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2019 Chinese Grand Prix Results – Good, Bad, Ugly

April 15, 2019

The 2019 Chinese Grand Prix results are in, and it was one of the best Grands Prix from the desert ever, and we have our alternative review with our Good, Bad and Ugly of the race.

We feature a few of our thoughts, a review crammed into a hundred words or less, plus the all important Good, Bad and Ugly. Where we assign points for those who had a good race, bad race, and also based on a few other mildly important stats.

Plenty to get through, so straight into the 2019 Chinese Grand Prix Results – Good, Bad, Ugly

2019 CHINESE GRAND PRIX RESULTS – MOMENT OF THE RACE

The team orders being played out between Vettel and Leclerc.

2019 CHINESE GRAND PRIX RESULTS – RACE RATING

We gave the potential excitement rating out of 50 in our preview of the 2019 CHINESE GRAND PRIX, so why not have another tally of 50 to rate the race that was. See if it lived up to the preview rating out of 50.

SURPRISE – 3/10

Not many surprises at all, a few small ones outside of the top six, like Albon making it to 10th from the pits and Daniel Ricciardo’s car finishing.

SUSPENSE – 4/10

The team orders threw up a bit of suspense, and the Vettel-Verstappen battle was tense as we all waited for it to end in tears. But with the Mercedes cruising, there wasn’t too much overall.

RACING – 6/10

Decent racing from the midfield, and the Vettel-Verstappen battle. Kimi Raikkonen looks particularly racey today.

SIGNIFICANT EVENT – 4/10

Aside from the Team Orders talking point, and an early crash between Kvyat, Norris and Sainz, there wasn’t any huge event that the regular news feeds will use.

SEASON DEFINING – 6/10

The race pointed out that for all of the reported Ferrari pace, Mercedes still know how to win Grands Prix. While Ferrari are worrying about keeping Vettel happy, the Silver cars are cruising up the road. Not quite season defining yet, but the increasing gap from Mercedes to Ferrari should be a worry. Given that Vettel seems a little incapable of pressure.

TOTAL RACE RATING 23/50

A box ticked for the 2019 season for fans, pity there wasn’t a little more action for those in the Asian time zones, as it is one of the very few daytime races.

2019 CHINESE GRAND PRIX RESULTS – GOOD, BAD, or UGLY

Who was king of the road,? Who was the villain? Who stunk up the place? Who outperformed expectations? Or was just plain unlucky? We split up the best of the best and worst of the worst with Good, Bad and Ugly of the 2019 Chinese Grand Prix

THE GOOD

LEWIS HAMILTON (Best of the Good)

Although he was beaten to Pole on the Saturday, he returned the favour from Melbourne and blasted past Bottas at the start and was rarely troubled thereafter. In control the whole race, he even advised he could go faster, a worry for his rivals. The gaps behind him were sufficient enough to give him an easy Sunday afternoon.

VALTTERI BOTTAS

Second might seem a little disappointing, but for the first time this season he has beaten Lewis Hamilton to pole position. Lost out at the start and saw his team mate drive off comfortably, but Bottas never let him get too far away, and his win and two seconds to start the season is a very handy return so far.

DANIEL RICCIARDO

Best of the rest, qualified in 7th and finished 7th. Whilst it must be hard to see the Red Bulls half a lap up the road, it is still great for Ricciardo that car made the finish, and showed that they are right in the mix, if not a little ahead, in the midfield best of the rest battle.

SERGIO PEREZ

Started from 12th on the grid and ended up 8th, and with no retirements ahead of him, it is almost the best he could hope for. Put Daniel Ricciardo under pressure during the race, especially early when he looked dangerous. Second point scoring drive for the season.

KIMI RAIKKONEN

Kimi Raikkonen continues to do the job for the Alfa Romeo team, grabbing points, and patiently making progress during the races. Nice overtake during the race on Grosjean. To say that the partnership is working out for both parties is a slight understatement.

ALEXANDER ALBON

After scoring first time points for the Toro Rosso team in Bahrain, he has followed that up with another points scoring drive from the very back of the grid. Looks good especially in comparison to his more experienced team mate who didn’t have the greatest Sunday..

GEORGE RUSSELL

Doing all he can with what he has. Outqualifying his more experienced teammate, trying to make the Williams not look like the Pinata it probably is.

THE BAD

DANI KVYAT (Worst of the Bad)

Like a reformed alcoholic, problem with second chances is that people will be on the lookout for glimpses of past evils even more than usual. So Kvyat’s Chinese Grand Prix was a little throwback to the end of his Red Bull career before he was swiftly replaced. Although he got the penalty during the race for the early crash with Norris, he was a touch unlucky given that Norris’ team mate Sainz didn’t help the situation. His race made worse when he retired as his rookie team mate goes from last to 10th.

ROBERT KUBICA

A pity he had to wait all this time to make a comeback in the this year’s Williams. Qualified last of the cars who did a lap, and finished last of all the finishers. The gap in fastest lap is telling. Spinning on the parade lap just shows what kind of car he’s got, and what kind of season he’s having.

THE UGLY

PIERRE GASLY

The best weekend so far in a Red Bull, qualified and finished 6th, but a full minute down at the end. The gap was larger than usual as his team did pit him to successfully steal the fastest lap, but the gap in qualifying is a worry. A second down on Verstappen, and only just ahead of the Renaults. Whispers that he may be replaced are already swirling.

CHARLES LECLERC

Did nothing much wrong all weekend, but the enforcement of team orders to let Vettel past, and then to keep him out there to assist Vettel is a worry for him. And he wasn’t even given a Gasly style chance for fastest lap. Needs to start blowing Vettel away in qualifying to give Ferrari no choice but to back him.

NICO HULKENBERG

Not as bad a weekend as others, bur he was outqualified here by his team mate, then lost out to Sergio Perez on the opening lap, and then became the race’s first retirement.

2019 CHINESE GRAND PRIX – GOOD, BAD and UGLY

We have our very own system of awarding point for the above Good, Bad and Ugly, plus rewarding other stats from the F1 weekend to have our own tally of who is going well in F1 in 2019, not just by scoring points, but performance in relation to car and expectations. The latest Grand Prix’s results are below.

Driver	Total	GBU	Top 3	F Lap	Qual	Outqual	Outraced	Incident	Gains	Best Rest
Lewis Hamilton	7	2	3		1		1
Valtteri Bottas	6	1	2		2	1
Daniel Ricciardo	5	1				1	1			2
Sebastian Vettel	4		2			1	1
Kimi Räikkönen	3	1				1	1
Alexander Albon	3	1					1		1
George Russell	3	1				1	1
Sergio Pérez	3	1				1	1
Max Verstappen	2					1	1
Carlos Sainz Jr.	1					1	1	-1
Kevin Magnussen	1					1
Romain Grosjean	1						1
Pierre Gasly	0	-1		1
Antonio Giovinazzi	0
Lance Stroll	0
Charles Leclerc	-1	-1
Nico Hülkenberg	-1	-1
Robert Kubica	-1	-1
Lando Norris	-1							-1
Daniil Kvyat	-2	-2				1		-1

2019 F1 SEASON ULTIMATE GOOD, BAD and UGLY

And here is the current season tally of the Good, Bad and Ugly.Points can be meaningless, so we have devised our little point scoring activity that rewards everything, not just race wins.

There’s no point in compiling of all the F1 data we can find, without working out a grand total. So here it is.

Driver	Total	AUS	BAH	CHIN
Lewis Hamilton	18	5	6	7
Valtteri Bottas	15	8	1	6
Max Verstappen	9	5	2	2
George Russell	9	3	3	3
Kimi Räikkönen	8	2	3	3
Charles Leclerc	7	-1	9	-1
Kevin Magnussen	7	3	3	1
Alexander Albon	7	1	3	3
Lando Norris	5	3	3	-1
Sergio Pérez	5	0	2	3
Carlos Sainz Jr.	3	0	2	1
Sebastian Vettel	3	1	-2	4
Lance Stroll	2	2	0	0
Romain Grosjean	2	2	-1	1
Daniel Ricciardo	2	-3	0	5
Nico Hülkenberg	1	0	2	-1
Antonio Giovinazzi	0	0	0	0
Daniil Kvyat	-1	1	0	-2
Robert Kubica	-2	-1	0	-1
Pierre Gasly	-2	-1	-1	0

1 point for featuring in Good, -1 for featuring in Bad or Ugly. A bonus point for the very best and worst.

1 point for Outqualifying and Finishing ahead of team mate.

3 points for a Race win, 2 for Podium, 1 for Fastest Lap.

1 points for most overtakes on the first lap.

2 points for Pole Position, 1 for a Front Row start.

1 point for Best of the Rest in Qualifying and Race.

-1 for an avoidable accident.

Intrust Super Cup Round 6 Results and Thoughts

admin

April 14, 2019

The latest weekend of Intrust Super Cup has been completed, and we have the Intrust Super Cup Round 6 Results plus our thoughts on the major points.

At the end of Intrust Super Cup Round 6, just one team remains undefeated as the Sunshine Coast Falcons won the game of the two 100% sides.

Happily for PNG Hunters fans, of which there are many, the Hunters opened their account for the season, and even moved up to 12th in the process.

Those vaguely familiar with the Intrust Super Cup will probably be intrigued by seeing reigning premiers Redcliffe Dolphins with one win and second last. They were beaten convincingly by Townsville on Saturday.

Burleigh moved into third at the expense of the team they beat on Saturday – Wynnum.

Souths Logan continued their decent run of away form and Tweed Heads did the same up north as well.

All of that and more below with our Intrust Super Cup Round 6 Results and Thoughts.

SUNSHINE COAST IMPRESS AT THE TOP

The Falcons won the battle of the two unbeaten sides on Saturday, in the big curtain raiser to the Souths-Warriors NRL on the Sunshine Coast.

This was the first time we’ve seen them live this season, and they could barely have been more impressive.

Although they were helped by a substantial breeze in the first half, they used it to their advantage by scoring some early tries, and in general dominating the first half to lead 16-0 at the break. Easts had barely made it into the Falcons 20 metre zone.

The thought was perhaps it was the wind giving a big advantage, but any thoughts of Falcons weather-based capitulation were erased not long after half time when they crossed for a fourth time.

Easts did get back into the game in the second half, with plenty of attacks close the Falcons line. but they only managed the most consolation of tries with a few minutes to go.

Emphasising the difference in each team’s day was when Falcon’s Darryn Schonig was sent to the sin bin., not only could Easts not score, but the Falcons did with 12 men.

That Nicho Hynes is some player too.

PNG HUNTERS WIN THEIR FIRST GAME

At the third time of us predicting it, the PNG Hunters got their first win of the season. And in reasonably impressive style in the unfamiliar surroundings of Emerald in Central Queensland.

The Hunters side has seen a lot of changes over the past month, with discipline, injuries, indifferent form and the return of their premiership winning captain Ase Boas causing massive changes week in and week out.

Perhaps after their good win over the Capras, Michael Marum and his staff could be convinced that less is more, with the team on the field on Saturday night looking quite capable of more.

Pleasing to see two players who were recently dropped on the score sheet in Charlie Simon and Oti Bland Tony, and Ase Boas looked an improvement than when we last saw him live against Easts. That was always going to take time but things are starting to turn. Moses Meninga’s power was a welcome return, and he was rewarded with the final try of the match to seal the game, which the Hunters celebrated plenty..

A hearty thanks for the online sharing of the game too. With the lack of TV games for the Hunters, it’s good to know we can watch them somehow. Channel Nein are jerks. Imagine the reigning premiers of a competition going an entire season without FTA coverage like what happened to PNG last season.

They have a good run now with six of their next eight at home,, and playing no one higher than fourth. And their hardest opponent is the Blackhawks who they have a good record against, and the Bears in the traditional Anzac Day clash.

REIGNING PREMIERS STRUGGLING

The above win for the PNG Hunters saw them overtake the 2018 premiers Redcliffe in the Intrust Super Cup ladder. The Dolphins who now share the competition’s worst record of one win and five losses with the Hunters and the Capras, with the Rockhampton side’s slightly worse for and against keeping them bottom.

Attack seems to be the problem this season, with Redcliffe now behind the Hunters in points scored despite the PNG side going scoreless in their first two games. They scored 19 points in their only win over the Souths Logan Magpies a few rounds ago, and even then scored just the 19 points. It doesn’t help that one of their big attacking weapons in Cameron Cullen is sidelined for the season, and Kotoni Staggs is on Broncos duty.

Redcliffe were well into the game at half time, scoring after 4 minutes and only trailing 8-6 at the break, but four converted tries and two penalty goals to nil in the second 40 minutes takes the Blackhawks into fourth place and Redcliffe second last.

The Dolphins gets their first home TV game of the season next weekend, which is getting critical to get a win to get back on track, despite the expanded top eight.

NORTHS LOOK GOOD IN SUNDAY’S ONLY GAME

Sunday’s TV game gave us the first glimpse of Norths Devils this season, and safe to say we can see why some have them as dark horses of the competition.

We have been especially excited about Gehamat Shibasaki and PNG International Nixon Putt, and both looked good on Sunday. No wonder Shibasaki is on the Broncos fringes, and perhaps Nixon Putt should be too.

Norths looked the better side through on Sunday, led 18-8 at the break and that could have been more. The Devils then weathered the comeback from the Jets in the second half before kicking on with a couple of late tries and a cheeky field goal.

Norths move up to 6th in the ISC table, and Ipswich drop to 11th. Making it the four of the five most recent premiers sandwiched between 9th and 13th. Whilst not good for those fans, it does point to a competitive competition with good turnover of prospects for most clubs.

COUNTRY WEEK VENUES ANNOUNCED

The minister for something or other announced this year’s Country Week fixture venues on behalf of the Intrust Super Cup.

It is one of the great initiatives in rugby league, so good that the NRL won’t copy it.

This year the venues are as below, as we will go into more detail soon.

Saturday, July 20	Tweed Seagulls v CQ Capras	Ilfracombe	6pm
Saturday, July 20	Redcliffe Dolphins v Souths Logan Magpies	Pittsworth	6.30pm
Saturday, July 20	Northern Pride v Ipswich Jets	Thursday Island	TBA
Saturday, July 20	Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Mackay Cutters	Cloncurry	TBA
Sunday, July 21	Sunshine Coast Falcons v Norths Devils	Nanango	1.10pm
Sunday, July 21	Townsville Blackhawks v Burleigh Bears	Ingham	2pm
Sunday, July 21	PNG Hunters v Easts Tigers	TBA	TBA

INTRUST SUPER CUP ROUND 6 RESULTS

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 30 Easts Tigers 6
BURLEIGH BEARS 26 Wynnum Seagulls 18
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS 36 Redcliffe Dolphins 6
Mackay Cutters 12 TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS 14
Nothern Pride 12 SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 16
Central Capras 10 PNG HUNTERS 28
Ipswich Jets 14 NORTHS DEVILS 31

INTRUST SUPER CUP ROUND 6

Pos	Team	Pld	Wins	Lost	For	Against	Diff.	Points
1	Falcons	6	6	0	196	92	104	12
2	Tigers	6	5	1	156	100	56	10
3	Bears	6	4	2	170	96	74	8
4	Blackhawks	6	4	2	128	70	58	8
5	Seagulls	6	4	2	144	92	52	8
6	Devils	6	4	2	161	120	41	8
7	Seagulls	6	4	2	84	104	-20	8
8	Cutters	6	2	4	114	102	12	4
9	Pride	6	2	4	88	132	-44	4
10	Magpies	6	2	4	108	167	-59	4
11	Jets	6	2	4	96	157	-61	4
12	Hunters	6	1	5	74	130	-56	2
13	Dolphins	6	1	5	71	144	-73	2
14	Capras	6	1	5	106	190	-84	2

A Who Cares 2019 Chinese Grand Prix Preview

Perry Thrust

April 12, 2019

The second race of the 2019 Formula 1 season is almost here, and given we’ll be up late watching the race, it would be lazy of us if we didn’t provide a 2019 CHINESE Grand Prix Preview.

But our 2019 CHINESE Grand Prix Preview isn’t just any old look ahead to a Grand Prix, we attempt to come up with a Care Factor rating for the race itself, use a variety of stats to determine a winner and to barely entertain the readers, and throw in some of our bold claims for the race ahead.

Sounds barely interesting? Well you’ve come to the right place for a 2019 CHINESE Grand Prix Preview.

THE 2019 CHINESE GRAND PRIX CARE FACTOR

Should you care about Chinese Grand Prix? Here is our break down of why you should / shouldn’t.

We have five categories rate out of ten, and the final score will determine the care factor for this race.

TRACK – 7/10

A typically Tilke design which but it seems to have just enough to allow for racing.

HISTORY – 9/10

The Chinese Grand Prix has been around since 2004, and there have been a few decent races, but not much that will be remembered in 20 years time. However this is F1’s 1000th race, so will be forever in the record books. Hence the much higher score than usual.

RACING POTENTIAL – 7/10

It has some big, long straights, and with DRS we should see something. If Bahrain is any guide, given they are similar tracks. And there have been a few races in the past where a drivers has carved through the field. And it rains a bit too.

IMPORTANCE – 6/10

Sort of important being early in the season, but definitely for Sebastian Vettel who has started the season poorly, especially if you consider the reported advantage Ferrari were supposed to have. The Italian press have started to turn on him, and his junior teammate Leclerc looks real deal. Wouldn’t be first time he couldn’t handle a new team mate.

BUZZ – 7/10

Te 1000th race will bring plenty of buzz and video clip of races from days of yore.

TOTAL CARE FACTOR = 37/50

0-10 – Check the result, move on with life.
10-20 – Watch it live as Background viewing, or a Monday night delayed watch.
21-30 – Watch it live, as it will probably be too dull once you know the result.
31-40 – Record, Watch it Live, Watch the replay.
41-50-Clear the schedule, unplug the phones, a great GP awaits.

BARELY INTERESTING CHINESE GRAND PRIX STATS

Nothing says a who cares 2019 CHINESE Grand Prix preview than a pile of barely interesting stats on the drivers previous CHINESE Grand Prix experience.

Does it make any difference, probably not.

Was it a bit of a waste of time compiling these for the handful of people who will read it. Never.

QUALIFYING FORM OVER THE YEARS

Pole Position has been the domain of just two current drivers – Vettel and Hamilton. Even the front row starts are a pretty exclusive with just two other drivers.

Driver	Races	AvGrid	Pole	FrontRow
Lewis Hamilton	12	4.33	6	7
Sebastian Vettel	12	4.67	4	5
Kimi Räikkönen	13	4.23	0	5
Daniel Ricciardo	7	6.57	0	2
Valtteri Bottas	6	6.67	0	0
Carlos Sainz Jr.	4	10.50	0	0
Romain Grosjean	7	10.71	0	0
Sergio Pérez	8	10.75	0	0
Robert Kubica	5	11.20	0	0
Nico Hülkenberg	8	11.25	0	0
Max Verstappen	4	11.50	0	0
Kevin Magnussen	4	13.75	0	0
Lance Stroll	2	14.00	0	0
Antonio Giovinazzi	1	15.00	0	0
Pierre Gasly	1	17.00	0	0
Charles Leclerc	1	19.00	0	0

RACE STATS

No surprise with lots of wins for Hamilton, not many others

Driver	Sum of Wins	Sum of Podium	Sum of Points
Lewis Hamilton	5	8	179
Kimi Räikkönen	1	6	99
Sebastian Vettel	1	5	128
Daniel Ricciardo	1	1	69
Max Verstappen	0	1	29
Nico Hülkenberg	0	0	17
Romain Grosjean	0	0	16
Robert Kubica	0	0	13
Carlos Sainz Jr.	0	0	10
Sergio Pérez	0	0	4
Kevin Magnussen	0	0	1
Antonio Giovinazzi	0	0	0
Lance Stroll	0	0	0
Pierre Gasly	0	0	0
Charles Leclerc	0	0	0

Note: 4 drivers are competing at Chinese GP for first time.

WHO WILL WIN THE 2019 CHINESE GRAND PRIX?

With so many questions arising from Australia, it is still hard to predict the winner of this weekend’s CHINESE GP with any confidence.

That’s not to say we won’t attempt it with some arrogantly misplaced confidence.

OUR SELECTIONS

Pole: Lewis Hamilton
Winner: Lewis Hamilton
Podium: Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc
Best of the Rest: Daniel Ricciardo

THE JEFF SUPER COMPUTER 3000 SELECTIONS

We put a bunch of stats into our Jeff Super Computer 3000, and it has spit out the top ten for the CHINESE Grand Prix. The JSC3000 will expand as the season plays out. so stay tuned for a surefire winner or not.

Here’s the top 10 anyways according to Jeff.

Driver	Win Probability Score
Lewis Hamilton	360.6331
Valtteri Bottas	264.9831
Charles Leclerc	190.6884
Max Verstappen	171.5586
Sebastian Vettel	158.6884
Kimi Räikkönen	156.5685
Kevin Magnussen	126.1234
Carlos Sainz Jr.	84.71812
Romain Grosjean	81.11145
Nico Hülkenberg	77.61062

TIME FILLER/KILLER No1 – CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2 MINUTE QUIZ

Why not kill some time before the big race with a bit of quick trivia….

[os-widget path=”/thegurgler/your-quick-chinese-grand-prix-quiz”]

TIME FILLER/KILLER No2 – CHINESE GRAND PRIX ODDS

Betting can make a boring race better, and so you may well need to have a few bets for this one.

RACE WINNER ODDS

Here is the full list of odds. He may not win here, but Pierre Gasly will eventually turn it around, as he has been one of Formula 2’s finest on track racers.The $100+ for Gasly might be worth a dip pre race soon.

Sebastian Vettel	$ 2.50
Charles Leclerc	$ 3.00
Lewis Hamilton	$ 4.00
Valtteri Bottas	$ 10.00
Max Verstappen	$ 13.00
Pierre Gasly	$ 101.00
Daniel Ricciardo	$ 251.00

FPL Week 34 Preview – The Own Goal

Theydon Bois

April 11, 2019

Following on from our semi popular Premier League predictions, we offer our weekly EPL Fantasy preview – The Own Goal FPL Week 34.

Each week we’ll attempt to give a quick round-up of some of the points of interest in Fantasy Premier League.

We used to do a podcast through our Fantasy United team, but who’s got time for that these days.

So much football it’s hard to keep up, and here is our best effort.

So enjoy The Own Goal FPL Week 34 preview.

Disclaimer: We are Ipswich Town fans, so have no prejudice against any side in this division. Or the next, come August 2019.

FPL Week 34 – WHO’S GOT SOMETHING TO PLAY FOR

It is at this stage of the year where it is hard because some teams have things to play for more than others.

A team that has bugger all to play for isn’t going to be up for the fight as much as a team battling for a Top 4 spot or desperately trying to avoid relegation.

So as ever we have slightly over complicated it with the below.

So we used whether teams were in a race for some end of season achievement or not. We gave out points from 1-10 according to importance of the prize they are trying to win as follows – Title Race (10), Top 4 (8), 7th Place (2), Relegation (Sliding from 10 – 1 relative to danger).

Throw in some negatives like a team already relegated (-10), in a European competition or FA Cup for distraction factor (-1).

Then add whether the team has a new manager, newish manager, or likely to have a new manager to impress. Or if there’s anything like a new stadium, or desperate desire to break a long title drought.

Plus add the number of off contract players for added desperation to impress for a new contract or elsewhere.

Here’s all the numbers combine for our Who Has More To Play For figure.

Team	Total Points	Race	Already Relegated	Europe	FA Cup	New Manager	OffContract	Other
Cardiff	20	10	0	0	0	0	10	0
Chelsea	17	8	0	-1	0	3	7	0
Liverpool	16	10	0	-1	0	0	4	3
Manchester United	14	8	0	-1	0	1	6	0
Arsenal	13	8	0	-1	0	1	5	0
Manchester City	12	10	0	-1	-1	0	1	3
Tottenham	12	8	0	-1	0	0	2	3
Leicester	11	2	0	0	0	5	4	0
Newcastle United	9	3	0	0	0	2	4	0
Brighton	8	4	0	0	0	2	2	0
Burnley	7	2	0	0	0	1	4	0
Everton	6	2	0	0	0	0	4	0
Crystal Palace	6	1	0	0	0	0	5	0
Southampton	6	5	0	0	0	1	0	0
West Ham	5	0	0	0	0	1	4	0
Watford	4	2	0	0	-1	0	3	0
Fulham	4	0	-10	0	0	3	11	0
Bournemouth	3	1	0	0	0	0	2	0
Wolves	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
Huddersfield	-2	0	-10	0	0	3	5	0

FPL Week 34 – CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN

Who do you captain this week? Here’s the quick rundown on who may be best.

We developed a small metric into who could be the best to take as captain this weekend.

Compiling goals/assists per game for the last five games, the entire season, and the record against the club they are playing this weekend. Also throwing in their team’s recent last 6 form compared to the season overall, and the difficulty of the fixture based on the official FPL stats.

The results are here, and it says Vardy is the option.

Player	vs	Total	TeamForm	EasyGame	G/A PG vs	G/A PG L5	G/A PG 1819
Vardy	Newcastle	8.55	1.76	4.00	0.67	1.40	0.72
Aguero	Crystal Palace	8.16	1.20	4.00	0.83	1.20	0.93
Sterling	Crystal Palace	8.00	1.20	4.00	0.67	1.20	0.93
Son	Huddersfield	6.23	0.33	4.00	1.00	0.20	0.69
Murray	BOU / CAR	6.07	0.94	4.00	0.57	0.20	0.35
Eriksen	Huddersfield	5.52	0.33	4.00	0.00	0.60	0.59
Mane	Chelsea	5.46	1.07	2.00	0.57	1.20	0.61
Salah	Chelsea	5.01	1.07	2.00	0.71	0.40	0.82
Hazard	Liverpool	4.52	1.08	1.00	0.56	1.00	0.88

FPL Week 34 – OUR TEAM

You can’t give off tips without putting your money where your mouth is, so our team details are here for your information. Feel free to pick our team apart at your leisure.

FPL – Electric Higuita Exp

FPL Week 34 STATS AND STUFF

Here’s some slightly useful information about upcoming games for each team. We have a table showing the split between top and bottom 6 teams, and the sweet middle for each teams next six weeks.

Following on from that, we have designed a measure to rank each team’s next 6 games in difficulty. Using opposition ranking, points, factoring in home and away fixtures, and using a calculation of current form.

With thanks to Transfermarkt for and WhoScored most of the above stats.

Premier League Predictions Week 34 – Gurgler v Who Has More To Play For

Frank Frankington

April 11, 2019

20-21 Premier League Predictions Week 32 & Stats Preview

After a massive week of Premier League football, FA Cup semi finals, and all EPL Champions League clashes, the football continues in the Premier League, and so do our Premier League Predictions Week 34.

Every week we offer up our Premier League predictions, along with a mini preview of each match, with a few best bets in an alternative Premier League preview.

We also put our tips up against a competitor, usually not human though, and based on some football stat or general life. This week our tipping opponent is based on team has more to play for from here. More on how we worked that out later.

It’s a lot like the BBC’s Lawros tips, but better. Arguably.

Premier League Predictions Week 34 – Gurgler v Who Has More To Play For

TIPS BACKGROUND: With critical end of season games coming thick and fast, it is important to know which team has more to play for than the other. It usually determines who will be the winner.

Throw in some negatives like a team already relegated (-10), in a European competition or FA Cup for distraction factor (-1).

Plus add the number of off contract players for added desperation to impress for a new contract or elsewhere.

Here’s all the numbers combine for our Who Has More To Play For figure.

Team	Total Points	Race	Already Gone	Europe	FA Cup	New Manager	Off Contract	Other
Cardiff	20	10	0	0	0	0	10	0
Chelsea	17	8	0	-1	0	3	7	0
Liverpool	16	10	0	-1	0	0	4	3
Manchester United	14	8	0	-1	0	1	6	0
Arsenal	13	8	0	-1	0	1	5	0
Manchester City	12	10	0	-1	-1	0	1	3
Tottenham	12	8	0	-1	0	0	2	3
Leicester	11	2	0	0	0	5	4	0
Newcastle United	9	3	0	0	0	2	4	0
Brighton	8	4	0	0	0	2	2	0
Burnley	7	2	0	0	0	1	4	0
Everton	6	2	0	0	0	0	4	0
Crystal Palace	6	1	0	0	0	0	5	0
Southampton	6	5	0	0	0	1	0	0
West Ham	5	0	0	0	0	1	4	0
Watford	4	2	0	0	-1	0	3	0
Fulham	4	0	-10	0	0	3	11	0
Bournemouth	3	1	0	0	0	0	2	0
Wolves	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
Huddersfield	-2	0	-10	0	0	3	5	0

PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 34 – Who Has More To Play For

LEICESTER to beat Newcastle
SPURS to beat Huddersfield
SOUTHAMPTON to beat Wolves
BRIGHTON to beat Bournemouth
CARDIFF to beat Burnley
EVERTON to beat Fulham
MAN UTD to beat West Ham
MAN CITY to beat Crystal Palace
CHELSEA to beat Liverpool
ARSENAL to beat Watford
CARDIFF to beat Brighton

GURGLER PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 34

Now our tips. Based on our opinion, research, study and ignorance. (In no particular order)

LEICESTER to beat Newcastle (3-1)
SPURS to beat Huddersfield (3-0)
SOUTHAMPTON to beat Wolves (2-1)
BRIGHTON to beat Bournemouth (2-0)
DRAW Burnley v Cardiff (0-0)
EVERTON to beat Fulham (4-0)
MAN UTD to beat West Ham (2-1)
CRYSTAL PALACE to beat Man City (1-0)
LIVERPOOL to beat Chelsea (2-0)
WATFORD to beat Arsenal (2-1)
BRIGHTON to beat Cardiff (2-1)

Premier League Predictions Week 34 Mini Match by Match Preview

Here’s a quick run down of every game for Week 34, with a barely interesting stat included for those inclined.

LEICESTER v NEWCASTLE

Kick Off: Friday 8:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Newcastle 0 Leicester 2

Leicester have snuck into the very competitive 7th place for the time being, having won four in a row and five of the six games since Brendan Rodgers has taken over. Some kind of impact, and at the right time of the season to recruit new players and keep the good ones. Like in form loanee Youri Tielemans. If he’s not providing assists or scoring, then Jamie Vardy is adding to his post Puel collection of goals, and failing that James Maddison chimes in. Exiting times again.

Newcastle are probably one win away from avoiding relegation. Given they have just three draws in the last 8 away games and no wins, it probably won’t be this week.

Barely Interesting Fact: The away side has won four of the last five matches between these sides.

Be$t Bet – Leicester to Win and Both Score @ $3.00

SPURS v HUDDERSFIELD

Kick Off: Saturday 12:30pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Huddersfield 0 Spurs 2

After securing a 1-0 win in the Champions League over the might of Man City, it is a different task entirely to welcome Huddersfield to their shiny new stadium, with Huddersfield having bugger all to play for.

Harry Kane’s injury is not great news, but what is good news is the seemingly welcome return of form for Son. Timely as the battle for the top four rages, and it may come down to goal difference. A big win here helps Spurs keep their advantage in that field and extend it.

Barely Interesting Fact: Huddersfield are yet to score a Premier League goal against Spurs.

Be$t Bet – Spurs -2.0 Handicap @ $2.63

SOUTHAMPTON v WOLVES

Kick Off: Saturday 3:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Wolves 2 Southampton 0

Southampton were right in the game against Liverpool until some late goals and their extra quality showed. They have been going well enough under Ralph Hassenhuttl, but are still fourth last and just five points from the drop. All their remaining games are winnable on a good day for them.

Wolves lost their FA Cup semi final last weekend, and really that was the last major thing to play for. 7th would be great for the prestige, but would they really want a Europa League campaign, given what it did to Burnley earlier in the season.

Barely Interesting Fact: The last time Southampton beat Wolves was in 2006, but they did it in style with a big 6-0 win away from home.

Be$t Bet – Southampton to win and both teams score @ $5.50

BRIGHTON v BOURNEMOUTH

Kick Off: Saturday 3:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Bournemouth 1 Brighton 3

A battle between two teams which have underwhelmed in the second half of the season. A couple of good results aside Bournemouth have slid badly from 7th place challengers to a solid Stoke City from earlier in the decade.

If you take results from February 1 onwards for these two sides, they would be third last and fourth last. Bournemouth the worst with 5 points from 9 games. Even Bournemouth fans are booing their own team. It must be getting disappointing for fans if they are getting that fed up. Especially for a club who could have been relegated from the entire Football League around a decade ago.

Barely Interesting Fact: Prior to their win earlier in the season Brighton hadn’t beaten Bournemouth in 10 attempts.

Be$t Bet – Glenn Murray to score 2+ goals @ $6.50

BURNLEY v CARDIFF

Kick Off: Saturday 3:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Cardiff 1 Burnley 2

A convenient run of two wins has seen Burnley jump a little higher up to 14th, and a decent gap of eight points to relegation. A win would make them comfortable.

A win by Burnley will also probably take the fun out of the relegation battle, but who’d care if you were Burnley fans. Cardiff would certainly make it much more interesting if they could win. Results pending, they could be within a win of a few teams.

So for selfishness, we think a Cardiff win would be great.

Barely Interesting Fact: Cardiff and Burnley have almost conceded the same amount of goals. Cardiff are one ahead on 61 goals conceded.

Be$t Bet – Under 2.5 Goals @ $1.69

FULHAM v EVERTON

Kick Off: Saturday 3:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Everton 3 Fulham 0

We’re not angry at Fulham, just disappointed. Fulham arrived into the EPL this season with gusto and swag of expensive signings. They bow out looking just as hopeless under their third manager as they did the previous two. So, perhaps another new coach is not the answer in next year’s Championship.

Everton are starting to come good, scoring five and conceding none in recent wins against Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal. So recent form against London clubs is great. Well that sorts out an Everton win here then.

Barely Interesting Fact: Only Liverpool, Man City and Wolves have conceded fewer goals away this season.

Be$t Bet – Everton -1.0 Handicap @ $3.00

MANCHESTER UTD v WEST HAM

Kick Off: Saturday 5:30pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: West Ham 3 Man Utd 1

Losses to West Ham like Man Utd suffered earlier in the season were exactly the reason that Jose Mourinho was given the flick.

It was one of West Ham’s best efforts for the season, but those days out are mixed regularly with mediocrity and a surprise which explains their 11th place in the table.

We scribe this before we know the result against Barcelona in the Champions League, but the hiring of Ole Gunnar Solskjær as permanent manager has had the opposite effect of hiring him as an interim. But they are still alive in the battle for fourth, and may need it. depending on he Barcelona result.

Barely Interesting Fact: Man Utd have put four past West Ham in the last two games at Old Trafford.

Be$t Bet – Draw at Half Time @ $2.50

CRYSTAL PALACE v MANCHESTER CITY

Kick Off: Sunday 2:05pm UK
Previous 2018-19 pm Result: Man City 2 Crystal Palace 3

The first of a Sunday that features the two titles challengers in action.

Crystal Palace’s win at Man City earlier in the season was probably the shock of the season up to that point, and remains the only blemish at home for Man City. The Eagles away form has been the saviour of their season, given that nearly 60% of their points have come on the road.

They don’t quite get the results at home, but currently have an in form Wilfried Zaha, who has been talked about again for a Man Utd stint. A lethal penalty taker in Luka Milivojević.

Man City suffered a rare loss in the Champions League against Spurs, and will surely bounce back at Selhurst Park. Or could there be another slip up costing a team in a title race featuring Liverpool against Crystal Palace like when Liverpool threw it all away not long ago.

Barely Interesting Fact: Man City have won 7/9 games v Crystal Palace having scored 26 goals and let in just five. Three of those coming in the game earlier in the season.

Be$t Bet – Crystal Palace +2.0 Handicap @ $1.83

LIVERPOOL v CHELSEA

Kick Off: Sunday 4:30pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1

This game represents Liverpool’s hardest game on paper for the rest of the season. Win this and they have given themselves every chance of the long-awaited title. Lose, and it might be hard to come back.

Nice to see Mo Salah getting back among the goals against Southampton last weekend, but they did leave it late, and don’t seem to be cruising to the title like Man City appear to be. The team’s win over Porto in the Champions League should give them a further boost, and there’ll be no question whether their Premier League attention will diluted by being in both competitions.

Chelsea moved up to third after the weekend’s games, and despite playing another an extra game, you can’t argue against points on the board.

Barely Interesting Fact: Going back to 2012-13, Chelsea v Liverpool games have ended in a draw 50% of the time.

Be$t Bet – Liverpool to win @ $1.53

WATFORD v ARSENAL

Kick Off: Friday 8:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Arsenal 2 Watford 0

Watford are coming into this game on a buzz after making an FA Cup final, and nicely timed too that Arsenal are in town, given their poor away record.

Arsenal are 10th in the Premier League for away form this season, and have even conceded the sixth most amount of goals.

The Hornets have won their past three home games,and beaten some of the competitors for 7th place.

From memory Troy Deeney put on a big show v Arsenal a few years ago, And no doubt the burly Watford striker would love to do it all again. Deeney is great fun to watch.

Barely Interesting Fact: Watford have beaten Arsenal three times in the last eight matches between these sides. 2-1 on each occasion.

Be$t Bet – Watford win/Deeney Goal @ $5.50

BRIGHTON v CARDIFF

Tuesday 7:45pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Cardiff 2 Brighton 1

Brighton can effectively cut their opponent Cardiff out of the Premier League with a win here, and they;’ll be hoping to do just that.

Hopefully that will get striker Glenn Murray involved in some safety winning goals.

Barely Interesting Fact: Brighton haven’t lost at home to Cardiff in the last five games, Four of them were draws.

Be$t Bet – Brighton to win $1.80

2018-2019 Premier League Tipping Competition Results

THE GURGLER

2018-2019 Tipping Results – 172/325 – 53% – (19 Correct Scores)

Last Week Tipping Results – 3/6

Best – 11/15 Week 32

OPPOSITION

2018-2019 Results – 151/325 – 47%

Week 1 – 6/10 – Week 1 Form from last 5 seasons
Week 2 – 5/10 – Change in Market Value after Transfer Window
Week 3 – 4/10 – Red Cards from last 5 seasons
Week 4 – 7/10 – Form v Post Sir Alex Man Utd
Week 5 – 5/10 – Post International Break Form
Week 6 – 3/10 – Avoiding Russian Spies
Week 7 – 4/10 – Brexit
Week 8 – 6/10 – v Jose Mourinho
Week 9 – 4/10 – Sacked Managers / Tenure
Week 10 – 4/10 – Fighting Managers
Week 11 – 7/10 – v Leicester City
Week 12 – 4/10 – US Mid Term Elections
Week 13 – 6/10 – Claudio Ranieri
Week 14 – 5/10 – Own Goals
Week 15 – 5/10 – Midweek Form (Last 5 Seasons)
Week 16 – 2/10 – Hate
Week 17 – 4/10 – Dangerous Nickname
Week 18 – 5/10 – Christmas Shopping
Week 19 – 4/10 – Boxing Day Form
Week 20 – 7/10 – 2018 Form
Week 21 – 1/10 – New Year’s Eve
Week 22 – 7/10 – January Form
Week 23 – 3/10 – Traffic
Week 24 – 2/10 – Post FA Cup 3rd / 4th Round Form
Week 25 – 4/10 – Happiness
Week 26 – 6/10 – Valentine’s Days
Week 27 – 6/10 – Divorce
Week 28 – 5/10 – Sack Race
Week 29 – 8/10 – Wages
Week 30 – 5/10 – Recycling
Week 31 – 1/5 – Gossip
Week 32 – 10/15 – Expected Goals
Week 33 – 2/6 – UK Breweries

Alternative NRL Round 5 Predictions and Preview – Gurgler v NFL

Max Layne

April 10, 2019

NRL Round 2 Preview — Centre holds it!!!!

Welcome to our alternative preview of the rugby league weekend ahead plus NRL Round 5 predictions.

Want more Haiku in your life? Feel the need for poetry and rugby league to collide? Or interested in NRL Round 5 Predictions based on a barely interesting stat or something completely unrelated to rugby league. Of course you do, and our Alternative preview and NRL Round 5 Predictions has just about everything.

There’s a bit of betting talk, TV times for the ultimate sloth, and more. Like the much-loved C & C Music Factory, we’ll hopefully give you a few things that make you go hmmmm.

Want to read more? Of course you do. Our Alternative NRL Round 5 Predictions and Preview awaits.

There’s also our NRL Team of the Week for Week 4. Plus some Game of Thrones related NRL gear.

NRL ROUND 5 PREDICTIONS – GURGLER PREDICTIONS

BRONCOS to beat Tigers
PANTHERS to beat Titans
STORM to beat Cowboys
RABBITOHS to beat Warriors
MANLY to beat Knights
ROOSTERS to beat Sharks
BULLDOGS To beat Dragons
RAIDERS to beat Eels

TIPPING PROGRESS – 19/32
— Last Week 6/8

BEST BET PROGRESS – 15/32
$1 Season Earnings $35.49 (from $1 bet on all tips)
— Last Week 4/8 — $8.27

NRL ROUND 5 PREDICTIONS – OPPONENT PREDICTIONS – v NFL

BACKGROUND FOR TIPS – After the big news of Valentine Holmes’ chance at the NFL with the New York Giants, and the NRL’s wish in general to be just like the NFL, it has never been more timely to use the NFL to generate NRL tips.

To do that, we have associated each NRL side with an NFL equivalent. For some it was easy as the nickname matched 100%. For other it got a bit hard.

For instance there’s no Storm, so since they are the dirtiest team we ironically matched them to the New Orleans Saints. There’s no Dragon based NFL side, and since they are from Game of Thrones and so were Giants, so they become New York Giants for a week.

Given the Rabbitohs are actually named after the person selling rabbits that had been skinned, why not use Washington Redskins. Warriors become Chiefs and Knights become Patriots. Other teams like Sharks and Roosters were matched to the nearest similar animal.

And the Eels become 49ers thanks to Jarryd Hayne.

So whichever equivalent NFL side had the better regular season win %, they get this week’s tip.

(Team and 2018-19 Win% in brackets.)

BRONCOS (Denver Broncos 38%) to beat
Wests Tigers (Cincinnati Bengals 38%) (on Points Diff)

TITANS (Tennessee Titans 56%) to beat
Panthers (Carolina Panthers 44%)

STORM (New Orleans Saints 81%) to beat
Cowboys (Dallas Cowboys 63%)

WARRIORS (Kansas City Chiefs 75%) to beat
Rabbitohs (Washington Redskins 44%)

KNIGHTS (New England Patriots 69%) to beat
Manly (Seattle Seahawks 63%)

ROOSTERS (Atlanta Falcons 44%) to beat
SHARKS (Miami Dolphins 44%) on points diff

BULLDOGS (Cleveland Browns 47%) to beat
Dragons (NY Giants 31%)

RAIDERS (Minnesota Vikings 53%) to beat
EELS (San Fran 49ers 25%)

OPPOSITION TIPPING PROGRESS – 13/24

Week 1 – First Round Form – 5/8
Week 2 – Best Supported Club in 2018 – 5/8
Week 3 – Club Memberships – 3/8
Week 4 – April Fool’s Day – 3/8

NRL ROUND 5 PREVIEW – MATCH BY MATCH PREVIEW

Here is our short game by game preview and we feature the only NRL preview using Haiku to describe each game. (Don’t know what a Haiku is? Here’s Wikipedia) There is plenty of other lightweight stuff including some barely interesting facts, our “best bet”, and a few thoughts about the game ahead in point. Quantity over quality we say.

THU 7:50pm – BRISBANE BRONCOS v WESTS TIGERS

Head to Head since 1998 – Broncos 22 Wests Tigers 5
Last Season: Wests Tigers 7 Broncos 9

MATCH PREVIEW POETRY

Thursday night footy
Variety not the spice
At home of Broncos

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Of the five victories the Wests Tigers have had over the Broncos since forming in 2000, four of them have come at Suncorp Stadium. The latest in 2016.

SIDE INTERESTS

Interesting starting to see the old club legends starting to turn on the current bunch of youngsters in the press. And on Darius Boyd, with some justification.

No Pangai means Patrick Carrigan could make his debut off the bench. But there is a hulking, looming Payne Haas named in the reserves. James Roberts is also named in the reserves, but can’t see that happening.

The Broncos were just ordinary last weekend, but they have only lost one in their last 12 Thursday night games at home. And an overall record of 80%.

The Tigers were probably the better side in an awful game last weekend. Josh Reynolds one of the best, and he gets another week to shine before Benji Marshall returns.

BEST BET

Corey Oates – anytime try scorer @ $1.57

FRI 6:00pm – GOLD COAST TITANS v PENRITH PANTHERS

Head to Head since 1998 – Panthers 12 Titans 7
Last Season: Gold Coast 16 Penrith 17 — Penrith 35 Gold Coast 12

MATCH PREVIEW POETRY

Winless Gold Coast down
Time for ex Panthers to shine
Coach included too

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Gold Coast have won only one game of the eight between these sides kicking off at 5:30pm or later.

SIDE INTERESTS

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak selected at fullback, no offence to Dylan Edwards, but a change will surely be an improvement.

Viliame Kikau is back in the starting line up and hopefully kik’auing arse.

A bunch of ex Panthers up against their old club, and all of them need to step up a little.

So too the Titans halves as well.

BEST BET

Total Match points under 38.5 pts @ $1,90

FRI 7:50pm – NORTH QLD COWBOYS v MELBOURNE STORM

Head to Head since 1998 – Storm 28 Cowboys 10
Last Season: Melbourne 30 North Queensland 14 — North Queensland 6 Melbourne 7

MATCH PREVIEW POETRY

Poor old Cowboys
Their reshuffle hasn’t worked
Need JT robot

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

North Queensland haven’t beaten Melbourne since the finals win before their Grand Final in 2015. Eight wins in a row for the Storm.

SIDE INTERESTS

The Cowboys look terrible at the moment, and whilst you shouldn’t blame it all on Jason Taumalolo’s absence, it must be close to being the main reason. But the Cowboys forward pack is stacked with Origin and Test stars.

Melbourne were pushed right to the end by the Bulldogs, and surely the Cowboys have more dangerous weapons than the Bulldogs.

Enari Tuala was good enough to play in the Prime Ministers game v PNG despite having 11 games in the NRL. He gets his first chance for 2019 in the centres.

One hopes that Easts Tigers big man Albert Vete can sneak into the Storm 17, after his three tries last weekend and great 2019 form for Easts.

BEST BET

Gavin Cooper to score anytime @ $4.00

SAT 3:00pm – SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v NZ WARRIORS

Head to Head since 1998 – Warriors 17 Rabbitohs 14
Last Season: South Sydney 20 Warriors 32 — Warriors 10 South Sydney 30

MATCH PREVIEW POETRY

Home of the Falcons
Gets first taste of NRL
Sadly no Inglis

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

The Warriors have a 48% win record for games in Queensland since 2010. They also have a 71% record for games kicking off between 2pm and 4:30pm.

SIDE INTERESTS

How the big game on the Sunshine Coast goes. Hopefully it will be packed and noisy. And lead to another region declaring themselves ready for an NRL side.

Greg Inglis has been one of the main talking points leading into the week. Whether his body and form is up to it. He has been given a week’s leave and will miss the sun this weekend.

The curtain raiser is between Easts and the Sunshine Coast – both are undefeated after five rounds, and both are Melbourne Storm feeder clubs.

Given the Warriors have been terrible and then great in consecutive weeks, can we guess which side turns up this weekend.

RTS is a side interest all to himself at the back of the Warriors side.

Kyle Turner in the centres for the Rabbitohs. Solid enough, but not a game breaker.

Will Clive Palmer be there?

BEST BET

Campbell Graham to score a try and South Sydney Rabbitohs to win @ $1.91

SAT 5:30pm – NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v MANLY SEA EAGLES

Head to Head since 1998 – Manly 16 Knights 14
Last Season: Manly Warringah 12 Newcastle 18 — Newcastle 19 Manly Warringah 18

MATCH PREVIEW POETRY

Turbo-less Manly
Stepped up big time last weekend
Now put Knights to sword

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

One side has scored exactly 18 points in each of the last three matches. Newcastle have won just one o their past 10 games that have kicked off at 5:30pm on a Saturday night.

SIDE INTERESTS

Both were involved in games decided by a golden point field goal last weekend, Manly were successful, and the Knights ended up losing to the Dragons. Can it be another golden point game? Last season’s game at Newcastle was.

Ponga was back to the back on the weekend and back to his best.

Manly fired up following the loss of star fullback Tom Trbojevic, but they can’t rely on that lift this weekend.

Two of rugby league’s least liked halfback go head to head. DCE proved he is a match winner though.

David Klemmer v Martin Taupau is a real mouth watering battle.

BEST BET

Manly +4.5 start @ $1.90

SAT 7:30pm – CRONULLA SHARKS v ROOSTERS

Head to Head since 1998 – Roosters 24 Sharks 16
Last Season: Roosters 21 Sharks 12 — Sharks 10 Roosters 28

MATCH PREVIEW POETRY

Roosters impressive
On their way to back to back
Sharks still a tough side

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

The Roosters have won 6/7 clashes in April between these sides since 1998.

SIDE INTERESTS

Is Bronson Xerri the best rugby league player with a surname starting with X since former Penrith star Anthony Xuereb?

Hopefully the Sharks stay injury free during the warm up.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Andrew Fifita is a decent prop head to head. Both capable of anything. Good and bad.

Surely if Roosters play half as good as last weekend they’ll be hard to beat.

BEST BET

Roosters to win 1-12 @ $3.00

SUN 4:05pm – ST GEORGE-ILLAWARA DRAGONS v BULLDOGS

Head to Head since 1998 – Buldlogs 24 StG-Illa Dragons 12
Last Season: Bulldogs 16 St George Illawarra 18 — St George Illawarra 0 Bulldogs 38

MATCH PREVIEW POETRY

Do we need to say
That 4pm on Sunday
Domain of Sydney

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Bulldogs have won 12 of the last 14 games v Dragons. The Bulldogs have won 4/5 at Jubilee.

SIDE INTERESTS

Can Corey Norman win a game in Golden Point for the third week running.

Perhaps as a left field idea, inspired by the Bulldogs final conversion taken from the wrong spot last weekend, that the NRL could introduce a rule to spice up conversions. The original (and pretty silly) idea is after the try has been scored the opposition captain has the power to tell the opposition team to move the ball 10m sideways or backwards after the goal kicker has placed the ball. This adds difficulty and tactics into conversions, which sometimes feel like an annoying delay to the rest of the game. And the paybacks that would flow.

BEST BET

Will there be Extra Time? Yes @ $23

SUN 6:10pm – CANBERRA RAIDERS v PARRAMATTA EELS

Head to Head since 1998 – Canberra 19 Parramatta 12
Last Season: Canberra 18 Parramatta 2

MATCH PREVIEW POETRY

Parra flying high
Raiders are on track now too
Raider Foxtel Kings

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Going back to 2001, Parramatta have only won at Canberra once in 13 visits.

SIDE INTERESTS

Clint Gutherson and Blake Ferguson continue to entertain.

Due for a Ricky Stuart blow up soon, especially if he loses to his most recent former club.

The Joey Leilua-Jordan Rapana partnership is blossoming again. Not that the Cotric-Croker partnership is much less effective.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s progress as Raiders full time fullback.

BEST BET

Canberra to win @ $1.56

RUGBY LEAGUE TV TIMES THIS WEEKEND

Want more rugby league than you can watch? Well here’s the full schedule for the weekend ahead.

Thu, Apr 4	NRL	Broncos v Tigers	Nein/Fox	7.50pm
Fri, Apr 5	SL	Huddersfield v Castleford	Fox	4:00am
Fri, Apr 5	NRL	Titans v Panthers	Fox	6.00pm
Fri, Apr 5	NRL	Cowboys v Storm	Nein/Fox	7.55pm
Sat, Apr 6	SL	St Helens v Warrington	Fox	4:00am
Sat, Apr 6	NSW	Newcastle v Blacktown	Fox	12:40pm
Sat, Apr 6	NRL	Rabbitohs v Warriors	Fox	3.00pm
Sat, Apr 6	NRL	Knight v Sea Eagles	Fox	5.30pm
Sat, Apr 6	NRL	Sharks v Roosters	Fox	7.35pm
Sun, Apr 7	SL	Catalans v Hull FC	Fox	1:00am
Sun, Apr 7	QLD	Ipswich v Norths	Nein QLD/App	1:00pm
Sun, Apr 7	NSW	Wests v Penrith	Nein NSW/App	1:00pm
Sun, Apr 7	NRL	Dragons v Bulldogs	Nein/Fox	4.05pm
Sun, Apr 7	NRL	Raiders v Eels	Fox	6.10pm

Round 6 Intrust Super Cup Predictions and Preview

Max Layne

April 10, 2019

The weekend is almost here and so are our Round 6 Intrust Super Cup Predictions and Preview.

Importantly, we have the CEO of main sponsor Intrust Super Brendan O’Farrell giving us his tips each week.

If you like your Intrust Super Cup make sure you have Saturday free as six of the seven games are on Saturday evening/afternoon. The lone game on Sunday is the TV game. A good one for northern Queensland fans, as all four teams from the Tropic of Capricorn north play at home.

The best game is on nice and early as both undefeated teams Easts Tigers and Sunshine Coast play the curtain raiser to the Rabbitohs v Warriors on the Sunshine Coast early on Saturday afternoon.

If you like a brief preview of the entire round, your Round 6 Intrust Super Cup Predictions and Preview awaits.

Round 6 INTRUST SUPER CUP TIPPING – ARE YOU SMARTER THAN SUPER BOF?

Fancy yourself an Intrust Super Cup tipping guru. Reckon you’re better than the CEO of Intrust Super yourself? Find out his Round 6 Intrust Super Cup tips below, and submit your via our Twitter or Facebook page.

BRENDAN O’FARRELL (CEO of Intrust Super)

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS to beat Easts Tigers
BURLEIGH BEARS to beat Wynnum Seagulls
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS to beat Redcliffe Dolphins
MACKAY CUTTERS to beat Tweed Heads Seagulls
NORTHERN PRIDE to beat Souths Logan Magpies
PNG HUNTERS to beat Central Capras
IPSWICH JETS to beat Norths Devils

SEASON PROGRESS 23/35

Last week 4/7

THE GURGLER’s TIPS (Us)

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS to beat Easts Tigers
WYNNUM SEAGULLS to beat Burleigh Bears
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS to beat Townsville Blackhawks
MACKAY CUTTERS to beat Tweed Heads Seagulls
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES to beat Northern Pride
PNG HUNTERS to beat Central Capras
IPSWICH JETS to beat Norths Devils

SEASON PROGRESS 21/35

Last week 3/7

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Round 6 INTRUST SUPER CUP – MINI PREVIEW

Here’s a quick rundown on all things Round 6 Intrust Super Cup and our thoughts for all of the games this weekend.

The full Team Lists for Round 6 can be found at the QRL Website.

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v EASTS TIGERS
Saturday 12:40pm

It is a shame for one reason that this game is merely the curtain raiser for the NRL game on the Sunshine Coast. The season’s two undefeated sides battling to remain unbeaten and have first place to themselves. And there’s nothing in it right now. Same wins and points obviously, but the points difference is exactly the same. The Falcons have scored and conceded 16 more so far.

On the other hand, a game of this quality will have a crowd much bigger than usual, as the NRL should draw in a few early birds.

They will be treated to the next generation of Melbourne Storm players, the Falcons with their awesome backline, and the Tigers with arguably the best spine of the competition and a slight advantage in the forwards.

Not a bad stage for the two best teams to impress potentially a lot of first timers to the Intrust Super Cup for 2019.

2018: Falcons 24 Tigers 26 — Tigers 38 Falcons 8

BURLEIGH BEARS v WYNNUM SEAGULLS
Saturday 4pm

1st v 2nd opening up the Intrust Super Cup Round 6 action is followed up on the Gold Coast with a clash of third and fourth.

Wynnum are currently flying solo in third place, with just one loss for the 2019 season so far. They come into the game with a win in the big Flockbuster duel with Tweed Heads. Wynnum took out the game easily 32-6.

Not so easily done was the Burleigh Bears, who were 18-8 down at half time their the Souths Logan Magpies class, before going on to win 38-22. Seems they coped OK without the suspended Pat Politoni.

Half Tom Dearden continues to get wraps, and will be one to watch for the Broncos if their early form blip turns into a full slump.

2018: Burleigh 26 Wynnum 12 — Wynnum 16 Burleigh 28

TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Saturday 4pm

Two teams coming into the game with losses last weekend, the Blackhawks the biggest shock of the weekend as they went down to the Mackay Cutters for the first time since entering the competition in 2015.

It still leaves them in the top eight mind you, with a 3-2 record.

Redcliffe have won just the once this season so far, and are one of three other teams on one win – Hunters of course have won no games yet.

You can for see a low scoring game, as Townsville are one of two top eight sides not yet passed 100 points in attack, but their defense is their biggest weapon at the moment. The Blackhawks’s defensive record is the competition’s best at just around 13 points a game. Redcliffe meanwhile have the second worst attack, averaging 13 points scored a game.

So likely to be tight in Townsville, and for Redcliffe if they lose this will find the top eight very hard work.

2018: Blackhawks 18 Dolphins 20 — Redcliffe 26 Blackhawks 14

NORTHERN PRIDE v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Saturday 6pm

From a low scoring game to hopefully a high scoring game, as the Pride and Magpies meet on Saturday evening in Cairns. 124 points were scored in the two clashes last season, Both sides are conceding at over 20 points a game this season in the first five games, Souths Logan actually letting in 31 points a game. But the Magpies have nearly got to 100 points in attack, despite winning just one game.

That one win for the Magpies was on the road, as their dreadful home record continues after last weekend with nine straight home defeats.

A promising start to the season for the Pride has now seen three straight losses, and they were blown away 50-10 last weekend by the Falcons. It may well be coincidental, but the last two of those games have been without Jake Clifford.

2018: Pride 42 Magpies 30 — Pride 24 Magpies 28

MACKAY CUTTERS v TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS
Saturday 6pm

Rounding off the third of all top eight team clashes for Round 6 of the Intrust Super Cup is the clash between 7th and 8th in Mackay.

The Cutters broke their drought against Townsville last Friday with the upset of the round, and sees them sneak into the top eight on points difference being the only team on two wins with a positive for and against.

Tweed Heads are just one place ahead of the Cutters in 7th, but they could have been as high as third if they had conquered the other Seagulls of Wynnum in the Flockbuster last Sunday. Their points difference is 36 points worse than Mackay’s. Tweed Heads’ attack is the third worst of the competition.

A win for either team means some comparative over achieving on 2018 can continue.

2018: Tweed Heads 24 Mackay 22 — Malay 22 Tweed Heads 52

CENTRAL CAPRAS v PNG HUNTERS
Saturday 6:35pm

The Central Capras have become a little bit of a bogey side for the PNG Hunters, in Queensland anyway. Last season’s last round fixture ended in a 38-22 loss to the Capras, which knocked the Hunters out of the finals race when Ipswich won their final game. They also lost a few seasons prior at Browne Park.

This weekend’s clash is not in Rockhampton but at McIndoe Park in Emerald. The Capras had a great result there last season by beating the Northern Pride, and with the Hunters arriving with no wins in their first five games, and a recent average record against the Capras away, confidence must be high.

The PNG Hunters Ins and Outs once again looks like Santa’s naught or nice list with no fewer than 14 Ins and 11 Outs.

There are some notable and important inclusions for the Hunters, with captain Adex Wera returning to the centres, although not named in the starting 17 but in the reserves. Charlies Simon gets another crack at hooker, and powerhouse Moses Meninga returns.

Ase Boas has moved to five eighth and back up hooker Jerry Teme has been promoted to halfback at the expense of Justin Yoka. There will be another debut when Joe Frank comes off the bench at some stage. Another new Hunter in a season where they were always going to blood plenty of new names.

A lot of changes for the Hunters, perhaps too many every week, but you can’t complain about the quality of inclusions this weekend. A first win awaits.

2018: Central 38 Hunters 22 — Hunters 18 Capras 10

IPSWICH JETS v NORTHS DEVILS
Sunday 1:10pm

Sunday’s only game doubles as the tV game for the rest of Queensland, and the daylight savings shift sees this game being played at a more sociable hour.

Both sides enter the game with wins last weekend, Ipswich have now won two games in a row after losing their first three. Norths put the PNG Hunters away in an impressive performance at Bishop Park.

Ipswich will be without their star fullback Michael Purcell, with Denzell Burns given the big task of filling those boots. Although filling in nicely as a try scorer is Julian Christian who has crossed in each of the last four games.

You could argue that Norths look to have a small advantage in the back, as the Jets do seem to have in the forwards. And that the battle of Nixon Putt up against Billy McConnachie should be a good one.

2018: Norths 14 Ipswich 22 — Ipswich 32 Norths 25

NRL Round 4 Team of the Week

Max Layne

April 9, 2019

The NRL is getting well and truly warmed up by now, and to keep you in the mood we present our NRL Round 4 Team of the Week.

After sitting through all of the eight NRL Round 4 games, we may as well have something constructive to show for it.

Our NRL Round 4 Team of the Week list features the best players from the weekend, and where possible try to pick the 13 players in position, and then the next best four, where possible. But some positions don’t shine like others, so we have a flexible starting 13 from time to time.

As usual there’s a pile of five eighths and fullbacks begging to be selected, but you can only pick one in each position, and there’s just a handful of interchange for support.

Of course any Team of the Week is going to cause debate, so feel free to pick apart our NRL Round 2 Team of the Week.

NRL Round 4 Team of the Week

FULLBACK – CLINT GUTHERSON (Parramatta)

The Eels best of the past few seasons is finally getting the wins to go with the fine performances. Surely resigning Gutherson is their number one priority.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Clinton Gutherson	0	0	21	249	1	1	1	4	0

WING – JAYDEN OKUNBOR (Bulldogs)

Maybe it’s the hair that makes it more spectacular, but the Bulldogs winger has made some impact in his first two games.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Jayden Okunbor	1	4	24	290	3	0	0	6	2

CENTRE – LATRELL MITCHELL (Roosters)

Getting back to his best against the Broncos, who certainly didn’t make life very hard for him or his team mates.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Latrell Mitchell	0	8	11	94	0	0	1	4	2

CENTRE – JARROD CROKER (Canberra)

Surely one of the NRL’s more underrated players, and he had a good night out in Townsville. More than just a goal kicker.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Jarrod Croker	1	14	8	78	0	1	1	1	1

WING – JORDAN RAPANA (Canberra)

The Canberra is back, and his partnership with Joey Leilua is blossoming once again.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Jordan Rapana	2	8	18	178	2	0	1	4	2

FIVE EIGHTH – LUKE KEARY (Roosters)

Keary continues his good start to the 2019 season, holding his own against Cooper Cronk.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Luke Keary	0	0	16	84	0	0	1	1	2

HALFBACK – DALY CHERRY EVANS (Manly)

The hero for Manly last weekend as he slotted the winning field goal and ran the attack.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Daly Cherry-Evans	0	5	7	67	1	0	0	2	0

PROP – MARTIN TAUPAU (Manly)

How does a players run over 200 metres despite going off for a HIA. The backbone of the Manly win.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Martin Taupau	0	0	21	206	0	0	0	5	3

HOOKER – JOSH HODGSON (Canberra]

There’s a lot to like about the English number 9.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Josh Hodgson	0	0	6	51	0	0	0	0	3

PROP – Siosiua Taukeiaho (Roosters)

Another entry into the Team of the Week. He can even kick goals when required.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Siosiua Taukeiaho	0	0	18	209	0	0	0	5	1

SECOND ROW – JOHN BATEMAN (Canberra)

In the running for overseas buy of the season. Although a smallish field, still doesn’t detract from a season of quality so far.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
John Bateman	0	0	14	120	0	0	0	3	0

SECOND ROW – BRITON NIKORA

The Sharks rookie did well in a losing side against Parramatta, and has been a shining light for them so far.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Briton Nikora	0	0	13	108	1	0	0	3	1

LOCK – JAKE TRBOJEVIC (Manly)

Whilst the number may not look super, the way he led a Manly side down on troops over the previously unbeaten Rabbitohs gets the number 13 in our Team of the Week.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Jake Trbojevic	0	0	19	110	0	0	0	1	0

INTERCHANGE – ROGER TUIVASA SHECK (Warriors)

The Warriors number one was just pipped for the top spot this week, and long may he continue to entertain.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	1	4	15	176	1	1	1	8	0

INTERCHANGE – KALYN PONGA (Knights)

A third number one n the Team of the Week, but hard to leave him out after he shone back in his best position. Five eighth will come eventually, just not now.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Kalyn Ponga	0	4	20	198	0	2	2	5	0

INTERCHANGE – MITCHELL MOSES (Eels)

Best performance of the season so far for Moses.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Mitchell Moses	0	8	8	113	1	1	2	3	0

INTERCHANGE – JOSH REYNOLDS (Tigers)

Another five eighth on the bench, has given Tigers coach Maguire a selection headache with a great performance is a losing side in an awful game.

Player	Tries	Points	Runs	Metres	LB	LB Asts	Try Asts	TackleBust	Errors
Josh Reynolds	0	0	6	29	0	0	2	0	1

NRL Round 4 Team of the Week Top Five

The NRL Round 4 Team of the Week are the best for the games played in that weekend, but some are just a little better than others. So we give out bouns points from 5-4-3-2-1.

5pts – Clint Gutherson

4pts – Martin Taupau

3pts – Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

2pts – Kalyn Ponga

1pts – Jayden Okunbor

TEAM OF THE YEAR PROGRESS

After four rounds it’s time to show an update of the total points so far. Well, the top few anyway. It is heavily weighted to those who get bonus points so far, but it is a long season ahead.

Player	Points
C. Munster	10
M. Taupau	8
A. Reynolds	7
R. Tuivasa-Sheck	7
C. Gutherson	7
L. Keary	7
J. Taumalolo	6
T. Trbojevic	6
D. Cherry-Evans	5
R. Farah	5
T. Pangai	5

NRL | Wooden Spooners – NRL Game of Thrones Characters Equivalents

Kaaps Loche

April 8, 2019

NRL Game of Thrones Characters Equivalents

Further to Fox Sports launched their NRL Game of Thrones Round this week and our attempt to come up with some similar TV Show crossovers, we offer some more crossover gold with our list of NRL Game of Thrones Characters Equivalents – a countdown of those connected with NRL, and the potential Game of Thrones character they could be.

Since the world, and Foxtel have gone Game of Thrones crazy, there’s no better time to mix up the world’s biggest TV show and rugby league.

We have attempted to match some of the biggest characters of the TV show with rugby league personalities in our NRL Game of Thrones Characters extravaganza. Of course a lot of the characters are difficult to match to rugby league players, or would be mildly offensive, so we offer up a select few. –

NRL Game of Thrones Characters Equivalents

CERSEI – CHANNEL NEIN

No one is more evil, self-interested, manipulative than Cersei in Game of Thrones, so who else could be as bad….Channel Nein.

From the scheduling to suit themselves, to the drivel they call State of Origin coverage, they run the game.like Cersei does from the Iron Throne.

And is just as popular. But somehow they still still reign despite their unpopularity.

Although, it could be said that Channle Nein haven’t quite done the job on rugby league like they did with the cricket.

JAIME LANNISTER – JARRYD HAYNE

Jaime Lannister is an anti hero in Game of Thrones, but traded on his previous achievements for a lot of the early part of the show.

Much like Jarryd Hayne, who produced a few brief patches of form, but ultimately brought down any team he played with.

Whilst Jaime seems set for redemption in Series 8, Hayne has disappeared, as have the Eels woes so far in 2019.

TYWIN LANNISTER – WAYNE BENNETT

The head of the Lannisters was more concerned about his family’s legacy than anything else, and so it appears with Wayne Bennett.

The ugly way the recent off-season coaching merry-go-round played, showed a stubbornness that Tywin would have enjoyed.

But you do get the feeling that the move to Souths was all about adding to his legacy.

QYBURN – WALKER BROTHERS

Ben and Shane Walker – the Ipswich Jets coaches like the eccentric Qyburn live on the edge of what’s acceptable with their trade.

Whilst not quite as evil as the TV character, the Walker brothers have pushed the envelope in rugby league coaching. And with at least one season of success.

At least some of the Walker brothers principles are being played out in the NRL, not the bothers themselves who have never been given the NRL chance, and probably never will.

EURON GREYJOY – LATRELL MITCHELL

Euron has a level of confidence and arrogance that is close to unrivalled in Game of Thrones, but you can’t argue with the results. Same applies to Latrell Mitchell who had a break out 2018, mixing his undeniable talent on the field with plenty of confidence on and off the field. And swagger.

LORD VARYS – ANY NEWS LTD JOURNALIST

The Spider specialises in secrets, exposing people at their worst to his advantage. Which sometimes appears the mission statement of NRL Journalists

At least the Game of Thrones character has a reasonable noble reason for doing things the way he does, believing in the best for his country. News Ltd journalists seem to hell-bent on bringing as much attention to everything that’s bad in the game. And for what reason? Not for the good of the game.

ADAM BLAIR – SER BRONN

Ser Bronn of the Blackwater is an effective sellsword, having defended a few types and survived all the way to Series 8. The same could be said for Adam Blair who has moved around a few clubs in the NRL, and can be as effective as a rugby league weapon. Loves a battle too, as per his duel at Brookvale with Glenn Stewart.

THE HOUND AND THE MOUNTAIN – THE JOHNS BROTHERS

We haven’t selected the Newcastle icons by looks or personalities, more so for playing up a lifelong feud. Which really isn’t a feud either, but allow us to use a little poetic licence.

With one brother taking the path of Channel Nein and the other Fox Sports, will we see a final battle in 2019 like the massive Game of Thrones units.

JON SNOW – JONATHAN THURSTON

There’s a decent enough of comparison in looks between the Game of Thrones character and former Cowboys great.

And given that he has revived a few big games from the dead, is perfect for that trait of the main good guy in the TV show.

LITTLEFINGER – JOHN HOPOATE

Cheap, nasty, but so easy to do.

NRL Game of Thrones Characters Other Suggestions

It was hard enough to come up with the above, but feel free to suggest your own, or argue in our comment section.

NRL | Wooden Spooners – NRL Game of Thrones Round Alternatives

Kaaps Loche

April 7, 2019

OUR NRL GAME OF THRONES ROUND ALTERNATIVES

In one of the grape cross promotions between entertainment and sport Fox Sports launched their NRL Game of Thrones Round this week.

Just in case you weren’t aware that Foxtel have Game of Thrones exclusively from the thousands of ads over the last week, they tried to crowbar it into a Knights v Dragons clash, in a clever little piece of PR. You know, Dragons, Knights. Pffft.

But the NRL Game of Thrones Round is just the start of it, surely there’s a bunch of TV Shows that can be cross promoted with the NRL for later in the season.

As ever, we offer up some suggestions for NRL Game of Thrones Round Alternatives.

OUR NRL GAME OF THRONES ROUND ALTERNATIVES

IT’S A KNOCKOUT ROUND

Having hypothetically brought the rights to recreate It’s a Knockout, or at least show the old Billy J Smith era reruns, the NRL would go hand in hand with the feel good family antics of It’s a Knockout.

Teams would have to play in a choice of one of the four original colours which represented he states back in the day. And nicknames changes to pay homage to the old nicknames used in the show. Kingaroy Peanuts being our favourite.

Then to bring the NRL – It’s A Knockout theme crossover round, each game would feature a loving recreation of one of the It’s A Knockout games at half time. Participation from players involved in the game would be mandatory.

Who wouldn’t want to see the Storm take on the Rabbitohs in the Penguin water catching game, or the Warriors and Broncos going head to head in the game that uses that strange paddle bike contraption.

What a tribute to the recently passed Billy J Smith who hosted the original show and also called rugby league.

WALKING DEAD

Players could don the makeups and special effects and go full zombie for just one theme round.

What better way to combine Foxtel drama and rugby league then by having players look and play like the cast of the Walking Dead.

The Broncos did a decent job of a rehearsal for this against the Roosters in Thursday night.

If rugby league players looking like Zombies doesn’t get people queuing up to pay the extra $20 for the drama pack, nothing will. Or should.

THE SIMPSONS

Is there anything more Foxtel than The Simpsons, which currently occupies 35% of the Fox8 channel.

That’s not a bad thing, before Series 14 that is, but it also means it is prime to be at the heart of the next NRL Theme Round crossovers.

Of course a special round needs a special jersey, and the Simpsons round could see each team play in a specially designed jersey based on one of the famous characters.

Any team who chooses Sideshow Mel wouldn’t even need a jersey.

Who couldn’t see the enjoyment of the Canberra Raiders turning their lime green into the dark green and pink of Flanders, or the Gold Coast breaking out the Rhinestones for their jersey in honour of Disco Stu.

AMAZING RACE ROUND

Not that many people care about the Amazing Race these days, but an NRL theme round crossover could be just the tonic.

How it would work is that each team is dumped off at a secret location two days before kick off, and must answer clues and organise their own transport to get to the game on time.

All of it being filmed live and streamed via the NRL website.

The highlights of the day’s action to air in prime time of Foxtel.

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY ROUND

The NRL have dabbled in taking a few games to the Country, but they copy the Intrust Super Cup in Queensland and do it for an entire round. And get Foxtel to support it by using one of their flagship Lifestyle shows Escape to the Country as the theme for the round.

Just make sure it isn’t on a weekend where the Broncos are at home of course.

And is the Olympic Stadium classed as country for the Sunday afternoon game?

HE MAN ROUND

To promoted some of the cartoons, why not have the NRL theme round based on He Man.

Then all the players could get around in the strapped vest and underwear with long socks and boots. And perfect man bob haircuts too.

One for the fans of 1980’s cartoons.

SHAMELESS ROUND

The edgy UK/US drama features loads of alcohol, sex, cheating, drug taking, breaking the law, violence.

Actually, perhaps there’s no need for an NRL-Foxtel theme round crossover, as it sounds like an NRL off-season.

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