Category Archives: Sports

Tipping for Dummies: Round 14

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After weeks of being too busy or too sick to even contemplate doing the TFD for the week… Tipping for Dummies is baaaaack.

In the horrid half-weekend pre-Origin round of NRL.

Everybody's favourite Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!

Friday June 13, 2014
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Wests Tigers @ ANZ Stadium
Kicking off the pre-Origin round is the Bunnies against the Tigers in their I-guess-it’s-equally-shared-homeground stadium. As always before Origin, all teams will be missing their big guns. The backs for the Bunnies take a dramatic shift with Nathan Merritt moving to fullback (among several moves) while Joel Luani and Martin Taupau replace Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods for the Tigers respectively.
SolSat’s prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs
I’m going to take a big leap here and say that the Rabbitohs will heavily under-perform after their recent string of unimpressive performances. The Tigers, however, will be missing their fire with Farah and Woods missing and I see the Bunnies taking the win in a close round opener.

Saturday June 14, 2014
Penrith Panthers vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Sportingbet Stadium
The Panthers are coming off a four-win streak and will look to make it five as they host the Saints on Saturday, whose recent bad luck has only been deterred by their thrashing over the Sharkies. Young starter Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will start for the Panthers while Mitch Rein returns from suspension for the Dragons.
SolSat’s prediction: Penrith Panthers
I would say that at this halfway mark of the season that the Panthers would be solid favourites to take the premiership for this year. The Dragons, who started off well, have been less than ever since their losing streak begun, so a clear and decisive victory over the Dragons is predicted in this one.

Sydney Roosters vs. Newcastle Knights @ Allianz Stadium
The reigning premiers host the Newcastle Knights to round off the Saturday footy. The Chookies haven’t been that stellar this year to say the least; however, the Knights have had an all-around shitter (even with my sweet Mullen on the team). Mitch Aubusson, Nene McDonald and Dylan Napa start for the Chookies while SolSat favourite Josh Mantellato starts on the wing for the Knights.
SolSat’s prediction: Sydney Roosters
I don’t think I really have to say why I predict a Chookies win, although I do hope that the Knights can prove me wrong. Please.

Sunday June 15, 2014
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Parramatta Eels @ ANZ Stadium
The final NRL game to warm up ANZ Stadium for Origin II kicks off on Sunday with the Doggies taking on the Eels. The last time these two teams clashed, the Doggies thrashed the Eels (a game I attended). Now with a new Parramatta look, the results may be different. Damien Cook and former Eel Reni Maitua shift to the halves for the Doggies while Isaac de Gois goes straight into the hooker role for the Eels.
SolSat’s prediction: Parramatta Eels
The Doggies seemed to have hit a roadblock in their winning form and I think the Eels will capitalise on that. Couple that with the fact that I want the Eels to win, and we have a winner!

Monday June 16, 2014
Gold Coast Titans vs. Melbourne Storm @ Cbus Super Stadium
Closing this sad, half round of footy is the Titans clashing with the Storm in the only Queensland-based game of the week. Both of these teams have special places in my heart (after the Broncos, obvs) so I’m hoping for a good round closer here. Paul Carter and Luke Bailey start for Greg Bird and Nate Myles while Cameron Munster fills the big shoes that Billy Slater left behind as Storm fullback.
SolSat’s prediction: Gold Coast Titans
The Storm have never really done that great when missing their Origin stars so I’m predicting a comfortable Titans win on Monday. I do hope that Munster does the role of Storm fullback well though. #ilyslater

While I’m here… GET WELL COREY PARKER. It’s bad enough that I won’t be seeing my favourite player at the Maroons Fan Day at Sydney but my skipper will be missing Origin and MAYBE the Bronx game next week. Sadface.

– by The Black Widow

2014-15 Cricket Guide for Dummies

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With a rather successful 2013-14 season of cricket for the Aussies the popularity and the attention on cricket in our nation has increased quite dramatically. With the BBL|03 having crazy ratings and all 5 Ashes Test Matches getting very high ratings as well the odds that many people don’t know whats going on has also increased. So for those Dummies out there here is just one of the things to expect next season!

-ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 –

Currently poised on top of the ICC ODI Team Rankings is Australia. Just behind in second place is India and in third place is England.

28 May 2014
Team Matches Points Rating
Australia 35 4020 115
India 53 5923 112
England 39 4329 111
Sri Lanka 57 6292 110
South Africa 32 3486 109
Pakistan 47 4716 100
New Zealand 31 3031 98
West Indies 40 3744 94
Bangladesh 23 1683 73
Zimbabwe 20 1228 61
Afghanistan 9 304 34
Ireland 9 297 33

Although Australia is clear ahead in terms of rating points, places second to 5th are each merely separated by 1 point. So anything could happen throughout the tournament. Rankings aside here are the players set to take the tournament by storm. Well actually since this is a Dummies Guide I will tone down my cricket terminology and rather make an Solstice Satisfaction’s ICC World Cup XI with explanations as to why I think they’re going to fire this time round in the World Cup.

Solstice Satisfaction’s ICC World Cup XI

1. Hashim Amla (South Africa)

-Solid Performer in all 3 formats. His timing and placement could pay dividends on quick Australian and New Zealand outfields. All you could ask from an opener.

2. Shikhar Dhawan (India)

-Had a fantastic 2013-14 Season. Top Run Scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy last year. Be ready for some

fireworks in the World Cup.

3. Virat Kohli (India)

-Like most players in this list, had a fantastic 2013-14 season. Against Australia in the 7 match ODI Series he performed at his best helping his side chase down massive totals of 350-60 with ease.

4. George Bailey (Australia) VICE CAPTAIN

-Last season he showed why Australia selectors had faith in him and anointed him with the T20I Captaincy and the ODI Vice Captaincy. In the ODI series against India he led by example and although they lost that series since then under Australia have won all ODI Series.

5. A.B De Villiers (South Africa)

-In the form of his life, both in the Test, ODI, and T20 arena. A solid performer for South Africa over the past few years and his experience and leadership qualities alongside his batting make him one of the most in-demand cricketer in the world.

6. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

-In recent months he has shown why he is called the Big Show. His extravagant stroke-play and absolute dominance over any bowling unit once he has his eye in makes him one of the most deadly players currently playing international cricket. To add to his superb batting he is also a handy off spinner with the ability to get wickets in crucial times.

7. +MS Dhoni (India) CAPTAIN

-He’s done practically all you can achieve as captain. He’s won all the big tournaments and his keeping skills are as sharp as ever. In addition to his captaincy and keeping he is a deadly lower order finisher and a batsman you always want to get out early.

8. Chris Jordan (England)

-Most people wouldn’t know Chris Jordan but he his one of the few shining stars in the England Cricket Team at the moment. His deceptively quick bowling and his lower order striking are qualities you want in a limited overs player.

9. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) 

-Quick, aggressive and accurate. The three qualities you want in your repertoire of bowling options as captain. Not only is Mitchell Johnson’s bowling outstanding but he has the capability to clear the rope when required and his fielding is exceptional.

10. Dale Steyn (South Africa)

-One of the best fast bowlers in modern times and he has been dominating the player rankings for quite some time. He has the ability to swing the ball yet bowl at quite some pace. Like Johnson he has the ability to clear the boundary and is always one not worth taking lightly as an opposition.

11. Sunil Narine (West Indies)

-Along with his unusual action Sunil Narine has been deceiving many batsman at the crease with his off spin. Having a fantastic season both with the West Indies and KKR he has made himself renown around the world as a premier spin bowler that you want to have in any modern day bowling attack. Economical and deceptive he will be one of the lead player in the West Indies team.

12th Man. Eoin Morgan (England)

-His form in Australia in the ODI’s and T20I’s was quite phenomenal and his century at the GABBA personified how dangerous of a batsman he can be once he gets going. His past record in Australia and New Zealand make him a formidable batsman.

– by Hiro Couper

The future looks bright for NSW

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For the past eight years NSW have suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of Queensland. This year NSW will try to stop the Maroons from winning their ninth State of Origin series win.

While Queensland have penciled in about 90 per cent of their team, NSW are in all sorts of trouble.

Greg Bird is set to miss the opening Origin match and Mitchell Pierce had some off-field problems over the weekend.

The Blues won't be ruled out just yet! (SOURCE: Michael Sheil's Flickr photostream)

The Blues won’t be ruled out just yet! (SOURCE: Michael Sheil’s Flickr photostream)

While NSW are still yet to determine a number of key positions, they have a lot of options for young players ready to prove themselves in the Origin arena.

Fullback
David Mead was a surprise call up for country and if injuries occur to Josh Dugan and Jarryd Hayne, Mead could find himself in the number one jersey for NSW. He is surely going to be on selectors’ minds in the near future.

James Tedesco has been unfortunate to not play as much as he has wanted in the past couple of years due to season-ending injuries. Before his injury this year Tedesco was proving a hand full for many teams and was forming a great partnership with Luke Brooks. There’s a certain NSW jumper in the future for young Tedesco.

Matt Moylan has been sensational for the Panthers this year. Molyan’s form has earned himself a City jersey and from the rep round we have seen Moylan really putting a stamp on the game. He is truly an Origin worthy player.

Wings
Even though his form has been down on lately, Kevin Gordon earned himself a Country jersey. He has a very friendly rivalry happening between ex-winger, and now fullback, David Mead. Gordon’s a very speedy player and is a great finisher when scoring tries. A bit of work in defence and somewhere down the track he could be putting on the sky blue jersey.

Jorge Taufua and Daniel Tupo have been great this year for their respective clubs. Both have earned representative call ups and have been on the Origin radar for a while now. They have great power, have a lot of speed to burn and are excellent finishers when it comes to try scoring. These two wingers will make memories that are unforgettable in the future during Origin time.

Centres
Jack Wighton has been one of the game’s best defensive centres this year. He showed what he can do when being called up into a representative jumper and he took the chance with both hands in the City versus Country game. Playing five-eighth at the Raiders is only going to improve his passing and kicking game. When called up into Origin, he will be remembered as one of the most classiest centres.

Jamal Idris has played only one game for NSW but you can tell that he is hungry for another call up. This year he as shown similar form from his younger days at the Bulldogs. Bench, centre or second row, Idris will take the opportunity with both hands and show why he belongs there. His power and strength, mixed with hiss attacking and defensive plays, for the Panthers and Country have shown why he is on the Origin radar.

Five-eighth
Josh Reynolds has had a superb start to the season. Since being moved from bench to hooker to five-eighth he has made the spot his own. His grubby get-in-your-face style of playing is what NSW needs for this position. The last five-eighth that played like this was Greg Bird and NSW won the series. If chosen this year for five-eighth, Reynolds will show why he should stay in the position for years to come.

Aiden Sezar is a player that plays beyond his years. Similar to Johnathan Thurston, Sezar has a cool head and plays with class. Sezar is also excellent with the boot, kicking many 40/20s and an 83 per cent conversion rate. If Sezar is called up to the NSW side, he will bring class to the five-eighth role, something that has been missing since Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler.

Jarrod Mullen has an excellent boot on him too. He had a crack early in his career at Origin and wants another one this year. His form is always on and off but has been very switched on as of late. Maybe no Origin this year for Mullen but the future looks bright for him.

Halfback
Albert kelly is a cousin to Queensland great Greg Inglis. No wonder Kelly is a freak in the field then. Since being thrown a lifeline by the Titans, Kelly has shown why Inglis had rated him so highly. Kelly has plucked intercepts all over the field, chip-and-chased over fullbacks and poses a great tactical kicking game. He is not ready for Origin yet but some more defensive practice and a few more years at the Titans, and the Blues could be calling Kelly up for some attacking power in their team.

Luke Brooks is way ahead of Kelly, however. Some people are even calling for Brooks to make his State of Origin debut this year. Brooks still needs to work on his game, but he has shown glimpses of brilliance for the Tigers this year. When he is ready Brooks will be holding onto the NSW number seven jersey for many years.

Prop
Andrew Fifita in undeniably one of the game’s greatest props. He is the quickest prop that has played NRL and is so valuable to NSW making metres up the front and getting up in the faces of the Queensland defensive line. Fafita has been in NSW for a while now and no player will force him out of the side, there is just no questioning his abilities on the field.

James Tamou and Aaron Woods have both been outstanding for their clubs. Both players have made over 1000 metres in nine games so far. At 23 and 25 years of age, respectively, they are two players who will be there for many years to come. With that much power and strength they are able to gain so many valuable metres for NSW. They could be the reason NSW wins a series in the future.

Hooker
Paul Carter has shown the type of aggression that has people referring to him as a young Greg Bird. Coming off the bench, he poses a great threat to oppositions with a great running game out of dummy half. He is small but willing to get up in the face of his opponent and that is something NSW will need in the future.

However, Nathan Peats would be in front of him in the running to take over when Robbie Farah retires. Peats has been a great buy for the Eels this year. His performances in the first couple of rounds immediately grabbed the attention of the NSW selectors. With a great passing and kicking game, while being a very smart hooker, Peats is the perfect candidate to take over Robbie Farah.

Second Row
Josh Jackson may be playing for the Blues this year. In the short amount of time he has been at the Bulldogs he has really grabbed the NSW selectors’ attention. With barnstorming runs up the middle and edges of the field, it allows his halves to play. Jackson is a type of player who will put his hand up in the dying seconds of a game to slide in defence and work hard until the end.

Boyd Cordner has played for a premiership-winning side, won the World Cup for the Aussies, won an Anzac Test match and also starred in the NSW side last year. Cordner is one player who has already proven his worth and will remain in the team for years to come.

Tony Williams is one man that needs to regain his form. He has been quiet ever since moving to the Bulldogs, but if he finds form again he will be a menace. He has a big one-armed fend and is very quick and dangerous. Williams runs holes excellently. In his days at Manly he was very dangerous, and maybe a possible move back to the wing would be best. He has similar attributes as Luke Lewis in that he can play in numerous positions and has a wide set of skills. If Williams finds form he will definitely bring impact to the NSW side

Lock
Wade Graham is also on the verge of a NSW jersey, with the majority of his games for the Sharks playing off the bench or filling in at five-eighth or lock for Paul Gallen. Graham is a work horse and he is a mobile second rower/lock that NSW love to see on their team. Graham seems like the perfect candidate to take over Greg Bird’s position.

These players are just some of the players who have been on my radar for the future NSW side. I have missed a lot of valuable players but I have picked those that are in better form.

– by Mitch Moore

Tipping for Dummies: Round 10

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Keen to get this weekend of footy started after Collingwood’s disappointing loss last night. Like really. Really.

Everybody's favourite Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!

SolSat’s predictions from round nine: 5 out of 8 (62.5%)

Friday May 16, 2014
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Melbourne Storm @ ANZ Stadium
Kicking off this week’s footy is the Bunnies and the Storm at ANZ. Both teams are coming off wins last week; the Bunnies soundly defeated the Titans while the Storm won a nailbiter against Manly. The Bunnies side remains unchanged with an extended bench while Joel Romelo starts as five-eighth due to suspension.
SolSat’s prediction: Melbourne Storm
Both of these finals footy teams have been utterly disappointing this season so this prediction was based on the “lesser of two evils” really. The Bunnies have only started to come back into form while the Storm have been up-and-down. Either way, I’ll be in attendance tonight so I hope this one’s phenom.

Brisbane Broncos vs. Gold Coast Titans @ Suncorp Stadium
After the Broncos’ disappointing loss in the Queensland derby last week, they run into the local Queensland derby against the Titans at Suncorp. The Titans were the unfortunate victims of the Bunnies last week and look to regain the form that kept them on the top of the ladder. Ben Hannant returns to the bench for the Bronx while the Titans face several changes, notably Bird’s absence due to suspension.
SolSat’s prediction: Brisbane Broncos
I know the Broncos don’t lack the fire or passion to win so there’s got to be something else hindering them recently. The Titans have just been scraping past with their victories and I think that even though this one will be very close, the Broncos will come out on top.

Saturday May 17, 2014
Parramatta Eels vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Pirtek Stadium
The Eels will look to use their second straight home field advantage against the Dragons on Saturday after a decisive home victory over the Sharkies last week. The Dragons were hammered by the Doggies last week and will hope to turn their luck around. Joe Paulo starts for the Eels while Nightingale starts on the wing for the Dragons. Code hopper Benji Marshall will make his Dragons debut.
SolSat’s prediction: Parramatta Eels
Coming from someone who thought the Eels were a massive joke last season, I have now been turned into a firm believer of the Eels and wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the final 8. I predict a solid win for the Eels over the Saints in this one.

Cronulla Sharks vs. West Tigers @ Remondis Stadium
The Sharks are in desperate need of a win if they even want a glimmer of a shot at the finals. The Tigers started off on fire but that fire has simmered after a flogging at the hands of the Chookies last week. Gibbs and Tagataese start in the front row for the Sharks while Anasta and Farah return for the Tigers.
SolSat’s prediction: West Tigers
Anasta and Farah’s returns for the Tigers will definitely be the boost that they need to defeat the Sharks on Saturday. The Sharks need to re-discover what made them special but it might be too little too late for the Shire team.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Sydney Roosters @ 1300 SMILES Stadium
At my favouritest named stadium ever, the Cowboys host the premiers with both teams coming off wins over the Broncos and the Tigers respectively. Antonio Winterstein, Ray Thompson and Tariq Sims return from injury for the Cowboys while the Roosters face a dramatic change with Maloney shifting to halfback and SBW of all people playing five-eighth.
SolSat’s prediction: Sydney Roosters
Regardless of the interesting dynamic with Maloney and SBW (I’m sure Maloney would love being that close to him), I think the Roosters will have a clean, decisive win over the Cowboys who continue to be the most wroughted team of the league regarding the refs shit calls.

Sunday May 18, 2014
Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers @ GIO Stadium
The Raiders are having possibly the worst season the Raiders have ever had while the Panthers have proven the doubters wrong with solid victories. Ricky Stuart has made a number of changes to the Raiders side to ensure victory while McKendry starts for the concussed Plum on the Panthers.
SolSat’s prediction: Penrith Panthers
The Panthers are also another favourite to fit comfortably in finals footy this year after having a good headstart. The Raiders haven’t convinced me that they’re in it to win it so I’m going with a comfortable Panthers victory here.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. New Zealand Warriors @ Waikato Stadium
The Bulldogs have been firing on all cylinders with their definitive winning streak for the past several weeks. The Warriors have had an up-and-down and look to upset the Bulldogs on home turf. Both teams remain unchanged after both were victorious last week.
SolSat’s prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs
I want what the Doggies are drinking. But in all seriousness, they are the team to beat this season. Not the Eagles, not the Storm. The Doggies are the ones to watch and are proving to be serious final contenders. Solid win for the Doggies here.

Monday May 19, 2014
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Newcastle Knights
The Eagles are coming off a quite controversial loss to the Storm last week while the Knights were the recipients of a 22-point flogging from the Panthers. The Sea Eagles get an 18th man while Willie Mason and Korbin Sims return for the Knights, giving them a much needed boost in confidence.
SolSat’s prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
I would heavily prefer the Knights to win because I genuinely like the side, however I think Eagles have got this one. After a rough week last week, they will be looking to regain their confidence and will do so at the expense of the Knights.

A couple of hours until the Bunnies-Storm game. Here’s to solid footy!

– by The Black Widow