Just 5 rounds to go in the NRL and week 21 produced a few upsets. One of the biggest came on the Central Coast as the Sea Eagles proved the problem isn’t Geoff Toovey by smashing the Broncos, and gave themselves a sniff of the top eight. The biggest came as the Wests Tigers beat the Storm, the question for the Storm is whether it’s a blip or a sign of the future.
Here’s a few of our favourite articles from around the web on League. The main being the potential new TV Rights deal. The only thing not good about it is that Channel 9 appear to be on the radar to be involved. All games live? Yes please. And let’s hope a deal is done for Fox to show them all live too. Swapping the Monday for Thursday suits as well. Who wants the delayed, Bunnings filled second game on a Friday night. Sure they can use the GEM channel from next year to show alternatives, but to watch both means a late night either way.
The other offers some thought on the Origin period. An issue The Gurgler has been whining about for years. One thing is for sure. The current NRL – Origin set up stinks and fans want better.
NRL TV rights: The $1.7 billion broadcast deal that will transform rugby league.
Onto this weeks and our wrap up of what’s to come this week plus our tips for a League Super Multi.
BRISBANE v BULLDOGS – Friday 7:30pm
Was a big Brisbane win and the blurst of Josh Reynolds in this game last year. He won’t be there this week, and more than likely neither will the Bulldogs. Two great performances in a row isn’t something that usually happens for the Bulldogs and they were unlucky not to win last weekend, same as two bad performances in a row happens rarely for a Bennett led Broncos.
TIP – Broncos to win.
MANLY v SOUTH SYDNEY – Friday 7:30pm
Hard to split and hard to believe that Manly could be equal favourites heading into this game with the reigning premiers given their form for a great deal of 2015. Truth be told Souths have not been that great either this year, and this should be one of the games of the weekend.
TIP – Brett Stewart to score a try anytime.
NEW ZEALAND v ST GEORGE – Saturday 3:00pm
St George played themselves back into form last weekend as they beat the Knights and scored plenty of points in the process in a game for two busted arse sides. The question whether NZ can win without Johnson has been partially answered, and will be fully revealed with another loss this weekend.
TIP – Hard to tip – why not MANU VATUVEI to score anytime
CRONULLA v NQ COWBOYS – Saturday 5:30pm
Cowboys like Saturday nights and Sydney night games, Cronulla are doing well and deserve their position in the upper tier of the comp. The Cowboys have been less than impressive against two weaker sides at home the last two weeks. Should be quite the game.
TIP – NQ COWBOYS to win.
PARRAMATTA v PENRITH – Saturday 7:30pm
A western Sydney derby for two teams that won’t make the finals. Parramatta despite their recent losses have been in the games at half time, and seem to lose interest thereafter. Penrith meanwhile have had more injuries than a club needs. Another one hard to pick. So we’ll just go for our favourite player and the commentators very favourite to score, anytime.
TIP – SEMI RADRADRA to score anytime.
MELBOURNE v GOLD COAST – Sunday 2:00pm
Looks a Melbourne win on paper, but so did the Wests Tigers game last weekend. Gold Coast have had some handy away upsets this year, but the angriest man in League won’t allow the Storm to get done by another lower ladder side this week.
TIP – MELBOURNE to win.
NEWCASTLE v ROOSTERS – Sunday 4:00pm
A great game last Friday night, and who knows if the intensity of that battle will take a toll on the Roosters. Newcastle have already sacked their coach, and if they continue to disappoint they may have trouble attracting a decent candidate for the top job. For the record, The Gurgler would love the Walker brothers to get the gig. They may well just turn around the Knights and the predictable nature of the NRL.
TIP – NEWCASTLE +16 start
CANBERRA v WESTS TIGERS – Monday 7:00pm
Both teams played well against fancied opposition last weekend. Tigers got the win that mattered though, and look the goods again this week. Canberra’s record at home is terrible, and a loss will only anger Ricky Stuart, which is always a good thing.
TIP – WESTS TIGERS – +6.5 start.
SUPER MULTI with all our above tips = $48.
