Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Thursday night – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Note the change of venue, with Campbelltown Stadium taking sick leave after a heavy workload and a typically hideous Sydney winter. The Rabbitohs have found some form with two comfortable victories in a row. Dominant as they were, those wins were against two of the weaker teams this season. Meanwhile, the Panthers were impressive against competition heavyweights, and Nathan Cleary shone brightly with one of those performances that reminded us he will soon become one of the most important players in the game.
Verdict – Panthers by 4
Result – Panthers 20 defeated Rabbitohs 12
Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors – Friday night – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Another venue change here, with the Storm upping stumps and heading for the exits before they close the Victorian borders. They were good but not great against the Panthers, but I'm leaping to the conclusion that's fair form this year, and the Storm don't lose two in a row very often. The return of Hughes and Addo-Carr can only help. Former Storm Assistant Coach Stephen Kearney isn't getting a lot of love at the Warriors...from management at least. It sounds like the players haven't taken the news of his sudden departure well, and not surprising given the tumultuous season and circumstances they've been dealing with. They could win this for him, or lose horribly. As we all know, the Warriors are like a box of chocolates.
Verdict – Storm by 14
Result – Storm 50 defeated Warriors 6
Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Friday night – Bankwest Stadium
Tedesco has concussion protocols to pass, but he's been named at fullback for now. Clearly the Chooks are a more formidable outfit with him there, but his absence didn't slow them down against the Broncos a few weeks ago. Brett Morris slots in at the back if required. The Dragons situation bears some resemblance to the Rabbitohs - they've won two games in a row against easier opponents. It's a positive for Dragons fans, but this is a level beyond them.
Verdict – Roosters by 16
Result – Roosters 26 defeated Dragons 12
North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday afternoon – Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Cowboys Coach Paul Green is (apparently) the latest clipboard holder with a tenuous grip on their position. It seems a little harsh, given the squad he's working with at the moment. The pressure will also be on the senior figures in the Cowboys pack (McGuire, Taumalolo, Cooper) to match motors with this Knights pack. I'm sure they'll try, and I'm sure having some fans in the stand will help, but I doubt they can. Bradman Best is ruled out for the Knights following a COVID-19 protocol error, and is replaced by a former Cowboy in Enari Tuala. The Knights are the real deal, and Paul Green might want to put his mobile on silent after full-time.
Verdict – Knights by 22
Result – Cowboys 32 defeated Knights 20
Brisbane Broncos vs Gold Coast Titans – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium
Whatever happened to you SEQ Derby? You used to be cool. While I'm not privy to the inner sanctum at Broncos headquarters I can see it through my window, and I feel like the drums are beating. Should the Broncos lose to the Titans on Saturday night, in front of the loyal 10,000 that turn up, the coach (and dare I say it, the CEO) could be out the door. The question for us tipsters is how will the Broncos respond to that sort of pressure? If they turn up with the same attitude they did against Manly recently, they win in a canter. Or they could be a puddle. The Titans, on the other hand, aren't under much pressure at all despite being last on the ladder. This SEQ Derby is interesting, but it's not cool. With not an ounce of confidence, I'm with the Broncos to do just enough to stop the revolution.
Verdict – Broncos by 1
Result – Titans 30 defeated Broncos 12
Parramatta Eels vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Bankwest Stadium
There's plenty of interesting games this round, but this looks like the best game of the round. Both teams lost in high quality contests in round six, but the Raiders should have done better against an injury-ravaged Sea Eagles last start. Eels lock Nathan Brown is suspended, but they have a few big men returning this week to help fill the void. The Raiders usually sublime attack seems to have gone missing of late, and the Eels defence this season has impressed me more than anything.
Verdict – Eels by 4
Result – Eels 25 defeated Raiders 24
Manly Sea Eagles vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – Central Coast Stadium
The six week injury for Turbo is now a nine week injury (let's hope there aren't any more bids). This is a major blow for Sea Eagles fans and for those of us mad enough to suggest they were a premiership threat this year (that would be me). That said, this team pulled together after losing three key players during the game, and held on. That they did this against an almost full strength opponent and genuine contender should fill them with confidence. While the Sharks did win last start, it was hardly convincing, and it was the Bulldogs.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 2
Result – Sharks 40 defeated Sea Eagles 22
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers – Sunday night – Bankwest Stadium
The Tigers were red hot for about half an hour last weekend. Up 34-0 over the Cowboys, they put the cue in the rack and held on for the two points. I imagine the chat from the coach at half time was a little more positive than the one at full time. It's difficult to line these sides up right now as both teams have named a reserves list that's almost as long as the starting side. Tolman is out of quarantine and could be a starter, so too Lewis and Meaney. If those three were in the seventeen I'd lean their way, but as things stand I'm with the Tigers whose attack is a little more capable.
Verdict – Tigers by 4
Result – Tigers 34 defeated Bulldogs 6
Wally Lewis - round seven selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- PANTHERS vs Rabbitohs
- STORM vs Warriors
- ROOSTERS vs Dragons
- Cowboys vs KNIGHTS
- BRONCOS vs Titans
- EELS vs Raiders
- SEA EAGLES vs Sharks
- Bulldogs vs TIGERS
Comments
Submitted by Christine on
Tiger not really liking the cold weather at all it is the friendlier time of year for me with my ms as to summer or warmer weather in general i get affected by heat , humidity & cold but the winter is the better time of year when you have ms heat & humidity put you in spasm & affect your walking they exasberate your condition you have to lower your core tempreture when that happens which isn't always easy but i do have slate in this house were i am on the floor which helps to keep the house cold but even colder in winter tiger on't let butcher bother you at least he isn't coach ...
Submitted by newbie from perth on
@ Baggy
Yeah, your comments were well made buddy. Understand your stand on “paying unders” for players who want that elusive success but if the players are willing to accept that as the price they have to pay then that surely is down to them. And yes, all clubs should be able to do the same. I suppose that it’s technically “bending” the rules but one thing you can say is that you’re not “breaking” them. Six of one and half a dozen of the other as they say. Finally, the reason my Roosters didn’t beat your BOYS by 40 points was simply because your BOYS were quality opposition my friend 💪. As I said, they’ll learn a few things from last week which should hold them in good stead for Saturday night against the Raiders. Cheers…
@ Dragons-fanboy
Thanks for the birthday wishes mon frère. Not too sure I’m a legend though 😁 (far from it). I’ll take a win on Friday night no matter the margin. Good luck to those Dragons of yours too buddy…
@ Mr Ashford
So relieved I haven’t upset anyone (yet) with my salary cap comments. That’s a load off my shoulders 😉. I suppose there’s nothing really stopping any club in going after Fifita if they want to. The hardest thing would be David deciding his best option. If the Roosters don’t sign him I reckon they’ll be able to find a suitable replacement from somewhere. Whoever it is I just hope he’s got a tiny bit of “enforcer” in him. I reckon every side should have at least one “hard” man 💪. Cheers…
@ Christine
Thank you too for the birthday wishes. As I get older I look forward to them less and less. The older amongst us here will understand why 🤪. Haven’t got any homemade Baileys on hand but I do have a couple of bottles of red and even a spare bottle of Pinot Gris I could be persuaded to open. Cheers…
OK, I’m out of here, got a 5 o’clock start tomorrow which means I need to be up by 4am. Yikes! Cheers y’all. 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by mark ashford on
Big Pete
No mate I've been avoiding buffalo for a while now, however Greg's eye fillet, crumbed chicken breast and baby lamb chops are superb. Without a doubt he has the best bacon on Bribie and the shop seems busier everytime I go past.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Newbie
I wish you the very best for your birthday mate, I too would be happy if they passed without too much attention. You must have gotten an early birthday present with those rose coloured glasses when looking at your Roosters cap situation. Thats my present to you hopefully getting a laugh in the context it was meant.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our WA friend.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Anyone
Storm have embarrassed the Warriors ( sorry Steel but it was expected).
However the Dragons have woken up and making a contest with the favs the Roosters. Good to see the Chooks have some work to do.
Submitted by JKBubble on
blocker roach.... complaining that roosters haven't got the blow of the whistle...
Submitted by a on
It was good to see dragons make a contest of it but roosters always find a way
Submitted by Michael N on
Hi thinker, how can update my tips?
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Michael N
Once the round has started, you can't make any changes for the round. You can make changes to your tips up until the kick off the first game each round. After that, your picks are locked in.
Sorry about that
Kind regards
The Thinker
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning Mark - from a very icy "neck of the woods" here.
Sun shining, so that's a plus. Lovely couple over there at Avondale and I'm glad they are receiving nice comments, like yours, on their product. Must get Manyana to take a stroll over and say hello.
Let them know we are all good friends in NRL.
One day, when I can get mobile and head north of the border, we'll get friendlier by socialising at Marks Bribie Manor.....maybe Barbie Manor, with a couple of Bundaberg Ginger Beers thrown in, for good measure.
Cheers Comrades and keep well
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
@Newbie in WA.
Yes, Newbie and also from me in a belated Happy Birthday to you.
Great to see you hit 16...oops is that correct, as It might have been transposed figures (not rubbery).
FA Cup Quarters this weekend in UK - you guys, like Mark and former Pabdul do battle with Sheffield Utd tonight.
I'm sure Steel Panther would've been doing cartwheels down Christchurch, when Liverpool was awarded the EPL title yesterday. It will be an interesting round this week in EPL, as Man City and Liverpool do battle in Round 32.
Cheers mate and keep well
Big Pete
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Newbie,
Belated 'Happy Birthday' wishes - makes us both Cancerians!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by The Butcher on
Today looks like 3 close games
I expect the Cowboys to really step up today and be in this. Unfortunately when you look at both teams spines one is young and inexperienced and the other is a class above. You’d think the Cowboys would need to score early as if Pearce controls the game it could get out of hand.
I don’t know what they call the local south qld derby but today it’s the battle of the wooden spoon.
This game will be mistake riddled. I think the Broncos should get up but I may wash my car it might give me more satisfaction.
The game of the round looks to be a ripper and if no one does their acl in the first 10 minutes this should go down to the wire. With both their aggressors out in Brown and Tapane this has so many great match ups. Bring it on
Submitted by The Butcher on
Big Pete in the BX.
If what your saying is correct I’m an Arsenal supporter and I was on a Sydney train 3 times last week has that got the twilight zone theme going in the back of your head.
Submitted by The Voyeur on
Hi Mark A (and the Thinker).....Kearneys family stayed in Brisbane when get got the warriors job for school etc etc so not sure much in his sighting other than he was hungry......
Submitted by Michael N on
Thanks for your reply Thinker. I wanted to change the last game, I have tipped Bulldogs but want to change to Tigers. But since it's locked in I just leave it and hope for the best... Cheers
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Big Pete.....yes I was doing cartwheels re Liverpool's first league title in 30 years but I was doing them in Auckland. Not sure why you thought I lived in Christchurch?? I've been there a couple of times and couldn't get out of the place fast enough!!
Hope your recooperation going well.
Submitted by a on
Come on Cowboys keep this up in the 2nd
Submitted by a on
Well done Cowboys but we still need to improve
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Steely - I know you live in Auckland mate, its just the rhythm of cartwheel and Christchurch.
Recuperating not so much for me. Thinking of surgery, as that is what the prognosis spells, but its going to take me off my feet for a few weeks. Eye job on in a few weeks.
Thanks for asking champ and keep well.
Big Pete
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Voyeur
Thanks for that info, didn't know Kearney's family was still here in Brisbane. Probably just needed to top up the pantry but I'll keep my fingers crossed. Broncos could do a lot worse.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Mary S, "a" and all cowboys supporters here congrats on a good win.
Didn't see the game but very happy to see a QLD team back as winners.
Just got to hope the Broncs can get a much needed win as well.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good Saturday evening Abdullah and love the thoughts going through my head with your wrestling with names.
Three sheets - gee that's a bit poor and I hope they pay you for the week. Hard game for you in AFL last week, where both your faves met, but your No 1 won it.
Is your dad still going along, as I calculate he would be close to 3 off the ton.
But then you could be telling me anything, just to go along with having me on. The one I knew from Sydney Trains, from what I was aware, wasn't into hospitality industry, but more into warehousing.
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Butcher
Not sure how often you wash your car but if it coincides with Broncos wins then I guess it's pretty grubby. You were right the Cows needed to step up and they did. North QLD will be celebrating.
Eels v Raiders will be a cracker. I initially thought Eels then thought of the serve they would have gotten from Ricky after going down to an injured Manly and switched to the green machine. May have been a mistake but we'll see what tonight brings.
Submitted by The Butcher on
Big Pete here’s a riddle
He’s 3 off a ton
My favourite team won
If you go part time you only work 3 days a week
You may be getting closer the more that you seek
Submitted by The Butcher on
Mark
I don’t wash my car when the Broncos win that would be neglect
I wash my car when the games are crap like the crap they’re serving up right now now where’s my Shamie
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Looking at the Roosters last night, I think that last week took a bit out of them and might have done the same for us as well. Looking forward to seeing how the BOYS hit back.
Whats happening at Suncorp tonight????????????
Submitted by The Butcher on
Baggy
13 broncos v 12 titans is unfair?
It should be 13 broncos v 11 titans
Submitted by The Thinker on
The Broncos might sack the coach during the half time break here.
Submitted by The Butcher on
I think there’s an Uber heading to Kearneys place
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Ok gotcha Big Pete. I was wondering but then thinking surely you knew. Love the Abdullah comment. I was on to that one being a bit of a fan of the wrestling back in the day, especially when my two boys were growing up.
Hopefully the A-league gets finished. It's a pity the season stalled with the Nix playing so well.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
As much as I give it to the Broncos, this is pitiful, no imagination from what I can hear. As I say that a crash ball gets a try, are they on the come back?
Submitted by ScottySeahawk on
Broncos to the pit of misery...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
https://youtu.be/mBaDcOBoHFk
Not the pit of misery Scotty.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
The ref is trying his best to keep Brisbane in the game. A dreadful sin bin decision right before half time then first five minutes of the second half Broncos had two penalties and two set restarts.....
Submitted by The Voyeur on
Steel your focus should be on the coach not the ref......this team is simply rudderless. The much talked about young forwards are a joke, no punch in their hit ups at all.....and just no energy. He’s lost the changing room and surely he needs to walk !!!!!
Submitted by ScottySeahawk on
Baggy, considering the Broncos have lost 4/6 games this season and about to lose their 5th, I'd say that's pretty miserable.
Submitted by ScottySeahawk on
Sorry Baggy, didn't see the YouTube link. That's gold!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Its all good, Its a good movie quote.
Submitted by The Butcher on
What would you rather letting in 59 by the best or 30 in by the worst?
Submitted by mark ashford on
What can I say, what can I say, what can I say....absolutely nothing.
Maybe the coach and half the players need to listen to this and leave town.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kamXvqoL_JA
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Mark,
Know you are hurting after that loss but have comfort in knowing your Broncos play the Warriors next week!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Butcher
When I went to school we were taught the meaning of the word compassion (obviously you missed that one) We were also taught you don't kick a dog when he is down. You may think your clever little quips are funny but I find them offensive. It's easy to be a smartarse when your team is winning. Look up compassion and improve yourself.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Steel
They'll probably go down to your boys as well. This Broncos team has no heart and no desire to win. Think I'll switch to being a Roosters supporter at least I can stop fighting with the Butcher.
Submitted by Christine on
Matk have you been threatening to feed your ghecko to the magpies again actually if you look back the last 3or 4years titans have beaten broncos each year in the early part of the season thibker would you likecto check on that so we should have all remembered that ...
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Warriors in total disarray Mark. Sacking their coach, being away from home & family & I read where some players want to return to NZ as their families aren't allowed into OZ. All that is reflected in the on field performances. Add to that RTS is now facing a one week suspension. It just goes from bad to worse. Brisbane on the other hand have some quality cattle but just can't buy a trick. Seibold has lost the dressing room.....
Submitted by mark ashford on
Steel
I'll read the press tomorrow and be interested to see what Siebold has to say. No more bulls--t excuses someone has to be accountable.
My once proud and winning club has become a shambles.
At least your Warriors have a reason for their performances, away from home and family, sacking of their coach and living in another country in virtual isolation, can't be easy. The Broncos have no excuses and should be ashamed of themselves. Saw that the Storm captains group and Bellamy spoke to them all after last nights game with a "thank you for being here" maybe the Butcher could borrow some of that compassion.
Submitted by a on
Broncos play warriors next week
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Baggy,
Your team certainly gave you a nail-biting finish tonight!!!!
Trouble is, your nails are not growing fast enough to cope with the continual pressure of the win.
Great game - a sign of things to come for the finals?????
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Hopefully Mary, hopefully. The problem with winning ugly is that easy games get away from you because your conditioned to take the hard way, but looking forward we have a few hard teams coming up. Its a good time to be a Parra fan.
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