It’s time for weekly Rugby League rant of The Gurgler’s angry man Buzz equivalent known only as the NRL Donkey, who provides his NRL Round 15 Expert Tips as well as offers an alternative, slightly unhinged view full of sass of the world of rugby league and beyond for another week.
Winter is here, and no that’s not some secret Game of Thrones fandom, I’m talking about the season and it’s way too cold for my liking. And how do I know it’s winter, well first there’s panicked news reports about all manners of sickness going around and it’s so bad even the birds have the flu which will probably lead to fist fights at Coles over purchase limits on eggs. Secondly, there’s the temperature too, with the official Winter singlet becoming a mandatory piece of clothing until September. Finally, all three Queensland teams lost at home last weekend, all three were hopeless in their own special way, if we were their management we’d make them get public transport home, especially with the 50 cent fares being offered by the Queensland Government ahead of the election. Although, that hasn’t started yet, so the players would have to pay full price, which I guess is more punishment then. Hopefully no one lives on the Beenleigh line, not even a rugby league player would feel safe on those trains on a Saturday night.
Gold Coast especially making the league’s worst team look like Origin specials. But that’s all good, Latrell only plays three great games a season, so as a Queenslander hopefully he is selected for NSW as the % chance the other two great games will come in Origin is slim.
Talking of slim, the Gold Coast are the Seventh Day Adventists of the NRL, as in they really don’t do anything on a Saturday. 12 losses in a row now, means they are becoming a competitive bye on the Saturday for most teams. Just checking when they’re playing this weekend. Saturday? That’s a loss then. Wait a minute….who are they playing? The Wests Tigers? Bloody hell. Get your darts/coins/blindfold ready for that one.
Talking of religious experiences, Moses was not able to save Parramatta, as the weekend ended with one of the great wins of 2024 as the Bulldogs overcame adversity, sin bins, the best home ground refereeing seen this season and getting to the public holiday Monday without off field incident to beat Parramatta. It’s not that we are big Bulldogs fans, but the fact they keep winning means it pisses off Buzz Rothfield, which is entertaining enough for us.
But that’s enough horse play for now, which seems odd because I’m a Donkey, but keep reading for on my NRL Round 14 Expert Tips as well as a one liner for each game.
The NRL Donkey’s NRL Round 15 Expert Tips
CRONULLA v DOLPHINS
The game some are calling the Ocean Bowl or Phins Up Cup. We suggested Fin-ale but were laughed out of the dental surgery. Hopefully the Dolphins will benefit from another post shit Origin form dip from Nicho Hynes. The Chuck Norris of the NRL – Ray Stone is key.
Phins Up by 8
CANBERRA v NORTH QUEENSLAND
After seeing how bad the Cowboys were last week in the Qld winter it’s hard to see them enjoying a Canberra one. Of course they have a better side on paper than Canberra, but Canberra have Ricky Stuart, aka Carlos Smearson. Looking forward to Jordan Rapana doing something stupid.
Canberra by 12
SOUTH SYDNEY v BRONCOS
NSW Origin places are calling, watch for Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walkers one game run of good form double. Broncos form is concerning if you are that way inclined. Plenty of concerns for Rabbitohs as Xavier Willison returns this week for the Broncos, and the man mountain will tear them apart for a while. But Souths key attackers are just better when they want to be.
Rabbitohs by 8
WESTS TIGERS v GOLD COAST
Wests Tigers have lost nine in a row, the Titans have lost 12 Saturday games in a row. What a waste of time this game will be.
Wests Tigers by 1
WARRIORS v MELBOURNE
Game of the round for us, and not even Origin period can see Channel Nein putting this one on FTA. Shame, but more for us Fox League snobs. Can smell an upset here, Storm trading on reputation rather than having a better side on paper, and/or playing in fear of rugby league’s angriest man.
Warriors by 10
PARRAMATTA v ROOSTERS
I should care about this game but don’t and won’t.
Parramatta by 2
MANLY v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA
All of a sudden the Dragons are a form team. That will keep Fox League commentators and writers alike all happy after pushing “Flanno’s” CV for the past two seasons of dullity on Fox League broadcasts. We’re glad he got the Dragons gig to get him off TV. We’re not unhappy they’re going well either. Good on them. As for Manly, the opposite.
Dragons by 4
NEWCASTLE v PENRITH
Rumours that Penrith are just going to field five wingers are unconfirmed. Did the trick against Manly. Newcastle have a great record on a Sunday at home winning plenty in a row. Penrith win plenty in a row anywhere. Looking forward to the Jarome Luai v Jackson Hastings clash on and off the field.
Penrith by 10
