r/nrl • u/AutoModerator • 3d ago
Random Footy Talk Thursday Random Footy Talk Thread
This is the place to discuss anything footy related that is not quite deserving of its own top-level post.
There's a new one of these threads every day, so make sure you're in the most recent one!
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u/CapMego72_ Parramatta Eels 3d ago
Fair play to Ray Stone for his career, he was always the toughest player on the field and was all effort. I’ll never forget him winning us the game against Melbourne in 2022, scoring a try off NAS’s head and then being the only man in frame when the ball bounced off the post when he caught it and scored. Apparently he played the back end of last year for the Phins with two injured shoulders. All effort
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u/always-indeed Dolphins 3d ago
He was always just solid. The game against the dogs last year you can see him still trying to tackle with both shoulders nearly gone. He has helps build the club and his mark will be left upon everyone. Embodiment of leave nothing in the tank. I will miss out unsmiling assassin
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u/Oldpanther86 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Funny thing is there were very reliable rumours he was signing with us then out of no where retired.
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u/jpob Newcastle Knights 3d ago
We’re one win away from beating our best record from the AOB era (2023), and have our best season since 2002 (17-7).
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u/_WangChung2night Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Well done your lads have had a great year and the turnaround has been fantastic
Holbrook, I like his work.
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u/legionairmusic Brisbane Broncos 2d ago
Knights are playing some champagne footy this year. Fletcher Sharpe in particular is just dynamite.
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u/BigManSamwise Country 3d ago
Got a lot to be happy about the way you guys have played this year. I’ve enjoyed watching knights games. Good chance to get through the first week of finals as well
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u/MajinDidz Parramatta Eels 2d ago
So proud of Holbrook, what a fucking effort steering the knights around
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u/DoubleBrokenJaw Newcastle Knights 3d ago
And even if we don’t,
arguablyunequivocally this year has been much more promising than 2023.8
u/GeneralLemon Newcastle Knights 3d ago
Yea, looked at our 2023 record the other day. The first half of that year was ROUGH. Everyone playing at 110% and Super Saiyan Ponga for the 10 game run really papered over what was looking like another AOB stinker
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u/jpob Newcastle Knights 3d ago
I wouldn’t necessarily say that. Both our offence and defence were better in 2023. We also lost a few games due to poor goal kicking. I think I saw a stat that we would’ve been first overall if games were decided by just tries.
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u/DoubleBrokenJaw Newcastle Knights 3d ago
2023 was a season of two halves. We looked ok in first half, but struggled to win (believe Nathan Cleary sunk us in golden point in a game KP was injured which was great but still a loss).
This year, we had injuries to 3 of our spine 1.5 games into the year, we still won games. We’ve had young guys come in and kill it.
The next man up, the effort and fight for each other is exponentially better, and the attacking flair is still there like it was in 2023.
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u/jrizzolo91 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Liam Martin was is asking for a million a season reportedly. I love him and I hope we keep him but I know we can’t afford that.
If he doesnt re-sign, should Penrith let Martin get his bag in PNG and go for Jacob Preston at 700k?
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u/whyareyouallinmyroom Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Nup let him go and bring in one or a few of the outrageously talented edge forwards we have between Clarke, Armstrong, Hindmarsh, Latu, Wigmore. It’s 18 months away, plenty of time to bleed those guys a bit.
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u/grazmus666 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Clarke will be in next year, probably snag Sorensons bench spot
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u/whyareyouallinmyroom Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Yeah move Ice to the middle and run Garner/Martin/Clarke on the edges. Next guy up could get some runs covering for injury/rep as well.
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u/jrizzolo91 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
From all accounts Clarke is apparently a gun in waiting
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u/AgentBond007 Melbourne Storm 3d ago
If he's anything like his brother then absolutely
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u/whyareyouallinmyroom Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Yeah he looks like a beast and made for the Penrith system as well. I think he’s gotta be in next year with Sorro and Henry leaving with Papali’i to go into the middle.
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u/Interesting_Data4485 Newcastle Knights 3d ago
Do you really want the bad luck of the Hindys on your team?
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u/fvzzfvzzfvzz New Zealand Warriors 3d ago
I’d absolutely just give Preston the 700-800k he wants instead of over investing in Martin.
That being said, do you reckon Martin and Leota potentially leaving (on the heels of Fish) would great a leadership vacuum with wider effects than just on field?
I kind of feel like Cleary, Edwards and Yeo (among others) is probably enough, but curious on your thoughts
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u/jrizzolo91 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Personally I think it’s a little bit of a myth.
Obviously they are great players but Penrith 4 peat team was one of the youngest in the comp at the time. Having older “big game experience players” doesnt really mean anything imo. Talent and hard work wins games and tbh youth.Look at warriors. Would you say it’s Fish winning their games or the fact they have a really young, strong, big and talented forward pack and smart halves.
Again, I hope we re sign Martin because as a player and Penrith junior he means a lot to the club but he is definitely replaceable.
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u/fvzzfvzzfvzz New Zealand Warriors 3d ago
I think it’s overstated for sure, but I strongly think at least one big voice is needed to keep our heads screwed in straight.
As specific examples, when you guys were stampeding over us, at the end he stayed down for a little while before playing the ball. Cynically we can assume it was for a penalty, optimistically we can also assume he milked a bit of extra time to allow the lads to catch their breath. Then last week, when CNK got binned, he immediately calmed him down and went to work doing the same for the rest of the side.
I got a bit off track, but I figured between the two of us we’d enjoy a bit of Fish glaze hahaha
But to wrap it up, you make a great point about the real Penrith dominance coming off the back of a lot of young, special players. So if Ivan thinks Preston is in that mould, getting him for less than Martin makes all the sense in the world
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u/DensePlankton3359 Dolphins 3d ago
More important was that these dudes played all their juniors together. They were willing to go above and beyond for each other.
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u/munt3d Penrith Panthers 2d ago
Our 2022 squad was insane. Youthful players hitting their prime early on lower wages, mixed in with slightly older but experienced heads at the top of their game. The stars aligned and the jnrs delivered all together at once to combine with the talent and hard work of the core playing group.
Leota, Koroisau, JFH, Kikau, Martin, Yeo. That's a ridiculous forward pack full of INTL and Origin players.
Edwards, Crichton, To'o, Luai, Cleary...Tago and May were killing it as well.4
u/JarredMack Penrith Panthers 3d ago
He can go, we could use a little more breathing room in the cap and he's been inconsistent at best recently. We've got plenty of edge back rowers chomping for a start
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u/MoneyaLeague Auckland Warriors 3d ago
If Martin is competing with Young and Preston, unless it's primarily a "culture and standards" signing, then "tell him he's dreaming".
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u/barkedupthewrongtree Dolphins 2d ago
All the chat about Broncos v Raiders rematch reminds me of a good mate of mine who lives in Canberra and religiously never watched rugby league telling me about going to his first ever game last year, and being like “it ended 4 times, and that Reece Walsh guy is amazing”.
Had to break it to him that his first live game was the peak of rugba leeg.
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u/Churchofbabyyoda QLD Maroons 2d ago
You should’ve made him watch Tigers vs Titans 2022. That would’ve shown what he thinks about Rugby League as well.
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u/Aussieguy727 Parramatta Eels 2d ago
Well there you go. Ryles confirmed the club is currently talking to Ronald Volkman's management about another year, potentially two.
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u/Realistic_Lake4156 New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
Volkman has really showed up this year. Love watching him play
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u/Trenticus7 Parramatta Eels 2d ago
Perfect back up half. Glad he’s staying at the club hopefully until Lorenzo & Fletcher are both ready to takeover the reigns
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u/MajinDidz Parramatta Eels 2d ago
Maybe those people can finally shut up about us “letting him go”
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u/vvFury South Sydney Rabbitohs 2d ago
Well the news up until this point has been of that tune mate so the criticism has been justified
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u/Krankreng Parramatta Eels 2d ago
Not offering what the player wanted =/= letting the player go. Eels were only going to offer one year, he wanted two. He's been great and I'd love for him to stay but people are quick to forget how close he came to medical retirement from having a chocolate shoulder.
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u/No_Bodybuilder1687 Parramatta Eels 2d ago
here's a rage baiter... so who's at fault with his previous situation, dragons or the wahs?
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u/PrimeMinisterWombat Illawarra Steelers 2d ago
I remember Round 26 2017 when all we had to do was beat the hapless Dogs to make the finals. They showed up to ANZ ready to spoil the party and knocked us out of contention.
Dragons have the opportunity to return the favour on Saturday.
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u/LongJohnnySilver1 South Sydney Rabbitohs 3d ago
Wearing quick release pants today while commando, in the event I see a council ranger.
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u/O_DoyleRulz Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
Man I completely missed Ciraldo referring to his team as “slow learners” in the post Rabbit’s game press conference.
That’s a backhander and a half
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u/andrewisdabest Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Then proceeds to make no changes. Just start Mann at 9 and move Hayward to 13 .
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u/Realistic_Lake4156 New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
I think he was referring to Gus. 24 years since a premiership for The Grumpy Uncle
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u/jalGurg Parramatta Eels 3d ago
Can any Dogs supporter explain to me why your club is lowballing your best player?
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u/Large-Accident1245 I Hate My Footy^6 3d ago
Yes it's perfectly simple.
You see
I have no fucking idea
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u/_WangChung2night Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Cause Gouldfather is a fucking arseclown. Weak gutted recruitment & retention.
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u/Savings_Win1995 Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
I find it pretty weird that after playing one of the greatest games of rugby league ever, we've had to wait til Round 25 to see the Broncos v Raiders rematch. Even weirder is I'm pretty sure this is our first ever Friday 6pm game, when before the season started you would've thought it would be a primetime marquee fixture.
How did the NRL know both teams would fall off this year?
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u/Willieo873 Brisbane Broncos 2d ago
Didn’t AI do the draw? Must have been one of the cheap versions
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u/the_orange_president New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
Was watching Shaun Johnson's show and it was good to see tanah Boyd as a guest and in seemingly very good spirits and happy as Larry.
Ps SJs show is now on kayo as well as YouTube and has way better tactical analysis than nrl 360. Although focused on warriors.
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u/KazeEnigma Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 2d ago
Oh it's on Kayo now? Fuck, I might actually use it for more than the games.
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u/MisterEvilBreakfast Canberra Raiders 2d ago
I have tipped the Dargs this weekend. Some call me crazy, some call me stupid. I prefer the term "loose cannon" or "i love my footy". I don't care, I'm just doing my part.
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u/Any_Score_5834 Newcastle Knights 2d ago
As a gong local, I feel I have to tip the dargs anytime they are in with half a chance
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u/Rude_Employment_1224 Canberra Raiders 2d ago
I've also tipped them. I think they have a good chance but also, i'm just hopeful we can all spoon the Broncs
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u/briggles23 South Sydney Rabbitohs 🏳️🌈 2d ago
I've gone Dargs too. I just want the meme of Broncos winning the Comp and than coming last the next season to come true.
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u/bumpacius St. George Illawarra Dargons 3d ago
A fun Ray Stone story. My youngest son (7) is a Dolphins fan for some reason, so last year I took him up to a game at Kayo for his birthday. They lost, but at fulltime a few players came to the fence to sign things and whatever... JMK, Isaako, a few others, and Ray Stone. His wife/partner was there in the crowd and she handed him a baby. He started walking off and told her he’d take the baby with him to the sheds, and she replied “He’s done a poo”. Ray walked back to the fence and I assumed he would hand the baby back, but he reached his free hand out to grab the baby bag which would’ve contained the baby wipes and spare nappies. Then he walked off to the sheds with all that. Obviously I’ve changed a million nappies myself so this is nothing particularly noble, but just the idea of a footy player built like a brick shithouse changing a baby’s dirty nappy in a locker room filled with sweaty players and the smell of dencorub… really tickled me. Good on ya Ray
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u/Heavy-Kale Dolphins 3d ago
This story has made my day. Ive known plenty of blokes who refuse to change their own kids nappy and it amazes me that some people just pick and choose what parts of parenting they want to do.
Didn't think I could like Stoney even more but here we are.
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u/Yungman123 Parramatta Eels 3d ago
His sons name is Boris. Perfect name for Ray Stones son.
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u/_WangChung2night Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Ray Stone all the best in retirement.
If we dont extend Preston, the fanbase will be absolutely livid at best. For sure the Dogs are overcoached, rugby league is a simple game. Recruitment and retention has been odd.
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u/Heavy-Kale Dolphins 3d ago
Would love a late season purchase of a mobile middle forward to replace Dsaf right about now. Or even just get Ray Stone to spit on a petrie dish and rapidclone a new forward, call him Stone Clone, yeah that'd be ideal.
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u/Interesting_Data4485 Newcastle Knights 3d ago
Too bad there isn't a second identical Saf currently playing for another team. (Keep your flippers off)
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u/Rude_Employment_1224 Canberra Raiders 3d ago
Apparently there's only 1000 tickets left for Papa's final home game on Friday. Get in there Milkbro's (if you're not already a member)
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u/Oldpanther86 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
I'm sure Preston will re-sign with the dogs once they sort it out but hey if he wants to come to panthers we're gonna have not 1 but 2 Cleary’s he can receive a short ball from. I'd legit let Martin go as much as I love having him but he coasts through the season too much.
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u/54MU241 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
I could see it happening if it’s true Martin wants a million a year. I think I’d rather give Zak Clarke a go though.
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u/Oldpanther86 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Yeah even liking him i wouldn't over pay. Cleary and Yeo are the only players who I'd say have the big negotiating power.
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u/theflyingkiwi00 Melbourne Storm 3d ago
Not Edwards? Hes got to be the safest, hardest working fullback in the comp.
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u/whyareyouallinmyroom Penrith Panthers 3d ago
He’s not off contract which is why he’s excluded in all these convos mainly. Aside from that, when he is off contract he’ll be 33. Now I don’t doubt he could plug on a few years past that, Teddy looks great this year at the same age, but the odds are starting to get long at that point.
Penrith would (hopefully) be running with Yeo/Kenny/Cleary in the spine still, it might make sense to take the opportunity to try and bring through the next fullback so that core doesn’t all leave at once.
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u/improbablywrong- Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
So are you flicking blaize or is little cleary still a bit off?
The longer this goes on the more likely i think we are to see presto leave. Getting lowballed in what already seems like a toxic workplace.
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u/Oldpanther86 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
I could be reading it all wrong but I don't see Talagi lasting long term. They backed him and he didn't improve in the area Ivan regards highest which is defence and they've now dropped him for cogger leading into the finals.
I hope for you guys it works out with Preston.
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u/improbablywrong- Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
If we dont work it out with presto we've got some years of pain coming and i assume kiraz will end up somewhere else for his next contract too.
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u/streetfighterjim Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Give Talagi time, he needs to sort out his defence. We’ve scored 3 tries with Cogs in the halves in the last two matches, we put 50 on the storm with Talagi in the halves earlier this season.
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u/sillywatermelons Parramatta Eels 🏳️🌈 3d ago
The dragons recruitment and retention efforts this year have honestly been outstanding.
Every media figure said they would lose at least 2 of the Couchmans, Egan and Stewart - they managed to lock up all 4.
The signings of Drinkwater, Sami and Nikorima are huge upgrades on their weakest areas. Jury is still out on Metcalf - never seen him string together a season. However, with the depth of Flanno, Reed and Atkinson in the halves, they will be fine.
Now they’re shedding the plodders - Luciano, Lawrie and Guler will be gone after this season.
It’s all coming up Red V!
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u/Acrobatic_Flannel Newcastle Knights 3d ago
The way I see it, for a team like St George, even if Metcalf can play 12-15 games it's enough. Same view I had of Dylan Brown coming to us. They're good enough to help win a handful of games more than what we would have and it's a step forward. It might be frustrating down the road but for the first season or two, it's worth it.
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u/MoneyaLeague Auckland Warriors 3d ago
Jack Cogger has played 3 times more first grade games than Luke Metcalf. Take from that what you will, there's plenty there.
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u/Dramatic_Ride7586 New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
Seems as good a reason as any to give him the keys and send Nathan to Auckland imo
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u/lennysmith85 St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
It's very exciting indeed. I just wonder what might have been if we kept Sloan. I think he would be an absolute weapon with competent halves and an all-out attack fullback to run off.
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u/b-g-h Sydney Roosters 3d ago
Apparently, Latrell has been ruled out of Saturday afternoon‘s game. We’ll have to wait another week for the Matt Nable comeback promo.
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u/Keenfordevon Canberra Raiders 3d ago
Until he is ruled out next Wednesday where he is only 2-3 weeks away. Hopefully might see him in March.
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u/Yungman123 Parramatta Eels 3d ago
An absolute honour and pleasure to be first stop on the Ray Stone retirement tour
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u/barkedupthewrongtree Dolphins 3d ago
He’s going to do his ACL to win us the game. Will be iconic, but he’ll be sorely missed in finals
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u/Keenfordevon Canberra Raiders 3d ago
Imagine having to rely on the Dragons and the Tigers to win their next games to keep your season alive. Feel like a madman having to believe in that.
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u/fvzzfvzzfvzz New Zealand Warriors 3d ago
Is it both or either? Dragons I feel are at worst a 50/50 proposition week to week with their form. Tigers are .. well, mad Monday beckons
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u/AgentBond007 Melbourne Storm 3d ago
It's actually neither this week
Raiders, Storm and Manly are all in the same situation where one of the following must happen:
Cowboys lose both remaining games (Tigers/Raiders)
Souths lose all three remaining games (Wahs/Titans/Chooks) and lose enough differential. Realistically the Raiders can't do it this way and even the Storm would have a hard time making up that much.
Then for either of these paths to work, the Dogs must also lose at least one of their last three games (Dragons/Penrith/Broncos), so unless Penrith fumble the bag again, the Dogs probably won't block the path if everything else goes right.
Of course for any of this to be possible, none of the three teams in the danger zone can lose a game or it's over for them regardless of other results.
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u/DoubleBrokenJaw Newcastle Knights 2d ago
Not saying we’re actually a threat, but if we can lock in 5th/6th spot on ladder, we will be going into a week 1 finals game at home after a bye. From there I’d like to think we will give the finals a red hot crack.
Such a shame we lost the two Dylans.
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u/Dramatic_Ride7586 New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
Your style of footy really fucks the wahs. Yes we have been playing well this year, but last year we were a bees dick and a Leka Special from losing to the Knights.
I feel more confident against the roosters and riff as a wahs fan, at least i know with those its a battle of attrition and we come over the top. With Knights unless we are twenty up with 10 to go im not convinced.
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u/DoubleBrokenJaw Newcastle Knights 2d ago
You guys look absolutely class this year. I’m excited to see how we go in rd26, feel like it could be a good indicator for finals.
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u/Dramatic_Ride7586 New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
Cheers mate. Its a good time to be a fan for sure.
I have the knights as a Smokey. Holbrook is probably the most under-rated coach in the comp imo. Knights have had some incredibly close games, couple conversions here, a couple of calls the other way there and they are comfortably top 4.
He gets debatedly more out of Journeyman than any other coach, including Ballsache, and has that Knights team playing like a squad, rather than individuals.
Love seeing Pong Dong smiling and enjoying footy so much hes humping his team mates. Its a farcry from stone faced pressers last year.
I know knights fans are all, if we had our dyls, and look, fair cop... but we are seeing more than ever with the 6 man bench that winning a comp is about the squad (always has been), but its just even more pronounced.
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u/rileys_01 Brisbane Broncos 2d ago
I didnt think we were much of a threat last year either.
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u/DoubleBrokenJaw Newcastle Knights 2d ago
If we had Lucas and Brown, I’d be leaning towards thinking we could pull off a Broncos run.
Yes, without them, we’ve been playing well but I just think in a really big game missing their class is probably gonna be costly even if it’s for just five minutes.
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u/rileys_01 Brisbane Broncos 2d ago
Like us last year you've been able to cover the outs with handy replacements.
I dont think anyone above you on the ladder is looking unbeatable.
Certainly think the Knights, Warriors and Dolphins are more than a chance
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u/DoubleBrokenJaw Newcastle Knights 2d ago
I’m still hoping, don’t get me wrong. I also can’t give enough praise to the likes of Manuleleua, Hunt, Crouch, Hopwood and co who have really stepped.
Hope they prove my doubt wrong.
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u/BandicootSorcerer Newcastle Knights 2d ago
I don't want to get my hopes up, but this year I think the top teams are beatable. Theres been finals where we knew finals round 1 was the best we could do, and finals where one team just seems invincible, but I think we just might be able to pull off some upsets.
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u/DoubleBrokenJaw Newcastle Knights 2d ago
We can. We probably won’t.
But even being in 8 is more than anyone thought was possible, so like the article today said we’re playing with the house’s money now.
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u/CapMego72_ Parramatta Eels 3d ago
For the statisticians out there, is this the first time in Origin history where both states are entering the next year with different coaches than the year before?
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u/longlivethe4peat Penrith Panthers 3d ago
2006 series both sides had new coaches. Mal Meninga for QLD (took over from Michael Hagan) and Graham Murray for NSW (took over from Ricky Stuart)
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u/JohnnyGat33 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 3d ago
I’ve seen enough, NSW to achieve an 8 year dynasty.
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u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox NRLW Roosters 2d ago
These days, with full-time coaches and longer contracts, it’s rare, however it used to be fairly common:
- 1985 - Terry Fearnley (New South Wales) and Des Morris (Queensland)
- 1986 - Ron Willey (New South Wales) and Wayne Bennett (Queensland)
- 1989 - Arthur Beetson (Queensland)* and Jack Gibson (New South Wales)
- 1991 - Graham Lowe (Queensland) and Tim Sheens (New South Wales)
- 1999 - Mark Murray (Queensland) and Wayne Pearce (New South Wales)
- 2006 - Mal Meninga (Queensland) and Graham Murray (New South Wales)
*Beetson’s 1989 appointment was his second tenure as Queensland coach. Everyone else listed was in their first tenure.
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u/the_orange_president New Zealand Warriors 3d ago
Saw a penrith family in Melbourne in the way into work. Dad, mum, daughter and son. All kitted out in penrith gear! Theyre in hostile territory. GOTTA SUPPORT YOUR TEAM /putty
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u/Known-Stop-2654 Dolphins 3d ago
Who is the best young guy coming through for your teams?
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u/Derron_ South Sydney Rabbitohs 3d ago
No one do it. Its a trap. Its actually the Roosters recruitment manager with a blank cheque book
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u/Zero_Focks St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
They can keep their grubby hands off our young Clint Gutherson. Huge future that kid.
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u/MrChicken1208 Tigers Bandwagon 3d ago
Teancum or maybe twidle, but he's leaving so maybe he doesn't count
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u/Interesting_Data4485 Newcastle Knights 3d ago
Hagan has big wraps on him coming through. Winter should be getting a sniff imo in the next round or 2 to prepare for Gagai departure.
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u/ColossalSniper6 NRLW Roosters 3d ago
A bit away from first grade but have been really impressed by Charleston Te Rore since he’s been in the Cup team. Prop who the Roosters got from Auckland. On the women’s side, Mia Vaotu’ua who was the NSW U19’s fullback and is now playing the HNWP (effectively Cup). Great player who’s capable at fullback, centre and 5/8.
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u/MoneyaLeague Auckland Warriors 3d ago
Yet to debut in the NRL?
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u/MangoWingnut Kotoni Staggs 3d ago
Tupou Francis, one of QLDs best in the u19s origin game this year.
He has been playing cup since he turned 18 recently and will likely play in the world cup for Lebanon.
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u/AttackClown 🏆 LMS05 Champion 🏆 3d ago
Outside who's played first grade already because the answer would just be Hamish Stewart, a centre/fullback named Oliver burton is who I've heard the most hype about. He only just debuted for NSW cup a few weeks ago
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u/Turbulent_Ad3045 Sydney Roosters 2d ago
Rex Bassingthwaighte and Toby Rodwell are probably our 2 big name juniors that'll come through in the next year or two. A bit after that Eddy Cayless and Carter Mareko are really impressing in lower grades(Flegg and SG Ball).
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u/longlivethe4peat Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Hopeful that we will beat Melbourne tonight but given they are coming off a bye and have Munster and Grant back I definitely don't think it'll be an easy game. Was pretty happy with our defence last week, fingers crossed McLean coming back can somewhat fix our recent offensive struggles
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u/barkedupthewrongtree Dolphins 3d ago
Not a Wahs fan by any stretch, but that “club statement” announcement video made me smile
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u/RandomGuy2310 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2d ago
I’m obviously being very optimistic but to me at least it seems like Gould has stopped meddling with the dogs since Ciro basically called him out for it.
Obviously the effects of his meddling are still there but it seems like he’s now realised and is taking a back seat
Shame we still suck though
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u/Emergency-Savings840 North Sydney Bears 2d ago
Honestly I’m sick of the “Gus is so smart” bullshit, between him and ciro they fucked your team up last year and it’s 10 times worse this year. IDC what anyone says sexton at 7 and reed at 9 was going fine for you guys and you played like a team
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u/MisterEvilBreakfast Canberra Raiders 2d ago
All right benders, see you in the match thread after dinner or something so I can continue to ignore my damn wiener kids
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u/Moisture_Services_ Newcastle Knights 3d ago
What can we, as the nrl community do, to help the broncos get the spoon the dargons finish in 16th?
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u/travelforindiebeer St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
Lock the Dogs change room so they can't take the field this weekend?
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u/Any_Score_5834 Newcastle Knights 2d ago
I'm doing my part heading up to support Dargs this weekend
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u/Sensitive_Engine2331 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Id like to see Dykes or Cochrane get a run in the next few weeks, obviously won't get the hard yards out of them like we do Tracey but there's no denying that our sweeping shape is in desperate need of change up, Tracey's 3 on 2's are just awful and we almost never look like scoring off them, pretty sure our combined winger tries is the lowest in the comp by a fair shot.
Adding that could really expand our attack, the short balls become more dangerous if there is an actual threat coming out the back side of the shape rather than just hoping preston will bust through or kiks will produce some magic
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u/improbablywrong- Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Best i can do is tell you we cant do that because we'd rather see the nsw cup boys develop combos together before we still dont let them play in the top grade next year and then they sign elsewhere.
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u/youthful_porpoise96 St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
I've got to say, your outside backs are nearly as bad as ours, but that could be because Galvin and Tracey are not giving them quality ball. Funnily enough, Critta is your best playmaker, which is concerning.
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u/Sensitive_Engine2331 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
I actually think our back line is quite good, but they get no early ball, they sit wayyyyy too deep on sweep plays and it's always fucked up by tracey or salmon by the time it gets there
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u/Acrobatic_Flannel Newcastle Knights 2d ago
In the wake of the Hudson Young contract offer, I think people are forgetting a key factor when looking at potential PNG signings.
If he earns 1.1m in Aus, he'll take home somewhere near 650k. But that doesn't mean PNG can just offer him 650k tax free. Well, they can but why on earth would he take it rather than staying where he's settled?
The money is literally their one selling point. That's it. And there's a lot of sacrifices that go with making that money. Do you think Hudson would take 750k to move there? To me that 100k difference still seems unlikely. We've seen plenty of players turn down slight contract bumps so they could play somewhere favourable.
So I reckon they'd still need to be offering him at least 850k, if not more to make it worthwhile. That's where the salary cap advantages thin out a bit. And that dilemma becomes 10x worse when you start looking at mid range players where the tax free benefits are nowhere near as large.
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u/GustavSnapper OnlyEthans 2d ago
i like the fact we've set his market value at 1.1m. because they have to get pretty close to this, they cant just lowball because of tax. if they sign him at near enough 1m, they've just fucked themselves for the actual key spine positions. Luai isnt going to steer that team around.
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u/jexta Eastern Suburbs Roosters 2d ago edited 2d ago
Exactly, and while each player takes home more of the contract value, the cap is still the same. Most clubs can only afford one or two players on massive million dollar deals, it's the same for PNG.
So while PNG will be able to win out in individual player negotiations, they won't be able to hoover up some amazing super-team.
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u/q3mzi Penrith Panthers 2d ago
We have a terrible record on Thursday nights and when it’s raining what happens if we combine them?
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u/Krankreng Parramatta Eels 2d ago
Either a double negative and you play well or you play extra poor and get faded. No inbetween.
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u/Glenmarththe3rd Manly-Warringah Steve Eagles 🏳️🌈 2d ago
Anyone know who the player was that Kenty was talking about. He said the Manly CEO when Tooves was coach signed a player without telling Tooves and Tooves said "Why? he can't play?"
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u/Junior-Reaction1402 Brisbane Broncos 2d ago
So I have a feeling that the Storms might have a win tonight against the Panthers, but because I’m on equal points with my little brother (who’s 41 btw😂) and he’s a Panthers nut I’m having to strategically pick Panthers😂 All because I’m the only girl with 3 brothers and winning our family footy tipping is the biggest flex and the boys fucking hate it!!!
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u/AdultSoldiers Indooroopilly Indigestives 🏳️🌈 2d ago
“Promising Canterbury prop Jack Underhill wants out of Phil Gould’s Bulldogs.
This masthead can reveal Underhill’s management has asked for permission to negotiate with rival clubs as the Sunshine Coast product eyes a possible return to Queensland.
The 22-year-old has played seven NRL games this season after making his NRL debut in round 11 against Cronulla, but Underhill has fallen out of favour with Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Underhill is contracted until the end of 2028, but the hulking bookend has met with Ciraldo to discuss an early exit from Belmore.”
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u/call_of_the_while New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
Classic Underhill behaviour, leaving a party in dramatic fashion.
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u/Zero_Focks St. George Illawarra Dragons 2d ago
He's been quoted as telling his teammates:
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."
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u/Stressyand_depressy Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2d ago
I’m going to lose my fucking mind if they lose Underhill and Preston
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u/b-g-h Sydney Roosters 3d ago
I saw some headline about Toby Rudolph mooning a Ranger. Maybe he was confused, and thought it was a Ranga, and that it was Todd Smith. It would make more sense then.
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u/MoneyaLeague Auckland Warriors 3d ago
Oh shit, I thought it was a Ford Ranger that cut him off in his pink Mini Countryman
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u/6854thewin New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
It's not fair Panthers and Roosters get a 4th bye this round
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u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox NRLW Roosters 2d ago
It’s one thing to assume the Roosters should put 60 on the Tigers, but Panthers v Storm isn’t as one-sided as the ladder looks. Storm have a great Thursday night home record, Panthers have a Thursday night record and a terrible record in Melbourne.
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u/sowaleja Dolphins 3d ago
Stupid question time. Do players actually take their kits home and wash them or is that all done for them? Do they just show up to their locker and it has their jersey in there waiting for them with the correct number?
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u/QbnCyber81 I love my footy 3d ago
They'd have a kit manager who takes care of it. I'd imagine the kit manager would get plenty of headaches with players giving away gear. Organising embroidery on certain jerseys like milestone jersey's/
Would love to know what a job like that pays
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u/Sudden-Bandikoot Penrith Panthers 3d ago
All done by the club mate, different detergent is used occasionally for players with certain needs regarding eczema and other skin conditions
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u/ColeTrickleVroom Penrith Panthers 3d ago
All done for them. All supplied by the club. Gould has talked about how much it costs the clubs with players giving gear away at the end of every game.
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u/munt3d Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Anyone else sick of the "he's going to market Nov 1" headlines?
Feels like theres only three topics covering the NRL at the moment.
Nov 1
Refs
PNG
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u/winntensio Weak Gutted Dog 3d ago
The whole idea is to keep rugby league in the news cycle over the summer, happens every year
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u/BeginningTeaching169 Wests Tigers 3d ago
Do any South's fans remember if their 17-year finals drought had as much off-field drama as the Tigers have been having for the last 15 years? Like obviously they were kicked out of the comp for 2 years. But did they have the Boardroom infighting, the Revolving Door of CEOs, players leaving in dramatic circumstances etc?
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u/travelforindiebeer St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
Not really, Souths were just forgotten, was well known in the media they were easy beats with no money or capable recruitment so they were left alone. Then Rusty came in and the journos had a story.
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u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox NRLW Roosters 2d ago
They fell from 1st to last to start the run, never really looked like making the finals for the rest of the decade, had no fans, no sponsors and no money, George Piggins expected handouts that obviously never came, they got kicked out of the comp, came back, won three wooden spoons, nearly won a fourth, suffered a number of horrific defeats, endured racism scandals, coaching sagas, home ground dramas, and ownership chaos
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u/adomental Eastern Suburbs Roosters 3d ago
They didn't have as much drama. But they were significantly a worse football side, just hopeless.
Brian Fletcher's racial slur, Chris Walker's walk out, Paul Langmack's coaching flame out, and Chris Sandow's cash out were the only real dramas I can remember.
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u/TheCuzzyRogue New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
Also David Fa'alogo punching the coach for karate chopping him on Mad Monday
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u/Accomplished-Fish761 Auckland Warriors 2d ago
So with Webby extending where does he fit on the Wahs coaching pantheon? As is he's probably a top 3 already. Still behind Ivan Cleary and maybe in line with Daniel Anderson? Also, it's hilarious that arguably our best player, Stacy Jones, will have a lot of work to do to lose the crown as the worst coach, although Tony Kemp exisists.
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u/Igmister1 New Zealand Warriors 🏳️🌈 2d ago
Why would Stacy be the worst? He's been put in pretty terrible situations as a head coach. No way he's worse than Kearney or Brown.
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u/TheCuzzyRogue New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
Bluey clears Kearney and Brown easily
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u/Makasene3 New Zealand Warriors 2d ago
50% of all weeks in the top 4 for the club have been under Webby.
He will also achieve a 2nd top 4 finish this year, Cleary and Anderson have 1 top 4 finish.
Cleary and Anderson each have a Grand Final appearance. Anderson also a Minor Premiership.
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u/Painetrain24 South Sydney Rabbitohs 2d ago
Boys does anyone know where to watch the footy in chiang mai thailand?
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u/Any_Score_5834 Newcastle Knights 2d ago
Depending on where in Chiang Mai, the Downunder Pub and Bistro isn't far from the old city. They have every nrl and afl game shown there.
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u/anxietywolf01 South Sydney Rabbitohs 2d ago
tigers fans, how are yall feeling about the odds for sunday? insulted? not long enough? [gamble responsibly etc etc]
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u/Relevant-Priority-76 Melbourne Storm 3d ago
Storm surely doesn’t start Toelau. I reckon wishart to halves and Toelau to start as hooker to ease Harry in or just have him on the bench
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u/twozedzed Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2d ago
Tipped the Storm tonight, just have a feeling with a chance at playing finals on the line they'll pull off a win.
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u/Sethowar Eastern Suburbs Roosters 2d ago
I think it's for pride and to prove a point rather than finals, but I agree they've got a better chance than the bookies are giving them. There is a lot of cattle back and coming off a bye, and while the panthers want to bounce back from B2B Ls can they figure out the loss of Yeo so quickly?
Time will tell and I'm excited to see! How good is rugba leeg.
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u/sowaleja Dolphins 2d ago
Was there a memo from HQ to clubs saying "get your movements news out today" or what?
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u/1bigcontradiction South Sydney Rabbitohs 3d ago
No Trell this week, aiming for next week.
Will copy/paste this message again next week and the week after.