Hi Thinker
For whatever reason I'm not getting the emails - sigh. I finally found your response today (though not sure how). How do I get emails without every post coming to me.
Round 6 must have been a seniors moment. Would you accept my selections for another comp (ESPN) for that round - they are always the same. No worries if the answer is in the negative - got to be fair to all.
Love the comp - its the best of all of them - especially with the 3 strikes as a bonus.
Thanks
Rob181

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

OK, this has already been discussed but thought I might put in my 2c worth as well. Watched the Rabbitohs vs. Manly game on Friday night and the obvious talking point (besides the great effort that Manly put up) was the sending off of Karl Lawton after just 8 minutes. I know a whole lotta people here and elsewhere think Phil Gould is an idiot but at the risk of sounding like a total idiot myself, I have a great deal of time for what Gus has to say. This is what he said concerning the send-off:

"It's just a momentum tackle, that's all. You have one man running real hard at the other man, he gets down low. To be sent off for that, when there is absolutely no injury to the other player, that's extraordinary.”

I sort of agree and I sort of don’t with this one. Yeah, by the letter of the law it was extremely dangerous and some sort of punishment should have been handed out. I’m not so sure he should’ve been sent off though. I’m leaning more towards 10 minutes in the bin plus a REALLY BIG fine and a LOT of WEEKS OFF (maybe a smidge more than the 4 he got). Then again it could be argued that Murray might not have been so lucky and it could’ve turned out really bad. So with that in mind you could make a case for the send-off. Yeah, 6 of one and half a dozen of the other in my book.

On paper, this week looks pretty cut and dried (home teams). The only two games that “might” not go to script could be the first two. Don’t trust me though 🤪. OK, let’s do this thing …

Rabbitohs vs. Broncos @ Stadium Aust
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Rabbitohs
Even though the scoreboard shows the Rabbitohs won 40-22 last week against Manly, they didn’t look (to me at least) all that convincing defence-wise. With the talent they have and playing against 12 men for 70 minutes, they should’ve done better in that regard. Mind you, they did have to deal with a spirited “backs-to-the-wall” opposition so there’s that to consider. The Rabbitohs started the second half strongly but Manly, against the odds, got to within 8 points but with tries to Murray and Taaffe, the result was put beyond doubt. The Bunnies did look sharp in their attack though and deserved the win. It was a good result for Cody Walker’s 150th too. “I thought defensively we invited them back into the game. I think the weekend off and freshen up will be a good thing for us," coach Jason Demetriou said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 80% (33/41)
Post Contact Metres - 566
Tackle Breaks - 40
Missed Tackles - 32
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 3

Broncos
The Broncos no doubt surprised a lot of people (me included) when they upset the Sharks last week. Their 16-7 win was, in my opinion, based off their excellent defensive effort. Mind you, the 2 tries they scored 8 minutes into the second half most probably helped as well. They had a few more attacking opportunities in that second half to put it beyond doubt but they fell a bit short but they displayed some fierce defence when it mattered and earned a deserving victory. I mentioned it a few weeks ago, but finally Kurt Capewell saw more ball and it paid dividends. All in all it was a very good, all-round team effort. "That's the big one is the defence from the guys. Cronulla have been scoring a lot of points this year so for us to defend the way we did shows the unity we're building,” coach Kevin Walters said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 77% (31/40)
Post Contact Metres - 662
Tackle Breaks - 30
Missed Tackles - 34
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 4

Verdict: With Capewell and Haas out, the Broncos might find this tougher than last week. Bunnies for me.

Raiders vs. Bulldogs @ GIO
Probability @ 55-45
Ladder Position = Raiders
Bookies Favourite = Raiders

Raiders
What can I say about the Raiders’ performance last week against the Warriors? I’m almost lost for words. Not a great showing in the first half but somehow they found themselves leading 20-12 heading into the sheds at the break. Unbelievably they had yet another second half where they went scoreless and the Warriors pipped them at the post 21-20. Has Ricky told them the game lasts for 80 minutes and not 40? Having said that though, I did think the Raiders were the better team for much of that match but they seem to have lost their way a bit. I must say that the Jack Wighton try was a beauty and so typically Jack Wighton. "That whole second half was undisciplined, lacked any quality execution, it was very disappointing. I am glad they were as bad as us. Publicly, I am lost for comment in regards to the quality of that performance in the second half. For any loyal fan, any real fans that we have got left I feel really embarrassed and sorry for them. I can put my finger on it, but from a public point of view it is not something I need to discuss here at a press conference," coach Ricky Stuart said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 70% (28/40)
Post Contact Metres - 528
Tackle Breaks - 24
Missed Tackles - 19
Errors - 18
Penalties Conceded - 8

Bulldogs
The Bulldogs really took it up to the more fancied Roosters last week and earned themselves a deserved 16-12 victory. With Josh Jackson missing due to C19 protocols, the Bulldogs really dug in and basically ambushed the Roosters. JAC bagged a double in the first half which went a long way in them getting the win. Liked the way they hung in there when the Roosters tried to mount a comeback. A great effort from the Doggies. "Tonight was the night when we finally got one of those close decisions go our way at the back end. I’m over the moon for the players. It was a great win and the club needed it. They just hung in and hung in and hung in. I've never been discouraged or disappointed by our team's effort or commitment to themselves, their teammates or to the club. But we haven't been able to hang on for that long and we really needed it desperately, " coach Trent Barrett said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 50%
Completion Rate - 81% (31/38)
Post Contact Metres - 514
Tackle Breaks - 21
Missed Tackles - 27
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: As bad as they’re travelling at the moment, surely the Raiders must sense the urgency this week. I was very impressed with the Bulldogs last week but think the Raiders will (must) bounce back. Raiders.

Panthers vs. Eels @ Panthers Stadium
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels

Panthers
Another impressive effort from the Panthers last week saw them come away with an 18-4 victory over the Titans. The Panthers weren’t at their best but did enough to get the win. Picked up in the second half and went about their job in a professional manner and did what good teams do. Great contributions from Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 47%
Completion Rate - 77% (30/39)
Post Contact Metres - 478
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 49
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 9

Eels
I’m pretty sure the Eels weren’t expecting the 35-4 flogging inflicted on them by the Cowboys last week. Not sure what happened to them but early on in the match the Eels had 4 sets in a row on the Cowboys’ line but were unable to get across. Great defence from the Cowboys or poor attack from the Eels? At the half-time break the Eels were down 15-0 and they needed to start the second half positively. They did look the better side at the start of that second 40 and after 2 disallowed tries they managed one at the 63 minute mark. The Eels didn’t seem switched on enough in my opinion. Either that or they were too fatigued. Letting in 16 points in the last 5 minutes is not encouraging. "We have to be prepared, every team is coming after us. That's what happens when you put yourself up there... teams are coming after us and we have to be prepared to match that level of intensity every week. I know it's a long season but that's what our job is, we've got to match that intensity that teams are coming with against us," coach Brad Arthur said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 84% (32/38)
Post Contact Metres - 630
Tackle Breaks - 17
Missed Tackles - 36
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 3

Verdict: The Eels have the talent but trying to “bounce back” against the Panthers at Panthers Stadium might be a big ask. The Panthers looked vulnerable last week but I still think they’ll win.

Manly vs. Tigers @ Brookvale
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Manly
Bookies Favourite = Manly

Manly
Manly were terrific last week against the Rabbitohs. OK, they lost 40-22 but it’s the way they “lost” that I was impressed with. I know it sounds cliché but Manly were valiant in defeat. The fact that they played with 12 men for 70 minutes and were able to score 22 points against quality opposition spoke volumes to me. But playing with one man short for that long eventually took its toll (as you’d expect it would) and the end result was inevitable. DCE’s kicking game was again tremendous and he kept them in the hunt for much of the match. The pundits are saying he was best on ground (in a losing side) and I think you’d be hard pressed to disagree. Overall it was a brave effort from a side who refused to give up and Manly fans should feel very proud of what their boys did last week. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 83% (31/37)
Post Contact Metres - 509
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 40
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 6

Tigers
The first half last week against the Dragons was a tough, low scoring affair which saw the Tigers head into the break leading 2-0. Not many points to show but I thought it an entertaining half. They started the second half OK but the momentum shifted and the Dragons put 2 tries past them. They did get one back with 6 minutes to go but it was a case of too little, too late. They did put the effort in at the end with repeat sets but the Dragons held on and the Tigers lost a close one 12-6. A lot of the stats went the way of the Tigers (they won 6/7 in the areas I highlight each week) but in the end they lacked that finishing touch. “You look at the sharpness we put some plays on we weren't able to ice some of those tries that were available to us. I thought we definitely had some opportunities to do that but it didn't go our way," coach Michael Maguire said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 55%
Completion Rate - 77% (35/45)
Post Contact Metres - 805
Tackle Breaks - 54
Missed Tackles - 19
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 1

Verdict: Manly have some handy players back in that should be able to cover those missing and at home, they should be too good for the Tigers.

Roosters vs. Titans @ Mackay
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters

Roosters
The way the Roosters have been playing lately, and it pains me to say this, I think they’re just “making up the numbers” this year and it will need a massive turnaround in effort to change my mind on that. To get beaten 16-12 by the bottom side (as they were coming into Round 8) is just not good enough. To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement. The Roosters were really let down with their poor completion rate, goal kicking (0/3), poor kicking metres (343 vs. 728) and they made far too many errors (18). Over to Robbo for the final words … "I feel like we had enough opportunities to execute but we're still not finding that ability to pressure teams, execute tries ... we're not creating chances off combination play. Attack turns around quicker than defence ... we see it but we're just not nailing it. It's not far away. We've identified what we have to do, we just didn't do it tonight.” Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 50%
Completion Rate - 66% (28/42)
Post Contact Metres - 580
Tackle Breaks - 27
Missed Tackles - 21
Errors - 18
Penalties Conceded - 3

Titans
Even with their errors, the Titans did pretty well to be leading 4-0 at half-time against the Panthers last week. They did have the Panthers nervous on occasions in the first half but I think that was down to the Panthers being unexpectedly sloppy. In the second half the Panthers scored 18 unanswered points and the Titans went down 18-4. The Titans were sort of OK in the second half and had ample opportunities but poor choices cost them. You can’t afford to make poor choices against a team like the Panthers and expect results. Not sure the injury to Fifita would have made any difference to the result. The Titans had some chances but in the end they weren’t quite up to the class of their opposition. "I thought the (team) changes were right. We just couldn't withstand them," coach Justin Holbrook said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 53%
Completion Rate - 72% (31/43)
Post Contact Metres - 499
Tackle Breaks - 49
Missed Tackles - 29
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 8

Verdict: My BBB were really average last week. I’m hoping (and praying) that they’ll finally get their you-know-what together this week. I’m fast running out of patience though. One more time fellas. Roosters to win. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

Cowboys vs. Knights @ Townsville
Probability @ 75-25
Ladder Position = Cowboys
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys

Cowboys
The Cowboys grabbed a high-profile scalp last week and thoroughly deserved their 35-4 victory over the Eels. While they did score 35 against quality opposition, I thought their defensive effort had a big bearing on the result. The Eels being kept scoreless in the first half and only scoring the solitary try in the second could be proof of that. In the second half the Eels were looking tired and in the last 6 minutes the Cowboys took advantage of that and scored 3 tries. “We wanted to play the game the right way and control the ball and be good with our discipline, but we didn't do it and we had to work really hard defensively because of it," coach Todd Payten said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 89% (34/38)
Post Contact Metres - 603
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 17
Errors - 6
Penalties Conceded - 6

Knights
The Knights became the Storm’s latest victim when they were humiliated 50-2 last week. The Knights’ defence was (obviously) pretty soft, the Storm were just too strong and there was nothing the Knights could do to stem the bleeding. They should’ve been able to but they weren’t. Unfortunately it was “one of those days” for the Knights (everybody has them sooner or later) where their defence was plainly lacking and they supplied a lacklustre showing. Some of their last play options were simply not good enough. “We’re down on confidence, definitely, at the moment, and the only answer is to stick together and fight our way out, and we’ll come out the other side, I’ve seen it. We don’t want people’s sympathy – we don’t want to be kicked, unnecessarily – but we don’t want sympathy. We’ll get together and we’ll fight it,” coach Adam O'Brien said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 37%
Completion Rate - 55% (16/29)
Post Contact Metres - 308
Tackle Breaks - 27
Missed Tackles - 34
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: I think last week’s form from both these sides makes tipping the winner pretty easy. Famous last words maybe? Cowboys at home.

Storm vs. Dragons @ AAMI
Probability @ 80-20
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm

Storm
Another ruthless showing from the Storm last week saw them come away with a 50-2 victory over the Knights. Went about their job in a professional and clinical manner and did what good teams do. Great contributions from Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 63%
Completion Rate - 82% (32/39)
Post Contact Metres - 494
Tackle Breaks - 34
Missed Tackles - 27
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 3

Dragons
The Dragons got themselves a scrappy 12-6 win last week against the Tigers. Even though the half-time score was only 2-0 to the Tigers, I thought it was an entertaining first 40. The Dragons came out in the second half and applied some pressure on the Tigers and were rewarded with a great solo try from Hunt. Sullivan scored another 13 minutes later and the Dragons defended well enough to keep the Tigers at arm’s length and hold on for the win. Just like they did the week before, the Dragons had to work hard for the win. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 45%
Completion Rate - 72% (29/40)
Post Contact Metres - 665
Tackle Breaks - 19
Missed Tackles - 54
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 8

Verdict: No brainer here … Storm.

Sharks vs. Warriors @ Shark Park
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks

Sharks
The Sharks encountered a switched on Broncos last week and somehow managed to go down 16-7. They looked pretty good in the first half but up against a determined Broncos defence, they only managed the single try and a FG which meant they went into the break leading by the smallest of margins 7-6. They seemed to lack focus in the second half and were kept scoreless and most probably felt disappointed in the end result. I think there was a bit of impatience involved and a little bit of panic set in as the game wore on. I was impressed however with the way McInnes tried his guts out in an attempt to get the Sharks moving. "It was a bit of a flat performance from us. The first half was a good half ... I don't know if we lost a bit of confidence with the (Staggs) try on half time but obviously the start to the second half was poor (and we were) lacklustre in the second half," coach Craig Fitzgibbon said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 70% (29/41)
Post Contact Metres - 736
Tackle Breaks - 34
Missed Tackles - 30
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 5

Warriors
Last week the Warriors got home over the Raiders by the slimmest of margins 21-20 thanks to a Shaun Johnson FG. Their first half was lacking any real polish and they went into the sheds 20-12 down. The second half was pretty average from both sides but the Warriors scored in the 63rd minute off some missing Raiders defence and the Warriors were back in it. A penalty goal with a minute to go and it was “thriller time”. Shaun Johnson stepped up and slotted the winning FG in the 2nd minute of extra time and the Warriors got home. They trailed all game and were pretty run of the mill frankly but the necessary amount of attitude enabled them to fight their way back and win it. “We didn't play so great today but in the second half we showed a bit of fight and resilience. We didn't allow them to score in the second half. It wasn't a great game of footy and you have got to feel for the other mob, they have gone through a period of losses. It is a tough game sometimes,” coach Nathan Brown said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 59% (26/44)
Post Contact Metres - 458
Tackle Breaks - 19
Missed Tackles - 24
Errors - 17
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: I’ve gotta be honest and admit that I like seeing the Warriors win but I don’t think they will this week. Sharkies to bounce back.

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

A timeless classic. What more can I say…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye5BuYf8q4o

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

Hey Newbie my friend.
First of all must apologise for my absence from this site. I've had a cancerous prostate removed and it's taken a bit to get back on my feet.
Getting better every day so have to get back here with some comments.
Firstly I think Gus Gould is a problem in the game. His time has come and gone, it's time Gus went to sniff the roses and hung up his hat.
Secondly....Sweet home Alabama is one of my all time favs and I thank you for posting it.
Finally any men out there from say 50 onwards go and see your GP and get a blood test including a PSA sample, it'll tell you about the health of your prostate and may just save you from what I've been through.

Great to see the broncos knock of some big teams

Evening Mark - first congrats on your Pony's last night.
Hope things are improving for you after the op mate.
I have two friends have been through it. If the levels are really up and biopsies show the dreaded C present, the recommendation from specialists is to remove the gland, before it gets spreading. Mate I feel for you and others out there, as there is truckloads of them who don't come forward to discuss their men's health issues. I take my hat, Cowboy hat or whatever - off to you. It won't only save what you've been through Bud, but it could save their life. Like women's breast cancer - it is hidden, until that dreaded result or GP's call.

Take care mate and keep well
Big Pete.

Who would believe Eels defeated Panthers tonight after Eels copped a flogging last round, was going to pick panthers in 3 the strikes as well ,thank god i did not, the rest of the season is going to be an interesting one.

It was a hard last minute, and I am not sure how we got away with it, warned on tackle 3 for time wasting and then Reed goes for at least 2 voluntary tackles? If Sutton had the stones it should have been golden point. Glad for the win and even more happy to knock the chocolate soldiers off at home. Lets see how we go for the next few rounds.

Game should never have been as close as it was Baggy after the refs missing Kikau's blatant knock on with Penrith going on to score. Shocking miss by the officials. Annersely will give Para an apology on Monday & officials will b there again next week. Same old, same old....

Yep Steel, I agree, but was so proud of the NRL not going back to replay the mistake. I was also pretty angry about how long it took to review that To'o try where D. Brown was "taken" out. It felt like Sutton was waiting for a replay before referring it upstairs. Natural mistakes should be allowed by the on field guy, but the bunker should be able to see those issues in real time and pull the game up if something obvious is missed. We should have taken the 2, iced the game at a 10 pt lead, not hoping for a 3rd try.

Good to see that you are on the mend after your Op.
I agree that men should talk about prostate problems and to be aware.
Bit sad it took me a week to reply to you. I was diagnosed about July '20 with 'mid-range' prostate cancer & it was decided to take me down the path to radiation treatment. Over the next 6 months or so my PSA was regularly checked & I had various other scans, an MRI, a TURP procedure, (look that one up), SpaceOAR, gold 'seeds' inserted, 2 tiny tattoos, & a course of drugs to stop my body producing Testosterone, before having 20 radiation treatments during March last year. All went very well & my PSA levels are checked now at 3 monthly intervals & is still at about zero.
The big thing for me that took so much of the worry away was I didn't have any problems with transport. Having a DVA Gold card allows taxi travel for any specialist treatment.
I joined the Army for 6 years in early June 1962, by Jan '63 I am posted to a Battalion in Malaya for 2 years, back to Brisbane Jan '65 & then in June '66 with 6 RAR in Vietnam, back home again in June '67 and was married in July of that year, and, we still are! I am now 78 years of age. Crikey, if I keep this up I'll be challenging Newbie from Perth.
I have spoken with my 'mates' at the Pub about my story with Prostate and helped them to be aware, and a few are showing signs of having treatment soon. Which is good.
All the best in the future for you and thank you also for sharing your treatment.