It’s that time of the year again! No, I’m not referring to some special holiday, but moreso to the finals of the NRL! Apologies for the lack of TFD last week, I forgot the week started on Thursday and after watching the Broncos win their last game for 2013 and send off Princey in high spirits, I realised “Shoot! I didn’t put in my tips!” Whoops. Anywho… welcome to Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

I just love the feeling knowing we are getting step by step closer to finding out the Premiers of 2013! Let’s get this thing started!

Friday 13th September, 2013
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Melbourne Storm
This one, in my sweet and humble opinion, is going to be a helluva game between these two top teams. Both the Bunnies and the Storm have carved through their competition throughout the entire year and it all comes down to this. One notable mention for the Storm’s side is that Widdop has been named on the interchange and, seeing as I have a soft spot for Widdop, this is excellent news! Here’s to hoping he goes well tonight.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

This is definitely a very, very difficult one to predict. My decision to tip the Storm is based purely on the Bunnies lackluster performance last week and Inglis’ seeming mismatch against his former team. Ever since joining the Bunnies, Inglis has not beaten the Storm in a game and with those statistics in mind, I’m backing the Storm to take this one on. I also want Ryles to go out in a blaze of glory because he so surely deserves it.

Saturday 14th September, 2013
Cronulla Sharks vs. North Queensland Cowboys
Team no.5 takes on team no.8 at Allianz Stadium as the Sharkies collide with the Cowboys. Both of these teams have had a decent year, nothing more, nothing less. The Sharks have an influx of returns for their finals match with Gallen, Carney, Graham, Bukuya and Tupou returning while the Cowboys regain (my favourite Cowboy) Matt Scott back in his rightful no.8 jersey.

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

While the Sharks have been great and the reinforcements back into their squad will help, the Cowboys have proven to be dangerous opponents in recent weeks, chalking up impressive win after impressive win. They have hit top form at the end of the season and that is why I’m predicting a Cowboys win in this one. Go Scotty!

South Sydney Roosters vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Taking place 3 hours after at Allianz Stadium is the Chookies vs. the Eagles. Just like the Bunnies/Storm game, this one is going to be a very hard one to tip seeing as both teams have proven why they deserve to be in the top 4. According to the NRL website, the Roosters still have yet to name a no.8 with Waerea-Hargreaves still under scrutiny from last week’s shenanigans. With rumours that Georgey Rose could be heading to the Storm, this may be his last game as an Eagle if they were to lose.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Roosters

I’m going with the Roosters on this one based purely on the fact that they are currently on the top of the ladder. In their previous two encounters in the year, the Chookies have also beaten the Eagles so with that in mind, here’s to a Roosters victory on Saturday night.

Sunday 15th September, 2013
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Newcastle Knights
Wrapping up the first week of finals in the NRL is the Doggies taking on the Knights at ANZ Stadium. Both teams have been great all season with a couple of mismatches here and there but nevertheless they have earned their spot in the top 8. Barba has been named on the bench for the Bulldogs and on the Knights side, this may be the last game for Buderus if they Knights were to lose after having a great home send off last week against the Eels.

SolSat’s Prediction: Newcastle Knights

I know it’s not wise to do so, especially in an actual money-betting environment, but I’m tipping with my heart on this one and choosing the Knights to take the victory. I have a soft spot for Buderus and think he is an absolute NRL legend and I am therefore hoping that the Knights will defeat the Bulldogs just to keep Buderus’ dreams alive – and me happy.

As always, I am keen as mustard for this weekend and will be glued to the TV to watch all of this week’s NRL action unfurl. Here’s to some solid footy!

– by The Black Widow