Drama heading into round 14 as Karmichael Hunt becomes a victim of the zombie plague and the Broncos are refusing to play their scheduled game on Friday. David Gallop has galloped up the Brisbane to sort things out.
In the meantime, time is running out for a few clubs to make a claim for a top eight spot. There will be soem desperate footy this weekend. To be honest I can’t believe that the season is about the start the second half. The run home has started.
Anyway, on with the tips which themselves have been quarantined to ensure that they be on the mark.
New Zealand v Newcastle, Friday 6:35pm, Mt Smart Stadium
The Warriors have been one of the disappointments of 2009. If they are to be there in September they have to start winning now. The Knights have travelled over the Tasman minus Gidley which swings things the Warriors way just a little bit. The Knights are in with a chance if they find the form that eluded them last week but I’m thinking the real Warriors may finally turn up.
Brisbane v Canterbury, Friday 7:35pm, Suncorp Stadium
Assuming this game goes ahead, the Broncos may be fired up and ready to stick it to the Dogs. But I’m skeptical of this as given the Broncos poor performance last round, I reckon they could be on a bit of a slide. Oh, I know that when I write the Broncos off they usually perform but Canterbury have been impressive this year. The disruptions of the past week will hurt the Broncos.
Easts v Gold Coast, Saturday 5:35pm, Bluetongue Stadium
Don’t laugh but I’m going to this game. It is important to support the footy when it is just down the road. I expect a good showing from the Titans. Yes, they say Easts showed a bit of fight against Manly last week but they still got flogged. The Titans have been quietly impressive this year. I expect them to stay at the top after this game.
Penrith v Manly, Saturday 7:30pm, CUA Stadium
Even though the Panthers are missing Jennings and Lewis I won’t be dismissing them outright. That said, Manly do have the favouritism for this game. If both teams play to their potential then it promises to be a great game. I’ve been trying to find a reason to tip Penrith but still thinking that Manly will have the goods.
South Sydney v Melbourne, Saturday 7:30pm, Members Equity Stadium
Ah, Souths. A team that should be doing well but for some reason falls back to the familiar ineptitude of the past. Moving the game to Perth won’t help as the Storm won’t be phased. JT needs to get a good game from all of his forwards if Souths are to have a prayer. Crocker won’t be a worry as he’ll be fired up against his former club. Still can’t see nothing but a Melbourne win.
Canberra v Cronulla, Sunday 2:00pm, Canberra Stadium
Cronulla are gunning for three wins in a row and won’t be worried by Canberra. It will be a chilly day and it is during this part of the season the Raiders tend to thrive at home. Campese needs to answer some of this critics (such as myself) with a big game. The Sharks getting the points is not out of the question but I’m sticking with the home team.
St George Illawarra v North Queensland, Sunday 3:00pm, WIN Stadium
A bewdy of a game for Sunday arvo footy. I’m finding it hard to separate the sides. St Benny will be wanting a better first half from his players that last week and will welcome preparation without disruptions. But the Cowboys have the wood on the Dragons in recent games so if you believe your voodoo, they are big chance. The home side by a field goal.
Parramatta v Wests, Monday 7:00pm, Parramatta Stadium
Fitzy gone. Some major signings for 2010. The Eels future is looking much brighter. But 2009 is not over and a win this game could see their season still alive. The Tigers have had a dreadful time of time of late and have to overcome an eight match losing streak against the Eels. They may try and outrun the hoodoo but the Eels will have plenty of confidence after last week. Who do you think I’m gonna tip?
The Sure Thing: I bravely submit the Eels. They won’t let me down.
The Roughy: Both the Knights and Cowboys are $2:30 are tempting.
21 responses so far ↓
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 12, 2009 at 7:38 am
Given how cold my poor-old noggin feels this morning Shaun, I am prepared to wager a Beanie of the winners choice on Monday nights game.
Why I do this round-in round-out I’ve no idea and, not having been to the Cronin house for the last couple of months, can only assume it looks like the inside of the Parra Leagues Club Gift Shop but feel it’s the right and proper thing to do.
I’m going Newie for the Mount Smart game but agree with all the rest (including the Eels).
It’s going to be funny watching the Bronco’s a’sneezing and a’coughin all lolloping around the stadium doped-up and groggy with Tami flu! I can hardly wait.
BOM
Shaun // Jun 12, 2009 at 9:30 am
Dear Tipsters, you now have a dilemma concerning Monday night’s game.
Those that believe The Sure Thing is the kiss of death will be leaning towards the Tigers. However, a wager with Bismarck means that I usually add to my collection of Eels merchandise (the only time this did not happen was that infamous draw with Souths).
Not sure if both pieces of information cancel each other out so I suggest form be the guide.
Shaun // Jun 12, 2009 at 9:31 am
Oh, wager accepted.
Mountain Boy // Jun 12, 2009 at 9:33 am
Brisbane Broncos.
Channel 9 Friday Night ratings are slipping fast. The PM of QLD has an image problem. FAIR SHAKE OF THE SAUCE BOTTLE!! Something must be done! I think a Broncos win might help return the diastolic reading back under 90 for the above mentioned. 50/50 calls to go their way.
Newcastle Knights.
No Gidley – no matter. The Knights won’t be taking anything for granted this week. Last week’s loss was just the medicine required to refocus.
Sydney City Roosters.
The Chooks have been dying to come up against another one-dimensional team like themselves. This time they get one – and so they’ll have the chance to match their one, against the Titans one.
Penrith Panthers.
An unknown Penrith genius has thought up the most ingenius way to get the refs onside. WEAR PINK. 20 versus 17 should equal one way traffic. My lateral question here is – How does genius and ingenius come to mean the same thing ?!!?
Melbourne Storm.
I think the Storm have been guilty of complacency a few times this year – but it would take someone braver than me to say this will be one of those weeks. Storm to do enough.
Canberra Raiders.
They seem to be clicking without Campese. He shouldn’t get in the others way too much here. Not enough to cost them victory anyway.
Nth Qld Cowboys.
With the Dragons, we saw a glimpse last week of what happens when a team bases its gameplan on mistake-free football, and then starts making mistakes. Cowboys to dazzle and leave Illawarra/St George with something to think about.
Wests-Tigers.
Only yesterday a spanner got thrown into the works. Parra unveil deals made to bring new forwards in for 20-10. Lots of head-counting going on now. Not a good recipe when you get a forward to try and count while playing at the same time (This is because they usually need their fingers to count, and they may take their eyes off the ball). Benji to also unveil a new trick he has been working on.
gilmae // Jun 12, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Is Benji’s new trick going to be convincing everyone that it’s ok to pass the ball while his tacklers are getting to marker position?
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 12, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Hehehe!
It may be related to velcro on the ball and the chest of every Tigers player so the ball, innevitably delivered late and at a million miles an hour, actually sticks to the support runner rather than bouncing off into the arms of the oncoming defenders!
Tonights tip : Sam Thaiday to play with a scrunched-up tissue stuffed up the sleve of his jersey ‘just-in-case’.
Mountain Boy // Jun 12, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Broncos to cough and sneeze on the opposition at every opportunity. Germ warfare in it’s purist form!!
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 13, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I’ve popped a couple of sovs on Souths.
God knows why… just a feeling in my lower intestine.
Shaun // Jun 14, 2009 at 12:48 am
Looks like your lower intestine is only 60 odd minutes long.
But Souths were gallant in defeat. A very commendable effort.
I was stuck between the dull pragmatism of a Storm win and the emotional, dare I say ethical, high of a Souths upset.
At Bluetongue, only the hardy came out with the poor form of the Roosters drawing just over 6,000. This had benefits like not having to wait for a beer. But the Roosters gave as good as they got and after giving the Titans a hand lead, pegged back in the second half and shoulda, coulda won the game.
That last try by Walker looked very iffy.
But 5 from 5 which worries me as I tend to drop the games from here. Hopefully tomorrow will see me 7 from 7 and ready for a full card of tips come 9:00pm Monday (and a new beanie).
jo // Jun 14, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Hey Shaun, you got see my nephew score his debut first grade try (hopefully the first of many) for the Chooks.
As they are saying; Easts junior and hen’s teeth.
Henson is good value isn’t it, spent a few arvos there over the years.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 14, 2009 at 7:19 pm
I absolutely loved Sunday football today.
Neither a Cow or Dragon I, it had all the good stuff… intercepts, chip kicks, Wendel, and pink V’s.
Until the final ten minutes it was anyones game and only looked lost after Bowen M went off poorly.
Highly entertaining.
BOM
Shaun // Jun 14, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I was on the couch ready for the Canberra v Cronulla game and next thing you know, it was full time and the Sharks had won. I slept through the whole match.
I heard that the pink Steeden did some interesting things during that game.
Jo, I hope your nephew has a long and satisfying career. It will be tough year for the Roosters but they are fighting for the wins.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 14, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Apparently pink ink flies faster than red and black.
Looked the same to me but I’m not the one booting it around……
Shaun // Jun 15, 2009 at 10:18 am
If they want the ball to go faster then why not put on some racing stripes? Red is the fastest colour.
Seriously, I miss the old leather Steedens. Those where the days. Especially when fields didn’t have good drainage and it was muddy and wet.
Mountain Boy // Jun 15, 2009 at 10:27 am
My tips for this week have been formally declared a natural disaster zone. Even the Sure Thing looks like it may have some chance of getting up tonight with Tigers my pick. If only I had thought to second guess myself this week.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Looking good MB… 8 minutes to go… 7 in front.
My poor old cold noggin’ is crying out for coverage!
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh the sweet smell of success!
At last, some merchandise returns to the O’Measles household.
A valiant effort but Farrah.R was just too much for ‘em.
Thank you thank you thank you.
BOMMMM
Shaun // Jun 15, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Congrats Bismark. Your noggin’ shall be warm and a rare piece of Tigers merch enters your possession.
As for the Eels, they were flat and Hayne especially looked out of sorts. That faint glimmer of hope now extinguished. Thank an imaginary sky friend I only have to suffer through 11 more games.
Mountain Boy // Jun 15, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Dr Robert Langdon tells their is a secret code within the phrase Kiss of Death.
Of course, I see it now – KO’d. !!
Compelling and thought provoking – or just a load of crap. You decide.
Shaun // Jun 15, 2009 at 10:27 pm
I say let’s test the power of the Sure Thing against the bye next week.
Mountain Boy // Jun 16, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Not usually one to plant seeds, but with no players out for Origin, I am confident of the chances the Sure Thing will go to the Bulldogs this week. Go the Kiss of Death.