The Courier Mail’s sports headline on Monday was all about medical conditions. The Titans got a rare back page with ‘Titans Can’t Stop The Bleeding’ and the Broncos had ‘Spine Surgery’. Then there was ‘Shivers Down His Spine’ as the Broncos now need to find their spark as the Courier lamented the problems the Broncos face in the halves. Two weeks ago, the Broncos had the best halves in the competition; now the CMtells us that Madge has a halves problem. But more on the Broncos later.
Round 7 started with Manly up against the Dragons. Like many, I thought the Sea Eagles would be too strong at home but the Dragons with their experienced players managed to get away with the win. They were most probably the better side and Manly really have to stop their slide this season before it is all too late.
The Bulldogs versus the Rabbitohs saw a massive crowd turn up for the Easter Friday clash. The Bulldogs were too good and completely dominated the game running out winners at 32 points to nil. Souths tried hard but were no match for the speed of the Bulldogs defensive line. Friday night’s second game had the Dolphins at home to the Storm and this was an upset. The Storm raced to an early 16 points to 2 lead and, like most pundits, I thought the game was all over. A couple of injuries and a silly penalty from Munster and before you knew it the Dolphins were in complete control of the match. The half-back Katoa was particularly good, as were both their centres, and Gilbert certainly makes a difference in that side. I am not sure if the Storm thought they had the game won and switched off very early, but it was an impressive Dolphins’ performance.
The Warriors deservedly beat the Broncos at home in the first of the Saturday games. It was a very ordinary performance by the Broncos and the way I viewed it, they were completely out-muscled. That has to be a concern for their coach. Ben Hunt unfortunately had his worst game in many years, and I am sure he will be out to rectify that over the next couple of weeks as Origin approaches. In the second Saturday game, the Panthers looked like the premiers from last year, defeating the Roosters 40 points to 12. It was a much better performance by the Panthers, and it looked clinical.
On Sunday, the first of two games saw the Titans at home to the Raiders. At 16-nil after 20 minutes, like many, I thought the Titans would be home. But as is the Titans’ way, they lacked application, and it must concern their coach. They then conceded almost 30 points to give the game back to the Raiders who have had a fairly tough schedule recently in terms of travel but finished all over the Titans. The final Sunday match up had the Sharks as comfortable winners over the ordinary Knights winning 34 points to 14. It has been repeated a number of times in the news cycle but the Knights inability to play a consistent pair of halves has certainly affected their performance. Likewise, Ponga has been ineffective for the last couple of weeks, and when Ponga is sleepy it is goodnight Knights!
On Monday, the final game was played between the Tigers and the Eels. This game had a degree of interest because of the machinations in both clubs during the week, but the Eels proved to be way to good. Moses back made a big difference, however that showed up that Brown is not in the same class as an organising half. Knights beware in 2026 as he looks more like a runner than an organiser.
Round 8 begins on Thursday night with a clash between the Broncos and Canterbury. Even though the Broncos are at home I feel the way that the Bulldogs have been playing will hold them in good stead for this match. Maguire has bulked up his pack by starting with Willison but Canterbury is back to full strength and they look the goods at the moment.
On Friday night the first game has the Roosters up against the Dragons in the traditional ANZAC Day clash. The Dragons, surprisingly, are in the 8 while the Roosters are in 16th spot ,however I just think that the Roosters are starting to show enough to say that they are maybe about to start their run. I think they will be too strong for the Dragons. The second Friday night game has the Warriors up against the hapless Knights. Nicoll-Klokstad is back for the Warriors and that is a big in, considering they won over the Broncos at home last week. You would have to think that will be too good for the Knights. However, we are talking about the most inconsistent team in the competition. The third Friday night game has the Storm playing the Rabbitohs and, after last week, I think the Storm will be properly switched on for this match and will prove to be too strong for the Rabbits. They do get Nick Meaney back which is a more than able replacement for the injured Howarth who has been in good form and was missed by the Storm after his injury last week.
Saturday has two games, the first of which has the Cowboys up against the Titans. I would think that the Cowboys will be too strong but ,of course, when we talk about inconsistent teams, the Titans hold a prestigious place. The second Saturday night game has the Panthers up against Manly and I cannot see Manly arresting their form slide against a Panthers outfit that showed last week that they are getting back towards their best and will be very difficult to beat. Turbo is back for Manly whilst Jurbo is out, but the improving Burbo holds his spot.
On Sunday there are two games, the first of which has the Raiders up against the Dolphins, with the Raiders back at home for the first time in a few weeks. This should be a cracking game, and I am only going for the Raiders because they are at home. The Dolphins have shown over the last month that they are certainly a competitive team, but I think the journey back home for the Raiders will suit them. The final match of the round again has the Tigers at home against the Sharks with the big news in this game that Galvin has been picked at 5/8. It will be interesting to see how the Leichhardt crowd reacts to him. The Sharks have been a bit hot and cold, but I think that they will be too strong for the Tigers this week even with the match being at Leichhardt.
Top Eight (in order)
2 Melbourne 5 Brisbane 6 Cronullaargh 8 Souths 9 Cowboys 12 Manly 15 Penrith 16 Roosters
Fact Stat for the day – Given it is the ANZAC round, it is interesting to note that the famous Eastern Suburbs tricolours came about because the striped jerseys that most teams wore prior to World War 2 were impacted upon by rationing. The Roosters, in 1944, went to a light blue jersey given the dark dye was used for the Navy and in short supply. The Bondi Blue, as it was referred to, was used during World War 2 along with the red and white chevron. Apparently, initially it was not liked but of course as we know it has grown on all Roosters players and supporters. The Roosters in Bondi Blue won the 1945 premiership one day before V Day in the Pacific theatre so it was a double celebration for the Roosters. They went back to the striped strip in 1946 and in 1954 switched to the strip they still wear today.
Tippin Stats – A poor 4 again in a week where 6 was an exceptionally good score. I have held my position but have to do better. Spare a thought for GBH as he celebrated his 60th but couldn’t tip a winner, The Councillor has gone past him! Obviously at 60 you may be overlooking in the mirror!
You gotta love footy!
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Prop, my scientific approach to tipping last week, using toss of the coin, worked a treat – 6/8! Even moved up 11 places on the Almanac tipping list – but still middle of the table. Sounds like GHB may have had a few too many for his celebrations. Ah well, it can only get better for him this week. Is The Councillor a dark horse?
GBH needs to improve. Quinellas are his specialty so maybe 2 horse races aren’t his go! The Councillor has come from the clouds once to win the Melbourne Cup snd I have to vow and declare he can’t do it again! As for your scientific method I think we have to remember Hope is not a strategy!
broncos, roosters
So Prop and Rabbit, was Latrell lucky to get away with a mere sinbin?
I thought it was late.
TGrubby half back market of 8,5 out of 10 Prop as I took a point of for your urbo, Burbo, and Jurbo tas hat will do me and as for tipping I’m now just going to tip who I’d like to win for now, as thinking a lot about it hasn’t helped me. Had a few quinellas to today and no return but things will turn, I can feel it in my water Prop. He’s to the ANZAC’s