Hi Tiger,
Your scores = (R1 -5),6,6, = 17
Rocket's scores = (R1 -6),6,5, = 17

Well done both of you, to be at the top of the scoreboard!!
Cheers,
Mary

Don't blame you Tiger, I would too!

Cheers,
Mary

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

I was hoping to get 5 or 6 correct last week but ended up getting just three. The more time goes on and the more I think I understand this game, the more I’m brought back down to reality. It’s a tough gig this. “If you want to win you just gotta keep playing” as they say.

@ Christine
Sorry to hear you have the Rona. Even though you have it, given the way you’ve battled all your other MS crap, you’re still here so that suggests to me that you’re made of strong stuff. You’ve got this girlfriend 💪. Yeah, I’m not saying it isn’t real, I’m just saying for most people (not everyone of course) it’s not something to panic about. For those who are in a compromised health situation, I would “strongly” encourage them to be ultra careful and do whatever’s necessary to protect themselves as best they can. You didn’t ask but our “official” WHO survival rate in Aust as of last weekend is 99.85%. Personal opinion only but that’s why I’m not too concerned for myself, and myself only. My advice for you is to look after yourself as best you can which I know you’re already doing. As I said, you’ve got this my friend. Stay strong. Also, so sorry to hear about Jessie. All the things you have on your plate and then this. You did the right (humane) thing Christine. I did something similar with my cat “Bosun” about 25 years ago and it broke my heart. So much so I haven’t had a pet since. Just couldn’t go through that again 😥.

OK, let’s do this thing …

Titans vs. Tigers @ CBUS
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Titans
Bookies Favourite = Titans

Titans
The Titans imploded in the second half against the Raiders last week. Their first half was stunning and with a minute to go before half-time they were leading 22-0. From then on they let in 24 unanswered points and eventually lost disappointingly 24-22. In my mind it was definitely the one that got away. The Raiders simply tormented them out of the game in that second half and the Titans simply had no answers. Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui said … "It's obviously tough ... as a team, we've got to make sure we're doing all the little things right and can't get comfortable because good teams do that to you. They find a way ... we'll get back to training, we'll work on the little things that we need to and make sure we're back ready next week." Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 81% (30/37)
Post Contact Metres - 501
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 37
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 4

Tigers
The Tigers are still winless after their 16-12 defeat last week against the Warriors. Their second half was pretty ordinary with too many errors made while in attack. It certainly didn’t help their cause. Neither did them remaining scoreless in that second 40. Their second half goal-line attack was dreadful and they never looked like troubling the Warriors’ defensive line (especially in the last 10 minutes or so when the Warriors were down to 12 men). The Tigers did show some improvement but still have some work to do if they want to remain competitive. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 76% (33/43)
Post Contact Metres - 526
Tackle Breaks - 30
Missed Tackles - 10
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 9

Verdict: Sorry to all the Tigers’ fans but until they “show me the money” (or win) I can’t tip them. Titans for me.

Sharks vs. Knights @ Shark Park
Probability @ 65-35
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks

Sharks
Yeah, the Sharks definitely look like they’re here to play footy this year. They completely dominated the Dragons last week and won easily 36-12. The effort from Nicho Hynes was outstanding. Mind you they were strong all over the park. Looking at the stats they had 7 players who all ran over 100 metres. The Sharks were simply too classy for the Dragons. Considering the wet weather, their game was even more admirable. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 72% (31/43)
Post Contact Metres - 408
Tackle Breaks - 31
Missed Tackles - 25
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 8

Knights
The Knights gave it a fair old crack last week against the Panthers but in the end the Panthers’ class shone through and the Knights fell 38-20. Their cause was definitely not helped when Mitch Barnett had a brain snap and got himself sent off after 32 minutes. Anyone would struggle with 12 men for 48 minutes against a side like the Panthers. On reflection I thought they did well. The Knights got a faint sniff when Tuala scored with 9 minutes left but a missed conversion and a couple of late tries to the Panthers put a stop to that. All in all the Knights didn’t do much wrong and best to suck it up and move onto this week. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 78% (30/38)
Post Contact Metres - 413
Tackle Breaks - 28
Missed Tackles - 16
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: Look, the Sharks are improved and on a roll but the Knights aren’t that bad. As I said, anyone would struggle with 12 men for 48 minutes against the Panthers. I reckon the bookies and pundits might be underestimating the Knights just a bit. I give them a chance here so I’ll tip them to get up.

Panthers vs. Rabbitohs @ Panthers Stadium
Probability @ 60-40
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers

Panthers
Another impressive effort from the Panthers last week saw them come away with a 38-20 victory over the Knights. They were pushed by the Knights to a degree but went about their job in a professional manner and did what good teams do (against 12 men for 48 minutes). Great contributions from Dylan Edwards, Stephen Crichton and Taylan May. I wish I was able to post photos like the one I saw last week on ESPN. One of my least favourite Panthers Jarome Luai was snapped with his fingers spread out across a Knights’ player’s face with one of them in his eye socket. Now, that could be accidental or whatever but not a good look. Funnily enough the headline read … “Panthers claw out the Knights in a top of the table clash”. 🤪 Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 81% (31/38)
Post Contact Metres - 572
Tackle Breaks - 16
Missed Tackles - 28
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 7

Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs franked the second half form they showed against the Storm in Round 2 and got themselves a convincing 28-16 win over the Roosters last week. Cameron Murray was absolutely brilliant it must be said. The Rabbitohs dominated possession early on and their defence had the Roosters in all sorts of trouble. They were switched on and came ready to play and never looked like losing that match. The Roosters got within 2 points but the Rabbitohs simply ramped it up a couple of notches and ran out deserved winners. Just too good against quality opposition makes me think a lot of teams might be in for a whole lot of pain this year. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 83% (36/43)
Post Contact Metres - 596
Tackle Breaks - 31
Missed Tackles - 43
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 5

Verdict: This will be a real test for both sides and could go either way. My tipping so far is shot so I’ll play safe and go the Panthers at home.

Warriors vs. Broncos @ Moreton Daily Stadium
Probability @ 40-60
Ladder Position = Broncos
Bookies Favourite = Broncos

Warriors
Looking at the stats I’d have to say the Warriors “might” have been a tad lucky to get the 16-12 win last week against the Tigers. They were leading 14-0 after 34 minutes but let the Tigers back into it and at half-time they had a skinny 14-12 lead. Even though their second half was pretty average, they did manage a solitary penalty goal and kept the Tigers scoreless and got home 16-12 to get themselves on the board. While not that impressive, they did take their chances when it mattered but they need to put in some work from here on in. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - Warriors 74% (29/39)
Post Contact Metres - 508
Tackle Breaks - 10
Missed Tackles - 30
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 7

Broncos
The Broncos went MIA last week against the Cowboys. They were in and out of the contest and couldn’t match the enthusiasm shown by the Cowboys. They were brought back down to earth to the tune of 38-12 and on reflection, they were never gonna win that one. Yeah, they showed glimpses but at the end of the day they didn’t do enough things right. There was no kick chase whatsoever and no pressure on the Cowboys’ kickers. Their attack was dull. Continual hit-ups down the middle time after time won’t win you games. I reckon they should’ve used Capewell more. Why they didn’t was confusing. Sadly, it was a very disappointing effort truth be told. There are lessons to be learned from this one for sure. As Kevvie said later … "Every little thing that we tried didn't come off for us. We got punched in the face today. We've got to respect that punch and get our dukes up ready for next week." Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 44%
Completion Rate - 71% (25/35)
Post Contact Metres - 528
Tackle Breaks - 47
Missed Tackles - 38
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 6

Verdict: Both sides were pretty ordinary last week but the Broncos are primed for the “bouce-back”. Broncos to atone for last week and I’m tipping them to get this done.

Sea Eagles vs. Raiders @ Mudgee
Probability @ 65-35
Ladder Position = Raiders
Bookies Favourite = Manly

Manly
Manly really had to win last week against the Bulldogs and win they did, albeit by the skinniest of margins 13-12. The match was a dour, fragmented affair and the winning field goal from DCE with 4 minutes to go wasn’t the best he’s ever hit but it was enough. A lot of pundits commented that possibly Manly weren’t the better team on the day and they might just have a point. In the end it matters not as a win is a win. At one stage Manly had 5 consecutive sets on the Bulldogs try line but couldn’t get through. Given the talent they have, they should have. Just sayin’. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 70% (33/47)
Post Contact Metres - 567
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 15
Errors - 18
Penalties Conceded - 6

Raiders
What a game from the Raiders last week! They were down 22-0 at the 39 minute mark but then slipped into gear and put on 24 unanswered points to finally get up over the Titans 24-22. The Raiders didn’t have much possession in the first half and when they did their execution was poor. So was their defence it must be said. They completely turned it around in the second half though. Not sure what Ricky said to them or what was in their Gatorade but they came out with renewed vigour. They piled on the points and kept the Titans scoreless to sneak in by 2. Not surprisingly, Ricky praised his side’s toughness and determination after getting the unlikeliest of victories. It was an impressive display from the Green Machine. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 77% (27/35)
Post Contact Metres - 600
Tackle Breaks - 37
Missed Tackles - 32
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 6

Verdict: Based purely on form I’d have to say the Raiders look good here but I keep remembering Manly’s poor start last year and where they ended up. Dunno, this is hard. Probability and bookies say Manly so I may as well say that too. Manly.

Cowboys vs. Roosters @ Townsville
Probability @ 35-65
Ladder Position = Cowboys
Bookies Favourite = Roosters

Cowboys
The Cowboys really turned up last week against the Broncos and gave them a 38-12 football lesson. Once the Cowboys got going, the Broncos just couldn’t keep up. The NQ attack on the line was relentless and as their confidence grew, so did the points. Their defensive effort was outstanding and the kick chase was superb. I really felt sorry for poor ol’ Selwyn Cobbo at times. That short pass from Jason Taumalolo to Griffin Neame to score was a joy to behold. I’m not used to seeing that from the big fella. Coach Todd Payten summed it up when he said... "We played tough, defended our way out of trouble in the first half ... and that was the game." Now, even though the Cowboys were so dominant last week, I’m still amazed that they had 47 missed tackles 😱. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 56%
Completion Rate - 91% (34/37)
Post Contact Metres - 698
Tackle Breaks - 38
Missed Tackles - 47
Errors - 3
Penalties Conceded - 5

Roosters
It was a disappointing effort from the Roosters last week. They were starved of possession by the Rabbitohs for the majority of the game and were convincingly beaten 28-16. They couldn’t get any momentum going which I think was due to their poor completion rate, too many errors and simply being outplayed on the night. When Tom Burgess coughed up the ball and Manu scored, the Roosters got within 2 points of the Rabbitohs but that was as close as it got. Daniel Tupou scored with 9 minutes left but it was too little, too late. The damage had already been done. Souths just too good on the night. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 67% (25/37)
Post Contact Metres - 520
Tackle Breaks - 43
Missed Tackles - 33
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: As impressed as I was with the Cowboys last week I have a feeling the Roosters will want to answer their poor showing last week with a win here. Yeah, Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

Storm vs. Bulldogs @ AAMI
Probability @ 75-25
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm

Storm
It’s not often the Storm lose at AAMI but that’s what happened last week when they were beaten by the Eels 28-24 in Golden Point. They didn’t do much wrong but were simply beaten by a good side with something to prove. Even though they were down 24-18 with just 5 minutes to go, they came back (as good sides do) and equalised through Papenhuyzen and the match went into Golden Point. Papenhuyzen had his FG attempt charged down but the Eels scored and it was all over, red rover. The Storm players who moved on to other clubs and their injured guys out for the year just might have an impact on future performances. Coach Craig Bellamy said "We did some real good things and then we did some things that weren't so good". Well, that was illuminating Craig! Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 68% (28/41)
Post Contact Metres - 588
Tackle Breaks - 44
Missed Tackles - 32
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 7

Bulldogs
The Bulldogs fought out a tough game against Manly last week and deserved better. Their defence was very, very good considering Manly had 26 play-the-balls in their red zone in the second half. They ended up drawing level at 12-12 but a wobbly field goal from DCE 4 minutes from time snatched it away from the Doggies. Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett mentioned … "In terms of character and toughness and playing for each other, we have that in spades. The try at halftime hurt, it was one we didn't need to give away. We just need to learn a few lessons." A good effort from the Bulldogs and they should record more wins this year than they did last year for sure. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 78% (32/41)
Post Contact Metres - 459
Tackle Breaks - 15
Missed Tackles - 29
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 8

Verdict: The Storm don’t often lose at AAMI, let alone 2 in a row at AAMI. The Bulldogs will find the Storm classier opposition than Manly were and for that reason I’m on the Storm to win this.

Eels vs. Dragons @ Parramatta
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels

Eels
I only gave them the slimmest of chances last week against the Storm but the Eels came away with a commendable 28-24 victory, thanks in part to those 2 late tries from Ray Stone. Who would’ve thunk it? It was a gripping contest and the Eels were never intimidated by the Storm at AAMI and after a wayward start they finally got their act together and matched it with the Storm. I know it was only Round 3 but I’m still trying to get a handle on the Eels. In extra time it was the missed FG attempt from Moses that hit the post and fell perfectly for Stone to step inside and score the winner. What a shame if Ray Stone’s season is over for this year. Apparently he was too upset post-game to front the media. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 78% (29/37)
Post Contact Metres - 552
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 44
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 5

Dragons
The Dragons were simply outclassed last week by the Sharks and lost 36-12. They struggled to cash in on their opportunities in the first half with some pretty ordinary passing down their right edge. They were in with a chance when Jack Bird scored in the 42nd minute but they were overrun by the Sharks and let in 3 second half tries and it was all over. They did score a consolation try in the 73rd minute but at the end it was a disappointing result. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 75% (30/40)
Post Contact Metres - 441
Tackle Breaks - 25
Missed Tackles - 31
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: The Eels seem like they’ve started to hit their straps after last week’s effort. I’m tipping Baggy’s BOYS to go on with it this week.

Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”. This one still stands the test of time well. At least I think it does 😍.

https://youtu.be/8LhkyyCvUHk

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

Evening Christine - yes, self isolation/quarantine is always a catch 22 when you need to impose it on oneself. The time will fly and its not far off. Might see the masks being worn again as powers that be are thinking of re-introduction. Here's hoping things can clear a little because I cant seem to get enough air into me, when I wear them.

Our pets are never forgotten Christine. They become a part of you. Wasn't it nice to be greeted each time you arrived home from an outing. I cant ever think where'd I'd get greeted like that. They are so ecstatic to see you.

So nice of your nephew to offer that. I'll be offline a bit tomorrow.
Take care and keep well as can be.
Big Pete

Hi RICX AM I (& other tipsters),
The following was posted in the 3 strike comp comments - you may see it here instead, regarding your score.

"Unfortunately, with the 3 strike comp starting from round 1, if anyone doesn't submit a pick for a round, it becomes an automatic strike against their name.

As you did not start until round 3 with your selection, the 1st two rounds have counted as strikes.

With careful selection, you can still progress a long way in this very strategic comp - good luck!!"
Cheers,
Mary

Hi Thinker,

I submitted my tips for the weekend but did not receive feedback that it's been posted so incase it does not go through,

My tips for this round 4 are;
Titans,
Sharks,
Panthers,
Broncos,
Sea Eagles,
Roosters,
Storms,
Eels.

Happy tipping everyone.
Cheers.

the link's not there again for me either Mr Thinker.
My tips are :
Titans
Knights
Panthers
Broncos
Raiders
Roosters
Storm
Eels

Hi thinker, i missed the jump by a few minutes. If its still possible to get my tips in.
Titans
Sharks
Panthers
Warriors
Sea eagles
Cowboys
Storm
Eels

Don’t forget to those who are still in my 3 strike comp who haven’t submitted there team there’s still time

That is in addition to Cowboys v Dogs in round 1. When did we last have 2 games separated by such tight margins where neither team got over 10 points? Feels like a strange year.

What is the Sharks v Knights looking like, as bad as those previous games we have mentioned?

Certainly plenty of excitement in the Panthers/Rabbitohs game!!
Cheers,
Mary

You obviously "saw" something I didn't Voyeur. Nice tip.

Brisbane back to last season's form. Wat's the story Rocket?

Flegler on report four times & a stint in the bin & still stays on the paddock?? Go figure....

Hey Steel,
I too went for the Broncs and yes they are back to last years form.
However good wishes to your Warriors.

Agreed

Unless your panthers who are always good or tigers who are always bad god knows what the score line would be when they play than it’s always tough to pick