Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Thursday night – Bankwest Stadium
The Eels kept the Storm scoreless last week, and while the Storm had a fair chunk of their first thirteen unavailable, the Storm are kept to 0 about once every decade...so it's worth noting. I'm not worried about the Eels defence, but their attack is a concern. In their last seven games, they have scored 18 points or less six times. Meanwhile the Bunnies have scored 32, 28, 31 and 56 in their last four outings. Now the Eels are a tougher opponent than the teams the Bunnies have been beating up of late, but the Rabbits look like a team peaking in the lead up to finals football. The Eels beat them pretty soundly earlier this year and are a red hot favourite, but I'll take them on in this.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 7
Result – Rabbitohs 38 defeated Eels 0
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Gold Coast Titans – Friday night – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
While neither side will play finals football this season, they're both playing some attractive football at times, and on potential could have some successful years in front of them. The Dragons are clearly a better side with Hunt at hooker (even if he doesn't want to be there), and Dean Young is the kind of (interim) coach that will keep this team on the straight and narrow until the regular season wraps up. They're not certainties in this, particularly with Vaughan and Sims ruled out, but the Titans are missing Fotuaika and Peats...so that evens things up a little on the missing forwards front. I'm with the Dragons at home, and backing Dufty to score a try at some point looks sensible to me.
Verdict – Dragons by 4
Result – Titans 14 defeated Dragons 10
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – Sydney Cricket Ground
Round four this year was probably the first indication that something was seriously wrong at the Brisbane Broncos. The cardboard cutouts would have been heading for the exits early (if they could) as the Roosters racked up a 59-0 victory at Suncorp. It could have been more. You would think that would be the low water mark for the Broncos this season, but they've sunk way lower than that. As I write we are waiting to hear from their departing coach. I expect he will be tight-lipped (no doubt part of his settlement agreement). Peter Gentle carries on the interim - do not go gentle into that good night. Milford and Luke are missing on Friday night, so once again they are shuffling the troops in those key playmaking roles. Croft returns on the bench. The Roosters, with a raft of injury issues, dominated the Tigers last week. An ominous sign, given the Tigers beat the Broncos 48-0 in round ten. Cordnor and Tupou are back for the tricolours, and they just win.
Verdict – Roosters by 22
Result – Roosters 58 defeated Broncos 12
New Zealand Warriors vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday afternoon – Scully Park
A real danger game for the Knights here, who have effectively sealed a finals berth already this season. Note the location, so this is the first time all season the Warriors get to play in front of the people of Tamworth. They have shown all season tremendous grit under duress and I assume they can lift for this. Blake Green, who left the Warriors for the Knights, is now injured. He'll be replaced by Mason Lino, another ex-Warrior. An upset result on the cards here, but the locals won't be upset about it. Potentially the game of the round.
Verdict – Warriors by 2
Result – Warriors 36 defeated Knights 6
Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday night – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
As I see it, there are four teams in the NRL currently doing well enough to win the premiership, and another two that could (potentially) get to that level. The Sharks are likely to make the top eight this season, but they are clearly not one of those top four (or top six) teams. They should win this, particularly at home, but they'll have nowhere to hide when only eight sides remain. Some notable returns for both sides on Saturday night - with Johnson back for the Sharks and Holmes returning on the wing for the Cowboys. With Holmes on a $5.8 million deal with his club, he has to be the most expensive winger in the history of everything.
Verdict – Sharks by 14
Result – Sharks 28 defeated Cowboys 12
Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Panthers Stadium
For Tigers fans, I fear their hopes for this season are dashed on Saturday night. They are currently four points adrift of 8th spot, and four of their last five games are against genuine finals contenders. If anything, they're in more danger of falling below the teams (Dragons, Warriors) behind them. Harry Grant is an important return for them, and the Panthers have lost two key players in Kikau and Koroisau, but the Panthers will find a way with the crew they have. It's a good crew, and the minor premiership beckons.
Verdict – Panthers by 8
Result – Panthers 30 defeated Tigers 6
Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – Sunshine Coast Stadium
The Storm, barely recognisable last weekend with a team missing almost all of their best and brightest, still only conceded 14 points to a team well entrenched in the top four. That said, they failed to score a solitary point, but bringing back Cameron Smith, Munster and Hughes should help considerably (and allows Papenhuyzen to focus on one playmaking role rather than trying to manage four playmaking roles simultaneously). They also get Jesse Bromwich back, but lose brother Kenny to a calf issue and Brandon Smith (not a brother) to his second broken face for the year. Despite that he still got up, politely asked the trainer not to touch the sinkhole where his face used to be, and politely asked the referee if his team deserved a penalty. Clearly his pain receptors are built differently to the rest of us. Manly, it seems, may have given up on this season if their last effort is any indication. Thompson returns (as a reptile) following a tongue injury, and may have similar pain receptors to Brandon Smith. The Storm have a fairly cosy run into the finals from here and will be looking to secure a top two finish at least.
Verdict – Storm by 16
Result – Storm 30 defeated Sea Eagles 6
Canberra Raiders vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – GIO Stadium
Corey Harawira-Naera is out of the Raiders side on Sunday which is a good idea because...well...awkward. Papalii (aka the fastest man in league), along with Lui and Young return to the starting pack. Dylan Napa (aka the man who wants to be the fastest man in league) returns from suspension, while the Bulldogs make a number of positional changes. I think it would be a little unfair if the Bulldogs end up with the wooden spoon this season, but to avoid it they need to win at least one more game. It won't be this one.
Verdict – Raiders by 34
Result – Raiders 34 defeated Bulldogs 20
Wally Lewis - round sixteen selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- EELS vs Rabbitohs
- DRAGONS vs Titans
- ROOSTERS vs Broncos
- Warriors vs KNIGHTS
- SHARKS vs Cowboys
- PANTHERS vs Tigers
- STORM vs Sea Eagles
- RAIDERS vs Bulldogs
Comments
Submitted by tigerholic on
Thinker
Great call there mate with the Rabbits, I read your comments and thought yep he may have a point.
Cheers
Tiger
Submitted by a on
Wow that was amazing by the Rabbitohs I did not expect this at all
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
I know you must be licking your wounds but what happened to the Boys last night. Didn't see the game as I had to get up early for a 5am start for a fishing trip. Couldn't believe my ears when I heard the score.
After putting Storm to the sword 14/0 last week, last night has left me scratching my head.
Submitted by Christine on
Rocket you be nice too you used to put tigers tips in for him when he went on his holiday picking on tiger doesn't mean butcher will be nice to you rocket ...
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I have no idea Mark, no idea. What we said all last night is we seem a yard short in pace everywhere, I think the nonstop defence training has impacted our ball movement, but our forwards were non existence and with no space no-one could move. I think, and hope, Brad told them to go away from each others for the weekend, not breaking the bubble, and to do anything that is not football. It sucked last night, and will still suck until we next win, but it could help us out heading into the warriors and panthers.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
What a stroke of genius, (ha ha ha, blind luck) only one tipper took the Titans and they got up. How good is QLD's number 1 team?
Submitted by Steel Panther on
What a jammy bugger Baggy!! How the hell do you lose 14-10 when your 10-4 up with 5 minutes to go?? Awful
Submitted by Steel Panther on
After watching the game last night, here's my idea Baggy on what was/went wrong harsh as it may be....
I've always had suspicions that when the footy games count most Para crumble. They seem to lack mental toughness, particularly in their big guns.
I watched Gutherson (a player I like a lot) carrying on like a pork chop, repeatedly flopping in the tackle in an attempt to earn a restart. To me, all this did was slow the Eels momentum while coming out of their own end and then he had a massive spit at the ref. Likewise, Moses looked like a petulant child and Brown (as usual) put in plenty of cheap shots and dropped his bundle.
Team mates and coaches justify this behaviour as being "competitors" like they do for Josh Reynolds but in my view Para won't win the important games with that attitude. It's a liability when the big games might be decided by a single moment in a match.
Submitted by Mary S on
You Baggy, & Newbie both picked Titans this week - great going!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I agree, We call at home when Sivo, puts himself in a crusher position, but like peter one day he'll find his wolf and cope it. I do agree somewhat, Brown was not any dirtier than all the other players on the field, and if your talking where he flattered Allan in the second half that was all chest as he went to tackle him. I think like some other teams they are footballed out, and need a clean cut break for a few days to reset and forget. If we can't put the Warriors away next week, well you heard it here first, we aren't going to finish in the top 4.
Submitted by RoostersRule on
Roosters 58-12 Broncos 😁😁😁
🐓🐓🐓
Submitted by a on
I’m actually really proud of the Warriors good result
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Not as proud as me 'a'....I'm lost for words!!
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Steel,
I really enjoyed watching the game, and so pleased the Warriors got the result they worked for.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Thanks Mary, it sure has been a tough season for our game and no team has been doing it tougher than the Warriors. I honestly expected a season more in line with what the Broncos are enduring so needless to say I'm over the moon. Now they are talking top eight contenders but to me they've already over achieved. No harm in dreaming though aye!!
Hope all is well with you and your family.
Take care
SP
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Steel
Your boys have done it again, you must be gaining some confidence as they keep surprising us all. They did it for pride in the jersey and the people of Tamworth who have embraced them in all respects.
Didn't expect anything else with the Broncs result. I can only hope that 2021 with a new coach may produce some effort from my team.
By the way Manyana offers an apology for lack of reply, she's not all that well but promises to get back to you soon.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Evening Mark
As I said to Mary, I'm very surprised at how well the Warriors have been going. No one more surprised than me.
Manyana
Get well soon. Never any rush to hear back from you. Take care
Submitted by mark ashford on
To all Cowboys fans
Sorry to see your team go down yet again. What on earth is happening with the QLD teams. First time in my memory we occupy spots 13, 14 and 15 on the ladder with not even a sniff of finals footy. Can't blame Covid-19, can't blame coaches. Look what the Warriors have endured yet they still find a way to win. Time for a wake up you guys.
Submitted by a on
Yeah exactly it’s been tough as a qld fan
Submitted by The Butcher on
I went to the SCG on Friday night and as expected the result was the same regardless of who was coaching. Broncos really need to have some balls and look at their playing roster and make some changes and rebuild.
Anyway Seibold is laughing he walks away from his sinking ship all cashed up and will be assistant coach at Newcastle next year wait and see.
We had a few at the Bat and Ball hotel after and Cameron Smith was brought up that he will announce his retirement from footy next week with no cameos at titans or broncos.
We discussed what other roles he could take on and with his skills he could become the 2021 Olympic wrestling coach or with 400 games as an assistant ref he could replace Graeme Annesley.
But if I knew that then I’d be a guru.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi all, it's been quite a while since I've made a comment on here. I've had a bit of an accident and have a fractured vertebrae. This is not only a pain (literally) but it has slowed me down considerably.
All I've been doing is submitting my tips without any comment.
Good on you JK Bubble for leading the competition. As for following his/her tips, I think that if I've got to depend on someone's tips, to sort out who I'm going to tip this week, I might as well not be tipping. Yes, I read what the Thinker says, and read various other "expert" advice, but in the end, the final decision is up to me.
A special "hello" to the Kiwi supporters, the Warriors have done a marvellous job since they had to set up camp in Oz.
Hope everyone is well.
Bye for now, manyana.
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Butcher
Don't worry about Cam Smiths future employment. The jobs suggested are very funny and born out of jealousy for an exceptional player. Cam will be an immortal sooner or later. If you can have self confessed drug cheat Joey Johns on the list then we can have Cam Smith.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
I agree that he is an exceptional player Mark, but as an example of humanity that he portrays on field he's not up there. I can and will applaud the footy skill, but once he is gone, he ceases to exist in my mind.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
When you say example of humanity on the field what do you mean Baggy?
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Good evening Manyana
Sorry to hear of your fractured vertebrae. Certainly expect you'll have suffered a fair amount of pain with this. Just hope you are on the mend.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!!
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
The way he carries on towards the ref's. I know others have followed his example, but he still sets the standard for disrespect towards the officials. I find that the prosecution of the letter of the law, and not the spirit that they were written in has been to the detriment of the game and both Smith and Bellamy have to wear that as their lasting legacy.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy
I normally enjoy you posts but what you have said about Cam Smith beggars belief. Yes he talks to refs but as the Storm captain that is his job, are you telling me that other captains don't do it? He has been an incredible leader of Storm, the Maroons and Australia. Can't remember you complaining when he led AUS to so many wins. I understand you may not like him as he fronted Storm & Maroons for so long but can you tell me a current Eels player who even comes close. You may choose to forget him after retirement but an immortal he will be.
Submitted by The Butcher on
Todd Payten to be appointed Cowboys coach
Submitted by Christine on
Hi manyana sorry to hear your news i feel your pain i have a pretruding disc with a vertebre on a nerve on my L 5 right down the bottom part of your back how did you fracture your vertebre if you don't mind me asking ? , i hope there is something they can do for you to help you with your pain please keep us informed on your progress manyana all rhe best for a speedy recovery we are thinking if you ...
Submitted by Christine on
Hey crew no one except me responded to manyana she has fractured her vertebre show some sympathy to manyana she needs our support ...
Submitted by a on
Hope you get better soon Manyana
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hello Manyana - thinking of you in this time with pain and suffering.
I had a similar occurrence with L4-L5 disc. They gave me a few sessions with acupressure, as disc was pinching the nerve. Slowly it released and I was good, but very cautious with bending down like a giraffe does, these days.
U r going very well in tipping with this years comp being an "all-sorts" and topsy turvy one.
Get well and try keep well
Big Pete
Submitted by Steel Panther on
You'll be pleased with Sydney FC's win last night Big Pete but not so happy with your beloved Manly who look gone in 2020. Re your comment a round or so ago, yes was disappointed to see the Nix exit in what turned out to be an anti-climax after such a strong season pre-Covid. They were in line for a top two finish, home semi final etc. but it wasn't to be. While they struggled after locating to OZ, the Warriors on the other hand seem to be thriving.
Dragons late loss cost me a full card in a tipping season that mirrors the Broncos one!!
Stay safe sir!!
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Manyana,
It was great to see your parrot appear in the comments, and to read your views again , but not great to hear of your injury.
Do hope your recovery is progressing well, although I imagine not as fast as you would like!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by The Butcher on
Manyana
Get well soon I’m also glad to see your parrot because most of the time here I see galahs.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Steel Panther. Yes, I must admit that it tickles a bit. Especially if I sit, stand, lie down, or walk. LOL.
The rose that I was trying to dig up and the root wouldn't let go, and then did let go quite suddenly, has been relegated to the bin. It was on it's last legs anyway, that's why I was going to re-pot it.
According to my Doctor it should take about 3-4 months to heal. (Given my age of course). This wasn't said, but inferred.
Anyway, I can still brag that I haven't "had a fall" as is what's usually said when one passes the ripe old age of 70. LOL.
Haven't lost my sense of humour thank goodness.
Good luck with your tipping. Will be in touch.
Cheers, manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Butcher, thanks for being nice about my "parrot".
Hopefully this Galah will not try and dig up anymore roses in the future. LOL.
Cheers, manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Thanks Mary, I'm sure it will be a slow process, but, as they say with "a woman of your age, over 70", Things take a bit longer to heal.
At least I have an excuse not to weed the garden for a few months. LOL.
Cheers, manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Big Pete, my injury is the L3. I've possibly done some soft tissue damage too, but I can live with that.
I won't be bending down too quickly for a while.
Yes, I'm reasonably happy with my tipping this year, a much better effort than the last couple of years.
Fell into a heap this week, but I think quite a few others would have too.
Keep well.
manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Thanks "a".
Regards, manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi Christine, thanks for your sympathy. Much appreciated.
I hope you are going well, as I haven't been on Thinkers page with comments for a while, so I really don't know what is happening in the big wide world.
Look after yourself.
manyana.
Submitted by manyana on
Hi again Christine, I just saw your original post.
I was trying to dig a rose out of one pot and change it to another one.
It was being stroppy, but then let go very suddenly, I went backwards, apparently twisted my body so I didn't fall over, and felt something go in my back.
I have had the occasional back problem, so just assumed it was soft tissue damage, and, although it was VERY sore, I didn't go to the Dr. for nearly a week. He ordered an X-Ray, and the fracture showed up on the L3.
It is getting a bit better, as I can sit up to get out of bed, and stand up without tears running down my cheeks now.
I'm on pain killers, but nothing too strong, in fact I think Smarties would be better.LOL.
They say time heals all wounds, so I'm marking time right now.
Hoping it will be better in 3-4 months.
Thanks for your concern, manyana.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Hey Steely - I'm greatly pleased with The Smurfs.
It took a little while - grrrr extra time. The lad from Bx here scored the goal and was also awarded the Joe Marston Medal, which is NRL's equiv. to Clive C's Medal.
Cant be helped, like other clubs with injuries. I just feel for Des. First time this year I tipped against the boys. When u r playing for sheep stations mate, the head has to rule over the heart. I've noticed some here tip against their fave team - quite often.
I think Tamworth was a good place for Warriors, as they won at Scully Park and it was also their home base, when they first landed here from across the ditch.
Arsenal supporters would be smiling, after The Gunners knocked over Liverpool in Charity Shield on Sunday morning.
If u r into V8 Supercars - looks like Bathurst 1000 will be going ahead.
Cheers Champ, keep well and smile.
Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evenin Manyana - tell me about it with tipping, along with those Smarties painkillers.
The ankle tear I have, I told the orthopod, that wine gums would have a better affect.
Keep well and keep a small flask nearby
Big Pete.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Manyana
It sounds very painful, I hope you are mending well. As we get older our health is everything, take care and get well soon.
Tiger
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Butcher
Manyana's avitar is actually a Galah not a Parrot. Perhaps you have been looking in a mirror for too long?
Submitted by Mary S on
It's alright Mark,
I was the one who first called Manyana's avitar a Parrot (instead of Galah).
As my post was already submitted, and I was cutting it fine for an appointment, I did not rectify the error.
It's a great, colorful avitar anyway.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by The Butcher on
Sorry bird man from Bribie Island
I never noticed her avitar I thought Mary being the smartest person here I’d take her word for it.
Anyway I’d rather look in the mirror and see a galah because you would see a cock or two.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans,
I have updated the NRL ladder and tipping comp after round sixteen. Plenty of fives and sixes, but a handful of us managed 7 from 8. I wouldn't normally list them all, but since I was one of them (for a change) I will make an exception - Gad, Steel Panther, Baggy Gee, NQ Don and the biggest mind in rugby league.
If anyone notices anything amiss in the scores just let me know.
I will have my previews and selections for round seventeen published today and tomorrow.
All the best
Submitted by manyana on
Hi everyone, regarding my avatar, I thought it was very appropriate for me. I'm a bit of a softie for Galahs, and I'm a Galah at footy tipping. LOL.
I take no offence at it being called a Galah, because that's what it is, but if anyone wants to call it a parrot, that's fine too.
Perhaps I should have taken more notice of the Thinker last week, as he tipped 7, but 20/20 hindsight is a marvellous thing. 🤔😉
Cheers to all, and good luck with your tips for this week. manyana.
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