Hey Roarers!
The Dragons won’t let Ben Hunt go, Christian Welch forgot there were recording devices at press conferences, Luke Brooks signed with Manly, and we were treated to a judiciary session that could be turned into a mini-series as Reece Walsh was suspended for being a very naughty boy.
In amongst all of that was a top round of footy!
The Warriors made a tough week even tougher for Red V fans on Friday night with a 48-18 win over the Dragons down in Wollongong on Friday. DWZ was on fire scoring four tries, while Ben Hunt did all he could to get fired.
The Dolphins had their rostrums just in front of the Dragons by two points during their 48-20 loss to the Eels on the Sunshine Coast. The honeymoon may be over for the league’s newest franchise as the Eels continue their surge to September.
No Origin stars? No worries. The Panthers just keep on keeping on as they took down the Knights 20-12 on Saturday at the foot of the mountains. Is Adam O’Brien the next coach in the firing line?
The Storm machine seems to have found its rhythm again, with a comfortable 24-6 win over the Sea Eagles down in Melbourne. Manly won the pre-season competition and were on top of the ladder at one stage – where has it all gone wrong?
Um-mah. Reece Walsh said a very naughty word. The Justin Holbrook sacking, Big Tino being rested after Origin, and David Fifita and Moe Fotuaika backing up was not enough to stop the Titans from causing an upset against the Broncos on Sunday. Little Brother held on for an 18-12 win, while the biggest talking point was Walsh’s friendly conversation with the referee, I mean, Pat Carrigan.
The Cowboys have brushed off their slow start to the season and have hit their strides with a 31-6 win over the Rabbitohs. The Cowboys Origin stars – including my mate Reece Robson – looked fresh as daisies, while Damien Cook looked much more at home not being thrown into the centres.
And things went from bad to worse for the Roosters on Sunday night, going down 20-18 to the Raiders in the last match of the round. The tricolours are getting further and further from the Top 8.
AJ was the winner of the round with six, while Paul and Stuart both tipped five. Mary, Mike and I tipped four, and it was a tough week for you legends in the Crowd getting just two. Stuart has a comfortable lead on 79, with Mary, Mike and Paul all tied for second on 74. The Crowd in on 71, AJ on 68, while I’m still on the golf course with 63.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Ok, onto Round 18 – the very important Beanies for Brain Cancer Round.
The Sharks and the Dragons kick off the footy at 7:50pm tonight at Pointsbet Stadium. This local derby always serves up some great footy – will the dramas for the Red V get in the way?
The Warriors host the Rabbitohs at Go Media Stadium on Friday at 6pm. The Bunnies have hit a rough patch while the Wahs are on a roll.
Then it’s off to Marvel Stadium to see the Storm and the Panthers battle it out at 8pm. It could look a bit like Queensland vs NSW!
Super Saturday starts in a chilly nation’s capital at 3pm, when the Raiders and the Titans face off at 3pm.
We make our way up to warmer temperatures for the Cowboys and the Tigers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium at 5.30pm. A bunker blunder last season gave the Cowboys the win, followed by a 66-18 thrashing by the Tigers in May. Who knows what will happen this time?
Sticking with the good weather (according to Ben Hunt) it’s off to The Gabba to see the Broncos and the Dolphins at 7.30pm.
Then Sunday brings us a couple of games that could be…..um…..interesting.
It’s 15 vs 16 as the Bulldogs take on the Knights at Accor Stadium at 2pm. Then it’s the 13th-placed Sea Eagles hosting the 12th-placed Roosters to finish off the round at 4 Pines Park at 4pm.
If you would like to 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 – and make sure you go out and buy a beanie!
Stuart Thomas
Sharks, Warriors, Storm, Raiders, Cowboys, Broncos, Knights, Sea Eagles
It is hard to see anything but a Sharks win against old foe St George-Illawarra on Thursday night, with the Ben Hunt saga having a clear impact on the Red V team.
Logic says the Bunnies bounce back after a poor performance against the Cowboys, however, a spot in the top four awaits the Warriors with a win and they could do it in style against a Souths side that desperately needs Latrell Mitchell back on deck.
It is likely the Storm and Panthers will face off during the finals at some stage, yet a statement could be made by either with a win at AAMI Park on Friday. The home side to get the job done.
Despite the mayhem of the last fortnight, the Titans are still well in the hunt for a semi-final birth. No Papali’i for the Raiders is key, but can Gold Coast cope with the chilly Canberra air? Nope. Raiders continue their surge towards finals.
The Cows stunned the Bunnies last time out and should belt the Tigers who are losing interest quickly, whilst the Broncos simply could not play as poorly as they did last week for a second successive match and will be too good for a struggling Dolphins outfit in Brisbane.
Good luck picking the winner of the Dogs and Knights on Sunday afternoon at Accor Stadium. What a toss-up it is. I’ll back the Knights for a reason I’m unable to explain.
Feathers will fly when the Sea Eagles rumble with the Roosters in the final match of the round. It is almost impossible to tip the Roosters right now, so I won’t be. Cherry-Evans to star for the home side.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Mary Konstantopoulos
Sharks, Warriors, Storm, Raiders, Cowboys, Broncos, Bulldogs, Roosters
We know much the Sharks love to win against teams not sitting in the top eight and that will continue against the Dragons this week. Not only are the Dragons outside the top eight but there are plenty of challenges at the Dragons, including the ongoing situation with Ben Hunt, which may impact their performance this week.
The Warriors and the Rabbitohs will be one of the games of this round. I know that historically the Bunnies have struggled in New Zealand. Coupled with their missing players and the dip in form they have had, tipping the Warriors for a big home game win.
The next game will be a cracker too and should give us a real indication of where both teams are at. I think the Storm are going to make a statement in this game and I’ve been particularly impressed as to how Jahrome Hughes has stepped up, given the impact State of Origin will have had on Cameron Munster and Harry Grant.
The Raiders are one team that is still very much in the hunt for a top-four position. It’s hard to tip games the Titans play in because of how unpredictable they are, but after their win against the Roosters, I’m expecting the Raiders to go on with it.
With Scott Drinkwater, anything is possible, including the Cowboys’ sudden resurgence in form. The Tigers have had moments this year, but I do not see them beating the Cowboys at home.
The Broncos will beat the Dolphins, who are really struggling for troops right now.
The Bulldogs and Knights will be an interesting one as I would argue both teams have underperformed this year. I think the Knights are exhausted after so many ‘brave’ losses so will tip the Dogs.
The Roosters will beat a Manly team that really isn’t going anywhere without Tom Trbojevic.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Paul Suttor
Sharks, Warriors, Panthers, Raiders, Cowboys, Broncos, Knights, Roosters
Cronulla are rested and refreshed, St George Illawarra are disjointed and disappointing. Sharks by 18.
Warriors are no longer the hot and cold side they once were, Souths are in a mini-slump with a few injuries striking. Warriors by 6.
The Storm will be up for this one big time, particularly with no VFL AFL in Melbourne so there should be a huge crowd to “greet” the premiers. Panthers by 10.
Gold Coast benefitted from the overblown new coach bump last week but the reality is it will be a struggle for them to regroup to make the finals after Justin Holbrook’s dismissal. Raiders by 14.
Nth Qld are starting to finally build momentum circa 2022, the Tigers’ brief resurgence has stalled. Cowboys by 20.
Brisbane have injury and judiciary dramas but the Dolphins’ problems run much deeper. Broncos by 16.
Canterbury and Newcastle are both mathematical playoff hopes but in reality no hope at all. Knights by 2.
Manly are all over the shop while the Roosters are at least showing some signs of life. Roosters by 4.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Mike Meehall Wood
Sharks, Rabbitohs, Panthers, Raiders, Cowboys, Broncos, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles
The Sharks over the Dragons is the tippiest tip that ever tipped. If they played 100 times, the Sharks would win 99. Cronulla, obviously.
The Warriors are red hot, Souths are not. But Souths desperately need it, and I’ll stick my neck out for them.
The Storm underwhelm against the best at the moment. Panthers will take it.
The Raiders will smash the Titans.
Whatever the Raiders beat the Titans by, the Cowboys will beat the Tigers by more. NQ by a million.
Brisbane are missing a few, but the Phins are so done. Broncos to win.
Dogs need to win, Knights always find a way of losing. Canterbury in a tight one.
It’s make or break for Manly, and I’ll be backing my Beaches boys to the hilt. No confidence, just vibes.
(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
AJ Mithen
Sharks, Warriors, Panthers, Raiders, Cowboys, Broncos, Knights, Sea Eagles
My launch continues upwards, upwards upwards towards more tipping glory.
The week begins with Cronulla smushing the Dragons and making the most of their soft draw.
Then the Warriors will add to the Bunnies’ woes when they take them apart in front of a huge home Kiwi crowd.
Penrith will have the defence to handle the Storm, even though it’s in Melbourne.
Your presumptive champions, the people’s team, the Canberra Raiders will wander onto GIO Stadium and lay a casual 56 on the hapless Titans. I’ll be at this game, it’ll be fun.
North Queensland will get the Tigers at home.
The Broncos will do what’s necessary against the Dolphins.
The Knights should have too much for Canterbury to handle.
And I’ve got Manly over the Roosters in the battle of the losers.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Danielle Smith
Sharks, Warriors, Storm, Raiders, Cowboys, Broncos, Knights, Sea Eagles
The Sharks will get the job done in the local derby against the unravelling Dragons.
Packed out home crowd and playing sensation footy? Let’s Gone Warriors!
Coin flip time! Hmmmmmmmmm………. Storm in a close one.
Big Tino is back and I”think it will be a closer match than many predict, but I’m tipping the Raiders at home.
The Cowboys will be out to make amends for their embarrassment in Round 12.
I’m going to go with the Broncos but I’m not confident.
Oh my goodness, I think I need two coin flips this round……………hmmmmmmmmmm……Sea Eagles.
They continue to break my heart, yet I continue to support them – loyalty is a crazy thing. As always I’m tipping my Knights.
| Round 18 | AJ | Danielle | Mary | Mike | Paul | Stuart | Crowd |
| CRO V STI | CRO | CRO | CRO | CRO | CRO | CRO | ? |
| NZL V SOU | NZL | NZL | NZL | SOU | NZL | NZL | ? |
| PEN V MEL | PEN | MEL | MEL | PEN | PEN | MEL | ? |
| CAN V GLD | CAN | CAN | CAN | CAN | CAN | CAN | ? |
| NQL V WST | NQL | NQL | NQL | NQL | NQL | NQL | ? |
| BRI V DOL | BRI | BRI | BRI | BRI | BRI | BRI | ? |
| CBY V NEW | NEW | NEW | CBY | CBY | NEW | NEW | ? |
| MAN V SYD | MAN | MAN | SYD | MAN | SYD | MAN | ? |
| Last week | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Total | 68 | 63 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 79 | 71 |
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Panthers
Roar Rookie
Roosters had young Lam there a few years ago & he looked a good player. Just shipped him off the England & went searching to buy someone else. ( He may be back for the Raiders next year ). Can’t say that they don’t develop players in general , as they’ve brought through quite a few from the Central Coast. Yet, just buying the ready made product is the Roosters forte.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Who would have thought these two Clubs would be reduced the Bums of the Round Game. Terrible.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Don't know, but I was more tickled by the 'Hunt drama not affecting us' line. Only let in 100 pts in 2 games since he had his spit and rarely looked like being in either game. If that's what is called 'not having an effect'....
watty
Roar Rookie
Not sure after what happened with kyle, that he would coach roosters. Couldn't say that I'd blame him either. Bit of a sh1t show
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Hate it when Sharks are odds-on Favs .These games are traditionally close , don’t see any difference here.If Sharks don’t turn up with there defensive A-Game then Drags could spoil the party.Bit harsh about Fitz there Dumbo - don’t see any old men in the backline except MM
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
Forecast for London is bleak for the start of play tonight, but looks pretty good after that for the week
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Maybe its set up to automatically send every week. Hope not coz I always get a laugh when I see it. Could well be on the money this week.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Really hope not. The Aussies were magnificent last night. The Poms are all talk and no walk. While we quietly go about our business. Hope we grind them into the dust.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Actually the Titans up by 22-0 at the 35 minute mark and then getting run down by the Raiders is precisely what happened in Round 3 last season.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
The decision to drop Sam Walker is where the rot started for the Roosters and the responsibility for that decision comes back to coach Robinson. He also tried to turn Joey Manu into a 5/8 which only made things twice as bad as they missed his presence in the centres or at full back. Robinson is hailed as a great coach but those decisions have stuffed the Roosters chances this season.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
If they don't win the next 2 with comfort and put in a decent showing against Melbourne O'Brien will be on his bike as well.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
I'm never confident with the Raiders DPS despite a decent number of wins. They seem to play better when they are playing more highly rated opposition away and have been belted the week before. But agree the hype and emotion of the Croker 300th burned them out and hopefully they'll want to atone for that. They've had some awful embarrassing losses at home and unfortunately I've had to witness every one of those flat performances. You could hear a pin drop where I sit on the Western side. 21,000 people at the last game and it sounded like 1,500! Should be nice on Saturday afternoon. 13C has to be better than 4C!
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Not impressed with O'Brien. And I'm not sure the players are playing for him. They had a decent chance to beat the Roosters a couple of weeks ago. Only 2 points down with 5 minutes to play but virtually put the cue in the rack. A more desperate team could have won that one. Mind you the Knights looked pretty good earlier in the season. Where has that all gone? I reckon they were going better with Lachie Miller at full back. Now he is nowhere to be seen. Ponga has to play given he's on $1.4 million - and fullback appears to be his preferred position - but now Miller is being wasted.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Rain always likely in UK
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
You do realise that if you ever don't put your tip in, I'll spend the rest of the week in trauma wondering what has happened to you???
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Flanno?? He could be enticed out of his Dragoon contract??
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
“Raiders v Titans: Titans ahead in first half by 20, then Raiders win at the end.” Both teams have form with falling apart in the second half after a commanding lead, so it's a coin toss with who's leading in the first half. I gave the Raiders the home ground advantage.
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
"Raiders v Titans: Titans ahead in first half by 20, then Raiders win at the end." Surely that should be "Raiders ahead in first half by 20, then Titans win at the end." ? As for Drags v Sharks, Drags at a canter as FunkyGibbon persists in picking out-of-form old men and leaving the developing quality kids playing for the Newtown Jets.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
It is a tricky one, it will show what they think of their coach because O'Brien's immediate future is tied into the next 3 games, which if they win the two they'll host Melbourne at home and could be on a roll.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I actually think you're pretty safe. The last game at home was the diabolical effort for Crocker's 300, they'll be ultra keen to make up for that. The psychology of the Titans isn't embedded into consistent effort yet, hence their unreliable up-and-down history. After the great effort last week I wouldn't be surprised if they tone down. I wonder if it's something to do with the holiday environment up there that they really find it difficult to put in week in week out. It's been a long standing issue for the GC under a variety of names.