Reluctantly crouched at the starting line, engines pumping and thumping in time. The green light flashes, the flags go up.
This is it, the final round of the 2015 NRL Telstra Premiership and what better way to get stuck in than to cop some questionable tips from The Roar’s expert tipsters.
But as Guy Ritchie’s villainous character Brick Top once said…
Listen here you fringe, if I throw a dog a bone, I don’t want to know if it tastes good or not.
What a lovely man he was.
Whether your team is bound for glory or ready for Mad Monday, sit back, relax and enjoy Round 26 of the greatest game of all.
Dane Eldridge
Tips: Broncos, Roosters, Knights, Tigers, Cowboys, Eels, Sharks, Bulldogs (Powerplay).
“It’s round 26 and I’m misty-eyed as I reflect on the year. My debut season as an expert tipster has been a ferocious success on all levels with a 100% improvement on last year’s results. Not only this, I managed to put my tips in on time every round without any spelling mistakes, plus I’ve avoided relegation. (I have avoided relegation, right Curtis?)
“On the teeny-tiny matter of my table position, I can still mathematically make a ripple in the final round. In saying this, you can also mathematically morph a spoon in to a piece of fruit. So what I’m saying is… there’s a chance.
“Brisbane are lifting to a concerning level of performance, and should account for the Storm who are so moody that I’m sure they’re pregnant. The Roosters should take down a Souths side who will be sheepish and shirty after last week’s whacking, and in the battle for the keys to the basement, I’m going to take the new and improved Knights to leave Ivan Cleary teary.
“As for the rest? I gotsa feelin’ about the Tigers and the Eels, and the Sharks, Bulldogs and Cowboys should account for the witches hats if they are fair dinkum about September. Then it’s on to the best time of year. Mad Monday! Bring on the lack of pants.”
Mary Konstantopoulos
Tips: Broncos, Roosters (Powerplay), Panthers, Tigers, Cowboys, Eels, Sharks, Warriors.
“The Broncos play the Storm in a Thursday night blockbuster. As predicted last week Milf had a huge game against the Bunnies. I am tipping another stellar performance from him on Thursday night where he will score at least one try and be man of the match. The Broncos to win. I am tipping Will Chambers to have a big game in this one as well. A lot of the Storm play has been around Cameron Munster and I am tipping the Broncos game will keep him very quiet.
“Friday night will belong to RTS and James Maloney who will carve up the depleted Rabbits. The Roosters will win but I am expecting Dylan Walker to step up this game after a few very disappointing performances.
“The wooden spoon match is between the Panthers and the Knights. I am tipping the Panthers. The Panthers have been injury depleted but I do think Ivan Cleary has really made some monumental errors in coaching this team despite the injuries.
“The Dragons versus the Tigers is an interesting match and I am tipping an upset. I think the Tigers will win because even with their strong defence they will not be able to stop Super James Tedesco.
“Cowboys versus the Titans should be an easy one to pick but I think will be a lot closer than people expect. The Cowboys to win but it will be close.
“Parramatta play the Raiders and I am tipping an Eels win with Radradra to score two tries and be leading try scorer of the year. With nothing to play for I am hoping Stuart rests proven guns like Fensom who has worked himself to the ground and give some of his upcoming back rowers some game time. Sharks will beat the Sea Eagles and cement a top 4 place. Their stifling defence will contain DCE who looks like he is playing injured to me.
“Finally the Dogs versus the Warriors. You may think I am crazy but I am expecting the Warriors to serve it up to the Dogs. Everyone is picking the Dogs to win by 20. The Warriors, with Matulino back, will fire up and I am going to take them with the points start. Brett Morris is playing injured and should be rested.”
Ryan O’Connell
Tips: Storm, Roosters, Knights, Dragons, Titans, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs (Powerplay).
“What a round of footy that awaits us. Or not.
“I can’t win, so I’m picking a few upsets: Brisbane to have one eye on the finals, and Melbourne to snatch a victory and win a top 4 spot.
“Nick Politis desperately needs the cash, so the Chooks will smash the Bunnies, and take out the minor premiership. elsewhere, the Knights will beat the Panthers, the Dragons will slay the Tigers, the Titans will overcome a (purposely) depleted Cowgirls, the Raiders will finish a weird season with a win over the Eels, Manly will upset Sharks, and the Dogs will put 458 points on the Woe Woes.”
Tim Gore
Tips: Broncos, Roosters (Powerplay), Knights, Tigers, Cowboys, Eels, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs.
“Broncos to beat the Storm. Not sure why. Cos they are at home I guess.
“Roosters to smash the depleted and demoralised Rabbits and lock up top spot.
“Poor old Panthers, 13 first graders out so I’ll go with Knights to win the game, Panthers to win the spoon, Tigers to finish with another win and beat the Dragons by enough to make them nervous before the Sea eagles play and I reckon Cowboys to beat the Titans by a bit.
“Eels to beat my beloved Raiders by a bit, Sea Eagles to beat the Sharks, but will it be enough to make the eight?
“And finally Bulldogs to smash the Warriors, in spite of the injuries.”
Curtis Woodward
Tips: Broncos, Roosters, Knights, Tigers, Cowboys, Eels, Sharks, Bulldogs (Powerplay).
“I have lost a lot more than just expert tipping points in 2015 on the Warriors so I am hoping Canterbury put 300 on the Kiwis on Sunday night in the final regular season game.
“South Sydney need a big performance against their arch rivals but I’m worried that another flogging here could spell the end for the defending premiers long before a ball is kicked in the playoffs.
“Penrith are at home but it’s been a long season for the Panthers and Newcastle are playing some good footy.
“The Storm love playing in Brisbane and their Thursday night clash with the Broncos may turn out to be the match of the round.”
Editor’s note: You can catch Curtis as part of the Steele Sports team on radiohub.com.au for the NSW Cup Finals, Saturday from 1pm
| Round 26 | Tim | Mary | Ryan | Curtis | Dane |
| BROvSTO | Broncos | Broncos | Storm | Broncos | Broncos |
| ROOvRAB | Roosters | Roosters | Roosters | Roosters | Roosters |
| PANvKNI | Knights | Panthers | Knights | Knights | Knights |
| DRAvTIG | Tigers | Tigers | Dragons | Tigers | Tigers |
| COWvTIT | Cowboys | Cowboys | Titans | Cowboys | Cowboys |
| EELvRAI | Eels | Eels | Raiders | Eels | Eels |
| SHAvEAG | Sea Eagles | Sharks | Sea Eagles | Sharks | Sharks |
| BULvWAR | Bulldogs | Warriors | Bulldogs | Bulldogs | Bulldogs |
| POWERPLAY | Roosters | Roosters | Bulldogs | Bulldogs | Bulldogs |
| LAST ROUND | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| OVERALL | 132 | 128 | 124 | 119 | 118 |
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