The good tipping form of this column continues having enjoyed five correct tips from six last round. That means since Round 13 I’ve picked up 31/37 tips – that’s an 84 per cent success rate for you stat lovers, and that means you’re in good hands!
Let’s check out Round 20!
Cowboys vs Bulldogs
The Cowboys season has stagnated slightly during the Origin period but you can expect them to once again hit their straps in the business end.
A home match at 1300 Smiles Stadium should be approximately the same level of joy in this match despite the Bulldogs good recent form.
The Cowboys have won three of their past four against the Dogs.
Tip: Cowboys 1-12
Broncos vs Panthers
Much like the Cowboys the Broncos have been victims of their own star-studded roster – Origin has cruelled them.
They enjoyed a much-needed victory over the struggling Rabbitohs last week, but their form is far from desired at this point in the season.
The Panthers have similarly been wildly inconsistent. While they got out of jail against an Eels side with Beau Scott in the centres they won’t have the power to topple Brisbane at home.
Tip: Broncos 13+
Raiders vs Warriors
The Raiders will be fresh coming off the bye and prior to that a victory over an Origin-depleted Cowboys line up. Interestingly coach Ricky Stuart has opted to run with just the one hooker following Kurt Baptiste’s injury, naming four forwards on the bench.
A huge bench should help to negate a typically strong Warriors pack, but, with the New Zealand club’s season on the line they could put in a big performance with plenty of ball movement.
Tip: Raiders 1-12
Titans vs Eels
The Titans have been in good form lately and were excellent against the Dragons in Round 19. The return of Ashley Taylor was a pivotal one for that match.
The Eels will have their work cut out for them in this match. Reeling from a plethora of off-field distractions and having to now contend with the injury of Michael Jennings, there appears to be just too much on the Eels plates for them to stomach two points.
Tip: Titans 1-12
Storm vs Roosters
Melbourne have named an unchanged line-up to the team that barely held on against the Knights. But that was more a credit to the performance of the Knights than their own.
To the Roosters’ credit they have been tremendous in the last few weeks and with a little luck could have won all three of their past matches. Connor Watson was outstanding at five eighth and gets another chance to impress in the position in this match.
With Kane Evans named 18th man I would expect Ryan Matterson to drop off the bench closer to kick off.
Tip: Storm 1-12
Sharks vs Knights
The Sharks are on track to make it 15 consecutive wins in this match and it’s a damn near certainty they will given the brilliance they possess across the park.
Newcastle would have taken plenty of encouragement from their match against the Storm last week. Most pundits were tipping a slaughter but the Novacastrians nearly got the money.
The Knights will need to produce a similar performance however to avoid another drubbing at the hands of Cronulla following the 62-0 thrashing they received in round 10.
Tip: Sharks 13+
Dragons vs Tigers
The Dragons season has gone from mediocre to genuinely bad, however a consistent mix of boring has been with them since Round 1.
In a twist of fate, Tigers life member Benji Marshall will play his 250th first grade game against his old club.
The big story for the Tigers is the absence of Robbie Farah. It is an inane decision from coach Jason Taylor, given the club’s lack of options at hooker.
Matt Ballin has been ruled out for the season, Jacob Liddle is restricted by the salary cap and Mania Cherrington is that far out of favour he would need to buy flowers and chocolates for Taylor just to be on speaking terms again.
Prior to Farah being dumped my tip would be firmly with the Tigers but not it is a total flip of the coin. If Elijah Taylor is shifted from his running role and placed into dummy half in this match then the Tigers will lose, but I am hoping common sense will prevail.
Tip: Tigers 1-12
Souths vs Manly
A huge part of me believes the Bunnies will put an end to their six-game losing streak in this match. The loss of Greg Inglis to suspension isn’t one that will actually hit that hard. He has been awful in 2016 and were it not for his reputation his spot would have been in jeopardy.
Adam Reynolds return will boost Souths and Bryson Goodwin will provide some punch out wide, but, this is not a happy club and they are severely lacking cohesion at the moment.
Conversely, Manly have finally clicked into gear. Tom Trbojevic has been a revelation at fullback and there is a newfound belief in the squad.
A win will throw the Northern Beaches club right back into finals contention.
You would have to think there is just too much at stake for the Sea Eagles to slip up in this one.
Last week’s tips – 5/6, running tip total – 91/136.
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