Hey Roarers!
It was another fantastic round of rugby league, with many doing their best to impress the Origin selectors.
Thursday night’s game included 50 sin bins, 200 penalties and 1000 stoppages and felt like it went on for three days. Somewhere in amongst it all some points were scored, and eventually, the Storm kept their winning streak against the Broncos intact, with a 24-16 victory.
On Friday night, it was the ex-Penrith assistant coach that everyone thought would succeed against the other ex-Penrith assistant coach everyone underestimated. Andrew Webster got the last laugh over Cameron Ciradlo when the Warriors took out a 24-12 win over the Bulldogs.
We then made our way out to Penrith to watch the Panthers absolutely embarrass the Roosters with a 48-4 thumping. I don’t know what is getting put into the lattes out at Bondi, but it doesn’t seem to be working.
It wasn’t to be for the Tigers and their dream of three wins in a row, with a red (and green) hot Rabbitohs taking out a 20-0 win on Saturday afternoon. You can see why the Bunnies are shaping up to be favourites this year.
The Cowboys found some much-needed form and spoilt Ben Hunt’s 300th NRL game party with a dominating 42-22 win over the Dragons on Saturday night. It was the Red V’s sixth loss on the trot, and we all know what happened next…….
Then it was down to the nation’s capital, where the Raiders were too strong for a Moses-less Eels with a 26-18 win. That flogging by the Panthers seems a distant memory now, as the Green Machine made it five wins in a row.
The trip to Bali that all of the Knights (just Bradman Best) went on obviously did the trick, as they smashed the Titans 46-26 on Sunday afternoon. People should say they all went on holiday more often!
The woes continue for the Sea Eagles, going down to the Sharks 20-14 in the last game of the round. Remember at the start of the season we all thought this was their year?
It was even across the board in the tipping this week with everyone getting six………….. EXCEPT FOR ME! Yours truly won the round with seven.
Mark it down in your diary my friends! Stuart is still leading the pack on 55, with Mike close behind on 52. Mary is third on 51, with Paul and the Crowd on 49. Then I’m on 45 with AJ back in last place on 44.
Ok, onto Round 12, and not only is it the last chance to impress before Origin selection, it is also the very important Indigenous Round – Moving Forward Together.
It’s 2nd v 3rd with the Broncos and the Panthers at 7.50pm tonight at Suncorp Stadium, home of the Yuggera & Turrbal Peoples. Reece Walsh will be doing all he can to get into the Maroons’ starting side, while Jarome Luai will bring out the big guns in his last chance to hold onto his NSW jersey.
The Dragons play their first match without Anthony Griffin at the helm on Friday night. They face the Roosters at 6pm at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, home of the Bidjigal and Bediagal Peoples. Will James Tedesco silence the critics that keep saying he shouldn’t be the Blues fullback?
Then it’s off to Allianz Stadium, home of the Gadigal and Bidjigal Peoples, to watch the new ladder leaders the Rabbitohs take on the Eels at 8pm. Will Campbell Graham do enough to get the call-up in Origin I?
We hit the open road for Super Saturday, making our way up to Coffs Harbour for the Sharks’ annual trek to their home away from home. They take on the Knights at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, home of the Gumbaynggirr Peoples, at 3pm. Will Nicho Hynes get the nod for NSW? Can Kalyn Ponga show everyone why he is the man to wear the number one for Queensland?
Then we make our way to Leichhardt Oval, home of the Wann-gal Peoples, for the Tigers and the Cowboys at 5.30pm. Let’s all hope there are no crazy game-defining bunker penalties on full-time again! So many Cowboys made their Origin debuts last year – who will be there again? And has Api Koroisau done enough at his new club to make the squad?
We are back to Suncorp Stadium, home of the Yuggera & Turrbal Peoples to see the Dolphins fresh off their bye take on the Storm fresh off their ‘Craig Bellamy is staying’ announcement. Will Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow surprise everyone and be the Queensland fullback?
Sunday footy kicks off at 2pm, when the Bulldogs host the Titans at Accor Stadium, home of the Burramattagal and Wann-gal Peoples. Will Josh Addo-Carr prove his fitness and earn a NSW comeback? Has David Fifita done enough to make his way back into the Maroons?
Then it’s down to GIO Stadium, home of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri Peoples, to see the Raiders and the Sea Eagles finish off the round at 4pm. Corey Horsborough and Hudson Young will be doing their best to shine, and all eyes will be on Tommy Turbo.
The Warriors get the bye – they might go and watch a few of their games over again to check out some of the penalties.
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!
Stuart Thomas
Panthers, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sharks, Cowboys, Storm, Titans, Raiders
With Origin looming and players looking to impress, the Panthers should be far too strong for an Adam Reynolds-less Brisbane at Suncorp. Nathan Cleary will school Jock Madden and the Broncos will receive a taste of what it takes to compete deep into the NRL finals.
It will be Anzac Day all over again when the Roosters pip the Dragons in what appears to be an irrelevant game considering the battling fortunes of both teams. Neither will seriously contend in 2023 and frankly, the Roosters will go in as favourites based on little more than reputation.
Goodness me, the easiest tip of the week. The Bunnies are flying and the Eels are rubbish. Circle up for another 40-plus-points performance from the Rabbitohs.
The Knights will be buoyed by their Round 11 win over the Titans, although the men from the Gold Coast were poor and Justin Holbrook said as much in the post-game. The Sharks keep winning and are now up to fourth on the ladder heading into the weekend. Cronulla to be far too good in Coffs Harbour.
Are the Cowboys actually finding something? Five wins and six losses suggest that things are looking brighter for Todd Payten’s men. Woeful Wests could not muster a point against the Bunnies last week after two more promising recent weeks. North Queensland by plenty in a match they simply must win.
Never, ever, ever, ever write off the Storm. I did it once and looked like a goose. They were sure things against the Broncos last week and will be so once again against the Dolphins, as Craig Bellamy commits to another year at the helm.
After what appeared to be a promising start to the season, the Bulldogs are slipping. Sure, injuries have played a role, yet the troops coming back don’t appear to be helping at all. One win from their last six is far from solid form and the Titans will be better than last week after a poor fadeout against the Knights.
The Raiders have suddenly loomed into contention and the Sea Eagles look ripe for the plucking at GIO Stadium. You baffle me Ricky, but credit where it is due and the Green Machine looks likely to step into the top four with a win in this one.
Valentine Holmes (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Mary Konstantopoulos
Broncos, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sharks, Cowboys, Storm, Titans, Raiders
For so many of my tips this week, I’m basically flipping a coin. It speaks to the closeness of the competition this year and is a good thing.
I’m looking forward to the game between the Broncos and the Panthers and given the Broncos’ form in recent weeks, I am picking them to win. The Broncos have demonstrated they have a lot of points in them and with the confidence they are playing with, I think they can beat any team in the competition.
The Roosters to beat a Dragons team that is really struggling at the moment.
The Rabbitohs to beat the Eels, as they have done for the last couple of years in almost every clash.
The Sharks have been in exceptional form and will beat a Knights team who have shown a lot of ticker this season.
The next game should be interesting too. For some reason, I can’t recall the Tigers performing well at Leichhardt so I’m tipping a Cowboys win.
The Storm will beat the Dolphins, even though both teams love playing at Suncorp Stadium.
The Titans to have too many points in them for the Bulldogs.
The Sea Eagles are really struggling at the moment, so I’m tipping the Raiders to continue their exceptional winning streak.
David Fifita (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Mike Meehall Wood
Panthers, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Knights, Tigers, Storm, Bulldogs, Raiders
The Broncos were decent last week, but the Panthers are cooking now and will be too strong.
The new coach bounce is a myth – Roosters to win.
The Bunnies love Indigenous Round more than anyone and will want to make the SFS feel like home too. They’ll make sure they get the points.
I wouldn’t be amazed if Newcastle turned over the Sharks, especially with this game being in Coffs Harbour, where likely they’ll have as many fans as Cronulla. I’ll take the Knights.
The Tigers at Leichhardt is not the proposition it once was, but the Cowboys are also liable to be anything at the moment. I’ll push the boat out and say Wests.
The Storm will have too much for the Dolphins. Bellamy’s men don’t make the mistakes that Redcliffe have thrived on.
The Dogs love to attack, the Titans can’t tackle. I’ll take Canterbury based on home advantage and very little else.
My Beaches boys are stinking the place out at the moment. They’ll lose to Canberra and maybe by a lot.
(Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
Paul Suttor
Panthers, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sharks, Cowboys, Storm, Bulldogs, Raiders
Broncos have no Adam Reynolds so they should have no chance against the premiers. Panthers by 10
Dragons are in disarray and the Roosters aren’t much better. Roosters by 8
The Eels are in danger of missing the finals, the Rabbits should win the minor premiership. Souths by 12
Newcastle are a danger team for Cronulla, particularly at close enough to Knights territory at Coffs Harbour. Sharks by 10
Leichhardt used to be a tough place for visiting teams, the Tigers will give Nth Qld a run for their money but are still lacking class. Cowboys by 2
The Dolphins will be up for the Melbourne clash with a few old Storm players in their ranks. Storm by 6
Canterbury and Gold Coast will probably let each other score 30. Bulldogs by 4
Manly have been unpredictable and it’s hard to tip them with any confidence until Tom Trbojevic and Josh Schuster are fit and firing. Raiders by 10
(Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
AJ Mithen
Panthers, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sharks, Tigers, Dolphins, Bulldogs, Raiders
It’s time to make my move. Away we go to more tipping glory. It begins here…
Penrith will strangle the Broncos cos they’re in really good form at the moment.
Roosters over Dragons but with absolutely no confidence.
Bunnies over Eels in a surprise thriller.
Sharks over Knights in another decent game I reckon.
Tigers will do over the Cowboys, just you wait and see.
I haven’t tipped the ‘The’ all season and I’ll start now for the massive upset.
Bulldogs over the Gold Coast who are now officially untippable.
Finally, your presumptive champions, the people’s team, the Canberra Raiders will wander onto Bruce Stadium and lay a casual 56 on the hapless Sea Eagles, who are running with a bunch of sponges taped together as their forward pack
Hudson Young Raiders (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Danielle Smith
Panthers, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Knights, Cowboys, Storm, Bulldogs, Raiders
I would have confidently tipped a full-strength Broncos, but without Adam Reynolds and against a Panthers side with many out to impress Origin selectors, I’ll go with Penrith.
I heard a stat this week that teams lose their first game with an interim coach. Not that I needed much convincing to tip against the Dragons, but let’s go with that.
Souths will embarrass the Eels with a cricket score.
It will be entertaining, but I don’t think Tigers and Cowboys will be as close as last year. Cowboys for a comfortable win, with my mate Reece Robson to have an absolute blinder and finally get the NSW number 9 jersey that he deserves.
Wow. This one is my coin flip – and I’m actually here arguing with the coin. Storm.
Oh dear, this game could be anything. I’m going Bulldogs but not with confidence.
This one I have full confidence. The Raiders are playing great footy and will easily beat the struggling Sea Eagles.
We played really well last week, and I just know we will do it again! As always, I’m tipping my Knights.
| Round 12 | AJ | Danielle | Mary | Mike | Paul | Stuart | Crowd |
| BRI V PEN | PEN | PEN | BRI | PEN | PEN | PEN | BRI |
| STI V SYD | SYD | SYD | SYD | SYD | SYD | SYD | STI |
| SOU V PAR | SOU | SOU | SOU | SOU | SOU | SOU | SOU |
| CRO V NEW | CRO | NEW | CRO | NEW | CRO | CRO | CRO |
| WST V NQL | WST | NQL | NQL | WST | NQL | NQL | WST |
| DOL V MEL | DOL | MEL | MEL | MEL | MEL | MEL | DOL |
| CBY V GLD | CBY | CBY | GLD | CBY | CBY | GLD | CBY |
| CAN V MAN | CAN | CAN | CAN | CAN | CAN | CAN | CAN |
| Last week | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Total | 44 | 45 | 51 | 52 | 49 | 55 | 49 |
Dandragon
Roar Rookie
“I agree with all your stats GB, they have no chance tomorrow nigh! As I thought that its so ironic that the last time the Eels beat us in R12 2019 the Bunnies were 1st on the ladder after 11 rounds with 20 points with 10 wins and 1 loss, for 282, and 165 against, diff of 117, and Bennett was coaching and Trell was not even playing with the Bunnies, while 2023 we are 1st again in R11, with 8 wins 3 losses, for 264, and 150 against diff of 114, only 3 points in it.” Well done, Eels!
Chris
Roar Pro
AHHHHHH why did i change my tip
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Why are you so concerned with what Penrith were doing, even back in 2019? Never mind! ‘ A Big GO PARRA ‘ for Penrith’s neighbour . It’s only fair! :laughing:
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
The Panthers defence was not really tested tonight or challenged in the way it would have been if Adam Reynolds was directing the Broncos attack. Both the Broncos and the Panthers each had 46 missed tackles! That's 92 missed tackles for the whole game! Do that against the Rabbitohs and you will lose by 40 points. Even the Tigers did better than that last week with only 29 missed tackles to Souths 14 missed tackles. Tonight the Panthers were gifted their first Try from a blatant double movement and had a Try taken off the Broncos when for the FIRST TIME EVER the referee overruled the bunker! Is that even allowed to happen? Has that ever been part of the process for video review? Now that a precedent has been set, supporters of clubs outside of the favoured NRL Triumvirate teams will be asking why the referee isn't overruling howlers that the bunker come up with every week that defy explanation. In any case, what an extraordinary coincidence that this should happen for the FIRST TIME EVER, to benefit the Panthers? I mean, what were the odds of that happening? No. On this performance, I'm not worried about the Panthers. Especially given their performance over 80 mins tonight, which for the most part was directionless and lacked polish and cohesion. I am particularly unconcerned given that Souths are flying high even with 5 players on the sidelines and due back in the coming weeks (Burgess, Koloamatangi, Havili, Moale and Cartwright). When the Rabbitohs get their full-strength team back and get to their first Bye in round 16 the run home to the finals will be relatively easy with the toughest games behind them and 3 Byes to look forward to in the run home starting from week 16. The Rabbitohs run home: Eels (14th), Raiders (7th), Titans (9th), Dragons (16th), BYE, Cowboys (13th), Warriors (8th), Bulldogs (15th), BYE, Broncos (3rd), Tigers (17th), Sharks (4th), Dragons (16th), Knights (11th), BYE, Roosters (10th) but by round 27 the chooks could be in the bottom 3.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Still worried about the Panthers GB. The former reports of their death have been greatly exaggerated. :stoked:
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Bah. Manly in an upset.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
I didn't say that the Eels have no chance, steveng. If the Bunnies think that way, they will lose. The stats tell a story, but the truth is that each game is its own contest. If teams buy into past performances and lose focus on the upcoming contest, then the wheels can fall off the wagon pretty quickly. Last week, the Tigers put in a huge effort to have Souths only up 8 - 0 with just 8 mins to go. Souths were a little flat and still in second gear, but a significant part of that was due to the effort of the Tigers to get into the arm-wrestle and stay in the contest. The Tigers just shaded the Rabbitohs in their completion rate 86% to Souths 85% but even with 4 extra sets to Souths (Bunnies 42, Tigers 38) the more decisive statistic was the Tigers 29 missed tackles to Souths 14 and the Tigers 12 ineffective tackles to Souths 10 (41 - 24). The Tigers only made 7 errors to Souths 9 but conceded 6 penalties and tackle restarts to Souths 3. Defence and ill-discipline by the Tigers was the difference and that Souths made the most of their opportunities while keeping the Tigers scoreless. If Souths can produce the same defensive effort against the Eels, they will be hard to beat given their current attacking and point scoring form. In addition, the Bunnies should lift for Indigenous round. Still, nothing is impossible in sport. So I wouldn't bet the house on any game. I would feel a lot more confident if Souths had Burgess, Koloamatangi, Moale and Havili playing. Souths have done incredibly well to this point, given their draw of death over the first 10 rounds but given the strain of that challenge and the 5 forwards still unavailable nothing is a given.
steveng
Roar Rookie
I agree with all your stats GB, they have no chance tomorrow nigh! As I thought that its so ironic that the last time the Eels beat us in R12 2019 the Bunnies were 1st on the ladder after 11 rounds with 20 points with 10 wins and 1 loss, for 282, and 165 against, diff of 117, and Bennett was coaching and Trell was not even playing with the Bunnies, while 2023 we are 1st again in R11, with 8 wins 3 losses, for 264, and 150 against diff of 114, only 3 points in it. I thought that is a very interesting comparison of how similar things are with the Bunnies from 4 years ago, and the Panthers were 2nd last in 2019 and won 3 out of 11, but the Mighty Bunnies are still in there and doing just as well and we will go all the way in 2023. We need to keep on winning as when we get our full side back the Bunnies will be a mighty force of 2023 and win the GF. :thumbup:
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Aaron Schoupp in against his old team ? Berries home game ? Origin players not keen on suspensions or injuries Neither team will be playing finals Over 50 points game total good bet
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Looking at the recent history of the Rabbitohs and the Eels both this year (the last 6 games) and in the last 6 games played between the 2 sides: . Souths are 6-0 from their last 6 games with an aggregate score of 186 vs 66 (+120 points differential). Souths have scored an average of 31 points a game and conceded an average of 11 points a game. . The Eels are 4-2 over the same period, with an aggregate score of 159 vs 116 (+43 points differential). The Eels have scored an average of 26.5 points and conceded an average of 19.3 a game. . Souths have scored 27 points more than the Eels and conceded 50 points less over the last 6 rounds. . Looking at the last 6 games played between the Rabbitohs and the Eels, Souths have won 6 games in a row and the aggregate score is Souths 210 vs Eels 68 with a +142 points differential in favour of Souths. Interestingly, Souths have scored 38 points in the last 3 games against the Eels, with the Eels only scoring an average of 14.6 points in their last 3 games against the Bunnies. . Fortunately, for the Eels, Souths will be missing Tom Burgess, Keon Koloamatangi, Siliva Havili Davvy Moale and Jed Cartwright so if the Eels stand any chance it will be through their forwards attacking Souths middle-third defence. Without the quality service from dummy half by Reed Mahoney, frankly, I don’t see that being a problem.
Dutski
Roar Guru
The maths adds up.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
I thought the $110 was just for a couple of beers and a hot dog!
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Agree would be good if Broncos win, but they have little chance without Adam Reynolds and the Panthers have up"d a gear. Souths to win, and hopefully by a big score just to keep the F&A strong. I'm not writing off the Chooks yet, I expect them to finish strong this year, Manu, Walker, Keary, Teddy, Smith will all be clicking come Sept, so I am hoping that while they are still at sorts they drop some points (v Dragons), otherwise they'll have 6 easy points for the taking in the next 3 weeks (Dragons, Bye, Dogs).
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! That's pretty much my thinking too. Right now I am running with Isaako as of this week ( never thought I would admit that till this year) & I have had Bula since his debut game ( right price then), all with an eye on the upcoming Round 13 with the a bunch of rested SOO players and bye teams.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Fullback is so tough this year I started with Turbo and Teddy thinking I’d keep them most of the season. Since I’ve traded Teddy to Walsh, Turbo to Bula and Walsh to Gutho… Hoping to have Latrell and Walsh for the run home post Origin…
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
I would have tipped the Broncos at Suncorp stadium this week but without Adam Reynolds the Broncos have no chance. Panthers 14+ I still hope that the Broncos win though despite the fact that they are level on competition points with the Rabbitohs. Assuming a Broncos and Rabbitohs win this weekend a 4 point buffer on the NRL ladder over the Panthers would be handy going forward. The Roosters look extremely vulnerable this round. Fortunately for the Roosters and their fans they are playing the one team in the NRL that would struggle to beat them this round. The Dragons are a rabble and I don't think that even the bounce back factor will save them. I really hope the Dragons prove me wrong. I'm tipping the Dolphins to beat the Storm with a maximum of 8 points between the sides the likely result either way. Playing at Suncorp Stadium should give the Dolphins an important edge to get the 2 competition points against a Storm side that no longer resembles Melbourne sides in recent history.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
"Panthers – Won’t be much in it as both teams are firing" No. Without Adam Reynolds the Broncos are no chance, even at Suncorp stadium. Otherwise, if Reynolds was playing, I would tip the Broncos at home. Pity. Assuming a Rabbitohs victory, it would have been nice to have a 4 point buffer on the NRL Ladder between Souths and the Panthers.
steveng
Roar Rookie
My picks, Panthers, can't see the Bronx beating them, my margin 18, Dragons just by 2, Souths around the 20+ mark and the usual to what we beat the Eels by :thumbup: Sharks, Tigers, Dolphins, Titans, Raiders. Just my observation, the last time the Eels beat us was in R12 2019 26-14...R12 2023 4 years the Eels only won 4 out of 11 :laughing: the Bunnies better have a go right from the start and for 80 min, if not and they play like they did against the Tigers, the Eels with Mosses back (that will be putting up plenty of them bombs) will become interesting, as they really want to prove a point, especially after last week, which will be an even more of an incentive to beat the Bunnies. Go You bunnies :thumbup:
Nat
Roar Guru
I’ve been impressed with the crowds they are getting.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Titans have scored 26 in each of their last five games. Average points conceded by the Titans across those five games: 30.2. Bulldogs by 4.