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Hey Roarers!
Another memorable Anzac Round including some nail-biting finishes and a comeback for the ages.
Let’s recap –
In another epic encounter between the Rabbitohs and the Panthers, the Bunnies snatched an incredible 20-18 win in the dying minutes on Thursday night. With the clock winding down and premiers just holding on to a two-point lead, Cody Walker and Alex Johnston teamed up perfectly to send Isaiah Tass over for the winning try.
On Friday night we headed up to Darwin to watch the Eels and the Broncos do battle in a match full of humidity and rain, sin bins and hip drops. Despite a late comeback by Parramatta, a 22-6 halftime deficit was too hard to overcome, and the Broncos eventually ran out 26-16 winners.
The Sharks were too strong for a depleted Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon, taking out a convincing 33-20 win. Will Kennedy was the star of the show scoring his second hat trick of the year, while his teammate Ronaldo Mulitalo will never forget to tuck his elbow in when diving over for a try in the corner ever again.
In a sloppy game that was a time hard to watch, the Cowboys defended their line with everything they had to hold on for an 18-16 win against the Knights on Saturday night. Val Holmes and Scott Drinkwater were just next level for the Cowboys, while it was great to see Kalyn Ponga back on the field for his 100h NRL game.
My goodness – I don’t even know how to describe this next game. Only the Titans could take a 26-6 halftime lead to then go on and lose 28-26. The Dolphins came out of the sheds firing in the second half on Sunday afternoon, and despite a Robert Jennings brain snap scored 22 unanswered points to equal the biggest comeback win in NRL history.
Oh Tigers, I thought you had this one. In a wet and error-filled game at Campbelltown, the home side threw everything they had at the Sea Eagles in the second half, and despite taking the lead with 15 minutes to go, some Daly Cherry-Evans brilliance got the visitors back in front and secured a 22-16 win.
On Tuesday, it was Anzac Day, and the Roosters and the Dragons put on another spectacular match in their annual historic fixture. The Red V fought back from 14 points down to tie the game up at 26-26, but Luke Keary field goal broke the deadlock in the final minutes and the tri-colours held on for a 27-26 win. Tell me Roarers, what did you think of the Victor Radley sin binning? Head clash or shoulder charge?
In the final game of the round, the Storm were lucky to get the job done with a 30-22 win over an injury-ravaged Warriors in Melbourne on Tuesday night. It was a gallant effort from the Warriors who were well in control in the first 40 minutes. But finishing the game with an empty bench was too hard to overcome, and the class of the Storm kicked in for an eight-point win.
Mike, Paul and I tipped had a solid week tipping six, (I know – me, six!) while AJ, Mary and Stuart tipped five and you legends in The Crowd tipped four. Stuart is still out in front on 40, with Mary and The Crowd close behind on 38. Mike is third on 36, Paul is fourth on 33, I’m fifth on 31 with AJ still out the back on 28.
Ok, onto Round 9!
The Sharks host the Cowboys tonight at PointBet Stadium at 7.50pm. Both sides will not only be looking to keep the winning feeling going, but also hoping to take out the inaugural Paul Green Medal, named after the late rugby league great who holds a special place in the hearts of both clubs.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
The Eels and the Knights kick off Friday night footy at Commbank Stadium at 6pm. Coming off poor Round 8 efforts, both teams will be out to make amends and get back into the winner’s circle. How will the Eels go without Reagan Campbell-Gillard?
Then we head up to Suncorp Stadium to watch the Broncos and the Rabbitohs at 8pm. The Bunnies welcome back Tevita Tatola while the home side will be missing the injured Corey Oates as well as the suspended duo of Payne Haas and Ezra Mam. But they do have the little general Adam Reynolds who loves to get a win against his old club.
We hit the open road for the first game of Super Saturday, when the Raiders and The Dolphins face off at 3pm at McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga. Wayne Bennett’s men got the win over the Green Machine back in Round 2 – will the Jack Wighton drama put the Raiders off their game once more?
The Sea Eagles and the Titans battle it out at 4 Pines Park at 5.30pm. Embarrassed after squandering a huge lead to The Dolphins, the Gold Coast will be out to make amends against a team that still seems a bit shaky and just managed to get the two points against the Tigers last round. And Tommy Turbo has been named – who knows what is going on there.
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Then it’s out to Bathurst to see the Panthers and the Tigers at 7.35pm. Will it be business as usual, or will the rugby league gods finally smile down on the wooden spooners? Can the Tigers cause an upset that will not only give them their first win of the season but will also see Api Koroisau get a victory against his old club?
Sunday footy starts over the ditch as the Warriors host the Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium at 2pm. The home side will want to keep their winning record at home intact despite being hit with some big injuries, while the tricolours will be out to show their win over the Dragons wasn’t just luck.
And then we head down to WIN Stadium to watch the Dragons and the Bulldogs at 4pm. Both clubs are struggling and each looking for their first win since Round 5. Josh Reynolds comes into the halves at the expense of Kyle Flanagan – could he and Matt Burton be the dream combination the Dogs have been waiting for?
The Storm have the bye this weekend. What is there to do in Melbourne besides drinking lots of coffee and trying your best to avoid watching an AFL game? I’m assuming the boys will be doing that.
If you would like to have a go against the experts, just remember to get your tips in by 5pm tonight to be counted in The Crowd’s tips.
Happy tipping everyone!
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Sharks, Eels, Rabbitohs, Dolphins, Titans, Panthers, Warriors, Bulldogs
Despite the Cows getting over the Knights by the skin of their teeth last week for a much-needed win, the Sharks look to be building nicely and should have too many weapons for them at home on Thursday night.
It is crunch time for the Eels, with few lives remaining in the home and away season. The Knights will threaten yet the home venue might just be the difference.
Suncorp Stadium hosts the match of the round when the Bunnies head north to take on the Broncos. No Payne Haas and Ezra Mam has swung the match the visitors’ way in my view.
I’m not sure I’ve picked the Dolphins all season but will do so against a very unconvincing Canberra side that will be well-rested after the bye.
Boy, the Titans have let a few points slip this season and they cost me again in the tipping after being overrun by the Phins last week. I’ll give them the nod this time out against the second-place Sea Eagles.
Penrith will beat the Tigers, der!
I’m seeing a win for the Warriors at home against a Roosters side that was a little lucky to get the points on Anzac Day against the Dragons, with fatigue a certain factor for both clubs.
The Bulldogs, slowly getting troops back on deck, should be too enthusiastic for the Red V in the final game of the round on Sunday afternoon.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Sharks, Eels, Rabbitohs, Dolphins, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Roosters, Dragons
The Cowboys have been one of my most disappointing teams this year while the Sharks have continued to impress, particularly since the return of Nicho Hynes. The Sharks will be too strong for the Cowboys at home.
The Eels have certainly had their struggles in the opening weeks of the competition, but I am hopeful that they will be strong enough to beat the Knights at home. What remains to be seen is just how big a loss Reagan Campbell-Gillard will be following his injury against the Broncos.
The next game should be one of the best of the round with both teams in very good form. Given the Broncos are to be without Payne Haas and Ezra Mam, I think Latrell Mitchell will lead the Bunnies to victory.
Saturday afternoon’s game is one of the most intriguing of the round with both teams bouncing in and out of form throughout the year. I never seem to get the Dolphins’ tip right, but think they might have the attacking prowess to beat the Raiders. The Raiders may also be challenged given the outside noise surrounding their club right now.
Wacky things seem to happen every single week when the Titans play, so I am tipping the Sea Eagles.
The Tigers are still searching for their first win of the season and it isn’t going to come up against the Panthers.
It’s a real shame that the Warriors had so many injuries on the weekend, because they have been a stand-out team for me this year. But with their casualty ward, I think a win against the Roosters will be too tough. The Roosters have yet to set the world on fire, but did enough to beat a tenacious Dragons team last week.
I’m also tipping that the Dragons will beat a Bulldogs team still decimated by injury.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Sharks, Eels, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Roosters, Bulldogs
Cronulla are starting to get back to last season’s form, the Cowboys are still a long way from 2022. Sharks by 10.
Parra are struggling to keep pace with the top teams, Newcastle are not a top team. Eels by 12.
Brisbane would win if Payne Haas was available but Souths now have edge. Rabbitohs by 2.
Canberra are hard to predict but the kinda home-ground advantage of Wagga Wagga gives them the edge over the Dolphins. Raiders by 4.
Manly aren’t convincing this year but the Gold Coast may be renamed the Silver Coast after giving away the win last week. Sea Eagles by 8.
Penrith without a few injured stars should still be way too strong for the improving but still mediocre Tigers. Panthers by 14.
The Warriors and Roosters are both on a tight turnaround but the home side has plenty of injury concerns. Roosters by 7.
Sheesh. If anyone has any confidence tipping either side when the Dragons host the Dogs in Wollongong on Sunday then it’s misplaced. Bulldogs by 6.
Cronulla Sharks (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Sharks, Eels, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Roosters, Dragons
Cronulla have been strong, the Cowboys have been unconvincing. Sharks to take this one.
Parramatta are in a bit of a rut, but they can bounce back in the Friday night graveyard spot, even without RCG. Would not be surprised if the Knights rolled them, however. Eels with little confidence.
The Bronx have some big outs, Souths have some big ins. No Haas against a returning Tatola is a massive movement, plus Jock Madden in for Ezra Mam. The Bunnies downed Penrith last week and will back it up here against Brisbane.
The Raiders lost to the Dolphins not that long ago, but shouldn’t have. They’ll right that wrong on Saturday arvo.
Manly were rubbish last week and won, which will have taught them a valuable lesson. The Titans are the perfect opponent to roll into and my Beaches Boys will take this one out.
Panthers by a thousand on the sorry Tigers.
The Roosters underwhelmed on Anzac Day and nicked it, whereas the Warriors were great but lost. As good as NZW have been, I’m picking the Chooks given the injury toll the Kiwis suffered.
Much as I have zero confidence in the Dragons, it’s impossible to tip a Dogs team with this many men out. St George in a stinker.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Sharks, Eels, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Warriors, Dragons
Can you feel that? It’s the fear emanating from the rest of you as I continue my inevitable climb to the top. Here are your winners:
Sharks over Cowboys, who have lost the plot.
Eels over Knights cos if they lose it’s season over.
Bunnies over Broncos in a 46-44 defence-free barnburner.
Your presumptive champions, the people’s team, the Canberra Raiders return from their rest to lay a revengeful 56 on the hapless Dolphins.
Manly over the Titans in a sneaky close one.
Penrith over Tigers by a mile.
Warriors over Roosters, injury report pending.
And the Dragons to beat the Bulldogs in a snorer.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Sharks, Knights, Broncos, Dolphins, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Warriors, Bulldogs
I always tip the Cowboys, and even after their win against my Knights, I think the Sharks will be too strong for them at home. (Watch the Cowboys put on a masterclass now).
I was the only one to tip the Broncos last week and they got up, and I’m hoping for the same again with the other experts tipping the Bunnies here!
My coin-flip-tip. Hmmmmmmm…..Dolphins.
Titans give me such a headache, I cannot in good conscious tip them. Manly for the win.
Panthers will beat the Tigers, but it won’t be the flogging that many predict.
I tipped the Warriors last week and my goodness they were unlucky. I’m sticking with them at home against a Roosters side that only just beat the Red V.
The Bulldogs continue to play with so much heart, so I’m going to tip them here to upset the Dragons.
An average Eels side now missing RCG?! As always I’m tipping my Knights.
| Round 9 | AJ | Danielle | Mary | Mike | Paul | Stuart | Crowd |
| CRO V NQL | CRO | CRO | CRO | CRO | CRO | CRO | CRO |
| PAR V NEW | PAR | NEW | PAR | PAR | PAR | PAR | PAR |
| BRI V SOU | SOU | BRI | SOU | SOU | SOU | SOU | SOU |
| CAN V DOL | CAN | DOL | DOL | CAN | CAN | DOL | CAN |
| MAN V GLD | MAN | MAN | MAN | MAN | MAN | GLD | MAN |
| PEN V WST | PEN | PEN | PEN | PEN | PEN | PEN | PEN |
| NZL V SYD | NZL | NZL | SYD | SYD | SYD | NZL | NZL |
| STI V CBY | STI | CBY | STI | STI | CBY | CBY | STI |
| Last week | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Total | 28 | 31 | 38 | 36 | 33 | 40 | 38 |