Melbourne Storm (1st) vs Penrith Panthers (2nd) – Sunday night – Accor Stadium
Team list - Melbourne Storm
- Ryan Papenhuyzen
- Will Warbrick
- Jack Howarth
- Nick Meaney
- Xavier Coates
- Cameron Munster
- Jahrome Hughes
- Tui Kamikamica
- Harry Grant
- Josh King
- Shawn Blore
- Eliesa Katoa
- Trent Loeiro
- Tyran Wishart
- Christian Welch
- Lazarus Vaalepu
- Alec MacDonald
Team list - Penrith Panthers
- Dylan Edwards
- Sunia Turuva
- Izack Tago
- Paul Alamoti
- Brian To'o
- Jarome Luai
- Nathan Cleary
- Moses Leota
- Mitch Kenny
- James Fisher-Harris
- Luke Garner
- Liam Martin
- Isaah Yeo
- Brad Schneider
- Lindsay Smith
- Liam Henry
- Scott Sorensen
Game preview
First plays second in the 2024 grand final, and while some may bemoan the predictability of that outcome, we end up with the best two teams facing off in the last game of the season...as it should be. Both teams get to name what is close to their best squad, but for Nelson Asofa-Solomona for the Storm. A big out (literally) for the Storm, but his tackling style can get him into trouble. He spent ten in the bin last week, and ten in the bin the last time these sides met. This will be the third clash for the season between the Storm and the Panthers - the Storm won 8-0 way back in round one in Melbourne, and in round 24 out at Penrith where they again prevailed 24-22. As mentioned, the Storm played a man down for ten minutes and still prevailed. They know they can beat the Panthers - they've done it twice and neither was a fluke. Notably, Penrith were without their first choice backrowers in round 24. That's important because Martin will likely be tasked with shutting down Munster, and Garner will likely be tasked with shutting down Hughes. Tough assignments, but not impossible.
I'd like to focus on two key things about this contest:
1. The wingers - To'o is 5ft 9 and Suruva is 5ft 11. Warbrick and Coates are both 6ft 4, and absolute guns at contesting attacking kicks. I've no doubt the Storm will try and exploit this, and so they should. The Panthers centres aren't tall units either, so it's a challenge the Panthers need to rise to without giving away penalties. The Storm won't want the Panthers generating momentum early in tackle counts with their back three either, so it won't surprise me if kicks on the fifth tackle are a kick for a contest on the edge rather than a kick for metres. The Panthers back three will bring those kicks back with interest anyway, so why not make it a contest for the ball.
2. The injuries - It's no secret that Cleary is carrying two injuries (one hand and one shoulder). Lots of players play through injuries, but lots of players aren't Nathan Cleary. The Panthers will tell us all he's good to go and will get through the game, but they've also named Brad Schneider on the interchange (as they did last week). He's not there to help Penrith with their forward rotations. Cleary all but dragged Penrith to victory on his own in 2023, and I don't need to tell any of you how important he is. I also don't think Edwards is at 100% - the bloke is a warrior and has played grand finals injured before, but I do think he's hampered by it, and a shandy off the levels we saw from him when he won the Clive Churchill in 2022. I do need to mention that a few Storm players are carrying niggles too (Grant, Hughes, Meaney). Nothing serious, as far as we know, but we may not know everything.
Most will tell you that the Panthers have an edge in the forwards, and I think they're right, but the Storm forwards are used to being under-appreciated. When you play in a team that has produced some of the best spine players of the modern era, you get used to being unheralded. They have a job to do, and they'll do their job. As for the spine - Grant, Hughes, Munster and Papenhuyzen is a fair quartet. They're not bigger than Jesus, but they're very very good. If any of them need to come off, they have Wishart on the bench, who appears on track to be very very good too. Importantly, they all come into this game in terrific form. Purple reigns.
Verdict – Storm by 7
Clive Churchill Medallist – Ryan Papenhuyzen
Result – Panthers 14 defeated Storm 6
Clive Churchill Medallist – Liam Martin
Wally Lewis - Grand Final selection (in bold)
Note: tips from Wally will be published on Thursday night
- STORM (1st) vd Panthers (2nd)
Guest tips for this round
See these tips on one page
Comments
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
I will have the tipping comp updated shortly, and we will have the tipping form for the grand final game added as soon as we can.
Feel free to add your thoughts about the game in the comments if you're keen to discuss.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by David.C-Manly1st. on
Hi,
Hopefully the Melbourne Storm win GF, they have been most consistent all year.
Cheers
David.C-Mighty Manly 1st
Submitted by Anonymous on
Well done Scott m you can't lose from here tiger can only share the spoils
Submitted by Gummy Sharks on
Well done Sharkies. Third place is not to be sneezed at in the toughest rugby league comp in the world and playing one of the best teams in a long long time. Yes there were errors but no one is harder on a player who makes a mistake than the player themself. Well done especially to Toby Rudolph, who lost his head early but gathered himself to play terrifically for the rest of the night. Thought Nicho went ok as well. Love his defence efforts where he will go low in a tackle and risk a boot to the head where plenty won't. Well done to the Jets and the girls for making a grand final in only their second year. Always next year, looking forward to seeing Fonua Blake in a Sharks guernsey. Grand final to me looks a dead set toss of the coin.
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
@MGM
Morning Champ - did a reply to your last, as we followed on with the post in previous Finals chat.
Cheers and have a good week - Big Pete.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Morning tipsters
I'm having a few issues updating the tipping comp...we will get there (as you might expect most of us got 2 from 2).
All the best
The Thinker
p.s. fun fact for you all. The last two coaches of the teams that lost the NRL grand final (Eels in 2022, Broncos in 2023) have been sacked by their clubs. Tough gig.
Submitted by MGM on
@BigPeteBx ,
I saw your reply and raised you one !
But for those who missed the fun I've copied and pasted our convo below :-)
MGM's picture
Submitted by MGM on Mon 30/9/24 - 1:17am AEST
@Big Pete ,
You remembered my connection to Liverpool ... I'm impressed !
In 1989 I had the good fortune to watch Liverpool play at Anfield.
My Dad's brother and my Mum's brother took me there and, as we took our seats, Uncle Eric said "you sit in the middle Mike, I don't want to be seen with that Everton supporter" .. haha !
All the best Pete.
reply
BigPeteBx's picture
Submitted by BigPeteBx on Mon 30/9/24 - 8:18am AEST
Mornin Mike (MGM) - I also remember your connection to the once Nthn Beaches. I remember very well your connection to Anfield. The local derby ay with Pool v Toffees. Very patriotic the game over there.
I was at Wembley for the All London FA Cup Final between Arsenal v West Ham (Billy Bonds' team who were in 2nd Div). Trevor Brooking heading the Hammers goal and won it 1-nil.
I coached the roundball code for 29 years with Western NSW Under 12 (1982) being my biggest victors in winning the NSW State Titles against Sydney Youth League top 3 included. It was the first time in 30 years of NSW Soccer that it had been done.
R/League has always also been a love of mine and certainly changed over the years of my early teens when I first watched the game here locally and on tv (b&w).
It appears an even money bet with this years NRL G/Final. I'll see how the teams pan out around Thur/Fri and who's who on paper.
All the best Champ and keep well - Big Pete (with vroom, vrooms nearing).
reply
MGM's picture
new
Submitted by MGM on Tue 1/10/24 - 3:43am AEST
That's a pretty big feather in your cap there Big Pete and that's a great age group to be coaching and mentoring.
I remember at that age we'd been playing as a group for a few years already and the gifted ones were emerging as decent players already and we took it seriously. . Great fun and great memories. . I started playing at age 8 for Manly Vale in 1965 , took a couple of years off to concentrate on the HSC (ours was the last year that your results relied 100% on how you went in the exam) .
Then back to what really mattered for a few more years and played my last season in '77 for the under 20s alongside a handful of the OGs from 1965.
Thanks for the memories Pete.
P.S.
I took the Storm @ 7-1 before the first round this year and have received a complimentary $5 bonus bet for each game they've won this year so it's been the gift that keeps on giving and hopefully the final payout is this Sunday .... GO THE STORM !
Tues 1/10/24 ...Hope it's okay to do that Mr Thinker.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
Our tipping ladder and the tipping form for the grand final have now been updated and added. Thanks to my little helper for crawling around in the engine space of the mothership and scaring out all the rodents and what not that were giving us trouble.
As always, if anyone notices any issues with the scoring, just let me know.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Morning MGM - thanks for that kind comment. Yes mate, The Country Hicks came to Kirrawee (venue) and beat The City Slickers alright. Many here don't usually entertain with Soccer (the real football). There's a couple that divulged their love and fave teams.
There is however a few here that follow Liverpool & Arsenal. Just my memory recall from when I first joined Thinker site here and got to know some members and what they liked or followed.
Great that you were playing soccer/football as it also was the learning curve for those young players who ventured over to any of the rugby codes - with a developed sidestep. I always also remember Manly Vale as I think that's where Bryants Bistro was at the local hotel there. Sure was a huge setup back in 70's. Good luck with the G/Final. Need to be wary with Penrith as they have departing players who will be playing for all and each other.
I'll push on, but yes there are crowds arriving here already for Bx 1000 V8 Supercars - The Great Race. Many get in with all the Off Track celebrations as well. If weather stays like it is now - it should be a nice weekend BUT never rule out rain sometime. The track and surrounds are looking a picture at present. Great for picnics with high octane fuels hahaha!
Cheers and keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
I have a feeling I may get caught out again by that daylight savings twistamathingy this weekend.
If for some reason the tipping form closes before kick off on Sunday, just add your selection in the comments and I will sort it out.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Buzz105 on
I'm going to say 21-14 Melbourne over the panthers, Paps to kick a field goal.
Clive Churchill Medallist - Hughes just to cap off an amazing season he's had
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hey Frens,
… and then there were two.
Can’t wait until Sunday! And yes, I’ve remembered it will be Daylight Saving Time on Sunday which means I get to watch the game an hour earlier 😉. Even though the Mighty Roosters couldn’t cut the mustard, I’m pretty pleased with how they went this year.
Based on the players leaving, next year is shaping up to be pretty darn ordinary. All depends on what Robbo and Uncle Nick do with the roster I suppose. Anyway, I’m not here to harp on about the Chooks, I’m here to talk about Sunday. OK, let’s do this thing …
Storm vs. Panthers @ Accor
Probability @ 60-40
Ladder Position = Storm
Bookies Favourite = Storm
Points last 2 Games (Storm) = 85-28
Points last 2 Games (Panthers) = 56-16
The Storm and Panthers finished 1 and 2 respectively after the regular season and they fittingly face each other in Sunday’s “Big Dance”. Who will win is anyone’s guess. It should be an absolute ripper to state the bleeding obvious.
We are all aware (or should be) of the talent and abilities both sides have so I’m thinking there’s not much point in stating them here. Suffice to say the Storm and Panthers haven’t really looked like losing once the Finals started.
One thing I will say is that the Storm (to me at least) seem to have peaked a little better than the Panthers have, but only just. If anyone has the talent and determination to beat the Storm then it’s the Panthers.
Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai up against Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster should be mouth-watering. To a lesser degree, so should the match-up between Papenhuyzen and Edwards. These battles will obviously be pivotal in determining who wins this one.
Casting my mind back to previous Grand Finals and barring unforeseen circumstances, the prospect of Nathan Cleary playing at another level is something to look forward to. Let’s not forget the ability Cleary has in getting the Panthers up over the line when it matters. Just remember what he did last week against the Sharks when it was 10-6 and more importantly how he got them up to win last year’s GF against the Broncos when, as we all know, they should’ve lost it.
When these two met in the Grand Final four years ago it was the Storm who were victorious but remember, that has been the Panthers’ only GF loss since then. The only thing going against the Panthers here might be the fact that they are missing some big names from their previous GF wins but having said that, they’re still good enough to get up in this one.
This is what makes picking the winner here so difficult. Maybe what makes it difficult is over-thinking things too much.
So far this year, these two have played twice and the Storm won both of them but Grand Finals are a completely different kettle of fish as we know. The Storm have played in one GF in the last 4 years for a win whereas the Panthers have played four times for 3 wins. See what I mean, I’m over-thinking things again.
The Storm come into this game as the better attacking side racking up 213 points in their past five games but the Panthers are clearly the better defensive side, conceding just under 10 points per game on average from their last 11 finals games.
OK, decision time I suppose. The Storm have been the best team all year and I’m thinking they might just be capable of putting an end to the Panthers’ GF winning ways. Funnily enough I’m exactly the same as the Boss … Storm by 7.
P.S. Clive Churchill – Grant or Munster.
Let’s finish off with another “Song of the Week”…
This is from a timeless band most people know and like. Possibly a bit sexist but remember it was recorded such a long, long time ago (black and white video) when you could get away with lyrics like this.
https://youtu.be/yBdKMv9_vPE
OK kids, good luck if you're a fan of either of these sides running out on Sunday. Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Newbie
Thanks so much for your detailed contributions each and every week. I really appreciate them and I know others do too.
Let's cross our fingers and hope our grand final predictions are on song.
As for the Chooks...it will be interesting next year. They are one of the most professional clubs in the comp. If their standards drop much, they won't drop for long.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by tigerholic on
Evening All
The GF is listed for 6.30 pm, I presume that is QLD time and it will be 7.30 pm in NSW.
Is that correct??
Tiger
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Tigerholic
That's correct - 6.30pm in QLD, 7.30pm in NSW and Victoria.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by tigerholic on
Cheers Mate
Tiger
Submitted by MGM on
The officiating has gone to Ashley Kl--n and Grant Atkins in the bunker and Chris Sutton is running one of the two sidelines .
The drums are rolling and the hairs on my arms are bristling !
Dave Munro is the other touch judge but it's those other three that have me grinding my teeth.
GO THE STORM !
GO PAPPY !
Submitted by MGM on
@tigerholic
just checked the tips and I like your strategy....
you can't drop out of second place but you could tie for First.
A pity you had to back Panthers to do it though :-)
Well done on third place by the way BigPete and
congrats to you Scott M.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Cheers MGM
Good luck Scotty, thanks for a great year everyone.
Tiger
Submitted by MGM on
Right on half-time .... ANOTHER "Flat Pass" !!!
Submitted by EsraStar on
Penrith played well,but the had some help from the ref and bunker,i reckon.
Submitted by Mary S on
@ EsraStar,
Don't they usually!!!!
Great to hear from you.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good late evening MGM - thanks mate.
I'm back on the Honour Roll again.
Scott M and I had a tussle a couple of years ago BUT Footy Chick still sets the benchmark.
I backed Panthers to win by 4 in another comp - which I think I may have won by 1pt.
Cheers Champ, keep well and in touch
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Well done Tiger - it was a good year for many and NRL Comp itself was truly played with the best two on the big night (tonight - Sunday).
Will be interesting next season with The TigPies!
Enjoy the off-season.
Big Pete
Submitted by EsraStar on
Cheers,Mary. See you next year.
Submitted by Mary S on
@ Newbie,
Thank you so much for your weekly summation that I never miss reading, as well as The Thinkers.
I don't always appreciate your SOW but there's a lot I like too, so I've copied the links onto a Word document, so I can listen again at my leisure.
The following link isn't music but I hope you enjoy, particularly from about 1.34 mark - I find it hilarious when the mood need a lift - and it did last night on the GF result!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNV3B5adFWM
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by MGM on
Oh Yes Mary !!
I keep an exercise book for my footy tipping (one full page per round with odds and likely legs for multi bets etc) ... and when I saw this act on telly I made a note on the inside cover of the book to find the link for Marc & Wendy , but haven't got around to it.
Thanks to you I now have it bookmarked on my laptop !
Submitted by MGM on
The Panthers may well be deserving winners but we'll never Really know because I haven't seen them win a Grand Final where they didn't get an unfair advantage or three .... some would call it the "rub of the green" but I say those officiating have been rubbing more than just the green these last four years.
Sound like "sour grapes"? .... Maybe.
But I can't join the cheering squad with all the sickly accolades until I see them win one "fair and square" and maybe even overcome when someone else is getting "the rub" !
Need an eg ?
When I saw replays during ch9s broadcast of Sorenson catching Papenhuyzen's kick-off I thought I saw Sorenson's left foot off the ground more than once as he was preparing to catch it.
The ch9 crew just moved on after they had lambasted Papy and of course the bunker only gets forensic when it suits THEM.
And that was protected species Chris Sutton's touch-line and he was right there watching Sorenson nervously lifting his feet up and down like a dance.
I was suss, so I watched it later on Kayo where i could replay it a few times and sure enough, Sorenson's foot was Off the Ground as he made contact with the ball.
Then I turned up the volume (wife was in bed!) and guess what the commentators were saying .... that Sorenson dodged a bullet and the Storm were hard done by !!
So if you've hung in there and are still reading this you might be saying "what's the big deal"?
But off the back of Turuva's try , this was a Huge momentum swing.
The Storm were now defending a full set inside their 40 when they SHOULD have been starting a full set of their own on the Panthers 10mtr line.
And, as we all know, Every play for the next 12 minutes at least would have been a Whole New Script that would NOT include Liam Martin scoring a try off a FORWARD pass from the walking jaw bone.
Don't believe me?
Take a look at the replay from the drone above and slightly behind them.
The Biggest Blight on our game is the try scored off a forward pass that Can't be ruled on when reviewed !
And Don't give me that malarky about forward momentum !
Cleary had only taken three diagonal steps at half pace !
AND this play wouldn't even have happened if Sutton had have watched more closely(which is what he's PAID to do) while Sorenson was doing his nervous dance on the sideline, preparing to catch the ball. Or if Grunt Atkins had have done the right thing and whispered in their ears (like we Know they do when it SUITS them).
So history has been written now and history certainly Has repeated itself as the Panthers get Another dubious result go their way.
I remain unconvinced until I see them win on their own without any unfair assistance from match officials rubbing the green or any other part of their anatomy.
Condolences to the mighty Storm, all their fans and to Bellyache.
And thankyou thinker ,the little helper and family for putting on another thrilling and totally frustrating tipping competition this year ... to take a leaf out of Newbie's book and use a quote from one of My favourites - "Nobody does it Better"!
Thank you also to all you Tipsters and contributers , especially those of you that actually read my rants in their entirety.
God Bless you all and keep you all safe over the off-season and have a very merry Christmas.
Love Mike.
Submitted by MGM on
OH, OH, OH !!
NOT DONE YET !
I met my first Grandchild TODAY after they released him from spending the first week of his life in the NICU !
We nearly lost the little guy when his birth didn't go to plan at 42.5 weeks (mum didn't want to be induced) and he didn't get the oxygen he needed for Way too long.
The doctors and nurses who work in Neo-natal Intensive Care Units are REAL heroes and I am in awe of their expertise , their calm determination under pressure and their professionalism .... saving babies has to be one of the most rewarding occupations anyone can ever have.
Tully has passed every test and scan and his prognosis is as good as we could have hoped for and every prayer (lots) that I have prayed for the last seven days has been answered.
Just thought some of you might like to hear this.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings football fans
Well, I usually do pretty well with my grand final picks, but not this year. Congrats to the Panthers, who strangled the Storm out of the game and didn't take their feet off their necks.
Four in a row - we may not see it again, and they could make it five.
I've updated the tipping comp, and we have a tie for first in 2024. Congrats to Scott M and Tigerholic, who have been our leaders for much of the season. Big Pete BX and Lochnesslaine take third and fourth place. Well done to both, and thank you to everyone who has participated this season.
I'll be in touch with all our winners, and once I find my thinkering cap I'll draw a random winner for our random prize.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Gummy Sharks on
Thank you Mr Thinker, Mrs Thinker and The Little Helper for another year of hard work running your competition. Sob story- I had a 3 leg multi of Harry Grant anytime try scorer, Paul Alomomti anytime try scorer and Penrith to win 13 plus. Whoever that Penrith forward that dropped the ball in the last few minutes was grrrrrrrrrr! 97/1 odds. Pales into insignificance when you're talking about sick babies though. Congrats MGM on your first grandchild and best wishes going forward with him. Well done to the comp winners Scott M and Tigerholic.
Submitted by tigerholic on
Congratulations MGM
I'm very happy for you, congratulations to you and your family.
Tiger
Submitted by MGM on
Thanks Gummy , thanks Tiger .
And Gummy , I still had time to get some losing bets on as well :-)
When your team isn't playing it helps to have some skin in the game to bring the excitement level back up , am I right ?
... the new grandmother just said no !
Submitted by Gummy Sharks on
No grandkids myself MGM but probs not too far off in the horizon. Got me thinking. What name have you chosen for grandkids to call you? Do you get to choose or is it a mum, dad, bub choice out of your control? Just asking because it's been a long time since I've heard any kid mention their grandad as grandfather or grandpa. Heard a few papa's though. That would make new grandmother Mama by the way!! I'll show myself out.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Genuine question, but I think the answer is yes.
Does Brad Schneider get a premiership ring even though he didn't get on the field in the grand final?
Submitted by Mary S on
@ The Thinker,
Just found confirmation - mark 9.02 on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkXMn5KHoBs
Evidently the rings are numbered 1-17, according to the following article - https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/how-much-nrl-premiersh...
and Brad Schneider was listed as No. 14.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by Mary S on
@ The Thinker, Mrs Thinker and the Thinker's Little Helper,
Many, many thanks for all the work you put in to give us weekly predictions and a platform to comment.
It is most appreciated!
@ Scott m, Tigerholic, BigPete, & Lochnesslaine,
Congratulations on a job well done, in a season where tipping has been interesting/frustrating to say the least.
I sometimes wonder how far we would have reached if “a” had run his “3 strike comp” this season.
@ MGM
Congratulations on becoming a grandfather. I hope there are many years of enjoyment for you and your wife with your grandchild/grandchildren.
I’m glad you enjoyed Marc and Wendy
Your “rants” (self-proclaimed) are in keeping with you avatar and make for an interesting read – always!!
@ Gummy Sharks
Names for grandparents also depends on if there are 2 sets of grandparents. Get in early with prospective parents for their suggestions and what you prefer. I refused to be called “Nanny”
@ all tipsters
It has been great to have so many involved with the frustrating task of trying to pick a winner (winners). Hope you are back next season to do it all again.
Although early, “Seasons Greetings” to all!!
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks MGM - re my 3rd place in NRL Tipping.
Has been a very anxious comp we had here but always a good comp and also congratulations to you and family on becoming grandparents - its a great feeling indeed.
Enjoy the off-season and codes you/we follow.
Keep well- Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thank you Mary - Yes The 'a' comp would have been interesting.
'a' could only do what he could do, as no doubt he may have had some limitations with time constraints.
We also lost a couple of regulars on the site and I wish them well along with all other tipsters during the off-season and for festive season best wishes.
Take care and keep well - Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thank you kindly Thinker & Co for another great comp that you conducted here for 2024.
Going by the ladder - we lost some tippers early along with regulars with comments as well.
Take care and keep well Good man - enjoy the off-season with whatever you support. Early from me - but festive season best wishes to you and all in the Thinkers Engine Room.
Big Pete
Submitted by No Woman No Try on
Thanks Thinker and your little helpers for another great year of NRL tipping. Might be the first time I was unable to get a perfect 8 round. Hehe
Looking forward to next year... only 6 months to go. Grrrrr
Cheers!!!... and go the PNG Guinea Pigs in a few years time!
Submitted by newbie from perth on
Hey Frens,
Now that the GF has been won and lost, not sure if many of you will poke your head in here. Just in case, I thought I’d drop a few lines. Before I do, just wanna say the GF didn’t let me down. Even though I tipped the Storm Troopers, it was an epic battle and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Only downside was that the “Klown” was refereeing and one or two glaring mistakes from Grant in the bunker (more on that later). Anyways, off we go…
@ The Boss
Thanks for the kind words Boss. Those “detailed contributions” as you call them are a pleasure to post and don’t take up too much of my time really. Happy to know they’re appreciated. Having said that, no-one can do this forever (I’ll have to hang up the boots at some stage) and wouldn’t mind seeing some “new blood” surface on here at some stage. Anyone out there willing to have a go? 😂
While it seems the Roosters will be resigning young Sammy for another two years, I haven’t seen much with them signing anyone else to replace the five that are leaving. But hey, we’ve signed Chad Townsend haven’t we. What a joke (no offence Chad). Maybe they’ll be bringing the youngsters through and if so, it may take a while to get back up to the level the Roosters and Uncle Nick want them to be at.
Anyway, thanks for making this year’s tipping possible Boss, and please pass onto our thanks to Mrs Thinker and the Little Helper as well. Cheers brother.
@ Mary
Thanks for the kind words young lady. Thanks too for all your comments and updates during the year. Yeah, my music tastes are varied I must admit and I know full well that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I’m absolutely convinced it’s due to me not being “hampered” by distractions such as marriage, kids and debts that go along with that. Hey, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with being married and having kids. I sometimes feel a bit left out because of that but honestly, I just don’t think I was meant for that. Great to know you’ve copied the video links for later. I smiled when I read that. Thanks.
That BGT video was pretty funny but, and I could be wrong here, I got the impression that the crowd and judges didn’t get that that guy was actually a ventriloquist. The thing that I couldn’t work out was … how did he train the dog to open its mouth at the right time? Regardless, it was a fun video, thanks.
@ MGM
Yes mate, you’re 100% spot on regarding Sorenson’s foot being off the ground when he caught Pappy’s kick off. I thought it looked a bit dodgy in real time and the replay showed it clearly. It was a total “fail” from the touchy and the bunker in my book. Can’t say for sure it would’ve changed the outcome but we all know that momentum can be huge in a game, and especially in a Grand Final.
As far as your “rants” go, I say more is better and bring ‘em on. I think most would agree that they’re well worth the read. Well, they are for me anyway. So far I’ve been in total agreement and I’m wondering if there will ever come a time when we do disagree. If so, I’m assuming we’ll be civil about it 😂.
So glad everything worked out well with your grandie (Tully is a cool name BTW). You need to keep us all up to speed when your “title” becomes official. With my (huge) family, nicknames such as Grandad, Grandpa, Pops, Papa, Gramps, Granda (from my Irish side) and believe it or not, Pawpaw and Opa are all present so maybe some of those are worth considering. I’ll never be a Granda as you gotta have kids before you can have grandies 😰. Yeah, all the best to you over the break as well (and everyone else for that matter) and it goes without saying that you stay safe. Some might call BS on this but I’m looking forward to next season already.
OK, I’m outta here. Got a tap washer to replace and some “retirement” house hunting to do, even though retirement’s a ways off yet. Just trying to figure out where exactly is the best place down south (or south-east or east) to settle in. Not quite sure where but it’ll deffo be at least 3 hours drive away from Perth. The older I get the more the city annoys me. Just looking forward to growing some food and herbs, collecting some rainwater and walking around barefoot. Simple wants for a simple life. Geez, I think I might be becoming more spiritual. Then again, it could be as simple as getting older 🤭.
Be good everyone, catch up with y’all soon, especially if the Boss puts up an “off season” page. Cheers 🐔 🐔 🐔.
Submitted by The Thinker on
I don't want to be the person fuelling conspiracy theories (or do I). This week I learned that John Klein, the father of Ashley Klein, played all his A grade football with the Penrith Panthers.
Anyhoo...I'll put up an off-season chat page for those who wish to stay in touch. The Pacific Championships will be interesting I am sure.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Good afternoon Thinker - I have mentioned here before with John Klein.
He worked here in Bx in the finance sector with the old Rural Bank which merged over to State Bank. Played 1st Grade r/league with Bx St. Pats RLFC. So maybe prior to his days in the country - he played with Penrith.
Cheers and all the best and keep well - vroom vroom.
Big Pete
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
We are both on the money Thinker. I was speaking with an old league diehard I know. John Klein played with Penrith back in around 1974 and came out this way in 1977 for 3 seasons. Injuries buggered him!
Cheers again and keep well!
Big Pete
Submitted by Steel Panther on
The season is over, and I can't believe this is the first time I've commented since last September.
Yea I've been absent on the board, but I've read every single comment.
In April, I quit my job of 42 years. The only job I've had, and it was like a death because I didn't want to leave but the environment had become very toxic, the pressure enormous. It was a grind, affecting my mental health and I couldn't do it anymore. If I didn't get out, they would have carried me out in a box. I spent 11 weeks on the sidelines and thought it was something I could get used to but financially I needed to still earn so ended up finding another job where I am way happier. It's been a real period of readjustment in my life.
Good to see there is still many regulars on here. A special shout out to my good friend Big Pete. Every time the Red Devils lost, I was going to comment, and as you know mate that has been a lot lately. I think my Rangers meet Man Utd in the European competition sometime soon. A-League kicks off in a couple of weeks and no doubt you'll know Auckland have their own team now with ex-Sydney FC man Steve Corica coaching. I hope you are well and congrats on your placing this season. I was hanging in there with the leaders for a while but when I started to try and claw back the points my picks went south, and I gradually fell out of contention. It's a pity you're not a bit closer Pete as I'm heading to Sydney in a couple of weeks to celebrate my best mate's 60th. Would love to catch up over a cold one.
Hello to Mary, Newbie, Tiger & Rocket, Gummy and other regulars. Good to see you are all still around. Congrats Tiger on taking out the top spot. If only your Tigers could hand over the spoon to another team. You've had me scratching my head a lot this season with some of your song choices Newbie. I often say "where did he dredge that up from" haha!
Hi Manyana. Hope you are doing well on Bribie. I miss Mr Ashford on here, but we still share the odd email. I hoped to get back to the Sunshine Coast this year, but it wasn't to be. Hopefully next March.
MGM you have kept me entertained this season. With the amount of forward passes you've picked up from your armchair you should ref the GF for sure or at least take over from Graham Annersley. Some of your comments I've agreed with but some I haven't. Maybe next season I'll be back commenting again.
Finally, a big thank you to The Thinker and his crew for running this site. I think I've been on here for 10 years now and intend to make it 11.
Cheers everyone!!!
Submitted by The Thinker on
@Steel Panther
Thanks so much for taking the time to put all that together.
Some massive changes for you and your life this year - I'm glad to hear that it appears to be working out for you.
If you're back for an 11th season, I'll be happy to see you back.
All the best
The Thinker
Submitted by Mary S on
Hi Steel Panther,
So great to hear from you and even more so, to find your decision to work elsewhere is working for you.
It is very scary to leave work that you have known for all your working life and face the unknown, but once you do, your perspective on life and opportunities out there are surprising opened, once the stress factor has gone.
Cheers,
Mary
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
Thanks there Steely - nice to see/hear from you mate.
She's all go here this weekend - noise everywhere BUT I LIKE IT.
The Great Race brings it all on. Crowds galore, but I'm at home and enjoying the telecast of events.
If u r at all speaking with Mark A - please pass on my best wishes to him.
Bribie Is. has good friends of mine there from Sydney area who run two butchery business'. Yes, I am aware Mark moved back to Gold Coast - I just hope he is well.
Yes Steely will be following A-League like BBL Cricket. I remember Steve Corica well from his playing days at Marconi-Fairfield. Also see Auckland is the newy this year. Will be interesting to see how the two NZ teams go.
Not impressed with Man Utd at present with past seasons to add.
They might be eyeing off T. Tuchel if things dont improve. They had the chance to sign him back before signing Erik t H and even last Summer - but never sack a manager until you have the proper replacement as its a lot of dosh to lay out.
A pity indeed that we couldn't catch up unless we both took a train and met half-way on The Blue Mtns for a cold one without the snow☺ Maybe one day it will happen as I could train it down to Sydney and stay a night there.
I'll push on for now mate - big day developing so long as I can watch the 1st and last hour of The Great Race as we are heading to a b/day lunch at 1pm.
Cheers, keep well & thinking of you mate - always friends across The Ditch!
Big Pete Bx
Submitted by BigPeteBx on
@Steel Panther - again forgot Steely.
Best wishes with your life and whatever eventuates post the only job you ever had. I know that feeling too well and decided to retire back in June 2023 after 52years with NSW P/Service. It hasnt been all roses as we get on in age - but managing it.
Take care and keep well.
Big Pete