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Tipping for Dummies: Round 1

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The 2014 NRL season starts tonight… and you know what that means: Tipping for Dummies is back!

Everybody's favourite Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!

The opening round is sure to be a big one with several key matches taking place, perhaps none bigger than the first two.

Thursday March 6, 2014
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Sydney Roosters @ ANZ Stadium
Yes. This happened. Somehow, in the realm of possibility, these two were put together in the opening match of the opening round. The reigning premiers will start the defense of their title as they clash with their long-storied rivals, the Bunnies. One of the notable ins for this game is the Bunnies debut of veteran Lote Tuqiri.
SolSat’s prediction: Sydney Roosters
The Chookies have what, 98% of their premiership winning team playing in this opening game so quite solely based on that, the Chookies will win this one with a slight edge over their opponents. Don’t expect the Bunnies to go down without a fight, though.

Friday March 7, 2014
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Broncos @ ANZ Stadium
My boys will fly down to the state of cockroaches as they take on the Doggies in Friday Night Football. This is a key match for the Broncos as the debuting Ben Barba will collide with his former team in the big one for the first time. Bias aside, the Broncos have made key changes to their side as co-captain Cozza will play in the front row and Hoffman will play as five-eighth.
SolSat’s prediction: Brisbane Broncos
I am hoping for a Broncos win, of course, but I think with the new side – and the overall “refreshing” of the team – that the Broncos can take this one, much like they beat the Doggies in their last game for 2013. Minus the emotional farewell of Princey.

Saturday March 8, 2014
Penrith Panthers vs. Newcastle Knights @ Sportingbet Stadium
The start of Saturday footy sees the Panthers take on the Knights. The Panthers, like the Broncos, have had a reinvigoration of sorts, and part of this will be seen as new recruit Jamal Idris will start for Penrith despite a hamstring complaint. Michael Dobson will take over cutie Jarrod Mullen on the Knights side.
SolSat’s prediction: Newcastle Knights
My reason for this would be 80% intuition – I just feel as if the Knights have a better side, despite the omission of Knights playmaker Mullen. The newly formed Panthers side will put up a good fight and hopefully Idris will stay unharmed in this game.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Melbourne Storm @ Brookvale Oval
The 2013 runner-ups will face the favoured side of Melbourne Storm at Brooky Oval. The Eagles’ new recruits Josh Starling, Dunamis Lui and Cheyse Blair will make their debuts while the Storm are missing key player Cooper Cronk, who will be replaced by Ben Roberts.
SolSat’s prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Again, going mainly off intuition, the Sea Eagles have been the most consistently good team in recent NRL history so I see them one-upping the Storm in what is sure to be a bloody brilliant game of league. In the end, all league enthusiasts are the winners of this one.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Canberra Raiders @ 1300 Smiles Stadium
I’m sorry, 1300 Smiles Stadium is the funniest name of a stadium I have ever come across. Regardless, the team ledy by smiling Thurston and brute Scott will face the Canberra Raiders who, to put it bluntly, had a terrible season in 2013. The Cowboys are coming off their big win at the Auckland Nines while the Raiders are hoping to win and get the ball rolling.
SolSat’s prediction: North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys are truly premier contenders this year and I expect to see a stellar performance from the Queensland side on Saturday. Anthony Milford, who is going to be a baby Bronco next year (hallelujah!) will put up a good fight but the Cowboys will be hard to stop.

Sunday March 9, 2014
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. West Tigers @ ANZ Stadium
In what is kind of not a home game for either side, two of the bottom teams from 2013 will face off in the Sunday opener as the Dragons take on the Tigers. Key Dragon player Josh Dugan will be out while the Tigers will play for the first time without Benji Marshall in the big one.
SolSat’s prediction: West Tigers
This game is a tough one to call and to be honest, I’m a bit skeppers about my decision. Regardless, I am backing the Tigers to take this one out, largely due to the fact of Dugan missing play. Here’s to a good game regardless.

Parramatta Eels vs. New Zealand Warriors
The bottom-rung team in the Eels have re-formed themselves in a desperate attempt to not get the wooden spoon for another consecutive year. They, however, have the formidable task of defeating the Warriors in round one, who had a spectacular showing at the inaugural Auckland Nines.
SolSat’s prediction: New Zealand Warriors
With all due respect to the Eels, who I truly believe will have a better season this year with players like Will Hopoate, but the Warriors have shown that they are a side not to be taken lightly, and they will go on to defeat the Eels on Saturday in what will be a surprisingly great match.

Monday March 10, 2014
Cronulla Sharks vs. Gold Coast Titans
After a scandalous year, the Sharkies will look to regain some of their fandom this year and will do so when they take on the Titans in the round’s closing game. Todd Carney has been named for the Sharks despite a hamstring injury and his Titans counterpart Aidan Sezer will look to take advantage of that.
SolSat’s prediction: Gold Coast Titans
Go with me on this one, I actually believe that the Titans, much like the Broncos, will have a much better season this year. Sezer’s kicking game is unmatched and with the return of Beau Falloon, the Titans are my pick to win this one.

Not only is my beloved NRL back but I also get the privilege of meeting the Broncos after their game on Friday night. Tis the benefits of being a club member. I highly recommend becoming a member and supporting your club!

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 25

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Not gonna lie, I intend on making this one short and snappy so I can get my weekend started. Got a big one ahead so let’s get it kickin’… welcome to Tipping for Dummies Round 25!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat Prediction Count from Round 24: 4 out of 8 (50%)

Ouch. That stings.

Friday 30th August, 2013
Brisbane Broncos vs. Newcastle Knights
The Broncos are coming off a very disappointing loss against Penrith last week with our finals dreams being slimmer than ever. We are going up against cousin Fraser’s Newcastle Knights who will have to get the job down without Snowden in a very controversial suspension, putting him out for 8 weeks although they do have Mason to add to the forward pack.

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

I’m picking this one based purely on heart, and my heart will forever be with the Broncos. My dreams of being in the finals are diminishing and this is our fight or die moment. The last time these two teams clashed, it ended up in a draw after stellar performances from both sides, so let’s hope that they both perform exceedingly well again, albeit with a Broncos victory.

West Tigers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
This is a big one for both the Tigers and the Bunnies; making his return is Tigers captain Robbie Farah whom the Tigers have badly missed. On the Bunnies side, it is the first time in nearly 100 years that four brothers have played together on the same side as Sam, Luke, Tom and George will all be playing for the Bunnies. I have a soft spot for the Burgess boys so this’ll be great.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

This one’s a no brainer, really. The Bunnies have got this one in the bag unless there’s some sort of natural disaster (touch wood) that harms the Bunnies squad. I’m quite excited to see the four Burgess boys playing together. My personal favourite is Luke by the way, just in case someone holds a gun to your head and says “I’ll shoot unless you tell me who Noah’s favourite Burgess boy is”.

Saturday 31st August, 2013
New Zealand Warriors vs. Canberra Raiders
The Raiders have made all the headlines this week and not for the good reason as a personal favourite in Sandor Earl has been handed an infraction notice from ASADA (AKA the Game Ruiners) for illegal use of peptides, and Ferguson has also decided to take a runner. Will this affect the Raiders form as they take on the Warriors in New Zealand?

SolSat’s Prediction: New Zealand Warriors

I’m basing this pick solely on the media revolving around the Raiders – with all this drama going on, I don’t think they would’ve had time to solely focus on their game against the Warriors who are pretty great themselves. Therefore, I am predicting a pretty decisive victory on the Warriors’ behalf.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Penrith Panthers
The Doggies take on the Panthers for their second game in a row at the wonderful ANZ Stadium after their loss against the Bunnies in Round 24 last week. On the contrary, the Panthers are coming off a very decisive win against my Broncos so Kingston’s side will be looking to turn this into a streak against the Doggies.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

I’ve made this decision based simply on “who do I think is better between the two”. Obviously, my answer came up as the Bulldogs, who have been lurking around the top rungs of the ladder all season.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Melbourne Storm
In what may very well be a warm-up to a possible 2013 grand final, the Eagles will be playing in their home ground against the ever unstoppable Melbourne Storm. Right now I just have to make a shout out to Jason Ryles who has kept me entertained endlessly with his Ryles Files videos on Storm TV – if you haven’t checked them out yet, please do so. The man is as funny as he is large.

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

The Eagles are missing some of their big players from their usual starting line up so I’m backing the Storm on this one. Words are not needed to describe how in form the Storm are (that rhymed!) so this one is sure to be the game to watch this round. I will also be keeping my eye out for new SolSat favourite Jason Ryles (check out Ryles Files, these are subliminal messages).

Sunday 1st September, 2013
Cronulla Sharks vs. North Queensland Cowboys
Kicking off ye olde Fathers Day this Sunday are the Sharkies who take on the Cowboys, the latter of which have been steamrolling through competition as they have hit impeccable form. I feel sorry for the blokes who have to play on Sunday who would rather be at home with their children. Sadface.

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

I am tentatively backing the non-favourites in this game as I predict a close win for the Cowboys. As mentioned before, the Cowboys are on a winning streak and are on a mission to remain in the top 8 for the finals and I believe they can do that with a victory over the Sharkies.

Sydney City Roosters vs. Gold Coast Titans
Top team Sydney City Roosters will be looking to change their luck after a very surprising defeat at the hands of the Sharks last week as they take on the Gold Coast Titans. Now would be an appropriate time to commend Titans’ Aidan Sezer for his tremendous kicking game recently.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

Even with Sezer’s solid form, I don’t see the Titans beating the Chookies here unfortunately, as I’m sure the Titans are all wonderful men. Yes, sometimes I base my tips on my personal feelings because I am pathetic like that. But on a serious note, the Chookies have been impressive all season so I’m expecting them to take out the victory here.

Monday 2nd September, 2013
Parramatta Eels vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons
Two of the bottom teams are set to wrap up Round 25 as the Eels collide with the Dragons at Parramatta Stadium which, I need to point out, needs to fix their terrible parking pronto.

SolSat’s Prediction: St. George Illawarra Dragons

This one boiled down to the two of lesser evils as both teams have had shockers. The statistics would favour the Eels who have won all their four games at Parra Stadium but when it comes to who’s better of the two, I’m backing the Dragons. I feel for them. They need a win.

You can tell I’m passionate about my footy because I just prattled on for over 1100 words in less than ten minutes – just about footy tips. Anywho, I’m about to don my Broncos jersey with pride and HOPEFULLY they can take the win tonight against the Knights. Widow out!

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 24

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This one’s going to be short seeing as I’m sick and dying in bed right now. This stupid illness is even keeping me away from the Panthers-Broncos game tonight, one that I was looking forward to attending for months. Sadface. Welcome to Tipping for Dummies, Round 24!

 

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

 

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 23: 6 out of 8 (75%)

Again. Again.

Friday 23rd August, 2013
Penrith Panthers vs. Brisbane Broncos
I’m still fuming that I can’t attend this game. Anyway, the Broncos have not been defeated since those vital changes were made while the Panthers momentum has gone downhill. No major changes on either side besides Tim Grant starting for Jeremy Latimore in the front row. Can the Panthers break the Broncos positive streak?

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

No. No they can’t. The Broncos are chomping at the bits to get into the finals and that hunger is shown in their recent form with notable mention going out to Hoffman who is in his element at fullback – where he should’ve been in the beginning. I will be sure to cheer my boys on from the comfort of my bed.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
This will be an interesting one, seeing as both teams have the same home ground so the crowd support should be pretty even. Ben Lowe starts as lock for the suspended Jeff Lima on the Bunnies side and Tony Williams has been named to start in the second row on the Doggies side.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

With the reinvigoration of getting Inglis and Sutton back, the Bunnies are back in top shape and will make good work of the Doggies. I don’t think the Doggies are too sure of themselves with the frequent changes to their side in recent weeks. Either way, this will be a bloody good one.

Saturday 24th August, 2013
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. West Tigers
These two teams have had their finals dreams dashed a while ago but a win’s a win and both teams would definitely be gunning for the victory here. I’m still not over Matt Cooper retiring from footy… I just don’t wanna talk about it.

SolSat’s Prediction: St. George Illawarra Dragons

I think this is the first time I’ve predicted a Dragons win. Either way, in terms of better form, I’m going with the Dragons on this one. While both teams haven’t been great this season, the choice of the lesser evil of the two, the Dragons should win this one in a close bout. Especially considering Benji’s half-arsed performances as of late.

Gold Coast Titans vs. New Zealand Warriors

Meanwhile, in Queensland, the Gold Coast Titans take on the Warriors. On the Titans side, Albert Kelly returns from injury and slots back into his no.7 jersey, putting Sezer to five-eigth and Harrison back on lock. On the Warriors side, Ropati returns to the wing, Elijah Taylor moves to the second row and Todd Lowrie starts at lock. Both teams are hoping that these changes will prove vital to a victory.

SolSat’s Prediction: Gold Coast Titans

The Warriors who had incredible momentum in the middle of the season seemed to have died down recently, with less than stellar performances. The Titans on the other hand have been in excellent form recently and I see them taking the win here in a close match.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Newcastle Knights
Another Queensland team that have their sights set on the finals and seem to be doing a pretty good job at getting there are the Cowboys who take on the Knights. The Cowboys are coming off a 12 point lead victory over the Titans while the Knights are coming off a loss against the Storm.

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys have been on a steamroller recently while the Knights have had a pretty tame season. As I said before, the Cowboys are as hungry as their rivals for a finals spot and that alone will lead them to victory over the Knights.

Sunday 25th August, 2013
Canberra Raiders vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Raiders have made a lot of changes to their side; Paul Vaughan and Shaun Berrigan will start pushing Joel Edwards and Glen Buttriss back to the bench. In saying that, Manly has made none. Both teams were on the losing end of the scales last week. Which team will change that momentum with a victory?

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

One of the top contenders for the premiership would have to be the Eagles and that alone is the reason why I am predicting a Manly win. With exceptional players like Foran and Cherry-Evans on their side, I see them decisively taking the victory against the Raiders.

Melbourne Storm vs. Parramatta Eels
The team favoured to win the premiership takes on the team favoured to win the wooden spoon. The Storm haven’t made any changes to their side while the Eels haven’t named Hayne on their side.

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

Too easy to call. I see the Storm pulling out an easy victory here despite their tendency to be mismatched against the lower teams. Nothing more to say to that.

Monday 26th August, 2013
Cronulla Sharks vs. Sydney City Roosters
Both teams are coming off victories last week as the Sharks defeated the Dragons and the Roosters absolutely smashed the Tigers with a 42 point lead victory. On the Sharks side, Wade Graham returns in the second row and Andrew Fifita starts. On the Chookies side, Mitchell Aubusson moves to the centre and Aidan Guerra starts on the second row. Both Sharkies and Chookies are hoping to continue their uphill stride to the finals with a victory here.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

It may be too early to say but I see the Chookies making the grand final. Their form has been untouchable all season while the Sharkies have been up and down and that is why I see a Rooster’s victory to close up Round 24.

As always, here’s to a good round of footy and especially to a Broncos win tonight against the Panthers. I’m still burning that I won’t be able to go!

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 23

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The finals are literally around the corner and the entire NRL world are holding their breath… figuratively speaking, I hope, I don’t want anyone passing out just because I told them to. There are five teams who are definitely going to make the finals, which means there are three spots left up for grabs! Alas… welcome to Tipping for Dummies, Round 23!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 22: 6 out of 8 (75%)

Same as last week, really. I would say “Way to fail me, Doggies” but really, the referees were clearly against them in that game. Poor Josh Reynolds… bugger was so worked up about the unfair ruling.

Friday 16th August, 2013
Brisbane Broncos vs. Parramatta Eels
The mighty Bronx take on the opposite-of-mighty Eels in the Round 23. Injury hit Round 22 hard and one of the teams to feel that are the Broncos who lose star player Hodges. The Eels, however, gained their star player in Jarryd Hayne. Will this affect the outcome of an otherwise easily predicted game?

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

My Broncos are hungrier than ever for victory as shown in their previous few matches. They know that their finals dreams are disappearing and to keep that alive, they have to keep on truckin’. With Stagg in the centre, who has won a premiership in that position, I think the Broncos will do just fine with Hodges sidelined.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Bunnies have been in terrible form without Inglis in the past couple of weeks so, luckily for them, the big GI is returning in Round 23 alongside Bunnies key player John Sutton. With big man Watmough injured, impressive rookie Justin Horo will return to the starting lineup as Manly fans hope that this will lead them to victory.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Tentatively, I am backing the Bunnies in this one. Surely the shining light in Inglis and Sutton’s returns will ignite the fire and get the Bunnies back in top form because, quite frankly, their previous performances have been embarrassing. These two teams are top contenders for the premiership so this one is bound to be stellar.

Saturday 17th August, 2013
Canberra Raiders vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
The Raiders, despite losing last week against the Chooks, put on an excellent performance which was an upgrade on their Round 21 shocker. The Doggies are coming off a pretty big upset as they were toppled by the Titans. In my opinion, the Doggies were cheated; the officiating in that game was bad. Either way, this one is looking to be pretty evenly matched.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canberra Raiders

I am strangely backing the unlikely horse as I am predicting a Raiders win in this one. With Barba’s Bulldogs future in heavy doubt, the Doggies backs are in need of a huge makeover as they haven’t been playing too well recently without him. The Raiders form fluctuates – one week their bad, the next week their good. I am expecting a two-good-week streak from them.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Gold Coast Titans
Two Queensland teams lock horns as the Cowboys clash with the Titans. Both teams have stepped up their game recently as they are looking to lock in their position in the top 8. With both teams making no changes to the bench, this is bound to be an all-out classic.

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys were in celestial (you read right, celestial) form last week with a 32 point victory over the Panthers. The Titans also pulled out a great victory with Aidan Sezer setting up most of their impressive plays. However, the Titans seem comfortable and the Cowboys are hungry… the Cowboys will win this one, only by just.

St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Cronulla Sharks
Good news for the Sharks – funny guy Beau Ryan has finally returned… along with Anthony Tupou. One notable change on the Dragons side is almost-as-funny-guy Jack de Belin starting as Lock. The Dragons haven’t had a good season. Can they look to defeat the Sharks in this one?

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks side was hurt with the multiple injuries that tarnished their form, so with their recent returns, the Sharks have stepped up their game and will defeat the Dragons. Just so I have something nice to say about the Dragons, I am expecting a great season from them next year!

Sunday 18th August, 2013
Newcastle Knights vs. Melbourne Storm
Speaking of the Sharks, they had a close one last week against the Knights who just managed to pull out the victory. Special mention going to Danny Buderus on his milestone game last week with the Knights. The Storm, on the other hand, skipped around the Bunnies terrible defense last week. These two victorious teams are looking to continue their winning streak.

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

The Storm seem to be over their surprising losing streak… or not streak, whatever you want to call it. Their mission is simple: reclaim the Telstra Premiership for 2013, and they’re doing a very good job at it. The Knights will put up a good fight though.

New Zealand Warriors vs. Penrith Panthers
Also playing on the serene Sunday are the Warriors who are set to collide with the Penrith Panthers. Both of these teams were on the losing end last round; with the Panthers, SolSat favourite Josh Mansour played absolutely terrible. If the Panthers want to reverse their luck in this round, all of them will have to step up their game as they go against the Warriors.

SolSat’s Prediction: New Zealand Warriors

I’m going with the Warriors in this one. They pull out these shockingly amazing victories and the Panthers just aren’t up to scratch; they hit their form climax already and I don’t see them defeating the Warriors in this round, sadly enough. Here’s to a good game between both sides, however.

Monday 19th August, 2013
West Tigers vs. Sydney City Roosters
Great news for the Tigers: their captain Robbie Farah has officially re-signed with the Tigers (as opposed to resigned… grammar saves lives). However, they have the toughest challenge ahead for them as they take on the no#1 Chookies. The Tigers are hoping the good news of securing Farah to their squad plus the homefield advantage will lead them to victory.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

No offense to the Tigers but this one’s a no brainer: it’s team no#1 vs. team #15. I expect the Roosters to win this one with ease. That’s all I have to say about that really.

I’m hoping for a solid weekend of footy action that I may or may not keep an eye on – my nephew’s here from Brisbane and I plan on following him around for the entire weekend. It’s rare that I get to spend time with my handsome 10 month old nephew so I’m going to make the most of it.

– by The Black Widow