Newcastle Knights vs Gold Coast Titans – Thursday night – Sunshine Coast Stadium
The Knights have done enough to ensure a top eight finish this season, although it's noteworthy that the five teams below them all have a better for and against record this season. While I'm here I'll note that the NRL draw can be entirely unfair at times. This season the Knights have only had to play the top three teams once, but they've played the bottom three teams twice. Still, they're in the finals, so good luck to them. For the Titans to make the top eight they probably need to win both their games - so plenty to play for on Thurdsay night. Some significant line-up changes for the Titans, with their most expensive forward (Fifita) relegated (again) to the bench, and their most expensive back (Taylor) dropped from the seventeen altogether. David Peachey joins Fogarty in the halves, with Campbell retained at fullback until Brimson is available. Proctor has been named but could be a late withdrawal - given the importance of this game for the Titans I expect he will strap himself together and lace on the boots. I can't imagine there would be a lot of Gold Coast fans on the Sunshine Coast, but they are the only Queensland team with any hope of making the finals so they may find a bit of support. Last week the Titans were competitive against the Storm, while the Knights did barely enough to beat the Bulldogs. I'd say that Titans form looks stronger, and they'll want this more.
Verdict – Titans by 4
Result – Knights 15 defeated Titans 14
New Zealand Warriors vs Canberra Raiders – Friday night – BB Print Stadium (Mackay)
Two teams sitting in that delicate position where their finals fate is dependent on the results of others. It's not a great place to be, but at least they're in with a shot. The Warriors welcome back Nikorima and Lodge and O'Sullivan replaces Tevita-Harris in the halves. The Raiders are much the same as last week, although they welcome back Corey Hursburgh who was borrowed by the Bulldogs for a few weeks. Should the Warriors lose, their season is definitely over, but they'll find this hard. The Raiders on the other hand, should find this easier following competitive losses to the Storm and the Sea Eagles. I think they are the one team outside the top four with the potential to give the better teams a fright in the finals campaign. For that reason alone, I'd be happy if they make it.
Verdict – Raiders by 2
Result – Raiders 28 defeated Warriors 16
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
Previously I've listed the Roosters that are unavailable so I won't list them again, but you can now add Keighran, Butcher (Nat) and Copley to that list. The unavailable Roosters would almost beat the available Roosters. Of greatest concern is the Chooks backline, and now they face off against what could be the most dangerous backline in the competition. Given the Rabbits deep hatred for their oldest opponent you can be sure they won't go easy on them. The Chooks will try as they have all season, but I think their place in the top four is in peril.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 22
Result – Rabbitohs 54 defeated Roosters 12
St George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys – Saturday afternoon – Browne Park (Rockhampton)
Here's an unusual set of circumstances - neither of these teams have won a game since they had their last bye. The similarities don't end there - both teams played the Warriors in their game before the bye, and both teams won by one point. Many of those Dragons celebrated that momentous victory with the world's most expensive sausage sizzle, and they've been spinning around the plughole ever since. Mathematically they could still make the finals, but the odds of that are Dragzillion to one. The Cowboys season has probably been over for longer - they've lost ten in a row and have slipped to second last on the ladder. They do have some important inclusions this week, with Taumalolo, Feldt and Taulagi back into the starting thirteen. Given those names, and the venue, I'll pick the Cowboys.
Verdict – Cowboys by 2
Result – Cowboys 38 defeated Dragons 26
Cronulla Sharks vs Brisbane Broncos – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium
I'm getting the Broncos wrong almost every week, so feel free to ignore all this. There are some doubts over Xavier Coates but he was running with the team just an hour ago. David Mead played opposite him and he's the logical replacement if Coates needs to rest his elbow. That's the only possible change for the team that were narrow winners last week. The Sharks are currently in 8th spot but could still miss the finals even if they win their last two games. They'll be very keen to win this, given they're up against the Storm next week.
Verdict – Sharks by 4
Result – Sharks 24 defeated Broncos 16
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium
The Eels got the points last week but this is a real test of where they are. Interestingly, the Eels are one of just two teams that have beaten the Storm this season. That was back in round two, when the Eels were going better than they are now. The Storm rested players last week and won regardless, and this week they'll welcome back Smith, Olam and Ieremia. Kamikamika is on an extended bench and is likely to be given another week. Note also there are some suggestions that Munster may get a rest this week. The Eels have lost Sivo but do get Ferguson back. They need more than Ferguson the winger - they'll need Ferguson the truck to win this. If it wasn't already sealed, the Storm seal the minor premiership with a win on Saturday night. Lock it in.
Verdict – Storm by 14
Result – Eels 22 defeated Storm 10
Manly Sea Eagles vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – Moreton Daily Stadium (Redcliffe)
For those trying to win NRL trivia competitions, the biggest winning margin in a game this season is 66 points. It was in round 16, between these two sides, and you all know which side won. Here's another sobering statistic - the Bulldogs have scored 284 points this season. Manly winger Reuben Garrick has scored 274 points this season. A big win here and Garrick can outscore the entire Bulldogs team for the season. If that happens, the Sea Eagles are also back in the top four. Looks inevitable.
Verdict – Sea Eagles by 38
Result – Sea Eagles 36 defeated Bulldogs 18
Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers – Sunday afternoon – Moreton Daily Stadium (Redcliffe)
I go and give the Tigers a wrap last week and they let me down...again. When will I learn? Note that both Sunday games are at Redcliffe this weekend, and this week the three potential expansion teams (Dolphins, Firehawks, Jets) offered their final pitches to the NRL for inclusion in an expanded competition some time soon. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Mr V'Landys hangs around in Queensland for any kind of announcements. If not expansion news, perhaps news on where the NRL finals will be played. Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Auckland all seem out of contention. That leaves Queensland I suppose...who have already picked up whatever the Rugby Union competition is called this year. The turf at Lang Park will need some love and attention soon. Still, it will be nice if The Thinker can wander down the road for a NRL grand final. Fingers crossed. Tigers hopeless. Panthers specials. Dolphins surely.
Verdict – Panthers by specials (let's say 58)
Result – Panthers 30 defeated Tigers 16
Wally Lewis - round twenty four selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- KNIGHTS vs Titans
- Warriors vs RAIDERS
- Roosters vs RABBITOHS
- DRAGONS vs Cowboys
- SHARKS vs Broncos
- STORM vs Eels
- SEA EAGLES vs Bulldogs
- PANTHERS vs Tigers
Comments
Submitted by Dragons-fanboy on
Hey everyone, my tips for this week are:
Knights by 2
Raiders by 10
Rabbitohs by 16
Dragons by 8
Sharks by 4
Storm by 30
Manly by 32
Panthers by 18
Awesome! Good luck with everyone's team for this week and with everyone's tips for this week. Cheers and enjoy your weekends everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by newbie from perth on
"Dia duit gach duine" i dteanga ní mo theanga féin,
Here we go, 2 more rounds and then finals footy 🤪. Doesn’t time fly eh? Just thinking the other day how lucky we are to have actually made this far. Hats off to players and their families (especially the Warriors), all the coaching staff, the NRL, support staff everywhere, all the leagues clubs all over and (I hate to give them credit for anything) the NSW and Qld governments.
Where’s everybody’s comments? Looks like the “fanboy” and myself are the only ones up late tonight 😁. Anyways, I’m late again so let’s do this thing …
Knights vs. Titans 50-50 @ Sunshine Coast
Ladder Position = Knights
Bookies Favourite = Knights
Knights
The Knights were made to work for the chocolates last week against the Bulldogs. Heading into the sheds they were 10-0 in front and even though they were outscored in the second half, they still managed to get home with a 22-16 win. Their execution was just a little better than the Bulldogs overall but it must be said they were far from impressive and their attacking plays looked sloppy at times. I had imagined they would do better against the wooden-spooners but the Doggies took it up to them. "We need to get better, we need to add layers to our game and in particular our attack. I've been really happy with our defence.” coach Adam O'Brien said.
Possession - 56%
Completion Rate - 84% (37/44)
All Run Metres - 2,000
Tackle Breaks - 22
Average Set Distance - 45.5m
Missed Tackles - 11
Ineffective Tackles - 17
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 4
Titans
It was a strong first half last week from the Titans up against the Storm. That try from Jayden Campbell where the ball was batted back and sat up perfectly as he ran onto it was an absolute joy to behold. Heading into the break they were leading 16-12 and you thought that maybe, just maybe, the boilover was on the cards. Unfortunately the Titans’ second half was less than desirable with too many errors and after the Storm scored tries at the 45, 57 and 61 minute marks, the game was effectively done and dusted and the Titans, although getting a late consolation try, were comfortably beaten 34-20. “Really good first half and then not good enough in the second half," Titans coach Justin Holbrook said.
Possession - 47%
Completion Rate - 71% (25/35)
Line Breaks - 4
Tackle Breaks - 19
Missed Tackles - 36
Ineffective Tackles - 16
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 5
Verdict: Why do I find some games so hard to pick? Titans.
Warriors vs. Raiders 35-65 @ Mackay
Ladder Position = Raiders
Bookies Favourite = Raiders
Warriors
The Warriors found themselves down 12-0 but grabbed a try to make it 12-4 heading into the sheds at half-time. They showed some renewed vigour in the second half and got to a 14-12 lead at the 49 minute mark. The Broncos fought back and it was a struggle for both sides to see who would come out on top. The Broncos were leading 24-18 with 8 minutes to go but then the Warriors were awarded a “dubious” try 2 minutes from time but Walsh missed the conversion (and a 2-point field goal attempt shortly after) and the Warriors lost a heartbreaker 24-22. Not so sure the try awarded to Euan Aitken in the 77th minute was actually a try but then again, if young Reece Walsh hadn’t missed 4 of those 5 conversions it wouldn’t have been an issue. Feel sorry for him actually, he must be feeling like s - - t thinking he may have lost that one because of his kicking. Oh well, that’s life and you just move on. "We need to be just a little better in some areas ... today to score more tries and get beat is disappointing but their kick attack is good and we just didn't do quite well with that on a couple of occasions" coach Nathan Brown said.
Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 83% (29/35)
Tackle Breaks - 30
Missed Tackles - 35
Ineffective Tackles - 9
Errors - 11
Raiders
A very good effort from the Raiders last week against Manly. Their first half defensive effort kept Manly scoreless and the Raiders were still able to score a couple of tries and head into the break 12-0 in front. While they had Manly’s measure in the first half, the second 40 wasn’t as good and Manly scored 19 unanswered points to get out to a 7 point lead with 2 minutes to go. The Raiders got one back through a late Nicholl-Klokstad try and that was followed by a desperate 2-point field goal attempt from Rapana which fell short and the Raiders lost a thriller 19-18. It was definitely a game they could have won. A fairly good display overall I thought.
Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 81% (34/42)
Line Breaks - 3
Tackle Breaks - 38
Missed Tackles - 51
Ineffective Tackles - 9
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 1
Verdict: Raiders.
Roosters vs. Rabbitohs 30-70 @ Suncorp
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs
Roosters
The Roosters had 10 points on the board after the first 15 minutes last week against the Dragons and with 7 minutes left in the first half they were 14-0 up but the Dragons got one back just before the siren and at half time it was 14-6. In the second half the Dragons scored 2 quick tries in a 3 minute period and were leading the Chooks 16-14 with 27 minutes to play. The Roosters stepped it up and ran in 4 tries in 14 minutes and put the result to bed. Another try to Tupou just before the final whistle saw the Roosters run out comfortable 40-22 winners. Another “masterclass” from Tedesco guided the Roosters to their win. His first half showcase was outstanding with 191 running metres (318 metres for the match), 5 tackle breaks (12 for the match) and 3 try assists (4 for the match). "It's a habit," said Roosters coach Trent Robinson. "It's marvellous but it's a habit." Without any prejudice whatsoever 😉, I thought the Roosters did a great job considering the players they have missing and considering they lost Keighran and Butcher during the course of the game.
Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 73% (30/41)
Line Breaks - 12
Tackle Breaks - 47
Average Set Distance - 49.1m
Missed Tackles - 35
Ineffective Tackles - 17
Errors - 15
Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs really turned it on in the first half last week against the Panthers. They raced to a 12-0 lead but the Panthers got back into the contest and going into the half-time break the Rabbitohs led 12-10. The enthusiasm they showed in the first half left the Bunnies in the second and the Panthers proved too strong in the end and closed the match out and the Bunnies went down 25-12. The Panthers’ 25 unanswered points (and the Rabbitohs remaining scoreless in the second 40) highlighted the gap between the two sides on the day. There were moments of poor discipline and some silly penalties and you can’t do that against the quality of the Panthers and expect to win. Interesting to see that out of the Rabbitohs’ forwards, Tom Burgess ran the most with just 105 metres. "We've just got a few more things we have to fix up a little bit more. We've been pretty consistent on that stuff, it just fell apart tonight" coach Wayne Bennett said.
Possession - 47%
Completion Rate - 74% (28/38)
Tackle Breaks - 31
Missed Tackles - 32
Ineffective Tackles - 11
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 11
Verdict: I’m pretty sure the Rabbitohs will smack my BBB silly but I’m still gonna tip the Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
Dragons vs. Cowboys 60-40 @ Rockhampton
Ladder Position = Dragons
Bookies Favourite = Dragons
Dragons
The Roosters put some points on the Dragons early in the first half last week but the Big Red V fought back admirably and through a late try they were only down 14-6. They started the second stanza well. They were dominating with possession and territory, scored 2 tries in 3 minutes and actually led the Chooks 16-14 with 27 minutes left on the clock. Unfortunately they weren’t able to restrict the Roosters scoring 4 tries in 14 minutes (and another one 30 seconds or so from time) and went down 40-22. Didn’t quite have the stamina or firepower last week but a pretty good effort nevertheless.
Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 78% (28/36)
Line Breaks - 5
Tackle Breaks - 35
Missed Tackles - 47
Ineffective Tackles - 28
Errors - 11
Cowboys
The Cowboys were still in the hunt heading into the sheds last week against the Eels and were only trailing 14-6. The Cowboys second half saw them gain some attacking momentum but their errors were costing them and once the Eels stepped up a gear, the Eels lost touch and finally went down in a disappointing loss 32-16. Some of the Cowboys’ defensive decisions were poor to be honest. That try they let Shaun Lane score was as soft as butter. "More often than not what's getting us in trouble is we're punching ourselves in the face with poor ball control," coach Todd Payten said. The Cowboys had more possession and a better completion rate than the Eels and should’ve made better use of the ball when they had it.
Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 75% (30/40)
Tackle Breaks - 25
Missed Tackles - 37
Ineffective Tackles - 16
Errors - 15
Penalties Conceded - 6
Verdict: I’m thinking the Dragons are due for a win and will bounce back from last week.
Sharks vs. Broncos 60-40 @ Suncorp
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks
Sharks
Even though the Tigers were first to score, I don’t think the Sharks ever looked in danger of losing last week’s match. Leading 16-4 at half-time, the Sharks went on with it in the second half. They were leading 34-20 with 14 minutes left on the clock and that would’ve been enough but they scored 3 more tries in an 8 minute period to totally put the result to bed and get an emphatic 50-20 win. Only concern would be how many errors they made and how many missed and ineffective tackles they registered. Other than that a pretty good effort against average opposition (sorry Tigers fans).
Possession - 53%
Completion Rate - 70% (28/40)
Line Breaks - 10
Tackle Breaks - 38
Missed Tackles - 39
Ineffective Tackles - 31
Errors - 15
Broncos
It took a while but the Broncos managed 2 tries in 4 minutes to get out to a 12 point lead before the Warriors got one back and at half-time the Broncos were in front 12-4. It was an effort that we all know they’re capable of. The Warriors had a good second half and were leading at one stage but the Broncos fought back and were back in the lead 24-18 with just 8 minutes to go. They withstood a late charge from the Warriors and held on to get home in an absolute thriller 24-22. A great display from Milford it must be said. Where has that form been all year? Maybe the pressure’s off him now and he just relaxed a bit and let his “normal” game show itself? Good effort from the Broncos considering they were without Tyson Gamble. Seeing as he’s gone for the year, I suppose it’s up to Milford now 😉. Gutsy win for the Broncos last week.
Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 79% (31/39)
Tackle Breaks - 35
Missed Tackles - 30
Ineffective Tackles - 8
Errors - 11
Verdict: Yeah, might just take a chance and tip the Broncos here.
Storm vs. Eels 80-20 @ Suncorp
Ladder Position =
Bookies Favourite =
Storm
Another impressive effort from the Storm last week. Went about their job in a professional and clinical manner and did what good teams do. Great contributions from Munster, Papenhuyzen and Grant.
Possession - 53%
Completion Rate - 73% (29/40)
Line Breaks - 9
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 19
Ineffective Tackles - 7
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 1
Eels
The Eels looked a lot better last week than recent outings and heading into the sheds they led the Cowboys 14-6. Much of the same in the second half and they got back on track and earned themselves a confidence-boosting 32-16 win. They made some errors along the way but eventually found some momentum. They weren’t at their usual best but the signs were there. They weathered the Cowboys attacking momentum in the second half with a bit of help from the Cowboys error count but all in all, a pleasing result for the club and their fans. "We didn't come here tonight expecting to get everything right but it's a start" coach Brad Arthur said.
Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 70% (32/46)
Tackle Breaks - 37
Missed Tackles - 25
Ineffective Tackles - 25
Errors - 15
Penalties Conceded - 4
Verdict: Storm.
Manly vs. Bulldogs 80-20 @ Redcliffe
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Manly
Manly
Manly were made to work for their win against the Raiders last week. The Raiders managed to choke the Manly attack in the first half to the extent that Manly went scoreless and heading into the sheds the Sea Eagles were trailing 12-0. Manly were far more collected in the second half though. They fought back and scored 19 unanswered points to get out to a 19-12 lead after Cherry-Evans slotted a field goal to give them that “buffer”. They weathered a late try “scare” from the Raiders and eventually scraped home in a 19-18 thriller. Even though they won, Manly are definitely less potent without Turbo. That game, as evidenced by the final scoreline, could have gone either way. Just as well Cherry-Evans had a great kicking game in the second half.
Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 79% (34/43)
Line Breaks - 5
Tackle Breaks - 51
Missed Tackles - 38
Ineffective Tackles - 5
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 3
Bulldogs
The Bulldogs defended fairly well in the first half last week against the Knights and at the break they had minimised the damage somewhat and were only down 10-0. While they did outscore the Knights in the second half their scoreless first 40 cost them and the gallant Doggies went down 22-16. The Bulldogs laboured hard for the entire match and were basically always in with a chance but unfortunately they just fell short. "Just disappointed for them that we couldn't get a win, couldn't get an outcome, because they did work really hard," coach Trent Barrett said.
Possession - 44%
Completion Rate - 80% (28/35)
Tackle Breaks - 11
Missed Tackles - 22
Ineffective Tackles - 14
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 7
Verdict: Manly.
Panthers vs. Tigers 80-20 @ Redcliffe
Ladder Position =
Bookies Favourite =
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, Martin and Yeo.
Possession - 53%
Completion Rate - 88% (38/43)
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 31
Ineffective Tackles - 11
Errors - 7
Penalties Conceded - 2
Tigers
The Tigers did mange the first try last week against the Sharks but fell away and looked a bit scrappy. Going into the sheds the Tigers were behind 16-4. Their second half effort was pretty poor but even so they were (sorta) still in the match when the Sharks were leading 34-20 with 14 minutes to go. At that stage the Tigers just crumbled and let the Sharks in for 3 tries in an 8 minute period and eventually they were given a 50-20 pasting. “We walked in at halftime and knew what we needed to do in the second half - we didn't go out and deliver that," said Tigers coach Maguire.
Possession - 47%
Completion Rate - 67% (26/39)
Line Breaks - 5
Tackle Breaks - 39
Missed Tackles - 38
Ineffective Tackles - 13
Errors - 12
Verdict: Panthers.
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
Yet another one of my favourites from years gone by…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHWrmIzgB5A
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week. Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by newbie from perth on
D'oh! See what happens when you're in a rush? I've missed putting in the "Ladder Position" and the "Bookies Favourite" for the Storm vs. Eels and the Panthers vs. Tigers games. My bad.
Y'all know anyway who those teams are 😉. If you don't (hard to imagine though) it's the Storm and the Panthers in both. Hey, just proves I'm human after all. Cheers peeps. 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by Lawrence Garcia on
What does by specials mean? (as in "Panthers by specials")
Submitted by newbie from perth on
@ Lawrence Garcia
When we refer to a side being “specials” what we’re referring to is the fact that a particular team is almost guaranteed to win because they are so good and the team they’re playing against is not very good. The term “specials” originates from sports betting or just betting in general. Sort of like when someone or some team is just too talented or strong that there’s no chance in the world that they can possibly lose.
For example, in the Penrith vs. Tigers game the bookmakers have the Panthers at $1.03 to win compared to the Tigers at $13.00 to win. The Panthers are the betting favourites. Or take it this way, if you want to guarantee you will get the tip correct in that game you would tip the Panthers because there’s no way they can lose. They are “specials” to win. Hope this helps my friend. Cheers.
@ The Boss
I noticed that the emojis I normally put in with my comments are now loading differently. Just wondering if you or your Little Helper have tweaked/updated your pages lately. No big deal, just curious. Cheers.
Submitted by The Thinker on
I don't think it was us Newbie...It looks like you can still add them though.
And it looks like you'll have an AFL grand final on your side of the continent this year.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Thanks Boss, I reckon it might be the update from Firefox that’s making the emojis “appear” differently to me at least. The Rooster emojis don’t look the same as before. A lot smaller and a lot skinnier and on the face of it you can’t really tell that they’re actually roosters. 🐔 🐔 🐔
Smiley faces, angry faces, astonished faces – they’re all different. Must be the Firefox update thingy I’m thinking. As I said, no biggie.
P.S. Yeah they reckon the AFL GF "might" be over here but inconsequential to me. Wouldn't go watch it even if I had a free ticket. Rubbish! I'm completely done with that game I'm afraid. Yeah ... nah! I'd put in some sort of emoji but considering what I've just mentioned, it might be pointless. Might just go back to the words in brackets (ha-ha). Cheers...
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey Newbie,
Another band I don't think I've heard of but still enjoyed the song. I've just come back from another trip in my ladies campervan, this time to Bundaberg. Had a great time even managed some fishing and crabbing. Like our friend Christine I'm experiencing some medical problems with lots of doctor and hospital visits (prostate a bit dickie) but will try and post as often as possible. Yes just two rounds to go in the regular season, where has this year gone. I believe this Covid thing is driving us all a bit nuts and may explain the lack of posts.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Mr Thinker,
im locked out before start of game, crazy.
My tips are Newcastle, Canberra, Souths, Saints, Cronulla, Melbourrne, Sharks, Manly, Penrith.
Submitted by Johnny Awesome on
Mr Thinker,
I was trying to put my tips in 10 minutes ago and it wouldn't save. I've never typed this quick with two fingers. You might have been scarred by that plate spinning stuff but this keyboard has killed my two index fingers :]. By the time I typed in the tips to you it just hit the cutoff. I should be in mate please check.
Cheers from Johnny Awesome.
Submitted by The Thinker on
@johnny Awesome
you are safe :-)
Submitted by MGM on
@Thinker
I must be going batty , I thought I entered my tips in the wee hours before going to bed last night(this morning!).
Sorry, but if you'll allow the other seven tips they are :
Raiders
Rabbitohs
Dragons
Sharks
Storm
Eagles
Panthers
I was on the Titans tonight, and in my anguish of coming so close (and losing all my bets despite combining the correct try scorers!) , I thought I'd look in here at the comments and only then realized I wasn't in the list!
Again, sorry about that Boss (and everyone).
Submitted by The Thinker on
@MGM
No dramas at all. I will add your tips in.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Mal on
This 1 might be the first perfect round for ya this season Thinker hope so I picked the same
Submitted by Mal on
Sorry you had the titans maybe next week.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
@ Latrell Mitchell – I’m so glad you’re not with us anymore mate. Inexcusable what you did tonight. Hope you feel good. Big win, suppose it was worth it eh? Woof, Woof.
P.S. Yeah, I’m angry…
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Have to agree with you there Newbie. Hopefully the judiciary rub that d1ckhead out for the rest of the season. No wonder poor Joey Manu had an issue. And even the ball slamming incident after Mitchell scored a try. Terrible, unprofessional behaviour. What a show pony.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
@Newbie
@Steely
I picked Souths last night, like truckloads of tippers would have, but of course they were predicted to win – easy.
Especially with Chooks having near a full team of injuries and retiree’s sitting on the sideline.
What I feel soured that match - was Mitchell coming out of blistering pace and creaming Joey Manu. It was a reckless high tackle. I had a look at the NRL replay on my computer of that incident and he was deep from play and then boom. As if Mitchell was required to make that tackle, as there were three other Souths players, closing Manu down.
What is this boofhead trying to prove?
On real good days - he appears he can be a nice bloke, but on that effort, he is an embarrassment to the club and the game of rugby league. They should blot him out of the game, for the length of time it takes for Joe Manu to recover. Chooks are doing it hard enough, but they keep coming back and turning up.
Cheers guys and keep well, like all others here on Thinker site.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning Awesome.
Hope all is well with you and yours.
Haven't seen or heard from you in yonks.
I cant email you direct now or Thinker, as when the home computer (Outlook) zapped it on me, I lost all records, photo's, names, addresses as saved and recorded. Backup wont help it either due to the bad sectors that corrupted the hard drive.
Keep well and yours in the Capital.
Big Pete in Bx
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hi Big Pete,
Always good to see you posting. I have one eye on your Red Devils and another on my beloved Rangers. Will probably focus better on the football once the NRL has finished although I have to admit I've lost a bit of interest in the footy this season. The gulf between teams (even in the top four, let alone the top eight), one sided games, inconsistent officiating & another poor year for the Warriors has left me feeling a bit cold.
So what happened to the crackdown in Magic round, player welfare and all that last night? How that hit only warranted 10 in the bin defies logic. Players earlier in the season got sent off for a lot less than that. No doubt Annersley will be out defending his officials as usual.
Hopefully Mitchell's season is over. It deserves to be.
Stay safe!!
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Newbie, Big Pete & Steel,
I watched the replay of the incident with Mitchell, and he seemed quite smug with the result. I don't know the man, but he has often appeared to strut around like a peacock, giving the impression he is God's great gift to women!!!! Won't say what I think!
Quoted from NRL.com today -
"Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell is facing a suspension of between six and nine matches after being charged with a grade two reckless tackle on Roosters centre Joey Manu.
Mitchell was sin-binned for the hit that left former teammate Manu with a suspected fractured cheekbone. With four prior offences in the past two years, he faces a six-match ban if he enters an early guilty plea and would risk a nine-match suspension if he unsuccessfully fights the charge at the judiciary."
9 matches is good - won't see him again this season.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hi Mary,
Surely they won't fight the charge so he will end up with six weeks. There is only one regular round to go plus four weeks of finals so that will be the last we see him this season.
Hope your Cowboys finally get a long overdue win today. Probably not as I've tipped them haha.....
Good luck!!
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Steely, Mary S, Newbie and all others that were disgusted by Latrells antics last night. I've always thought this guy was a problem just waiting to go off. He showed his true colours while at the Roosters and now disgraces the Bunnies. Some said he is the next Greg Inglis but he's not even close. Hopefully we won't see him again this year.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evenin Steely as I await to see Storm v Eels game tonight.
Yes mate EPL in full swing and today we welcome back CR7, whom I read where Man City were just about to ink it in with him. I'd say Sir Alex had some input here as well. Even Man City manager Pep Guardiola said "that you don't get a player like Ronaldo on the market too often who can score 1 or 2 goals every match". Well he was capable of that in Madrid and Turin, but now before he retires, he gets the chance to come back to the biggest comp in the world.
FYI - and about our beloved Rangers, Steven Gerrard has a biography out on the shelves (been about since 2018) and his days coming to and playing with Liverpool. Wally Lewis also has his book released - I think it was released late 2020.
I know how you feel about NRL this season and I guess we've been blessed to be able to have it, along with Covid (not blessed) sticking its nose in.
Mitchell has fronted judiciaries a few times now - so hopefully he'll get blotted for the season. He just never seems to learn. I truly felt sorry for Joey Manu - just the look on his face with that puffed up cheekbone and if we were to read his lips in saying "why did you do that for", knowing that Mitchell played with Chooks as a former player. He left because he wanted more - so now he's getting it.
Cheers mate and keep safe and well - I hate thuggery!!!!
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Evenin Mary - a peacock yes, but struts around like he is bigger than the game - not Gods gift to women. I wouldn't take that thug home to meet my mother.
Keep well Miss Mary!
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Yes Mark - a problem wanting to go off.
Should have been sent off - not 10 in the bin. He should be in Afghanistan - a hundred pound of dynamite with a half inch wick.
Sorry my good friend, but I hate thuggery and felt so much for Joey Manu last night.
Keep well and safe.
Big Pete
Submitted by The Thinker on
Goodness me where have those Eels been of late?
if nothing else, they can proudly point out they played and beat the Storm twice this year.
Submitted by Christine on
Mark
i hope everything works out for you with what you now have too deal with heath wise , we all need our plumbing in working order especially in that department ... all the best christine
Submitted by Christine on
Latrell thinks he is bigger than the game he takes things too far yes taclke your opponent or the opposition not maine them , if someone had done that too latrell we wouldn,t hear the end of it , i say throw the book at him he has too many carry over points & i agree with big pete he never learns his lesson , just my opinion ...
Submitted by Christine on
I also think give latrell 9 weeks not 6 & mary that is an insult too peacocks he is just a cat fish i wouldn,t even feed him too my dogs he is just a bottom dwelling scum sucking catfish you don,t get much lower than that but i have to say i do like the peacock comment though i just think peacocks have pride & latrell doesn't ...
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Good morning Big Pete,
I did not know Ronaldo had returned to United until I read your post. I see he's 36 now and you wonder how much more he's got to offer at the top level. Time will tell I guess. A win tonight over winless Wolves will see the Red Devils move from 10th to the top two depending on Tottenham's result. Tonight is also the first Old Firm derby of the season. Will b interesting to see how Ange goes in his initiation to this passionate fixture.
We are in lockdown here and it's not looking likely we'll be coming out of it any time soon. Just hope we don't end up like NSW. We've gone from a single case 10 days ago to close to 500 now so things not looking flash. It's what it is I guess.
Good luck to your Sea Eagles today!!
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Mark - I wish you well with medico's. Know the track u r going down also have friends doing it. One would think whilst we have Covid and lockdowns, that more posts might have been forthcoming, with time to burn.
Those palm trees (dates or false dates I think) in Bundaberg make you feel u r entering into Egypt. Been years since I was there and did take a look at Bert Hinklers Memorial. I'm not a rum drinker, so didn't take a tour through the distillery of Bundy Rum. But did go out to Bargara Beach for a peek and dip.
Keep well mate
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good Sunday evening to you Steely - yes CR7 has returned as he wanted out from Juve and no way was PSG in French League going to sign him, as they already secured Messi and Neymar and strikers roles were filled. CR7 is 37 next February, so for two seasons he's been signed for, I'm sure he'll make his presence felt.
Will watch out for that Old Firm result and Wolves v's us in the morning, can be tricky as Wolves have a good unit at their disposal and make it hard and tight for many teams visiting them.
Hang in there mate during lockdown - we need to educate those two-legged wonders called humans, to be more considerate and abide by rules and instructions handed down. But many don't like being told, but I bet they'll be the ones bitching and blaming govt's, if they contract C19.
Take care Champ
Big Pete in Bx (OZ)
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Two good results for our teams overnight Big Pete!! Early days but long may it continue.
Regarding your Sea Eagles, I didn't think Tommy T's first try yesterday was a try. No way he had control of the ball. Dogs hard done by but wouldn't have changed the result.
Looks like we are in for another two weeks of lockdown. We've already done two weeks!!