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Tipping for Dummies: Round 22

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Here we are again after another full on weekend of some great footy. I missed the Broncos-Knights game because I was at my best friend’s 21st celebrations however I did ignorantly listen to the action on my iPhone radio and boy, did it sound like a classic. Alas, it’s time for TIPPING FOR DUMMIES!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 21: 6 out of 8 (75%)

I took a nap because I was exhausted only to wake up and see the Bunnies getting smashed. Yep. That happened.

Friday 9th August, 2013
Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Two of the favourite teams are set to collide in the first match up of the round as the defending premiers take on the ever-impressive Bunnies. The latter of which, however, suffered an embarrassing loss against the Cowboys last week, which for me personally is a good thing because I love the Cowboys. With notable outs for the Bunnies, will they be able to change their momentum against the Storm?

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

It’s been evident in the Bunnies form that they are a near-hopeless cause without Inglis and Sutton and the Storm are redeeming themselves from a few unnecessary losses. As stated before, I’m tentative to back the Storm after failing me a couple of times but I am fairly sure that they’ll take the victory in this one.

Parramatta Eels vs. West Tigers

The two bottom teams also battle on Friday night footy as the Eels take on the Tigers. Both teams have had shocker years with the Eels accumulating a whopping amount of 3 wins this entire season. However, the Eels have their main player in Hayne back while the Tigers are still missing their captain and Sexiest Man in League nominee, Robbie Farah.

SolSat’s Prediction: Parramatta Eels

I never thought I’d see the day when I would predict an Eels win but, alas, that day is today. Despite my personal feelings for Jarryd Hayne, he is their key player and he is back and he means business. The loss of Robbie Farah will greatly effect the Tigers form and with Benji’s 90% effort, I am going with an Eels win.

Saturday 10th August, 2013
Sydney City Roosters vs. Canberra Raiders
Speaking of missing captains, the Chooks will be missing Minnichello in Round 22 as they go up against the Raiders who have key player Blake Ferguson back amongst their squad. I am predicting the impressive Chookies to make it to the semi finals and the Raiders are coming off a 64 point loss against the Storm so the latter of the two are looking to redeem themselves after that shocking loss.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

The Raiders have had two finals favourites in a row so after being steamrolled by the Storm in Round 21, I am predicting a solid, decisive victory from the Chooks over the Raiders. The Roosters have had bloody outstanding form nearly all season and the Raiders would have to bulk up their defense if they were to overthrow the Chookies in this one.

Cronulla Sharks vs. Newcastle Knights
In what I didn’t predict last week, the Sharks beat the Warriors with a close 4 point lead while the Knights played an absolute blast of a game against my Broncos with a draw finish. The Sharks have no changes to their side while the Knights get Kade Snowden and Knights veteran James McManus back to theirs. Which team will take out the much needed victory?

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

It seems as if getting Gallen back has lit this violent fire underneath the Sharks’ buttocks; this was clear in their form last week against the Warriors so I am going to back the Sharkies in this one. I am predicting a very close game with ups and downs from both sides but the Sharks just coming out on top.

Sunday 11th August, 2013
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. New Zealand Warriors
Before I even begin, I have to make mention of Foran’s absolutely remarkable form in Round 21. I was blown away. Now that that’s out of the way, Sunday football begins at 2pm with the Eagles clashing with the Warriors. There are no notable changes to either sides besides Queensland boy Lillyman moving to the bench; will this have any effect on the Warriors play?

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

I am not hesitating in backing Manly in this one. If Foran plays half as good as he did last round, then the Eagles have got this one in the brown paper bag. Add in the finesse of Cherry Evans and we have ourselves a winnah! Sorry Warriors, you let me down in last week’s predictions so I’m going against you. Let’s see how that works out.

Brisbane Broncos vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons
My Broncos done me half-proud last weekend as they played a great game against the Knights that semi-unfortunately turned out to be a draw. The Dragons, however, took a light flogging from the Bulldogs, losing 20 to 39. Hannant is back in his rightful no. 8 jersey with Bronson Harrison starting in the second row for the Dragons. The Broncos need this win if they want to keep their finals dreams alive.

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

I don’t know whether it’s just me but when Griffin made those key changes to the Broncos squad in Round 20, we haven’t been as sucky as we’ve been earlier in the season so with that in mind in addition to having Hannant back, I strongly believe that the Broncos are going to take this one and keep my finals dreams alive.

Penrith Panthers vs. North Queensland Cowboys
The Panthers, God bless their souls, were demolished last week in their 36 point loss against the Chookies, which in its own right is something not to be too ashamed of. On the contrary to that, the Cowboys pulled out the upset of the year as they trampled over the Bunnies in Round 21. SolSat favourite Mansour is starting on the wing for the Panthers so the Panthers are hoping they will kill the Cowboys momentum before it even gets rolling.

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys showed last week why they deserve to be in the finals with an outstanding performance from all with notable mention going to Tariq Sims so I am backing Thurston-and-Scott’s Cowboys for this one. The Panthers have played well this season, there’s no doubt about that, but I don’t see them winning this one.

Monday 12th August, 2013
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Gold Coast Titans
Just wanted to make a personal comment that I have noticed that my usual dislike for the Doggies has died down since I have a soft spot for Josh Reynolds now… but anyway. The Doggies defeated the Dragons last week in an impressive game and the Titans also tasted victory last week over the Tigers. Both teams are looking to continue their upward momentum in Monday night football.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are too good to be overthrown at this point. I just don’t think the Titans have the starpower to do said overthrowing as well. However, I am expecting a good, solid game between the two sides though with generally even possession.

Speaking of Josh Reynolds, you should all check out his Twitter as he proudly announced he made lasagne by himself like a big boy. And don’t pay him out too much about it – he’s already copped some flack by fans and non-fans alike. It was cute to see how proud of himself he was. On ya Reynolds! Widow out!

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 21

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I look forward to every Friday for two reasons: one, it’s the end of the college week and the beginning of the weekend and two, it’s time for TIPPING FOR DUMMIES!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat Prediction Count from Round 20: 7 out of 8 (87.5%)

I am so good. Thanks for failing me, Storm.

Friday 2nd August, 2013
Newcastle Knights vs. Brisbane Broncos
This week’s NRL action begins with Fraser’s Knights vs. Noah’s Broncos. The Knights are coming off a 16 point loss against the Roosters in Round 20 while my Broncos scored a close victory over their rivals, the Cowboys. Probably the main story going into this game is the loss of Willie Mason for the Knights due to the tackle from SolSat Sexiest Man in League nominee Sonny Bill. Who will take the first win of the NRL week?

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

The Broncos are hungry, hungrier than they’ve ever been this entire year. They know that their finals hopes are dwindling, and this appetite for victory is going to lead them to a close win over the Knights. The changes in the Broncos side provides a new and interesting dynamic, a notable change being Stagg in center. As always, here’s to a good game and, dearest cousin Fraser – game on.

Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney City Roosters
The Panthers are just on the outs of the top 8 in 10th position and they’re going to try their luck as they collide with the no.2 team, the Chookies. Making his return is SolSat favourite Josh Mansour, who is representing the Panthers in the Sexiest Man in League tourney. As mentioned previously, the Roosters will be missing Sonny Bill for two weeks due to suspension. Will this help or hinder the Panther’s chances of beating the Roosters?

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

Even without the big powerhouse SBW, the Chookies are just unstoppable. These premier favourites have a killer dynamic and they work so cohesively as a team it’s like watching gears turn each other. I’d hate to think negatively for the Panthers, but maybe their loss will be the Broncos gain as they make their way up the ladder to the top 8.

Saturday 3rd August, 2013
New Zealand Warriors vs. Cronulla Sharks
The Warriors are coming off probably the biggest win in their season over the Storm, who cost me a clean streak in tips last week. Like I said, it was their unpredictable offense that cost the Storm the win. For the Sharks, they’ve kind of been a lost cause… but with the return of Gallen, maybe their unlucky streak will be broken as they take on the Warriors.

SolSat’s Prediction: New Zealand Warriors

The Sharks haven’t been getting their business done and on the contrary, the Warriors have strolled through their competition, earning them 9th position after having a not-so-great start of the season. Even with the return of Gallen, I don’t see the Sharks defeating the Warriors because, let’s face it, even I could skip passed the Sharks defense if their recent losses are any indication.

Parramatta Eels vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
My heart went out to Tim Mannah last week at the post-game press conference as you could see the disappointment in his face. Personal feelings aside, the bottom team take on the Sea-Eagles, hoping that a home field advantage will lead them to a much needed victory… not that it’d take them anywhere, but still it’d be nice to have more than 3 victories to your name.

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

Despite my personal adoration for the Eels captain, they won’t be able to stop the Sea Eagles. With all due respect to the Eels, their defense against the Doggies in the last round was terrible to the point where I could’ve probably got passed them, in a pair of six inch stilettos. The Sea Eagles offense has been beautiful and their whole side have the talent to make it to the grand final, whole side including the interchange with notable mention going to Georgey Rose. In short, Manly have got this one in the bag.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. South Sydney Rabbioths
The Cowboys had come so close to my Broncos last week but couldn’t snatch the victory from them in the end. I managed to catch half of the Bunnies game against the Titans and the parts I did watch, I was mighty impressed with Luke Keary’s form which, correct me if I’m wrong, earned him his first two tries of his NRL career. Needless to say, the Cowboys have a tough challenge ahead of them as they clash with the no.1 team on the ladder.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Even with the severe blow to the Bunnies overall form with Inglis out with injury, the Bunnies are, like the Chookies, unstoppable. They have been the form team of the season and, I’m sorry to say, I expect them to soundly defeat the Cowboys this Saturday. Hopefully the frustration that was clearly etched on Thurston’s face last week won’t be so apparent this week – there is no shame in losing against the no.1 team.

Sunday 4th August, 2013
Canberra Raiders vs. Melbourne Storm
The hot-and-cold team of the Raiders are coming off a tight win over the Dragons while the Storm had a complete shocker against the Warriors. The punters have given the advantage to the Storm but going off momentum from the previous games, both teams seem quite evenly matched. Who will take the W for Sunday’s opening game?

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

I am somewhat tentatively backing the Storm this week – and if they fail me again, I will be sure to never back them ever again. Kidding, but seriously, their loss last week against the Warriors was bad, that bad that the Storm should be like “Hey, let’s not make that mistake again”. The Big Three haven’t been so big so hopefully they can show everyone exactly why they are the Big Three with a victory over the Raiders.

Gold Coast Titans vs. West Tigers
The Gold Coast Titans are hoping to snap their 4 week losing streak as they take on the West Tigers who themselves are coming off a 3 week losing streak. Placed at 11th and 15th respectively, the Titans and Tigers are in desperate need of a win if their finals dreams are to stay alive. It’s interesting to note that for the Titans, Ashley Harrison is playing five-eighth making Aidan Sezer the halfback for their squad.

SolSat’s Prediction: Gold Coast Titans

Aside from their shattering loss against the Bunnies last week, the Titans have been in pretty great form this season and with the changes in their squad, I am expecting a whole new dynamic spark in the team leading to a victory over the Tigers who, with all due respect, have been mediocre the whole year.

Monday 5th August, 2013
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
Rounding off this weekend’s NRL action is the 14th place Dragons vs. the 5th place Bulldogs. The Dragons are still reeling after the injury loss of Dragons veteran Matt Cooper while the Doggies are coming off a huuuuge victory over the Eels in Round 20. Statistically, the Bulldogs would be favoured to win but as you know, anything can happen in the NRL. With the loss of superstar Ben Barba, Sam Perrett will be his replacement at fullback for the Doggies.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

Statistically, SolSat is going with statistics – I am fully backing a Bulldogs win in this one as the Dragons haven’t had a beauty of a year really with several unfortunate losses and playing the year pretty much without Cooper. Even with Barba on the injured shelf, Perrett showed that he was just as capable at fullback and so I am predicting a blue and white victory in this one.

I’m about to head out to my second dinner after having my first dinner at home so I will be running around trying to find a TV to watch the footy on, namely Broncos vs. Knights. Let’s go Broncos! #bronxnation Also, apparently Benji Marshall is set to go to the Blues next year in union. I wish you the best in your future endeavours, Benji.

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 20

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We’ve officially hit Round 20 where it’s all business. The race is on for the teams not currently in the top 8 to make it and it’s a fight for the top 8 teams to keep their spot. With that being said… welcome to Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 19: 4 out of 6 (66%)

Not bad, not bad. Let’s see if I can do better this round.

Friday 26th July, 2013
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos
My main team going up against my next most favourite team. The rivals face off against one another again. Both teams had byes last week so this game is sure to be fast-paced, hard-hitting, solid footy action. With several big changes in the Broncos squad, which some argue is a long time coming, the Broncos are looking to lift my spirits and end their losing streak with a decisive victory over Thurston and Scott’s Cowboys.

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

Personal biased aside, I truly believe that with the changes in my squad that the Broncos will pull out the duke in this one. Hoffman is in his element as fullback and Wallace hasn’t been playing up to scratch so I strongly believe that the change in squad will benefit the #bronxnation and lead us to victory, especially seeing as our top 8 dreams are diminishing. C’mon Broncos! Do me proud!

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Parramatta Eels
I actually have the privilege of attending this game as a journalist with an official media pass and all… but aside from that, it was announced that the Eels are definitely out of the top 8 finals unfortunately for them. Meanwhile, the Doggies linger out on the outskirts of the top 4. If any other team could snag a top 4 position, it’d be the Doggies.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

Let’s face it, the Eels are going up against a brick wall. Add the extra de-motivation of having no finals dreams to strive for and the Doggies have got this one in the bag. I feel so bad for poor Mannah though… oh well. There’s always another year!

Saturday 27th July, 2013
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canberra Raiders
A bad turn of luck whacked the Dragons like a cricket ball to the netheregions; SolSat favourite Matt Cooper returned from injury in Round 19 just to be sidelined for the rest of the season with another injury. This setback will only harm the Dragons as they go into battle with the ever impressive Canberra Raiders.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canberra Raiders

The Raiders are riding on a wave of momentum and the Dragons are unfortunately going to be crushed by the wave. Ferguson is rumoured to come back for the Raiders so if he does… good luck Dragons.

Gold Coast Titans vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Bunnies were heavily predicted to win against the Dragons last week so to see them lose was a major shock to the NRL world entirely. People may say that is because of Inglis being sidelined but even without Inglis, the squad is still talented enough to pull out a victory. The Titans are coming off a loss against the Sea Eagles who, let’s face it, are a shoe in for at least the semi finals.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

The loss against the Dragons last week should have lit a fire underneath the Bunnies, telling them to not get comfortable even if they are on top of the ladder. The Titans haven’t had much luck recently and I’m expecting their bad luck to continue unfortunately, even with their impressive squad.

Sunday 28th July, 2013
New Zealand Warriors vs. Melbourne Storm
My Storm-fanatic brother has openly admitted that the premiers Achilles heel seems to be the Warriors unorthodox offense so this was a tough one to call. I agree with him. It’s as if the Warriors play for fun instead of points and that approach to footy may just be the catalyst of their uprise.

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

Besides the fact that they’re the favourite to win the premiership (again), I’m tentatively going with the Storm this time around because surely, the “Big 3” can somehow figure out a way to defend against the Warrior’s offense.

Cronulla Sharks vs. Penrith Panthers
The Sharks are coming off, bluntly putting it, the second most humiliating loss – after the Broncos shocker to the Warriors. The Sharks core in Paul Gallen is still not cleared to play so the Panthers are hoping to take advantage of that.

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

Not gonna lie, I actually chose the Sharks based on dollar bet. These two teams are evenly matched, especially with the Sharks lack of main players and the lack of Mansour for the Panthers. I am expecting a great game of footy between these two teams so that’s what I’m hoping for.

Newcastle Knights vs. Sydney City Roosters
I don’t need to write about how great the Roosters’ season has been excellent and, while on the topic of the Roosters, I’d like to acknowledge the rumour that Martin Kennedy is set to sign the Broncos for next season. While we desperately need backs, I will gladly accept him. The Knights have been kind of mediocre in the season so they look to improve on that.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

The Roosters are too damn good to lose now, even against the Knights. If someone is going to derail the Chookies’ momentum right now, it’ll have to be one of the top teams: the Bunnies, the Storm or the Eagles. Other than that, they seem to be unstoppable.

Monday 29th July, 2013
West Tigers vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Tigers dreams of getting into the top 8 are very slim to none at the moment but at least they still have a shimmer of hope as opposed to the Eels. In what was an impressive game last week despite the loss, the Tigers are going to be desperate for this win against the Eagles tonight.

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles, with SolSat new favourite Brenton Lawrence, are predicted to defeat the Tigers with ease this round and I have to agree on that one. The Eagles are favourites to take the premiership this year and they will show why in their game against the Tigers.

One day I will get a perfect tipping score on Tipping for Dummies and I will gladly/boastfully redirect everyone back to here and be like “HA! 100%!” Until then… have a satisfying day!

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 19

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After a heartstopper of an Origin decider, we are back to the usual comp in Round 19! The biggest story going into this round is Benji Marshall’s departure from league so the Tigers vs. Warriors game will be his last league game in the foreseeable future. I wish well Benji well in his future endeavours because he was an absolute charmer when I met him.

Welcome to Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 18: 3 out of 4 (75%)

One off… ONE OFF! It’s an improvement from Round 17’s shocker. We’re in the Origin rest round so some teams have a bye, including my Broncos.

Friday 19th July, 2013
West Tigers vs. New Zealand Warriors
Kicking off this week’s league festivities is, as mentioned, Benji’s last game as the Tigers take on the Warriors. The Tigers, who have had a pretty bad season, have the home field advantage plus the motivation of Benji will drive the Tigers to put on a 150% game. The Warriors, needless to say, have wowed me with their solid and unpredictable form with notable mention going out to Shaun Johnson who doesn’t look a day over 16.

SolSat’s Prediction: New Zealand Warriors

I expect the Warriors to continue their roll with a solid victory over the Tigers. With all due respect to Farah and Marshall, they will have trouble dealing with the crazy offense of the Warriors and I predict they will lose because of that, even with the pressure of being Benji’s last game. #ThankYouBenji

Saturday 20th July, 2013
Canberra Raiders vs. Parramatta Eels
Campese’s Raiders vs. Mannah’s Eels at Canberra Stadium. The Raiders have been on quite a decent roll recently whilst the Eels have been on the opposite of a “roll”. The Eels haven’t won an away game at all this season; can they break the streak or will Shillington’s large, manly frame stop them dead in their tracks?

SolSat’s Prediction: Canberra Raiders

The Raiders, in my humble opinion, have this one in the bag. The Raiders have been too good to let another team dethrone that, let alone the Eels who are a shoe in for the Wooden Spoon. That’s all I really have to say about that.

Sydney City Roosters vs. Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks are down a handful of key players for this game as they go against Chookies who are a favourite to make the grand final this year. Roosters five-eighth Maloney has been absolutely incredible all season but so has Cronulla counterpart Todd Carney who, despite not being captain, has led the Sharks successfully, especially in a choice victory over my Bronx last week.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

The main reason as to why I predict the Roosters will win is because the Sharks are down too many players to put up a good fight against the Chookies and with the added homefield advantage, the Chooks have this one as they set their sights on the premiership which doesn’t seem too far from their grasp.

Sunday 21st July, 2013
Penrith Panthers vs. Newcastle Knights
Even though my Panthers favourite Josh Mansour is still out of action, the Panthers look to continue their impressive form as they take on the equally awesome Knights at Centrebet Stadium. This was the most difficult game for me to predict as both teams have had a parallel path up the ladder.

SolSat’s Prediction: Penrith Panthers

Because I found this match too hard to predict, I chose my tip based on personal feelings and because I like the Panthers a tinge bit more than the Knights (sorry Fraser), and that is all there is to that, even though there’s a home advantage as well but who cares about that? This will no doubt be an excellent game between both sides.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Gold Coast Titans
I have a newfound affection for the Eagles… well, particularly, for one Brenton Lawrence after watching him on Perfect Partners on Footy Show last night. Moving onto the actual game, the Eagles clash with the Gold Coast Titans at the soon-to-be-newly-named Brookvale Oval. Will Lawrence do me proud?

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

I honestly see the Eagles taking out a decent victory over the Titans this week; their momentum is almost unstoppable and they will continue their excellent form with a solid victory over the Titans. Also because I personally dislike Greg Bird.

Monday 22nd July, 2013
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons
The no.1 Bunnies are going up against the Dragons who have the Sexiest Man in League returning from an injury that sidelined him from what seemed like forever. Will the return of Matt Cooper motivate the Dragons to pull out an underdog victory against the premiership favourites?

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Bunnies are too damn good to lose this time around even with the loss of Bunnies forefront man, Greg Inglis. The Dragons should put up a decent fight as Inglis is widely considered the Bunnies foundation player.

I’m glad my Bronx get a rest after their defeat at the hands of the Sharkies last week. Our season is on the line so we have no choice but to win for the rest of the season if we want a chance of being in the top 8. Here’s to a good week of league!

– by The Black Widow

EDIT: Apparently my facts were wrong in that it was only Benji’s last game at Leichardt, not altogether.