Manly Sea Eagles vs Sydney Roosters – Thursday night – 4 Pines Parks
This game went and made itself very controversial all of a sudden. As the biggest mind in rugby league I expect the whole world is waiting for my thoughts on this one...so here goes:
I feel sorry for the seven Manly players who are (likely) standing themselves down from this very important game. As far as I am aware, none of them have shared their thoughts publicly on this in the same way that Israel Folau did a few years back. Now I don't agree with these seven players, but they had kept their position on this to themselves. My workplace has a Pride Day too. Staff can wear colours or a badge or put a flag on their desk to support the cause, but it's a personal choice. What complicates this is adding it to the jersey, because every player has to wear an identical jersey. I'm surprised this has only reared it's head now and not sooner (I assume someone has been working on the design for a while). Perhaps as an alternative they could have had rainbow socks for Thursday night, and players could choose to wear them or not wear them. They could still release the jersey if they want to sell them to the public. Anyhoo, what was looking like a really interesting game is now looking like an embarrassment and it's disappointing. Chooks, by default.
Verdict – Roosters by 14
Result – Roosters 20 defeated Sea Eagles 10
New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm – Friday night – Mt Smart Stadium
The Storm are, quite possibly, in the worst slump ever. Despite that, they are just one win outside the top four and have the third best points differential. For almost every other team in the NRL that's a very good season, but the Storm have benchmarks above and beyond the typical. I'm sure the coaching staff and team know exactly what they have to do to turn this around, but they've had more serious injuries this season than every other team and they've simply run out of top-liners. It's why they've reached out to other teams looking to loan some players. I'm not convinced they'll have a lot of luck, but getting Reece Walsh for the rest of the season is a possibility. This would be the time to make that happen, as they head across the ditch for the Warriors second 'home' game of the year. It's also a chance for some of the Kiwis in the Storm squad to catch up with family and friends, so it's a nice time for everyone. If the Storm do want to lure Walsh to Melbourne they probably want to be impressive on Friday night, and the Storm regularly rack up a score against the Warriors. That seems unlikely, but I'll tip them for the win.
Verdict – Storm by 4
Result – Storm 24 defeated Warriors 12
Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers – Friday night – CommBank Stadium
The Eels will play finals football this year - they are currently in 7th position and have quite a buffer between them and a group of sides tied for 8th. It's plausible that one of those teams may overtake the Eels, but two teams is much less likely. That said, the Eels appear to have commenced their traditional late season slump, a disappointing trend for Eels fans in recent seasons. They have won two of their last four, but those wins came against the Tigers and the Warriors. They're facing a sterner test on Friday night, but they are the only team to beat the Panthers this year. The Panthers will also be without Luai and Crichton, so I can't rule the Eels out in this. Mind you, we saw the depth of the Panthers roster when they rested seven players and beat the Tigers. The Tigers then came out a week later and all but beat the side currently in 2nd place. The Panthers have all but wrapped up the minor premiership and one wonders if the coach may want to start putting some key players in cotton wool. He lost two Origin players last week, so it has to be on his mind. It's the game of the round.
Verdict – Panthers by 4
Result – Eels 34 defeated Panthers 10
Gold Coast Titans vs Canberra Raiders – Saturday afternoon – Cbus Super Stadium
The NRL career of Kevin Proctor went up in smoke on the weekend after a bout of baffling stupidity. He'll be joining a Super League club for next year I expect. It speaks volumes that as a young man his career was free of controversy during nine years at the Storm. The bloke moves to the Gold Coast, older and wiser, and has made a series of stupid choices ever since. That's the magic of the Gold Coast I suppose...it's a funny place. The Titans haven't won a game at home since round four, and while their last two performances have shown us glimpses of the form that saw them play finals football last season, glimpses are not enough. The Raiders have a fair run home this season and their finals prospects are well and truly alive. They'll need to win this, and they will.
Verdict – Raiders by 8
Result – Raiders 36 defeated Titans 24
Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs – Saturday night – PointsBet Stadium
The Sharks proved they could match it with the best of them with a competitive performance against the Panthers. They didn't win, but they weren't far away. Form doesn't get any stronger than that. The Bunnies haven't lost since Mitchell returned from injury, and he's clearly one of those true top-liners that lifts a team when they are on the park. With that in mind, the Rabbitohs forwards just need to give themselves a little chat, tell each other that if they can match the Sharks forwards in the middle, the Bunnies backline will win more games than they lose. With the suspension to Sharks elder statesman Dale Finucane, that task just got a little bit easier. With an eye to the finals series, this could be one of those games you just have to watch.
Verdict – Rabbitohs by 1
Result – Sharks 21 defeated Rabbitohs 20
Brisbane Broncos vs Wests Tigers – Saturday night – Suncorp Stadium
The Tigers will still be smarting, and rightly so, after a loss that was controversial at best. They need to pick themselves up and carry on, and fast. A contest with the other top four QLD-based team awaits, and the Broncos won't be taking them lightly. Not a lot of changes for either side, but Billy Walters is back from injury and returns in the dummy half role. The biggest change for the Tigers is that their coach will be with them for this game, but last week they played better when he wasn't there.
Verdict – Broncos by 8
Result – Tigers 32 defeated Broncos 18
Newcastle Knights vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Sunday afternoon – McDonald Jones Stadium
These sides last met in Magic Round where the Knights prevailed 16-6. Since that victory have won just twice - over the Warriors and the Titans. They've also lost Ponga, presumably for the season, and with that we can assume their prospects for the season are over. To be fair, they already were. The Bulldogs have fared much better in recent weeks. They've won three of their last six, but were competitive when they lost against quality opponents (Panthers, Rabbitohs and Sharks). They've also become quite the entertainers, with an attack that can be a joy to watch. Daytime conditions should suit their play. They could rack up some points in this.
Verdict – Bulldogs by 16
Result – Bulldogs 24 defeated Knights 10
St George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday afternoon – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Ben Hunt has one hand on the Dally M medal this season and he's almost single-handedly kept the Dragons in finals contention. He's not the only one out there, but he is regularly the difference between winning and losing. We call those players match-winners, and he's having the best season of his life. The Dragons are, for the most part, beating the teams they should and struggling against the teams in the top eight. They've played top eight sides ten times this year and won only twice. In round 14 the Cowboys beat them up in Townsville quite comfortably, and a similar result beckons here.
Verdict – Cowboys by 10
Result – Cowboys 34 defeated Dragons 8
Round twenty selections (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or Thursday morning
- Sea Eagles vs ROOSTERS
- Warriors vs STORM
- Eels vs PANTHERS
- Titans vs RAIDERS
- SHARKS vs Rabbitohs
- BRONCOS vs Tigers
- Knights vs BULLDOGS
- Dragons vs COWBOYS
Comments
Submitted by EsraStar on
A side to this Jersey thing that has not been noticed is that should the NRL and the Manly club decide to let the 7 players sit the match out,then Israel Folau suddenly becomes a legal NRL player and would be able to sue the begeezus out of the ARL/NRL. Just my opinion,,and i may be wrong.
Submitted by a on
By the way thinker will you do the thoughts on the Kevin proctor saga
Submitted by Buzz105 on
I think the disappointing thing about the Manly Jersey, is that its supposed to be Women in League round, to show thanks to all the women that have made this great game one we all love.
To say manly could have handled this situation better is an understatement
Submitted by mark ashford on
THINKER
I admire that you have a workplace ethic where people can wear their hearts on their sleeves so good on you. However I'm quite sick of minorities (the lgb community) telling us how important they are.
How about we have a heterosexual round, which I'm sure most of us are. A considerable number of our players are Islander origin and they don't support that community. Why oh why has Manly decided to take this stand. 7 players to stand down and I don't blame them. We don't need this s--t in our game. We have achieved amazing things with our womans comp and Indigenous rounds. Surely that is what we want as fans not this LGBetc nonsense.
Submitted by Brad S on
Mark,
You say that Islanders are against the LGBTQI community, but from your use of language, it seems like you have a real issue with people from the LGBTQI community. One of my mates is gay and he doesn't want to people to know how important he is, but wants to be treated equally and with respect. Thinking back on my years at high school, it was a nightmare for him. Constantly called a fag, poof, gay c#*t and was treated like shit. It's only been about 5 years that same-sex marriage has been legal in our country and they still have people telling them to burn in hell because they love someone who's the same gender.
I'm married with a daughter and I have no issue with who she grows up to be attracted to, as long as it's with a good person and that's all that matters.
Before generalising and saying surely us fans don't want a Pride Week (or LGBetc nonsense in your words), maybe stop and think that everyone doesn't share the same view as you.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Let's all calm down and hit reverse gear
Submitted by a on
Yeah agreed let’s get back to talking football and not this bullcrap
Submitted by Peter H on
Thinker, we need the rest of you tips, mate.
Submitted by newbie from perth on
"Dia duit gach duine" i dteanga ní mo theanga féin,
Lots of controversy with Thursday night’s game and we all know why. I’m staying right out of this one 😉. “Move along, nothing to see here.” OK, let’s do this thing …
Manly vs. Roosters @ Brookvale
Probability @ 35-65
Ladder Position = Roosters
Bookies Favourite = Roosters
Manly
"It was always going to be a difficult night with the lead-in, but that’s certainly no excuse and obviously losing players during the game made it a little more disruptive to an already disrupted week. But to their credit, from the toss of the coin they started well. We have been such a disciplined team for the past month, it's not a whinge or a complaint. I just don't see how we can warrant a two-to-one penalty count against us at (9-5). I don't get it," coach Des Hasler said.
Possession - 46%
Completion Rate - 74% (26/35)
Post Contact Metres - 558
Tackle Breaks - 34
Missed Tackles - 39
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 9
Roosters
"I feel like we have been building towards that over the last couple of months. It's not real complicated, we are just ready to play our style of footy a little bit more. I feel like we defended really well for 70 minutes there, which has been an improvement," coach Trent Robinson said.
Possession - 49%
Completion Rate - 78% (29/37)
Post Contact Metres - 581
Tackle Breaks - 42
Missed Tackles - 18
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 8
Verdict: Manly weren’t at their best last week but they did have players MIA. The query I have is whether or not they’ll be able to bounce back against the Roosters, especially given the “special circumstances” surrounding half their side sitting this one out. While the Roosters had a great win over the Knights last week, would it have made a difference if Ponga hadn’t gone off very early with his HIA. Still, the Roosters seem to have returned to some sort of form and I think they’ll be good enough to get the win here. Roosters by 18. Begurk! 🐔 Begurk! 🐔
Warriors vs. Storm @ Mt Smart
Probability @ 35-65
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm
Warriors
“The first half was very solid from us. We challenged the group at half time that Canberra are going to come out with something and we have got to go with them, and unfortunately we didn’t. The 40/20 kicks were massive swings for them and we just couldn’t get ourselves out of the hole,” coach Stacey Jones said.
Possession - 43%
Completion Rate - 77% (27/35)
Post Contact Metres - 428
Tackle Breaks - 23
Missed Tackles - 35
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 6
Storm
"The first half took a lot of energy out of us. If you're going to make errors you have to be able to defend them and at the moment we'll do that 80 per cent of the time but the other 20 per cent we won't. We've lost four in a row now. The first two of those I thought we were really poor but I thought we made some really good steps last week and I thought we had some really good parts of our game tonight but if you keep making errors and you don't back them up with defence you'll lose the game and that's what happened tonight. There's some stuff you're not going to get away with at this level." - Storm coach Craig Bellamy
Possession - 48%
Completion Rate - 72% (35/48)
Post Contact Metres - 366
Tackle Breaks - 32
Missed Tackles - 37
Errors - 15
Penalties Conceded - 4
Verdict: The second half from the Warriors last week was bordering on average to be honest. They looked like taking it right up to the Raiders after the first 40 but somehow they forgot how to play out the full 80. The Storm have unbelievably and uncharacteristically lost four on the trot but I’m thinking they should return to the winners circle this week. Then again, I’ve been wrong for the last 4 weeks so who knows. Storm by 12.
Eels vs. Panthers @ CommBank
Probability @ 30-70
Ladder Position = Panthers
Bookies Favourite = Panthers
Eels
“First half I thought we started alright but six tries against us, you can't have six tries put on us. I thought we had good energy in the second half. We couldn't catch the ball off the kick off and I thought it put us on the back foot. We still had a couple of chances on the left edge that we should've iced. There's no excuses once we get out there, that 80 minutes, it doesn't matter what happened during the week [with speculation around the coach's future and Mitch Moses being trolled online]. Certainly no excuses and that didn't play a part. We prepared the same as we do every other week," coach Brad Arthur said.
Possession - 50%
Completion Rate - 74% (29/39)
Post Contact Metres - 542
Tackle Breaks - 27
Missed Tackles - 29
Errors - 16
Penalties Conceded - 2
Panthers
"I thought we were a bit impatient at 10-0 down but once we scored I felt like we calmed down a bit. The try after half-time to get us in front was crucial. It wasn't the prettiest of games by us, lacked a bit of cohesion I thought, but totally expected after six weeks where probably half the team were lucky to have done a handful of sessions so it's good to get the win," coach Ivan Cleary said.
Possession - 56%
Completion Rate - 75% (37/49)
Post Contact Metres - 480
Tackle Breaks - 41
Missed Tackles - 36
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 5
Verdict: The Eels seem to be imploding lately. Even so, I can’t believe they’re around $3.75 in the markets. From what I saw last week against the Broncos, the bookies might be right but still think they’re a rough chance here but who knows which Eels side will run out this week. The Panthers meanwhile just keep soldiering along. They’re a much better side than the Eels and don’t have many weaknesses and they should get this done. Panthers by 10.
Titans vs. Raiders @ Cbus
Probability @ 35-65
Ladder Position = Raiders
Bookies Favourite = Raiders
Titans
"We came out of the blocks slow and made a couple of poor decisions on our edges in defence and left ourselves with too much work to do in the second half. We’ve just got to be better for 80 minutes to give ourselves a chance of winning. When you’re a chance of scoring and then they take two intercepts and go the length of the field then that’s’ a big 12-point turn around the other way," coach Justin Holbrook said.
Possession - 58%
Completion Rate - 83% (31/37)
Post Contact Metres - 598
Tackle Breaks - 40
Missed Tackles - 19
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded – 5
Raiders
“The excitement got me, I think it was when Corey Harawira-Naera went over for his try, I went down and tore a calf. We had to handle a lot of pressure… I said to them at half time 'we have been challenged now', I said 'we just turned this into a long game and if you are patient and don’t get frustrated and over try, we can still win this game," coach Ricky Stuart said.
Possession - 57%
Completion Rate - 85% (34/40)
Post Contact Metres - 543
Tackle Breaks - 35
Missed Tackles - 23
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 5
Verdict: The Titans had a fair old crack last week against the Bulldogs but fell short yet again. They’re simply not up to scratch I’m afraid. The Raiders on the other hand most definitely are. Then again, you wouldn’t have thought so after their first half effort last week against the Warriors. The Raiders have a decided class edge here and should win this comfortably. Raiders by 16.
Sharks vs. Rabbitohs @ Shark Park
Probability @ 50-50
Ladder Position = Sharks
Bookies Favourite = Sharks
Sharks
"We executed poorly in the second half and allowed a quality team to control the field position and they don't go away. I just don't think we mounted enough pressure in the end. Loved our effort, loved the spirit we played with, we were in the contest, we ticked a lot of boxes in that regard tonight but we knew if we were going to get something out of tonight we were going to have to execute, so I'm just a little bit disappointed about that," coach Craig Fitzgibbon said.
Possession - 44%
Completion Rate - 69% (29/42)
Post Contact Metres - 312
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 41
Errors - 15
Penalties Conceded - 5
Rabbitohs
"I'm really proud of Lachie [Ilias], he's had a lot on his shoulders this year and through the support of our senior group he has handled that really well and he is what we expected and hoped he would become and he is getting better every week. The fact that Cody Walker probably lost a couple of ribs in the first half [in Justin Olam's tackle] probably helped Lachie take a bit more ownership of the kicking tonight. He's a good kicker of the footy so it's important that he owns those moments," coach Jason Demetriou said.
Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 78% (36/46)
Post Contact Metres - 428
Tackle Breaks - 37
Missed Tackles - 32
Errors - 12
Penalties Conceded - 9
Verdict: The Sharks played fairly well against the Panthers last week but class told out in the end. This weekend’s assignment will be somewhat easier. The Rabbitohs have surprised me a little with how much they’ve improved in recent times. The question that’s running through my head is have they improved enough to take on the Sharks at Shark Park? This might just go down to the wire and I can make a case for both but at home I think the Sharks should get up here (just). Sharks by 6.
Broncos vs. Tigers @ Suncorp
Probability @ 70-30
Ladder Position = Broncos
Bookies Favourite = Broncos
Broncos
“We've still got some work to do but tonight was a good performance from us. There's been good momentum at the club and to get those elite Origin guys in it was a good effort. We got away to a good start and continued it in the second. When you've got the momentum you need to pick up the points so it was good for us. The good teams make you pay and we did that in the second half. We knew the possession would swing and it was up to us to defend that. I thought Corey Oates on that left side, him and Brenko Lee continually showed up and shut the play down,” coach Kevin Walters said.
Possession - 50%
Completion Rate - 83% (36/43)
Post Contact Metres - 600
Tackle Breaks - 29
Missed Tackles - 27
Errors - 8
Penalties Conceded - 7
Tigers
"As I said to the boys it was a moment of elation and then a moment of deflation. I felt that I wasn't quite sure on why the decision was made. My understanding is that when the Bunker comes into play or when there's a challenge made it has to be when there's indiscretion in the play or there's a breakdown of the play. My understanding is we caught the ball and the game was over, that's where it should have ended. We had a great effort today, played really well and got up for our captain who played his 300th game. We challenged one of the top sides. For us that's the big question, why don't we rise to the occasion more often," assistant coach Ben Gardiner said.
Possession - 52%
Completion Rate - 82% (34/41)
Post Contact Metres - 474
Tackle Breaks - 47
Missed Tackles - 36
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 6
Verdict: The way in which the Broncos dealt with the Eels last week was simply outstanding. They look like a side that could really dig deep into the finals this year. The Tigers were absolutely robbed last week and should feel proud of what the achieved. Had that travesty of justice not occurred, they might’ve gone into this game with a lot more momentum. Then again, they’re up against a Broncos side that’s humming along and they’ll be playing at Suncorp so it’ll be a tough assignment anyway. Broncos by 14.
Knights vs. Bulldogs @ McDonald Jones
Probability @ 45-55
Ladder Position = Bulldogs
Bookies Favourite = Bulldogs
Knights
"The last 10 minutes we let the shackles off a little bit and played a little bit of footy, which we'd planned to do. We have got a lot of work to do to fix where we are at as a group, it's going to take a lot of work, it's going to take a lot of time unfortunately," coach Adam O'Brien said.
Possession - 51%
Completion Rate - 73% (28/38)
Post Contact Metres - 586
Tackle Breaks - 18
Missed Tackles - 42
Errors - 10
Penalties Conceded - 7
Bulldogs
“It leaves a little bit of a sour taste in our mouths from what we thought we could have done and what actually happened. We need to negate our execution, our ability to be able to counter what the other team is doing and our discipline down the other end of the field with errors. But happy for a win, any win’s a good win. They’ve got a little bit of a knack and they’re just skilful players, they’re great to watch when they’re in full flight and cruising like that (Burton and Addo-Carr)," coach Mick Potter said.
Possession - 42%
Completion Rate - 69% (25/36)
Post Contact Metres - 508
Tackle Breaks - 19
Missed Tackles - 40
Errors - 11
Penalties Conceded - 4
Verdict: The Knights lost badly last week at home but they lost Ponga very early on and they were up against a classy Roosters side who were focused from the get-go. The Knights have an ideal opportunity to get back on track here this week. Yes the Bulldogs had a win last week but I thought they would’ve done a lot better, especially against a Titans side who are in total disarray. This could be a great battle and it might be close but at home I think the Knights will redeem themselves after last week. Knights by 8.
Dragons vs. Cowboys @ Kogarah
Probability @ 35-65
Ladder Position = Cowboys
Bookies Favourite = Cowboys
Dragons
“I was very confident coming in, we trained really well during the week and the feel was really good yesterday. I thought we controlled the game pretty well both sides of the ball, particularly in the second half when we had to defend them. To keep them to six in the second half, I thought it was a really solid effort. It’s a big loss when you lose your fullback, particularly Cody, he’s been one of our best. It’s disappointing for him but we’ll just keep our fingers crossed it’s hopefully an MCL and not too bad,” coach Anthony Griffin said.
Possession - 54%
Completion Rate - 80% (36/45)
Post Contact Metres - 584
Tackle Breaks - 39
Missed Tackles - 34
Errors - 9
Penalties Conceded - 5
Cowboys
"It's debatable that we deserved to win. The final challenge is for smarter people to work out. Some fundamental errors that put us under pressure way too much. In the end we found a way to win and that's what you need to do at this time of the year. While I'm still trying to get my head around it I'm happy. In a couple of weeks it will all be forgotten about," coach Todd Payten said.
Possession – 48%
Completion Rate - 64% (25/39)
Post Contact Metres - 418
Tackle Breaks - 36
Missed Tackles - 47
Errors - 16
Penalties Conceded - 4
Verdict: The Dragons were impressive last week in beating the highly fancied Sea Eagles. Not sure if the Dragons were “on” or Manly were “off”. A surprisingly good effort though but obviously the Cowboys are a tougher proposition this week. The Cowboys won a controversial game last week and I don’t want to upset any of their loyal fans, but I’d have to say that they didn’t deserve to win that. They are a class outfit though and I just feel they had one of those games where their opposition out-enthused them. Having said that though, I still think they’ll be too good for the Dragons. Cowboys by 12.
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
Sunrise doesn't last all morning. A cloudburst doesn't last all day. Seems my love is up and has left you with no warning. It's not always gonna be this gray. 😥
https://youtu.be/QWV4pFV5nX4
OK kids, good luck with your tipping and may your team win by 40 points! Until next week. Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by Slayer on
Thinker or not a thinker?
Warriors squashed any chance of Reece moving to storm mid season a week ago.
Probably explains why you and I are nowhere in our respective tipping comps!
Keep it real thinker…keep up
Slayer
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Slayer
I can't keep up...too much going on :-)
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Tiger holic Kevvie Walters has asked me to make sure you don't hide inside the Broncos camp this week we can see there is a seat over there beside tiger girl how about you show a bit of Fortitude and back the Tigers
Submitted by Mike T on
Many thanks to Christine, Tiger & The Thinker for your kind comments towards me recently.
Getting away from NRL (briefly), coming up on 18 August is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day, which means something to me & many others.
I don't reckon there would be too many Viet Vets among our little group of tipsters here. If anyone knows one, please give him a hug & say thanks. The youngest of them now are in their early 70's, I am nearly 79, (early September). I was in the Assault Pioneer Platoon, 6 RAR, '66/'67. I still enjoy a XXXX or 3 most days & the banter here, also.
Regards,
Mike T.
Submitted by Christine on
Mike T
your service & Ur contribution is grately appreciated never forget that ...
Submitted by Christine on
My tips are
Roosters
Storm
Panthers
Raiders
South's
Broncos
Dogs
Cowboys
may the nrl gods grace us with great wins this week...
Submitted by Ed W on
Sorry, I can't event believe this bigoted rubbish has been posted. Heterosexual people do not face the discrimination LGBTQ community does, nor does the community have a six time higher rate of young people committing suicide. It's because of people like you pride campaigns are so important- until bigots change, no one will.
Submitted by Ed W on
Long time admirer of this column (even if it costs me money sometimes), but don't agree with your comment on the 7 Manly players - I don't feel sorry for homopobes and bigots and I never have. Fact all wear alcohol and gambling firms on their jerseys, nor have refused to play or condemned players who commit domestic violence (and there's a few!) Shows their character. Genuinely hope they continue to suffer for their wholly pathetic stance. Those I feel sorry for are their teammates they've let down who are decent men, and the LGBTQ community - and the families of those young people who are 6 times more likely.to commit suicide. Not pathetic, arrogant, bigots.
Submitted by MGM on
Hi Thinker,
I thought your comments on the Manly game were perfectly chosen and, despite your own opinion on the stance the seven players have taken, you were Switzerland as usual.
I particularly liked that you have pointed out that the players concerned have "kept their position on this to themselves and not shared their opinion publicly" which, considering the media circus that has ensued, is a testament to their character (Mr Ed!).
I grew up in Manly Vale, went to the Catholic College directly across the road from Brookvale Oval for 9 years and lived on the Northern Beaches from the age of 3 to the age of 55.
I have never been happy to see Manly lose a match until last night!
The owner and management have gotten what they deserved for putting those seven players ( and probably more) in the position of having to choose between their strongly held religious and cultural beliefs and loyalty to their club.
I am always buoyed at the sight of several players in a huddle before a match, one with a hand raised in the air, whilst the group pray before the match. It is usually predominantly a group of Islanders, but not entirely. And I become relieved and hopeful that we haven't yet become an Entirely Godless nation.
Then there's the players who, upon scoring a try or about to kick off, point skyward and make the sign of the cross. (these actions and huddles were especially prevalent in the Representative round but it's common right throughout the season)...... So for Manly (AND V'Landys) to say they didn't realize some of the players would object is a blend of ignorance, stupidity and incompetence.
Or maybe just bullshit.
And YES!.. You can bet they've been working on this jersey "for a while" and that it HAD to have the NRL's approval, just as ANY jersey change does. So for V'Landys to come out (excuse the pun) and say - "look, Manly got it wrong, they could have handled it better"(Sky News) is just a cop-out . He had to approve the jersey and approve that the idiots had chosen the Women In League round to do it!
Submitted by MGM on
Now ...
Mr Ed ! or is it Ed W (I can take a guess at what the W stands for Ed!)
I have taken the trouble of copying the definition of the word bigot for you and here's the paste :
"a person who is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a belief, opinion, or faction, especially one who is prejudiced against or antagonistic towards a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group."
That includes a religious group just in case my inference has flown over your ignorant head!.....(Ohh, the irony)
I wonder how you'd feel if someone took it upon themselves to make a public statement on your behalf supporting Christians who have the courage of their convictions and adhere to their faith and stand by God's Word?.... without asking you.
You'd be okay with that wouldn't you??
If you want to talk about feeling sorry for someone , or not , take a look in the mirror or better yet, look around for an unfortunate family member.
You'd probably get on well with self-appointed spokesman Trent Robinson , who also speaks before he thinks :
"... in the youth gay community, suicide is five times the level of what NORMAL society is "....(also Sky News)
What an idiotic choice of words THAT is !
You two should join forces with the Manly management and you could bury this well-intentioned initiative before it ever gets off the ground.
I've been in this tipping comp for several years now Ed and have never seen a comment from you before and I do hope that if you have any other ignorant, intolerant comments or want to make another thoughtless attack on peaceful people, quietly adhering to their faith and culture that you'll do it elsewhere.
That's not my call of course , but I'll be watching for any other chance to engage with you .
Submitted by Ed W on
Unfortunately when you read many of the responses (including to my comment) you remember that evil religious fundamentalism is still rife both in society and, sadly, sport. Using religion as a reason to hate, to divide an entire community is pretty awful, and it's wholly depressing there's individuals defending it. Those claiming there should have been "consultation" mean, of course, they dont agree with it. Thankfully, in both Australia and the world, there's millions of progressive people who find this stuff disgusting, future generations find it disgusting, and the morals and human decency of those 7 players will be quite reasonably judged, as we all are, by our actions. Let's see - but hopefully, like Falou, they'll be driven out of our sport. League should be inclusive for all - not a quasi religious fundamentalist game. End of.
Submitted by Mary S on
Personally, I applaud the stand taken by the 7 Manly players, and the courage shown in standing by their convictions.
In a way, like Christianity of old, you’re dammed if you do, and dammed if you don’t.
Anyone who thinks making the decision between your convictions, a sport and teammates you love, effects of said decision on family, friends and fans, is easy, has got rocks in their head. I worked on Thursday Island for 6 years, which was a real education on the differences in my beliefs to many of theirs, and their unshakeable faith in those convictions.
I came to respect our rights to have those differences and live beside them, or embrace them – that was my choice!
I agree with MGM, the players should never have been put in a position to choose -be it religious or cultural and the following article indicates (if correct) the time line involved in regard to the jerseys https://www.espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id/34300454/nrl-round-20-manly-sea-e...\
Part of the article, I quote -
“The advice comes as it became clearer how several opportunities for both players and NRL bosses to be aware of the jersey slipped through the cracks in planning, that began as early as the pre-season.
It's believed Dynasty Sport offered the inclusive rainbow design to several of their clubs, with Manly the only NRL team to take up the option.
The design then had to be put into the NRL's licensing team, before manufacturing was approved after some minor changes.
While the exact submission date of Manly's jersey is unclear, some clubs have already sent the Anzac Round designs for 2023 given the time required for the process.”
@ Ed W – since the beginning of time, the human species has had “bigots”, many of whom, made their way into history books as a result, through wars, atrocities on their fellow human beings, and their self-belief in their entitlements. We currently have a war raging in the world through one of those bigots, making life a challenge for the rest of humanity.
Unfortunately Ed, history only shows, we have learnt a lot, yet learnt nothing, as somethings (human behaviour) haven’t changed much!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by MGM on
@ Mary - Well said and well researched Mary. Thanks for the link from ESPN .... so it shows that out of the several clubs offered the rainbow design by Dynasty Sportswear, Manly was the only one to take up the offer and that was back in the pre-season. I assume everyone else offered these jerseys saw the need for caution and the need to consult with the playing groups , but 6 or 7 months later, despite still no-one else going for the idea, Manly's "coaches and players had no knowledge prior to the announcement" - Des Haslers words!
But Mary, please don't waste your breath on Ed with a capital W.
He's still trying to blame the players that you are applauding, when Des freely admits that it's 100% the fault of club officials.
Instead of hearing that, Ed has doubled down on his ignorance in his latest post and shown how blind he is to his own hypocrisy by penning those last two sentences - First he calls for the 7 players to be"driven out of our sport " and in the same foul breath states that "League should be inclusive for all " !!..... I have to say it Ed , you are a wanker !
Submitted by Mary S on
Half time and what a match tonight - it has all the drama of a final!!!!!!
Eels lead 30/4 and playing with passion
Panthers play with 12 men
Nathan Cleary sent off for a spear tackle
Wow!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Christine on
All I have too say is when you attack or aim comments at anyone on this site you attack & offend all on this site ...
Submitted by a on
Nathan Cleary got send off
Submitted by MGM on
There's a bit more to it that Christine.
The guy called me an evil religious fundamentalist (I'm the ONLY one that responded to his "comments" so he obviously meant me) because I took him to task over his vicious victim blaming and his attacks on peaceful men of conscience.
I have never before on this site seen anyone disrupt the harmony, respect and friendly banter that we all enjoy.
Sorry if I've upset any of the good and decent contributors or tipsters, whether you're regulars or newcomers , but this guy hit a nerve and I believe I have called a spade a spade.
Wishing you all the best Christine,
MGM.
Submitted by a on
Guys please talk about football i Appauld everyone who’s staying out of this
Submitted by Mary S on
I see Cleary was charged with a Grade Three Dangerous Throw offence, which will see the halfback sidelined for five matches with an early guilty plea, or six weeks if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge at the judiciary.
How much difference will it make I wonder, to the team missing the skill of his boot.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Christine on
Mgm
I was defending you , this reminds me of a certain person who shall remain nameless disrupting the site , they usually surface around the time of year when they think penrith have a chance too win , aka the mulgoa spud ...
Submitted by MGM on
Agreed a .
I'm bummed I didn't back the Eels this weekend , I had a feeling Penrith's lead would be reduced before the finals ... and now without Luai and Cleary my hunch should become a reality.
Now some other teams need to up their game because it would be a shame if, at the end of the season the ONLY reason anyone else challenged or took out at least the Minor Premiership, was because of the absence of these two players.
Submitted by MGM on
P.S.
Thanks Christine.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Hey Big Pete,
Without wanting to open up another hornet's nest I noticed, for what must be the first time ever, you never tipped Manly this round??
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hey MGM and other posters
I always thought RL was an inclusive game, no matter if you were Christian, Muslim, Catholic, Church of England, GAY or any other influence. No matter what you were welcome and it's always been that way. We love our Indigenous players and the enormous input players of Islanders origin have put into our game. Why Manly chose the Gay community to highlight their game is beyond me, with our diverse community mix they could have chosen a Muslem or an Asian slash on their jerseys.
AND yes you ED W idiot, I'm no bigot just a concerned NRL fan.
Submitted by a on
Look I think that everyone should be accepted in the NRL no matter what wheather Thais reglious gay got a disability aboriginal muslin etc I think that manly could of handled it better and not done it on women in league round
if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say it BTW I’m talking to do Ed W calling people bigots is unacceptable we don’t want it to go back to the days when a nameless panther support and a nameless manly supporter were on the site
If you can’t respect opinions don’t be on the site
Submitted by tigerholic on
Morning All
I had to log out and log back in when I first checked in this morning. Where has the footy talk and banter gone FFS, not one comment on the fantastic effort by the Tigers las night.
Well played Tigers, I'm sorry I didn't have the faith to tip you but that win last night restores the faith.
Tiger
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Spare us all the BS tiger you're so full of it it's pouring out of your ears
Submitted by a on
Yeah I’ve have to say your tigers don’t deserve the spoon tigerholic the titans do
Submitted by a on
BTW I’m so fing sick of the inconsistency I do agree with the 2 send off but JWH and Nelson Asofa-Solomona don’t get suspended at all hope they give a damn about it and so something in the off season
Submitted by a on
BTW I’m so fing sick of the inconsistency I do agree with the 2 send off but JWH and Nelson Asofa-Solomona don’t get suspended at all hope they give a damn about it and so something in the off season
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Tiger,
Maybe the result from R19 got your Tigers really fired up - a great result for all Tigers fans, not so good for Broncos fans and most of the tipsters on this site!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
So i get back to reality and the Tigers are crushing it, and so are the BOYS. A great win, but how does the same team beat the undefeatable premiers, twice, yet drop their bundle against the Dogs, and Tigers? If we played even 1/4 of that against the Broncos I would have been ok with the final score.
Submitted by Mary S on
Hope you enjoyed your time on Fraser Island Baggy - good to see you back! Did you get any fish?
Frustrating as all out, to see your team play like they did on Friday night, and know that the same determination/enthusiasm could have won them so many other games. They slipped up on the determination for a while in the 2nd half, as they allowed Panthers to come back - even with 12 players.
I enjoyed the game!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Christine on
My point still stands you attack one of the regs on this site you attack all on this site everyone is entitled too there opinions but there is a difference between having an opinion & just straight out directly attacking people on the site because you feel like being offensive ,"a" doesn't normally get offended or get his back up he doesn't like the site being a soap opera let's just keep it civil before the boss steps in ...
Submitted by Christine on
Thinker what is your take on what Manly did if you don't mind me asking your opinion ???
Submitted by Christine on
Like it or not what manly did it's got people talking ...
Submitted by tigerholic on
Rocket
I sense a touch of resentment towards a fan of the team that defeated a team considered by a host to be premiership contenders. Do I have to say that the team that beat you were running dead last.
Anyway, it was very pleasing to see the boys celebrate a win last night after last weeks drama filled loss.
I can't believe the same ref is officiating the Dogs/Knights game right now. Surely he had to be dropped as well.
Tiger
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Christine,
You have been doing well with your tips, and I enjoy seeing you input yours into the comments when you are feeling up to doing so.
Looks like several of us miscued on a few games this round with a few results not going our way.
I was impressed with how diplomatically 'The Thinker' handled the "Manly affair" in his preview of the match, as it is so easy to start "A Bun Fight" (to use an old/quaint expression), as social media, and the platform I'm currently using,, seems to give permission for some to take advantage and say anything they like, no matter how hurtful.
In that respect, I personally think social media can be a great medium or a curse.
Fortunately on this site, it is a great medium, as The Thinker's example allows us to reach out to people we don't personally know, but have a shared interest
.
Hope this finds you having a good day from your health perspective, Christine.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by MGM on
@ a,
Luv ya mate ... How about a quick proof-read before you hit that send button.
I have to keep checking my keyboard to see which letters are next to each other so I can be sure what you meant :)
The odd comma & full stop wouldn't hurt either!
Just ribbing you a , I love it when you give us more than one sentence.
Submitted by MGM on
p.s.
Thanks for a ripping A Game this year buddy.
Submitted by MGM on
Jaydn Sua pulls Leilua back by the hair and prevents Leilua from getting to the try line... A try for sure... No doubt.
Sua is penalized.
Please, can someone explain how that is NOT a penalty try ?
Mind you, I've often thought if a player grows long hair he's fair game (if you can be grabbed by any other part of your body, your sock, your pants pulled down, it's all fine) .
But the fact is the action was penalized and and it prevented a sure try. Is that not the definition of a Penalty Try ?
While I've been typing the Cowboys have gone on to put the game to bed , but still , can someone please clarify my penalty try query ?
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