A strange thing has happened. I have no memory from about 8:00pm till 10:00pm last night. It’s like I witnessed some horrible happening, an event too distressing to deal with and hence I have shut it out.
While I try and recover that memory, ponder round 14 of the NRL. It is the downhill run to the finals now. Teams in the eight will want to consolidate while there are few lurking outside that want to get a look in. It is an abbreviated round this week with only five games but as always, time to get the magic 8 ball out and work out where the winners are.
Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers, Friday 7:45pm Sydney Football Stadium
The Roosters thumping at the hands of Manly was an aberration. They will be boosted by the return of their Origin players and Anasta will be looking to show selectors that he is the man. The Panthers can’t be ruled out in this game. They have the form and more than a possibility. However I reckon the Roosters will be wanting to put the Manly game behind them.
Cronulla Sharks v New Zealand Warriors, Saturday 7:30pm Toyota Stadium
Traditionally, this is the time of year when the Sharks fall apart. As per other seasons the ingredients are all there. They are running well in the comp and part of the eight. If Stuart has found a solution to the Sharks 2nd half season fumbling then he could be in the running for coach of the year. Ivan Cleary, the Warriors coach, won’t be in the running for the award. The Warriors have been very disappointing and won’t feature in the finals. I’m betting that the Sharks will cast tradition aside and continue their winning ways.
Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos, Sunday 2:00pm Canberra Stadium
The Raiders are in bit of a hole at the moment but they will be in their elements now with the wintery weather. On paper and form the Broncos are clearly the better side. But I just get the feeling Canberra are due for a return to form. But that feeling is not strong enough to tip against the Broncos.
West Tigers v Parramatta Eels, Sunday 3:00pm ANZ Stadium
What a clash. There will be furious texting between Bismarck O’Measles and myself during the game. Pointing out the deficiencies in each other’s team, how biased the ref is and gloating when a try is scored. The Eels have turned a corner and will be making a strong run home. They will run over the Tigers first.
North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights, Monday 7:00pm Dairy Farmers Stadium
The question is whether Thurston will play. If Thurston plays then the Cowboys. If not, then the Knights. Pretty simple. I’m leaving my tip with the Cowboys until the fitness of Thurston has been decided.
Shaun’s Sure Thing: The Sharks
Shaun’s Roughy: Penrith are worth a flutter but Canberra aren’t a bad option.
17 responses so far ↓
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 12, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Heh!
Last night, frankly, was dire to say the least. NSW deserved to lose.
None less than Greg Bird who, I understand, was arrested, handcuffed and chucked in a paddy-waggon “as a joke” by some larakin coppers!
I wish they’d done it before the game – jeez I’d have done a better job.
Anyhow – that’s behind us now Shaun and we must move on like mature little Swedish people.
I’ll probably go with your tips this week (apart from one – ha!) and count myself lucky that the BunBuns have got the ByeBye and won’t be stressing me into tipping them (Hope = killer).
Buster O’Measles is playing his first pick-up gig tomorrow night in Sutherland – we’re looking forward to wowing them at the memorial theatre in Sondheim’s Little Night Music – thus I’ll be missing the footy – can you keep me up to date with SMS’s please Shaunie???
I love kipper-flavoured chew-toys!!! BOM
Shaun // Jun 13, 2008 at 9:57 am
I hear Bird was arrested for impersonating a 5/8!
gilmae // Jun 13, 2008 at 11:15 am
Aggravated violence, Shaun. Aggravated violence to the NSW Origin cause.
Benji got Dally M points last week, but from what I saw it was solely on the basis of deploying his step twice in one hit up. But if he is actually feeling better enough to do some running, I can’t see how the hapless Eels can win.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 14, 2008 at 12:03 am
Missed the footy tonight Shaun but thanks for the full-treatment SMS service.
Will miss it on Sunday as well as Buster plays his matinee
aveagoodweekend.
BOM.
Shaun // Jun 14, 2008 at 7:26 am
Gadzooks! How is such maleficent scheduling ever allowed?
I’ll keep you updated with scores via the steam powered harmonic telegraphy device.
Free of bias of course.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:56 pm
No worries – he’s off the hook (conductor didn’t realise Buster was only 14!)
I expect there will be the odd textacular action.
BOM
Shaun // Jun 14, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Good.
As for the Sharks v Warriors, what a scrappy, crappy game. The Sharks did all they could to lose (including twice turning over possession after the kick off when they had just scored) and still won.
Shows you how low the Warriors have sunk this year.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 15, 2008 at 10:16 am
I hope you’re not insinuating that the Bunnies beat a bunch of girlies??
Shaun // Jun 15, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Well, I didn’t quite expect that type of result. To be fair the Tigers really had no-one to stand up in the forwards. With the go forward the Eels had Finch and Mateo were outstanding. Especially Mateo – he is a freak.
Eels in the top. Bismarck O’Measles to wear to colours of the victors at the next Tigers’ game at Leichhardt.
A good weekend.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 15, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Poo
gilmae // Jun 15, 2008 at 10:35 pm
It was brutal. I couldn’t watch, I had to walk away when the Eels hit 22.
Mungo Amanda // Jun 17, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Go Knights. Woot.
Shaun // Jun 17, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I thought the Knights were gone when Gidley missed that goal from right in front (admittedly it was 30 odd metres out but still…).
But the Cowboys seem to becoming adept at finding way to lose games this year. Their season is pretty much over. Could be even worse if the Bunnies start to win a few games and leapfrog them on the table.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 17, 2008 at 9:28 pm
he he he
Jason // Jun 18, 2008 at 11:38 am
My brother is thinking about handing in his Cowboys season pass. That game the other night was worse than an abject thrashing, because it showed they have forgotten how to win games. Terrible.
Mungo Amanda // Jun 18, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Both teams tried hard but the Cows just wanted the loss more.
Club Troppo » Missing Link Daily // Jul 22, 2008 at 8:23 am
[...] Despite some mysterious amnesia, Shaun compiles his predictions for Round 14 of the NRL. [...]