The latest weekend of Intrust Super Cup has been completed, and we have the Intrust Super Cup Round 5 Results and our thoughts on the major points.
At the end of Intrust Super Cup Round 5, there remains just one team without a win as sadly for the PNG Hunters fans, their winless start to the season continues after being well beaten at Norths on Saturday night.
Redcliffe’s loss to Ipswich on the same evening meant the two most recent premiers are last and second last with just one win between them. Talk about a competition that gives everyone a go.
There was a surprise or two also this weekend, the first on Friday night. But more on that soon.
All of that and more below with our Intrust Super Cup Round 4 Results and Thoughts.
95% of the tipping competition, including ourselves from our Round 5 preview, were wrong.
Townsville did score first, but only the Cutters scored thereafter, turning a 12-6 lead at half time into a 20-6 win by full time. The 20 points conceded was over the season average of the Blackhawks this season (still at just over 12 points a game despite the loss).
It was Mackay’s first win over Townsville since the Blackhawks arrival in the Intrust Super Cup in 2015, and after a very ordinary 2018, they’ll surely take a 2-3 start to the season with positive points difference.
POINTS A PLENTY FOR THE STORM FEEDER TEAMS
The Falcons maintained their unbeaten start to the season by flogging the Northern Pride 50-10 on Saturday on the Sunshine Coast.
10 tries in all were scored by the Sunshine Coast, eight of them before the Northern Pride got on the board.
Sandor Earl, hoping for a second chance in the NRL with Melbourne and probably deserving of one given his treatment by ASADA compared to the Sharks, did his chances little harm with a hat trick of tries. Jonathon Rueben and Todd Murphy also scored twice, and PNG international Justin Olam continued is fine scoring run with another.
The 50-10 loss for the Pride shows how quickly things can turn in the Intrust Super. After impressively beating the last two ISC premiers to start the season, the Pride are now out of the eight with three straight losses.
Although just outdone in points scored and size of victory, Easts Tigers continued their unbeaten season with a convincing 44-12 win over the Central Capras in Sunday’s TV game.
Popular prop Albert Vete secured himself a hat trick, and the Tigers scored eight tries in all.
It barely gets closer up the top, as both sides are on 10 points and have a points difference of 80.
Still no losses for any Melbourne affiliated side after today’s action.
PNG HUNTERS DOWN TO THE DEVILS IN NUNDAH
Another week, and another loss for the PNG Hunters on Saturday night, and after showing signs of improvement against Easts Tigers last weekend with their returning star Ase Boas on board, the 28-6 loss could be seen as a step backwards.
There was another massive shake up with the squad this weekend, with injuries and form forcing Michael Marum and his team to make huge changes to the squad for a second straight week. Whilst hat trick hero from two weeks prior Joe Joshua came in, they lost captain Adex Wera and Moses Meninga, among others.
Things started promisingly enough for the Hunters as they led a game for the first time this season, scoring early in the 10th minute through Brendon Gutono. That was all the scoring for the evening for the Hunters as Norths scored four tries in 16 minutes from the 19th minute, 22-6 being the half time damage.
There was only one more converted try for the Devils in the second half, but it was the scoring in the final 40 minutes, which sadly left PNG Hunters last and winless after five rounds. Norths meanwhile have a 3-2 record, and their current W-L-W-L-W pattern should see them play finals football if it continues.
Some good news for PNG Fans is the continued great form by Nixon Putt for the Devils. Not only for the Kumuls’ internationals later in the season, but playing for a Broncos feeder club gives you an outside chance at a taste of NRL action, especially around Origin time.
WYNNUM WIN THE FLOCKBUSTER
Wynnum took out yet another all-Seagulls clash at Piggabeen, and in the process helped themselves to third place, and the only team with a record of 4-1.
Perhaps the Broncos with their woes in the halves could consider giving the young Wynnum number six Tom Dearden a go in the NRL.
Even if that does happen, 2019 looks like it is going to be a much season for Red and Green feathered flock, and a return to the finals awaits with their start and extension to a top eight.
After a massive week and a bit of Premier League football, the football continues in the Premier League, but only with a half arsed round again as the FA Cup semi finals takes centre stage. But that won’t stop us with our Premier League Predictions Week 33.
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 which town/city has the most breweries for no good reason.
It’s a lot like the BBC’s Lawros tips, but better. Arguably.
Premier League Predictions Week 33 – Gurgler v Number of Breweries in the UK
TIPS BACKGROUND: Sure using breweries as a tipping method sounds ridiculous, but since it is only a pissweak truncated round of football, we basing our Premier League Predictions Week 33 opponent on the number of breweries in the team’s related city/town.
Why you may ask. Good question, and thanks for asking.
Our theory is that the more breweries there are, the more choice of beer the locals have, so the more they may drink, so the happier and more boisterous they’ll be, and the better support they’ll give, and the better the team will play.
PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 33 – Number of Breweries in the UK
Number of breweries in brackets. as says Wikipedia.
SOUTHAMPTON (19) to beat Liverpool (6)
BURNLEY (18) to beat Bournemouth (8)
HUDDERSFIELD (32) to beat Leicester (14)
CRYSTAL PALACE (18) to beat Newcastle (13)
ARSENAL (67) to beat Everton (6)
DRAW – Chelsea (67) v West Ham (67)
GURGLER PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 33
Now our tips. Based on our opinion, research, study and ignorance. (In no particular order)
LIVERPOOL to beat Southampton (4-1)
BOURNEMOUTH to beat Burnley (3-0)
LEICESTER to beat Hudderfield (2-0)
NEWCASTLE to beat Crystal Palace (2-1)
DRAW – Everton v Arsenal (1-1)
CHELSEA to beat West Ham (3-0)
Premier League Predictions Week 33 Mini Match by Match Preview
Here’s a quick run down of every game for Week 33, with a barely interesting stat included for those inclined.
SOUTHAMPTON v LIVERPOOL
Kick Off: Friday 8:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Liverpool 3 Southampton 0
A game between Liverpool, and a team which seemed at one stage to be their nursery. Hard to argue against the impact of former Southampton players in the Liverpool team – their current two most in form players Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane came to Merseyside from Southampton.
Liverpool got a little lucky against Spurs last round, but importantly it was a win that keeps them right in the title race. Aside from a game against Chelsea, their remaining games are relatively easy, but Southampton have been in a decent run of form, so maybe not.
Southampton have won three of their last four games, beating Spurs, Brighton and Fulham, but were also very competitive against Man Utd in that four game run, so Liverpool won’t want to take the game too easy. A loss from here will probably be the end of their title challenge, as they might get lucky with one Man City loss, but certainly not two given their form and squad,
Barely Interesting Fact: Southampton would be up to 10th on points if the season started when current coach Ralph Hassenthuttl began his reign. They would be ahead of Leicester if the same points per game were applied for the entire season.
The recent fixtures certainly couldn’t have gone much better for Burnley – their closest rival for relegation in Cardiff City lost two games in a row, while Burnley got an unexpected win over Wolves. The gap between third last Cardiff and fourth last Burnley is now 5 points with six games to go, and the goal difference is an 11 goals advantage too, so effectively a full two games ahead. Advantage Burnley.
They face Bournemouth who are on 38 points which should be safe now, and they have lost just once in their last seven home games. That was only a 1-0 to Man City. Who it feels like they have been playing for nothing for months now. Not good enough for the Everton Cup or relegation.
Barely Interesting Fact: There have been three or more goals in the last five matches between these two sides.
Huddersfield were officially relegated as part of last weekend’s action, which has looked inevitable for most of the season. Still, a two season stay in which they were rarely embarrassed can be looked upon as a good thing. Their recent result against West Ham proved they were competitive on their day but not quite enough. Still, they get a wad of cash that few other clubs in England get for being the worst in their league.
Leicester meanwhile are looking on the up, with new manager Brendan Rodgers starting to justify leaving Celtic who win everything for an upper midfield Premier League side. Since announcing Rodgers as the new boss, Leicester have won four games from five, and currently sit fifth in the last six form table and 9th overall. A win of two goals or more here will see them grab 7th temporarily.
Two players that have done the job in that same period are Jamie Vardy and Youri Tielemans. Vardy has repeated his great form after a manager being fired (like after Ranieri) with 5 goals and an assist in five games. Youri Tielemans in the same period has four assists and one goal.
Barely Interesting Fact: Huddersfield haven’t beaten Leicester in the league since 1995.
13th plays 14th in a clash where both teams are probably safe at this point, but will want a win to be sure. It should be a good battle as Newcastle have become very strong at home – winning their last five in a row, and Crystal Palace have been very competitive on the road this season. Palace are currently 7th overall for away form this season, behind five of the top six and Leicester.
Each side features their own xcitmenet machines in Wilfried Zaha and Miguel Almiron. Hopefully free of immediate danger of relegation the team will go for it and a game full of attack awaits. In reality there’ll probably be just the one goal or none.
Barely Interesting Fact: Three of the past four games between these sides played in Newcastle have ended in a 1-0 win for Newcastle.
EVERTON v ARSENAL
Kick Off: Sunday 2:05pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Arsenal 2 Everton 0
All of a sudden Everton are in some decent form, having won three of their last five – which has included a win over Chelsea – and they probably should have four wins after throwing away a 2-0 lead at Newcastle. They are still a chance of grabbing their 7th place if the run continues.
They’re every chance of continuing that run as their opponent Arsenal have been not been great on the road this season. Currently their away form is just the 10th best and they have won just one away game in their past eight. That was a relatively unconvincing 2-1 win over Huddersfield. They actually drop to 13th in last six away form.
The fact that Arsenal still have the real prize of a Champions League spot to play for, not just a best of the rest title means they have more to play for on paper. But to get that third or fourth spot they will need to be better on the road. They still have 6 games to play away. Most other teams have played 16 away.
Barely Interesting Fact: Everton have conceded the seventh most goals at home this season, Arsenal the eighth most away.
CHELSEA v WEST HAM
Kick Off: Monday 8:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: West Ham 0 Chelsea 0
Chelsea showed they deserved a shot at the top four against Brighton on Wednesday, and all it took was the simple idea of playing their best players, and finally giving their promising young players, who are wanted by loads of other club a go in the team. They were terrible against Cardiff, but still got the win somehow. Sadly Higuain looks even more useless for Chelsea than he did at AC Milan. A shame as he was a top shelf forward in his prime.
West Ham continue to be as unreliable to tip as ever, their last six run of WLWLWL does nothing to change that. Still they are 11th and past the magical 40 point barrier. But given everything they have, it should be at least a little more.
Barely Interesting Fact: Chelsea have only beaten West Ham five times in the past 12 games since 2013.
2018-2019 Premier League Tipping Competition Results
Welcome to our alternative preview of the rugby league weekend ahead plus NRL Round 4 predictions.
Want more Haiku in your life? Feel the need for poetry and rugby league to collide? Or interested in NRL Round 3 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 3 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 4 Predictions and Preview awaits.
NRL ROUND 4 PREDICTIONS – GURGLER PREDICTIONS
ROOSTERS to beat Broncos
WARRIORS to beat Titans
PENRITH to beat Wests Tigers
RABBITOHS to beat Manly
RAIDERS to beat Cowboys
SHARKS to beat Eels
STORM to beat Bulldogs
DRAGONS to beat Knights
TIPPING PROGRESS – 13/24
— Last Week 6/8
BEST BET PROGRESS – 11/24
$1 Season Earnings $26.77 (from $1 bet on all tips)
— Last Week 4/8 — $9.20
NRL ROUND 4 PREDICTIONS – OPPONENT PREDICTIONS – v APRIL FOOLS
BACKGROUND FOR TIPS – Since we’ve hit the month which has the day when it’s OK to play jokes on each other until midday, why not make a joke out of the entire month of April’s rugby league results as a method of tipping.
It’s simple this time, the team with the better record in April since 1998 is more likely to win, so gets the tip. Winning % in April in brackets.
BRONCOS (70%) to beat Roosters (49%)
TITANS (51%) to beat Warriors (46%)
TIGERS (45%) to beat Panthers (42%)
SEA EAGLES (53%) to beat Rabbitohs (33%)
COWBOYS (49%) to beat Raiders (43%)
SHARKS (48%) to beat Eels (44%)
STORM (67%) to beat Bulldogs (55%)
DRAGONS (59%) to beat Knights (46%)
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 – SYDNEY ROOSTERS v BRISBANE BRONCOS
Head to Head since 1998 – Broncos 21 Roosters 17
Last Season: Brisbane 28 Roosters 22 — Roosters 8 Brisbane 22
MATCH PREVIEW POETRY
The Thursday night kings
Not so good away from home
Roosters out to crow.
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
The team that has lost this game has scored exactly 22 points in the last three games. The Broncos have lost 4 of their last 5 away games on a Thursday night. Their Thursday away win % is 43% vs Home 80%.
SIDE INTERESTS
After big talk of $1M Pangai being wafted towards Pangai’s nose by the Roosters, can he live up to the hype that he created by himself.
Talking of Pangai, looking forward to his battle in the middle with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
About time Broncos moved Matt Gillett. For both player and team.
A shame we missed out on Latrell Mitchell v James Roberts.
Gehamat Shibasaki gets a chance to impress on the NRL stage, after doing so in the Intrust Super Cup.
BEST BET
Roosters to win 1-12 @ $3.00
FRI 6:00pm – NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v GOLD COAST TITANS
Head to Head since 1998 – Warriors 16 Titans 9
Last Season: Gold Coast 36 Warriors 12 — Warriors 20 Gold Coast 8
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Warriors again
Enigma in enigma
Which side turns up now?
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
The Titans have only won two of the last 16 clashes with the Warriors. However, they have won two of the three fixtures played in April.
SIDE INTERESTS
The Warriors are always a side interest given their flucations in form from week to week.
Poor Adam Keighran is one to carry the can or last weekend’s big loss against Manly. Chanel Harris-Tavita gets his chance in the halves now.
Gold Coast were actually a little bit unlucky not to come away with points last weekend, improvement is certainly there.
The Titans get both Tyrone Roberts and Ashley Taylor back in the halves.
Is Bryce Cartwright ever going to get back to his era of superpowers just a few seasons ago.
BEST BET
Titans + 6.5 start @ $1.65
FRI 7:50pm – PENRITH PANTHERS v WESTS TIGERS
Head to Head since 1998 – Panthers 20 Tigers 12
Last Season: Penrith 16 Wests Tigers 2
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
All about Cleary
Tigers fans want some revenge
Where is the bus now?
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
Some patterns dictate that the Tigers are specials. The last 5 Friday game have gone Penrith, Tigers, Penrith, Tigers, Penrith. The last nine games at Penrith have gone Penrith x 3, Tigers x 3, Penrith x 3.
SIDE INTERESTS
Less of a side interest than the main course. The Ivan Cleary factor dominates the narrative heading into the game.
The big man Viliame Kikau is back.
The Panthers starting forward pack in general excites.
So is Josh Reynolds, but will he be as effective as Benji Marshall?
Has Robbie Farah peaked?
BEST BET
Wests Tigers +6.5 start @ $1.65
SAT 3:00pm – MANLY SEA EAGLES v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Head to Head since 1998 – Manly 20 Rabbitohs 15
Last Season: South Sydney 34 Manly 6
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Rabbitohs on top
The ultimate point scorers Manly Turbo boost
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
Souths have won 4/5 v Manly at Brookvale. However, Manly have won 7/8 clashes between these two sides that kick off at 3pm.
SIDE INTERESTS
Greg Inglis is named to return for the Rabbitohs, but a dodgy Chinese meal could stop his comeback.
George Burgess is back too, and is always entertaining one way or another. Looking forward to the twins battle with Martin Taupau.
Was last weekend’s flogging of the Warriors in NZ a one off, or is the return of Tom Trbojevic the start of something good for the rest of the season.
BEST BET
Cody Walker to score anytime @ $3.30
SAT 5:30pm – NORTH QLD COWBOYS v CANBERRA RAIDERS
Head to Head since 1998 – Canberra 19 Cowboys 18
Last Season: Canberra 38 North Queensland 12 — North Queensland 8 Canberra 18
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Poor old North Queensland
Not even 1300
Smiles last weekend
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
North Queensland and Canberra haven’t met on a Thursday or Friday since 1998.
SIDE INTERESTS
Can the previously obscure Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad continue to shine after shining against Newcastle last weekend.
Give the new look backline another week before writing it off.
Will John Bateman win the Best of British this weekend for the Raiders?
Can the Cowboys find their match winner with JT out?
BEST BET
Jordan Rapana to score a try and Canberra Raiders to win @ $3.00
SAT 7:30pm – PARRAMATTA EELS v CRONULLA SHARKS
Head to Head since 1998 – Sharks 17 Parramatta 15
Last Season: Parramatta 4 Sharks 14 — Sharks 22 Parramatta 20
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Eels have started well
No Hayne means plenty of gain
Blake hype down a notch
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
Sharks have won both of the only two games between these sides at the Olympic Stadium. And the last five games in a row at all grounds. And the last seven matches that kicked off at 7:30pm on a Saturday night.
SIDE INTERESTS
Be on the lookout for a sneaky Gus Gould around the Sharks if rumours are to be believed.
Will there be decidedly less Blake Ferguson hype this weekend. Although he is entertaining to watch.
Which Brailey is better?
Josh Dugan at fullback for Sharks.
How did this game miss out on a Sunday 4pm time slot?
BEST BET
Sharks to win @ $1.85
SUN 4:05pm – MELBOURNE STORM v BULLDOGS
Head to Head since 1998 – Bulldogs 21 Melbourne 18
Last Season: Bulldogs 18 Melbourne 36
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Bulldogs off the mark
No loss Storm different task
No Foran will hurt.
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
The Bulldogs are Melbourne’s worst opponent that is currently still in the competition. The only team where their win record is under 50%.
SIDE INTERESTS
After playing a rare, decent game for the Bulldogs, the loss of Kieran Foran is a very interesting one.
We still can’t work out why Rhyse Martin wasn’t playing from Round 1.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona v Dylan Napa up the middle looks a good battle.
Cameron Munster’s transition into a modern day Wally Lewis continues.
Can Fijian big man Tui Kamikamica become the new Petero Civoniceva with an extended run with the Storm.
BEST BET
Bulldogs +14.5 start @ $2.02
SUN 6:10pm – NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Head to Head since 1998 – Dragons 26 Newcastle 11
Last Season: Newcastle 14 St George Illawarra 24 — St George Illawarra 30 Newcastle 12
MATCH PREVIEW LIMERICK
There once was a man named Ponga
Who wanted his league legend to last longer
His coach Nathan Brown
Turned his plan upside down
And he is a five eighth no longer>
BARELY INTERESTING STAT
Newcastle have only won four games in 20 home matches against the Dragons since 1999.
SIDE INTERESTS
Teams are playing for the Alex McKinnon Cup which is a nice touch.
New fullbacks – Ponga moves back from five eighth and Matt Dufty moves from his hybrid role back to the number 1 full time.
Finding the time to watch this game live with all the quality news and reality TV on a Sunday night.
BEST BET
Dragons to win @ $2.05
RUGBY LEAGUE TV TIMES THIS WEEKEND
Want more rugby league than you can watch? Well here’s the full schedule for the weekend ahead.
The weekend is almost here and so are our Round 5 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. And after a perfect round last weekend, why wouldn’t you follow his tips.
There’s also a brief rundown of each game, enough to keep anyone interested.
This week’s highlight is the Flockbuster between Tweed Heads and Wynnum, and there’s also another leg of the Foley Shield between Townsville and Mackay. Two teams who got their first wins of the season last weekend meet this weekend, and the Hunters go to Bishop Park to attempt to get their first win of the season.
ROUND 5 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 5 Intrust Super Cup tips below, and submit your via our Twitter or Facebook page.
BRENDAN O’FARRELL (CEO of Intrust Super)
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS to beat Mackay Cutters
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS to beat Northern Pride
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS to beat Ipswich Jets
NORTHS DEVILS to beat PNG Hunters
EASTS TIGERS To beat Central Capras
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS to beat Wynnum Seagulls
BURLEIGH BEARS to beat Souths Logan Magpies
SEASON PROGRESS 19/28 PERFECT ROUND – ROUND 4 LAST WEEKEND
THE GURGLER’s TIPS (Us)
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS to beat Mackay Cutters
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS to beat Northern Pride
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS to beat Ipswich Jets
PNG HUNTERS to beat Norths Devils
EASTS TIGERS To beat Central Capras
WYNNUM SEAGULLS to beat Tweed Heads Seagulls
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES to beat Burleigh Bears
SEASON PROGRESS 18/28
Follow our weekly Twitter post to add your selections.
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS v MACKAY CUTTERS
Friday 7:30pm
Friday night football for the Intrust Super Cup this weekend as sees two north Queensland sides go head to head.
These teams have had differing fortunes this season so far – Townsville are going as strong as ever in 3rd with a 3-1 record – Mackay three and one reversed have just the one win which was a reasonably impressive one over the Central Capras.
Tough ask for Mackay to beat the Blackhawks, as they are yet to beat them since Townsville’s arrival in the Intrust Super Cup in 2015. Especially given Mackay’s away form which is 0-2 this season, and that their 2018 away haul was just two wins and a draw.
And that Townsville hold the most miserly defence in the Intrust Super Cup so far this season, with just 44 points at 11 a game conceded so far. Interestingly enough, Mackay have scored just four points less than Townsville, and their points difference is currently zero, not bad for a team who have lost 3 so far tis season.
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Saturday 5:00pm
Unbeaten Sunshine Coast Falcons welcome the Northern Pride whose promising start to the season has tailed off with consecutive losses to Townsville and Ipswich in recent weeks.
Sunshine Coast seem to be going from strength to strength with each week seeing a more impressive win. A look at their backline and you see the quality and why the Falcons are flying high, and the same could be said for their forwards too. No wonder Melbourne are so strong in the NRL if this is only one of their feeder sides.
Talking of feeder sides, the Pride’s Cowboys connections saw them lose their star player in Jake Clifford for last weekend, but his replacement in Brayden Torpy is more than capable after making the move north in the off-season. Another week on, he’ll make an impact for the Pride this week for sure.
The game features two PNG Internationals – one for teach side – Justin Olam who scored a double last weekend for the Falcons, and interchange hooker Kurt Baptiste for the Pride.
2018: R8 Pride 28 Sun Coast 24 — R20 Sun Coast 15 Pride 14
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v IPSWICH JETS
Saturday 6:00pm
Both of these sides finally got their first win of the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season last weekend, which makes it a bit unfair that they meet this weekend, meaning at least one of them will remain on one win for the season.
Redcliffe just got home over the Souths Logan Magpies with a 77th minute field goal the only difference between the sides on the scoreboard. Despite the two points gained, it is hardly how one expects Redcliffe and a minor premier to start their season.
Ipswich’s win meanwhile was heartening and quite impressive given that the Northern Pride had won their first two game and conceded just 18 points. Michael Purcell got his first tries of the season with a double, and one wonders if that will open the floodgates for the known try scoring expert.
Minimal changes to both sides as you would expect, and no doubt it will be as competitive as ever at Dolphin Oval.Ipswich did get the better of the two fixtures in 2018 too.
Norths have had an up and down start to the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season, with two wins and two losses so far, and a win and loss a piece both home and away. Happily, they still remain in the top 8, and welcome a PNG Hunters side that has yet to win a game in 2019.
But that may well change this weekend. For the Hunters played reasonably well last weekend, which saw Ase Boas return to the side after ending his UK rugby league journey, and another week for the former premiership winning halfback to gel to the side can only be a positive.
There’s also the return of Joe Joshua, a three try hero in the Hunters 28-26 loss to the Falcons two weeks ago, after being dropped for disciplinary reasons. His return alongside Ase Boas, and a bit of a general freshen up, which seems to have cost Charlie Simon a place in the top 17 can be a good thing for the Hunters. However looking at the omissions and seeing no Junior Rau, Moses Meninga or Stanton Albert is a worry.
Norths side sees two players who performed well for the Broncos in pre season trials return in Herbie Farnworth and Sean O’Sullivan, the latter head to head battle with Ase Boas should be a quality contest. A good yardstick for O’Sullivan against one of the Intrust Super Cup’s best halves in recent seasons.
A barely interesting stat is that Norths are the only side in the top 8 to have conceded 100 points or more. A good 24 points more than the next worst. If the Hunters wanted to get among the points this weekend, then this is the opponent.
And there is the point of interest in seeing former PNG Hunter Nixon Putt up against his former team. The move has worked out so far for Norths and Nixon.
EASTS TIGERS v CENTRAL CAPRAS
Sunday 1:10pm TV GAME
Tough ask for the Capras to come to the home of the undefeated front-runners to steal two points, however they do have form in Brisbane this season having seen off the Souths Logan Magpies in convincing fashion in Round 1. Sadly, that has been the Rockhampton’s side only win thus far in 2019.
Easts were too good for an improved PNG Hunters last weekend, proving too slick and professional in the wet conditions. You would expect more of the same this weekend.
Easts Tigers are merely continuing on a roll from 2018 which has seen them lose just three games of their last 18. Unfortunately one of those was the Grand Final. Even better is the Tigers home form which extends to nine games unbeaten at Langland Park.
Let’s hope the jerks on the Sunday Footy Show on Channel Nein don’t get a hold of the footage and give Dave Taylor the same treatment this year.
2018: R1 Central 15 Easts 14 — Easts 26 Central 22
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v WYNNUM SEAGULLS
Sunday 2:00pm
Off to Piggabeen for the next installment of the Flockbuster – a battle to be the Intrust Super Cup’s best Seagulls.
It is a tight contest so far in 2019, with both teams coming into the game nestled in the top 5, and with three wins and just a solitary loss. The two sides have conceded the same amount of points (60), but Wynnum are ahead having scored an extra 30 points in the first four games (94 in total).
In team news Tom Dearden drop to the reserves after impressing last weekend against Mackay.
Tweed Heads will have to turn around the recent dominance of their Queensland rivals in this fixture however, as Tweed Heads haven’t beaten Wynnum since Round 20 in 2015.
2018: R17 Tweed Heads 22 Wynnum 24
SOUTHS LOGAN MAPGIES v BURLEIGH BEARS
Sunday 3:00pm
Two teams coming into the game after tight losses in relatively low scoring games last weekend. Burleigh went down 12-6 in Townsville to the Blackhawks, while the Magpies were beaten by a late field goal in their 19-18 loss at Redcliffe.
Back at home for the Souths Logan MAgpies, which might not actually be an advantage given their recent poor run of results at Davis Park. They have lost their last seven games at home, including the first two of the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season.
Some big inclusions and reshuffle for the Magpies for this weekend. Star five eighth Guy Hamilton returns, which has seen Gerome Burns move to halfback and his third position of the season. Linc Port moves to fullback to complete a strong backline. There’s also the inclusion of Shaun Fensom in the pack for some real quality.
Burleigh Bears will be without hooker Pat Politoni, who got the Intrust Super Cup more airplay than usual after knocking out Townsville’s Michael Parker-Walshe last weekend, but his absence probably won’t stop the Bears progress up the ladder.
Although, the home side hasn’t won at home this season and the away side hasn’t won away. So who knows.
The 2019 Bahrain 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 Bahrain Grand Prix Results – Good, Bad, Ugly
2019 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX RESULTS IN 100 WORDS OR LESS
Ferrari new boy cruelly had his first win taken away from him late in the race, as his front running car developed a power issue and was overtaken by the two Mercedes, and likely by more until a safety car came out with a few laps to go to retrieve tho two Renaults who simultaneously collapsed.
Leclerc, who took pole position, did lose out to Vettel at the start, but was soon enough in front and dominating. Without the mechanical issue, he wins with an ease that may have Ferrari questioning which way the cars should be prioritized.
Behind him there was a showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, which ended up well and truly in the favour of Hamilton, as Vettel spun off within a second of being demoted.
Even further behind was some great racing in the midfield, and some more gret performances by the rookies.
Daniel Ricciardo’s terrible start to 2019 continued, with a DNF putting an end to a race which was ruined by lying solo on the wrong strategy.
And you know the race is an improvement on Australia when you had to look up Fastest Lap rather thn have it as the main discussion point.
2019 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX RESULTS – MOMENT OF THE RACE
The initial confirmation of the power issue for Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc blowing away Vettel was a mild enough surprise, his car problems were also surprising given the peace he seemed to be enjoying at the front. It does bring back one good thing from the 80’s turbo era, where car reliability was far more unpredictable, and dominant leaders were no certainty of finishing.
SUSPENSE – 9/10
Leclerc’s problems made for a tense last part of the race.
RACING – 9/10
Overtaking for the lead, battles for podiums, midfield arm wrestles, and plenty of action going into turn 1. You’d think it was F2, but it was Formula 1 at its best for a long time.
SIGNIFICANT EVENT – 8/10
After throwing away the 2018 Championship with mistakes, Vettel’s error after racing Lewis Hamilton was significant as doubts will now start whether Vettel is up for it again.
SEASON DEFINING – 8/10
Leclerc’s domination, and Vettel’s spin may just have Ferrari re-evaluating their team orders. Lewis Hamilton winning the battle with Vettel showed
TOTAL RACE RATING 43/50
Best Bahrain Grand Prix of all time, with something for everyone. Except possibly Daniel Ricciardo fans.
2019 BAHRAIN 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 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX.
THE GOOD
CHARLES LECLERC (Best of the Good)
What else can you say about the Monegasque driver other than he was robbed and F1 is unfair sometimes. Having taken Pole position on the Saturday, hopes were high for another new race winner on the Sunday. It didn’t quite work out at the start, but soon enough he was back in front of his experienced rival and then proceeded to disappear, like he did more than a few times in his F2 Championship year. Had he not been let down by mechanical issues here, and team orders in Melbourne, he could be close to leading the World Championship. One gets the feeling he may still do that at some stage this season.
LEWIS HAMILTON
Better to be lucky than good sometimes, and Hamilton was just that to win a track where Ferrari were the better car. But Hamilton would not have been in the position to grab the win if he didn’t take second place from Vettel, which he did with authority. Hamilton went on to record yet another grand prix whilst his German rival lost the car, and had to settle for a modest bag O points. As hard as he makes it to like him off track sometimes, no one could deny he is the best of this current high quality crop of drivers. Makes so few mistakes.
LANDO NORRIS
Continues to shine after impressing on his debut in Melbourne. Picked up best of the rest for the race in Bahrain, and looked comfortable in the midfield battles throughout the evening. He showed that his excellent racecraft, which was his strength in F2, is just as strong, and he has made it to Q3 twice in his first two races.
NICO HULKENBERG
Outqualified by his teammate on Saturday, but he made up for it on race day, looking the stronger of the two Renaults and was the big mover in relation to original grid slot. Of course was helped that his team put him on the right strategy like almost everyone else, but he used it to his advantage and showed once again how strong he can be in races. The big teams may continue to pass him by, but if he can cover Daniel Ricciardo they may still take notice. DNF ruined what would have been a decent finish.
KIMI RAIKKONEN
Kimi Raikkonen continues to do the job for the Alfa Romeo team, grabbing points, and patiently making progress during the races. To say that the partnership is working out for both parties is a slight understatement.
ALEXANDER ALBON
First time points for the Toro Rosso driver, who has done a decent job in his first two races. Proving the depth of quality from recent F2 seasons, Albon has looked comfortable and his 9th was a decent reward in Bahrain.
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, and was almost racing with other cars in Bahrain.
THE BAD
SEBASTIAN VETTEL (Worst of the Bad)
Possibly a bit harsh for the German to get the very worst for the race, but it was almost season defining some of the events in Bahrain. The way he was completely blown away by Leclerc in the same style that he used to run and hide in a Red Bull must have been a little demoralising. Possibly not as bad as spinning away a podium (and subsequently a possible race win given Leclerc’s problems). After a 2018 where it felt like he threw away a golden opportunity for a rare post Schumacher Ferrari title, dropping it this early is a worry. And there is another Schumacher on the horizon in the Ferrari system.
DANIEL RICCIARDO
Missed Q3 by one place but at least outqualified his team mate. Was the only one on the alternative one stop strategy, and whilst it gave him some front running time, it never looked likely to work long term. Could have scored points if not for a mechanical issue which stopped his race just before the end. You could also argue that the touch between the two Renault drivers when Hulkenberg went past was Ricciardo’s fault, as Hulkenberg did leave plenty of room. To say the move to Renault hasn’t worked out yet is an understatement, and F1’s Mr Happy is decidedly less so. And it feels like a return to the old King of Disappointment days following Mark Webber.
THE UGLY
PIERRE GASLY
Missed Q3 again, and finished with a few points, rather than a bigger bag like his team mate Verstappen got. Needs to get qualifying sorted, as the midfield is way too competitive this year to need to try and slice your way through it every week. Given the way Red Bull treat their driver, he could be sacked by Belgium,
VALTTERI BOTTAS
Many were wondering Australia was just a freak result and if the temporary domination of Hamilton and F1 would continue. No is the answer, and despite finishing second, it was a reasonably invisible weekend from Bottas.
LANCE STROLL
Lance Stroll an thank his father for getting him of the Williams which would have made for a woeful season, but his Bahrain Grand Prix performance would not have erased much of the
2019 BAHRAIN 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
Accident/Incident
Start
Best Rest
Charles Leclerc
9
2
2
1
2
1
1
Lewis Hamilton
6
1
3
1
1
Kimi Räikkönen
3
1
1
1
Kevin Magnussen
3
1
1
1
Lando Norris
3
1
1
1
Alexander Albon
3
1
1
1
George Russell
3
1
1
1
Carlos Sainz Jr.
2
1
1
Sergio Pérez
2
1
1
Max Verstappen
2
1
1
Nico Hülkenberg
2
1
1
Valtteri Bottas
1
-1
2
Antonio Giovinazzi
0
Lance Stroll
0
Daniel Ricciardo
0
-1
1
Daniil Kvyat
0
Robert Kubica
0
Romain Grosjean
-1
-1
Pierre Gasly
-1
-1
Sebastian Vettel
-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.
Driver
No
Total
AUS
BAH
Lewis Hamilton
44
11
5
6
Valtteri Bottas
77
9
8
1
Charles Leclerc
16
8
-1
9
Max Verstappen
33
7
5
2
Kevin Magnussen
20
6
3
3
Lando Norris
4
6
3
3
George Russell
63
6
3
3
Kimi Räikkönen
7
5
2
3
Alexander Albon
23
4
1
3
Carlos Sainz Jr.
55
2
0
2
Sergio Pérez
11
2
0
2
Lance Stroll
18
2
2
0
Nico Hülkenberg
27
2
0
2
Romain Grosjean
8
1
2
-1
Daniil Kvyat
26
1
1
0
Antonio Giovinazzi
99
0
0
0
Sebastian Vettel
5
-1
1
-2
Robert Kubica
88
-1
-1
0
Pierre Gasly
10
-2
-1
-1
Daniel Ricciardo
3
-3
-3
0
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.
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.
The votes are in and the Accused Christchurch Shooter and Fraser Anning are the March Jerk of the Month winners for 2019.
It was quality over quantity for the March Jerk of the Month, with a higher than usual amount of votes.
It is hard to argue that both winners don’t deserve the official recognition of their jerkdom, and will be strong contenders for the Jerk of the Year later.
For now, relive the tally, and the reasons why they were nominated in the first place.
THE WINNERS – March 2019 Jerk of the Month
ACCUSED CHRISTCHURCH SHOOTER
Why nominated for the Jerk?
Jerk.
Jerk Rating: 10/10
FRASER ANNING
Why nominated for the Jerk?
Less so for his comments after the shooting, and the handling of Eggboy, and more so for his parading himself around the country like he is a man of the people.
This Jerk is only in Canberra because he was the third ranked One Nation senate candidate, an a quirk in how senate voting works along party lines. Not because of the people.
The 19 people that personally gave him a vote at the last election.
Funnily, he almost got the same amount of votes from our pissweak Jerk of the Month poll as he did for an entire Senate election.
Jerk Rating: 19/10
RESULTS – March 2019 Jerk of the Month
Here’s the final results, another tie between two deserving jerks.
[socialpoll id=”2543839″]
THE OTHER NOMINATIONS – March 2019 Jerk of the Month
Others were quite so “popular”, but they were nominated for Jerk of the Month regardless.
GEORGE PELL
Why nominated for the Jerk?
For confirming the hypocracy of religion by being found guilty of of child sexual abuse after his trial in Melbourne.
Was once a big man on campus in the Vatican, now simply in the can. And can look forward to many types of sermons inside.
He might even find the Body of Christ a few times.
Was going to be the month’s sole nomination until the month got worse.
Jerk Rating: 10/10
MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT (ENTIRE SHOW)
Why nominated for the Jerk?
We have already moaned about that MAFS claims to be a social experiment. And the executive producer did win the February 2019 Jerk of the Month.
But it is hard to read any news website in Australia without a headline from the lowest place on earth. And we aren’t talking about the Mariana Trench.
So to be nominated alongside a homicidal maniac, a child abusing priest, and Fraser Anning shows you just the depth in which MAFS (and Channel Nein in turn) swims and an indication of the people who are on the show, produce the show, and claim to be an expert on the show.
The latest weekend of Intrust Super Cup has been completed, and we have the Intrust Super Cup Round 4 Results and our thoughts on the major points.
At the end of Intrust Super Cup Round 4, there remains just one team without a win and two teams without a loss.
Two teams got their first win of the season – recent Premiers Ipswich and Redcliffe, and there are a lot of feathers in the top half of the ladder.
All of that and more below with our Intrust Super Cup Round 4 Results and Thoughts.
PNG HUNTERS – WINLESS BUT NOT HOPELESS
The PNG Hunters are now the only winless side in the 2019 Intrust Super Cup after Round 4, and despite being outclassed on the day by the Easts Tigers, there is plenty of hope for the rest of the season. A first win isn’t far away.
First of all, the return of Ase Boas after his departure from UK Club Featherstone is a major positive for the side. Sure, the PNG Hunters should always be about promoting new talent, but having that experience in being no less than a premiership winning captain an only benefit the team. Boas grew into the game, and was key in the PNG Hunters second half comeback with some key plays that led to tries. There will no doubt be more to come as he gels with the current playing group, and he has barely been in the country before being quickly added to their side. Early signs are good.
One thing that did stick in the mind as the Hunters got back into the contest, was a little more of the ad lib rugby league which has been missing in recent years. It coincided with the only time the Tigers looked uncomfortable during the match. Perhaps just a little more Pacific flair could be added to the Hunters game.
Moses Meninga looked one of the Hunters’s best from the forward pack, and the occasionally maligned Oti Bland Tony was quite good at the back.
On the negative, some of the Easts Tigers tries were relatively soft, most scored within the Hunters 20m. Defence was the key to the Hunters 2017 title success, and has been at the backbone of many a win in the Intrust Super Cup, so to see the easy tries was surprising. It was a wet day out, and Easts halves Billy Walters and Josh Ralph, and feisty hooker Aaron Booth were having a very good day out.
At the end of the day, they were competitive against a very professional outfit, who are currently unbeaten and leading the competition. With a finals series extended to eight teams, there’s plenty of time yet.
Full game review of the match by friend of the website Matt Crowhurst can be found here.
REDCLIFFE AND IPSWICH BREAK THEIR DUCKS ON A WET SATURDAY
Recent Premiers Redcliffe and Ipswich both got their first 2019 Intrust Super Cup season wins this weekend, the Jets easily denting the Pride, and Redcliffe were made to work hard for their victory at home to the Souths Logan Magpies.
Ipswich’s win was timely, as it was the celebration of the Walker brothers 200th game in charge. Shane and Ben Walker have introduced many different things in their time in charge, some have even made it to the NRL. Sadly it will probably be the closest the Walker brothers will get to coaching in the NRL. Plenty have suggested it over the years, and recently, but no club has taken the chance yet, some could be pointing to this season’s struggles of the Jets as a reason why. Maybe despite all the ad-lib, other teams have worked out what to do, and the Jets have been on the end of some big losses recently.
Although having a speed machine and try scoring Hunter like Michel Purcell, means at least some of the mystery will remain.
The reigning premiers Redcliffe Dolphins hadn’t won a match going into Round 4, but can now claim at least two competition points thanks to a one point win on Saturday night.
In a game which saw South Logan skip ahead and be hauled back by Redcliffe three times, it took a late field goal in the 76th minute by Bryce Donovan to seal the win for Redcliffe. That leaves both them and the Souths Logan Magpies with a record of 1-3, and work to do.
ALL GOOD FOR SEAGULLS SO FAR IN 2019
Heading into the big Flockbuster next weekend between the Wynnum Seagulls and Tweed Heads Seagulls, it is nice to see the two clubs heading into the match in the thick of the top eight, with a 3-1 record, a win for either side will see them in the hunt for the sharp end of the Intrust Super Cup, so the game next weekend is bigger than usual. A shame Channel Nein used their consecutive Wynnum games for Round 3/4 and not next weekend.
Talking of those TV games, Wynnum have seen off teams from the opposite ends of the 2018 Intrust Super Cup in consecutive weeks, their only loss coming in Round 1 in a tight two point loss on the Sunshine Coast. They have also beaten
Tweed Heads meanwhile may not have defeated Burleigh in their local derby, but have seen off Townsville for the first time ever and the PNG Hunters 10-0 at home before this weekend’s win in Rockhampton.
There’s still a long way to go, but ahead of the Flockbuster it is a good time to be a Seagull.
GOOD TIMES FOR MELBOURNE STORM
A quick one, to remind of the good times currently for the Melbourne Storm. The NRL side is currently 3-0 and leading the competition with authority, and in the Intrust Super Cup, their two feeder clubs are undefeated after four rounds.
Load up on the Storm-Tigers/Falcons doubles now then.
BAD NEWS FOR BEARS
You just know when a piece of Intrust Super Cup news pops up on the Fox Sports website that you know it isn’t going to be good news. Despite their home of league status, they barely report on Queensland’s premier competition unless it is to update on an NRL player out of luck or a nasty incident.
Sadly it is the latter, and this incident involves their excellent hooker Pat Politoni. The video from Fox Sports shows the details here, but essentially it was Pat Politoni reacting to some hair ruffling after giving away a penalty in his Burleigh Bears clash with Townsville Blackhawks. The punch knocked out Michael Parker-Walshe, and unsurprisingly started a major scuffle from which more players were sent to the sin bin. It was as brutal a blow as you would see in any one punch can kill, and the Burleigh hooker will no doubt regret it for the rest of his career.
Politoni has probably seen the last Intrust Super Cup game for a few months, and thankfully Parker-Walshe hasn’t seen his last match full stop. It is a shame that an extended leave from the Bears for Politoni isn’t for a call up for the Titans.
It does highlight a few things in general rugby league. One is anyone who wants to bring back the biff needs to rewatch the footage a few times before going on with any more garbage. But on the flip side, perhaps opposition players should leave players alone after a mistake or penalty. It certainly wouldn’t have happened as much before the punch was banned. You can’t penalise bad sportsmanship, but you can coach it out. None justifies punching another player mind you.
Time for a big week and a bit of Premier League football, where the Premier League plays catch up, and so do we with our Premier League Predictions Week 32.
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 the difference between the Expected Goals and actual goals scored by each team.
It’s a lot like the BBC’s Lawros tips, but better. Arguably.
Premier League Predictions Week 32 – Gurgler v Gossip
TIPS BACKGROUND: With just a few rounds of the Premier League to go, we have really started to run out of ideas, and we’ve already done tips based on Brexit.
So since we haven’t used the Expected Goals stat for tipping yet this season, we’ll do that for Week 32. But we’re not using the XG figures, but the team’s relative performance to that.
Which ever team has exceeded their Expected Goals (XG) with the amount of goals scored this season gets the tips, as they are more efficient, and better prepared for this busy week of fixtures.
PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 32 – Best Expected Goals to Goals Scored Ratio
Expected Goals variation in brackets. Full stats later. Less is better as it means cheers variation from actual goals scored.
Man City -2.25 to beat Fulham 5.17
Leicester 0.36 to beat Bournemouth 1.46
Brighton -0.73 to beat Southampton 2.78
Burnley 1.85 to beat Wolves 3.36
Crystal Palace 2.51 to beat Huddersfield 4.62
West Ham -2.58 to beat Everton -2.28
Man Utd -1.77 to beat Watford -0.93
Chelsea -1.48 to beat Cardiff 7.05
Spurs -6.81 to beat Liverpool -4.15
Arsenal -10.0 to beat Newcastle 2.05
Watford -0.93 to beat Fulham 5.17
Man Utd -1.77 to beat Wolves 3.36
Spurs -6.81 to beat Crystal Palace 2.51
Chelsea -1.48 to beat Brighton -0.73
Man City -2.25 to beat Cardiff 7.05
GURGLER PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 32
Now our tips. Based on our opinion, research, study and ignorance. (In no particular order)
MAN CITY to beat Fulham (6-1)
LEICESTER to beat Bournemouth (3-1)
DRAW – Brighton v Southampton (1-1)
WOLVES to beat Burnley (2-0)
MAN UTD to beat Watford (2-0)
CRYSTAL PALACE to beat Huddersfield (2-0)
DRAW – West Ham v Everton (0-0)
CHELSEA to beat Cardiff (4-1)
LIVERPOOL to beat Spurs (2-0)
ARSENAL to beat Newcastle (3-0)
WATFORD to beat Fulham (3-1)
DRAW – Wolves v Man Utd (0-0)
SPURS to beat Crystal Palace (3-0)
CHELSEA to beat Brighton (5-0)
MAN CITY to beat Cardiff (4-0)
Premier League Predictions Week 32 Mini Match by Match Preview
Here’s a quick run down of every game for Week 32, with a barely interesting stat included for those inclined.
FULHAM v MAN CITY
Kick Off: Saturday 12;30pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Man City 3 Fulham 0
Given the ominous form of Man City, Raheem Sterling’s form for both club and country, and the poor state Fulham are currently in, this could be any old score at Craven Cottage. Whilst Fulham don’t look quite so terrible under new manager Scott Parker, they shouldn’t and won’t trouble Man City.
Fulham are the real disappointment of the season. Whilst other teams were expected to be where they are around the bottom, there were high hopes for Fulham given their run of form to make and win the Championship playoffs, and their summer spending. One hopes for them that the relegation clauses are solid.
The first of two games against the bottom three for Man City. Top place back on the EPL ladder awaits.
Barely Interesting Fact: Fulham have scored at least one goal in their last 11 home games v Man City. It didn’t help them win mind you, 1 Win, 5 Draws, 5 Losses.
A battle of two midfield teams who have been one of the more disappointing home teams and away teams respectively recently. Leicester’s two recent wins under new manager Brendan Rodgers stopped a run of four straight home losses, which caused Puel to get Puel-led. Bournemouth’s away form has been even worse, more than doubly so, as their recent win against Huddersfield stopped a run on nine away losses.
Barely Interesting Fact: Leicester are the sixth best team for away form this season, Bournemouth are the eighth best at home.
Without Brighton’s latest brace of wins against Huddersfield and rivals Crystal Palace taking them to 33 points, they could well be in the bottom three below Cardiff on 28 points. Although a loss here to a bottom six rival could drag them back into the relegation scrap again.
Southampton are just three points behind, but the Saints have played one game more. Although Brighton’s spare game is Chelsea away. No matter who Brighton’s spare game is against, Southampton need to win this game to give themselves a chance at creeping away from Cardiff, who have a dreadful double header this week of Chelsea and Man City.
Barely Interesting Fact: Brighton have won just two games in 16 home matches v Southampton going back to 1958.
Burnley are in some trouble now, having lost four in a row, they are now just two points above Cardiff in 18th. In the process they have now conceded the second highest amount of goals. Cardiff have a game in hand too, but their two fixtures look like a realistic return of zero points – Chelsea & Man City).
Wolves are ticking along nicely, easily the best promoted team since the mighty Ipswich Town shocked everyone back in the early 2000’s. There’s a lot more money behind Wolves tilt though, and one wonders how long winning the Everton Cup will be acceptable.
Barely Interesting Fact: Burnley have only beaten Wolves three times at home since 2000. Six losses and some draws were in that run.
MAN UTD v WATFORD
Kick Off: Saturday 3:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Watford 1 Man Utd 2
All of a sudden Man Utd are beatable, having now lost two games in a row – Arsenal in the League and Wolves in the FA Cup. The loss handed advantage back to Arsenal for the race for fourth place and Champions League, but United wouldn’t have got anywhere near this had they kept a hold of Jose.
Watford aren’t completely hopeless on the road, in fact they’ve scored almost as many points away than home. They recently flogged Cardiff in Wales too. But that record doesn’t extend to Old Trafford. And a win is hard to win for Watford. Although we are hoping Troy Deeney is fit and ready to go, to see how he tries to boss the Utd defence.
Barely Interesting Fact: Man Utd have won seven straight games at home to Watford.
Crystal Palace will be as close to safe in the Premier League with a win this weekend, and at home to Huddersfield looks an easy task. But Palace’s home form this season for the most part has been terrible, currently the second last for amount of points. But Wilfried Zaha is starting to look great again, perhaps the introduction of Michy Batshuayi has seen Zaha get a few less kicks than usual as teams have to focus on another attacking player.
Huddersfield could be officially relegated within the next two games,
Barely Interesting Fact: Both teams have scored 11 goals in 15 matches home / away respectively.
WEST HAM v EVERTON
Kick Off: Saturday 5:30pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Everton 1 West Ham 3
After a truly entertaining game against Huddersfield, West Ham welcome one of the Premier League’s hardest teams to tip, aside from themselves.
West Ham are unbeaten at home in their last six games (4W 2D) while Everton have gone LWLWL in their last five away games. So that pattern means an Everton win then. They did beat Chelsea at home last match.
Barely Interesting Fact: Prior to last season’s 3-1 win over Everton at home, West Ham hadn’t beaten Everton at home since 2007, spanning 11 matches.
CARDIFF v CHELSEA
Kick Off: Sunday 2:05pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Chelsea 4 Cardiff 1
For many reasons you expect Cardiff to be tonked by Chelsea – Chelsea have more expensive and arguably better players – and just a few others would argue a better manager. But both sides are playing for something that is worth a lot of money to their respective clubs, so it won’t be easy.
A win for Cardiff would certainly have a few other managers very worried, and it will certainly worry Chelsea in the bid for top four European glory. They are just four points behind third placed Spurs. Although, Chelsea (or Arsenal) could win the Europa League which would make the race for fourth place obsolete for Chelsea.
Barely Interesting Fact: Chelsea have the equal worst goal difference for last six away games.
LIVERPOOL v SPURS
Kick Off: Sunday 4:30pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Spurs 1 Liverpool 2
The weekend’s premium games at the terrible timeslot for those in the western Pacific as per usual.
This is probably the hardest game left for Liverpool, given Chelsea’s currently terrible away form, so a win here is a must. Man City play two games this gameweek – against Fulham and Cardiff – so a loss could potentially see Liverpool four points behind City with six to play. Even a draw will see them more than a game behind as the three point gap is extended due to City’s goal difference, which will no doubt get boosted in the next week.
Spurs do have a shiny new stadium to get excited about if they lose.
Barely Interesting Fact: Spurs have only beaten Liverpool at home twice in the Premier League era. In 2011 and 1993.
ARSENAL v NEWCASTLE
Kick Off: Monday 8:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2
A must win game for Arsenal to maintain fourth place, and they should do it relatively easy against a Newcastle side who they have only been beaten by at home twice since 2000. And looking across the sides you can barely even compare the sides for quality.
That should highlight the job that Benitez has done at Newcastle, with a side that is largely a Championship side who have done very well. Salomon Rondon is fast becoming a reliable source of goals, and in Miguel Almiron they have a star for the future.
Still won’t mean that Newcastle will beat Arsenal. But they have been competitive against the big six sides at times this season.
Barely Interesting Fact: Arsenal are leading our stat for exceeding the XG for this season, scoring 10 more goals than expected.
Given how bad the Fulham defence is (averaging 2.5 Goals per away game and no wins) you can see someone like Troy Deeney having a very good night out against Fulham. He has four goals in three games against Fulham.
Fulham may as well just go for it, as they won’t stay up this stage. Why not score a few goals to keep the fans happy. Their only sellable players could give themselves a decent shop window for a better next season.
Barely Interesting Fact: Fulham need one more draw to equal the infamous Derby County 2007-08 season away form. Despite securing only 11 points in total, they managed three draws on the road. One more than Fulham.
WOLVES v MAN UTD
Kick Off: Tuesday 7:45pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Man Utd 1 Wolves 1
Wolves proved their credential against big sides by putting Man Utd out of the FA Cup, with ease.
That was the second loss in a row under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, quite the come down after their Champions League heroics. Injuries haven’t helped, but perhaps the magic is starting to wear off just a little. Evidence for the truth in that lies at Molineux on Tuesday night.
It is a tricky double header for Utd, with Watford decent away from home (except against Man City and Liverpool) and Wolves also strong. Wolves could realistically look to getting four points from their two games and consolidating their best of the rest tag.
Barely Interesting Fact: Wolves have won two of their last three home games against Man Utd.
This will all be about the shiny new stadium’s debut after a long delay. It will no doubt be worth the wait, and surely after 3/4 of a season of disappointment for Spurs fans, they won’t fail to win on Wednesday night.
Hopefully the honour of being first to score at the new stadium doesn’t get in the way of the Spurs players. It will probably be Harry Kane anyway.
But Crystal Palace are quite capable of spoiling the party. They have been super competitive on the road this season, and have beaten Man City no less. And they knocked them out of the FA Cup in January.
Barely Interesting Fact: Crystal Palace are three points better off than Spurs in last six form. They are 6th, Spurs way down in 15th.
CHELSEA v BRIGHTON
Kick Off: Wednesday 7:45pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Brighton 1 Chelsea 2
Brighton’s win at Crystal Palace last time out broke a streak of 5 losses and a draw prior to that. Overall they have the fourth worst away record, but their 12th best home form has kept them five points above the drop for now.
Chelsea need to win both of their fixtures in this game week to have any chance of claiming a top four spot, and if they can’t get six points from their games, they don’t deserve it.
Barely Interesting Fact: Brighton haven’t won a game at Stamford Bridge or scored a goal.
MAN CITY v CARDIFF
Kick Off: Wednesday 7:45pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Cardiff 0 Man City 5
Cardiff have won two of their past five away games, but that probably won’t scare Man City too much.
It seems a matter of how many and who will score the goals in this one. And Man City have really punished sides at home this year in all competitions. They’ve already beaten them 5-0 away.
Barely Interesting Fact: Cardiff last beat Man City in Manchester in 1961.
2018-2019 Premier League Tipping Competition Results
Welcome to our alternative preview plus NRL Round 3 predictions.
Want more Haiku in your life? Feel the need for poetry and rugby league to collide? Or interested in NRL Round 3 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 3 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 3 Predictions and Preview awaits.
BRONCOS to beat Dragons
RAIDERS To beat Knights
ROOSTERS to beat Eels
MANLY to beat Warriors
COWBOYS to beat Sharks
STORM to beat Panthers
BULLDOGS to beat Tigers
RABBITOHS to beat Titans
TIPPING PROGRESS – 7/16 — Last Week 4/8
BEST BET PROGRESS – 7/16 – $1 Season Earnings $17.57 (from $1 bet on all tips) — Last Week 4/8 — $10.14
BACKGROUND FOR TIPS – Since it is all about expansion in the NRL, and eventually the dreaded criteria used to determine if clubs move, stay or get the arse, we’ve decided to use some of those “criteria” to determine tips.
This week it is all about Memberships.
Our theory is, the more memberships, the more support across the country, the better the players feel, then the better they play, making the members even happier. A nice circle of joy. So whichever club has the highest membership figure head to head gets the tip.
Figures from League Unlimited 2019 Club Membership Tracker in brackets.
BRONCOS (31.6K) to beat Dragons (19.2K)
KNIGHTS (18.8K) to beat Raiders (14.1K)
EELS (22.7K) to beat Roosters (13.7K)
WARRIORS (16.3K) to beat Sea Eagles (11.3K)
SHARKS(14,843) to beat Cowboys (14,811)
STORM (22.4K) to beat Penrith (18.7K)
TIGERS (18.9K) to beat Bulldogs (15.1K)
RABBITOHS (28.4K) to beat Titans (7.6K)
OPPOSITION TIPPING PROGRESS – 10/16
Refer soon for the season’s opposition tipping progress.
NRL ROUND 3 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 ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Head to Head since 1998 – Broncos 23 Dragons 16
Last Season: Brisbane 18 St George Illawarra 48 — St George Illawarra 34 Brisbane 12
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Broncos way too hot
For Cowboys last Friday night
Dragons out of puff
SIDE INTERESTS
Can man mountain Tevita Pangai fire up again?
Will David Fifita be officially declared as an Origin Bolter after this weekend.
Korbin Sims is named to face his former club.
And can his brother tear the Broncos apart like their previous meeting in the final at Suncorp Stadium.
How long can/will the Dragons persist with Gareth Widdop at fullback?
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
The Dragons beat the Broncos twice in 2018, including that drubbing in the finals at Suncorp Stadium, but before 2018, the Dragons had only beaten the Broncos twice this decade in 14 games. Also prior to 2018, the Broncos had won 10 in a row at Suncorp Stadium v Dragons, and the Dragons five in a row at Suncorp before that.
BEST BET
Corey Oates to score a try and Brisbane Broncos to win @ $1.80
FRI 6:00pm – CANBERRA RAIDERS v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Head to Head since 1998 – Canberra 19 Newcastle 18
Last Season: Canberra 28 Newcastle 30
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Both Round 1 winners
Also are Round 2 losers
Switched five-eighths to star
SIDE INTERESTS
Always Ricky Stuart
Another match for Kalyn Ponga to prove the move to five eighth should continue. With a quality new recruit like Mason Lino from the Warriors, surely they could do a little rotating. And the comparison with Jack Wighton who have made a similar positional switch.
After one week back together, is this the weekend where the dynamic duo of Joey Leilua & Jordan Rapana explode back into life.
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
Canberra haven’t lost to Newcastle on a Friday night since 1998.
BEST BET
Canberra -2.5 start @ $1.90
FRI 7:50pm – PARRAMATTA EELS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Head to Head since 1998 – Roosters 20 Parramatta 13
Last Season: Parramatta 10 Roosters 44
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Parra unbeaten
No Jarryd Hayne this season
Coincidence no?
SIDE INTERESTS
The enigma that is Blake Ferguson was in fine form last weekend, can he repeat it?
Clint Gutherson continues to do the job for Parramatta.
Cooper Cronk returns -Will Luke Keary be as dynamic this weekend with the return of Cooper Cronk.
Latrell Mitchell has been quieter than usual this year on the field, will he explode into life this weekend.
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
Parramatta have only beaten the Roosters three times in 14 matches on a Friday night.
BEST BET
Parramatta to lead at half time and fail to win @ $7.00
SAT 3:00pm – MANLY SEA EAGLES v NZ WARRIORS
Head to Head since 1998 – Manly 21 Warriors 9
Last Season: Manly 14 Warriors 34
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Warriors away
Despite being in NZ
Turbo man returns
SIDE INTERESTS
Always interesting to have a new venue, especially when an Australian Team takes a game to NZ.
The delightfully inconsistent Warriors are always a great team to watch.
Tom Trbojevic returns to make it a mouth-watering battle of the number ones.
A Manly loss would leave them 0-3, and very few sides have recovered from 0-3 to make the eight.
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
Prior to last season’s win, the Warriors had only beaten Manly once this decade. The Warriors have also only won 33% of the games in NZ where they are the home team.
BEST BET
Manly +6.5 start @ $1.65
SAT 5:30pm – NORTH QLD COWBOYS v CRONULLA SHARKS
Head to Head since 1998 – Sharks 25 Cowboys 17
Last Season: North Queensland 20 Sharks 14 — Sharks 28 North Queensland 16
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
No JT is bad
Missing next JT is worse
Sharks are circling prey.
SIDE INTERESTS
Will the revamped backline work? We thought Jake Clifford did enough last season to justify starting this season, but better late than never.
How will the Cowboys cope without Jason Taumalolo. Didn’t do that well against Broncos.
Will the Sharks end up playing family favourites with the pair of Braileys.
Is Andrew Fifita’s hair the standout style of the 2019 so far. Mahe Fonua says no.
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
The Cowboys have only won 9 of the 31 clashes between these sides on a Saturday since 1998.
BEST BET
Gavin Cooper anytime tryscorer @ $3.75
SAT 7:30pm – PENRITH PANTHERS v MELBOURNE STORM
Head to Head since 1998 – Storm 25 Penrith 8
Last Season: Melbourne 16 Penrith 22
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Storms roll on again
Bathurst night out for Panthers
Country league is king.
SIDE INTERESTS
Always love an NRL game in the country. If the NRL were serious about looking after the game, they’d force every team to take a match to the country every season. Broncos included.
Big fan of Frank Winterstein.
Two very large humans in James Tamou and Nelson Asofa-Solomona going head to head.
Josh Mansour is named to make his return to the Penrith side.
Can the Panthers repeat the dose of upset they inflicted on the Storm in their only 2018 meeting.
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
Penrith have a 3-2 win-loss ratio in Bathurst.
BEST BET
Melbourne to win 1-12 @ $2.80
SUN 4:05pm – WESTS TIGERS v BULLDOGS
Head to Head since 1998 – Bulldogs 21 Tigers 13
Last Season: Bulldogs 16 Wests Tigers 4 — Wests Tigers 14 Bulldogs 10
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Sunday again eh?
Two teams from Sydney again?
Surely it aint so.
SIDE INTERESTS
Can the old men Farah and Benji Marshall continue to shine?
Will the massive shake up of the Bulldogs team have instant results.
We still can’t work out why the Bulldogs best player of the second half of the season – Rhyse Martin – wasn’t selected in the first two games. It’s not like he didn’t tear it up in the NSW Cup either.
It’s the worst defence up against the best defence.
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
The Wests Tigers haven’t beaten the Bulldogs at Campbelltown in five attempts.
BEST BET
Total Match Points under 40.5 @ $1.90
SUN 6:10pm – SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v GOLD COAST TITANS
Head to Head since 1998 – Rabbitohs 10 Titans 7
Last Season: Gold Coast 16 South Sydney 18
MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU
Prepare for Souths blitz
Titans seem pointless right now
Points a plenty for one side.
SIDE INTERESTS
The competition’s best attacking team up against the Titans who are last with just six points in two games.
It is a pleasure to watch when the Rabbitohs go on their 15 – 20 minute blitz. They proved last year that few teams could live with it, or that they could maintain it.
Will Greg Inglis play?
Can Sam Burgess maintain his awesome form for the Rabbitohs. Ditto Cameron Murray?
Can Jai Arrow crack the 300 metre mark this weekend. Some effort in a well beaten side last weekend?
Will a win make Wayne Bennett smile?
BARELY INTERESTING FACT
South Sydney have won all three meeting between these sides at the ground since it was called CBUS Stadium. The Gold Coast won just 1/3 when it was called Skilled.
It may not be a rivalry round but this weekend’s Round 4 Intrust Super Cup Round still features some interesting match ups, if not intense rivalries.
To know more we offer up our Round 4 Intrust Super Cup Predictions and Preview.
There’s a brief rundown of each game, a bit about betting, broadcasting, and more.
Most importantly, we have the CEO of main sponsor Intrust Super Brendan O’Farrell giving us his tips each week.
ROUND 4 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 4 Intrust Super Cup tips below, and submit your via our Twitter or Facebook page.
BRENDAN O’FARRELL (CEO of Intrust Super)
IPSWICH JETS to beat Northern Pride
EASTS TIGERS to beat PNG Hunters
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS to beat Souths Logan Magpies
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS to beat Central Capras
WYNNUM SEAGULLS to beat Mackay Cutters
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS to beat Norths Devils
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS to beat Burleigh Bears
SEASON PROGRESS 12/21
THE GURGLER’s TIPS (Us)
NORTHERN PRIDE to beat Ipswich Jets
EASTS TIGERS to beat PNG Hunters
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS to beat Souths Logan Magpies
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS to beat Central Capras
WYNNUM SEAGULLS to beat Mackay Cutters
NORTHS DEVILS to beat Sunshine Coast Falcons
BURLEIGH BEARS to beat Townsville Blackhawks
SEASON PROGRESS 14/21
Follow our weekly Twitter post to add your selections.
Hard to believe that the Ipswich Jets come into the first Round 4 Intrust Super Cup clash with a 0-3 record, and with the second worst attacking record. They were much more competitive last weekend for Rivalry Round as their second half comeback fell two points short against Easts.
The Walker brothers are still keeping the faith with their team, with no major changes from Round 3.
Talking of changes, the Northern Pride have had two of their better players taken from them as part of the big Cowboys backline reshuffle.
Jake Clifford, who probably should have been given first crack alongside Michael Morgan given his 2018 form for the Pride and Cowboys, gets his 2019 debut at five eighth. One of the Cowboys better players from 2018 – Ben Hampton – who also started the season in the Intrust Super Cup has also got a call up to play in the centres.
Despite the loss of Clifford, their off season recruit in former Tigers halfback Brayden Torpy is quite the replacement. Torpy was a big part of the Tigers good run in the second half of 2018, and looked good in comparison to Brodie Croft.
2018: R4 Ipswich 16 Pride 12 — R19 Pride 34 Ipswich 24
EASTS TIGERS v PNG HUNTERS
Saturday 4:00pm
Interesting in the Team List for the Round 4 Intrust Super Cup was the conspicuous blank where the name for number seven should have been. Was it a typo, or is it being reserved for a certain ex premiership winning captain of the PNG Hunters who has recently returned from a stint in the UK?
Despite the fact that at the heart of the Hunters should be bringing new talent through, they could certainly do with a little Ase Boas polish. We’ll have to wait and see.
The Hunters finally broke their point scoring duck last weekend. After more than three hours without registering a point, the Hunters scored 26, two short of the Sunshine Coast Falcons, but an improved showing for sure. The shuffle of Oti Tony Bland and Joe Joshua seemed to work for Joshua anyway who scored three tries and provided the last pass in a great performance. Sadly he is not pat of the team playing at Langlands Park. Charlie Simon looked sharp in his new position of hooker, and if it happens, you can see a decent partnership brewing between Boas and Simon.
Despite all that good news, the Hunters are 0/3 in 2019 and have a poor record against Easts in Brisbane, so the turnaround in results may have to wait a little longer.
Switching the 0 and 3, the Easts Tigers are one of two teams that are undefeated after three rounds, having seen off Mackay, Norths and Ipswich so far. Easts are competitive as ever, and have the edge over the Hunters experience wise. Easts should get the win at home and remain undefeated.
2018: R13 Easts 30 PNG 12
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Saturday 6:00pm
From one winless side to another, and surprisingly so for the minor premiers Redcliffe. Hard to figure that Redcliffe would be heading into Round 4 of the Intrust super Cup without a point. Their attack isn’t very potent either, having scored the second lowest total in 2019 with just 34 points. Only the Hunters sit behind them, and the Hunters didn’t score in the first two weeks.
Talking of bad runs, Souths Logan continued their losing streak at home, which stretches back into the second half of last season, which means the Magpies may well be happy to be on the road. They certainly were last season when they pipped the Dolphins and home, yet easily lost the return leg at home.
Conceding points is the worry for the Magpies, as they currently have the worst defensive record in the competition, although with Redcliffe not scoring evens themselves it may even up. Souths Logan have conceded 78 points at home in two games, the 20 conceded in Mackay is an improvement on the home form. It was their only win so far too.
Not much change in the Redcliffe line up after their defeat at Wynnum last weekend, eyes will be on Izaia Perese, the rugby union convert in the Dolphins line up in the centres. Interestingly for the Magpies is the shift from fullback to five eighth for Gerome Burns and they welcome Fanitesi Niu at fullback.
CENTRAL CAPRAS v TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS Saturday 7:00pm
Tweed Heads 2-1 record to start the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season is one of their better starts in recent seasons, despite a heavy loss to Gold Coast rivals Burleigh last weekend. They will fancy beating the Capras in Rockhampton on Saturday night.
An exciting addition to the team to help the Seagulls beat the Capras is Christian Hazard, the former Redcliffe star who has landed at Piggabeen after his attempt in cracking into he NRL stalled. He has plenty to offer and is a great addition for the Seagulls.
Central Capras peaked early, thrashing the Magpies at home in Round 1, but have suffered two 20+ losses in the last two weeks. They did do well in pre season, so perhaps a winning run will start soon and Tweed Heads must be one game they would mark down as a potential two points.
2018: R14 Tweed Heads 13 Central 12
WYNNUM SEAGULLS v MACKAY CUTTERS
Sunday 12:10pm TV GAME
The TV cameras return to BMD Kougari Oval for the second weekend in a row, for a second TV game for both sides already this season.
Wynnum did the job last weekend against Redcliffe in the heat, which saw them creep up to fifth on the Intrust Super Cup ladder. There wasn’t much in the game, but the 80 metre try for former PNG Hunter Edene Gebbie was a match sealer and entertainment.
Happy news for Mackay Cutters though from Round 3, as they registered their first win of the season, over their nearest neighbour too in Central Capras. A welcome relief for the Cutters, who finished last in 2018, who now have three teams below them after three rounds. Interestingly, Mackay have scored almost twice as many points as Tweed Heads who sit just bove them in 8th place, and the last of special treatment.
2018: R13 Mackay 20 Wynnum 34
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS v NORTH DEVILS
Sunday 3:30pm
The Falcons are currently undefeated in the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season, making it a great start to the season for Melbourne Storm, as the Sunshine Coast and fellow Storm feeder club Easts and the NRL Storm side are all without a loss this season.
The Sunshine Coast have one of the Intrust Super Cup’s most interesting backlines, full of Pacific Nation Internationals, sons of former rugby league greats and in Nicho Hynes and Jonathon Rueben some of the best talent in the competition. No wonder the Falcons have scored a lot of points.
Norths have probably exceeded expectations so far a little, but their current ladder position of 5th is deserved after good wins at home to Burleigh and away to Souths Logan. The Devils of course have their own PNG International in Nixon Putt, who has impressed plenty already, and has scored two out of three weeks.
It should be an interesting contest, as the Falcons have scored the second highest amount of points so far in 2019 with 84, Norths are next up and just two points further back. To further cement the potential for lots of points, no team inside the current top 8 have conceded more than the 68 points let in by the Devils in three rounds.
2018: R13 Sunshine Coast 23 Norths 22
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS v BURLEIGH BEARS
Sunday 4:00pm
A great 3rd v 4th clash to end the weekend, and trying to guess the winning team is proving near impossible.
Burleigh have scored the most points in the competition thus far with 96 points, and Townsville have the tightest defence with 34 points in three games, Burleigh though aren’t find behind with 40 points. The two teams are first and second for for and against.
Both sides are full of talent, some very good ex NRL players among them, and some great ISC players who will hopefully get another crack at the NRL.
Case in point, Townsville welcome fullback Zac Santo into their star-studded backline, and up front will be the tough Dan Beasley, the man who led the Blackhawks to their 2015 Grand Final before heading overseas.
Hard to tell who could win, perhaps just rugby league.
