Rocket Ryan

I am honoured to know that you are waiting for my tips each week as you clearly have no Football sense of your own. Please be patient and I will post my tips as soon as I have them picked.

Butcher, don't be embarrassed mate, you can follow my tips as well,

Tiger

Hello Thinker
I love your previews which are very informative and usually mistake free not like Tiger who spell his team tiggers and Rocket who speaks gibberish. But unless you know of a merge and we are now the South Sydney Roosters in your preview you do refer to Souths as the Chooks ( not in my lifetime).

Tigger
That’s not nice a bit of friendly banter and you get nasty. But hey I understand I think it’s time you sit down with the wife and have that talk about getting out of your shitty job that no one respects and get out of that shitty little town so you can get a life and while you’ve got her there you can ask her what a dickhead is because she’ll know coz she married one.
Happy Easter

All Good Butcher
I can sense a bit of panic as my tips are not in yet, they will be soon.

As far as my shitty job, my shitty town, I quite enjoy my shitty attitude and comments even if all they do is to get you to take the bait.

Tiger

Butcher can you get him a job in the airline business I'm surprised you moved there's a lot more toilets to clean in the hotel industry but still each to his own I'm sure tiger could have some use around the airport you can never have too much security.

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

A few words about this week’s SOTW if I may. The guy in this week’s offering surprised me. I wasn’t aware he was an accomplished piano player, guitarist and singer. The reason I say that is I’ve only ever known him as an English actor, author and comedian. I didn’t realise he had these extra talents to be honest. Some of you may know this but I was totally unaware. If I tell you he starred in Blackadder, Tomorrowland (movie) and appeared in music videos by Kate Bush and Annie Lennox, would that give you a clue as to who he is? If not, what about if I told you he starred in a hugely successful wacky hospital drama from back in the day?

Anyway, this week’s SOTW is a blues song and this famous actor drags in an absolute music legend friend of his who totally surprised me as well. Surprising insofar as I never thought he would be someone who would be into singing the blues. I was pleasantly blown away when I saw this video and hope you are as well. If you get a chance, go search for videos of the “actor” I’m referring to and watch him tinkle those ivories and sing. He’s actually quite good.

@ Christine
Strange thing your eyes getting all “watery” from the coof. Not sure why that’s happening I must say. Good to know you’re doing OK. Yeah, I don’t wanna go looking to get the coof either. Not that I’m worried, it’d be more of an inconvenience is all. As you know I’m the only one not vaxxed at work and I find it interesting that we now have had six (6) people go down with the dreaded “loogie” whereas I’m just going about my business 75% of the time unmasked (I suppose I shouldn’t admit to that seeing as it’s mandatory indoors over here) and not a problem so far. Mind you, I’m pretty careful as to how close I get to people so maybe that’s the secret 😁. You (and everyone else) stay safe and healthy. Cheers.

@ Tiger and Butcher
Lovin’ the banter guys. Made me chuckle tonight. Keep it up and never change 💪.

OK, let’s do this thing …

Sharks vs. Manly @ Shark Park
Probability @ 60-40
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks

Sharks
The way the Sharks have started this year they must’ve thought they were a good chance last week against the Storm. They were actually very good but unfortunately for them the Storm’s class (and especially that from Munster) showed through and they were beaten 34-18. The final score was a bit misleading though as the Sharks were right in the mix for most of the match. But as the Storm do, they simply stepped it up a bit (after Mulitalo’s second try) and got one of their own plus a couple of penalty goals and shut down any chance the Sharks had. Losing Dale Finucane after 8 minutes certainly didn’t help their cause. "Ultimately, we had too many soft defensive errors there that ended up hurting us - they put us under a bit of pressure and we sort of got away from how we've been playing," coach Craig Fitzgibbon said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 84% (28/33)
Post Contact Metres - 300
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 36
Errors - 5
Penalties Conceded - 8

Manly
Manly were leading comfortably 24-4 at the half-time break but in the second half they were made to weather a Titans comeback. While the Titans scored 3 tries, Manly could only manage a 74th minute penalty but they held the Titans at bay for the last 15 minutes and it was enough to get the Sea Eagles a scrappy 26-18 win. Coach Des Hasler summed it up when he said … “We took our foot off the pedal a bit (in the second half) but given our injuries and HIA and blokes having to come back out to play wounded, it was a brave effort to get the two points." Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 50%
Completion Rate - 85% (34/40)
Post Contact Metres - 416
Tackle Breaks - 24
Missed Tackles - 37
Errors - 7
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: Not quite sure with this one. Maybe the Sharks because they’re at home and of course, the bounce-back factor. Sharks.

Broncos vs. Bulldogs @ Suncorp
Probability @ 60-40
Ladder Position = Broncos
Bookies Favourite = Broncos

Broncos
Despite being up against the reigning Premiers last week, the Broncos managed to get on the board first and did well to only trail 12-6 at half-time. They started the second pretty well until Palasia and Edwards had their little one-on-one 7 minutes into the second half and both ended up in the bin. From there on the Panthers got on top and flexed their muscles and ran away with it and the Broncos ended up losing it 40-12. The Broncos did show some good signs however and are headed in the right direction. The Broncos hung in there and fans shouldn’t feel too bad about their effort. Kotoni Staggs was most probably the best for the Broncos while Adam Reynolds had a good game with the boot. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 44%
Completion Rate - 86% (32/37)
Post Contact Metres - 558
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 48
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 5

Bulldogs
The Bulldogs started well enough last week against the Rabbitohs and after 15 minutes they were 6-0 ahead. They were penalised for repeat infringements and it was Jeremy Marshall-King who got 10 minutes in the bin as a result. Unfortunately for the Doggies the Rabbitohs scored 3 tries and put the game out of reach. If it wasn’t then 3 minutes into the second half it definitely was. The Bulldogs managed 2 tries in the second half but left it far too late and in the end they were beaten 36-16. There were signs of improvement but they were still making some silly mistakes and not taking advantage of opportunities that came their way. "The sin-binning didn't help but we need to show some more resolve through that period. We spoke about putting 80 minutes together. We are conceding ordinary tries when we just can't,” coach Trent Barrett said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 44%
Completion Rate - 74% (29/39)
Post Contact Metres - 399
Tackle Breaks - 25
Missed Tackles - 38
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 8

Verdict: Both were well beaten last week but I think the Broncos have more upside and they’re at home. Broncos.

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

Cowboys
The Cowboys had a somewhat average first half last week against the Raiders and went into the sheds 12-0 down. They were just not disciplined enough and gave away 7 or 8 first half penalties from memory. Their second half effort was much better and they held the Raiders scoreless to run out 18-12 winners. It was an outstanding and gutsy display thanks largely in part to the endeavour from Jason Taumalolo and Val Holmes. “We were able to sharpen up through the second half and put some pressure back on them with field position and ball control and that's why we're here (discussing a win)," coach Todd Payten said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 75% (33/44)
Post Contact Metres - 540
Tackle Breaks - 26
Missed Tackles - 19
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 9

Titans
The Titans were outplayed in the first half last week against Manly and went into the break 24-4 behind. They failed to convert some early opportunities and along with some pretty soft defence at times, the Sea Eagles made them pay. While their first half was somewhat disappointing, their second 40 was pretty good. They scored 3 second half tries but just couldn’t find any more in the last 15 minutes to get up. Toby Sexton’s 1/4 conversion attempts certainly didn’t help and in the end they just fell short 26-18. That try David Fifita scored was a beast of a try and beautiful to watch. It’s a no-brainer but the Titans need to use him more 🤦. A definite chance gone begging for sure. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 50%
Completion Rate - 77% (31/40)
Post Contact Metres - 401
Tackle Breaks - 37
Missed Tackles - 24
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 6

Verdict: This could go either way I reckon. Without much confidence whatsoever I’ll stick with the Cowboys only because they’re at home.

Tigers vs. Rabbitohs @ Parramatta
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Tigers
Well, the football gods have finally smiled upon the Tigers when they managed to get up in a thriller last week 21-20 against the more fancied Eels. Jackson Hastings was the hero when he popped over a 38 metre FG to snatch the win. The Tigers deserved their win it must be said. Obviously the shift from Michael Maguire worked a treat with Brooks playing one of his better games this year. Take away some of the responsibility from Brooks’ shoulders and notice the improvement. The Tigers played with perseverance and drive I thought. They weren’t perfect and they still lacked a bit of discipline at times but in the end their improved attack got them in the contest and ultimately the win. The Eels drew level with 12 minutes to go but neither side could find a way for the extra points and things became desperate. Moses missed his shot at FG but Jackson Hastings didn’t and the rest as they say is history. "It's pretty special. I'm really pleased for my players. I've got a committed group here and the last month with results, things haven't gone our way. Our leaders throughout the week have been very strong, so I'm very pleased," coach Maguire said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 77% (27/35)
Post Contact Metres - 488
Tackle Breaks - 33
Missed Tackles - 34
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 6

Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs found themselves 6-0 down after 15 minutes last week against the Bulldogs. They gradually worked their way back into the contest even though the Bulldogs were serving it up to them. Fortune smiled on the Bunnies when Jeremy Marshall-King got sin-binned and while he was “resting” the Rabbitohs ran in 3 quick tries to put the match to bed basically. Another try 3 minutes into the second half absolutely sealed it. From there the classy Rabbitohs were never in danger of losing it and got a well deserved 36-16 victory. Thought young Taaffe filled in for Mitchell admirably and Damien Cook had another great game. "We showed some resilience in that first 20 minutes. The Dogs were coming at us really hard. We probably dropped our level a bit (at the end of the game). We're building and we are heading in the right direction,” coach Jason Demetriou said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 56%
Completion Rate - 72% (34/47)
Post Contact Metres - 667
Tackle Breaks - 38
Missed Tackles - 25
Errors - 15
Penalties Conceded - 9

Verdict: While the Tigers did well last week and claimed a big scalp, I think the Bunnies’ class will be enough to get them home here. Bunnies for me.

Knights vs. Eels @ McDonald Jones
Probability @ 35-65
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels

Knights
The Knights lost a “controversial” match last week against the Dragons 21-16. Even though I thought it was a pretty even contest, there will be discussions no doubt on the offside penalties going unnoticed and the 5-0 six-again count. The Knights might feel hard done by but by the same token, the Dragons had a six-again recalled after a tackle or two and a Knights offside penalty also went unnoticed. So in the end you just gotta go with what you’re dealt I suppose. Anyway, there were times during the contest where the Knights were clearly on top and after getting level at 16-16 they had 20 minutes to get the job done. In the end they couldn’t. They had a real crack at it but their failure to convert some opportunities in that second half most certainly cost them the game. Ponga and Best were outstanding for the Knights. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 45%
Completion Rate - 75% (24/32)
Post Contact Metres - 466
Tackle Breaks - 50
Missed Tackles - 37
Errors - 13
Penalties Conceded - 4

Eels
The Eels were not at the top of their game last week against the Tigers. Not sure if they took the Tigers too lightly or whether it was simply “one of those days”. At any rate, the Eels ended up losing a thriller 21-20 to the (at the time) last placed Tigers. On paper the Eels should’ve won last week but instead let the opportunity to celebrate their 75th anniversary slip out of their grasp. Moses only managed 2/4 conversions but you can’t blame him for the loss. The Eels were simply ambushed by a more desperate and vastly improved Tigers outfit. The Eels drew level with 12 minutes to go but couldn’t find a way to get the points necessary to win which I personally found bewildering. Even though they lost Opacic and RCG to injury, I still thought with their class the Eels would have snuck in. "Our concentration around the detail of the game wasn't good enough. We lacked a fair bit of patience, we made a few breaks and were trying to score off every play. The games in which we play our best footy are the games where we build and are patient," coach Brad Arthur said. A little concerning was the Eels’ completion rate (30/43), missed tackles and error count. Very un-Parramatta as I saw it. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 69% (30/43)
Post Contact Metres - 497
Tackle Breaks - 34
Missed Tackles - 33
Errors - 15
Penalties Conceded - 4

Verdict: The Eels will be hurting after getting beaten by the Tigers and I’m thinking they’ll come out and make a statement (or at least try to). Eels to get back on track.

Panthers vs. Raiders @ Panther Stadium
Probability @ 80-20
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers

Panthers
Another impressive effort from the Panthers last week saw them come away with a 40-12 victory over the Broncos. Went about their job in a professional and clinical manner and did what good teams do. Great contributions from Nathan Cleary, Scott Sorenson and Isaah Yeo. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 56%
Completion Rate - 85% (40/47)
Post Contact Metres - 808
Tackle Breaks - 48
Missed Tackles - 29
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 3

Raiders
Oh dear, the second half scoreless fadeout revisited the Raiders last week against the Cowboys. I thought those days were behind them but it seems like they’re not and the Raiders went down 18-12. The Raiders had a dominant first half but somehow collapsed in the second and were unable to stem the fight-back from the Cowboys. The Raiders let themselves down with some poor execution and failure to capitalise on the opportunities presented to them. It was pretty obvious that the Raiders were struggling in the second 40 and they need to somehow find a way to maintain their intensity for the full 80 minutes. "I'm sick of defending playing 40 minutes of football. The way we started that second half was pathetic,” coach Ricky Stuart said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 72% (27/37)
Post Contact Metres - 522
Tackle Breaks - 19
Missed Tackles - 26
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 6

Verdict: Top of the ladder reigning Premiers against the “fade-out” Kings. Panthers will win but wouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders made them work for it (just a hunch).

Dragons vs. Roosters @ SCG
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters

Dragons
The Dragons won a “controversial” match (offside penalties going unnoticed and the 5-0 six-again count) last week against the Knights 21-16. I thought it was a pretty even contest overall but a bit confused with some of the refereeing decisions both ways. It was 16-16 with 20 minutes to go but it wasn’t until Lomax popped a FG over at the 77’ mark and a Feagai try at the 79’ mark was the match decided. The Dragons looked very good at times and Ben Hunt had one of his better games. Not quite sure what Lomax was thinking celebrating over Tyson Frizell’s shoulders though. I think he made two mistakes. 1) He’s been watching too many videos of the Panthers celebrating tries and 2) He forgot that Tyson doesn’t play for the Dragons anymore 🤪. "The good part for us was we had to win it two or three times. A couple of weeks ago we probably don't win that game," coach Anthony Griffin said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 55%
Completion Rate - 87% (36/41)
Post Contact Metres - 584
Tackle Breaks - 37
Missed Tackles - 50
Errors - 6
Penalties Conceded - 2

Roosters
The Roosters won 22-14 against the Warriors last week but were made to sing for their supper. The Warriors were leading 8-6 at half-time and the Roosters knew they had a game on their hands. The Roosters got out to a 20-8 lead in the second half but the Warriors didn’t go away. I felt a bit better when Walker kicked a 71st minute penalty to push the lead out to 8 but was never really comfortable until the siren went. While the Roosters weren’t at their best (hopefully it won’t be too long before they are) I was happy with the way they kept at it and “did enough” to get home. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 81% (31/38)
Post Contact Metres - 511
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 26
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 9

Verdict: While my BBB are still not anywhere near their best, I reckon they might have enough to win this. Roosters. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔

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

Storm
Another impressive effort from the Storm last week saw them come away with a 34-18 victory over the Sharks. Went about their job in a professional and clinical manner and did what good teams do. Great contributions from Cameron Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant. That try Munster scored when he dummied 3 times was simply sublime. One of the best I’ve seen all year 💪. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 81% (31/38)
Post Contact Metres - 454
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 29
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 7

Warriors
The Warriors played really well last week against the Roosters but ended up falling short 22-14. Going into the sheds at half-time they had an 8-6 lead and things were looking promising. AddinFonua-Blake was causing headaches for the Roosters every time he got the ball and Reece Walsh had his hand in everything. With 15 minutes left the Warriors were only 6 points adrift but Walker’s 71st minute penalty goal gave the Roosters that breathing space and the Warriors were unable to bridge the gap. I was impressed with their defensive effort but they still need a little tweaking here and there. Having said that though, I still think they did well. "The referees are certainly not why we're sitting on the losing side, we've got some things we need to worry about ourselves," coach Nathan Brown said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 76% (32/42)
Post Contact Metres - 398
Tackle Breaks - 26
Missed Tackles - 29
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 8

Verdict: The way the Storm are building (see what I did there? 😁), they pick themselves here.

Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”. Details as per post introduction up top…

https://youtu.be/AAngTtXxD8M

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

Hey Rocket. I’ve had a pretty crap morning so far at work but checked in just before I went downstairs for smoko and got a laugh from your post with the bit about “I just can't stay up that late” 🤣 . Yeah, all things being equal I think the Ponies should be good enough this week. Thanks bro’. Have a good one…

Hi Rob181,
I submitted the following in the comments last round (6) re your tips.
It seems they didn't come through.
Cheers,
Mary

"Submitted by Mary S on Thu 14/4/22 - 8:32pm AEST

@ Rob181 - you did your pick for the 3 strike comp, but where are your tips for this round?
Not too late to submit them in the comments!!

@ Buzz105 - are you submitting your pick for 'a's' 3 strike comp?

Happy Easter to all
Cheers,
Mary

I know we are pretty open on here and can talk about anythung with one another but I really would love to not hear anything more about Covid, aye. No disrespect to anyone who has been unlucky enough to get it but honestly I am so over it. Hearing about it everywhere for the past 2 years is really doing my head in and really messing with my mental health. Cheers :)

@MGM can you please submit in my 3 strike comp

Hey Newbie,

There is no doubt you have been a great contributor to this site over many years now. A while back there I read your Covid post with interest, whilst not necessarily agreeing, but I respected your views and decisions. Hard to avoid the C word in any conversation or forum these days. It has changed the world today. I'm just grumpy I haven't been to OZ now for nearly three years...haha.

Tell me, how did James Tedesco avoid a stint in the bin last week for his leg twist on Fonua-Blake early in the first half?

@ Steely & Scotty,
Thanks for the kind words fellas. Now, as far as Teddy and that “leg twist” goes Steely, I’m thinking yeah, definitely a penalty but not quite sure if it deserved 10 minutes. Maybe my Rooster bias is at play 🤔.

I’ve seen the footage a number of times and there was a slight “twist” that resulted and Teddy did hang on too long so as far as that goes it’s a definite penalty. Makes you think had FB been able to play the ball a bit quicker they might’ve scored eh? In the end I suppose you could make a case but if I had to say yay or nay I think it’d have to be a “nay”. Typical response from a Rooster tragic you could argue 🤣. Cheers…

Broncos
Cowboys
Tigers
Eels
Panthers
Roosters
Storm
And Sharks as I entered last night.

You must have got distracted butcher you accidentally wrote down the Bulldogs

Well done to him he didn't let anybody down I had my eye on him think the cramps took him out in the end must have been fairly severe

Tiger girl gets the chocolates by herself again if only we had a tiger man are you listening tiger holic

Well done Rocket

Just worry about hooking up your safety harness to stop you falling any further down the table, just give Butcher a call before you put your tips in mate, he will have mine written down.

Well done TigerGirl

Tiger