The Adjudicator gives his final verdict on round 18 of the 2011 NRL premiership

Mal Meninga, Andrew Ettingshausen

History repeating ... grand final fortunes could decide Sharks-Raiders. Source: News Limited

I never thought I would say this but good riddance to Origin, now let's get our focus back on the real heavyweights like Cronulla and Canberra.

The Adjudicator's Tipping League

Rank Name Points
1 Ben Gussey 3751
2 paul waddington 3739
3 Robert Jones 3716
4 matt Stacey 3711
5 Jason Cone 3634
6 Troy Willmot 3630
7 Allan Bracken 3614
8 Jake Murphie 3562
9 kev conway 3560
10 Jason Ashford 3547
285 The Adjudicator 2777

 

That's right the two highest-scoring teams from round 17 are set to face-off in what many are calling an October premonition. But more about those powerhouses later.

Johnathan Thurston has made sure the scent of Origin will still waft over the action this round as he watches from his wheelchair on the sideline, hidden underneath a blanket and that cheeky grin.

It's the first round of the rest of our lives and the countdown to finals footy can begin ... now!

Read on for my final verdict, but make sure you return on Tuesday for my round-19 thoughts. You see, my friends, you have the power to influence The Great Adjudicator. Get typing if you dare!


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Warriors v Titans
Eels v Tigers
Sharks v Raiders
Bulldogs v Storm
Roosters v Panthers
Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs
Knights v Cowboys

Warriors v Gold Coast Titans, Mt. Smart Stadium, Friday 6.30pm (EST)
The Adjudicator says: "I haven't been less inspired by a Friday night match-up since Adelaide Rams hosted Hunter Mariners in Super League round three, 1997. While the never-say-die (until they're punted) Rams snuck home in a thriller that night, I get the feeling this match could be one-way traffic. If both teams used their byes to freshen up on their best work from 2011, the Warriors would have realised they actually can be competitive while Gold Coast would have struggled to find a decent a match tape."

The Adjudicator's verdict: "Both teams have the bye week behind them but the Warriors welcome back Michael 'nothing but good' Luck and the only NRL player to be portrayed by Sean Penn in a major motion picture, 'I am' Sam Rapira. Easy, Warriors by 10."

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Parramatta v Wests Tigers, Parramatta Stadium, Friday 7.35pm (EST)
The Adjudicator says: "How good was Reni Maitua last Friday night? After two years out of the game and a couple of trips to Bali, the Eels utility produced more attacking opportunities in 80 minutes than Jeff Robson has done in 18 months. Parramatta are providing great nuisance value at the moment, reminding me of the kid at school that you always beat, but not before he ensured you walked away with a few scratches and a couple of lost buttons. I read on Wiki Leaks that Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has locked Robert Lui in a room with a fridge full of protein shakes and the Best of Benji Marshall DVD. If the young halfback picks up a few tricks the Tigers will go close, but I tend to favour the Eels at this stage."

The Adjudicator's verdict: "So much can change in a day at Concord Oval. I was ready to tip the Eels all week, but then Stephen Kearney got wind that Benji could return and Tim Sheens is doing nothing to deny it. Tigers by eight, but I reserve the right to deny that tip if the halves combination is Miller-Lui."

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Cronulla v Canberra, Toyota Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm (EST)
The Adjudicator says: "Just a month ago, a trip to the Shire for an NRL team was more like a summer holiday - stroll in, land a few waves, work on your tan and pick up your complimentary two points from reception upon departure. These days, Toyota Park has sides more nervous than a wade in the shallows after watching Jaws. Big Gall has the locals singing I’m A Believer all the way towards an unlikely spot in the eight. But we all know the Sharks have a history of deflating quicker than a blow-up dingy hitting the bottom at Shark Island. They will face a Canberra side brimming in confidence after landing two big wins on the trot. However, the Raiders are more accustomed to the Antarctic conditions of Canberra Stadium and might just leave the Cronulla Resort with nothing more than a burnt backside.

The Adjudicator's verdict: "Take this one in carefully fans, so you know what to expect when the first Sunday in October rolls around. With that in mind, only one of these teams knows how to win a grand-final calibre match. Sorry Sharkies, it's Canberra by four."

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Canterbury-Bankstown v Melbourne Storm, Adelaide Oval, Saturday 7.30pm (EST)
The Adjudicator says: "Ahhh how much things can change in 12 months. This time last year the Storm were sitting on zero points, questioning what they had left to play for and drawing straws to decide who had to take the first pay-cut. These days, Craig Bellamy's biggest headache is deciding whose turn it is to drive Cameron Smith's luxury cruiser during team recovery sessions. While it's all smooth sailing in Storm Land, there are rumours of a virus spreading through Belmore this year. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: a loss of creativity, indecisiveness, poor decision-making, an ineffective kicking game and giddiness upon approaching the line with gusto. The latest victim is Ben Barba , while Keating, Roberts, Ryan and Halatau haven't been able to shake it since round one."

The Adjudicator's verdict: "I'm not sure if the Bulldogs got along to a GP during the week, but Mr A spoke to the only medical practitioner I trust – Dr Karl – who told me that it only take one micro sleep for the Storm to skip our of reach. Bad news for the Dogs. My prognosis? Melbourne by 16."

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Sydney Roosters v Penrith, Sydney Football Stadium, Sunday 2pm (EST)
The Adjudicator says: "Members of the St Mary's local command on Monday morning were sent around to a house on the outskirts of Penrith for the third time in a week to deal with another noise complaint. Apparently Steve Georgallis's neighbours aren't taking too kindly to his wailing 5am renditions of What About Me. But you do have to feel for the poor Panfer coach - there hasn't been a greater sadness around the 'Riff since Craig Gower announced he'd be leaving - and taking Amanda Flynn with him; or since the government banned smoking in pubs and clubs. But while Luke Walsh has the ball on a string, Mr A says "never fear Stevie, there's still hope for 2011!" Against a woeful Roosters outfit who can just about cash their lay-by receipt for an oversized eating utensil forged from mahogany, Georgie looks set for a purr-fect three in Pantherland.

The Adjudicator's verdict: "This week's result is a faitacompli so let's ponder one of the ramifications instead; how will the Panthers justify letting Stevie G go should he finish the year with a 100 per cent record? Only 13 wins to go and it starts here with Penrith by 20."

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Manly v South Sydney, Brookvale Oval, Sunday 3pm (EST)
The Adjudicator says: "The high-flying Sea Eagles came back to earth with a thud when a near full-strength Dragons reclaimed the title of competition favourites in round 16. But apart from that, everything has been running like clockwork at Brookvale Oval - right down to Des Hasler's game day routine trip to his favourite Harbord salon for a blow-dry and perm. Brett Stewart looks to be nearing peak form, and I sense with a week to freshen up Manly's favourite son will be all over the Rabbits like a good thing in the red rug at Wenty Park.  Souths were simply awful against the Sharks last week; Chris Sandow might be starting to focus more on memorising the directions from Redfern to Parramatta than on directing his troops to the try line, while John Sutton's only appearance on the highlight reel came when he knocked teammate James Roberts into touch from the opening kick-off."

The Adjudicator's verdict: "The Bunnies knew they had a tough game coming up against a highly-rated beachside outfit, but bless 'em they thought that was the Sharks last week. From south to north and from bad to worse, Souths are counting down the days to Cooper Cronk's arrival. Seagles by 12."

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Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys, Ausgrid Stadium, Monday 7.00pm (EST)
The Adjudicator says: "I remember reading through player profiles earlier this season ... and there's always a gee-up or two hidden amongst the usual 'favourite music' and 'childhood heroes'. Well when I read that Jarrod Mullen's goal for 2011 was "to win a premiership", I nearly choked on my Rice Bubbles. Was he planning a mid-season code switch or partially concussed from an all-nighter at Fannys? Seventeen rounds into the season, young Jarrod looks set to return to a side that's won four of their past five and rapidly ascending towards the pointy end of the ladder. Perhaps the joke is on me? The Novocastrians will need to be good against JT and the Cowboys, who spent the bye week with Neil Henry propped alongside a chalk board, running over the rules of rugby league. The topic of 'headers' took a while to sink in, but thankfully for the Townsville faithful, Henry's first lesson - how to win - only took a once-over."

The Adjudicator's verdict: "Turns out I didn't the help of fans to decide this one, just the weight of Ash Harrison's useless frame crushing JT's leg six feet under the Suncorp turf! Done and dusted, while the Cowboys have no halves, the Knights don't have enough room for all their playmakers. Newcastle by 10."

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93 comments on this story

  • Manly fanatic of Brisbane says… July 05, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Manly by 50.

    1

  • Paul of Glebe says… July 05, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Rabbits supporter here.. we are gone.. to many party animals in the squad who wouldn't know the term "professionalism" if it bite them on the backside. A few need a Maitua reality check and be punted from their lifestyle for a while. Gotta feel for Crocker and the few that put in every week.

    2

  • Myf of Sydney says… July 05, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    Manly by 400.

    3

  • MATTY of SYDNEY says… July 05, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    Tigers to really fire up this week and i expect the tiges to start a real charge to the finals as we get most of our injured players back. We have been without Lawrence and lote for most of the year and that took a lot of strike power away from the tigers. Gareth Ellis will smash the hayne PAIN early and the tigers will win by plenty

    4

  • Deepish says… July 05, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    Major upset if its a win for the Coast but I dont think the Warriors will allow a great opportunity at 2 back to back home games slip by them against teams who are in a bad situation. No excuses for a loss in my opinion, if your serious about the top 8 this year then the next 2 games have to be wins for the Warriors. A realistic 6 points with 2 wins and the bye thats just gone would put the Warriors back into the top 8 but more importantly also give them a + points differential which may well play a big part in confirming spots for the last 3 spots. Matt Rogers has been the go to man for Gold Coast in previous Warriors Vs Titans encounters with the last Mt Smart game in 2010 being won by Rogers himself. Not enough in this instance though becasue when a team is in heavy crisis sitting at the foot of the table, things tend to stay the way.

    5

  • Gold Coast Tiger of Gold Coast Baby says… July 05, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    The Tigers seem to be allowing all teams who play them to suddenly find form. Robert Lui can't tackle and tops the list of most tackles missed. All teams know this and just run at him and he jsut stands still and watches them go past him. You won't win games by not tackling, but you know Tim. He won't change anything until the horse has bolted. Even if they make the finals, having a player who can't tackle will leave a glaring hole that can't be filled and they will miss the GF.

    6

  • GC Johnny says… July 05, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    Titans bringing Mat Rogers Back is an ebassassment to the game there are 5 viable choices ahead of the Rat. I love the Titans but they are making it very hard to follow them. Cartwright may have just shown Australia he's not a good coach.

    7

  • Big Bad Brad says… July 05, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    The only thing frostier than the onshore gale that accompanies the rain every Saturday at Shark Park will be the reception the black, white and blue faithful (including Big Bad Brad) will give Blake Ferguson on his return to Shark Park. And the only thing frostier than that will be the reception the Raiders faithful will give their team on Sunday morning when they realise that the only run they will get in September will be on the beach in Fiji chasing a Frisbee. Sharks by 4 (with the home fans singing Up, Up, Cronulla with extra gusto after Ferguson butchers a certain match winner with 60 seconds left on the clock).

    8

  • Mike of Hamilton, NZ says… July 05, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Panthers, Warriors, Storm & Sea Eagles to run up big scores this week. Good chance for those clubs to improve their points differential given the likley end of season logjam in the top eight.

    9

  • Jurgo from Yeppoon says… July 05, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    The games this round look pretty easy to pick, other than the last one. I'm tipping Warriors, Eels, Sharks, Storm, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Cowboys.

    10

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  • Cathy lonsdale of Canberra ACT says… July 05, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    the panthers two win this one i am quite sure the panthers want too get revenge from the finals series from last year when the roosters knock them out the panthers two win by 20 plus this coming weekend in both the Toyota cup also in the NRL

    11

  • RonaldM of Redfern says… July 05, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    After last week's diabolic performance by the bunnies you can expect them to come out of their burrows with gusto this week. Manly (we are the pretend favorites) will collapse and start to assume the mantle of the mid table dwellers that they are. Storm will walk all over the dogs just as they did at Ammi Park. The only thing that has changed here is that the dogs have gotten worse, lost all their mojo, forgotton how to score trys and started dropping the ball more times than the adjudicator predicts a correct outcome. The Raiders will raid the shire and run back to Canberra with the spoils. Sharkies will throw off their thin veneer of being an RL team and assume their familiar mantle of FAILURE. All hopes (not that there ever were any really) of a top 8 position will be gone forever and their fans can lay down their towels on the beach in September in the knowlege that yet again there is nothing else of interest going on in Cronulla. Incidently, with all this talk of championship favorites, and form teams, no one seems to have noticed that the Storm have snuck up under radar to be 2 points clear at the top.

    12

  • Flying Rabbit of Sydney says… July 05, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Souths by 1000

    13

  • Shayne Farah of Milperra says… July 05, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    The TIGES to bounce back to form with the return of MARSHALL,UTAI & LAWRENCE. My other tips are MANLY by $hitloads,a ROGERS inspired TITANS to go down to the desperate WARRIORS,KNIGHTS too good, PENRITH to flog the hapless ROOSTERS,and the SHARKS & RAIDERS both on a roll,so im leaning towards the SHARKS at home. The STORM to pile on plenty and stay atop the ladder. And if anyone sees that pest RONALDM here,tell him his RABBITS are GGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    14

  • Smat says… July 05, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    If Lewis, Jennings and Petero come out of Origin intact, there'll be a massacre on Sunday, the Roosters probably won't even bother coming out of the tunnel for the second half!

    15

  • Azza of the Go says… July 05, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Manly by 7189454442318

    16

  • Blackholepanthe of The Riff says… July 05, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Panthers V Roosters this will be a tough one for the rooster supporters to get through, The Panthers on the other hand will be rolling through the Roosters like a runaway cement truck . On the other hand when ME takes over from Brian Smith the players will still not know what the coach is talking about .... The Mighty Panthers by 24

    17

  • Sun_Coaster says… July 05, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    GC Johnny may be right about Cartwright. Look at Tomane who is off to join the Brumbies. The guy was killing them while under Bellyache, but since moving to the CG has done nothing. The Sunbathers...sorry Titans are trying to do a Toni Carroll with the Rat, but the Rat is injury prone and it could all end in tears for the Titans. Anyway it is fine up here on the Sunny Coast, but there is a Storm forecast for around September-October and is expected to hit Adelaide Oval this weekend

    18

  • Snagglepuss of NZ. says… July 05, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    Jurgo .....you only got one wrong mate .....Knights will beat the Cowboys at Energy .....otherwise your 100% correct......Good value the Eels ....they have opened $2.38 which I think is 'overs' !

    19

  • tiMMeH! of Brissy says… July 05, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    Ah there you are RonaldM. I was waiting to see what you were going to say about the weekends performance. Yet again the Sharkies have won against your tipping and the woeful Rabit-hoes are back licking their wounds after getting smashed all around the park. They even did it without Paul Gallen. The Sharks let you in with a soft try in the 2nd half but unfortunately you needed a few more to at least make the scoreline look respectable. But then again, I don't think you know what that looks like. It's ok, maybe Manly will be nice and let you score 2 tries...after they have put 40 on the board against you.

    20

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  • Jax says… July 05, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    RonaldM of Redfern you must still be embarrassed after the mighty sharkies pumped your team, maybe you need Russel Crowe to splash more cash around and maybe finish 9th? Sharks to smoke the Raiders this week and Blake Ferguson to be booed til he cries.

    21

  • MR says… July 05, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    EELS?no chance from wot i saw last week.

    22

  • Lucas Scott says… July 05, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Titans to beat Warriors by 8, Eels to beat Tigers by 2, Raiders to beat Sharks by 2, Bulldogs to beat Storm by 2, Roosters to beat Panthers by 20, Cowboys to beat Knights by 2 and Manly to absolutely annihilate the Ratshit Rabbitohs by an easy 54 points and hold them scoreless like they did in '75 and destroy the Gaytohs season!!!

    23

  • Rob of sydney says… July 05, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Bulldogs to get hammerd by 30 easy storm will show u how a team plays dogs are rubbish and they wont win anything this year storm to smash them and teach them a lession

    24

  • dizzystuff says… July 05, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Gonna be a lot of thumpings this week. Warriors will put a cricket score on the disgracefull titans this week, how Cartwright keeps his job has got to be one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time. Warriors should put 50 on them. Tigers should do likewise against the pitiful jellied Eels and after Hindmarsh's little mouthgard hissyfit last week things will only get worse as we'll see the whole team throw in the towel instead. Tigers by 25+. Rabbits made Sharks look good last week but Canberra are on a roll and far more dangerous than the hopeless Rabbits. Canberra by 13+. Storm by 13+ in Moore's swansong as Coach, if the Dogs get blown away he's gone, a miracle draw/win will only salvage him another week or two. Penrith by 19+ in a canter against a deplorable Roosters team, not even the return of "the best player in the world" can save the doltish Rorters. Manly will feast on stewed rabbit this week as the "perenial underachieving" Rabbits finally confront the reality that they aren't underachieving they just simply suck. Manly by 19+. And in the only game that wont be a shambolic blowout the Knights should squeak home at home against the Cowboys in a thriller Knights by 4

    25

  • Dan the Man of bondi says… July 05, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Manly to get back the hard working back rower Shane Rodney this week as well as Brent kite in the front row.... Blood bath at Brooky on Sunday... Rabbits should just forfeit this one... Manly by plenty.

    26

  • Manly Express of The Goldy says… July 05, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Manly by infinity +1

    27

  • Matt of Penrith says… July 05, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Where were all you penrith supporters 6 weeks ago , you beat a pathetic bulldogs team last week and scored tries from kicks , your halves can't even create a genuine line break , against the good teams when your struggling for metres and field position a bomb won't work if your kicking it from your own 40m line , penrith won't even make the top 8 there almost pathetic as the bulldogs , once you lose the team will go back to the way they were , biggest junior nursery in the NRL and still struggling what a joke of a club heavily in debt !!!

    28

  • Shark in enemy territory of Northern beaches, Sydney says… July 05, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Warriors 13+ based on just not being as bad as the titans haha, I'm pretty sure tigers have some stars coming back, tigers by 12 eels aren't easy beats but tigs should be ok, cronulla by 1-12 on the back of their defense and an icy reception for Blake ferguson, some big hits in that game, Melbourne by 19+ again just better than the dogs, penrith 13+ over the roosters to much confidence vs too little confidence, hahaha good ol Ronnie M and his useless bunnies, you make a fool of yourself every week, eagles by 19+ and the toughest match of the round cowboys vs knights, this could go either way, I'm thinking cowboys just on a hunch that whatever the outcome in origin, thurston will back up very strongly either way cowboys 1-6, and Ronnie M no matter how much money your bunnies throw around they will never be a club that has worked hard by developing their juniors or lesser players, what's gonna happen when sandow leaves hahaha just throw more money I suppose, I'd like to know if you have ever even played a game of footy or even watched a game other than a bunnies game? Manly are a very good team and while I'm a sharks supporter they are chance at winning this year, manly will smash

    29

  • Phantom Warrior of Cammeray says… July 05, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    What has Lucas Scott been smoking? The only one he's likely to have picked correctly is the Manly vs Rabbits game. Storm and Panthers should run up cricket scores, as should the Warriors. I say Sharks will win at home, but it will be a battle, and I wouldn't write off the Eels who may surprise the flashy Tigers. Best of round should be the Knights pipping the Cows by 6. Looking forward to tomorrow night, where I pick the Maroons running away with it in the end - Qld by 10+.

    30

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  • Mike of Penrith says… July 05, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    6 weeks ago we were watching our boys destroy the Broncos, Matt. Where were you?

    31

  • Mike of Penrith says… July 05, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    My mistake, we were smashing Souffs.

    32

  • Barrie of Newie says… July 05, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Ronald M Just to lay to rest the inept diatribe you continually throw up in these forums, the following stats may be difficult to swallow but stats they are. A smart man would leave the site, never to be heard of again but nobody ever accused you of being smart did they? In 31 years of footy (that's 1980 to 2010) the Sharks have played the Bunnies on 53 occasions. They have been victorious on 28 occasions with 3 draws leaving the Bunnies with (quick can you work it out..) yes that's right 22 wins. During the same time the Bunnies have averaged 11th on the table while the Sharks have averaged 8th on the table. For many seasons the Bunnies were literally the Sharks Bunnies losing 20 out of 27 games. At one stage it was 84-0 over 4 games, ouch!! Man, that must have been when they decided to turf them out. Never mind, it gets worse, since letting them back in they have averaged 13th on the ladder. Yes even with a bottomless pit of Crowe dollars they still haven't risen above mediocrity. I guess the time is fast approaching when you Ronald will have to start packing your gear up and putting it in cold storage again. Now be a good boy, go away and take your constant dribble with you.

    33

  • B of Brisbane says… July 05, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    Why do people on here write novels trying to sound like prophets and talk in Clichés. Warriors by Googl. 1 1/2 lines.

    34

  • Splicer Rabbitoh of Cairns says… July 05, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    At this time last week,I was haunted by a vision of circling Sharks which I promptly ignored.More fool me.This week however,it won't take much for the Rabbitohs to improve on last weeks pathetic display.Even though at Brookvale,I expect a close fought game,and though I may well baulk at tipping them,I see the Bunnies up by 4.It's because we're not expected to challenge.Think Manly,Dragons and Bronco's in previous rounds. There's always hope.

    35

  • j-kakare of PNG-SOUTHS says… July 05, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Souths by 4

    36

  • Wild Panther of Penrith says… July 05, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Matt from Penrith Your a disgrace. You must be a parra supporter.

    37

  • Rob of Batemans Bay says… July 05, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Please explain how South Sydney can play so bad and not get investigated for their performance?? Did they get on the drink on Saturday night or something???If they were an average racehorse (and they are not that at the moment) there would be a major enquiry into last Sunday's debacle.Drop sandow now and give Malcolm Webster a shot at the 7 and see how he goes.sandow has no interest in his jersey anymore.Souths need spark in the halves and he ain't got any.For the first time in nearly 40 years I am going to tip against Souths 'cos I am not that far behind in the tipping comps that I'm in!!!!God help Us.

    38

  • Knight Vision says… July 05, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    with Gids and Killer backing up after Origin and the return of Mullin and perhaps Mad Dog I think the lucky run the Cowgirls have had is about to come to and end as the Knights put them to the sword. The knights have been a very under rated side for a couple of years now and have suffered from massive injury tolls in the last years. Given a full strength and a good bounce of the ball they can beat anyone , and with a few additions and the arrival of Uncle Wayne they will next year . The dawn of the Knight era is about to begin. All other NRL sides - you have been warned

    39

  • The Bulked up Whippet of San Fran Nambour says… July 05, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Ronnie Ronnie Ronnie, you really are a serious loser and why do you pretend to be intelligent and voice an opinion when everyone wishes they could tap you on the head and say 'sit! Good boy'. Manly will thrash your feeble bunnies and do you look like a 125kg Ziggy Niscott with nicotine fingers?

    40

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  • JohnZi of Parramatta says… July 05, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Quite Simple. Rabbitohs turn up against the teams they fear will put 50 on them, and don't bother when it comes to teams they are tipped to beat. It has been like this since 2009. If there is a team that ALWAYS seems to surprise us and beat Manly, it's Souths. They do it every year. With Inglis back, i expect the game to be close, Manly deserve to be favourites but Souths are a chance.

    41

  • eels :) says… July 05, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    why is ETU UAISELE not in the team? seriously one of the better options for the eels backline.

    42

  • RonaldM of Redfern says… July 05, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    I should have siad that my other prediction is that Queensland will absolutly smash Ricky Stewart's NSW. All this bluster about not declaring the team and other mind games is to cover up a growing insecurity in the blues camp. Expect the maroons to come out of the gate like a bull in a china shop breaking all those NSW crockery hearts.

    43

  • Marv of Curl Curl says… July 05, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    Manly by 00110011 00110110 My predictions are so high-tech I write in binary

    44

  • Matt of Penrith says… July 05, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    @Wild panther , how am I a disgrace , your team have won two in a row , your crowds at home games are very average , your ground announcer humps the black rat on wheels before a game and your club is cash strapped , penrith is the biggest area for juniors and the panthers still lack in the development and growth in the area , the roosters do more in penrith than the panthers , they have training runs at kings wood park I cant remember the last time I saw the panthers promoting themselves , and just so you know I'm not a parra supporter I actually follow the knights

    45

  • LMAO of Sydney says… July 05, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Storm by over 9000!!!!

    46

  • sam the eagle of brookvale says… July 05, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    eagles vs saints grand final with eagles winning and sending wayne bennett packing to newcasle, where he will flop every one has their day u will all remember this..........mighty eagles with the title...........choke on that...........

    47

  • AJ of Wagga says… July 06, 2011 at 1:16 AM

    Ease up Barrie (comment 39). I think all you've proven is that in recent times Sharks and Bunnies both suck like a massive black hole. Bunnies do have 20 odd premierships, though, and a healthy bank balance and an Oscar winner and a viable support base and a gladiator with a big sword and a horse. Sorry, our Russ trumps your......sand and stuff.

    48

  • Logan says… July 06, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    @ Sam the eagle of brookvale, that has got to me the most accurate post out of them all! Manly and dragons GF and Manly to beat the biggest NRL GF scoreline in history ( which they made against the storm in 2008, 40 to nil just to remind everyone ;-) !!! ) Manly by 41+!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    49

  • Taro of the Chookpen says… July 06, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    God help us, 9 weeks to go.

    50

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  • Peggy of Australia says… July 06, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    This is an easy round. I saw Wooop Wooop play at the start of the season and they had about as much effect as a wet paper bag. They might have improved a little but determined opposition will always triump. After their humiliation last week against the sharks the bunnies will be determined and will completely smash the wooop wooop. Storm will hammer the dogs and are my tip for a GF place. The Dragons will probably take the other one. Raiders to end sharkies recent run in cruel style. The green machine will show Cronulla what winning games running rings around a Sharkies Gallen still moping about his loss to Queensland. Warriors, Paramatta and Penrith complete my round of predictions this week. Remember its all about having fun people.

    51

  • Mike of Penrith says… July 06, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Matt, any ticketed member of the club will tell you that since Gus has come on there's been a massive change in all areas, including promotion, increased attendance etc. But hey, if you want to stick with your naive opinions then go for it.

    52

  • White Knight says… July 06, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    My predictions: Warriors by 28, Tigers by 2, Sharks by 26, Storm by 46, Panthers by 6, Manly by 24, Knights by 18. Who agrees or disagees and why :-)?

    53

  • James of Windsor says… July 06, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Parra had some very close losses and its time they realise final hopes are fading away. Parra's loss in recent games came through silly penalties and mistakes. I think Steven Kearney have instilled the discipline formula in the team and this week will be the first win out of the 8 they need to win..

    54

  • Mike of Ipswich says… July 06, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    @ GC Johnny - I'm so sick of people blaming a coach for one bad season. Did you forget that in the last two years the GC were 3rd and 4th?? Were you bagging the coach then?? How about bagging the players for below par performances. I'm sure that when the Titans come good next year you wont be thanking the coach, pathetic.

    55

  • Brendan of NEW SOUTH WALES BABY!!! says… July 06, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    I say Mullen will run the show for the Knights. Gidley will start in 5/8, but i think Stone will rotate him between 5/8 and hooker to allow young Stig some time in 5/8 to show why he is a player for the future. Taking all this into account, i believe the Knights will add to Thurston's sorrow (after the Origin 3 loss) with a 23-16 scoreline.

    56

  • lopati of qld says… July 06, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    worries should be back out of holiday mode, they will make it look hard but win by a whisker.

    57

  • depressed bunny of sydney says… July 06, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    The bunnies defence to concede their first 50 against the eagles. The boofheads at Redfern appear to have dropped Roberts , the one player worth a playing future-unbelievable!Souths should be blooding all their youngsters in the place of the duds like Sandow ,Luke and co who turn up once every 6 weeks.Follow the broncos strategy and reap the rewards.

    58

  • sam the eagle of brookvale says… July 06, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    logan thanks mate for ur kind remarks,the saints won in round one, but if u watch the game most of their trys were scored off our mistakes an we were attacking had the ball gone to our players on those occasions we would of won,als we went over the line twice before they scored an their first try was not a try i bet my left nut.......its their to be seen, the eagles will improve even more remember both teams had players out but the eagles for mine to win the title,bennett has not tasted grand final loss an no one wins for ever,mate its the mighty eagles to take the grand prize soooooooo all u saints fans choke on it and LOGAN u r a legend hope to here from u soon, keep in touch mate an gooooooooo the mighty eagles.............

    59

  • Jurgo from Yeppoon says… July 06, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    I agree with you Lopati of Qld, Warriors to wun by a whusker ;o) To Snagglepuss (comment 19) you could be right about the Knights, I think a lot will depend on the outcome of tonight's game. If Qld win JT will be fired up and have a good game on the weekend, but if they lose then the Knights might get the chocolates. I'm hoping for a Maroon victory tonight which is probably why I'm leaning towards the Cowboys on the weekend. GO YOU MIGHTY MAROONS!!!!!!

    60

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  • Damo of Rocky says… July 06, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    It looks like another round of Russian roulette for the coaches as every fan of the bottom 8 teams are putting forth their reasons why the coach of their team should be sacked! My tip?? That every team with a coach walking the tightrope to lose and add more ammo to the fans that blame their coach for all their teams shocking performances this year!

    61

  • Bronco Fan JSR of Brisvegas says… July 06, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    @White Knight: I can't agree with the the knights vs cowboys prediction. I am a one eyed QLD fan but Thurston and Co. are going to put on more points than that. If stig plays he will be targeted and I would worry how the young guy will handle defensive pressure. It will be a high scoring affair. I am thinking something like 22-18 to the Cowboys. With Tate, Tonga and Tariq Sims returning for the Cowboys in the next few weeks expect them to really kick it up a gear. They have a GF winning backline with Bowen, Tate, Tonga, Fai Fai Loa, Thurston and Payne (imagine if Winterstein wasn't injured). Coupled with Scott, Tariq, Ashton and Dallas Johnson in the forwards this is a VERY strongteam. You are likely playing them at the weakest they will be this season

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  • Simon Roberts of Brisbane says… July 06, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Careless. Canberra were the highest scoring team of the round.

    63

  • Andrew of HV says… July 06, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    @ Bronco Fan JSR of Brisvegas "You are likely playing them at the weakest they will be this season" So when the Knights put away the cowboys you will blame it on how the cowboys are probly the weakest team they've fielded this year? nice fall back excuse!

    64

  • Ronald M says… July 06, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Gallen will be so devastated by Wednesday's state of origin loss, you can expect to see him crying on the touch line for half of Saturday's Canberra v Cronulla match. The sharks will again disappoint their loyal fans whilst the Raiders live up to their viking heritage by pillaging the shire and returning home to Valhalla with the spoils. Raiders by 10

    65

  • Mike of Ipswich says… July 06, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    QUEENSLANDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    66

  • Jurgo from Yeppoon says… July 06, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    Hey Snagglepuss, I am changing my tip for the Knights/Cowboys game, the Knights should romp it in. A shame it took an injury like that to make me change my mind though. Had JT made it through tonight unscathed I think it would have been a close game this weekend. Tough break Cowboys. Great win Queensland!!!

    67

  • Holtlobster of Bundaberg says… July 06, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    Well mr adjudicator u may need to rethink some of ur tips. With thurston out for the season, cowboys not only have no chance of winning this game but will be lucky now to make the eight. Also of not; in the panthers rooster game Georgallis is resting Civonoceva and Lewis, i still think penrith may get the chocolates but just. For my other tips, parramatta to win. Tigers without Benji = fail. Warriors should win against the titans. Storm should beta the bulldogs even though its in adelaide and they lost against the bulldogs there last yr. However Smith will most likely be suspended for his attempt on Hayne. Cronulla i reckon are a darkhorse of the competition, they should sneak into the 8 . . . and their cause will be helped by a win against the raiders. and to finish off, manly should beat the rabbits, though if Inglis fires like he did in origin it could be closer than what ppl think. On a final note . . . GO QUEENSLANDER and thank you to Lockyer, you ahve been tremendous for us. Now just win the premiership for the broncos and u can retire like Wencke did in 06 (won origin, won the premiership . . . take my tips, i scored a perfect 6 from 6 last round and u need help Adjudicator

    68

  • Hunter of Newcastle says… July 07, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    For the sake of the game Souths would be better off failing to appear. Can't understand why they are still in the comp. Heartless gumps with no future, holding onto a spot Perth or Adelaide could fill. The only thing worse than the rubbish they serve up on the field is the diatribe their fans write on these sites. Bring on the myxomatosis and put an end to their shame.

    69

  • Mike of Ipswich says… July 07, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    Holtlobster of Bundaberg, how did you get 6 out of 6 last round when there were only 5 games?? :S

    70

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  • Holtlobster of Bundaberg says… July 07, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    at Mike of Ipswich. Because including the state of Origin match that was played last night made it 6. In my footy comps for work and all that we include the city/country and state of origin games. So therefore a perfect 6 out of 6

    71

  • josho of Not Redfern Centrelink says… July 07, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    @RonaldM did you get sprung mid way through a male "bonding session" in the public toilets on the Esplanade, does that explain your angst with all things the Shire? All things considered one would think you'd be alot happier these days given the flash new pads your lot has been built by the govt - and with views of Redfern Oval no less! House architecture really has come a long way.

    72

  • Mike of Ipswich says… July 07, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    Holtlobster of Bundaberg, ah fair enough. Why doesn't The Adjudicator do the State of Origin matches? He did the City/Country and Test

    73

  • josho of Not Redfern Housos says… July 07, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    houso architecture, houso. you guys ruined the punch line ;-)

    74

  • Avagadro of the Lab says… July 07, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    Penrith by 6.02 x 10^23

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  • Grant of Sydney says… July 07, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Penrith to beat Roosters by 12348923542573874234129332093 points, with Minichello breaking his leg trying to stop the ball with his leg AGAIN and tredding on it, thus forcing the immediate retirement of himself and Brian Smith, with Todd Carney going back to serving drinks at the local pub, and the club being kicked out of the competition. Now thats an ideal world, eh? Wouldn't be surprised to see it happen

    76

  • Bill says… July 08, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Each week, I expect Wests to bounce back but they fail. They have failed to beat any top eight team (except Warriors). As much as it hurts to say it, 2011 is over for Wests.

    77

  • Shayne Farah of Milperra says… July 08, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    @BILL Dont count them out yet,remember 2005????????????????????????

    78

  • 'DOGS TO HAVE SOME BITE' of nsw says… July 08, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    ""WARNING"" DONT UNDERESTIMATE THE BATTLING DOGS AFTER LAST WEEKS PERFORMANCE OR LACK OF .I GUARANTEE WONT BE THE SAME ROTT THAT WAS THERE LAST WEEK WE WILL PUT IN A REASONABLE SHOWING .PROB WONT WIN BUT WE WILL B IN THE GAME SO LOOK OUT MELBOURNE

    79

  • Loyal warrior 4 life. of sydney says… July 08, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    just sumthing out of the blue.y dosen't the nrl and allow the same system as cricket and tennis to question calls they think r wrong.I for 1 r sic of people whinging about refs and it makes me angry when a refs call can cost your team a game.Its a waste of time captains arguing with the ref bcause they never change there mind anyway.y wont they consider listening to a captain of a team.

    80

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  • Go the reds and the Broncs of Brisbane says… July 08, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    RonaldM of Redfern says… you really are a laugh I would call you mate but I dont really think you would have any Souths are as good as gone and down the ladder you go the funny part is everone just looks are you posts and laughs you talk about manly being the pretenders look at your own team they have been pretending for years what is it 40+ now lol.

    81

  • sam the eagle of brookvale says… July 08, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    RonaldM OF redfern i thought i told u dont come out from under your rock, what a pity the crabs hated u as well.u r nothin but a jelouse loser look at ur team just like u no hopers, and guess what i bet u my nuts, cause u av none, that ur mob wont win a comp in the next 100000000000000000000000000000. sooooooooooooo go back under ur rock an this time dont come out............go u mighty eagles...................ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

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  • sam the eagle of brookvale says… July 08, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    ronaldm of redfern have fun stirring ur soup with dat wooden spoon must av a big collection ey.............go u mighty eagles.............

    83

  • Jeff of Sydney says… July 08, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Titans will be competitive but there is just no way you could tip them, Eels to win but Tigers a chance if Marshall plays, Sharks will smash the Raiders and Ferguson, Bulldogs will improve but Storm should be too good, Panthers in a nail-biter and Knights to beat Cowboys with no JT.

    84

  • Ged Sed of Darkside of the Moon says… July 08, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    from where I sit: Tigers to win by 14pts Warriors to win by 22pts Sharks to win by 8pts Storm to win by 16pts Panthers to win by 22pts Manly to win by 14pts Knights by 12pts

    85

  • LTB says… July 08, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    CMONNNNNNNN TIGERS!!!!

    86

  • chris of hawkesbury says… July 08, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    cronulla sharks to win by 20 points against canberra and give fergo the smashing of his life and show he shouldnt of left , cronulla sharks to win 2011 premiership and be the darkhorse

    87

  • Mad Cow of Dairy farmers says… July 08, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    hahaha very clever Avagadro of the Lab, you raised the intelligence of this forum by 6.02X10^23 points- who said league fans are not smart. My confidence of cowboys winning a premiership also dropped 6.02X10^23 points with JT injury, even as a one-eyed NQ supporter. Will always support the cows and have faith they can hold on and get back to best at the back end of the season and still make a charge. Shame but, thurston was a million points ahead in Dally M and would have rightfully deserved it had he been fit- thems the breaks (or medial ligament tears) i suppose.

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  • Green eyed Canberra supporter of Canberra says… July 09, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    It's the green eyed monster from Canberra watch out Sharkies your next to feel Victors sharp edged sword!!! Were bad and mean the green machine!!!

    89

  • Carn the Cowboys of Toowoomba says… July 09, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Matt of Penrith - You said the Panthers have struggled against the good teams this year? Interesting, lets recap the results then shall we. Panthers v storm = Storm in a narrow victory. Panthers v Broncos = Panthers won by a mile. Panthers v Cowboys = Again Panthers won by a mile. Panthers have had no problem turning up against the top of the table sides.....It's the games their expected to win they have lost. My tip is they will finish 6th on the ladder and put a huge scare through the top 5 sides in the semis.

    90

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  • sam the eagle of brookvale says… July 09, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    they will finish like this eagles,dragons,storm,broncos,cowboys,warriors,knights,and o toss up between the panthers and the sharks the bulkldogs if they go on a winning run could sneak,but for mine with what ive seen this year for the talent, if all teams av their players in tact,it will be the mighty mighty eagles vs the saints with the eagles winning their 8th title,wayne bennett has never lost a grandfinal an u cant always win.................its the eagles to rule it what has been a great great year..........doin the eagle rock...............

    91

  • Damo of Rocky says… July 09, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    The Eagles to win the minor premiership?? I dont think it will happen. But it will come down to their last 2 rounds playing both the Storm and the Broncos. If they lose one or two games against: Souths, Knights, Panthers, Tigers, Roosters, Eels and Bulldogs then they'll be no chance

    92

  • Mike of Ipswich says… July 09, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Poor RonaldM, wrong again. Third time lucky maybe? I doubt it!

    93

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