Tag Archives: rugby league

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.

Tipping for Dummies: Round 17

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I was just thinking that I should rename my “Sports” category to just “NRL” seeing as most of my sports posts are going to be NRL related. On that note:

Welcome to Tipping for Dummies!

Introducing Solstice Satisfaction's "Tipping for Dummies"!

Introducing Solstice Satisfaction’s “Tipping for Dummies”!

 

In this new segment of SolSat, I will be giving my predictions of the NRL round’s fast-paced, hard-hitting action with a breakdown of the two teams and, of course, the ultimate prediction of who will be the winnah. That was a Buzz! reference, if anyone didn’t get it. Let’s get to it then, shall we?

Friday 5th July, 2013
Melboure Storm vs. Brisbane Broncos
If it hasn’t been made apparent by my previous sports posts, I am a diehard Broncos fan. Apparently the term “supporter” doesn’t suit me because I’m too, shall we say, lively to be defined as a mere supporter. In saying that, the Storm are one of my top 4 teams so it won’t be too hard for me to remain unbiased in this. After what I thought to be quite a humiliating loss to the Tigers last week, the Storm are looking to pick up their game and will most likely do so with their main player, Cameron Smith, back in the fray. After all, he walks like Rihanna. On the opposing side, the Mighty Broncos are coming off an excellent game with the Warriors despite a 2 point loss, which is a major improvement on their last game against the Warriors with which my precious Suncorp Stadium grass was desecrated.

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

Despite being a diehard #bronxnation fan, the Broncos desperately need this victory if they want to be in the top 8 at the end of the year and I believe that drive and determination will lead them to a slight victory over the premiers in what is to be an excellent game. With star player Gareth Widdop sidelined for the rest of the season, God bless his soul, Melbourne won’t be up to their 120% performance and this will contribute to the Bronco’s predicted victory. Here’s to a good game and GO THE MIGHTY BRONCOS!

Cronulla Sharks vs. West Tigers
The Tigers have completely changed their downhill momentum with an impressive victory over the Storm and are hoping to continue that trek uphill as they go up against the Sharks. On the contrary, the usually outstanding Sharks have been on a downward slope, contributing to their loss against the North Queensland Cowboys and are indubitably hoping to fix that problem with a victory here.

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

Even with Cronulla five-eighth Todd Carney not playing at his total best, I don’t see the Tigers taking the victory this time around. The loss against the Cowboys will surely motivate the Sharks to play a top game and defeat the Tigers, although I am still expecting an excellent game from the Wests, with notable mentions going out to Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah.

Saturday 6th July, 2013
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Sydney City Roosters
The Roosters have had an excellent season so far because of, in my humble opinion, the acquisition of one Sonny Bill Williams and one James “Barbecquing” Maloney. They are coming off a victory over the Eagles in what was a terrific game. The Dragons haven’t had as impressive a season, especially with key player Matt “Sexiest Man in League” Cooper being sidelined for quite a while.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

The Roosters are too damn impressive to be overthrown this time and with cutie five-eighth Maloney coming back after a disgusting looking eye injury, I see the Roosters with a clear and decisive victory over the Dragons who are in desperate need of some spark to get them back to their 100%. They may also need Matt Cooper back before he leaves league to become a full-time model.

Gold Coast Titans vs. Penrith Panthers
The Titans are coming off a huge loss to the Newcastle Knights which, in their defense, is nothing to be ashamed of with the Knights impressive performances as of late. With the Panthers solid victory over the Dragons in Round 16, they are looking to make this a streak with a victory over the beautifully-coloured Titans.

SolSat’s Prediction: Gold Coast Titans

I expect the Titans to win but just barely as the Panthers will play an excellent game against the Titans. This predicted loss may just light the fire underneath the Panthers to keep their position in the top 8.

Sunday 7th July, 2013
Canberra Raiders vs. North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys, who I may note are in my top 4 faves as I have an undying adoration for co-captains Thurston and Scott, done me proud as they toppled the Sharks in a 24-4 victory. In saying that, the Raiders have been tearing through the competition, even with a huge loss to the Rabbitohs last week even though a loss to the no.1 team is nothing to be ashamed of. Cowboys vs. Raiders – who will come out with the victory?

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

My lovely Cowboys will take this victory when taking into consideration Raiders’ key player Edrick Lee being sidelined and the fact that Thurston is a league machine. The Cowboys will take this game and continue their upwards momentum and hopefully make it into the top 8 like my Broncos are hoping to.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Newcastle Knights
This season has been up and down for the usually impressive Bulldogs. Ben Barba seems to have hit his peak last year and hasn’t been playing as well as he usually does resulting in an up-and-down win and loss record for the highly favoured team. The Newcastle Knights, if I may say, have shot out of nowhere and proven why they deserve to be in the top 8 after demolishing the Titans in Round 16.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

The Bulldogs would have undoubtedly used their bye for some extra training for this game with the Knights and that among other things will carry to their victory over the Knights. While the Knights have been impressive as of late, I’m favouring the Doggies to take this one. Doggggiieeeesss bro. Sorry Fraser.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. New Zealand Warriors
The Bunnies have had no trouble staying in the top 4 for this whole season and their performances have been flawless with notable mentions going out to Greg Inglis and Adam Reynolds. On the flip side, if there has been any shocker for me personally, it has been the Warriors; they have literally come out of no where with entertaining and bloody brilliant performances… one of which took place on Suncorp Stadium that I don’t ever want to mention again. With the Bunnies dominance and the Warriors uprise, who will take the win?

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Sorry Maxi, the Bunnies take this one. They have been too damn good to lose now, even to an unpredictable team like the Warriors. With League legend Inglis on their side along with the Burgess brothers and the soft spoken Adam Reynolds, who I think should be the halfback for the NSW Blues, the Bunnies will easily score a victory at the expense of the Warriors. On a side note: #ThankYouRoyAsotasi

Monday 8th July, 2013
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels
The Eagles have had a solid year proving why they’re key players in the league with impressive performances throughout the year, even against my boys in Round 1, with notable mention going out to Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry Evans, the latter of which continues to wow me with his impressive form. The Eels, putting it bluntly, have had a not-so impressive season although they did score the victory over my boys.

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

With all due respect to Mannah and his squadron of Eels, the Eagles will take this hands down. They have been too good recently to lose and coming off a loss to the Chookies in a terrific game of league, the Eagles will undoubtedly bring their stardom to their home stadium and defeat the Eels to finish Round 17.

There you have it. Those are my predictions for Round 17 wrapped in a nice little package. Here’s to hoping for some great games and go the Broncos!

– by The Black Widow