80 minutes of gruelling, intense State of Origin football had just finished with Queensland claiming a gutsy 6-4 win in front of a hostile ANZ Stadium crowd. Channel Nine shove a camera in Maroons veteran Sam Thaiday’s face and ask for his thoughts.
Thaiday, always thinking ahead and with much interest, asks who The Roar‘s expert tipsters backed, New South Wales or Queensland?
Well not quite. We all know what Sammy said. What a character!
“A bit like losing your virginity – it wasn’t nice but we got the job done” Thaiday quipped.
While the sane had a chuckle and quickly moved on with their lives, the growing minority went nuts. The world was ending. Oceans swelled, mountains erupted, the ground beneath us ripped apart. Looters took control of the streets, old men wept and politicians went to ground.
If only the ludicrousness could reach another summit. If only the next morning Sam Thaiday walked out of the hotel and ripped off his mask to reveal it was Chris Gayle all along, swinging his hips and chanting, “don’t blush baby”.
Some would have you think Thaiday’s comment was derogatory to women. It comes as quite a shock that only women could be offended by his comment if there was something to be offended by in the first place.
You can picture the mob outside rugby league Central – pitchforks in hand.
Forced to the roof, Todd Greenberg and party ask, “what have we done?”.
A moment’s silence, the mob turn and look at each other.
“We’re angry and we don’t know why!”.
Here’s a tip.
Get a clue and enjoy the game and everything else that sets rugby league apart.
Now for the real tips.
Lachlan Bickley
Tips: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors (Powerplay), Titans, Storm, Panthers, Bulldogs, Sharks.
“The Broncos are in a slump but it would be a brave person who tipped against them at home playing an inconsistent Raiders team.
“The Warriors had a wonderful win against the Broncos last week and get a chance to consolidate against Newcastle’s team of kids and veterans.
“Match of the round on Monday night with two of the top three going head-to-head. I’m tipping the Sharks to avenge their Round 1 loss but just settle back and enjoy this one.”
Mary Konstantopoulos
Tips: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Titans, Storm (Powerplay), Panthers, Bulldogs, Sharks.
“The Rabbitohs should have beaten the Titans last weekend. Stupidity cost them as well as poor handling and plenty of errors. If the Burgess boys could catch the ball and Souths reduce the number of errors they make (16 in total against the Titans), they should be able to beat the Tigers.
“Despite this being an Eels home game, this weekend sees the Eels travel north to take on the Titans in Darwin. The Eels are in trouble at the moment having lost several key players and the club suffering from a lack of leadership. No Foran. No Peats. No Paulo. No win. Titans to get the two points.
“It was heartbreak for Bulldogs fans last weekend, losing in the last minute to a Sharks side that has now won ten in a row. Despite this, I thought the Bulldogs played well, particularly Josh Reynolds. I am expecting them to bounce back this weekend against a well-rested Dragons team.”
Tim Gore
Tips: Broncos, Wests Tigers, Knights, Titans, Storm, Panthers, Bulldogs (Powerplay), Sharks.
“Broncos to beat my Raiders, though I hope I’m wrong and I know my boys can do it – I’d love to get the tip wrong.
“It’s time! The Knights to beat the Warriors who’ll still be basking in the glory of winning a game.
“Sharks to keep the party rolling by beating the premiers.”
Curtis Woodward
Tips: Broncos, Wests Tigers, Warriors, Titans, Storm (Powerplay), Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks.
“Consider South Sydney played extra-time golden point in Perth on Sunday night at 8.30pm Sydney time and tell me there isn’t the potential for fatigue. Wests Tigers will never have a better shot at the Bunnies.
“Getting on the depleted Manly against the Panthers. I just don’t know what it is, but Penrith don’t impress me as much as what they should. Also banking on some grit and pride in the Eagles jumper and Api Koroisau, the little engine that could, to inspire the home side.
“Picking these winners certainly makes a powerplay tough this week – let’s go with the mighty Melbourne Storm against the Roosters”.
| Round 14 | Tim | Lachlan | Curtis | Mary | The Crowd |
| BRO v RAI | Broncos | Broncos | Broncos | Broncos | Broncos |
| WES v RAB | Wests Tigers | Rabbitohs | Wests Tigers | Rabbitohs | Rabbitohs |
| KNI v WAR | Knights | Warriors | Warriors | Warriors | Warriors |
| EEL v TIT | Titans | Titans | Titans | Titans | Titans |
| ROO v STO | Storm | Storm | Storm | Storm | Storm |
| SEA v PAN | Panthers | Panthers | Sea Eagles | Panthers | Panthers |
| DRA v BUL | Bulldogs | Bulldogs | Bulldogs | Bulldogs | Bulldogs |
| SHA V COW | Sharks | Sharks | Sharks | Sharks | Sharks |
| POWERPLAY | Bulldogs | Warriors | Storm | Storm | Storm |
| OVERALL | 74 | 73 | 73 | 66 | 77 |
Join the crowd and tip against the experts!
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