A coincidence that this year’s Women in League round is on the same time as Julia Gillard becomes Australia’s second female Prime Minister after Jeanette Howard? Maybe but there is a nice symmetry.
When I was a young lad, my mum would take me to training, pick me up from training, take me to games, made sure I had a proper fitting mouth guard and good boots. I’d say that wasn’t unusual and many kids today have the same experience. Mothers, wives, daughters and grand daughters are vital to the foundation of rugby league. 40,000 women are involved in with rugby league and as David Peachey says in this interview, women aren’t just washing jerseys any more. They are running clubs, on the board and coaching and refereeing.
Unfortunately, women in league is too often mentioned in the context of very distasteful off field behaviour. This round reminds everyone that they are important part of the game and deserved to be honoured not just for one round, but everyday of the year.
Now to boldly go where no tipster has gone before.
St George Illawarra v Wests, Friday 7:35pm, WIN Jubilee Stadium
No need to remark on the Dragons credentials so far this season. But this game is a test for the boys from the West. This is the time of the year when the Tigers start to give hope to their. Hope that usually ends in tears. But if I was a betting man (and I’m not as that also usually ends in tears plus a negative bank balance) I’d have some money in the Tigers. They are ready to roar. Marshall v Soward will be cracker.
Penrith v Manly, Friday 7:35pm, CUA Stadium
Being mountain men, Penrith are used to altitude. But even they might be finding the rarefied air of second spot something new. Petero may be making a suprise comeback as well further boosting the Panthers run to the finals. Manly are very vulnerable at the moment. They aren’t convincing and they win against Souths just as much due to Souths clocking off than any Manly brilliance. It will cold out there tomorrow night and Manly will not be able to escape the icy winds of a loss.
Parramatta v Brisbane, Saturday 5:30pm, Parramatta Stadium
Last week both Parramatta and Knights’ fans willed over Gidely’s kick to ensure one of the worst game of the past decade did not inflict another 10 minutes of punishment on those watching. And even though the forecast indicates rain, it won’t be hard for this game to exceed expectations. The Broncos going for six straight, the Eels just hoping to find some consistent form. I reckon the Eels will start to come good and shoot for a top four spot. Then again, I would say that.
South Sydney v Melbourne, Saturday 7:30pm, Members Equity Stadium
The Bunnies fly west as to meet the Storm in Perth. An intriguing game as the Storm are playing with no fear and the Bunnies seem to be startled rabbits one week and fierce members of the leporidae the next. The secret seems to be if the Bunnies can stay awake for the 80 minutes. The Storm will punish any lapses of concentration but I’m wondering how the neutral ground will affect both teams. The Bunnies can win this.
Cowboys v Sharks, Saturday 7:30pm, Dairy Farmers Stadium
I dunno. The Cowboys gave up last week while the Sharks gave their all but didn’t get the rub of the green with the 50-50 calls. I’m tipping the Sharks out of sympathy. The lack of the Cowboys defense could make the Sharks look good.
Gold Coast v Newcastle, Sunday 2:00pm, Skilled Park
Was Monday night the win (with a bit of luck) Newcastle needed to start their run for the finals? I’d say no but stranger things have happened. But beating the Titans at home is a tough task and I’m not sure the Knights are up to it. They have cursed me all season so does it really matter who I tip?
Eastsv New Zealand, Sunday 2:00pm, AMI Stadium
The Roosters take their home game on the road but being in New Zealand should be just like being in Bondi except without the beach bit. The Roosters place in the eight is on the back of some wildly inconsistent form. The Warriors post out of the eight is based on some predictably woeful performance with occasional games of brilliance. Easts should get this but don’t be surprised by a Warriors win. Or a Warriors humiliating loss. Toss of the coin.
Canberra v Canterbury Bankstown, Monday 7:00pm, Canberra Stadium
The Bulldogs season is almost beyond them. But picking Barba in the side will give them a boost and a sign of things for next season. The cold will probably make Kimmorely’s aging joints seize up as well. I like the Raiders at home during the frosty months. They pushed the Tigers last week and should have too much for the Bulldogs.
The Sure Thing: Tough round but try the Gold Coast.
The Roughy: The Warriors
16 responses so far ↓
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 25, 2010 at 1:06 am
I like your thinking this week Shaun – gutsy picks.
Beau Champion is a Facebook mate of mine and he puts up some great stuff. Todays efforts :
* “Love my family… love my life”
* “If you think you can you can … If you think you can’t you are probably right …”
* “In Perth and going for a feed with the mob Nan, Pop and rodneys wingman uncle Blake lol”
When they had the bad loss against the Broncs :
* “I’m starting with the man in the mirror”
Positive guy with a humble streak. With attitude like this they can’t lose. Bunnies for sure!
I also liked what I saw at Leichhardt last week from another Beau – McKinnon slotted in nicely at fullback while Ryan went for some very productive scampers – I expect big things from him this year and agree with your tip.
Wonder shy he didn’t get man of the match – also, wonder where Timmy M is going to play when he comes back – they’re got three bonafide fullbacks now.
Up the Ranga’s!
Mountain Boy // Jun 25, 2010 at 8:54 pm
ok – its just after 7:30 so I better hurry up and write
Dragons – I see the Tigers (including Benji) having trouble playing the way they want at Kogarah. Unless they get on top in the forwards, and I dont think they will, there’s no room to play the fancy stuff.
Penrith – Just going great guns and yes the run needs to stop somewhere and it may be Manly tonight – but anytime you get a chance to pick your team while they’re hot, you do it.
Broncos – I think the Monday game for Parra was like 3 games interms of energy used. I think that will tell.
Melbourne – Victoria being closer to WA – less jetlag for the Storm
Cowboys – As bad as he cowboys have been going, they will occasionally put in a blinder at D.Farmers. Sharks on the opposite end of this one
Newcastle – Yes they played that Monday night too – but a win relieves pain better than anything. Shaun also big odds to get this game up.
Warriors – This one played in Christchurch for anyone looking closely at the fixture list. Enough of an advantage in this one.
Bulldogs – Barba the difference, a 5/8th is what they have lacked (especially when Roberts was there). Watch a different team with Barba to play the 80 minutes.
Mountain Boy // Jun 26, 2010 at 9:20 am
anyone up for a stat? ..no? well what are you still reading for? sounds like you want to know …
next week’s top of the table match won’t be the game it could have been. Both teams have been talked up a treat in regard to Origin III so expect to not be able to get a 100% gauge on the basis of this one. Still a game of interest no doubt
… oh and the stat. After next week’s big one this is the run home for these two teams…
Dragons play (7) top-8 teams and (2) bottom-8 teams
Panthers play (2) top-8 teams and (7) bottom-8 teams
N.T. want to pass this one on to your bookie ?
Mountain Boy // Jun 26, 2010 at 9:45 am
sorry Dragons have a bye to go, (6) top-8 teams, (2) bottom-8.
Bismark O'Measles // Jun 26, 2010 at 12:04 pm
… did you run this for all teams MB?
It would be interesting to see the whole picture.
Norths Tiger // Jun 26, 2010 at 12:39 pm
My stat for the week: teams coming off a Monday night loss and backing up on Saturday are a combined 12 wins, 20 losses and 1 draw. So a 36.3% win percentage.
History says it will be tough for Parra tonight.
Shaun // Jun 26, 2010 at 10:49 pm
It was tough for Parra. The frustrating aspect is that their defence is very good (third best at the moment). But the Eels have lost the ability to score points. Not sure what can kick start them now.
Mountain Boy // Jun 27, 2010 at 11:23 am
Shaun, remember all that time ago (about this time last year) when Parra was clicking ? The thing I note that’s missing (and I’m very confused why it is) … It’s Hayne and his use of the ball. In 2009, his focus was toying with the defence, stopping, starting, jinking, chip-kicking, faking do chip-kick, dummying, many a time, running backwards and sidewards to find a gap. Since the season started all he tries to do is bust a tackle with strength. Sure, he is strong, but it wasn’t strength that got them there last year, it was a lot more guile. It was the “can’t catch me” that was frustrating other teams. So why has Anderson outlawed this out of his game. I don’t think it’s not there by personal choice.
Yes, BM I did numbers on other teams – but will get the official numbers by weeks end. Generally most teams had an even split between top-8s and bottom-8′s. Manly were the exception who like Penrith only had a couple of top-8s in the run home. Might I add, that of the (2) bottom 8 matches left for St George, one of those is Canberra in Canberra !!
Mountain Boy // Jun 27, 2010 at 11:41 am
NT – any way of knowing : for how many previous years have those mighty Dragons been posted as premiership favourites at some stage of the year (even if its for only one week in the year – 0r pre-season). My guess it’s something like 8 or 9 (or more) out of the last 12 years… and they wonder why people go broke backing favourites.
Bamber O'Gascoyne // Jun 27, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Nail-biting Saturday – all games down to the wire.
Underbellamy made a comment about the Storm, being free from the necessity to win things, trying new things.. I didn’t see the game (flying over Ulluru at the time) btu I wonder if this is what let them down. Can somebody enlighten me?
What’s up with J Hayne? It’s at times of peril like this that he usually steps up to rescue them.
keep the stats coming MB – very impressive!
When’s the Henson Park game (Jets/Bears) this year Shaunie?
BOG
Shaun // Jun 27, 2010 at 3:02 pm
MB, I don’t think Ando has instructed Hayne to not do anything. Ando is not that stupid and reading through the Parra forums no inside info of anything like that.
Anderson does seem to have the Eels playing a more structured game. That has had a big benefit in defense. I believe after last night the Eels have now the second best defense in the comp. They also have the second worst attack.
Teams are not giving Hayne the room he had last year. Also, the second phase play that helped Hayne is only being seen here and there. And Hayne seems to be just below his best. Last night was a good example. A cut out pass went over the sideline and he knocked on following Mateo through the ruck. Last year it would have been a try and a line break.
Parra fans have the the blame train ready to go and it seems they want to give Mortimer a first class ticket. Mortimer is a victim of expectations and while has had an average season there are signs that he is working back.
I suppose Robson could go back to half but I’m not sure that would fix anything. I think the team needs to relax. A key to last year was that they had nothing to lose and that helped.
There is a rumour that the Eels are making a play for Cronk. But I haven’t seen any postings on that I would trust (1 Eye Eels has all the rumours but that site is usually more wrong that right).
It will be interesting to see what happens after Origin.
Mountain Boy // Jun 27, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Ok the run home against top8 / bottom8 teams
26 St George – (7) top8, (2) bottom8, (1) bye
24 Penrith – (3) top8, (7) bottom8
20 Wests – (6) top8, (4) bottom8
20 Gold Coast – (5) top8, (4) bottom8, (1) bye
18 Souths – (5) top8, (4) bottom8, (1) bye
18 Brisbane – (4) top8, (5) bottom8, (1) bye
18 Manly – (3) top8, (6) bottom8, (1) bye
18 Easts – (5) top8, (5) bottom8
18 New Zealand – (5) top8, (5) bottom8
16 Parramatta – (6) top8, (4) bottom8
14 Newcastle – (3) top8, (6) bottom8, (1) bye
14 Canberra – (5) top8, (6) bottom8
14 Cronulla – (5) top8, (5) bottom8
10 Canterbury – (4) top8, (7) bottom8
10 Nth Qld – (5) top8, (4) bottom 8, (1) bye
0 Melbourne – (4) top8, (5) bottom8, (1) bye
Shaun // Jun 28, 2010 at 6:31 am
Thanks MB. I intend to a post on the run home once Origin is over.
Btw, Peter Wynn’s Score has NSW Origin jerseys for 50 bucks at the moment. The depreciation due to thus year’s debacle makes picking one up a good deal.
Mountain Boy // Jun 28, 2010 at 10:05 pm
My original Origin team selections (savely in Archives) included three Panthers I thought could help NSW..M.Gordon, M.Jennings and L.Lewis. They certainly have helped their club team out, equally as much as they have refused to let each other down.
Soward to play next Monday when he obviously should be playing for his state. Sorry to say, Karma to bite once again.
Shaun // Jun 28, 2010 at 10:16 pm
MB, when I heard about the Hayne/Ando rift this morning I though maybe you were onto something with your earlier comment. But as the day wore on it seemed that it was more of a case of Beavis is a Butthead and not much to it.
An interesting stat out of tongiht’s game was that only two sides have failed to score more than 25 points in a game this season. And those teams are Parramatta and Canberra.
And that was a wonderful try by Ben Barba. Interesting to see what combination he and Kris Keating will have next season.
Mountain Boy // Jun 28, 2010 at 10:34 pm
A bit of a stretch of an analogy, but when Baker-Finch won the British Open with a closing 64 (or was it 63?) – he had a good think about things, his swing, and how he could make it even better. Within a year he was a has-been, a mental-wreck, and all for listening to too many of the wrong people, and not enough to the one that had the most control over his destiny – himself.
(I think it was two years later at the St Andrews Open he broke 90 first round and retired hurt (very hurt) – his first shot hooked out of bounds on a fairway that is roughly 150m wide).
For someone so young, and with so much still to offer, Hayne needs to stop listening to everyone that wants to have their two-bobs worth (even if one of those is the coach), and start listening to himself once more. Baker-Finch continued to look for answers from others until his career was finally over. One of the greatest shames in Australian sport.