Bloody Eels. They cost me a perfect round last weekend. Goes to show that this comp is by no means settled apart from the minor premiers. We can call that for the Storm right now. I love this time of year. The runs to the finals is the first hint that spring is not far away. Plenty of great games ahead as per usual this round so let’s get into the nitty gritty of round 18.
Cowboys v Broncos, Friday Dairy Farmers Stadium 7:30pm
A corker of a game to open the round. However, some late mail via Fatty is that Thurston may be out. If that is the case, then put your money on the Broncos. The Cowboys can’t win without him. If Fatty is wrong, then it makes the game a lot closer. But even as visitors, I still like the Broncos.
Sea Eagles v Tigers, Friday Brookvale Oval 7:30pm
Another great game. Note to Nine, can you do that Foxtel thingy with viewers choice next year? The Fortress at Brooky is not as invincible as it once was and the Tigers have the game to take it too Manly. Centrebet have the Tiges at $3.00 which are very generous odds. I’m sniffing an upset here and a good bet if you are inclined.
Bulldogs v Panthers, Saturday Telstra Stadium 5:30pm
This game will see the Panthers put aside their recent internal woes and achieve a glorious win in the face of adversity. Just kidding. Bulldogs to flog ‘em.
Roosters v Sharks, Saturday Aussie Stadium 7:30pm
Does a new coach mean success for the hapless Chooks? Not likely. The Roosters are shot for the season. Fittler will be already casting his eye to next year. Sharks will win but the Sharkies lack of attacking ability is a worry. It will cost ‘em if they make the finals. Actually, it could be a factor in them not making the finals.
Warriors v Dragons, Sunday Mt Smart Stadium 12:00pm
The Dragons hit a rich vein of form up the middle of Canberra last weekend. But it won’t be enough over in Auckland. The Warriors were damned unlucky against the Cowboys. They can compete with the comp’s big guns. Too much for the Dragons.
Raiders v Titans, Sunday Canberra Stadium 2:00pm
I don’t understand the bookies this round. They have Canberra favourites over the Titans. It wil be a lot closer than that. While Canberra have a good record at home, the Titans can take the game.
Eels v Rabbitohs, Sunday Parramatta Stadium 3:00pm
The Eels were woeful last week and the Bunnies, after Amanda, were gallant in defeat. A real danger game for the blue and gold. In Souths favour is their defence. Against them is their attack. The Eels have far better strike power (if they turn up to play) and could crack Souths armour. This could be a thrilling game.
Storm v Knights, Monday Olympic Stadium 7:00pm
The Knights have the potential to pull off a big win if focused. The clash between Buderus and Smith will be worth watching. But Melbourne at home is a huge hurdle that the Knights won’t make.
11 responses so far ↓
Mungo Amanda // Jul 13, 2007 at 4:43 am
I have $20 on the Knights to win and $10 on them to win at 13+ (or is it 12?). But then I would say that, wouldn’t I.
Go Knights!!
Bismark O'Measles // Jul 13, 2007 at 7:29 pm
As much as it pains me Shaun, I can’t see Todd’s surrogate army winning tonight.
I’d also LOVE to see your beloved Eels upset this week but am fed up losing money on them (IOU $15 by the way)
Apart from that, there doesn’t seem too much scope for upsets this week unless the Knights (heaven forbid) decide to turn up and play like they did last week… damn them.
Alternatively, can Freddies Feather Dusters grow some nuts……? I think not.
I’m working this weekend so not much joy there..otherwise ageagoodone.
PipplyPip
Club Troppo » Missing Link, (Black) Friday 13 July // Jul 13, 2007 at 11:09 pm
[...] Footy tipping from Five (AFL) and Shaun (NRL) at Sidelined. [...]
Shaun // Jul 14, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Woo hoo! Foxtel ran a replay of the ‘81 GF after the Roosters v Sharks. What a game back then. Modern coaches would have trouble with the completion rates in those days but the defence and scrums were savage. And a great win to the mighty Eels.
And two upsets tonight back in 2007. Panthers played well as did the Roosters. Apart from Manly and the Storm it is still a lottery for the eight.
Other news is Lockyer is out for the season.
Mungo Amanda // Jul 15, 2007 at 12:38 am
I tipped the Roosters, apart from that nada. Fug.
Shaun // Jul 15, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Hagan got the point on and off the field.
Shaun // Jul 15, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Miserable tipping btw. 3 out of 7 this round.
Bismark O'Measles // Jul 16, 2007 at 12:59 pm
4 thus far… would have been 5 without (altogether now…) Stupid Souths.
However gallant a performance they put on (held up in the last 15 seconds) their inability to get these close ones over the line has cost me the comp this year – I recon I’ve blown a good 7 points on them & I’m only 4 off the pace!
It’s frustrating in the extreme but (like Shaun & the Eels or Amanda and the Knights) it’s Soooooo hard to tip against them.
Passion overflowed in the O’Measles household on Sunday… little Cruella was in tears as would have been Giscard had he not been round his mate Nick’s.
Davo didn’t give a damn as usual.
Better luck next week Bunnies.
Pip Pip
Bismark O'Measles // Jul 16, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Oh dear.
Sorry Amanda.
Mungo Amanda // Jul 17, 2007 at 1:06 am
I didn’t see it but I am sure the scoreline flatered them. Just like our 4-0 over Thailand.
Shaun // Jul 17, 2007 at 10:17 am
I’m hoping the Eels in 2007 will be to the Storm as Newcastle was to the Eels in 2001.
Otherwise I can’t see anyone beating the Storm at the moment.