Round ten selections

Sydney Roosters vs Canberra Raiders – Thursday night – Sydney Cricket Ground

With so much going on at the minute, you almost forget that this is a rematch of the 2019 grand final. These sides met three times last season and the Roosters were narrow winners every time. Obviously quite a lot has changed since then. The Raiders form has been down on what we saw from them last year, and they have to find a way to lift (on a short turnaround plus travel) without three of their best in Hodgson, Bateman and Soliola. Meanwhile the Roosters are being challenged by most opponents, but they keep finding a way to win. They seemingly have the capacity to hit the go button and put teams to the sword. Following on from a dominant win over the Cowboys, the Chooks welcome back Boyd Cordnor, Brett Morris and Isaac Liu. I think you just keep tipping them.

Verdict – Roosters by 8

Result – Raiders 24 defeated Roosters 20

Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans – Friday night – Sunshine Coast Stadium

Jesse Bromwich is 194cm tall and 114kg. He's out with a knee injury for a few weeks, and the Melbourne Storm have replaced him with...Brandon Smith. I'm looking forward to that. I'm also keen to see the return of Cameron Munster and Felise Kaufusi. The Titans have put in some spirited performances of late, but this is hard. They beat the Warriors narrowly, while the Storm beat them by 44. I've always preferred the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast, and I prefer them here too.

Verdict – Storm by 22

Result – Storm 42 defeated Titans 6

Wests Tigers vs Brisbane Broncos – Friday night – Leichhardt Oval

As is often the case, the Broncos jagged a win after I sunk the boot into them last week (they should pay me to just stand on the edge of the training paddock and shout abuse). While the win was nice their opponent was so awful their coach has walked...so a little perspective here. The Tigers have won four and lost five, but most of those losses were to teams in the top eight. The Broncos should be a top eight side, but they aren't, and the trip to Sydney won't make it any easier.

Verdict – Tigers by 4

Result – Tigers 48 defeated Broncos 0

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Saturday afternoon – WIN Stadium

Here's the good news for the Bulldogs (and I can be brief) - they're taking on the only team they've beaten this season. Now for the bad news (and I could go on...but I'll be brief) - since the Dragons lost to the Bulldogs (and they were smashed), the only teams to beat the Dragons are the 2019 grand finalists. Last week their attack, which has looked promising for a while, really clicked, and they ran away from Manly late in the game. If they can do that to Manly, they can do it to the Bulldogs.

Verdict – Dragons by 22

Result – Dragons 28 defeated Bulldogs 22

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights – Saturday night – Bankwest Stadium

I was really looking forward to the Knights v Eels clash last weekend, and while the game was close it was a real pooh of a game. The Knights looked utterly lost in attack, but I'm hoping Mitchell Pearce can hit the reset button on the side of his brain and find some better form. With Latrell Mitchell and Campbell Graham unavailable, the Bunnies look easier to contain, so I'm with the Knights in a minor upset.

Verdict – Knights by 2

Result – Knights 20 defeated Rabbitohs 18

Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday night – Lottoland

These sides met in round four in what was one of the better games of the year, with the Sea Eagles denied a game-winning try with the last play of the game. Since then it feels like Manly have been on a gradual decline, and they fell off a cliff in the last ten minutes against the Dragons last weekend. Cherry-Evans tried, but when he tries too hard his game gets worse. He's one of those players who does more when he does less. I use this argument with Ms Thinker when it comes to housework...but it falls on deaf ears.

Verdict – Eels by 14

Result – Sea Eagles 22 defeated Eels 18

New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks – Sunday afternoon – Central Coast Stadium

I can get myself excited about most rugby league contests, but this one is going to test me. The Warriors struggled against the Titans last start while the Sharks let the Panthers rack up 50+ in 80 minutes. Nikorima returns which does give the Warriors some extra spark. Fifita joins Moylan in the Hamstring wing of the Cronulla Private Hospital. I note the quality and size of the Warriors bench, and with that extra depth I think they can win this one. The bookies don't like them much, but:

Verdict – Warriors by 4

Result – Sharks 46 defeated Warriors 10

Penrith Panthers vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday afternoon – Panthers Stadium

If you need my help with this game, you clearly haven't been paying attention. This is a cakewalk (whatever that means).

Verdict – Panthers by cakewalk

Result – Panthers 22 defeated Cowboys 10

Wally Lewis - round ten selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning

  • ROOSTERS vs Raiders
  • STORM vs Titans
  • TIGERS vs Broncos
  • DRAGONS vs Bulldogs
  • RABBITOHS vs Knights
  • Sea Eagles vs EELS
  • Warriors vs SHARKS
  • PANTHERS vs Cowboys

Comments

Mary S's picture

That was a shocking injury for Oates. A compound fracture of the femur is being suggested. Recovery will be a long one.

Agree with you Baggy, the game was not a joy to watch and nobody needs a kick in the teeth when they are down - players & fans alike!!

Cheers,
Mary

The Thinker's picture

Mary S

I'm amazed he stood up and played the ball. Can only assume he didn't realise until he saw it. I hope he plays again.

With the three Queensland teams doing so poorly it was interesting to see two youngsters for the Tigers showing real promise. Billy Walters went to school 300 yards from Broncos HQ (and is the son of a Broncos club captain). Harry Grant grew up in Rockhampton and Yeppoon.

Neither of them have come through the systems at any of the three Queensland teams - they have all come through the system at the Storm.

The Butcher's picture

Mary S
Please don’t try and make my comment sound insensitive
I was giving back to rocket for a comment he made earlier if you would like to check.
Corey Oates injury was bad and the news is he will be back in 3 weeks being cleared of a compound fracture.
My comments were not related to him
This is a footy site and we will have digs at each other now and then.

tigerholic's picture

Morning All
Before I heap praise on my beloved Tigers I want to wish Corey Oates a speedy recovery, good news there on his injury from reports this morning. I do feel for the Broncos and their fans, so please don't think I'm being cruel with my comments.

It's funny how Bronco supporters go under ground when they have a loss, I would too after that diabolical effort last night.

I'm sorry Rocket, Mark and all of the other supporters on this site but the Broncos still fielded a pretty good outfit last night and in my opinion they were simply outclassed in every facet of the game. If we had a quality goal kicker it would have been 56-0.

If Seibold survives this and I personally think he will as he has the best part of 3.5 seasons to run on his contract.

Christine

I'll never lose my Tigers stripe mate, I've suffered through years of under performing misery and it is these times when us Tigers fans can rejoice, at least for the week before the next round.

Butcher
Welcome back, I didn't realise you were away due to work, didn't the internet work, I thought that Rocket had got you rattled and you went off to a mountain top some where to find yourself. I did like your comment to Rocket about his Broncos, actually had me laughing.

Anyway folks, I've tried to make contact with my old mate Rocket but he too appears to have dived for cover. I'm off to golf then watch some more footy tonight. I see there are only 3 of us on here who have taken the Bulldogs, now I'm worried.

Tiger

Mary S's picture

Hi Butcher,
There was no offence taken on your comments & I certainly didn't intend to imply any insensitivity. I know there is a lot of 'ribbing' on this site and if I didn't appreciate the rivalry, I wouldn't participate!!

I guess last night, when I made the comment, I was wondering if the result of the Tigers/Broncos match, would be a similar scenario for the Cowboys this weekend.

As a fan - a depressing thought, but one must live in hope!!!!

Cheers,
Mary

mark ashford's picture

Hey Tiger
Great effort from your boys last night compared to no effort at all from mine. Don't know what the answer is but it certainly isn't all Siebold's fault and the axe ( the sharp one not Gillmiester) must be used. If you were David Fifita would you accept 750k to stay with the current Broncos or go to the Titans on 1.25 mill. Must be hard for such a young man as either way he will wait a long time for a premiership. He may just be better off talking to Roosters, Storm, Eels or Raiders (or most other clubs) and play for unders to get there.

The Butcher's picture

All good Mary
I don’t think the Cowboys will lose by the thinkers predicted cakewalk but then how much is a cakewalk?
By the way you would do well if you got paid by the exclamation mark.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Hard to say Mark, hard to say. A lot is made from the limited earing potential of a player, and you can't really blame them for making hay, but as was once said on the Eels site, to be part of a premiership willing team is something that stays with you for life, and especially at places like the Bunnies, Sharks, or Eels, where they are very light on the ground over the last 50 years, you become in very special company. How much earning you have after the game probably depends on your ability to speak, see Sam Burgess, and your success within the game, see Joey. What does David want his legacy to be?

a's picture

Wow bulldogs should of won that match

Steel Panther's picture

Close Tiger but no cigar. Like 'a' said the Dogs should have won. 22-10 up with 15 to go they self destructed.

With regards to the Broncos, I don't think I've seen a worse side out of Brisbane as the current one. It's like the keystone cops. The boy Croft especially is really struggling. I thought he was poor at Melbourne when he was surrounded by class. The try Brisbane conceded of the short kick restart was nothing short of embarrasing.

Mary S's picture

Yes Butcher, I know but it hasn't happened yet!!!!!!!!
Cheers!

mark ashford's picture

Hey Mary S
English was my favourite subject at school (most others were not) so I was taught when you had something to say that you thought was important embellish it with an exclamation mark. I know the kids of today don't worry too much about grammar but didn't think the Butcher was a kid of today!!!!!!

Baggy_Gee's picture

https://youtu.be/y5XqqIOi7fw
Listen to the control that Shane Hayne has over the players, and the touch he had with the game. Boss, Gallen was playing in this so a happy way for you to remember your favorite player.

The Butcher's picture

Baggy
Tonight is a danger game for the Eels
You saw on Thursday about revenge and Manly will feel they were robbed in there last match though watching live it looked forward but not being able to rule on forward passes and Julius Sumner Miller has passed so you have to go with the call.
I think the Eels should win but I’m wary of Cade Cust he may look like a Volkswagen with the doors open but at times he’s like a Ferrari.
It wouldn’t surprise me if they lead and Parra runs them down.

mark ashford's picture

Baggy
I didn't have a spare 1 hr 25 mins to watch your attachment specially as it was a game from 17 years ago. Maybe you could provide a shortened version of what happened.
I did like Butchers " I see nothing nothing, I know nothing" so I guess you were trying to show some ineptitude from the refs. Lets come up to 2020 and see how your Eels go tomorrow. I'm sure they will have a win against Manly.

a's picture

Wow Souths nearly came back

Christine's picture

Tiger if i have managed ti acomplish anything it would be i have got you & butcher talking at least as i sad you are borh here for the love of the game it us the game that units us all & brings toughter where would we be without it , earlier this year we didn't think we were going to even have any league at all that shows us how big this virus really is it has put a stop to alot of things not just nrl it is costing countries millions of dollars in lost tourism too ...

mark ashford's picture

Baggy
What is going on with your team? Can't watch the game but it doesn't look good!!!!!

Christine's picture

It looks really bad for your boys baggy what the hell is going on ...

BigPeteBx's picture

Evenin Steely - I completely forgot it was Smurfs v Nix last night, for recommencement of A-League.
Nil all at halftime, then 3-1 final. Sounded like a good match.
Le Fondre must be level pegging with McLaren now for the Golden Boot award. He sniffs a goal out, like a Jack Russell down a rabbit burrow. Nix up against Glory next week.
UK FA Cup semis this week as well - it will be interesting.

In NRL - I picked me Manly to win by 4 and got it, with my work comp I am in. I felt being at Brooky and the fact DCE wouldn't let himself come to playing two weeks in a row, like he did last week, that they'd really put the game to Parra this time round.
So far, Chooks have let me down.

Cheers mate and keep well - Big Pete

Baggy_Gee's picture

Look we were shite, our defense was non existence, attack was worse, and for the first time in 10 rounds we were playing as a team of individuals. I agree with Butcher that a square up was coming and I do have 3 points that I thought the ref came into the game and interfered, but we were belted even without those times. There were 2 times when a player 20-30M behind the play caused our attack to be halted, and in one case when the player should have gone off stayed on, and that weird ref's challenge in the first half after Manly burnt their captains challenge, put them into position to score. But take nothing away from the silver spoons, when they had a chance they took it and our ability to stop them just wasn't there tonight. Very disappointed in our effort.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Oh and that try to Blake was a dead set strip which should never have been allowed. Disgusting bunker and on-field call.

Christine's picture

It doesn't matter parra will still be there in the finals baggy & even past years when storm have won the grand final they didn't win every game of the season sometimes it doesn't hurt to loose one it can actually propel them too try harder i bet next week they win ...

mark ashford's picture

You've gotta feel for the Warriors. Stuck here for the remainder of the season, no regular coach, players wanting to go home (who can blame them) and no doubt under lock down conditions. Despite all this they have managed a couple of wins and should be congratulated. Sharks had a good win over them today but what is it worth?

Baggy_Gee's picture

No it was just how he took control of the game Mark. It was great to see a ref taking charge and standing by his decisions, it didn't hurt that it was 74-4 to us against the Sharks, or that Gallen was playing in the game. Wins all round.

mark ashford's picture

Well you Cowboys supporters can hold your heads up high. What a terrific performance from your team against the Panthers who some are saying are grand finalists this year. Phil (the toad) Gould is certain they will be there. If my description sounds a bit harsh, have a look at the man. If he lived in QLD the cane toad police would have had him by now.

Steel Panther's picture

Gotta agree with you Mark. A truly sad state of affairs. The comp may have been better just to play with 15 teams this season after the effect of Covid. If there was a "butchered a try" stat the Warriors would be well out in front. I take my hat off to them for the sacrifices they have made. Losing players after the next round is only going to make the remaining games even harder.

mark ashford's picture

Steel
I know you are a bit disillusioned with your Warriors and have been for some time. The sacrifices your Kiwis have made in an effort to keep the comp whole are, in my mind, amazing. I wonder if the remainder of season had been moved to NZ to avoid Covid-19 how many Aussie clubs would have agreed.

Christine's picture

Mark it probably would've been safer in the end but this virus is not over yet by a long shot ...

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