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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 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 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.

Queensland Make It 8

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I am on the highest of highs… of highs. QUEENSLAND TAKE OUT ORIGIN FOR THE 8TH TIME IN A ROW!!

This needs no caption.

This needs no caption. SOURCE: NRL Facebook page

Tension was running high as the players ran out onto the field for the ultimate decider of the Origin series 2013. This was it. This was the moment. This was the moment for the Blues to shut up their naysayers and stop Queensland’s dominating streak, and the moment for the Maroons to continue their momentum from game two.

Queensland made the first half count with some early points from Queensland playmaker Johnathan Thurston who racked up a converted try and a penalty conversion. The Blues mounted a comeback with a try from McManus and ended the half at 8 – 4.

I could not sit down during the second half because I can honestly say a game of footy has not kept me on my toes like this in a very long time. The gruelling second half was intense and was nearly too hard for me to watch until my Broncos boy Hodges scored a try at the 61st minute which wasn’t successfully converted. All was well in the Queensland department until SolSat’s Golden Boy Corey Parker let in a try from Merrin at the 71st minute. My poor Parker.

In the final minutes of the game, 10-12 to the Maroons, it was all coming down to whoever was in possession. Just as I thought one of my personal favourites, the underrated Matt Scott would score a try, a stupid, fat, ignorant streaker ran onto the field to disrupt not only the brilliant game that had been played but Scott’s try. An array of colourful language threatened to escape my mouth but I managed to stop it. Streakers – be ready to see an opinion piece on them.

Queensland managed to keep possession in the final seconds of play and seize the victory over the Blues for their 8th straight victory in what was an unforgettable defeat.

Now, it’s time for the SOLST-O-METER!

Solst-o-meter
Even with what I perceived to be shotty officiating from one Shayne Hayne and an absolutely horrendous try-ruining streaker, my boys still managed to scrape up the victory and make it #8inarow.

1. Billy Slater – still exhibits his fine footy finesse and shows why he IS the greatest fullback in the game, despite your personal feelings for the man. RATING: Satisfied.
2. Darius Boyd – bleh first half, somewhat decent second half. If he didn’t ground that ball, I would’ve torn him a new one. RATING: Neither satisfied or dissatisfied.
3. Greg Inglis – I was still expecting a classic GI moment from him but didn’t get any of the sort. RATING: Neither satisfied or dissatisfied.
4. Justin Hodges – my bucking Bronco played excellent! Now if only he could bring that back to the Broncos, that’d be great. RATING: Satisfied.
5. Brent Tate – excellent form here by the Cowboy Tate. RATING: Satisfied.
6. Johnathan Thurston – hands down Man of the Match. RATING: Very Satisfied.
7. Cooper Cronk – some great play from Cronk, nothing earth shattering like I’m used to from him but still good. RATING: Satisfied.
8. Matt Scott – my poor Scotty, his Origin moment was taken from him. Either way, he was still incredible tonight. RATING: Satisfied.
9. Cameron Smith – the Captain of the Squad demonstrated exactly why he is the greatest player in the game today. RATING: Satisfied.
10. Nate Myles – good ol’ Myles, no punch ups this time thank goodness. Wasn’t outstanding but wasn’t bad either. RATING: Neither satisfied or dissatisfied.
11. Chris McQueen – good ol’ McQueen and his green eyes also did not wow me with his performance but he still played pretty well. RATING: Neither satisfied or dissatisfied.
12. Sam Thaiday – Thaiday started off the game firing on all cylinders then kind of went down after that but finished the game on a high. RATING: Satisfied.
13. Corey Parker – SolSat’s darling Corey Parker played the whole game excellently keeping up his great form… until he let that try in from Merrin. You could see that he was tired so I may let that one slide. RATING: Satisfied.
14. Daly Cherry-Evans – DCE didn’t play as well as he did in the second game but he was still fired up keeping me impressed nevertheless. RATING: Satisfied.
15. Ben Te’o – some excellent plays there from the former Bronco. He let out a penalty but also kept up some great defense. RATING: Satisfied.
16. Matt Gillett – my Bronco played well tonight despite giving away a penalty. Deserves a good pat on the back. RATING: Satisfied.
17. Josh Papali’i – the soft-spoken gentle giant’s defense is damn unmatched. His heavy hitting tackles are cringeworthy and then he just gets up with a cute smile on his face. RATING: Satisfied.

Congratulations Queensland Maroons, a well deserved win from all of you. Keep up the good work and make it 9 in a row in 2014! Now to celebrate my victory by decking myself out in Maroon when I go to college tomorrow. Noah out!

– by The Black Widow