Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys – Thursday night – Suncorp Stadium
The last time I was at the ground to see these two teams play was on the 12 September 2015. In terms of quality, it was the best game I've ever been at the ground to witness (that I was sitting right next to the Broncos interchange probably helped). A few weeks later those teams gave us one of the greatest grand finals in the history of the game. On Thursday night their 2020 campaigns come to a dismal end as 14th plays 16th. To shine so brightly, then to fall so far. The Titans have notched up as many (or more) wins in a month than these sides have done all year. Theoretically the Cowboys could still end up with the wooden spoon, but they would have to lose by 87 points to a team that hasn't beaten anybody. That only happens if the Cowboys plane disappears into Moreton Bay, so we may as well assume the Cowboys are safe. They may be safe, but I'm sure they would like to take some joy out of this season by winning the derby. It's something. Clearly the Broncos have more on the line, as a win gives them a chance at avoiding their first ever wooden spoon. Plenty of motivation there, but they've been motivated to perform for much of this season and continue to be found short. Team lists are yet to be finalised but Gamble is unlikely after a concussion last week. Croft probably returns, but hasn't had a great year. Turpin may return, but his hand wouldn't be 100%. David Fifita is definitely out, but Haas is expected to return. For the Cowboys, Mcguire and Asiata will return to bolster a pack that looked far better last week with Taumalolo back in the fray. It's hard to split these two, but for me it came down to this:
This is the last game for Gavin Cooper and Darius Boyd. I think the Cowboys desire to win for Coops will be stronger than the Broncos desire to win for Darius.
Verdict – Cowboys by 10
Result – Cowboys 32 defeated Broncos 16
Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights – Friday night – Cbus Super Stadium
There's a lot on the line in this game. Not so much for the Titans, although a win does ensure they finish 9th for the season. It means more to the Knights who can shore up 6th place and a home final next week. That's important, but it pales into insignificance alongside what this game means for Triple M league commentator Anthony Maroon. Maroon, not shy when it comes to outrageous statements, vowed to have a sex change operation should the Titans win five games in a row. So here we are, in the last round of the season, and the Titans are in form, at home, and on the verge of sending Maroon off for gender reassignment at Sydney Private Hospital. Male to female is a 7-10 day turnaround, which sees Maroon returning from injury in time for the grand final. An opportunity to be the first female caller of the NRL grand final awaits. Jai Arrow is taking this so seriously, he's shaved off his beautiful head of mullet in preparation for the match. They're up for this, and if both teams give their best it's close to the game of the round.
Verdict – Titans...with a Jai Arrow golden point try in the 89th minute
Result – Titans 36 defeated Knights 6
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters – Friday night – ANZ Stadium
Whatever the outcome here, the Chooks finish the season in third place. That said, I'm sure they don't want to lose to their favourite rival a week out from the finals series. If the Rabbitohs win they can snare a home final next week providing the Knights lose, and I'm sure they don't want to lose to the Chooks either. A loss to the Bulldogs is hardly encouraging form from the Bunnies, and while they welcome back Gagai they lose the suspended Su'a who has been penalised for one of the hits of the season. The Chooks continued on their merry way with an entirely professional win over the Sharks, and they'll bring back Tedesco, Cordnor, Taukeiaho and Friend on Friday night. That's a lot of class, and they'll have too much of it this weekend.
Verdict – Roosters by 7
Result – Rabbitohs 60 defeated Roosters 8
Canterbury Bulldogs vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday afternoon – ANZ Stadium
I waited until team lists were announced before writing up the previews for the games after Friday night...and with good reason. No changes for the Bulldogs (on a rare winning streak of one) but the Panthers are giving Edwards, Kikau and Crichton a breather. Many of the key personel are still in the seventeen, but could get put in cotton wool at some point during the 80 minutes. This game gives Matt Burton a rare opportunity off the bench for the Panthers - he's a proper talent and I for one am keen to see him on the park. Regardless of the changes, the Panthers and Bulldogs are where they are on the ladder for a reason. That Panthers backline simply looks too strong.
Verdict – Panthers by 13
Result – Panthers 42 defeated Bulldogs 0
Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
The Raiders could have made the top four with a win here (providing the Eels lost), but it looks like they would rather finish 5th and host a home final. The Raiders have ten new inclusions for this game - they may have made more but Ricky ran out of fingers and/or players. The Sharks have had a dream draw this season, and have scraped into the top eight on the back of that. Every time they play a top eight team they lose, but this Raiders side only has 3-4 players that will make their list in the finals. Ricky Stuart should have plonked some money on the Sharks to cover the cost of his fine. The Sharks aren't specials, but if they can't win this what hope are they next week when they probably face the Raiders again?
Verdict – Sharks by 4
Result – Raiders 38 defeated Sharks 28
Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday night – Bankwest Stadium
The Tigers must be a little annoyed that they are in danger of losing 9th place to the Titans - it's a ladder position they usually have a stranglehold on most seasons. That's not enough reason for the Tigers to lift for this, but sending Benji Marshall out with a win could be (if Benji doesn't get one more season with someone it's madness). Note that this game starts after the Sharks/Raiders match. If the Raiders lose, the Eels are safely in the top four. They will also know the outcome of the Rabbitohs/Roosters match, and if the Roosters lose that the Eels could move to 3rd place. 3rd place means playing the Storm in Queensland which isn't much of a reward. I expect they would rather stay in western Sydney and play Penrith. Soooooo....a lot of things to consider here, but we need to make a pick now. I'm with the Eels to squeak home in this, because the forwards battle here looks like a real mis-match. I'm not remotely confident at all, but:
Verdict – Eels by 2
Result – Eels 28 defeated Tigers 24
New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – Central Coast Stadium
Two teams effectively tied for 11th, and with not a lot to play for here. The winner of this game finishes higher on the ladder than the loser...so that's something. It's fair to say one of these sides have over-achieved while the other under-achieved, and the under-achievers were particularly disappointing last week in their last game for the season at Brookvale. Whatever happens, the Warriors get to finally go home after this, so they'll be in high spirits. They're missing their fullback and captain, but Manly are missing their fullback too, and a whole lot more than that this year. I wonder when the Redcliffe Dolphins will start chasing Cherry-Evans for their inaugural season.
Verdict – Warriors by 8
Result – Warriors 40 defeated Sea Eagles 28
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm – Sunday night – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Ricky Stuart: I'm going to break the record for the most team changes in a single game.
Craig Bellamy: Hold my beer.
Dragons coach Dean Young compared his side to the under 8s last start. Harsh...but fair. In their last outing for the season they get to take on a bunch of randoms that have been handed Storm jumpers on the streets of the Sunshine Coast. Putting their feet up for the weekend are (deep breath) Smith, Munster, Kaufusi, Hughes, Bromwich, Bromwich, Lee, Addo-Carr, Olam, Asofa-Solomona, Vunivalu and Faasuamaleaui. It's extraordinary, and they'll still win.
Verdict – Storm by 2
Result – Dragons 30 defeated Storm 22
Wally Lewis - round twenty selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- BRONCOS vs Cowboys
- Titans vs KNIGHTS
- Rabbitohs vs ROOSTERS
- Bulldogs vs PANTHERS
- SHARKS vs Raiders
- Tigers vs EELS
- Warriors vs SEA EAGLES
- DRAGONS vs Storm
Comments
Submitted by The Butcher on
Guru
Though I’m starting to warm to your weekly analysis I have to point out that how loosely your use of the word “special”. In cases such as sport a special means a certainty in the eyes of the person stating it. I maybe wrong because people do say “sick” means good. But when did special become the opposite.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Congratulations butcher I may be going early I'm going to take a risk and say I think you've avoided the wooden spoon and the thinkers comp unlike the Broncos in the realcomp well done
Submitted by The Butcher on
In 2020 God came to Noah and said once again the earth has become wicked and over populated and I see the end nearing, build another ark and take 2 of every animal and a few good humans.
He gave Noah 6 months to build the ark before he unleashes rain for 40 days and 40 nights.
Six months later God appears and sees Noah weeping but no ark. God roars where’s the ark?
Noah says forgive me lord but things have changed. I need a building permit I argued with the building inspector but I need a sprinkler system . My homeowners association claim that I’ve violated the by - laws by building an ark in my backyard and broke the height restriction . Then the city council and electricity company wanted a heap of money to move power lines to clear the arks move towards the sea. I actually told them the sea would be coming to us but they didn’t believe me. Then I tried to gather the animals. The RSPCA took me to court because they said I was confining animals against their will.
The immigration department are checking the visas of my building employees. The union won’t let me use my sons and will only allow members with ark building experience. And to make things worse the tax department has seized all my assets claiming I’m trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So forgive me lord but it will take at least 10 years to build the ark.
Suddenly the skies cleared and the sun began to shine. Noah looked up and said you mean your not going to destroy the world?
No said God the Government has beat me to it.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Nice Butcher. Rocket does this mean you have licence to be the sites Chief Stirrer till the end of 2021?
Submitted by The Butcher on
Thanks rocket
There’s a bit more fight in me than the Broncos
I knew my fate after round 5 so I’m on the rebuild for next year but it could be worse like being in contention and choking like the Laidley Express.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Hahah ill pay that Ark story.
Your prob right Butcher, The Guru has know to be a bit over zealous with the Bronco's...However, for 10-15mins, The Bronco's delivered what the Guru ordered, the feeling was right, they had their chance and it was there for them. Just not good enough for long enough.
Still quietly confident in the Titans and the Tigers, forget my Doggies tip.
Submitted by The Butcher on
Guru
It was a good write up you just forgot the insurance cover
*Pending Staggs doesn’t get injured
Submitted by Mary S on
Enjoyed the Ark story - never know what you night find here!!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Butcher
Enjoyed your Ark story which of course is nonsense but the sad fact is the agencies mentioned are all too real. We are over-governed, over-regulated and over-whelmed with red tape.
On another matter I'd like to know your whereabouts late last night?
Some wags (not wives & girlfriends) delivered dozens & dozens of wooden spoons to Red Hill. Now I'm not devoid of humour but what annoyed me was a small group of players laughing as a staff member picked them up. It should have been the players.
Submitted by mark ashford on
The Guru & Rocket
The Broncs started so well last night, I got another glass of Sauv Blanc and settled in to watch what happened. I was happy to see Darrius score on his last ever game and then Katoni went down with that injury that was that. Congratulations to all Cowboy supporters, your team went on and mine didn't. Good to see Gav Cooper go out on a win.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
You are right butcher bad run of losses for the home team a few roughies go down there is my tipping out and add to that the top players here land 6 or 7 each week with the faviourates winning there is little margin for error.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
Yes The Guru was looking forward to seeing how Katoni went at 5/8, Brisbane didnt have much luck with the ref either, so many penalties and 6 agains, bit of bad luck and the Brissie boys were struggling. The Guru feels those dropped balls by young Brisbane forwards while their team was in good field position really hurt. The loss of momentum turned the game. If the Bronc's had a strong leader, a loud voice they could probably lift out of those places.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Oh Well
The Broncs are done and dusted for 2020 getting their first ever wooden spoon. Am I gutted? Yes, but I can't blame Siebold just no connection between him and the team. A lot of players have a lot to answer for, not only their performance but their disrespect for the jersey and the fans.
It's time a new coach was announced for all concerned, this wait is bulls--t. Get it done management. NOW.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
How the hell have Newcastle made the 8 playing like that tonight? Thumped by both the Titans & Warriors in the last few weeks. Pearce & Ponga both ordinary. I haven't got enough fingers to count how many tackles they missed between them. Utter crap!!
Submitted by Bronco Legend on
Not a good start for me, must have to go to spec savers on the weekend as never seen any of this coming, but as i said its not over until the fat lady sings, Bennett must have done a Bellamy to his souths team after their loss last weekend to the dogs this is an unbelievable turn around, and for the Knights, i agree with steel panthers comment utter crap.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Butcher is that you in the bunker tonight at the Roosters rabbits game Deadset the south have been robbed twice
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
More importantly has the radio guy signed up for his sex change yet. It has been good from the Titans the last month, if only the BOYS could attack like that.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
The winner of this game plays The Covid Stormers in Qld, loser beats the Knights next week easily...so, do you wanna win this game?
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Butcher give us a summary of what happened tonight I know it wasn't 59 nil but let's not bicker over a point here or there
Regardless of that the decisions of the bunker with just outrageous.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Bronco Legend,
I think Bennet gave them more than a "Bellamy serve", to come up with a compete turn-around tonight and end up with a 60-8 win over the Roosters.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by a on
Looks like no 3 peat for the roosters
Submitted by The Butcher on
Rocket
Not sure what that was I’ve already heard theories saying there hoping that the Eels win so the play the Panthers which has finals inexperience compared to Storm. But I don’t buy it. I remember last year where Souths beat us in the same round and we smashed them the next week in the finals.
I thought at the beginning of the year the Raiders I’ll stick with them .My gut tells me the Panthers will go out in straight sets. Anyway at least I know how it feels to be a Broncos supporter in 2020.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
It’s taken me a while to stop sobbing but I’m coming good now.
What the hell just happened? We were made to look second-rate (and we were) by a Bunnies side who were simply stunning tonight. Hats off to them, they were awesome. Definitely a wake-up call for the Roosters. I’m too gutted to say too much at the moment but more on tonight’s debacle next week. I’m off to take some aspirin. 😥 😥 😥 😥
Submitted by Mary S on
My sympathies Newbie!!!! 😥 😥 😥 😥
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by tigerholic on
Morning All
As we wake up to a massacre on Friday night footy, it feels like I just picked a perfect round by taking the Rabbits. When the game started and I see Tedesco and a lot of the other top teir Roosters playing I thought it was going to be a smash up the other way.
Well done Rocket for picking the Rabbits too. That one pick has made my weekend and it couldn't have happened to a better team then the Rorters.
Have a great Saturday folks
Tiger
Submitted by Mary S on
Morning Tiger,
There were 3/56 on this site that picked the Rabbits this week.
Beside yourself & Rocket, Esra Star was the other successful tipper in a horror show for the Roosters (and the unsuccessful tippers 😥)
Have a great day.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by The Butcher on
Tiger
I’m a true supporter and regardless of the result I’ll be barracking for my team next week
You only went for the rabbits because your desperate there’s no skill in that.
By the way who do the tigers play next week?
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Mark and The Butcher,
Thank you so much boys for the well wishes. To give you a little background. I am only a youngster. In my very early 20s, 20 years old on fact. She isn't quite a new addition. We've been together for a few months now and she is my first one. Hahaha don't you worry Mark she does go for Dragons and that's only cause of me because she isn't a fan of footy. She also barracks Panthers too but perhaps not so much now which is a surprise lol nah but she doesn't really care about the league.
Butcher,
Dragons Fangirl sure does have a nice ring to it. And the Dragons Fankids will sure come in the years to come. Commiserations to your Roosters, same for you too Newbie I was so shocked to know they got demolished by 50 or so still shocked to be honest!
Thanks again for the well wishes! I've only just started the adult life, judging by previous comments over the years, i'm well beneath a lot of you guys in experience of life. Excited to explore it though as I have been already.
Best wishes to you all for the weekend!
Cheers!!!!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
Gus suggested a few times last night that the Roosters can't turn this around in a week. They may not, but they can, because he was saying the same thing about the Rabbitohs a week ago.
They went from looking second rate (or third rate) against the Bulldogs to racking up 60 against the premiership favourites in 8 days.
Submitted by The Butcher on
DFB
I had my first Butcher’s apprentice at 20 and now I have 6.
Naming them wasn’t easy I recommended Chuck, Blade & T Bone but my wife wouldn’t have it.
I think the Dragons will get an undermanned Storm who like the roosters are more concerned about next week. I think Tyson would want to leave a winner.
Submitted by Taka on
Now Cowboys are the first team to spoil Broncos good records;
- Broncos had never lost in a grand final but in 2015 against the Cowboys
- Broncos last Thursdays night game against the Cowboys was the only opportunity for them to avoid the wooden spoon. And again they lost to the Cowboys resulting in their first wooden spoon.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Butcher,
That's awesome! Hahaha at least you came up with some names. Keeps up with what you are teaching them. I hope so! It'll be nice to come up with a win, even if it's over a bunch of debutants.
Cheers!!!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
DFB
For one so young you show maturity beyond your years with your weekly analysis. Hang on to that young lady if she's a good one. These days good ones are rarer than Bronco wins!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Newbie & the Butcher
Last night's result came as a bit of a shock to me and most others. Sure the Rabbits played well but I thought for a while the Broncos had pulled on Roosters jerseys just for a bit of fun.
Some unkind people have suggested to me the Rabbits let the Doggies win last week to ensure a wooden spoon for the Broncs. Surely this sort of thing doesn't happen, does it?
Submitted by Christine on
Taka the way i see it broncos ruined it all by themselves yoy can't just blame the coach it was a joint effort the whole team is accountable for there season ...
Submitted by Christine on
Taka that said you can't blame the coach they ruined it for themselves it was a joint effort ...
Submitted by Taka on
Christine,
I agree
Submitted by mark ashford on
Taka
Your comments about the Broncs and the Cowboys are spot on.
The Cows used to be called "the little brothers" but not any more.
Will be interesting to see what 2021 brings.
Submitted by The Butcher on
I thought the biggest disappointment was watching the Roosters but they live another day and get to play the most inexperienced finals side in Penrith It’s like the start of a new competition.
Easily the biggest disappointment was the Tigers they only had one job yes one job and then they get 6 months off to send out two of their greatest champions and they fell short again. They had that game and in true tigers style couldn’t keep up when it mattered.
But hats off to Parra who were playing to stay in the top 4 and never gave in like their opponents.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Good call Butcher you nailed it probally stretched it a bit saying they were more disappointing than the roosters.
Spot on again with panthers final experience.
Submitted by Guru Craig on
If Benji doesnt get hurt it's a solid Tigers win.
This round is just insane so far - Souths were brilliant, but if you score 60 your opposition has stopped trying at some point. You would think it's too much to turn around inside a week...but then The Chookies are professional, if they can get the first try next week the confidence will come back. Probably see a lot less of Gal's best mate tho...
No idea what's going on at Cronulla, one man side perhaps? Johnson out of that team and they're reserve grade.
The Guru doesn't get this modern culture of patting a bloke on the back when he's dropped the ball, trying to make him
feel better. Are these girls too soft to cop a spray? where is the motivation to NOT drop the bloody thing next time? and to make that ten times worse, there are players in the NRL who look like an U8 player who's just afraid to make the tackle on a tougher kid...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Steel
Your Warriors snag another win in their last game this season. No finals footy but they can hold their heads high. They head home to family and friends and what I hope is a huge welcome.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hi Mark
Yes what a nice way to end a tough season. I have bagged these dudes for years but finally some heart shown which is all a supporter can ask for. The old Warriors would have caved but each week they have been competitive in difficult circumstances. So proud of what I have seen in 2020. Still a wee way to go for the players though as 14 days isolation awaits them in NZ.
Hope you are well mate!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
DFB & DFG
You must be happy to see the Dragons end their season with a win even though against a very under strength Storm. I can't understand why your club has let Frizelle go, surely one of your best as he was tonight. RL clubs continue to amaze me.
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Mark,
Thank you mate! I really appreciate that! I would say that I am that sort of type that isn't that stereotypical modern day 20 year old. I wouldn't say old fashioned but I am a well-mannered guy who doesn't get into much trouble and never would not and throughout the years, i've treated my parents with the uttermost respect so I have been raised well. I am very lucky with the young lady I have , she is a good one
Cheers!!!!
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
mark sure nice to see the boys finish off with the W. Even against an under strength side. It is a shame really! But it is what it is, he sure did play well in his final game for the Red V. We even let young Tristan Sailor go but we'll have to wait to see what Griffin does next season with the squad that he ends up with. He is a good coach so it'll be intriguing
Cheers
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Hey ChickenChopper
Let me educate on Panthers current starting side finals experience. Yes, we have a handful chomping at the bit to have their first crack, but otherwise here are the facts about who has played and do they know how to win one. Plenty of experience in the fowards where finals are often won, and a good amount in the spine of the team. I think we are good to go.
Happy to chat especially Friday post-game, but please don’t come armoured with nothing but untruth. Makes you look like you don’t follow the game too good.
1.Dylan Edwards - 2 semis - winner? (yes)
2. Josh Mansour - 6 semis - winner? (yes - notably week 1 2014)
3. Steve Crichton - no finals just chomping
4. Brent Naden - no finals just chomping
5. Brian To’o - no finals just chomping
6. Jerome Luai - no finals just chomping
7. Nathan Cleary - 6 finals - winner? (yes)
13. Liam Martin - no finals just chomping
12. Isaiah Yeo - 6 finals - winner? (yes)
11. James Fisher-Harris - 6 finals - winner? (yes)
10. Wiliame Kikau - 2 finals - winner? (yes)
9. Api Koroisau - 4 finals - winner? (yes - notably 2014 Premiership ring)
8. James Tamou - 15 finals - winner? (yes- notably 2015 Premiership ring)
————-
14 Tyrone May - 4 finals - winner? (yes)
15. Spencer Lenui - no finals just chomping
16. Moses Leota - 4 finals - winner? (yes)
17. Zane Tetevano - 6 finals - winner? (yes - you should know -
2018 Premiership ring)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
*that’s forwards not fowards - one thousand apologies.
Submitted by The Butcher on
Hey Potato Scalloper
I only tell the truth and like I said when you compare the Panthers experience with the storm and the Roosters their not even in the ball park.
You got one hell of a team but unfortunately too many just chomping.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Funny that you, not so long ago, scoffed at the importance of the past. That you make you somewhat, .. just can’t think of the right word, .. sorry.
Anyhow, good luck on Friday to your visiting team at Panthers Stadium. Sorry to hear about Jake’s jaw. I’m sure you would agree, Radley and Friend out, means you aren’t fielding anywhere near your best, and somehow need to win away to the greatest winning streak brought to the finals in 113 seasons.
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