Who’d want to be Tony Zappia at the moment? He goes from one calamity to the other with the farce quotient rising each time. Expect an announced soon that the Sharks somehow lost money after they answered an email from Nigeria.
Another Origin affected round with only five games. Makes it all the more harder to find a winner but let’s get it on.
Canterbury-Bankstown v Penrith, Friday 7:35pm, ANZ Stadium
The Panthers in danger becoming more like the Penrith Domestic Short Hairs. The good form of early in the season is fading as injuries take their toll. The Bulldogs lose Hannant but they will more than cover that loss. I can’t see any way for Penrith to win this one, even if I give the Bulldogs the sure thing.
North Queensland v Easts, Saturdy 7:35pm, Dairy Farmers Stadium
Denied in the dying seconds last week, the Roosters are showing some pride and a fighting to avoid the spoon. With Thurston on Origin duty plus others, the Roosters get a chance to reward their fans and the better showings of the past two games. The Cowboys will be willing and it will most likely be an ugly game but the Roosters can take the points here.
Melbourne v Wests, Sunday, 2:00pm, Olympic Park
The Tigers won’t have to face the problem of Inglis making his usual damaging runs down the park but that doesn’t make the job any easier. With Farah out the Tigers lose their most consistent attacking player. Marshall is just too much all over the shop to be reliable. The Storm tend to cope with Origin better than most who lose players. They will be down on quality but the non-presence of Farah is the key to the fortunes of both clubs. And it shall favour the Storm.
Manly v Canberra, Sunday 3:00pm, Brookvale Oval
Terry Campese is the type of player who looks adversity straight in the face, gives it a powerful stare and then says “Look, don’t mind me. I’ll be over there. Just let me know when you are done.” He plays really well when Canberra are on top but has trouble playing from behind. But if the Canberra forwards, lead by Leapin’ Learoyd-Lahrs, hit that line then Campo will have his space. The loss of Stewart and Watmough will even things up for this game. Brooky ain’t the fearsome venue of last year and the Raiders have a chance live up to their name.
Cronulla v Brisbane, Monday 7:00pm, Toyota Park
Every scammer, con artist and shonky investment adviser will milling around Toyota Park on Monday night. And they may find a few marks among the fans (especially if they sell futures in a Sharks premiership) but the players seem to be settling into making the most of the back half of the season. This game is really about Barrett and Lockyer not playing as their absence makea picking a winner just that little more difficult. I say that the Broncs are on a bit of a slide and Cronulla, with the confidence that only three wins and a sure fire investment scheme can provide, to get the points.
The Sure Thing: he wanted it and he has got it. It is Mountain Boy’s day today. The Bulldogs.
The Roughy: Maybe the Tigers but no value to be honest this weekend. But there is business opportunity that I’d like to talk about. If you are the CEO of an NRL club in Southern Sydney drop me a line.
13 responses so far ↓
Mountain Boy // Jun 18, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I know you love the stats Shaun so here they are
Round 3: Manly v Penrith : Sure Thing – Manly.. Winner – Penrith
Round 8: Raiders v Penrith : Sure Thing – Raiders ..Winner – Penrith
Round 10 Penrith v Cronulla : Sure Thing – Penrith ..Winner – Penrith
The Chocolate Soldiers seem unbackable when involved in the Sure Thing game! Glad to be involved once more. Of Course, I may end up with egg on my face here, but it’s ok – I know the taste well. Would be great to go into next week’s bye on a win – I’m sure the players feel the same.
As for the rest of the week, I think I will pretend to forget to put my tips in, and get thrown all the away teams – Chickadees, Tiger Cubs, Raiderettes, and Baby Broncos
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 19, 2009 at 7:27 am
Gutsy.
Dogs
Cows
Storm
Manly
Broncos
Tired. Off to work. BOM.
Mountain Boy // Jun 19, 2009 at 11:13 pm
No chocolates but no matter – no egg on face either. Bulldogs got far too many penalties for nothing, so to finish within 7 means, all things being equal – including whistle blowing – I have no doubt we would have finished closer – if not won. The refs got their winning bonus again, but I wouldn’t be guaranteeing they will get one next time around.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 20, 2009 at 11:35 am
Yay .. Shaun got a sure-thing!
How was the sport’s store this morning Shaun? Feeling better?
Shaun // Jun 20, 2009 at 2:14 pm
@ Mountain Boy
The Panthers tried but for most of the game, the Dogs looked more likely to win. There was no sign of panic from them as they knew they could pull Penrith back. Panthers problem was not the ref but not capitalising on possession and poor 5th tackle options.
Shaun // Jun 20, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Oh it was horrible. After the gym I went to a store that is a purveyor of sporting goods. I was hoping that a Tigers beanie would not be present, simply due to the obvious lack of demand for such an item.
Alas, one was evident. I could see no way out so I took it to the counter. The young lady greeted me with a cheering smile until she saw the item that I wished to exchange funds for. The look of horror, sympathy and disdain that crossed her face is one that I care to never see again.
The manager was called and they took me to a back room and I explained my dilemma. They agreed it was demeaning but there was no way out. I am a man of honour and I settle my wagers. They congratulated me for my fortitude of spirit and said that a lesser man would have crumbled with the ignominy of it all.
I do have an offer of treatment at Gosford Hospital’s Ward for Wayward Footy Supporters (Eels and Rooster fans have quite a few beds there season). I believe it was started by a Bunnies supporter back in the 90s. But I am of stronger stuff.
The horrors that I have been through, just so Bismark can have a warm noggin.
Don’t let it happen to you folks!
Mountain Boy // Jun 20, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Obviously watching a different game. I saw Penrith on top in the first half, making good yards while the Bulldogs struggled – notably Ennis not making his usual impact. In the second half, a few bad decisions on the attack, and failure to capitalise after some good was the difference between the two teams at the the final siren. Had Walsh just shaved the other side of the goalpost with a penalty kick ten minutes out, the following try to Pritchard would have tied things up with 5 to go. Very bemusing to hear Penrith were never in it and they were always going to lose. Anyhow, looking foward now – Penrith to see the return of Jennings, Civa, and in a few weeks Gordon – the Dogs just Hannant. The Dogs must be hoping like hell Penrith don’t finish 8th. I am hoping like hell they do.
Shaun // Jun 21, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I agree that Penrith were on top for the first 30 minutes but they only got six points out it. Yes, if Penrith had taken their chances it may have been different but they didn’t. And that is why the Bulldogs are on top of the comp.
Wet weather tends to even up the games and while Penrith are doing well, I reckon they don’t have a full 80 minute game to trouble the Dragons or even Bulldogs. If Penrith can fix that part of the game then I’ll rate them as a top four team. They still need to prove that they can consistently compete with those teams.
Shaun // Jun 21, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I’m all for going in hard when a NRL player (or CEO) does something wrong but I have some sympathy for Brad Fittler.Irksome was the initial reports implying that Freddie was up to mischief when he simply was very drunk and on the wrong floor. Not a good look for the game but nothing compared to recent issues.
The hangover would have hurt for a while. Especially going down to the Cowboys last night. The Roosters’ defence was woeful on their own line. I believe that was the only the second (or was it first) time the Cowboys have won without both Thurston and Bowen. Their cover defence won them that game. Some brilliant tackles to cut the Roosters down when they seemed likely to score.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 21, 2009 at 4:21 pm
… I’ve certainly gone up in the lift at a foreign hotel and tried to get into a ‘familiar’ looking door before but never dressed just in me’ boxers….
Poor Freddie. A seemingly far more innocent victim of the recent revelations than some.
Gotta’ say though, in this day and age, even the simple pleasure of having one too many at the bar needs to be carefully considered. It was certainly frowned upon when I used to travel for work (although that didn’t stop me from being ejected from a hotel in High Wycombe Bucks for ‘meddling’ with a chamber-maid…) their theory being that you were representing the company at all times as though you were at work – surely this is nowhere more evident than with a bunch of footballers and officials lollopping around the country in team colours with all sorts of temptations thrust in their way.
I’m very cold today – on with the Air-Con!
B-B-BOM
Shaun // Jun 21, 2009 at 9:56 pm
You have a good point Bismark. They are representing their clubs i.e. employers and should be mindful of that.
Daine Laurie. Oh dear. The line wide open and he drops it. The Tigers were much closer than I expected though the weather was a reason for that.
And did somebody tell the Raiders the game began at 4:00pm not 3? Imagine what would have happened if they had started the game the same time as Manly?
Shaun // Jun 22, 2009 at 10:42 pm
That last try to the Sharks really summed up the Broncos night. The young Broncs showed that they are indeed very young and very new to first grade.
But well done to the Sharks who have picked themselves off the floor and giving it a red hot go. They are playing with confidence and some attacking freedom.
Mountain Boy // Jun 23, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Yes. Stop stealing my ideas Daily Quilton. I’m sure I put a (c) at the end.
Re. latest problems at the Roosters – we haven’t heard the last of it. The proverbial tip of the iceberg is yet to be broken. Shaun and Biz, when more comes to light you will no doubt review your stance on this one.
I say the Sharks are a perfect example of the theory that any team can beat any team this year provided sufficient calls go your way. If you are already playing better than the opposition, then that makes winning all the more easier. I probably shouldn’t include the Tigers in this theory as their skills are being likened more and more to that of the Russian cricket team.