I said last week that tipping during the Origin period is a lottery. Here’s the evidence: both Prop in the Canefield and I got 0/5 last weekend. It’s true – check our tips in our respective pieces from last week! Now, in the aftermath of Origin Game 1, we have to try again. Here goes.
Round 14 starts tomorrow night with the Dragons hosting the Wests Tigers. Will the three Origin players back up for the home side? They managed without them last week, so I expect that they can again against less credentialed opponents this week. No disrespect intended, Wests Tigers, but I think the Dragons are on a bit of a run.
Saturday’s triple header sees the Titans up against the Rabbitohs. Both are coming off the bye; both have a couple players returning; both need a win – the Titans to continue a better run of form, the Rabbitohs to build on a last time success. This could go anywhere. Coin toss – Rabbitohs. Then the Cowboys are at home to the Warriors with who knows how many Origin players backing up for the northerners. That might be asking a bit much, especially when the Warriors are getting a few troops back. I’ll go with the Warriors. The late game is the Broncos v Sharks clash, yet another post-Origin battle of the survivors. Hynes won’t play and that spells trouble for the Sharks. In fact, it’s enough for me to put my trust in the Broncos to get the points.
Sunday begins with the Storm at home to the Knights. Both were last time losers, the Knights abysmally so. Melbourne in Melbourne – use your head, Ian. Storm. The match of the round follows with the Panthers taking on the Sea Eagles – another post-Origin lottery. The Sea Eagles have sprung a few surprises this season; the Panthers have been a bit ‘off’ of late. My gut tells me that Penrith will emerge the stronger and chalk up the two points.
The Monday holiday game has the improving Bulldogs playing the possibly revived Eels. Didn’t the Eels look 1000% better with both Moses and Gutho back? It’s a pity that Gutho’s first name isn’t Aaron because then it could be a case of Moses and Aaron leading the Eels out of the wilderness. The Doggies are a work in progress; the Eels have the experience to get back into form faster, so I’ll go with them.
The Dolphins, Raiders and Roosters have the bye.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
Ian,
I was thrilled to record an unprecedented zero in NRL tipping last week. That’s much more distinctive than 1/5.
You are well aware of my ignorance of league, but I’m reassured that SOTG* such as Rabbit and yourself, didn’t trouble the scorer either. A well-compiled duck for all of us.
Good luck this week
* Students of the Game, copyright The Wrap (John Mosig) the bold tiger contributor to the Almanac in seasons past.