Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

Welcome to another edition of SolSat’s Tipping for Dummies! We’re in round 18 and it’s the “State of Origin Team Bye” round before the big decider next week, meaning the Origin players will be pulled from their respective teams in this round. Let’s begin with the Prediction Count.

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 17: 4 out of 8 (50%)

Whoops. Moving on…

Friday 12th July, 2013
Brisbane Broncos vs. Cronulla Sharks
So after my boys highly disappointing performance last week – bar Corey Parker who continues to show why he is an underrated player with impressive performance after impressive performance – they are going up against the Sharks who picked up a 14 point lead victory over the Tigers in a damn entertaining game. Can my Broncos redeem themselves or will the Sharks gnaw into the Bronx and continue their roll?

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

Unfortunately, I have to be frank here – I love my boys to the moon and back but I don’t see them pulling out the V today. Their last Origin round performance against the Warriors was absolutely shocking and even with all the outs from Cronulla’s side, I see the Sharks taking out the win with the Broncos putting up a decent fight. Sorry #bronxnation! I love you all!

Saturday 13th July, 2013
Parramatta Eels vs. Penrith Panthers
My local team (the Eels, who I ironically don’t support in the slightest) will take on the Panthers at Parramatta Stadium, hoping for a home boost advantage. The Eels, needless to say, have had a bad season even with the dynamic leadership of one Mannah, so they are looking to redeem themselves as they go against the surprisingly excellent Panthers.

SolSat’s Prediction: Penrith Panthers

Taking into consideration the building momentum the Panthers have, they will take this victory without a doubt. The Eels are missing their main player in Hayne who, despite my personal feelings towards him, is a key player for the squad. The Panthers work so cohesively it’s like watching gears turn together. In saying this, the Eels always put up a good fight on their home turf so I expect to see a good game played between the two teams.

Sunday 14th July, 2013
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Melbourne Storm
The Bulldogs, who I predicted would win with ease, actually lost last week. Sadface. They are going up against the Melbourne Storm who absolutely demolished my boys with a 32-0 win at my second-most-favourite stadium, ANZ Stadium. Two major teams clash before the biggest clash of the NRL season next Wednesday – who takes the V? Sexual pun not in the slightest bit intended.

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

It’s hard to deny the premiers their excellent form even with their seemingly up-and-down season and coming off a steamroller victory, they will defeat the Doggies in what is sure to be an outstanding game. The Doggies, God bless their souls, have not wowed me this season with 2012 Dally M winner Ben Barba not impressing me at all during the year. They would have to pick up their game if they want to stay in the top 8.

Monday 15th July, 2013
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Predicting one game a day is way too easy; I could get used to this. Anyways, the lovely North Queensland Cowboys take on the Manly Sea Eagles at 1300SMILES stadium – the name of the stadium is so adorable, don’t you think? With the Cowboys missing their co-captains, Thurston and Scott, for Origin, will they be able to defeat the Eagles?

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

As just mentioned, the Cowboys are missing their main players and co-captains so I don’t see the Cowboys winning against the Eagles unfortunately. Manly have been playing some great footy this season with no real shockers to point out so they will keep up their fantastic form and continue their uphill momentum against the Cowboys, God bless their souls.

Besides my predictions, which I am hoping will be 100%, the big news of the day (at least regarding NRL fans) is that Blues captain Paul Gallen has been ruled out of the decider, indefinitely shifting the balance towards my mighty Maroons. Will this impact the deciding game in any way? Subscribe to Solstice Satisfaction and find out when I eventually recap the Origin decider.

Widow out!

– by The Black Widow