To All
Amazing list of injuries to almost all clubs. Valentine Holmes out for 8 weeks, this on top of Cowboys existing injuries makes it hard for them.
Two more Broncs out and with their current outs it's getting harder.
Storm, Raiders, Rabbits (suspensions) and I guess most other clubs are struggling all makes it a bit harder to get a win.
Roosters may just get a clean run to the line.
Who want's to be a tipster in 2020?

Sa-wat-dee krup,

No intro as such this week so let’s get this party started and get into it…

Roosters vs. Raiders 65-35 @ SCG
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters

Roosters
The Roosters might’ve been feeling a little vulnerable after the great effort from the Cowboys’ first 30 minutes last week but they steadied and scored 2 late tries and went into the break 12-6 ahead. The second half was (unfortunately for the Cowboys) a total trouncing with the Roosters running in another 6 tries (4 in the first 12 minutes) to record a pretty comfortable 42-16 win. After last week’s “villain” (Jake Friend) went off and Lachlan Lam came on, the Roosters’ game just picked up. It could just be total coincidence, but still, just sayin’. Great five try performance from Ikuvalu (late call-up for Brett Morris who injured himself in the warm-up) considering it was just his 16th game in first grade. I was more impressed with the effort from Taukeiaho actually. He ran for 195 metres, had 16 hit-ups, a try assist and made 42 tackles. As usual, great efforts from Tedesco (231 metres and two try assists) and Cleary (two tries). The Roosters shared possession (50-50), had more line breaks (8-3), a better kick defusal (80-60), less missed tackles (18-42) and less ineffective tackles (12-21).

Raiders
The conditions in the Raiders vs. Storm game last week made for a pretty interesting first half of footy which produced plenty of errors from both sides. Read a comment online from a commentator somewhere who said it was like “playing on a skating rink with a wet salmon”. Ah the images that conjures up 🤪. Anyway, the Raiders were behind 12-6 at the break but were in with a chance. They came back at the Storm in the second half and scored two tries (including the one Nicoll-Klokstad scored with 40 seconds left) but Croker missed both conversions and it was basically too little, too late for the Raiders, finally going down 20-14. A really tough game in miserable conditions made it difficult for the Raiders and on top of that they lost Josh Hodgson to an ACL injury after 28 minutes. I suppose you could say they were gallant in defeat so it’ll be interesting to see how they respond this week. I can’t believe how many of the stats the Raiders actually won and yet they still lost the match. They won possession (54-46), metres run (1660-1507), post contact metres (524-479), line breaks (5-1), tackle breaks (45-26), kicking metres (554-410) and forced drop outs (3-1). Phew! The only ones of note the Raiders lost were ineffective tackles (15-9) and penalties conceded (9-5).

Verdict: Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

Storm vs. Titans 75-25 @ Sunshine Coast
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm

Storm
Just like the Raiders last week, the Storm had to deal with pretty difficult conditions but in the end they handled them just a tad better. After an error riddled first half the Storm led the Raiders 12-6. They got out to a 20-6 lead with 20 to go, the Raiders got two tries back but it was not enough and the Storm got home 20-14. Nothing flash from the Storm per se but good efforts from Cameron Smith and Papenhuyzen as usual. Stats-wise, the Storm’s numbers confused me. They had less possession (46-54), had less metres run (1507-1660), less post contact metres (479-524), less line breaks (1-5), less tackle breaks (26-45), less kicking metres (410-554), less forced drop outs (1-3) and yet they still won the game. The only positive stats were less ineffective tackles (9-15) and fewer penalties conceded (5-9).

Titans
After having 2 quick tries scored against them in the first 8 minutes, the Titans kept the Warriors scoreless for the rest of the match. They did manage to get one try back and went into the sheds at half-time just 12-6 down. They just hung in there, defended well and finally got the winning try with just 5 minutes to go. A sloppy effort all things considered but they did enough to get the win. They’d be feeling fairly happy with their determined 16-12 win. The stats were a bit mixed with a better kick defusal (80-40), less missed tackles (15-29) and no penalties conceded. On the negative they had more ineffective tackles (26-14) and more errors (20-11).

Verdict: Storm.

Tigers vs. Broncos 60-40 @ Leichardt
Ladder Position = Tigers
Bookies Favourite = Tigers

Tigers
In a pretty drab first half last week, the Tigers went into the sheds 10-0 down. To my mind, a very poor first half effort from the Tigers. Even though they were down by 10, I still thought they were a chance. Much better effort in the second half when Marshall came on though. They were running the ball, taking chances, keeping it alive and creating some panic in the Souths’ defence. Had they brought Benji on earlier (and with Reynolds having a shocker with the boot) they might’ve been able to get closer and made it very interesting. Not that it matters really as that’s a “what-if” question and something we’ll never know. They finished fast but just ran out of time and eventually lost it 18-10. What a shame they didn’t play the first half like they did the second. Both sides last week (Rabbitohs and Tigers) made plenty of mistakes so the stats don’t really stand out that much either way. The Tigers had 34 missed tackles, 3 ineffective tackles, 8 errors and had 6 conceded penalties. Might just mention their kick defusal was a very good 91% though.

Broncos
A pretty good first 20 minutes or so (with some wasted opportunities though) had the Broncos leading the Bulldogs at the break 10-4. Nothing that impressive in the second half but they did manage to get a few more tries (3) and ran out comfortable 26-8 winners (finally 👍). Yeah they got the win but they squandered chances and were a bit sloppy at times. If they can harness the successful aspects of their win from last week and keep at the basics they should improve you’d think. There is definitely room for improvement and given their form was somewhat sloppy (no offence intended), they really need to work on the little things. Stats-wise they had more possession (51-49), more post contact metres (534-403), less missed tackles (12-32), less ineffective tackles (8-17) and unfortunately, more errors (17-12).

Verdict: Tigers.

Dragons vs. Bulldogs 65-35 @ WIN
Ladder Position = Dragons
Bookies Favourite = Dragons

Dragons
The Dragons responded well last week when Manly were first to score after 8 minutes. They scored two quick tries themselves and went into the break leading 10-4. Their second half was first-rate, they kept a below strength Manly scoreless and they ran out easy 34-4 winners. It seems the tide has finally turned for the Big Red V. It must’ve been pleasing for the Dragons fans to see a great game from Hunt finally. His kicking game last week had Manly scrambling most of the game. It seems to me that the Dragons are responding now that Hunt has found his preferred position/role. A good all-round performance from the Dragons. As you would expect, the Dragons’ stats were very good. They won possession (53-47), had an impressive completion rate of 93%, had more kicks (31-18), more kicking metres (820-603), more forced drop outs (5-1) and less errors (6-13). The only blight I noticed was they had more ineffective tackles (18-5).

Bulldogs
Not a great effort from the Bulldogs last week I’m afraid to say. It was not the effort I expected to see from them to be honest. One try in the first half and one in the second (when it was basically all over) saw the Bulldogs getting done 26-8 by the Broncos. Just like the Broncos, the Bulldogs wasted too many chances and were sloppy at times. A lack of discipline at times didn’t help their cause. Basically they were beaten by a team not even close to the top of their game (no offence Bronco fans) and I’m starting to think their position on the ladder is justified. They’re definitely struggling, we can all see that. What can they do now? My advice would be to just keep pluggin’ away and do the best they can. It’s all about pride 💪. Stats-wise they had slightly less possession (49-51), less post contact metres (403-534), more missed tackles (32-12) and more ineffective tackles (17-8). At least they had less errors (12-17).

Verdict: Dragons.

Rabbitohs vs. Knights 50-50 @ Bankwest
Ladder Position = Knights
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Rabbitohs
In a tough first half last week against the Tigers, the Rabbitohs (courtesy of two late tries) went into the sheds leading 10-0. They got out to an 18-0 lead in the second half but the Tigers came back at them but Souths held on and won the match 18-10. Could have (and should have) been a bigger winning margin had Reynolds had his kicking boots on (0 from 4). Speaking of Reynolds, he had yet another outstanding game, leading the Rabbitohs around on a wet track and coming up with one try assist (even though he had a hand in at least one other). Good to see a Gagai get himself his first NRL career hat-trick of tries. Both sides last week (Rabbitohs and Tigers) made plenty of mistakes so the stats don’t really stand out that much either way. The Rabbitohs had 32 missed tackles, 6 ineffective tackles, 10 errors and had 5 conceded penalties. Might just mention their kick defusal was a very poor 40% though.

Knights
The Knights had a pretty even tussle against the Eels last week in the first half and went into the break all square at 4-all. In a good second 40 they gave it their all but failed to score any points at all and finally went down in a tough encounter 10-4. For large portions of the second half they were really putting the pressure on but just couldn’t get through the Eels’ rock solid defence. Or was it the Knights’ lack of attacking pressure? Hmm, not sure. Regardless, one lapse of focus allowed Gutherson to “tap and go” and pass for Sivo to score the winner. And a great opportunity thereby fell from their grasp. It was a bold effort nevertheless and apart from that lapse in concentration with 12 minutes to go, they should take some heart from their performance. Not too many stats to get excited about in my mind. The Knights had more possession (51-49), more missed tackles (30-25) but less ineffective tackles (13-23).

Verdict: Dunno. Souths are favourites but I’ll stick with the Knights here.

Manly vs. Eels 35-65 @ Brookvale
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels

Manly
Manly were first to score (after 8 minutes) last week against the Dragons and they went into the break 10-4 down. Down by just six they were still a chance but unfortunately they couldn’t manage to add to their points tally for the rest of the match. The Dragons ran all over them in the second half and Manly eventually lost a disappointing one 34-4. Where to for Manly now? I know Turbo Tom is an integral part of their structure but surely they have a Plan B don’t they? Matters weren’t helped with Addin Fonua-Blake being MIA as well but I just expected some of that Manly grit to show more than it did. Oh well, everyone has an off day I suppose. I know Cherry-Evans certainly did 😱. Pretty sure Manly would like to forget last week’s effort, just like they’d want to forget their stats. They had less possession (47-53), had a poor completion rate of just 71%, had 17 missed tackles, had less kicks (18-31), less kicking metres (603-820), less forced drop outs (1-5) and more errors (13-6). The only one of any note that they won was the ineffective tackles (5-18).

Eels
The Eels had a game on their hands last week against the Knights. That was evidenced when they went into the break all tied up at 4-all. It was a tough second half with the Knights doing most of the attacking and the Eels defending magnificently. The only points of the second 40 came courtesy of that “switched on” football brain that sits in Clint Gutherson’s head. A very “smart” tap from a penalty caught the Knights defence unawares and next thing you know he’s off and passes for Sivo to score the winner with 12 minutes to go. It wasn’t a pretty win. It wasn’t a comfortable win. It wasn’t even a convincing one. But a win it was and they should feel good knowing they have a great defensive game to go with their great attacking game. Not a great deal to get excited about stats-wise. The Eels had (understandably) less possession (49-51), less missed tackles (25-30) but more ineffective tackles (23-13).

Verdict: Eels.

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

Warriors
After 8 minutes the Warriors led 12-0 and things looked rosy for them. They could’ve been further in front had it not been for wasted chances. The worrying aspect was that they scored nothing for the last 72 minutes of the match and eventually just went down to the Titans 16-12. And they only lost it in the last 5 minutes. Yikes! I know they’re down on troops (and a few going home soon) but still. A pretty disappointing effort (and result) to be honest. I realise and respect they were wearing those yellow and black “bush shirts” as a tribute to the city of Wellington (I think) but, and with no offence intended, those jerseys were shockers. They looked like the Scottish MacLachlan tartan 😁. Not having a go, just sayin’. The stats were a bit mixed with an inferior kick defusal (40-80), more missed tackles (29-15) and 5 penalties conceded. On the positive they had less ineffective tackles (14-26) and less errors (11-20).

Sharks
The Sharks had a pretty poor first half and were behind by 14 (26-12) at the break. Their second half effort was even worse and they got smacked silly and ended up losing 56-24. They had a few (not enough) good passages but overall were no match for the Panthers last week. Nothing seemed to work for them. Too many errors and penalties didn’t give them much chance. Not to mention Woods spending time in the bin and they lost Fifita, Talakai and Katoa during the match. Stats-wise they had a poor possession rate (42-58), ran 587 metres less than their opposition (1176-1763), made 105 less contact metres (344-449), had less line breaks (3-12) and missed more tackles (47-33). Not a great showing.

Verdict: As poor as they were last week, I’ll go the Sharks in this one.

Panthers vs. Cowboys 75-25 @ Panthers Stadium
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers

Panthers
The Panthers really asserted themselves last week against the Sharks leading 26-12 at the break and eventually running out (very) easy winners 56-24. I didn’t expect it to unfold the way it did but it turned out to be a total mismatch on the day. Basically the Panthers dominated from go to whoa. They had some errors early on but nothing of any great consequence. Not much to say other than a really good, all-round effort with a sensational outing from Staines in his debut and great efforts as well from Naden, Crichton and Edwards. Stats-wise they had more possession (58-42), ran 587 metres more (1763-1176), made 105 more contact metres (449-344), had more line breaks (12-3) and missed less tackles (33-47).

Cowboys
Even though they were behind 12-6 at half-time, the Cowboys showed a lot of persistence in the first 30 minutes last week against the Roosters but let themselves down with some silly handling errors. It all came tumbling down in the second half when they let in another 6 tries from the Roosters, finally going down 42-16. Their second half defence was basically non-existent which must be of concern. Two late tries from Hess and Robson didn’t impact at all on the final result but it did show me they were still having a crack. The Cowboys shared possession (50-50), had less line breaks (3-8), less kick defusal (60-80), more missed tackles (42-18) and had more ineffective tackles (21-12).

Verdict: Panthers.

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

I’m hoping this one will appeal to most (hopefully all). It’s an oldie (1971) but OMG (in my humble opinion) it’s an awesome piece of simplicity. One of my all-time favourites. This has got the lyrics so feel free to sing along. You know you wanna 😍.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zip-ot4GSCE

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

Hello everyone, my tips for this week are:

Roosters by 10 - The grand final rematch folks. We've got the Roosters coming up against the Raiders. The Raiders just keep on suffering from injuries and they aren't the side they were in 2019 and to start with in 2020. They have been looking clunky in attack and haven't really been aiming up defensively like they did in 2019. To beat the Roosters, they really need to aim up in defence to hold off those Chooks because by god aren't the Roosters attacking well. They really proved that in the second half against the Cowboys with those flourish of tries that they scored early in the second half and also just before half-time. The Roosters do also welcome back Cordner, Brett Morris and Liu which will boost their chances even more. For me this doesn't really feel like a real genuine grand final rematch that you would look forward for and I think that it'll be the Roosters who end up too good for the Raiders here. Hodgson is an absolute massive blow for the Raiders knowing the game changer he can be, I really feel the Raiders will really miss his presence.

Storm by 18 - Storm should win well here. The Titans were very brave last week and ended up getting a hard-fought 16-12 win over the Warriors. What was really odd was that the Titans didn't give away not a single penalty, were they really that disciplined, did they give away any set restarts though? Knowing those would've been penalties before the cancellation of the season happened but anyways still impressive stuff from the Titans to be able to hold off the Warriors for as long as they did after the Warriors get to a good lead early. The Storm on the other hand, weren't at their brilliant best but they were good enough to edge out the Raiders, the Raiders were getting back at them but it was the case of too little, too late. The Storm are just such an amazing footy side that even when they aren't at their brilliant best, they can still put out good performances and find ways to win. Not to mention, the surface at Canberra was like that of an ice rink so it would've been impressive to play some good footy on that. Storm will be missing Bromwich, Jesse that is and will be replaced by Brandon Smith now Brandon Smith may not look like a prop forward, but he sure can play that position well, he's a tough player who is like a bulldog so I think he will handle himself just fine at prop like he has before. Titans got to be completely switched on if they are any chance here and even have to defend better than they did last week to beat the Storm or at least make a contest out of this, particularly if the Storm are on. But Storm should be way too strong for the Titans here and we could even see a cricket score in this one but we'll find out on Friday night.

Tigers by 8 - Tigers will be back at Leichhardt here for the first time since the season has restarted. That in itself should be a confidence booster knowing that they will be playing in front of their faithful fans. The Tigers are coming off a loss to the Bunnies but they do bring in a little momentum into this one based on that ending to the game, they did put on a little fightback in the end to get the score to 18-10, if they can bring that into this game, they should win, I think that Marshall will play an integral part starting for the first time in a while and knowing how well he started the season, I think that he will be really relishing starting at halfback and don't forget also, he is playing up against one of his former clubs in the Broncos. The Broncos finally got a win on the board last week against the Bulldogs, but, that was only the Bulldogs. The Broncos were pretty poor last weekend even though they won by that fine margin of 18, it really shows just how poorly the Bulldogs would've been considering the Broncos weren't so flashy at times and squandered a number of opportunities. The Broncos need to be better than they were last week if they are going to beat the Tigers because the Tigers are much stiffer competition especially when they are hot! But what the Broncos do bring into this one is some much-needed confidence. But I do think the Tigers will bounce back here and this will indicate where the Broncos are truly at as a team. Tigers to get back into the winners circle back at Leichhardt.

Dragons by 20 - The mighty Dragons are coming off a phenomenal win over Manly. That was most definitely the best game of the season from us by far! We were phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal. Yes, our opposition were awful and were understrengthened but don't forget, we weren't expected to win the way that we did and to put on such a polished performance but that we did. Really disappointing that Peraira has got himself suspended once again, Jason Saab is in for him again and he really needs to aim up in defence. The Bulldogs may be doing their homework and could possibly be going at Saab all game to test him. Because judging by how well Ravalawa defended, I'm sure the Bulldogs wouldn't want to be running at him! Damn didn't he put on some ripping shots in defence on Sunday! That was by far the best defensive display I have seen from Ravalawa in his whole career. Our attack should be fine considering how well the spine clicked and how well the forwards and the backs performed. Dufty, Aitken and Lomax were all great, Norman finally played a good game, Clune was impressive once again, Hunt playing well from dummy half, McInnes impressive in the 13 jersey, our forwards were really good just a great all round team performance! If we can repeat that, we can beat anyone! And considering we are playing the Bulldogs who've just lost their coach who is replaced by Georgallis, you can expect the Dragons to reverse that last start game against the Bulldogs and it'll be us who smash the Dogs. C'mon Saints! Keep that ball rolling!

Alright guys! What I'm going to do is leave it there and then I'll post a part 2 of my previews tomorrow. The first half of the round is done and I'll be back for my part 2 tomorrow! Cheers and enjoy the rest of your nights!!!!!!!!!!!

@ Mr Ashford

I know which game you changed your tip on mate. You were gonna tip the Raiders weren’t you 🤪. So happy you’ve changed your mind and are now tipping my Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔 Ha-Ha! Just kiddin’ with ya brother. Looking at this week’s games there can only be one match you would’ve changed, but like you, I’m not gonna give it away.

I told you the SOTW was a good one. Hard to believe it’s from 50 years ago. Boom! 💥 Cheers y’all…

Newbie
Very funny mate, but no cigar. I tipped your Roosters straight off and won't expose my change until after the game has been won or lost.

Hey DFB
Another great analysis of the upcoming games. Gotta admit I disagree on a couple of your picks but hey it is what it is. Good luck on your selections. As our country dives into bad times VIC having terrible cases of Covid-19it seems to be spreading into NSW we have to be strong and support our leaders and just be careful what we do.
A song to hopefully give us all a bit of heart.

anhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfR9iY5y94

Hi Guys
My attachment didn't work, sorry I was trying to post "the land down under" by Men at Work. My computer has been testing me all day.

Two fails....can anyone help?

Lets see if this works Mark. Excellent song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfR9iY5y94s

Bit of a rough score line Newbie, and Butcher. Was it a good game or choppy as the Tailor Marks chasing at the end of the month?

Had a good laugh over your story Butcher.

Are the bunk beds going to your property ( when you purchase) around Helensvale/ Monterey Keys area ???

Cheers,
Mary

Nice choice of song Butcher!

From the clean-cut, stove pipe pants days of the Animals, this came next on YouTube as a contrast in fashion styles and times, but a great song -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS-af9Q-zvQ

Cheers,
Mary

Ahh Ryan
2 weeks wasn’t long enough when it comes to you.
So you think your Mr Universe
Your house is powered by a Solar System
Your favourite singer is Freddy Mercury
Your favourite adult shop is Venus
Your favourite chocolate is Mars and Milky Ways
Your favourite casino is Jupiters
Your favourite captain is Neptune
And you talk out of Uranus
So why are you called Rocket?

You need new material block but you are unbeatable for horses**t.

Hey Mary
Just found that movie on Wikipedia, strangely enough it was called Rider on the Rain....go figgur.

OMG.....that was just embarrasing

I've got one eye on the other channel Mark. A-League Wellington v Sydney. Are you watching Big Pete?

I take no joy out of that game, I hope C. Oates isn't finished after that injury, it gutted me and was horrific. Hope you get better soon.

Broncos will get smashed by the storm next week