Two for two. Yeah baby Broncos. Whaaaat.

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!

SolSat’s predictions from round two: 5 of 8 (62.5%) This is an improvement from round one. I am dying to get a perfect score at least once this year.

Friday March 21, 2014
Wests Tigers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs @ ANZ Stadium
In an odd “whose home game is whose” match, the Tigers take on the Bunnies in the opening game – the former of which is considered as the home team even though ANZ is more commonly associated with the latter. What makes this game even odder is that the team who came up with the big win in round two isn’t who you think it is… and that momentum may play in favour for the Tigers.
SolSat’s prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Soznotsoz, Tigers, but I don’t think Robbie Farahrahrahrah’s team of Tigers can down the Bunnies, even with their close loss to the Sea Eagles looming over their heads. The Bunnies were a force to be reckoned with last year and they will no doubt be the same this year.

Brisbane Broncos vs. Sydney Roosters @ Suncorp Stadium
The baby Broncos take on the Sydney Roosters in their second straight home game. The Broncos are sitting nicely in second place on the ladder while the reigning premiers are a bit lower and look to regain their top position. This will be Martin Kennedy’s first game against his old team since joining the Broncos in the off season.
SolSat’s prediction: Brisbane Broncos
Okay hear me out. I know the Chookies are that damn dominant, but the Broncos have a fire in them I didn’t see much last year. Macca has been on fire in his position as starting hooker for the Broncos and combined with their new leadership, I don’t see why the Bronx can’t win this one. VERY close game, however.

Saturday March 22, 2014
Penrith Panthers vs. Canterbury Bulldogs @ Sportingbet Stadium
The Panthers have had a great start to the season with winger Josh Mansour impressing with his always-top form. Their next challenge comes in the form of the Doggies who, basically, demolished the Sharkies last week.
SolSat’s prediction: Penrith Panthers
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the Panthers had the best off season of all the clubs and their re-design has helped them greatly. The Doggies are playing good, sure, but they haven’t come close to their peak. I know they’re capable of more so I’m expecting a close game but a Penrith win.

Cronulla Sharks vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Remondis Stadium
The last placed Sharkies will look to gain a bit of momentum but unfortunately have the task of doing so against the first placed Dragons. Fortunately for Cronulla, they get key playmaker Toddles Carney and Siosaia Vave back.
SolSat’s prediction: St. George Illawarra Dragons
Gareth Widdop. Need I say more? But seriously, the team as a whole are doing splendidly and it doesn’t surprise me to see them bounce from the bottom of last year’s ladder to the very top. Also… Gareth Widdop. It must be all the Justin Bieber he listens to.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. New Zealand Warriors @ 1300 SMILES Stadium
I’m sorry. I seriously cannot get over the name of that stadium. It suits Thurston so much. Smiles aside, the Cowboys come off a Queensland derby loss against the Broncos while the Warriors will be looking for redemption after losing against the Dragons last week in a whiplashing.
SolSat’s prediction: North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys are a strong force (they just couldn’t get past my boys rocksolid defence last week). Give the ball to Thurston and you might as well step aside and let him score. The Warriors, like the Doggies, haven’t hit their peak yet, and they better do so soon otherwise I don’t see finals footy in their future. Also, LOL. 1300 SMILES. That’s so cute.

Sunday March 23, 2014
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels @ Brookvale Oval
The peculiar 10th placed Sea Eagles hope to continue their winning ways and stay in form against the Eels who, like the Warriors, were steamrolled last week at the hands of the Chookies. Maybe the Eels just don’t do well against birds, and Sea Eagles are birds. Glenn Stewart returns for the Eagles while Peatsy returns for the Eels.
SolSat’s prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
My bird theory aside, the Sea Eagles always do well against the Eels and I expect a similar outing on Sunday. Even with the return of Nathan Peats, who I consider one of my most cherished players (along with Hoppa), the Eels are no match for the Eagles, but the Parramatta side won’t go down without a fight.

Canberra Raiders vs. Gold Coast Titans @ GIO Stadium
The 11th placed Raiders host the 12th placed Titans at GIO Stadium… probably because one of the glass doors at Canberra Stadium’s broken. It’s interesting to note that the Titans scored their first victory in round one while the Raiders first tasted a win in round two.
SolSat’s prediction: Gold Coast Titans
Why Shillington is on the bench is beyond me, but that aside, I think the Titans have the slight edge over the Canberra side in this one. The Titans have the players to become a great team, they just need to find their “mojo”, to steal a word from Austin Powers. This’ll be one to watch.

Monday March 24, 2014
Melbourne Storm vs. Newcastle Knights @ AAMI Park
The Storm, who in my opinion should be performing way better than one point field goal wins, face the Knights who have yet to taste victory in the season so far. The Storm’s team remains unchanged from round two while the Knights have an extended bench with Fa’alogo wearing number 18.
SolSat’s prediction: Melbourne Storm
Putting aside the fact that the Storm are troopers, the Knights have let me down this season. I don’t know whether it’s because they’re without Mullen or they’re just not in the mood to perform well, but they have not been in form at all this season, and that will be the major contribution to the Storm’s victory.

I’ll be streaming my Broncos game tonight like a peasant seeing as we in Sydney get their game on half an hour delay. What is that?

– by The Black Widow