Just as well Cowboys won 'a' or it would have been a lot different result!!
Cheers,
Mary

Agreed

Thanks for the weather update Mark!! Crazy you guys are getting so much rain while we are basking in beautiful fine days, albeit a bit cooler I suspect. Auckland due for its coldest night tonight so far this year with a low of 6 degrees expected.

Very interesting,thanks any where management all the way from die hearts in papua new guinea for NRL Tipping,iam very glad to join , congratulations to you all tippers,
please management don't forget to send me email for your up coming game round 10 and round 11 best prediction ,
Wish you all the best,

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

Fair Warning: I just can’t help it and god knows I’ve tried to keep my posts short(er) (I really have) but it’s just so difficult. As Yoda would say … “In advance, apologies they come.”

OK, let’s do this thing …

Bulldogs vs. Knights @ Suncorp
Probability @ 55-45
Ladder Position = Bulldogs
Bookies Favourite = Bulldogs

Bulldogs
The Bulldogs gave the Raiders too much field position, made too many first half errors and paid the price, eventually losing in a low scoring affair 14-4. The Bulldogs put in some gritty efforts but kept letting themselves down with silly mistakes and isolated examples of soft defending (Matt Frawley gliding past Marshall-King and then selling that dummy to Dufty to score as an example). The Bulldogs’ completion rate was abysmal and their effort was generally disappointing. I’m left wondering how a side can go out and beat the Roosters one week and then get rolled by the Raiders the next. Rugby league is a funny ol’ game ain’t it? "There were too many errors in the first half. We only had 35% of the ball, through our fault. To go in 10-0 down we were lucky. Errors, ill-discipline again and penalties. I thought the second half we had our chances to get back into the game. I thought we were just impatient and tried to win the game in that set. Some of our last plays need a fair bit of work," coach Trent Barrett said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 42%
Completion Rate - 69% (23/33)
Post Contact Metres - 509
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 29
Errors - 14
Penalties Conceded - 7

Knights
The Knights showed good determination in the first half last week against the Cowboys and were actually leading 16-12 at the break. Not sure how or why but in the second half they simply crumbled, were kept scoreless and fell 36-16. They did put in an improved showing from their previous match (Storm) but their right-hand side let them down. “There was a ton of effort going into parts of our game, but we have got to get smarter. We can’t afford ill-discipline. We had three or four play one errors and four last play tries. There are so many areas I am really proud of and some individuals. But we hold ourselves to high standards and need to be smarter. We are reasonably experienced in the middle, we are really inexperienced on our edges. We have got some young boys hanging on for dear life and that is probably where they found some joy," coach Adam O'Brien said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 76% (29/38)
Post Contact Metres - 496
Tackle Breaks - 19
Missed Tackles - 35
Errors - 14
Penalties Conceded - 7

Verdict: An improved performance from the Knights last week but I’m gonna give the Bulldogs another chance here. Bulldogs.

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

Manly
Manly did it relatively easy in the first half last week and were leading the Tigers 14-0 at the break. The Sea Eagles dominated field position and territory for the first 10-15 minutes or so and when the Tigers had a man sent to the bin in the 32nd minute Manly took advantage and nabbed themselves a couple of tries. An even second half but Manly did enough in the first 40 and ran out 36-22 victors. Garrick had a less than stellar day with the boot and he only managed 4/7 conversion attempts. Nice to see all 3 Trbojevic brothers playing together as 3 brothers in the same team doesn’t happen too often. "It was a game Benny will remember for a long time. It was a late change for him moving from centre into the back row. He'll get an enormous amount of confidence out of today. I'm very happy and proud of him. It was great to see Tom get through today and he'll be much better for today's run," coach Des Hasler said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 84% (37/44)
Post Contact Metres - 583
Tackle Breaks - 46
Missed Tackles - 34
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 3

Broncos
I was really impressed with the Broncos’ 32-12 win over the Rabbitohs last week. It had me scratching my head wondering how they’ve improved so much over the last month. Obviously it has to do with defence. Well that along with the young fellas starting to “gel” and of course with Adam Reynolds steering them around😁. The Broncos defence was exceptional and even without Capewell and Haas, the Broncos’ forwards were “big up front” with Carrigan and Flegler putting in very good efforts. It was an inspiring display from the Broncos and a victory well deserved. Most of the presser was focussed on Adam Reynold but Kevin Walters did mention … “Everyone’s contributing and that allows our special players to do the stuff that they can do.” Considering the occasion and the stellar effort he put in, I’ll leave the parting words to Adam Reynolds … "It was obviously disappointing not being there round 1 but the boys got off to a good start and it's pleasing we've been able to carry that form for the last few weeks... it’s a bit of mixed feelings, I’ve still got some great relationships. It’s all over and done with now. I’ll pop in and have a beer with the boys." Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 47%
Completion Rate - 70% (24/34)
Post Contact Metres - 494
Tackle Breaks - 22
Missed Tackles - 16
Errors - 17
Penalties Conceded - 8

Verdict: Seriously, this is hard to pick. Based simply on their defence and attitude, I’m tipping the Broncos.

Warriors vs. Rabbitohs @ Suncorp
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Rabbitohs
Bookies Favourite = Rabbitohs

Warriors
The Warriors had a shocker last week against an undermanned Sharks and should’ve done a whole lot better than they did. It goes to show the difference in fitness and footy smarts between the two sides as the Warriors were belted 29-10. The Warriors played against 12 men for 64 minutes of the match and against 11 after Ramien was sin-binned at the 53’ mark. OK, they did score 2 tries right after Kennedy got sent off but they slowly lost their grip on the match. Instead of reinforcing their advantage, they were comprehensively out-played across the park, so much so they went scoreless in the second half. I wonder what’s going through their heads sometimes. I have a lot of respect for the Warriors but their effort last week was woeful and no doubt they felt humiliated. "Our right edge had a tough day and weren't at the level we need them to be. I didn't think it would've been one-way traffic [after the send off]. I would've thought if we had a shot down there [against 11] we'd come up with points. Our attack hasn't been there this year. We're training well but not replicating it on the field. We're having trouble with possession. In the second half when they got the opportunity they maintained it. Our attack needed to be better," coach Nathan Brown said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 42%
Completion Rate - 84% (28/33)
Post Contact Metres - 428
Tackle Breaks - 18
Missed Tackles - 45
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 6

Rabbitohs
In a match most thought the Rabbitohs would win last week, the Broncos upset the apple cart and beat them 32-12. The Bunnies were poor and their attack seemed to struggle all night and they found it almost impossible to convert territory into points. I thought they were lethargic at times and they found it hard to snap out of it. Their execution went missing, their completion rate was not good enough and their last-play decisions and errors let them down. Walker wasn’t given much room and he seems to have lost a bit of polish lately and I’m wondering if that’s because Reynolds is not alongside anymore. I only thought of that while watching the game 🤔. "I don't think we were really here to win the game. We showed some glimpses of staying in the fight for the first half. But that was as disappointing football as we've played all season in the second half... not diving on loose balls, committing ourselves to catches. Our completion rate again and our effort areas were poor," coach Jason Demetriou said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 53%
Completion Rate - 72% (32/44)
Post Contact Metres - 592
Tackle Breaks - 16
Missed Tackles - 22
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 6

Verdict: As average as they were last week, I’m tipping the Rabbitohs to get this done.

Titans vs. Dragons @ Suncorp
Probability @ 45-55
Ladder Position = Dragons
Bookies Favourite = Dragons

Titans
The Titans scored after just 2 minutes last week against the Roosters but allowed an equaliser 4 minutes later. They had their chance when Lindsay Collins was sin-binned but they failed to take advantage. The Roosters got out to a 20 point lead but the Titans fought back and at half-time it was 24-10. When the Titans scored the first try in the second half it was an 8 point margin but the Roosters scored 4 unanswered tries and disappointingly the Titans fell away and were soundly beaten 44-16. The Titans were lacking with their effort and execution (even though they had more possession than the Roosters) and no doubt they will be frustrated with the result. “We were just beaten all over the park tonight, obviously, by the Roosters. They beat us in pretty much every area of the game, and it showed. We are getting the week right, we are identifying it, we are doing all the right things and clearly going wrong once we are out there and under pressure. Collectively we let ourselves down. We obviously need some personnel changes. We can’t accept what we dished up out there tonight," coach Justin Holbrook said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 79% (31/39)
Post Contact Metres - 466
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 39
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 9

Dragons
The Dragons matched the Storm last week and were only behind 12-0 at the break. Come the second half and it all fell apart as the Storm piled on the points and the Dragons were smacked 42-6. It was looking like it would be a whitewash but Jack De Belin got a consolation try 9 minutes from full-time. The Dragons were run ragged by the relentless Storm and simply had no answer, either defensively or in attack. "We had to do a lot of defence out there today. I wasn't happy with some of the stuff at the back end of the game. They got an intercept before half-time but up until then I thought it was a really good arm wrestle. We'll improve from this and with a six-day turnaround we'll be better next week," coach Anthony Griffin said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 40%
Completion Rate - 73% (22/30)
Post Contact Metres - 366
Tackle Breaks - 21
Missed Tackles - 50
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 11

Verdict: The Titans will be embarrassed about last week’s effort and might just “bounce back” here. Then again, maybe not. Nah, I’ll stick with the Titans.

Storm vs. Panthers @ Suncorp
Probability @ 45-55
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Panthers

Storm
Another impressive effort from the Storm last week saw them come away with a 42-6 victory over the Dragons. Went about their job in a professional and clinical manner and did what good teams do. Great contributions from Cameron Munster, Nick Meaney and Harry Grant. "I don't think we played our best the whole 80 minutes .... but they really dug in. Our defensive performance was as good as it's been all year, so for me that that's a really good sign. When you are doing it tough and you get a couple of injuries, how you apply yourself to defence, if you do that pretty well that's a really good sign," coach Craig Bellamy said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 60%
Completion Rate - 88% (39/44)
Post Contact Metres - 651
Tackle Breaks - 50
Missed Tackles - 21
Errors - 6
Penalties Conceded - 8

Panthers
Another impressive effort from the Panthers last week but unfortunately they came up against a far more committed Eels side and for the first time in a long, long time they tasted defeat (and at home too) and lost 22-20. As usual there wasn’t much to criticize them on but the Eels unorthodox style caused the Panthers problems, something that doesn’t happen very often. Everyone knew that they would lose sooner or later so I’m sure that this will just have them more focused. This week’s match against the Storm should be a cracker and interesting to see whether they bounce back or suffer two in a row🤪. And BTW, Villiame Kikau definitely knocked on and the touchie, referee and bunker should all hang their heads in shame. I was amazed that the Panthers had 9 bombs to 3 and couldn’t do more. "We were really happy with how aggressive we were in defence, it was just discipline that was letting them off the hook and they were excellent. They completed really high and had 55 per cent possession,” assistant coach Andrew Webster said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 81% (30/37)
Post Contact Metres - 609
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 33
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 6

Verdict: What a ripper this should be. Obviously the two powerhouses of the competition will both have the opportunity to assert themselves. Normally I wouldn’t think this but I’ve got a feeling the Panthers might be a little vulnerable here and that’s why I’m tipping the Storm, even though the probability % and the bookies are against them. Storm for me.

Sharks vs. Raiders @ Suncorp
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks

Sharks
The Sharks were super impressive last week against the Warriors and got home comfortably 29-10. What impressed me was the way they played after Kennedy got sent off. They had to play with 12 men for 64 minutes and on top of that they had to play with 11 men for 10 minutes when Ramien got binned. At no stage did they look threatened. Their intensity and hustle in that 10 minute period was freakishly outstanding. I just kept shaking my head in disbelief. One of the best wins from any side I’ve had the pleasure to witness. They dominated across the park and their defence was simply amazing. What more can I say? "That was probably one of the best games I've been a part of at a club. We defended our arses off going down to 11 men, it's such a gutsy effort. I'm proud of this club and where we're headed, especially after a hiccup last week. Fitzy just said we need to put another 40-minute effort in and that it would've been one of the best days for the club if we got the win, and we did," halfback Nicho Hynes said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 58%
Completion Rate - 88% (37/42)
Post Contact Metres - 625
Tackle Breaks - 45
Missed Tackles - 18
Errors - 5
Penalties Conceded - 7

Raiders
The Raiders finally broke the drought after they got over the Bulldogs 14-4 last week. OK, they weren’t scoreless in the second half but they only got 4 points, both through penalty goals. Start off with small steps you could argue😁. With the amount of field position they had they could’ve (and should’ve) done a lot better though. The Raiders were far from dominant and their second half effort was somewhat lacklustre but they did seem more focused last week and would be happy with the way they closed out the Bulldogs towards the end. "Nobody on the outside understands how hard it is to lose a game and to lose five games in a row and you're not used to it, no one knows what you're going through. I'm happy for the players because every week they get back on the platform to prepare and our senior players have been instrumental in the last five weeks in helping keep everyone upbeat and starting again," coach Ricky Stuart said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 58%
Completion Rate - 80% (33/41)
Post Contact Metres - 762
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 36
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 5

Verdict: After last week how could you not pick the Sharks? Yeah, Sharks for me.

Roosters vs. Eels @ Suncorp
Probability @ 45-55
Ladder Position = Eels
Bookies Favourite = Eels

Roosters
The Roosters got back in the winners’ circle last week when they romped to a 44-16 victory over the struggling Titans. They allowed the Titans to score after just 2 minutes but Tedesco got that back and scored his 100th try in the process. Tedesco was enormous for the Roosters. Pleasingly the Roosters held firm while Lindsay Collins was resting in the bin and heading into the sheds the Roosters had a 24-10 lead. The Titans scored first in the second half and were within 8 points but the Roosters flicked the switch and scored 4 unanswered tries to put the game to bed. "We weren't happy with the last couple of performances, a couple of tight ones, but that is a positive night and we feel like we learned well this week. As both staff and players we want to keep getting better and we talked about it and they went out and did it tonight. We want to keep improving our footy, that is the most important thing," coach Trent Robinson said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 75% (27/36)
Post Contact Metres - 512
Tackle Breaks - 37
Missed Tackles - 29
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 8

Eels
The Eels completely turned around their previous week’s effort and came away with a brilliant and well deserved 22-20 victory against the Panthers last week. They were running the ball with an “unorthodox” style that had the Panthers troubled. The Eels got into an “arm-wrestle” with the Panthers and the way they were playing I thought to myself that they were in with a shot. They never backed away and were never intimidated and through some resounding defence from their big men, unnerved the Panthers and that was enough for the Eels to get some points on the board and ultimately the win. The Panthers put up 9 bombs (compared to the Eels’ 3) but the Eels’ defence handled most of them well enough. I thought that try from Ryan Matterson was simply superb. Little gems like those are the reason I love this game so much. I was amazed the Eels had 897 kicking metres and the Panthers only managed 479. Wow! "I said to the players after the game that in nine years now, that is the proudest I have been in my time at the club. We have showed that when we compete hard and play the style of footy that works for us we can push teams to the 80th minute. That game came down the 80th minute and the game against the Storm came down past the 80th minute. We have got to make sure we are doing that every week," coach Brad Arthur said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 85% (36/42)
Post Contact Metres - 585
Tackle Breaks - 33
Missed Tackles - 29
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 2

Verdict: My BBB haven’t convinced me yet that they’re on track so I’m tipping the Eels 😥. Hey, more than happy to lose the tipping point if the 🐔 get up but I’ll stay with the Eels this week.

Tigers vs. Cowboys @ Suncorp
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Cowboys
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys

Tigers
The Tigers let themselves down with an average first half last week against Manly. Their second 40 was much better and they matched the Sea Eagles (22 points each) but the damage had been done and they eventually fell 36-22. The Tigers gave a determined display but having Utoikamanu sin-binned allowed Manly to score twice and obviously that didn’t help the Tigers’ cause. A few too many errors and conceded penalties really hurt the Tigers. They did get to within 6 points but Manly did just enough in the end to get up. "We were very solid for a long period of time, we just got opened up. We needed to finish our good ball and our field position and all of sudden the scoreboard starts to tick and you do things outside of what you want to do. Going down to 12 men, they score two tries and you play outside of what you have been practising. We're capable in our attack but we've just got to give ourselves the opportunity to do that," coach Michael Maguire said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 81% (35/43)
Post Contact Metres - 479
Tackle Breaks - 34
Missed Tackles - 46
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 9

Cowboys
Even though they were leading 12-4 at one stage, the Cowboys had a pretty ordinary first half (too many errors) and let the Knights back into the contest and at half-time they were trailing 16-12. The second half all fell into place however and after asserting themselves by scoring 4 tries and keeping the Knights scoreless, they ran out comfortable 36-16 winners. It wasn’t a ruthless performance overall but their second half was pretty close to one. “I’m happy with the way we responded at halftime. My message was just to do what we do well. I talked to Robbo [Reece Robson] about taking his opportunities when we got a bit of ruck speed and he pierced through the line a couple of times and we had some movement around him. On the other side of the ball his service is pretty good, and he is starting to take some of those opportunities when we get some ruck speed through the middle,” coach Todd Payten said. Some stats possibly worth a mention:

Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 75% (30/40)
Post Contact Metres - 591
Tackle Breaks - 35
Missed Tackles - 19
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 6

Verdict: Another easy one on paper you might think but I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if the Tigers gave this a real good shake. I’ll play safe and stick with the Cowboys.

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

Ah, the sweet, sweet memories this brings back…

https://youtu.be/cgJckGsR-T0

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

Hi Mark, thank you for your update in the last round comments, hope you have recovered well mate, sorry you had to go through all of that not much fun I am sure 😓.

Sorry Rick (& anyone going to Magic Round) - looks like the rain is to continue, but easing by Sat/Sunday.

Check out http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/brisbane.shtml?ref=hdr or the Weather Channel (601) on Foxtel!
Doesn't make tipping any easier!

Cheers,
Mary

Hi Rick
Thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated. I'm now recovering well and starting to feel almost normal again.
The rain is still coming down heavily and I'm wondering if some of the games could be moved to other venues in Brisbane. Just a thought as I don't want to see players injured by a super wet ground.

Thank you Mark & Mike T (R9 comments), for sharing the info that you have on prostate problems, as it is not only a subject that men need to be aware of and discuss , but women also need to be aware, so that discussion with their husband/partner can take place.

Can just see men thinking "Yeah, and nagging the spouse to make an appointment to see the Dr" after said discussion!!

Once again - thankyou.
Cheers,
Mary

Tiger
Sorry to hear you and your cub will miss the footy.
I’m sure someone at your work will be willing to share their cell for the night.

Like Mary S, enjoyed your post last round Mike T. Nice to get an insight into a tipster whose name you see but who doesn't comment very often. I was surprised to hear you are quite an elderly gentleman, maybe our oldest tipster?? There is a few veterans on here, both in age and longevity on this site. So what team do you follow??

Thanks, Steel Panther, now I do feel old!
My team is the Broncos, but in a tipping contest, I try and select who I think will win.
I live in S.E.Qld at Waterford West, which is about 10Ks west of Beenleigh & near the Logan River.
Should be a 'tuff' weekend for all our chances, but I'm hoping...

Enjoy Tiger, hoping that the water over the road at Gatton drops rapidly before 11am Sunday as I have a few ticket burning a hole in my pocket to use.

Broncos certainly doing well in the 1st half, Bronco Legend.
Hope for the same in the next 40.
Cheers,
Mary

Wouldn't be a Dragons fan for quids !!!

Young Jayden Campbell was absolutely outstanding for the Titans tonight while the lad Tino was the opposite. I counted at least four dropped balls. Almost single handedly cost them the win while Jayden almost single handedly won them the game.

Thinker

Well done Sir on picking the winner and correct margin between Dragons and Titans.

Tiger

I made a comment about rabbits draw game in first half,,what do you think😄😄😄

Yeah but cowboys had a big win