The Rabbitohs on the other hand, are coming off a good win over the Broncos and are looking good in the 8 at the moment. There only problem still remains against the top sides but here they play a lower end team in the Cowboys. I expect them to smash the Cowboys here if they keep their form up (against lower sides). Rabbitohs way too good here. I think it’s safe to say that Michael Morgan needs to work his way back into footy, it’ll maybe take a little time but we’ll see what happens.

Raiders by 28 – The Broncos are just in an absolute shambles at the moment. My god players getting into trouble, players wanting to leave, their coach staying in Sydney for personal reasons. This once very great club are going into a backwards spiral and they need to fix it as soon as possible before it becomes uncontrollable. I highly doubt they’ll care enough to show up here against the Raiders and the Raiders will want to bounce back after last week. I think that they will in a big way here. Saturday night on a cool Canberra night, good luck Broncos!

Knights by 12 – The Knights are coming off a massive win over the Tigers! Wow they were amazing on Saturday night. 44-4 they completely outplayed the Tigers in all areas of the game. That was impressive stuff indeed to indicate that the Knights are here to make the 8 this season. No more fall down this season that forces them out of the 8. This is well-deserved for the Knights I think but still they have to continue stringing up the wins and I think they will get another here. Manly’s injury woes are still there and they are coming off a loss to a team that they really should’ve beaten. They are now out of the 8 and are not looking good at all. It really shows the difference it makes to Manly being without Tommy Turbo and Fonua-Blake. Two players who are up there as Manly’s top players. They will remain without them and I think they won’t be good enough here and will suffer another loss to the Knights here. I see the Knights winning both the forwards and backline battles and with Daniel Saifiti back, that only strengthens their forward pack even more. His poor brother Jacob has now been put on the bench because of his brother’s return. I really hope that doesn’t affect their relationship ;P.

And finally… Tigers by 8 – The Tigers are coming off a horrific loss to the Knights last week. They were really disappointing, really disappointing. I can’t imagine how poor ol’ Madge will be feeling after that. I am sure he would’ve given them an almighty spray. They can’t fall asleep here and actually take the Dogs seriously otherwise they may actually lose this one. The Bulldogs always give it a crack and they do have a good record against the Tigers as well in recent seasons. If the Tigers aren’t careful, they may suffer another loss but I think they’ll be good enough to beat the Bulldogs. They have got to be don’t you think? They just cannot suffer another loss here to the team running last. Madge will absolutely lose it if they do. I think this will actually be a good game of footy here too. I rate the Bulldogs and give them a chance but I expect the Tigers boys to fire up a bit and get the chocolates here over a brave Bulldogs. Got to give my credits to Doeuihi for playing that game and going through it after all that happened in Lebanon and the emotion he showed in the end of the game was really sad to see.

Awesome! Good luck with everyone’s teams for this week and with everyone’s tips for this week. Cheers and enjoy the rest of your weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

G the storm really did a job on the Roosters they never looked a chance better get the money hungry SBW out of cotton wool otherwise It could go off the rails real quick it'd be a real shame for some of the people on this site like Roosters rule and Broncos supporters who just love seeing the Roosters win

Butcher RUOK

Apparently only busted ribs Mark, nothing to worrying. How good are the Warriors going though? 6 points behind the ladder leaders under strength and falling apart. Inspiring stuff.

Hey Baggy
"busted ribs" nothing to worry about, had to have a chuckle. Your Eels are looking good so far.
Steel Panther
Your Warriors only went down by 6 against a possible premiership team.
Don't know where all this is heading and where the Warriors will be playing this year and next but they can hold their heads up high.

Baggy
Interesting to see the Dragons lift to get a win over the much favoured Eels, if only by a whisker. Dragons players in the shed after the game cheering and hugging the coach, who I must admit looked happy with the win. Pity they haven't tried a bit harder this season and "Mary" may still have a job.

Hey Mary
You didn't back your team, what happened??

Tiger