Round twelve selections

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm – Thursday night – Suncorp Stadium

Chris Lewis personifies, in so many ways, what the Melbourne Storm do so well. He was, to be blunt, a park footballer, plying his trade in the second row with the Thirroul Butchers and the Helensburgh Tigers. He ended up in Caloundra as a history teacher with the local high school and lacing on the boots with the Sunshine Coast Falcons. The Falcons are the Queensland tendril of the Melbourne Storm empire, which meant Lewis the teacher and park footballer was now a part of the most professional sporting club (of any code) in the country. In round eleven of the NRL, Lewis was handed the number six jersey for the defending premiers. The Storm were unable to name any of their first choice spine for the match, so Lewis was paired up with Cooper Johns who was playing just his third NRL match. They also had to travel to Canberra and take on a proper football side in front of the Viking Army. The Storm won in a canter. Lewis will be playing in the six jersey again on Thursday night, alongside Jahrome Hughes who returns for this match. I should probably be talking about the Broncos and their gallant win over the Chooks last weekend. I should probably be talking about journeyman Albert Kelly, a footballer whose ear is barely attached to his head. I should probably be talking about Anthony Milford, who gets his last chance in the halves for the Broncos for what seems like the tenth time. Chris Lewis gets the attention today, because his story is bloody terrific. His opposite number on Thursday night earns thirteen times what Lewis gets paid, and it won't matter one jot. The Storm usually belt the Broncos at Lang Park by about 50. At first glance you wouldn't think that could happen again on Thursday night, but the Storm have scored 220 points in their last five games, so it could.

Verdict – Storm by 16

North Queensland Cowboys vs New Zealand Warriors – Friday night – Queensland Country Bank Stadium

How good is Reece Walsh? I'm not the first to ask that question, but I will offer this answer - he's good enough to retain the fullback position while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck plays on a wing. Somehow the Warriors beat the Tigers last week, but the Tigers do have a habit of losing games they shouldn't. The Cowboys have been on a bit of a run of late and are on the fringe of the top eight, but their engine room will have a few cogs (Molo, Taumalolo, and Lachlan Burrmalolo) unavailable this week. Coen Hess (who doesn't rhyme with the others) returns this week but they face a Warriors pack that is strong enough to have Tevaga, Au Mau, Afoa and Murdoch-Masila on the bench. Earlier this year the Warriors beat the Cowboys 24-20 and I'm expecting another close contest here.

Verdict – Warriors by 2

Wests Tigers vs St George Illawarra Dragons – Friday night – Bankwest Stadium

In round 8 these sides met down in Wollongong where the Tigers prevailed 16-8. That losing Dragons side included Dufty, Lomax, Kerr and McGuire - all four won't be available on Friday night. The Tigers side is much the same plus one James Roberts who returns on the wing. Given all that I'll pick the home side in this, although keen followers of my tips will be aware that my record when I tip the Tigers to win is pretty bloody awful.

Verdict – Tigers by 4

Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Saturday afternoon – BlueBet Stadium

You don't need me for this one, do you? 

Verdict – Panthers by 58

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday night – Stadium Australia

I haven't had a lot of luck tipping outsiders this season, but I am nothing if not stubborn/determined/deluded. For reasons I cannot understand the Bunnies are a warm favourite in this. When facing top tier teams they have struggled - leaking 56 points last round and 50 points a few weeks prior to that. Even against moderate opposition they have conceded a total of 72 points against the Titans, Raiders and Sharks. The Eels are clearly better than those three sides. I accept that Murray is back for the Bunnies and both he and Mitchell will be out to impress the NSW selectors, but I can't write off the Eels after one heavy loss to a very good side that had every reason to win like rockstars. I also accept that Campbell-Gillard is a big out for the Eels but they can win this, and they're likely to get the majority of the crowd support out at Stadium Australia even though they are the away team.

Verdict – Eels by 4

Sydney Roosters vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Central Coast Stadium

For a very long time, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has been known as a man who has a fantastic relationship with his players. It seems difficult to fathom, but it's possible that Ricky has 'lost the room'. A good chunk of the starting seventeen 'liked' the instagram post from George Willams yesterday, and while I'm the last person to tip a football team based on what's happening on social media, it appears that the Raiders may be a fractured group. They are certainly playing that way, losing six of their last seven games, with their one victory a narrow win over the Bulldogs. The Roosters have a whole bunch of issues managing their roster too, but at least the players they do have available will all be on the same page.

Verdict – Roosters by 4

Cronulla Sharks vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – C. ex Coffs International Stadium

While both these sides won last week, you couldn't argue that a one point win over a depleted Dragons (by the Sharks) and a ten point win over the Bulldogs (by the Titans) is glowing form. Because I was looking for an excuse to avoid washing the car I watched the Sharks beat the Dragons. I should have washed the car. As wins go, that was about as average as they get. They'll need to be better than that, and they haven't been better than that for a while. David Fifita is back for the Titans, and he could score enough points to beat the Sharks on his own.

Verdict – Titans by 14

Newcastle Knights vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium

The Sea Eagles have now won five of their last six and look every inch a top eight side. During that period they have scored 208 points and kept their opponent to 6 points or less on four occasions. Meanwhile the Knights have lost seven of their last nine, with their only victories coming against teams that appear to have issues (Raiders and Sharks). Ponga returns, and perhaps his inclusion will spark the Knights in the same way that the Sea Eagles fullback has reignited their season. Perhaps. 

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 10

Wally Lewis - round twelve selections (in bold)

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

  • Broncos vs STORM
  • Cowboys vs WARRIORS
  • TIGERS vs Dragons
  • PANTHERS vs Bulldogs
  • RABBITOHS vs Eels
  • ROOSTERS vs Raiders
  • SHARKS vs Titans
  • Knights vs SEA EAGLES

INDIGENOUS ROUND 2021 - BAKER BOY x FOX LEAGUE - MEDITJIN

Comments

The Thinker's picture

Greetings football fans

I have updated the NRL ladder and the tipping comp after round 11.

You know there's been a genuine upset when not one tipster finds the winner - and that was the case with the Broncos win over the Roosters in Sydney. That said, 8 tipsters top scored with 7 from 8 (scott m, twenty20, Catdog, scotty h, rob181, ARELBEE169, BigPeteBx and Stallion). Well done to you all.

If anyone notices any errors with the scoring just let me know and I will resolve.

I will have my previews and selections for round 12 published on Wednesday.

All the best

The Thinker

The Thinker's picture

Which town wants to put their hand up and host a State of Origin game if they have to move it from Melbourne?

Somewhere neutral would be nice...maybe Townsville :-)

Mike T's picture

Maybe even Darwin, sounds good to me.

Christine's picture

Blake green has retired effective immediately ...

Mary S's picture

Townsville would be great thanks!!
Cheers,
Mary

a's picture

Hopefully Townsville

Baggy_Gee's picture

Why not, they have the infrastructure, and a closer link to NRL than Victoria. If the ground will hold a decent 45,000+ spectators and has the necessary T.V. ability then play one at Suncorp, one at the SCG and take the third game on the road. Only make the first game in QLD or NSW where it will be more viewed.

Mary S's picture

Hi Baggy,
Unfortunately, the new stadium in Townsville has a capacity of 25,000 people, but with the restrictions that keep rearing their ugly head, that might be OK!
It has the necessary TV ability.

Cheers,
Mary

newbie from perth's picture

"Dia duit gach duine" i dteanga ní mo theanga féin,

Some comment lengths are a bit longer than usual (Broncos and Roosters obviously) so apologies up front for that. Also, this week’s Roosters vs. Raiders game was the one they were supposed to play here in Perth that I was gonna go watch but that damned "virus" messed that up 😣. Oh well, one day (maybe).

Obviously I’m disappointed that my BBB lost against the Broncos last week but credit where credit’s due, the Broncos were far better on the day and that’s all that matters in the end. While I’m disappointed, I’m also strangely happy that all our long suffering Bronco fans on here (you know who you are) have finally got some joy seeing as it was a win against a quality side. Savour the moment my friends 😍.

I’m (obviously) gutted that Victor got 5 weeks but hey, them’s the breaks. He’s admitted he got it wrong last week but he won’t be changing his tackling style. I will stick my neck out here and say that I agree on both counts. I love how he plays and he brings so much to our games and if he changed, the Roosters would suffer. Also gutted that Angus got 2 weeks. He’s the only bloke who wears a “man-bun” that I’m willing to overlook 😉. I don’t like “man-buns” per se but for some reason it looks good on him. Strange I know. Meh, whatever. OK, let’s do this thang…

Broncos vs. Storm 20-80 @ Suncorp
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm

Broncos
Not exactly sure what the Broncos plan was or who came up with it but it worked an absolute treat last week against the Roosters. The Broncos were on the front foot from the get-go and after a fight-back from the Roosters the Qlders were heading into the sheds 16-14 ahead. The Ponies then upped their game a bit in the second half and the Roosters struggled to counter and the Broncos earned a very well deserved and comprehensive 34-16 win. A very impressive display without doubt. Beating the Roosters by 18 at the SCG is testament to that. Will last week’s showing continue this week for the Broncos though? Bronco fans must be wondering where Kelly and Mead have been all year. They both made a big difference for sure. Other good efforts from Pangai Jnr and Lodge rounded off a superb all round (and fiery) effort from the Broncos. I can’t believe the Roosters were ahead 117-12 in the last two encounters against the Broncos and then the Broncos come out and slap ‘em silly (especially since Manly put 50 past the Broncos the week before 😱). Finally, I must say that I watched the highlights online (it was hard to do but necessary) and initially thought “what a magnificent try” to Keenan Palasia but it turns out it was metre forward and the refs missed it. Meh, wouldn’t have made any difference anyway 😁. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 93% (39/42)
Line Breaks - 3
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 37
Ineffective Tackles - 15
Kicks - 24 for 600 metres
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 5
On Reports - 2
Sin Bins - 2

Storm
The Storm were jumped by the Raiders in the first 15 minutes last week but eventually got their act together and scored a couple of tries and went into the break leading 12-10. After the Raiders went into “sleep mode” the Storm piled on the points (six unanswered tries) and kept the Raiders scoreless for the second half. They were just too good and had many contributors. Best of them were Nicho Hynes (who needs Pap eh?), Big Nelson and Brandon Smith. Just as a side note, of all the sides running around at the moment, I reckon the Storm are the only ones capable of upsetting the Panthers in the GF. Let’s wait and see eh? Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 82% (32/39)
Line Breaks - 6
Tackle Breaks - 34
Missed Tackles - 19
Ineffective Tackles - 20
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 5

Verdict: in my mind, the Broncos won’t be able to replicate last week’s effort against a side like the Storm. The Purple Machine for me.

Cowboys vs. Warriors 45-55 @ Townsville
Ladder Position = Warriors
Bookies Favourite = Warriors

Cowboys
The Cowboys coasted to a 16-0 lead after just 17 minutes last week against the Knights but allowed their opposition back into the game after JT and Lachlan Burr both got binned within 4 minutes of each other. At half-time it was 16-all and it was anyone’s game. As it turned out, it didn’t actually work out that way. The Knights scored 20 unanswered points so the Cowboys decided they’d do the same in the second half and that was enough to see them win the match 36-20. The Cowboys’ discipline was a tad worrying, racking up 4 “on reports” and 2 sin bins. Their left edge attack was dominant though and the win was well deserved and they did well to overcome having 2 players in the bin at roughly the same time in the first half. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 80% (33/41)
Line Breaks - 11
Tackle Breaks - 33
Missed Tackles - 29
Ineffective Tackles - 25
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 6

Warriors
The Warriors fought back after the Tigers got off to a nice start and led 18-10 at the break. It was a somewhat even second half but the Warriors did what they had to do and finally ran out deserved 30-26 winners. The effort from young Reece Walsh was simply outstanding. Now we can see why RTS was so keen for him to get an early start. The Warriors did have some issues with discipline though with 2 sin-bins in the second half but last weekend was chock-full of sin-bins anyway. The Warriors were behind 3 times in the match but Walsh seemed to drag them upwards and onwards with him. Best for mine were Reece Walsh (obviously), RTS, Tohu Harris and Nikorima. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 47%
Completion Rate - 81% (29/36)
Tackle Breaks - 22
Missed Tackles - 39
Ineffective Tackles - 14
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 5

Verdict: This is a tough one. Neither side screams out at me. Cowboys are missing JT while the Warriors have Reece lighting it up. Yeah, might go the Warriors but without a great deal of confidence.

Tigers vs. Dragons 60-40 @ Bankwest
Ladder Position = Dragons
Bookies Favourite = Tigers

Tigers
The Tigers started well against the Warriors last week but they let the Warriors back into it and at half-time the Tigers were behind 18-10. Even though the Warriors had 2 guys in the bin, all the Tigers could muster during that time was 2 penalty goals. The Tigers had some chances but were just too hesitant when their opposition were undermanned and eventually lost a close one 30-26. Like I mentioned last week, Luke Brooks seems to have worked things out and is slowly improving and heading towards his true potential. Thought Garner had a decent crack too. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 53%
Completion Rate - 78% (32/41)
Tackle Breaks - 39
Missed Tackles - 22
Ineffective Tackles - 19
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 1

Dragons
The Dragons were under the pump in the first half last week against the Sharks but they defended well and were just 6-2 down at the break. They gave it their all despite being missing a number of regulars (the fallout from Round 10 obviously) and went down by the slimmest of margins 13-12 in a golden point thriller. They played a gutsy game but their finishing at key moments in the match proved their downfall. But hey, they never backed away and were strong for the most part. It was a very good effort as far as I was concerned with Ben Hunt’s contribution first-rate. I could be wrong here (I often am 🤪) but the better side could quite possibly have lost. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 78% (35/45)
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 36
Ineffective Tackles - 11
Errors - 13

Verdict: Another tough one for my tiny brain to ponder. I might just go the Dragons.

Panthers vs. Bulldogs 90-10 @ Panthers Stadium
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers

Panthers
Another impressive effort from the Panthers last week. Went about their job in a professional and clinical manner and did what good teams do. Great contributions from Cleary, To’o, Burton and Fisher-Harris. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 59%
Completion Rate - 89% (39/44)
Line Breaks - 9
Tackle Breaks - 37
Missed Tackles - 28
Ineffective Tackles - 20
Errors - 6
Penalties Conceded - 8

Bulldogs
The Bulldogs came back late into the first half last week against the Titans and were in touch heading into the sheds 18-10 down. They had a pretty good second half and got to within 4 points of the Titans but the Titans just held them out and the Bulldogs finally succumbed 30-20. They showed some improvement but they tired and made some poor choices which didn’t help. All in all they kept trying and it was an encouraging effort of sorts. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 77% (33/43)
Tackle Breaks - 24
Missed Tackles - 26
Ineffective Tackles - 23
Errors - 10

Verdict: Panthers.

Rabbitohs vs. Eels 55-45 @ Stadium Australia
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Rabbitohs
To be honest, the Rabbitohs never looked likely last week against the Panthers. Not quite sure if they never turned up or whether they were simply outgunned by the Panthers. I’m leaning more to the latter. As if letting in 50 against the Storm in Round 9 wasn’t bad enough, they have now had 56 put on them by the Panthers in last week’s 56-12 flogging. Admittedly they were up against a red-hot Panthers machine but they showed very little defence-wise and attack-wise. After last week’s lack of effort, I cannot believe they are favourites to beat the Eels this week 😱. Are the bookies serious or do they know something that I don’t? Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 41%
Completion Rate - 78% (25/32)
Line Breaks - 2
Tackle Breaks - 28
Missed Tackles - 37
Ineffective Tackles - 18
Errors - 6
Penalties Conceded - 12

Eels
The Eels simply got ambushed last week by a Manly side that was more enthusiastic and who were riding on the emotional wave brought about by Bobby Fulton’s passing 😢. Heading into the break they were down 16-6 even though Manly had Lawton binned at the 29’ mark. Now it’s been a long time since the Eels have been scoreless in the second half but that’s what happened to them last week. Manly’s forward pack had the wood over the Eels and it all became too much for them as they went into panic mode when in attack. The Eels’ right edge defence was a liability and they’ll need to address that this week. Try as they did, they just had no answer to Manly’s game plan. It happens to everyone now and then but in the end the Eels were convincingly beaten 28-6. As Eels coach Brad Arthur said … "We were off the pace, they beat us on every part of the field I reckon." Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 53%
Completion Rate - 81% (35/43)
Line Breaks - 4
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 41
Ineffective Tackles - 29
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 8

Verdict: Both teams desperately need to “bounce back”, the Rabbitohs especially. I’m worried that Wayne will weave his magic but I’ll opt for the Eels in this one 🤞.

Roosters vs. Raiders 70-30 @ Central Coast
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters

Roosters
What can I say about the Roosters last week against the Broncos? They got ambushed early in the first half, fought back late and went to the break 16-14 down. The second half they got “sucked in” and responded the wrong way and paid the price, losing 34-16 to a far more focussed Broncos. Definitely a wake-up call for my BBB. Basically they were out-played and out-smarted by the Broncos “plan”. Very disappointed with our discipline and the fact that we couldn’t remain patient and professional enough. To be brutally honest, the Roosters were pretty ordinary (they struggled) and didn’t deserve to win that. I’m gutted that Radley got 5 weeks and Crichton got 2. Can our season get any worse? 😱 What a shame this was the game that Joseph Suaalii debuted in. He did well enough I suppose (ran for 121 metres, made 2 tackle breaks and the solitary line-break) but not exactly how I hoped he’d go like. At least he played the full 80 minutes. I think teams are on the lookout now for those long passes from Sam Walker. Cost the Roosters a try last week (not that it mattered really) and Sam needs to work on his goal kicks more after a poor 1 from 3 last week. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 74% (25/34)
Line Breaks - 7
Tackle Breaks - 37
Missed Tackles - 32
Ineffective Tackles - 19
Kicks - 9 for 262 metres
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 10
On Reports - 8
Sin Bins - 2

Raiders
The Raiders started really well last week against the Storm and had a 10-0 lead after just 14 minutes. But guess what happened then? They unfortunately slipped back into their now (very) worrying second half “fade out” mindset and after the Storm ran in 6 unanswered tries, the Raiders lost another disappointing one 34-10. I realise this is all in their heads (confidence-wise) but surely they’ve had enough time to get this sorted (just don’t get it sorted this week against a “vulnerable” Roosters 🙏). Ricky must be almost ready to throw the towel in I reckon. At least they’ll have some players back this week. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 68% (25/37)
Line Breaks - 1
Tackle Breaks - 19
Missed Tackles - 35
Ineffective Tackles - 33
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 3

Verdict: Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

Sharks vs. Titans 45-55 @ Coffs Harbour
Ladder Position = Titans
Bookies Favourite = Titans

Sharks
In a low scoring affair, the Sharks led 6-2 at the break and finally scraped home in a 13-12 golden point thriller last week against the Dragons. The Sharks had enough opportunities to wrap the game up (in normal time) but somehow found a way to make it hard for themselves. If not for Corey Norman fluffing field goal attempts, the Sharks could’ve quite easily lost that one. Luckily for them, Chad Townsend eventually kicked the field goal that got them home. Overall not a great display but no doubt they’ll take that somewhat fortuitous win. Fortuitous in that (villain, turned hero) Hiroti made that nice run to get the Sharks in prime position for Townsend to drill the winner. Really nice effort from Will Kennedy it must be said and backed up well by Toby Rudolf. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 79% (38/48)
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 36
Ineffective Tackles - 9
Errors - 11

Titans
The Titans were leading the Bulldogs 18-10 at half-time last week but they had to work for it. Actually, they had to work hard for the 30-20 win as well. The Bulldogs got to within 4 points but AJ Brimson scored a try in the 77th minute to get them home. Not a convincing performance by any stretch but they were missing some important bodies (Fifita, Peachey, Ese’ese & Ash Taylor) so they’ll certainly take that win. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 85% (33/39)
Tackle Breaks - 26
Missed Tackles - 24
Ineffective Tackles - 20
Errors - 10

Verdict: I think the Titans might have some bodies back so I’ll give ‘em another chance. Titans.

Knights vs. Manly 30-70 @ McDonald Jones
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Manly

Knights
The Knights found themselves down 16-0 in the first half last week against the Cowboys but they fought back due mainly to Jason Taumalolo and Lachlan Burr being sin-binned at roughly the same time. It was 16-all at the break and when they scored another try in the 46th minute, they had scored 20 unanswered points. Unfortunately for the Knights, the Cowboys then went and scored 20 unanswered points of their own and the Knights got beat 36-20. After finally getting in front, the Knights gradually drifted off course as the second half progressed with their right edge defence of some concern. The Knights’ defence seemed to be lacking some stability for large parts of the game. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 79% (31/39)
Line Breaks - 4
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 33
Ineffective Tackles - 10
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 3

Manly
Manly scored 3 tries to one in the first half last week against the Eels (even with Lawton in the bin from the 29’ mark) and went into the break leading 16-6. It was a great effort by Manly to keep the Eels scoreless in the second half and they went on to win an emotional match (Bobby Fulton 😢 inspired no doubt) 28-6. Manly exploited the Eels’ right side defence on numerous occasions and when Garrick scored off a beautiful pass from Schuster 6 minutes into the second half, I think the writing was on the wall for the Eels. The Manly forward pack did a wonderful job I thought. Last week’s match was the first time I’ve had a proper look at young Schuster and boy was I impressed 💪. He is a definite good’un. Manly’s emotional, passionate and hard fought win (while being a man down in each half) was a tribute to the great Bobby Fulton that will be remembered for a long time down at Brookvale for sure. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 47%
Completion Rate - 78% (32/41)
Line Breaks - 8
Tackle Breaks - 41
Missed Tackles - 36
Ineffective Tackles - 23
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: Getting on the “gravy-train” here. Manly for me.

Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”. Superbly crafted song with beautifully delivered vocals. Uplifting (for me). Shame it didn’t chart elsewhere in the world besides AU and NZ.

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

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

Dragons-fanboy's picture

Hello everyone, my tips for this week:

Storm by 20
Cowboys by 2
Panthers by 60
Rabbitohs by 4
Roosters by 10
Titans by 8
Manly by 14

Awesome! Good luck with everyone's tips for this week and with everyone's team for this week. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jennifer 2814's picture

Hi all,

First of all, thanks to those who always post comments and keep us informed. Love reading them.

Over to my tips for round 12,
Storms, cowboys, tigers, panthers, rabbits, roosters, sharks and sea eagles.

Happy tipping one and all.

Buzz105's picture

Looks like Jack DeBelin is finally free to play again after having had to miss the last two and a half seasons due to the No fault stand down policy.

I wish the lad well and hopefully he can get upto NRl speed quickly.

ps they should rename this policy to Guilty until proven innocent policy, as that's what it really is. I'm not a fan of this policy, as i still believe in innocent until proven guilty, not guilty and trial by media.

Each to their own though

The Thinker's picture

@Buzz

The NSW Blues are short of quality back-rowers.

They wouldn't, would they?

mark ashford's picture

Buzz105
Agree completely with your comment on Jack deBelin. The basis of law in Australia is innocent until proven guilty yet the NRL has gone down a different path. Is it right or fair only the NRL can answer that. I have followed the two trials that both ended in hung juries and won't be posting my personal views. I do feel sorry for all parties as I'm sure a not guilty verdict for Jack would have been the best result. He no doubt will be sledged when he runs on. I'm also sure the young lady would have preferred a different result as it takes enormous courage for a woman to bring a rape charge. Media frenzy makes me sick.

mark ashford's picture

Hey Newbie
Loved that SOTW mate, a truly beautiful voice but that's all I have to agree with you. Victor Radley has been a bit of a hot head much like Latrelle Mitchell when he was at the Roosters. Victor has a 5 week holiday for high shots and wacking guys lying on the ground. He says he won't change his style and that attitude in the current crack down will see him penalised out of the game. It's over to him and his coach to sort this out. He was a certainty for the Blues but will miss games 1 & 2.
Someone needs to talk to him.

Scotty H's picture

Rd 12
Storm
Warriors
tigers
Panthers
Rabbits
Camberra
Titans
Manly

a's picture

Lillychino Scotty h and MGM please put your tip in my 3 strike comp

TigerGirl's picture

Good evening Thinker my Tips didn’t save again last week.
They were Cowboys, Tigers, Sharks, Titans, Roosters, Storm, Panthers and Eels. I can email you the photo of the Tips I took. I have double checked that this weeks have saved.

Christine's picture

Put my tips in as
Storm
Warriors
Manly
Panthers
Souths
Roosters
Titans
Tigers
Enjoy everyone the games everyone ...

a's picture

Oh shoot sorry I did enter my tips but they didn’t submit

But they are as follow

Storm
Cowboys
Tigers
Panthers
Eels
Roosters
Titans
Manly

Could you please submit them thinker

tigerholic's picture

Morning All
Hope everyone is well and warm and if from Victoria, stay safe.

Thinker-I was just reading your previews and comments, I now wish you had of tipped the Dragons as you mentioned you have a terrible record when tipping the Tigers. Hopefully by just admitting that the footy gods may shine down upon us and see the Tigers home.

Last nights sin bins-0 was a bit different to the last few weeks. When you look at the tackles though they were not in direct contact with the players heads which would result in going on report and 10 in the bin.

I hope everyone has a great Friday, Tiger has a corporate day at golf, going to watch the son's U13 Div 1 match tonight and then home early enough to watch the Tigers V Dragons.

Have a great weekend folks, hope you all stay safe.

Tiger

The Thinker's picture

@TigerGirl

I have sent you an email

All the best

The Thinker

The Thinker's picture

Following on from earlier discussions - it appears Townsville is firming as the likely venue for Origin game one.

Mary S's picture

What a nail-biting finish to the Cowboys/Warriors game!!!!!!!
Cheers,
Mary

a's picture

Yes I absolutely love the Panthers and bulldogs game

Jennifer 2814's picture

Hi all,

Very down hearted, what a let down sea eagles......

Anonymous's picture

Lots of unexpected results this weekend and a tough round on the tipping !
One thing that Did happen as expected was the inconsistency of this judicial crackdown ... so frustrating.
So unfair that a team's success and place on the ladder is mainly dependent on which group of muppets is officiating.

In all fairness to the referees, the center stage for this "muppet show" is in the bunker.
But , as much as I respect him , the director is Peter V'landys.

Anonymous's picture

Then there's the Varying lengths of time that teams are doing without often their top players .

MGM's picture

Sorry, thought I was logged in for those last two comments.
I must take the blame!

iWedges's picture

Hey mate, I’ve sent you a email regarding your website! Not sure if you have gotten it or it’s the wrong email! If you could let me know the best place to contact you that would be great! Please and thankyou!

The latest in NRL news