Round twenty selections

Sydney Roosters vs Parramatta Eels – Thursday night – BB Print Stadium (Mackay)

The fifth-placed Roosters, decimated by injuries and retirements, could still drag themselves into the top four this season. A win over the fourth-placed Eels on Thursday night would make that achievement much more achievable. The Eels loss to the Raiders leaves them in a precarious position given their run home this season. The Roosters run home isn't much easier, but it is easier. Josh Morris and Siosiua Taukeiaho return for the Chooks, while Mitchell Moses is pencilled in for a return next week for the Eels. These sides met in round nine where the Eels prevailed 31-18, in a controversial clash that left Drew Hutchison in hospital and Trent Robsinon seeing red. This time around the Chooks will have a genuine dummy half available in Verrills, while the Eels will miss the kicking, goalkicking and organisational skills of Moses. The good people of Mackay (one of my favourite regional cities) gets a chance to see two very good football teams on Thursday night. I expect the Eels will have more of the support in the crowd but I'm tipping the Chooks in an upset.

Verdict – Roosters by 2

Result – Roosters 28 defeated Eels 0

Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

The last time the Warriors won a game it was against the Tigers. Unfortunately, that was back in round 11, and they've lost eight games in a row since then. They're playing like a team that are missing home, and I don't blame them. Their captain and best player has gone home, and I don't blame him either. The Warriors are a better team, but the Tigers want this more.

Verdict – Tigers by 14

Result – Warriors 18 defeated Tigers 16

Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium

These sides are backing up from competitive losses against the two best teams in the competition, so we may end up with a pretty good game of football here. They last met in round nine, with the Cowboys prevailing by a solitary point in Townsville. There's been a few changes since then for both teams, but here is the list of Broncos that played in round nine that won't play in this: Milford, Coates, Arthurs, Lodge, Pengai Jnr, Carrigan and Flegler. They have added Staggs and Glenn for this clash, but I'll take the Cowboys in what should be another tight affair. Expect a big game from Tom Deardon against his old club.

Verdict – Cowboys by 2

​​​​​​​Result – Broncos 37 defeated Cowboys 18

St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday afternoon – Browne Park (Rockhampton)

The Dragons, hanging onto the top eight for dear life, have had a pretty easy draw thus far in season 2021. This is just the second time all season they have played one of the top three teams. When they did play a top three team it was the Storm during Magic Round. The Dragons almost killed Ryan Papenhuyzen but lost the game in what was basically a procession. That Dragons team included Dufy, Ravalawa, Bird, Ramsey, Lawrie, Vaughan and McGuire, and none of them will be playing in this. De Belin joins the group of players unavailable after the most expensive sausage sizzle in NRL history. The Bunnies are resting Cameron Murray - not because they are required to, but because they can. They'll win this easily, and I expect the folk up in Rock-vegas will see the Bunnies crack the half century.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 44

​​​​​​​Result – Rabbitohs 50 defeated Dragons 14

Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium

A team will tell you a lot about their attitude with their defence. In the last three weeks the Raiders have played teams above them on the ladder, beaten them all, and conceded just 44 points. For a while we have been wondering what's wrong with the Raiders, but perhaps it's time to start wondering what's right. The Knights have won two of their last six games. The four they lost were against teams in the top eight and they lost convincingly. That would indicate that where they currently sit on the ladder (11th) is about right. The Raiders may not make the top eight, but they are playing like they will.

Verdict – Raiders by 8

​​​​​​​Result – Knights 34 defeated Raiders 24

Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium

Both sides won last weekend but not convincingly so - perhaps they were both thinking ahead to this game, which could potentially determine our minor premiership winner this season. These sides met way back in round three in once of the best games of the year, with the Panthers winning by two points in a low scoring contest at Penrith. This game moves to a neutral venue, but it's a venue where the Storm have a better record than they have at AAMI Park. The Storm also have some key players returning on Saturday night in Munster, Finucane and Kaufusi. Meanwhile, the Panthers have lost To'o, Yeo, Fisher-Harris and May...and Cleary is still a way off. If that's not enough, the Storm coach has put an end to speculation about his future and signed on for another 5 years - sensible of him to get that out of the way before the finals series. It's smart. They're smart. They'll win.

Verdict – Storm by 7

​​​​​​​Result – Storm 37 defeated Panthers 10

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans – Sunday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium

If I were a Bulldogs fan at least I would be satisfied with the effort of my team. There are a number of teams far less consistent. Consistent they may be, but that doesn't change the fact that their team just don't the quality in their roster to compete and win. Their best player this season, Luke Thompson will be sidelined for three weeks, so it's hard to imagine how they can drag themselves off the bottom of the ladder. This is a Bulldogs home game played at their opponents home ground. Not entirely fair, but it does help keep the Titans top eight hopes alive.

Verdict – Titans by 10

​​​​​​​Result – Titans 34 defeated Bulldogs 6

Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles – Sunday afternoon – Moreton Daily Stadium (Redcliffe)

The NRL are on the peninsula - perhaps a sign of things to come if the Dolphins can join the competition in the future. It's not only the former stomping ground of The Thinker, but it's where Daly Cherry-Evans used to ply his trade back when the Broncos didn't think he was good enough. Perhaps Cherry-Evans will return to this ground again with an expansion club. We wait and see. He has plenty of quality footballers, and exciting young prospects, around him at Manly at the minute, and while the Sharks have been notching up some tidy wins in recent weeks they are a class below the Sea Eagles..

Verdict – Sea Eagles by 10

​​​​​​​Result – Sea Eagles 40 defeated Sharks 22

Wally Lewis - round twenty selections (in bold)

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

  • ROOSTERS vs Eels
  • TIGERS vs Warriors
  • BRONCOS vs Cowboys
  • Dragons vs RABBITOHS
  • Knights vs RAIDERS
  • STORM vs Panthers
  • Bulldogs vs TITANS
  • Sharks vs SEA EAGLES

Comments

Dwyene Kisam's picture

I'm interested to join NRL tipping

newbie from perth's picture

I wonder whether or not the NRL season is going to come to a screeching halt soon given what I’ve read online recently.

https://twitter.com/emmalawrence90/status/1418693463625719809?ref_src=tw...

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2021/07/26/lockdown-people-ordered-stay...

Look, I know the Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young is just doing her job and I’m thankful that she is, but she’s doing it badly. There has to be a better way to handle this surely. OK, I’ll go away now and finish off comments for tomorrow night. From the heart … stay safe and healthy. 💖 💖 💖

The Thinker's picture

Hi Dwyene

Thanks for your interest.

It's a bit late to join the tipping competition for this year, but you are welcome to sign up for next season if you'd like.

All the best

The Thinker

Fitok John's picture

Interested

Dragons-fanboy's picture

Hey everyone, my tips for this week are:

Roosters by 4
Tigers by 10
Broncos by 2
Rabbitohs by 40
Raiders by 12
Storm by 20
Titans by 16
Manly by 28

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

newbie from perth's picture

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

Sorry peeps but in a rush tonight. Gotta grab a quick bite and then important things to do so why don’t we just do this thing …

Roosters vs. Eels 40-60 @ Mackay
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels

Roosters
It took them a while to get into their rhythm last week against the Knights (or I should say they started poorly) but at half-time the Roosters went into the sheds leading 10-8. Their momentum continued in the second half and brilliantly led by James Tedesco, they put on enough points and keep the Knights scoreless to win comfortably 28-8. The Roosters’ horror run with injuries continued with Billy Smith and Matt Ikuvalu both succumbing to foot and ankle injuries respectively. Sitili Tupouniua ran some beautiful lines off Tedesco and was rewarded with 2 tries. All in all it was quite an acceptable showing from my BBB. Well, except for conversion attempts that is 😱. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 83% (38/46)
Line Breaks - 10
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 25
Ineffective Tackles - 7
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 5
Conversion Attempts - 2/6

Eels
The first half last week in the Eels and Raiders game was a demanding and fierce affair and heading into the sheds it was unbelievably locked up at 0-0. The Eels looked more likely to score but the defensive effort from the Raiders kept them at bay. The Eels found themselves down 12-0 but fought their way back into it and with 4 minutes to go they were trailing 12-10. Sivo almost stole the match for the Eels in the dying seconds but Rapana’s try-saving tackle (body shove) consigned the Eels to a desperate loss. A thoroughly entertaining and intense game with the Eels just not able to get up over the vastly improved Raiders. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 59%
Completion Rate - 83% (38/46)
Tackle Breaks - 24
Missed Tackles - 37
Ineffective Tackles - 15
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 3
Ruck Infringements - 4

Verdict: Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

Tigers vs. Warriors 60-40 @ Suncorp
Ladder Position = Tigers
Bookies Favourite = Tigers

Tigers
In the first half last week the Tigers were right in it and were leading 12-10 with 5 minutes left on the clock. Manly scored a couple of quick tries and the Tigers found themselves down 20-12 heading into the break. The Tigers were well and truly beaten in the second half and went down 44-24 in a disappointing loss. They lost a couple of guys due to injuries which only left them with 2 on the bench in the second half but they toughed it out. Admirable efforts from Doueihi and Liddle. In the end they were outgunned by a better side on the day. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 76% (28/37)
Line Breaks - 7
Tackle Breaks - 24
Missed Tackles - 48
Ineffective Tackles - 13
Errors - 11

Warriors
Even though they scored first, the Warriors got smashed in the first half last week against the Rabbitohs. They got another 2 tries late in that first half but still went into the sheds 34-16 down. The Rabbitohs heaped more pain on them in the second 40 and in the end they were shellacked 60-22. The Warriors simply had no answers on how to stem the bleeding. Their error count, missed tackles and especially their lack of possession was telling. Mind you, that’s totally understandable (possibly) given the state of their playing stocks at the moment. Even worse now that RTS has taken early retirement and flies home Thursday night 😢. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 33%
Completion Rate - 71% (20/28)
Line Breaks - 2
Tackle Breaks - 25
Missed Tackles - 45
Ineffective Tackles - 15
Errors - 12

Verdict: As much as I’d like to tip the Warriors I just can’t. Tigers for me.

Broncos vs. Cowboys 50-50 @ Suncorp
Ladder Position = Cowboys
Bookies Favourite = Broncos

Broncos
The Broncos gave it a real good shake last week against the Panthers. After a tryless first half the Broncos were only trailing 4-0 and considering their outstanding defensive effort up until then, things were looking promising for them. In the second half, the Broncos unfortunately let the Panthers score 14 points in 12 minutes and were trailing 18-0 with just 24 minutes to go. The Broncos staged a late comeback of sorts scoring 2 tries but ultimately just fell short 18-12. To use an old cliché, the Broncos were gallant in defeat and showed some grit. Again, Payne Haas played a pretty good game. How good is he gonna be in years to come I wonder 🤔. As Kevin Walters said … "You're never happy with a loss but from where we were last week to now against Penrith ... we've made some big strides." Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 55%
Completion Rate - 82% (36/44)
Tackle Breaks - 69
Missed Tackles - 27
Ineffective Tackles - 13
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 5

Cowboys
The Cowboys found themselves down 10-0 after 18 minutes last week against the Storm. To their credit, the Cowboys fought back and heading into the sheds they were only 10-6 behind. The second half effort was determined and at one stage they were leading the Storm 12-10. They were putting pressure on the Storm and it showed. Eventually a little bit of the Storm class surfaced and the Cowboys got pipped 20-16. The Cowboys were very brave in defeat but ultimately they weren't able to counter the Storm’s class. I know they’ll be disappointed in the loss but the Cowboys’ fans (and the players themselves) would be proud of the effort they put in. Unlike a lot of teams this year, the Cowboys really made the Storm work for their win. Well done Cowboys 💪. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 50%
Completion Rate - 85% (34/40)
Line Breaks - 4
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 41
Ineffective Tackles - 19
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 4
Ruck Infringements - 3

Verdict: This is a tough one. Both sides played the top 2 last week and both put up great efforts. Did I say this was a tough one? Umm …. Cowboys.

Dragons vs. Rabbitohs 20-80 @ Rockhampton
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Dragons
The Dragons were right in it at half-time and were only 14-6 down heading in for the break. Their second half effort was lacking and the Titans ended up running in 3 tries and the Dragons fell 32-10. All the recent troubles they’ve had and the staggered suspensions are taking their toll it seems. I know they have it in them but they struggled in that second half last week. Their attack wasn’t up to scratch and their defence wasn’t the best either. If they don’t turn themselves around soon they might find finals footy out of reach. Best thing might be letting go of some of the dead wood and start working on next year. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 44%
Completion Rate - 71% (27/38)
Line Breaks - 6
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 47
Ineffective Tackles - 28
Errors - 13

Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs scored 6 tries in the first half against the Warriors last week (5 of those were in a 20 minute period) and went into the sheds leading 34-16. Much of the same in the second half and they demolished the Warriors to the tune of 60-22. Given the missing players the Warriors have, it was almost a given that this sort of result was on the cards. Souths were just too strong and too classy. Their match figures were a testament to that. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 67%
Completion Rate - 81% (34/42)
Metres Run - 2,300
Line Breaks - 16
Tackle Breaks - 45
Average Set Distance - 54.8m
Missed Tackles - 26
Ineffective Tackles - 16
Errors - 8

Verdict: No brainer …. Rabbitohs.

Knights vs. Raiders 40-60 @ Suncorp
Ladder Position = Raiders
Bookies Favourite = Raiders

Knights
The Knights started really well last week against the Roosters and led 8-0 after just 17 minutes. Unfortunately for the Knights that would be the last points they’d score for the night as the Roosters found some momentum and dominated from thereon. The Knights just seemed to fade and couldn’t match it with the Roosters. Their defensive habit of “rushing in” cost them 2 tries at least. Ponga was off his game and they are certainly missing Pearce not being there. Still, their defensive effort wasn’t all that bad really and there will be some improvement I’m sure. As Knights coach Adam O'Brien said ... "We didn't play smart. There was a ton of effort ... but we're young and our footy IQ needs to improve." Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 75% (27/36)
Line Breaks - 2
Tackle Breaks - 25
Missed Tackles - 32
Ineffective Tackles - 15
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 2
Ruck Infringements - 6

Raiders
The first half last week in the Raiders and Eels game was a tough and demanding battle and heading into the sheds it was unbelievably locked up at 0-0. The Eels looked more likely to score but the defensive effort from the Raiders kept them at bay. 14 minutes into the second half the Raiders were leading 12-0 but they had to withstand the Eels fight-back and thanks to Rapans’s desperate try-saving shove on Sivo with seconds to go, the Raiders snuck in 12-10. The effort from Rapana was outstanding, he was in everything and I thought he was best on ground. A deserved win to the vastly improved Raiders last week and one where they showed a lot more desire and grit. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 41%
Completion Rate - 85% (35/41)
Tackle Breaks - 37
Missed Tackles - 24
Ineffective Tackles - 25
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 4
Ruck Infringements - 5

Verdict: From what I saw last week I have to go with the Raiders.

Storm vs. Panthers 70-30 @ Suncorp
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm

Storm
Even though the Storm won 20-16 last week against the Cowboys, they were challenged for the entire match. But as usual, they did what good teams do and found a way. Good contributions from Hughes, Hynes and Brandon Smith. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 50%
Completion Rate - 76% (32/42)
Line Breaks - 6
Tackle Breaks - 41
Missed Tackles - 32
Ineffective Tackles - 9
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 7
Ruck Infringements - 4

Panthers
Penrith were possibly fortunate to sneak in 18-12 against the Broncos last week. Can’t believe how many missed tackles the Panthers had 😱. They definitely aren’t the force we’re accustomed to without Nathan. But yet again, they did what good teams do and got the win. Good contributions from Edwards, Crichton and Fisher-Harris. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 45%
Completion Rate - 79% (33/42)
Tackle Breaks - 27
Missed Tackles - 69
Ineffective Tackles - 26
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 5

Verdict: Storm have blokes returning and the Panthers still missing Ivan’s son and others. Storm for me.

Bulldogs vs. Titans 30-70 @ Cbus
Ladder Position = Titans
Bookies Favourite = Titans

Bulldogs
The Bulldogs were completely dominated in the first half last week against the Sharks and heading into the sheds they were trailing 30-6. You can put that score line down to Luke Thompson getting binned I reckon. While he was resting the Sharks scored 3 tries and the damage was done. They did start the second well though and had 2 quick tries within 3 minutes but the wheels fell off, the Sharks steadies and the Bulldogs got beaten 44-24 in the end. Looked like poor discipline and too many errors at times. It’s all basic stuff but a lot of clubs (players) seem to find it difficult. Besides his sin binning, I thought Luke Thompson played a pretty good game for the Bulldogs. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 41%
Completion Rate - 80% (24/30)
Line Breaks - 4
Tackle Breaks - 35
Average Set Distance - 49.2m
Missed Tackles - 53
Ineffective Tackles - 16
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 6

Titans
It was pretty even in the first half last week and the Titans led the Dragons 14-6 going into the break. Their second half was much better and aided by 3 tries they ran out comfortable 32-10 winners. The Titans were just too good for the out of sorts Dragons. It was another good game from Fifita (leaving him on the bench for the first 20-odd minutes was a stroke of genius perhaps) and he was ably assisted by Sexton and Brimson. Sexton in particular had a very impressive debut and looks like a star of the future. Time will tell. Overall it was a pretty sound effort from the Titans. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 56%
Completion Rate - 79% (33/42)
Line Breaks - 9
Tackle Breaks - 47
Missed Tackles - 29
Ineffective Tackles - 12
Errors - 11

Verdict: Wouldn’t be surprised if the Bulldogs gave this a shake but commonsense says Titans here.

Sharks vs. Manly 30-70 @ Redcliffe
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Manly

Sharks
The Sharks completely dominated the Bulldogs in the first half last week. Mind you, they were helped when Luke Thompson went to the bin and the Sharks scored 3 tries in his absence. The Sharks got a bit of a scare when the Bulldogs got 2 quick tries in the second half and got within 12 points. The Sharks steadied, scored some tries of their own and finally ran out comfortable winners 44-24. They did enough to handle the Bulldogs’ fight-back but I am far from convinced about them to be honest. Let’s see how the season pans out before I make my final call. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 59%
Completion Rate - 86% (36/42)
Line Breaks - 8
Tackle Breaks - 53
Missed Tackles - 35
Ineffective Tackles - 14
Errors - 6
Penalties Conceded - 0

Manly
Last week, with about 5 minutes until half-time, it was the Tigers in front 12-10 but then Manly went Bang! Bang! and heading into the sheds the Sea Eagles were leading 20-12. That momentum was an indication of things to come and in a dominant display, Manly piled on another 24 points in the second half to run out easy 44-24 winners. DCE and Turbo were the main catalysts for their second half effort with DCE scoring 2 tries, as well as having 2 try assists, 2 line breaks, 7 tackle breaks and running for 200 metres. Turbo Tom ran for 327 metres, had 2 line breaks, 8 tackle breaks and scored a try. Another fine display from Manly, albeit against an injury hit Tigers side. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 70% (28/40)
Line Breaks - 10
Tackle Breaks - 48
Missed Tackles - 24
Ineffective Tackles - 18
Errors - 14

Verdict: Yeah, Manly should be too good here.

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

This is so opposite from last week’s offering it’s not funny. This one has absolutely no relevance but is another one that’s on my “funeral list” of songs to be played if and when the time comes 🤪. Cheers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozKsQnRHb-c

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

Baggy_Gee's picture

I agree with you MGM, not sure who they have in the bunker,but they are blind deaf and mute. Bit like the touchies these days. I was satisfied with the loss, we played poorly and the reffing was a little questionable on only 2 calls, both the strips were iffy. We did get out enthused and never took advantage of our ability to make easy meters out of trouble.

mark ashford's picture

Hi Thinker
Tips are in for round 20. We are off Monday for our Fraser trip so can I impose on you to put mine in for Round 21....thank you!
Round 21... Knights, Raiders, Rabbits, Sharks, Panthers, Storm, Tigers and Titans.
Cheers and good luck to all.

MGM's picture

See how we go tonight Baggy.
Sportsbet seem to think we're a sure thing but I'm not putting any money on it ! Hopefully it will be just down to the 26 players haha.

Baggy_Gee's picture

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA like the NRL would allow the players on the field to take care of business. It will be good, fair reffing is all anyone can ask for.

Scotty H's picture

My rd 20 tips are
Roosters
Tigers
Cowboys
Rabbits
Raiders
Storm
Titans
Manly

Happy tipping

Christine 's picture

Will not be putting my tips in this week everyone I got some more bad news about my health ,I now have a completely blocked carotid artery on the right side so I have to go too a different specialist for it my neurologist can't do anything for it at all but I will still get my Ms treatment from him, just what i needed I don't,t want to know what is next all the best this week everyone ...

The Thinker's picture

@Mark Ashford

Will do my friend...have a great trip. 

I'm jealous

The Thinker

The Thinker's picture

@Christine

That's terrible news to hear. 

I hope the specialist can help in some way.

All the best

The Thinker

Christine 's picture

Thanks thinker I will keep you informed when I know more , enjoy your games I hope you do well with the tipping ...

Mary S's picture

Hi Christine,
So sorry to hear more health problems have come your way.
Thinking of you and wishing you all the best.

Cheers,
Mary

Rocket Ryan's picture

The Eels look like they're in Disneyland trouble is looks like no Fairytale finished coming up here

twenty20's picture

Hi
I missed lodging my tips before the start of round 20, but for the record I tipped Tigers, Cowboys, Rabbits, Raiders Storm, Titans & Eagles to win for the remaining games of this round. Good luck all............

Christine 's picture

Thanks Mary I appreciate it but I am still waiting on more news as too when my appointment will even be , we are in lock down in sydney so just trying to not get stressed about it & hope for the best really again thanks for the support ...

a's picture

Hi Christine

Sorry to hear about your health problems hope you get better soon

tigerholic's picture

Hi Christine

Hope you get through this latest set back, I can tell from your posts that you are a strong independent woman who will never give up.

Thinking of you and sending my best thoughts.

Tiger

mark ashford's picture

Hi Christine,
Goodness me my friend you struggle with MS and now this. I'm off to Fraser Island for my fishing trip but will be thinking of you. Keep strong and keep well. All the best.....Mark.

tigerholic's picture

Well done Steel, enjoy the win.

Tiger

Rocket Ryan's picture

Is that all you got tiger congratulating the Warriors you buffon how about addressing how pathetic the Tigers are you are after all their number one supporter sometimes

The Thinker's picture

Chaos for the NRL today - currently in negotiations with the QLD government for an exemption to play without crowds.

re: the game in Rocky - one team is already there, the other is sitting in a hotel in Brisbane.

Status update: Rabbitohs are on the tarmac in Rocky - haven't been allowed off the plane.

Dragons in their hotel in Brisbane and locked down. 

Complicated

 

NuL1F3's picture

These are crazy times! My V8's (Supercars) have been postponed until October!

mark ashford's picture

Hi Thinker,
My Fraser trip is off for now due to the lock down. We are trying to get a new date at the house around the 11th or 12th of August so will put in my tips for round 21 closer to the date. QLD locks down faster than a mud crab when you show it a finger. Goodness me, how we live today.

a's picture

That’s sad nrl has to postpone

newbie from perth's picture

I realise this COVID* thing has people worried sick (excuse the pun) but seriously, the Qld government has forced the NRL to postpone all 3 games on Saturday due to a snap three-day lockdown because six (6) new locally acquired COVID-19 cases were reported in Brisbane. Six? Apparently it all stems from one (1) student who’s given it to her family and others from her class. As I said, I realise this is serious stuff and not wanting to upset anyone but could this be a slight overreaction possibly?

https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/07/31/vlandys-hopeful-of-completing-round-...

I’ve had a look at the map for these impacted Local Government Areas (LGAs) for SE Qld and having absolutely no idea of the geography of Qld or if there’s any suitable venues available, I’m wondering if they can play the remaining matches further up the coast in places like Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville perhaps. Yeah, this situation is fast becoming a cluster (you should know what I mean by “cluster” and again, please excuse the pun).

The way things are going at the moment I’m fast losing hope the “game” is ever gonna return to normal. Welcome to the “new” normal instead 😢. Apologies for the rant, have a good one people. Hopefully we’ll have some good news from Peter Sunday. Cheers.

@ Mr Ashford
Sorry to hear about your fishing trip getting “postponed”. There’s always another day and the fish will still be there waiting (hopefully).

@ Christine
Hang in there GF. Yes, these things are serious and possibly frightening but you’re made of tough stuff and I’m positive you can get over this. Keep your head high and stay positive if you can. Sorry I’m not a believer otherwise I’d say a little prayer but I’m sure others here can jump in for me. Get well 🙏.

Mary S's picture

Hi Newbie,
A bit more news through tonight re the shutdown - the 6 infected have the Delta strain of COVID and Qld look like they are trying to prevent the same scenario as NSW are currently experiencing. Perhaps a certain amount of "one-upman-ship" involved between States (being cynical), but also to be the attractive state for sports to continue their comps if the Delta strain can get knocked on the head fast.

It appears the student was infected by her tutor ( a medical student) who, in turn, goes to Uni plus works at a couple of hospitals. The students parents, siblings and teacher are the others affected so far. Their movement around the lockdown areas, appears to have been extensive.

@ Mark
Sorry to hear about your fishing trip - just think, the fishing might have been good and the weather lousy!!!!

My daughter & I were going to see 'Phantom of the Opera' in Sydney, later in the year, but that has had to be cancelled too.

Difficult to make plans in our current climate - does your head in if you let it!!

Cheers to all and enjoy the next game - whenever it is on!!

Mary

newbie from perth's picture

Thanks for the update & explanation Mary, appreciate it young lady 💖. Stay safe and well. On a (very) cold Saturday night I’m off to make some hot chocolate ☕ and some toast with honey. Just my way of making myself feel a bit better. Cheers.

MGM's picture

Mark A - commiserations and condolences to you on missing your fishing trip ... I was supposed to be checking in earlier today at coffs harbour on a week of golfing with three mates. Don't know when I'm likely to get a free pass from the missus like that again !
Not so bad really ... she's quite happy and I've avoided a week of jovial ridicule because I can't golf to save my life !!

BigPeteBx's picture

Hello Christine and thinking of you and how those butcher birds are going, as well.
No doubt specialists will have their eye on progress for you, because that is very serious, if let go.

Take care
Big Pete.

BigPeteBx's picture

Sorry Mark to hear of the cancellation. You always like Fraser and the break away. Were you taking your friend to experience the outing. Congrats on that also, I hope things go well. Struth what a round in tipping so far - for some/many. Locks down like a mud grab sounds the equivalent to convicts here in chains - back in the day.
Cheers Champ and keep well - Big Pete

BigPeteBx's picture

Heya NuLife - Bathurst 1000 is postponed so far - but could have a start on 4th November (NOT October) mate. Not sure, but if crowds are excluded, the race can still go ahead like before. We wait for decisions. Yes, I also love V8's, but not the same without good considerate, well behaved crowds/spectators.

Back to watching Storm v Penrith rescheduled and Olympics.
St George v Souths tonight at 6.25pm (reschedules).

Cheers mate and keep well.
Big Pete

NuL1F3's picture

Hi BigPete, yeah, November for the mountain but the entire season has been postponed until October 2 where it resumes in Winton.

Christine 's picture

I am still waiting too hear when I may even get an appointment everyone I am still none the wiser , they tell me they are a bit behind at the moment I do know of someone else that has had the same problem & she ended up having a stroke around my age , she had to learn to walk again but is now being cheaked all the time health wise , I am trying not to get to stressed bout it but it is something not too take lightly & newbie you don't have to be a believer you already did the job just saying what you said that is good enough for me & once I know more I will update you all on what is happening I can tell you it is the right side that is blocked one side is apparently worse than the other so as it pumps the heart so until I hear more there isn't too much more I can do I was told we will ring you when we know your appointment date they are a bit behind at the moment so thank you everyone I appreciate you thinking of me i will keep.you informed I appreciate all of you even you rocket ...

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