I can’t even remember doing the last TFD because it was that long ago, what with the rep week and the week I accidentally missed. Nonetheless, here I am again with Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!

Friday May 9, 2014
Sydney Roosters vs. West Tigers @ Allianz Stadium
The reigning premiers are sitting fifth on the ladder after a very disappointing start to the season. Sitting one rung up on the ladder are the Tigers whose winning streak was cut off by the Titans two weeks ago. The Chookies receive an extended bench while Blake Austin returns as five-eighth for the Wests.
SolSat’s prediction: Sydney Roosters
What would have been a blind-easy prediction last year has been a very difficult prediction now. I don’t see how they’ve improved but by golly the Tigers have improved. I am predicting a close game from both of these top teams.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos @ 1300 SMILES Stadium
The second Queensland derby of the year takes place this Friday, however the hosting roles will be changed as the Cowboys host the Broncos. Gavin Cooper returns for the Cowboys while Cameron King will make his debut for the club; Thaiday is still out for the Broncos while Polar Bear has been replaced by David Hala on the bench.
SolSat’s prediction: Brisbane Broncos
Bias aside, of the two Queensland teams, the Broncos have had way better form, and based solely on that, I’m backing my baby Broncos for the second-straight win in this Queensland derby. I’m really hoping that the Cowboys hit form soon though because I actually love them.

Saturday May 10, 2014
New Zealand Warriors vs. Canberra Raiders @ Eden Park
Two of the bottom teams will look to increase their form as the Warriors take on the Raiders at Eden Park to open Saturday footy. The Warriors are coming off a win in the last round while the Raiders weren’t so lucky two weeks ago. Kevin Locke may make his first appearance of the year after being named on the Warriors’ bench while Papali’i and Shillington have been put on the Raiders bench.
SolSat’s prediction: New Zealand Warriors
Even though they’re arguably the most inconsistent team in the league, the Warriors have been known to play some solid footy when the situation calls for it, and given their low seating on the ladder, I would say the situation is calling for it.

Gold Coast Titans vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Cbus Super Stadium
The Queensland team who have been sitting comfortably in the top rungs of the ladder host the Rabbitohs who should also be so lucky. William Zillman returns for the Titans from a groin injury while Aidan Sezer is in doubt for Saturday. The Souths remain unchanged with an extended bench.
SolSat’s prediction: Gold Coast Titans
Even though the odds are in the Bunnies’ favour, I am actually expecting an “upset” of sorts with a Titans victory. Hopefully Sezer will be okay to play because he has been the catalyst for several of the Titans wins this season and last.

Melbourne Storm vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles @ AAMI Park
The Storm haven’t had a great season and it shows as the team used to being in the finals sit at tenth place. They host the Sea Eagles who have had three straights wins and look to make it four. Will Chambers returns from suspension for the Storm while the Eagles will miss Jamie Lyon and Glenn Stewart due to injury.
SolSat’s prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Even with the home crowd advantage, I don’t have faith that the Storm can dethrone the always-top form Eagles. I mean, they’re sitting at second place on the ladder for a reason, right?

Sunday May 11, 2014
Newcastle Knights vs. Penrith Panthers @ Hunter Stadium
As #RiseForAlex becomes stronger, the Knights form becomes weaker with two straight losses for the side. The Panthers are barely hanging on at eighth place on the ladder. Akuila Uate returns for the Knights while Korbin Sims will miss the game due to a not-yet-happened suspension. Tyrone Peachey starts for the Panthers.
SolSat’s prediction: Penrith Panthers
I am actually convinced that the Panthers are a hidden force in the league and their full potential will be reached when no one’s expecting it. Let this be the start of said potential with a comfortable win over the Knights.

St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canterbury Bulldogs @ ANZ Stadium
Is ANZ Stadium the home of like every Sydney team? Regardless of this, the Dragons host the first-placed Bulldogs at ANZ on Sunday, even though the stadium is the home for the latter. Joel Thompson moves to the centres while Bronson Harrison takes his second row spot for the Dragons while Tim Lafai returns for the Doggies.
SolSat’s prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs
While the Dragons are definitely one of the teams to watch, the Doggies aren’t sitting on the top of the ladder for no reason. Enough said, pretty much.

Monday May 12, 2014
Parramatta Eels vs. Cronulla Sharks @ Pirtek Oval
Nathan Peats (who is one of my new faves) and the Eels side host the Cronulla Sharks to close the round. The big sweet story coming into this one is the season debut for Luke Lewis who has been out with injury from the World Cup. Darcy Lussick and Pauli Pauli start for the Eels.
SolSat’s prediction: Parramatta Eels
Even with the added boost of having Lewis back, I don’t see the Sharks taking the win over the Eels on Monday, especially with the Eels dominance in their home field. Here’s to a Peatsy-inspired win.

I’m pretty much set for comp footy after a phenom week of rep last week. Let’s go!

– by The Black Widow

I’m just going to put it out there: what is going on with the NRL? This round so far has been so inconsistent, it makes Kim Kardashian look… I’m not even going to go there.

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!

SolSat’s predictions from round six: 4 of 8 (50%) That damn perfect score is avoiding me.

Friday April 18, 2014
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Canterbury Bulldogs @ ANZ Stadium
The annual Easter Friday bash kicks off the round as the Bunnies and the Doggies collide at ANZ Stadium in what is sure to be a whopper of a game. On the green side, Luke Burgess comes on for his suspended brother George and McQueen replaces the suspended Te’o. On the blue side, Pat O’Hanlon replaces injured co-captain Frank Pritchard on the bench.
SolSat’s prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs
I adore the Rabbitohs, I really do, but their inconsistency has ultimately made me go with the Doggies on this one. Canterbury have finally reached their peak after a lengthy stalemate and I see them defeating the Bunnies in a terrific game of footy.

Newcastle Knights vs. Brisbane Broncos @ Hunter Stadium
Friday’s second game will see the Knights take on the Broncos with their much needed home field advantage. Mullen made a surprise return last week and he just might be the catalyst the Knights need to conquer the baby Broncos. Josh Mantellato comes onto the wing for the Knights while the Broncos remain unchanged.
SolSat’s prediction: Brisbane Broncos
This tip is as tentative as firetruck. I believe in my boys, I really do, but sometimes they just let me down, especially during the last minutes. Mullen’s return ignited a fire in the Knights and they played formidably last week. I’m going with a close win for the Bronx on this one.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. North Queensland Cowboys @ Central Coast Stadium
The most consistent team in NRL will take on the most disappointing at a stadium I don’t think I’ve ever heard of before. The Sea Eagles made good work of the Sharks last week and look to continue their impressive form against the Cowboys who came up short against the Tigers. Jason King makes his return for the Eagles the Cowboys see a rookie debut and an extended bench.
SolSat’s prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
This is like choosing to say goodbye to your child forever. I’m sorry Cowboys, but I just don’t see that North Queensland drive in you yet. I predict a decent win from the Eagles over the Cowboys to close Easter Friday footy.

Saturday April 19, 2014
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. New Zealand Warriors @ WIN Jubilee Stadium
The controversy-ridden Dragons will look to get their heads back in the game after a terrible call cost them the game last week. The Warriors travel to foreign territory after just losing to the Doggies last week. The Dragons have been named unchanged while the Warriors side sees three new faces due to suspension, injury and “droppage”.
SolSat’s prediction: St. George Illawarra Dragons
Controversy aside, statistically speaking, the Dragons are the better side. Controversy not aside, the Dragons will be breathing fire and will run a riot against the Warriors. I see a comfortable win for the Saints.

Cronulla Sharks vs. Sydney Roosters @ Remondis Stadium
The last-placed Sharks look to use the home field advantage as they have the challenge of facing the Chookies who, despite being the premiers, have not yet impressed so far in the season. Jonathan Wright comes onto the wing for the Sharkies and the Chookies remain unchanged, although they are blessed with an extended bench.
SolSat’s prediction: Sydney Roosters
This one is, dare I say, a breeze to tip. The Roosters are playing decent footy while the Sharks haven’t found their finals-footy niche. The Roosters will have a comfortable win here, methinks.

Sunday April 20, 2014
Canberra Raiders vs. Melbourne Storm @ GIO Stadium
The Raiders have been early predicted as the wooden spooners of the year. They intend to prove those doubters wrong but have to face the Storm to do so. Joel Edwards returns to the starting Raiders side while the Storm’s Dayne Weston returns to an added extended bench and an otherwise unchanged side after the incident we’ll call the “Dragons Stormy night”.
SolSat’s prediction: Melbourne Storm
The Storm aren’t “the Storm” for no reason; they know how to play some good footy. The Raiders are, well, not up there in the stormy side of things. However, Josh Papali’i must be commended for his outstanding form. He is definitely becoming one of my faves. Heartsz.

Monday April 21, 2014
Parramatta Eels vs. Wests Tigers @ ANZ Stadium
Two of the bottom teams from last year’s ladder that are now the names to beat clash as the Eels take on the Tigers to close the Easter weekend round. Darcy Lussick returns from suspension for the Eels while Joel Luani replaces injured captain Robbie Farah for the Tigers. Coincidentally enough, Eels hooker Nathan Peats will be looking to take Farah’s NSW hooker position if he doesn’t come back in time.
SolSat’s prediction: Parramatta Eels
From last year, I’m just not used to writing “Parramatta Eels” next to “SolSat’s prediction” but this year, it’s the truth. The Eels are just playing really, really well. The Tigers have lost their key player and skipper so I see that as the main reason for their downfall. Also, Peatsy… Matthew McConnaugheeeeyyyyyy.

To all our loyal and lovely readers out there, have a lovely Easter, whether you believe in it or not. And have a few beers over some good footy!

– by The Black Widow

After missing last week’s TFD due to the bus ride from hell (that took double the time it usually takes), we’re back with Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!

Friday April 11, 2014
Penrith Panthers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Sportingbet Stadium
The Panthers are coming off a close win last week, due largely to the skill of rookie debutant Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who retains his spot on the wing. The Rabbitohs have finally broken their losing streak and look to make a winning streak against Penrith. Both sides remain unchanged but with extended benches.
SolSat’s prediction: Penrith Panthers
With all due respect to the Rabbitohs – and Greg Inglis, because I love him – but their inconsistent play has me skeptical on whether they can continue to perform as well as they did last week. The Panthers are a deadly team this season and I’m expecting a close game between both sides, but a victory for the home team.

Gold Coast Titans vs. Brisbane Broncos @ CBUS Super Stadium
The local Queensland derby takes place tonight as the first-ranked Titans host the third-ranked Broncos. SolSat golden boy Aidan Sezer returns from a quad injury to the number six jersey with Maurice Blair shifting back to the centre. Justin Hodges has been named to start for the Broncos. The Titans are coming off a win against the Storm while the Broncos lost a nailbiter against the Eels last week.
SolSat’s prediction: Brisbane Broncos
I love the Titans, I really do, but I just don’t think they have it in them to down the Broncos. Captain Cozza scored his 1000th point last week, which just goes to show how dominant the Broncos can be when they’re on their best. Here’s to a good game. UP THE MAROONS.

Saturday April 12, 2014
Canberra Raiders vs. Newcastle Knights @ GIO Stadium
Perth will see their second game of the year as the Raiders take on the Knights at GIO Stadium. Both teams are coming off losses from last week, the latter of which was a sizeable difference. Josh Papali’i is among the four Raiders players who return to the team after missing games for different reasons. The Knights remain unchanged, as I impatiently await Mullen’s return.
SolSat’s prediction: Newcastle Knights

Parramatta Eels vs. Sydney Roosters @ PIRTEK Stadium
The Eels and the Roosters meet for the second time this season at the newly named PIRTEK Stadium. The Roosters dominated the Eels in their first match, however the Eels recent winning form may be a changing factor. Fuifui Moimoi returns for the Eels from injury while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves returns for the Chookies after a one week suspension.
SolSat’s prediction: Sydney Roosters
I actually don’t mind the Eels this season, what with the return of Hoppa and the newly signed Peatsy. In saying that, I unfortunately do not see them downing the Roosters, despite the Chookies surprisingly inconsistent season. I am predicting this one to be much closer than the previous.

Wests Tigers vs. North Queensland Cowboys @ Campbelltown Sports Stadium
The team of many home grounds will host the North Queensland Cowboys at Campbelltown this weekend. Both teams have been rather inconsistent with their form, however the Tigers have had a much better season. Debutant Kurtis Rowe replaces the injured Tedesco on the Tigers side while the Cowboys remain unchanged.
SolSat’s prediction: North Queensland Cowboys
When the Cowboys are on, they’re on. If the Cowboys continue the play that they had last week against the Knights, then I am comfortably predicting a Cowboys win here.

Sunday April 13, 2014
New Zealand Warriors vs. Canterbury Bulldogs @ Eden Park
On-again-off-again is the recurring theme between these two teams who both started the season very poorly but have come into form recently, more apparent in the Doggies, who sit second on the ladder. The Doggies are coming off a much needed one point win while the Warriors were decimated. Both teams make important changes to their respective sides due to injury.
SolSat’s prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs
As I stated before, the Doggies have had a more apparent change in form. It seems as if they’ve re-found their pizzazz that made them a killer side in the first place. The Warriors are too inconsistent for my liking so I’m predicting a comfortable win for Canterbury to open Sunday.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Cronulla Sharks @ Brookvale Oval
The Eagles are coming off a shock loss against the Tigers last week after having a kickstart to the season this year. The Sharkies, meanwhile, dominated in their game against the Warriors. Case, set and point. Glenn Stewart and James Hasson return for the Eagles while Chris Heighington swaps Tinirau Arona to start as lock for the Sharks.
SolSat’s prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
What would’ve been an obvious pick a couple of weeks ago has turned into a tentative one, and I am tentatively backing the Eagles on this one. Something has lit a fire in the Sharks and they’re firing on all cylinders; however, the Sea Eagles are the Sea Eagles. This’ll be a darn close one!

Monday April 14, 2014
Melbourne Storm vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons @ AAMI Park
Closing the round are the Storm, who are out of the top eight for the first time in like 10 years, hosting the Dragons at AAMI Park. Gareth Widdop will be facing his old team for the first time this round. Both teams were on the bad end of the stick last week with respective losses to the Titans and the Rabbitohs. Tim Glasby replaces Dayne Weston on the Storm and Michael Witt has been named as Dragons halfback.
SolSat’s prediction: Melbourne Storm
This one is also a tentative pick. The Storm haven’t been playing “Storm footy” recently while the Dragons have been on point. However, I am going with the more “experienced” team in this one in what will be a great closing game.

There we go. Without the hiccup of bus rides from hell.

– by The Black Widow