Nrl 2020

[ellicat]

Big pickup by the Titans - they've won the battle for David Fifita.

[Gad]

4 hours ago, ellicat said:

Big pickup by the Titans - they've won the battle for David Fifita.

$3.5 mllion for 3 years would be hard/impossible to turn down... especially for a 20 year old, I guess.
The young guy has talent, he appears to have a rising future with continuing development, and endless potential ..... that`s the concern with the Titans.;; player development.

A good example would be Ash Taylor, young talented, loaded with potential, rising Bronco`s half back getting his chances in the NRL, along come the Titans $1million a season offer.... with the whole club`s weight of expectation on his shoulders it only took 2 seasons for him to crash, with no continued development. 

Very few above average NRL careers have come out of the Titans, but quite a few careers have been buried at their graveyard. Many times by paying over price for players to come there, they have lost players that went on to be key players at other clubs.

[ellicat]

Still don't know if they've got the right coach for them yet, but they have a few decent forwards coming next season which might help the side improve.

[Drop Bear]

KM you are leading the comp by a fair bit. Well done. 

[Gad]

17 hours ago, ellicat said:

Still don't know if they've got the right coach for them yet, but they have a few decent forwards coming next season which might help the side improve.

another of the Titan think-tank`s recruitment waste of money and moved a couple their players on to accomodate this contract.... admittedly he had 'potential' but having more problems than a Solleys top shelf $5 digital calendar watch, both on and off field the Panthers were relieved he went to the Titans
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2020-bryce-cartwright-quits-gold-coast-titans-returns-to-sydney/news-story/37fe01e6f74fe35d9cc215ba6

[ellicat]

Gotta have some faith in Big Mal as head of 'culture'.

[Drop Bear]

9 minutes ago, ellicat said:

Gotta have some faith in Big Mal as head of 'culture'.

Mal AKA Smell my finger... 

[Gad]

Round 11 results

Thursday July 23

Eels 26  v  16 Tigers

This was a hard fought struggle, The Tigers started hard but went through a period of  HIA`s and injuries with a couple not returning to the field. Tigers gallantly stood tall but were out gunned by a determined Eels outfit

Friday July 24

Cowboys 12  v  24 Sea Eagles

Hmmm.. Manly were not overly impressive, and can be partly thankful for the Cowboys (whose defensive efforts were up and their attack offered some 2^nd phase plays at times) many mistakes/lapses that helped get that win…. In saying this, one has to remember Manly had a few out through injuries.

Broncos 8  v  46 Storm
The Broncos first 40 minutes impressed me this week. 8-8 at 35^th minute, their heads were high, their attack was being directed with planned plays and the defence was organised…. in saying this, the Storm (for their standard) were slightly off pace across the field for the first 30 minutes… but that 40 minutes by the Broncos was a turn around for them to what they have been offering.
Half time Storm 14– 8
In saying all that…. (and yes I`m aware over the last 10 years the Broncos do not have a great record playing the Storm) their attack and defence had no answer to the Storm`s 2^nd 40 minutes, 32-0  scoring spree

Saturday July 25

Warriors 10  v  18 Roosters
Warriors put in a good account for themselves, it wasn`t until the 52^nd minute that the Roosters hit the  front on the scoreboard with a thin 12-10 lead. A converted try about 10 minutes before full time gave the Roosters the 18-10 win.

Sharks 28  v  24 Dragons

Another game with some questionable ref calls, that may or may not have changed the outcome, but injuries during the match on both sides contributed too…

Raiders 18  v  12 Rabbitohs

The injury depleted Raiders got the hard earned 2points. The Bunnies had many opportunities but errors cost them this game
Sunday July 26

Knights 12  v  18   Bulldogs

The Dogs held on for the win. The wet, miserable and slippery conditions that more suited the style of the luckless and flairless Doggies, was helped by the Knights mistakes allowing the Dogs to build an 18 - 0 lead in the first 60 odd minutes.
Mistakes and injuries to McCullough and Watson (both may be season ending) did not help the Knights.
The Knights were always in this game, but when their opportunities opened up, usually their errors closed them down.

Titans 14  v  22 Panthers

Panthers appeared to only do enough to ensure the win. The Titan`s first points came at the 30 minute mark, 4 – 14.at the half time mark the Titans were 14 – 16.

[Gad]

3 hours ago, ellicat said:

Gotta have some faith in Big Mal as head of 'culture'.

yes, having faith is wonderful.... but he`s just a man, can he raise the dead 

[Gad]

Round 12

Thursday July 30

Dragons v Rabbitohs, Netstrata Jubilee Std 7.50pm

Friday July 31

Tigers v Warriors, Campbelltown Std. 6pm

Broncos v Sharks, Suncorp Std. 7.55pm

Saturday August 1

Roosters v Titans, SCG. 3pm

Cowboys v Raiders, Lottoland. 5.30pm

Sea Eagles v Panthers, QCB Std. 7.35pm

Sunday August 2

Bulldogs v Eels, ANZ Std. 2pm

Storm v Knights, Suncorp Std. 4.05pm

[ellicat]

Interesting round. Could be some upsets this weekend.

Dragons could do the Rabbits
Warriors could do the Tigers
Broncos could do the Sharks
Cowboys could do the Raiders
Manly could do the Panthers

Who are you tipping this week Kelvin ?

[kmcrosby78]

14 hours ago, ellicat said:

Interesting round. Could be some upsets this weekend.

Dragons could do the Rabbits
Warriors could do the Tigers
Broncos could do the Sharks
Cowboys could do the Raiders
Manly could do the Panthers

Who are you tipping this week Kelvin ?

I 'could' tell you, but probably not until Sunday night ........ 

[kmcrosby78]

On 29/07/2020 at 9:53 PM, kmcrosby78 said:

I 'could' tell you, but probably not until Sunday night ........ 

Actually I'll be nice and let you know tonight instead cause I'm nice. After contemplating going the Saints, I decided to go the Bunnies ...... 

[GregOug]

Watch out! I’m on a run. A losing one that is. The Roosters should be really worried.

I picked them next.

[Gad]

Round 12 results

Thursday July 30

Dragons 24  v  32 Rabbitohs

Dragons bolted out to an early 16 -0 lead… then the Bunnies won!

Friday July 31

Tigers 20  v  26 Warriors

Hmmm… Tohu and Hiku made the Tigers go boo hoo

Broncos 26  v  36 Sharks

Good game, both sides turned up to make their own statement… the Sharks out statement-ed the Broncos! 3 tries in 8 minutes was their punch line…..
The Broncos were well into it for 70 minutes being 8 in front and 10 minutes to go… the Sharks hit the after burners and the Broncos defensive line went missing… again!

Saturday August 1

Roosters 18  v  12 Titans

Hard fought game. 2 tries each, Roosters 2/2 conversions 3/4 penalty kicks.
Half time Roosters 10 – 6.
A couple of lost opportunities, and 2 dumb professional fowl sin binnings may have cost the Titans the opportunity for an upset result….
The reality of this game: on top of the Roosters long term injuries both Morris brothers, Cordner, Angus Crichton and Tupou did not play

Cowboys 12  v  14 Raiders

The Cowboys under Josh Hannay seem more determined each round… injury depleted Raiders held on for the win

Sea Eagles 12  v  42 Panthers

Be it good, bad, or ugly… I enjoy a Manly loss

Sunday August 2

Bulldogs 16  v  18 Eels
A fast starting Eels ran out to an 18 – 0 lead, and that was the end of their effort… and barely held on for the win.
Mistakes and poor options denied a fast finishing Dogs outfit a win.

Storm 26  v  16 Knights

Well, at least one Qld based club could get up and grab the choccies

[ellicat]

Only the 1 upset in the end, but some were a lot closer than the betting markets suggested.

[ellicat]

Correction. There were two upsets -

1. The Tigers getting beaten by the Warriors

2. Me, due to the Tigers getting beaten by the Warriors

[kmcrosby78]

1 hour ago, ellicat said:

Only the 1 upset in the end, but some were a lot closer than the betting markets suggested.

Unfortunately it would appear you didn't end up managing to convince yourself that the other upsets would eventuate ...... 

[ellicat]

1 minute ago, kmcrosby78 said:

Unfortunately it would appear you didn't end up managing to convince yourself that the other upsets would eventuate ...... 

I see it didn't put you in two minds unfortunately. haha

[natang]

On ‎2‎/‎08‎/‎2020 at 8:46 PM, ellicat said:

Correction. There were two upsets -

1. The Tigers getting beaten by the Warriors

2. Me, due to the Tigers getting beaten by the Warriors

I love my Tigers but they are so hard to tip at present. They are so hit and miss!

[ellicat]

9 minutes ago, natang said:

I love my Tigers but they are so hard to tip at present. They are so hit and miss!

We will miss the 8 again this year and again it will be due to not beating the lesser sides when we should have. Hoping Madge can coach that out of them soon !

[kmcrosby78]

Just heard that Cam Smith is missing his first NRL game since 2014 .... FREAK!!  And until now he's only ever missed 10 matches due to injury!!  I can't remember the last time I got through a touch footy season without missing a game ........  Then again, I am 4 years older than him ........ 

[ellicat]

He's unreal. I reckon if the Storm were playing the Roosters instead of the Dogs he would have needled up and played.

[Gad]

Round 13

Thursday August 6

Dragons v Roosters, WIN Std  7.50pm

Friday August 7

Sea Eagles v Warriors, Lottoland  6.00pm

Rabbitohs v Broncos, ANZ Std  7.55pm

Saturday, August 8

Storm v Bulldogs, Sunshine Coast Std  3.00pm

Knights v Tigers, McDonald Std  5.30pm

Panthers v Raiders, Panther Std  7.35pm

Sunday August 9

Titans v Cowboys, CBUS Std  2.00pm

Sharks v Eels, Netstrata Std  4.05pm

[kmcrosby78]

Interesting ........ what were you thinking @ellicat ........?   Too much sun this week ......? 

[Gad]

Round 13  results

Thursday August 6

Dragons 16  v  24 Roosters
This game was scrappy and grinding at times, but the injury wracked Roosters kept the Dragons at bay and got the results… again

Friday August 7

Sea Eagles 22  v  26 Warriors

I enjoy a Manly loss… even when I tip them!
Rabbitohs 28  v  10 Broncos

Bunnies had a good training run, and got the 2 points…

Saturday, August 8

Storm 41  v  10 Bulldogs

The Doggie`s present playing roster seldom get the credit they deserve… with the stock they have, to put on the paddock each week,  no one can seriously accuse them of continuously uhder-performing.They turn up week after week, putting in the effort…
Dean Pay came in as coach to a salary cap nightmare that had no future and many seasoned players were shopped off  to gain some control over that nightmare…

Knights 44  v  4 Tigers

Yeah, OK. What the heck made me tip the Tigers????”

Panthers 28  v  12 Raiders

In the first 10 minutes the Raiders were applying the pressure on the Panthers, then… half time Panthers 24 – 0.

If recent history is anything to go by, the wheels could fall of the Panthers wagon soon… 

Sunday August 9

Titans 30  v  10 Cowboys

Hmmm… fancy that!

Sharks 12  v  14 Eels
Waterlogged field, flippers and snorkel conditions and periods of rain pizzing down, all added to an intriquing game to watch…. Sharks were the better team, but shot themselves by giving away too many dumb penalties and ruck infringements….
at 12 -12, a 70^th minute penalty goal gave the Eels the 14 - 12 victory.

[kmcrosby78]

Anyone see Blake Ferguson's 'pass' in the quagmire conditions ........ he is certainly prone to the odd brain explosion!!!!

[ellicat]

It was hilarious. Vossy described it as the worst pass ever !

[Gad]

On 09/08/2020 at 8:23 PM, kmcrosby78 said:

 ........ he is certainly prone to the odd brain explosion!!!!

brain explosion!!!!   Kelvin, very generous of you to say  odd 'brain' explosions..... I`ve always thought it was mid-ears wax popping 

[Gad]

Round 14

Thursday August 13

Roosters v Storm, SCG  7.50pm

Friday August 14

Warriors v Panthers, Central Coast Std  6pm

Eels v Dragons, Bankwest Std  7.55pm

Saturday August 15

Sharks v Titans, Netstrata Std  3pm

Cowboys v Rabbitohs, QCB Std  5.30pm

Raiders v Broncos, GIO Std  7.35pm

Sunday August 16

Knights v Sea Eagles, McDonald Jones Std  2pm

Tigers v Bulldogs, Bankwest Std  4.05pm

[Drop Bear]

Well I haven't been putting my tips in for a few weeks. Seems to be working better for me.... ;()

I just got on then  and tipped the GC and broncs... I probably shouldn't have...

[Drop Bear]

Make that Titans, Broncs and Cowboys.... 

[natang]

Cowboys so hit and miss at present! Playing well against Rabbits tonight. Titans had a shocker with Proctor biting.... He is up for contract renewal why would you bite!!!!

 

[GregOug]

Yay! I got a tip right!

[Gad]

Round 14  results

Thursday August 13

Roosters 6  v  24 Storm

Leading 14 – 0 at half time, it looked like the Storm were set to run up a huge second half score line.
The Roosters lost  Lachlan Lam- ankle/syndesmosis?, Mitch Aubusson- suspected broken wrist in the first half, followed by a broken rib injury to Luke Keary, in the second half.
These new injuries now leave the Roosters with 10 first 17 picks unavailable on the side lines, some with long term injuries.
The Storm also had injuries with Suliasi Vinivalu, suspected broken jaw and Jahrome Hughes groin injury. 

Friday August 14

Warriors 12  v  18 Panthers

Panthers had the bulk of possession in the first half and only determined defence and grit kept the Warriors in the game, with their first try coming on half time.

Eels 12  v  14 Dragons
Strange game, the Eels appeared to play 65 minutes without digging too deep, as if waiting for the Dragons to wilt, so they could run over them, neither happened. Well done Dragons… about time everyone turned up together.

Saturday August 15

Sharks 30  v 18 Titans

The Titans were well into this game for the first 60 minutes, then someone ‘allegedly’ put the bite into a Shark fillet and the Titans were reduced to 12 men and a few injuries, with the score board showing  12- all…

at this point of the game,  the Sharks once again showed us they could overcome a lower ladder placed team.

Cowboys 30  v  31 Rabbitohs

This was a well fought and good viewing match. Cowboys turned up for this clash, on their home turf.
11 tries all up, Cowboys 6 – 5…. The 4 missed conversion attempts cost the Cowboys dearly ( if one doesn`t blame Kyle Feldt`s give away 78^th minute stripping penalty)

Half time Cowboys 14 – 12.77^th minute Cowboys 30 – 28… 78^th minute Feldt  gives away a penalty and Adam Reynolds makes it 30 – all… 79^th minute Adam Reynolds kicks field goal, Bunnies 31 – 30…

Raiders 36  v  8 Broncos
what positives can one say for the Broncos, this week?… Raiders only won by 28 points
Sunday August 16

Knights 26  v  24 Sea Eagles

Knights mounted a come back to send the Sea Eagles back to Brookvale plucked and gutted!…..

Tigers 29  v  28 Bulldogs

This turned into an entertaining game, and the last 20 minutes was quite enthralling. Tigers came out roaring and the Doggies were only woofing, at the 30 minute mark Tigers 16 – 6. The Doggies began to bark and half time score Tigers 22 – 16.

With less than 10 miutes to go the Doggies were still barking Dogs 28 – 22 and trying for a 1 pointer

.77minute mark 28- all. 78 minute mark Brooks pot a field goal…  Tigers 29 - 28

[natang]

What a round!!!!!!!!!!!

[natang]

Storm were clinical, Tigers were awesome! Broncos disgraceful, Dragons showed what they are capable of, Panthers on cruise control but very clinical, Sharks and Raiders looking good, Knights still dark horse.....

[Drop Bear]

Its hard to think of something positive to say about the donkies... 

[GregOug]

13 hours ago, Drop Bear said:

Its hard to think of something positive to say about the donkies... 

It’s hard to say something positive about my tipping

[Drop Bear]

49 minutes ago, GregOug said:

It’s hard to say something positive about my tipping

I feel your pain...

I just tipped the broncs, Cowboys and Titans... oh well...