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NRL Round 2 Team of the Week

By
Max Layne
-
1
NRL Round 4 Team of the Week

The NRL competition for 2019 in underway, and with the first round completed, we unveil our NRL Team of Week Round 2.

After sitting through all of the eight NRL Round 2 games, we may as well have something constructive to show for it.

Our NRL Round 2 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.

This week there were way too many wingers that shone, and not enough centres, so one of the wingers got a promotion in our NRL Round 2 Team of the Week.

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 2 Team of the Week

FULLBACK – CLINT GUTHERSON (Parramatta)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
C. Gutherson 2 0 8 3 15 175 1 79

The Eels fullback has been carrying the Eels at times during their past few barren seasons, and played a few positions while still shining. Fullback is his best, as was his performance on Sunday.

WING – SULIASI VUNIVALU (Melbourne)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
S. Vunivalu 3 0 12 1 10 103 0 98

The Fijian flyer is back for 2019, nabbing a first half hat trick and causing Canberra plenty of concern.

CENTRE – BLAKE FERGUSON (Eels)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
B. Ferguson 2 0 8 5 17 272 1 119

Blake Ferguson can often be a figure of fun, but at his best can be a destructive machine on the wing, and against the Bulldogs he was just that. The Eels move seems to be working out for now.

CENTRE – TIM LAFAI (Dragons)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
T. Lafai 1 0 4 8 17 143 1 110

A left field choice given he was on the losing side, but he certainly did the job for the Dragons before the Rabbitohs second half onslaught. Mainly selected as very centres catch the eye every week.

WING – SIONE KATOA – (Cronulla)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
S. Katoa 2 0 8 0 14 216 0 103

The Cronulla winger carved up the Titans at will on Saturday, grabbing a double, and looking likely for more throughout the afternoon.

FIVE EIGHTH – JAMES MALONEY (Penrith)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
J. Maloney 0 0 0 20 8 69 0 36

The Penrith number six may not have the hype of his halves partner, but gets the job done on a regular basis. In the early half of the season that is.

HALFBACK – LUKE KEARY (Roosters)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
L. Keary 0 0 0 14 5 45 4 102

Pipped his former Rabbitohs halves partner to the halfback of NRL Round 2 Team of the Week. Bossed the show in the absence of Cooper Cronk against Manly. Four try assists is something else.

PROP – TEVITA PANGAI JNR (Broncos)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
T. Pangai 1 0 4 14 11 115 0 67

The stats above don’t tell the full picture of how Pangai waged a one man war on the Cowboys and set up the Broncos for victory over the Cowboys. Sorted out Jason Taumalolo early which killed off the Cowboys to a degree.

HOOKER – ROBBIE FARAH (Wests Tigers)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
R. Farah 1 0 4 31 3 23 3 117

Robbie Farah continues to turn back the clock when he was a grumpy looking soul and played great football. The move back to the Wests Tigers has certainly worked out so far for both teams. Farah is killing it so far in 2019, and South Sydney have had Damien Cook full time in the number nine. Cook ran Farah reasonably close for the number nine of the week.

PROP – JARED WAEREA-HARGREAVES (Roosters)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
J. Waerea-Hargreaves 0 0 0 41 22 253 0 85

The big unit for the Roosters was at his best on against Manly on Saturday, he may be hard to like at times when he’s being a jerk, but easy to respect when in full form.

SECOND ROW – BOYD CORDNER (Roosters)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
B. Cordner 2 0 8 22 9 102 0 82

The Roosters and NSW captain was back in among the tries and the action against Manly.

SECOND ROW – SAM BURGESS (Rabbitohs)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
S. Burgess 2 0 8 18 17 157 1 128

Big Sam is starting to turn his new fringe position is a game breaking advantage for the Rabbitohs, who are well served by their back row now.

LOCK – JAI ARROW (Titans)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
J. Arrow 0 0 0 23 28 299 0 111

Fell just a few metres short of Jason Taumalolo’s first round 301m benchmark, and for a losing side. Throw in a handful of tackle busts, and he has to feature in the team of the week.

 

 

INTERCHANGE – COREY OATES (Broncos)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
C. Oates 2 0 8 3 14 154 0 98

He may want a career move into the pack, but there’s two reasons the Broncos keep him on the wing. One is his performances like Friday night against the Cowboys, the other is that he probably wouldn’t make the bench if he were just an interchange forward.

INTERCHANGE – ADAM REYNOLDS (Rabbitohs)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
A. Reynolds 0 5 10 16 1 11 1 56

Conjured up some more magic in the Rabbitohs second blitz against the Dragons. Providing a lot more in late tackle count attack so far this season as the big bomb has been sparingly used.

 

INTERCHANGE – CAMERON MURRAY (Rabbitohs)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
C. Murray 1 0 4 26 9 129 0 71

He doesn’t really look like a modern-day lock but has been one of Souths best in both games this season. Proving to be a more than adequate long-term replacement for Angus Crichton.

 

INTERCHANGE – KURT CAPEWELL (Sharks)

Name T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
K. Capewell 0 0 0 15 16 132 0 35

Perhaps it is our bias towards underdogs and Intrust Super Cup players finally getting a go in the NRL (like Rhyse Martin previously at Bulldogs) but Kurt Capewell caught the eye in the Sharks win over the Titans doing what he usually does.

 

 

2019 NRL Team of Week Round 1 – BEST OF THE BEST

Here’s the top five players from our Team of the Week, who get an extra bonus for being that little bit better than the best.

They may come from the interchange due to the abundance in quality of certain positions.

5 points – Luke Keary
4 points – Tevita Pangai
3 points – Robbie Farah
2 points – Jai Arrow
1 point – Sam Burgess

 

2019 NRL Team of Week  – TEAM OF THE SEASON

Stay tuned for a tally of who is going the best in 2019.

There’s no point doing it until at least round four. So we won’t.

The point scoring is as below:

1 point for featuring in the team of the year.

5-4-3-2-1 extra bonus points for featuring in the best of the best in our NRL Team of the Week.

 

2019 NRL Team of Week  – Previous Weeks

If this week isn’t enough to argue about, then please accept the back catalogue of Team of the Weeks.

Round 1

 

 

Intrust Super Cup Round 3 Results and Thoughts

By
Max Layne
-
0
Intrust Super Cup Country Week 2019

The latest weekend of Intrust Super Cup has been completed, and we have the Intrust Super Cup Round 3 Results and thoughts on the major points.

There are just two teams left with 100% in 2018, and sadly, there are three teams without a win so far in 2018. They are actually thee of the last four premiership winners.

In between there’s plenty happening, so we pick the most interesting things in our opinion with our Intrust Super Cup Round 3 Results and Thoughts.

 

TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS ARE KINGS IN THE NORTH…FOR NOW

Rivalry Round kicked off in Cairns, with the Northern Pride undefeated and having beaten the two most recent premiers in the first two weeks of the season, meeting their nearest neighbour Townsville Blackhawks who have outperformed them ladder wise since the Blackhawks entry into the competition in 2015.

The PRide did the double over Townsville last season, their first wins over the Blackhawks, and a third would see them Pride continue their recent dominance and more than likely the competition lead.

But Townsville were in the mood to show their Foley Shield rivals no favours in thew wet encounter. They led 10-0 at half time, and 20-0 halfway through the second, scoring three tries to one.

With both sides similarly equipped with Cowboys cast offs and genuine Intrust Super Cup quality, it was an important game to lay down the marker for the season ahead. As is looks so far, both of these teams will feature in the top eight and beyond this year, so an early season victory will come in handy later in the year when the fixture is reversed and the pressure for bigger prizes than FNQ pride are up for grabs.

Oddly enough, after three rounds these two teams have the best and second best defensive records for the season.

Like Game of thrones, it is hard to know whether being King of the North is any advantage in the overall scheme of things

 

WINTER IS COMING FOR REDCLIFFE

In an even weaker Game of tHrones reference, we move onto the 2018 Premiers Redcliffe Dolphins, who are one of the three teams without a win in the first three teams of the Intrust Super Cup season.

They were beaten in the Bayside derby as part of Rivalry round, and although they were competitive enough against Wynnum, they would hardly have sent a scare through most of the competition.

Scoring points seems a problems like their fellow teams with zero wins, Redcliffe and Ipswich have scored just 34 points for the season so far, which is just 8 points ahead of the PNG Hunters who only scored their first points of the season this weekend.

Perhaps they are missing Cameron Cullen more than most thought they would. 

It is still a long season and Winter isn’t here just yet (based on the temperatures in SEQ this weekend), and 0/3 isn’t something to panic about yet, and the extension of the finals to a top eight gives more teams hopes for longer. Their next game is against fellow Brisbane strugglers Souths Logan Magpies, who have one more win than them.

 

HOME WOES FOR MAGPIES

OK, so we’ve run out of Game of Thrones references now, although you could use, if you play the Game of Thrones and don’t win at home, you die.

Anyways, Souths Logan Magpies ended 2018 badly, dropping from second place around the halfway mark of the 2018 season to out of finals contention before the season was over.

There were a lot of losses in that second half of the season, but they ended the season with five straight home losses, something they’ve carried on in 2019.

So far in two home matches in 2019 they have been beaten 42-16 by Norths and 36-4 by the Central Capras. Not a great record if you wish to fight for the top eight.

That makes it seven losses in seven matches, and is something they need to turn around soon if they want to see September action.

 

POINTS MADE FOR HUNTERS IF NOT WINS

So the PNG Hunters sill lost in Intrust Super Cup Round 3 to the Sunshine Coast, but the margin was only two points to a side which has yet to be beaten in 2019, and they scored 26 points, which is 26 more than their haul in the first two games of the season.

The shuffle of Oti Tony Bland and Joe Joshua between Fullback and Centre seemed to work as Joe Joshua scored a hat trick for the Hunters, the last of which came just before full-time.

PNG actually scored five tries, the same as the Falcons, but the goal kicking made the difference, with the Falcons slotting more two pointer to steal the win. More luck with the goal kicking would have seen them home.

Talking of good goal kicking, Ase Boas has left the Featherstone Rovers in the UK for family reasons, so who knows if they can convince him to turn out for the Hunters for the rest of the 2019 season. Whilst the PNG Hunters should always be focused on bringing young talent through, imagine the steady, premiership winning hands and feet, imagine the little addition of quality to help the up and comers learn with confidence.

 

RIVALRY ROUND 

Other competitions in Australia try to do a rivalry round, but the Intrust Super Cup’s version is the best of all.

Perhaps the Intrust Super Cup is aided by the geography of their competitions with teams spread all down the Queensland coast, but still every game seemed a decent match up.

It helps that two teams can be paired so easily like the two Gold Coast teams, the northern Queensland sides, and the many Brisbane teams, plus a brewing rivalry between PNG and the Sunshine Coast, but the Intrust Super Cup ensure every game is a great one, not just the FTA games for the round.

Like the Intrust Super Cup’s Country Week, it is a great idea that the NRL will eventually copy badly (Magic Weekend)  ignore for a few more years (Country Round). Or have another marvel super heroes jersey round.

 

PNG WATCH

Outside of the PNG Hunters there is some talent doing well for other Intrust Super Cup teams.

Edene Gebbie scored an 80 metre try for Wynnum against Redcliffe in their rivalry clash, and did the job at the back and looked dangerous throughout. Given the hot Sunday midday kickoff, no wonder he looked tired at the end of that sprint.

Nixon Putt made it a 100% winning record for Norths when he scores, as the Devils easily beat Souths Logan at Davies Park. It was the PNG International’s second try of the year, after getting one in their close first round win over Burleigh.

Justin Olam played in the winning Sunshine Coast Falcons team that beat the Hunters, and Rod Griffin did the job off the bench for Townsville in their win.

So good news for a lot of the PNG players elsewhere. One hopes that luck will flow through to the Hunters soon. At last thins look good for the Kumuls Test season.

 

 

INTRUST SUPER CUP ROUND 3 RESULTS

Northern Pride 4 TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS 20
Ipswich Jets 20 EASTS TIGERS 22
MACKAY CUTTERS 42 Central Capras 20
WYNNUM SEAGULLS 18 Redcliffe Dolphins 10
BURLEIGH BEARS 32 Tweed Heads Seagulls 4
Souths Logan Magpies 16 NORTHS DEVILS 42
PNG Hunters 26 SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 28

 

INTRUST SUPER CUP ROUND 3 TABLE

Pos Team Played Points Wins Lost Byes For Against Diff.
1 Tigers 3 6 3 0 0 76 44 32
2 Falcons 3 6 3 0 0 84 56 28
3 Bears 3 4 2 1 0 96 40 56
4 Blackhawks 3 4 2 1 0 70 34 36
5 Seagulls 3 4 2 1 0 78 52 26
6 Devils 3 4 2 1 0 82 68 14
7 Pride 3 4 2 1 0 50 38 12
8 Seagulls 3 4 2 1 0 38 48 -10
9 Cutters 3 2 1 2 0 74 66 8
10 Capras 3 2 1 2 0 72 92 -20
11 Magpies 3 2 1 2 0 52 98 -46
12 Dolphins 3 0 0 3 0 34 70 -36
13 Hunters 3 0 0 3 0 26 62 -36
14 Jets 3 0 0 3 0 34 98 -64

Alternative NRL Round 2 Predictions and Preview – Gurgler v Best Supported Team 2018

By
Max Layne
-
5
NRL 2020 Season Prediction

Welcome to the Kick to Come – a preview of the rugby league weekend ahead, our alternative preview plus NRL Round 2 predictions.

Want more Haiku in your life? Feel the need for poetry and rugby league to collide? Or interested in NRL ROUND 2 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 2 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 2 Predictions and Preview awaits.

If that’s not enough, why not look at our NRL Team of the Week for Round 1.

 

 

NRL ROUND 2 PREDICTIONS – GURGLER PREDICTIONS

SOUTHS to beat Dragons by 16pts
MELBOURNE to beat Canberra by 8pts
COWBOYS to beat Broncos by 4pts
GOLD COAST to beat Sharks by 4pts
NEWCASTLE to beat Penrith by 6pts
ROOSTERS to beat Manly by 12pts
BULLDOGS to beat Parramatta by 4pts
WESTS TIGERS to beat Warriors by 8pts

TIPPING PROGRESS – 3/8
BEST BET PROGRESS – 3/8 – $1 Bet Win / Loss: -$0.57 (from $1 bet on all 8 tips)

 

NRL ROUND 2 PREDICTIONS – OPPONENT PREDICTIONS – WHICH CLUB WAS BETTER SUPPORTED IN 2018

BACKGROUND FOR TIPS – During the off-season, we ran a statistics based piece on which NRL club was the best supported in 2018, using crowd numbers, averages, memberships and social media.

Follow that 2018 GFI – Best Supported Team here.

So whoever team rates higher on the GFI 2018 is likely to gets more fans, who create more noise which spurs the players on.

SOUTHS to beat St George Illawarra
MELBOURNE to beat Canberra
COWBOYS to beat Broncos
SHARKS to beat Gold Coast
NEWCASTLE to beat Penrith
ROOSTERS to beat Manly
BULLDOGS to beat Parramatta
TIGERS to beat Warriors

OPPOSITION TIPPING PROGRESS – 5/8

Refer soon for the season’s opposition tipping progress.

 

 

NRL ROUND 2 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 – ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v SOUTHS SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Head to Head since 1998 – Dragons 17 Rabbitohs 14
Last Season: St George Illawarra 16  South Sydney 12 – South Sydney 24  St George Illawarra 10 – (Finals) South Sydney 13  St George Illawarra 12

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Charity is gone
Rabbitohs all fired up
Dragons Frizzelle-less

SIDE INTERESTS

Can Cody Walker keep calm this weekend? Who cares as long as he keeps scoring.

How long until Matt Dufty gets a starting role.

Will everything be Ben Hunt’s fault this season?

Doesn’t the new Souths jersey look much better?

We applaud Adam Reynolds performance in Round 1, and hope that the variety on the last play is here to stay.

John Sutton.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Souths have won 10 of the last 13 matches between these sides going back to 2012. But the Dragons have won 3/4 at Jubilee Oval since 1998.

BEST BET

Cody Walker to score anytime @ $3.25

 

FRI 6:00pm – CANBERRA RAIDERS v MELBOURNE STORM

Head to Head since 1998: Melbourne 30 Canberra 11
Last Season: Melbourne 44 Canberra 10

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Gold Coast held to nil
Nil chance of a Raiders win
Ricky only storm.

SIDE INTERESTS

Ricky Stuart – he’s always up to something interesting.

Jordan Rapana’s early return from injury, and whether his partnership with Joey Leilua will flourish again.

Cameron Munster’s follow-up after a great first round performance. Same for Jahrome Hughes.

John Bateman impressed in his first game in the NRL from Super League, and interesting to see how he’ll go against a better pack.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Stretching back to 2003, Melbourne have won all but one of the 14 games played t night between these sides.

BEST BET

Melbourne to win by 1-12 @ $3.10

 

FRI 7:50pm – BRISBANE BRONCOS v NORTH QLD COWBOYS

Head to Head since 1998  – Broncos 30 Cowboys 16
Last Season: Brisbane 24  North Queensland 20 — North Queensland 34  Brisbane 30

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Strange local derby
They seem to like each other
Many miles apart.

SIDE INTERESTS

One of the real premium clashes in the NRL. Well worth the hype.

Watching the new main JT continue his form in Brisbane. 300 metres and beyond.

Josh Maguire’s performance after being told to keep it quiet in the midweek pressers.

Tevita Pangai Jnr is back in the starting side. His battle with JT up the middle is a real lip-smacker.

Battles of the halves, especially game breakers Milford v Morgan. An early sighter for Maroon responsibilities.

Couldn’t there be a tribute to the late, and great Billy J. Smith.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

In the last 12 matches between these sides at Suncorp Stadium only two of the games have been decided by more than 4 points. One of those was by six points. Brisbane have won eight of those.

BEST BET

Either side to win by 8 points or less @ $2.10

 

SAT 3:00pm – CRONULLA SHARKS v GOLD COAST TITANS

Head to Head since 1998 – Sharks 11 Gold Coast 8
Last Season – Gold Coast 9 Sharks 10

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Strange that in Round 1 
Gold Coast didn’t like water
Not many points here

SIDE INTERESTS

Surely the Gold Coast can score a point.

New halves combination for the Titans in AJ Brimson and Ryley Jacks. One a former Tweed Heads Seagulls, the other a current one.

Speaking of halves, Shaun Johnson will continue to be a side interest, until the novelty of him wearing a Sharks jersey wears off. Not that most people aren’t used to him hanging jerseys a lot. He did play for the Warriors who averaged four kits a season.

Andrew Fifita v Shannon Boyd

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Gold Coast have won three of the last four meetings at Shark Park. 8 of the last 9 meetings have seen a margin of six points or less.

BEST BET

Gold Coast +8.5 start @ $1.74

 

SAT 5:30pm – NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v PENRITH PANTHERS

Head to Head since 1998 – Newcastle 20 Penrith 13
Last Season: Newcastle 18  Penrith 29 — Penrith 12  Newcastle 20

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Welcome first round win
Knights on track for better times
No Klein problems now.

SIDE INTERESTS

Battle of two of the better props from last weekend – David Klemmer and James Tamou.

Despite underwhelming so far at number six, we hope this is the week that Ponga breaks out and blows us all away.

Can the Knights attract another 20K plus crowd. Saturday evening timeslot leave no excuse.

They did rank quite high in our previous piece on Who Was the Best Supported Club in the NRL in 2018.

Which player will win the contest of best hyphenated player.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Between these two sides their home grounds have had 11 different names since 1998. Penrith leading 6-5 for now.

BEST BET

Penrith to score 18.5 points @ $1.99

 

SAT 7:30pm – MANLY SEA EAGLES v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Head to Head since 1998 – Manly 18 Roosters 14
Last Season – Manly Warringah 24  Roosters 56  — Roosters 22  Manly Warringah 20

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

No wins for these sides
Disappointments of Round One
Double dose waiting

SIDE INTERESTS

Surely the Roosters won’t start the season 0/2

Can Manly pull a bigger crowd than the recent Waratahs clashes.

Will Manly be worried after increased talk of NRL expansion coming at the expense of underperforming NRL clubs.

Latrell Mitchell.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves v Martin Taupau.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

The last six clashes at Brookvale have gone (in order of most recent match) – Roosters, Manly, Roosters, Manly, Roosters, Manly. Which means Manly are a certainty.

BEST BET

Manly +10.5 start @ $1.80

 

 

SUN 4:00pm – CANTERBURY BULLDOGS v PARRAMATTA EELS

Head to Head since 1998 – Bulldogs 22 Parramatta 19
Last Season – Bulldogs 20  Parramatta 12 — Parramatta 14  Bulldogs 8

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Two Sydney team – check
Sunday arvo kick-off – check
Short car ride for Rabs

SIDE INTERESTS

Not much really. This one really is a record and watch later.

Perhaps to see if the Bulldogs weren’r as terrible as many said last weekend.

How long can they leave PNG International Rhyse Martin out for?

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

The Bulldogs have only scored more than 12 points v Parramatta once in the last six meetings, which has been their only win in that time.

BEST BET

Total Match Points under 36.5 @ $1.90

 

SUN 6:00pm – WESTS TIGERS v NZ WARRIORS

Head to Head since 1998 – Wests Tigers 15 NZ Warriors 14
Last Season – Warriors 26  Wests Tigers 4

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Tigers tough it out
Old heads better than Manly’s
Warriors surprise

SIDE INTERESTS

Can the famously inconsistent Warriors back up their record breaking first round over the Bulldogs.

Can Adam Keighran continue his fine form from last weekend.

Will the “old timers” in Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah be able to work their magic again against the Warriors.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Despite the myth that the Warriors are no good away from home in the first few months of the year, they have won 7/11 of matches in NSW/ACT in the first three months of the season sine 2015. Alternatively, the Wests Tigers have only lost once to the Warriors when at a home ground in Australia in the first three months of the season back to 2001.

BEST BET

Solomone Kata to score anytime @ $2.50

 

 

Round 3 Intrust Super Cup Predictions + Preview

By
Max Layne
-
1

This weekend’s Round 3 Intrust Super Cup Round doubles as Rivalry round, as local battles and new rivalries feature up and down the coast.

From the two north Queensland sides facing off, through a Central Queensland head to head, passing by a bunch of intra Brisbane rivalries, and down to the Gold Coast, there’s something for everyone. And a big game in PNG of course.

To get into the mood we offer up our Round 3 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.

If you don’t yet have an Intrust Super Cup team, then take our Personality Quiz.

And the TV game is thankfully back to Sunday afternoon. Where it belongs.

 

ROUND 3 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 3 Intrust Super Cup tips below, and submit your via our Twitter or Facebook page.

BRENDAN O’FARRELL (CEO of Intrust Super)

EASTS TIGERS to beat Ipswich Jets
MACKAY CUTTERS to beat Central Capras
NORTHERN PRIDE to beat Townsville Blackhawks
WYNNUM SEAGULLS to beat Redcliffe Dolphins
BURLEIGH BEARS to beat Tweed Heads Seagulls
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES to beat Norths Devils
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS to beat PNG Hunters

SEASON PROGRESS 7/14

THE GURGLER’s TIPS (Us) 

NORTHERN PRIDE to beat Townsville Blackhawks
EASTS TIGERS to beat Ipswich Jets
MACKAY CUTTERS to beat Central Capras
WYNNUM SEAGULLS to beat Redcliffe Dolphins
BURLEIGH BEARS to beat Tweed Heads Seagulls
NORTHS DEVILS to beat Souths Logan Magpies
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS to beat PNG Hunters

SEASON PROGRESS 8/14

Follow our weekly Twitter post to add your selections.

The Gurgler Twitter Feed

 

 

ROUND 3 INTRUST SUPER CUP – MINI PREVIEW

Here’s a quick rundown on all things Round 3 Intrust Super Cup and our thoughts for all of the games this weekend.

The full Team Lists for Round 3 can be found at the QRL Website.

 

NORTHERN PRIDE v TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Saturday 6:00pm

The Northern Pride have started the season with two straight wins, and over the last tow Intrust Super Cup premiers no less. They face the Townsville Blackhawks in Round 3 Intrust Super Cup rivalry weekend, a side that they finally managed to beat last year after three years of failed attempts, and did the double over them.

Both sides are feeder clubs to the North Queensland Cowboys, and while the Blackhawks have the quantity with a side with more big names and former NRL players, the Pride have the quality with halfback Jake Clifford. Clifford was one of the stars of the Intrust Super Cup last season, and it was widely thought he would graduate full-time to the Cowboys in 2019. That hasn’t happened yet, and the Pride are reaping the rewards for now.

Townsville were surprised last weekend at Piggabeen, going to the Seagulls who handled the wet conditions better. With a cyclone crossing nearby in far north Queensland, one wonders if there might be some more wet conditions this weekend. The Blackhawks are still one win from two games, but face a third consecutive loss to the Pride, which could see them playing catch up to the near neighbour.

2018: R3 Townsville 6 Pride 26 — R16 Pride 13 Townsville 10
Betting: N/A

 

IPSWICH JETS v EASTS TIGERS
Saturday 6:00pm

Things aren’t looking good for Ipswich after two rounds, no wins in the first two games, have conceded 20 more points than any other side, and sit last in the Intrust Super Cup ladder. Early days of course, and plenty of time to turn things around, but the return of just 14 points scored in two games is well below such an attacking side. 

Easts Tigers are doing what they always do, and that is compete in the top half. They saw off Mackay comfortably enough in Round 1, and were similarly in control at Bishop Park last weekend against Norths. They sit top of the table, scoring five tries to two in both games, and if anything their squad is not quite as strong as last year, so the 100% start will do nicely.

Barely interesting is that Easts scored the same amount of points in both games last season, with a 2 point win and loss the record.

2018: R3 Easts 26 Ipswich 32 — Ipswich 24 Easts 26

 

MACKAY CUTTERS v CENTRAL CAPRAS
Saturday 7:30pm

Central Queensland’s best is on show in Mackay on Saturday night, as the winless Cutters take on the Capras who came back down to earth after their big first round win over the Magpies with a loss at home to Wynnum.

Mackay pushed Souths Logan in their loss last Saturday night, they led 14-0 after half an hour, but by the completion of 60 minutes were down 22-14 after a run of MAgpies tries. A late try made the scoreline interesting. Mackay haven’t been badly beaten in their first two games, but this is an opportunity to get their season going by beating the Capras.

Central Capras were always chasing the game against Wynnum, who had too much firepower in their game in Rockhampton, winning seven tries to three. Not that the Capras don’t have something, only four sides have scored more points this season so far. For the casual viewer Dave Taylor is named on the bench.

2018: R3 Mackay 18 Central 16 — R16 Central 20 Mackay 6

 

WYNNUM SEAGULLS v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Sunday 12:10pm – TV GAME

The contest for Brisbane’s best bayside club continues in this weekend’s Rivalry round, with Redcliffe currently holding the Bayside Herald Cup after winning both games in 2018.

Redcliffe’s defence of their 2018 title hasn’t started well, with losses to Northern P:ride and the Sunshine Coast last weekend in the James Ackerman Cup. The 30-6 home defeat was one of the worst in recent seasons.

Wynnum come into Round 2 Intrust Super Cup with a 1-1 record, narrowly going down in Round on the Sunshine Coast before a comfortable win in Rockhampton last Saturday night. The Seagulls have currently scored the second highest amount of points in two games with 60 points so far. For PNG fans, fullback Edene Gebbie was among the try scorers. How the Hunters probably wish they had that spark.

Surely Redcliffe can’t start the season with 0-3?

2018: R3 Wynnum 20 Redcliffe 36 — R16 Redcliffe 50 Wynnum 18

 

BURLEIGH BEARS v TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS
Sunday 2:00pm

The battle for Gold Coast’s premier Intrust Super Cup side will be decided on Sunday at Pizzey Park, and the Tweed Heads Seagulls will be hoping for a rare win over their more northerly neighbours.

Tweed Heads head into the game as one of four unbeaten sides left after two rounds, having surprisingly beaten the Townsville Blackhawks for the first time in Sunday’s very wet TV game. Having beaten Townsville and PNG Hunters to start the season, confidence should be high to get one over their recently more successful rivals.

Burleigh thrashed Ipswich last week 42-8, with Anthony Don scoring two tries on a visit to the Intrust Super Cup with Burleigh, and Troy Leo adding another try to make it three for he season. Dylan Phythian looked the best for the Bears on Saturday against Ipswich.

A good mix of established and up and coming Intrust Super Cup players with the occasional former NRL player

2018: R3 Tweed Heads 12 Burleigh 32 — Burleigh 34 Tweed Heads 16

 

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES v NORTH DEVILS
Sunday 3:00pm

A classic north v south match on a Sunday afternoon for rivalry round, which is perfectly placed to attract a decent crowd at Davies Park despite Brisbane people’s reluctance to know about what’s on the other side of the river.

Both sides head into the match with a win and a loss, the Magpies making it a 50% record against Central Queensland team after beating Mackay last weekend, but being well beaten at home to Central Capras in Round 1. Norths got past Burleigh impressively last weekend, but again came unstuck at home to the Easts Tigers last weekend.

Norths could be without one of the best players in Gehamat Shibasaki who is looking like getting an NRL call up depending on James Roberts. They still have recent Broncos signing Sean O’Sullivan calling the shots at halfback, waiting for his NRL crack. Nixon Putt, who has been a great signing has had a lot of success at Davies Park where the PNG Hunters were never beaten.

Souths Logan probably have the slightly stronger forward pack as a whole, featuring Sam Tagataese, who starred for Norths last year.

PNG HUNTERS v SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Sunday 3:00pm

Not a great start to the season for the PNG Hunters in 2019, two games, two losses, and not even two points scored yet. For a side that went through their entire existence in the Intrust Super Cup from 2014 without failing to score, two games in a row is hard to believe.

The lack of scoring has led to a few changes for this weekend’s clash with the Falcons, with a familiar name in Oti Tony playing fullback in a straight swap with exciting prospect Joe Joshua moving into the centres. Charlie Simon moves to hooker as Justin Yoka gets a chance to change the Hunters fortunes. The forward pack sees a welcome return to the starting side for Stanton Albert, who with Moses Meninga and Enock Maki provide a big engine for the team if they are all firing.

PNG Hunters have never been all about attack though, despite their many great attacking weapons, their defence has won them many games in the past, especially in their premiership season. So looking at a silver lining for PNG so far this season, they have only conceded 36 points, which is the sixth lowest amount in the competition. Certainly something to build on when they get the attack right.

The Sunshine Coast Falcons have an excellent record against the Hunters on the Sunshine Coast, but less so in PNG. Although they were cheeky enough to knock out the Hunters in the 2016 Finals series in Port Moresby. Their centre pairing of Jonathon Rueben and PNG International Justin Olam will ensure that the Falcons won’t be shy of points we think.

A big game for the Hunters, and a win with a good haul of points is much-needed. They haven’t scored in over three hours, if you go back to the last game of the 2018 season.

2018: R3 Falcons 24 PNG 10  —  R16 PNG 24 Falcons 12

 

 

 

2019 NRL Team of Week Round 1

By
Max Layne
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2
NRL Team of Week

The NRL competition for 2019 in underway, and with the first round completed, we unveil our NRL Team of Week Round 1.

After sitting through all of the eight games, we have compiled a list of those players who were just a little better than the rest.

Of course any Team of Week Round 1 is going to cause debate, so feel free to pick apart our best 17 from the first round of the NRL.

 

2019 NRL Team of Week Round 1

FULLBACK – ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (NZ Warriors)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
R. Tuivasa-Sheck 1 0 4 3 19 160 1 95

Outstanding first up effort from RTS, the Dally M winner from 2018 picking up where he left off last season and dragging the Warriors with him.

WING – EDRICK LEE (Newcastle)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
E. Lee 1 0 4 5 8 144 0 38

Did what good wingers do and snatched an intercept and scored the match winner for the Knights against the Sharks.

CENTRE – Solomona Kata (NZ Warriors)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
S. Kata 2 0 8 19 11 99 0 92

Gave it to the Bulldogs all afternoon down the right, and ended up with two tries for his efforts.

CENTRE – ESAN MARSTERS (Wests Tigers)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
E. Marsters 0 4 8 5 15 135 0 68

A solid pair of hands for the Tigers in their opening round win against Manly

WING – NENE McDONALD (NQ Cowboys)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
N. MacDonald 1 0 4 2 20 171 0 68

Some bias shown here towards PNG Internationals, but all the same did the job in his new colours up in Townsville against the side where he arrived from.

FIVE EIGHTH – CAMERON MUNSTER (Melbourne)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
C. Munster 0 0 0 18 9 63 3 105

Has put his 2018 Grand Final shocker behind him with a massive first up performance for Melbourne. His kicking game was spot on and far superior to the Broncos on the night.

HALFBACK – BLAKE GREEN (NZ Warriors)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
B. Green 0 0 0 7 1 8 2 41

Stepped up in the absence of Shaun Johnson, and ran the show well for the Warriors.

LOCK – JASON TAUMALOLO (NQ Cowboys)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
J. Taumalolo 0 0 0 14 21 301 1 95

Ran for over 300 meres, becoming the second player to do so, and was dangerous throughout.

SECOND ROW – LUKE GARNER (Wests TIgers)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
L. Garner 1 0 4 21 14 117 0 80

Only a few games into his NRL career, but showing signs of real quality.

SECOND ROW – FELISE KAUFUSI (Melbourne)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
F. Kaufusi 0 0 0 33 14 146 0 55

The big mop of hair was back in full flight against the Broncos on Friday night. 

PROP – BUNTY AFOA (NZ Warriors)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
B. Afoa 0 0 0 22 14 152 0 49

From one big unit with big hair to another. Afoa laid down the platform for his team’s new halves combo to do their magic.

HOOKER – ROBBIE FARAH (Wests Tigers)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
R. Farah 2 0 8 38 3 24 0 110

For someone who looked destined for the NRL scrap heap not long ago, Robbie Farah has justified himself for the start of this season at least.

PROP – JAMES TAMOU (Penrith)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
J. Tamou 1 0 4 53 14 122 0 106

Only entrant from a losing side, the big man did some big work for the Panthers.

 

INTERCHANGE – Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
A. Reynolds 0 3 6 8 3 12 3 69

Ran the show in the Rabbitohs big opening win over the Rosoters. Showed that he can more effective by not just kicking a giant on the fifth tackle every set.

INTERCHANGE – Adam Keighran (NZ Warriors) 

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
A. Keighran 1 6 16 12 2 29 0 87

Very good debut for the Warriors. Was involved in plenty and looks to be a decent goal kicker too. Combined well the Blake Green to prove they won’t miss Shaun Johnson.

INTERCHANGE – John Bateman (Canberra)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
J. Bateman 0 0 0 34 18 145 0 65

Quite the debut from the latest big name from the UK. Probably at home in the wet conditions on the Gold Coast.

MICHAEL MORGAN (NQ Cowboys)

Player T G PTS TCK R RM TA SC
M. Morgan 1 0 4 14 3 20 1 68

Took over in style in the new post-JT era.

 

2019 NRL Team of Week Round 1 – BEST OF THE BEST

Here’s the top five players from our Team of the Week, who get an extra bonus for being that little bit better than the best.

They may come from the interchange due to the abundance in quality of certain positions.

5 points – JASON TAUMALOLO
4 points – CAMERON MUNSTER
3 points -BLAKE GREEN
2 points – ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK
1 point – MICHAEL MORGAN

 

2019 NRL Team of Week  – TEAM OF THE SEASON

Stay tuned for a tally of who is going the best in 2019.

The point scoring is as below:

1 point for featuring in the team of the year.

5-4-3-2-1 extra bonus points for featuring in the best of the best in our NRL Team of the Week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 Australian Grand Prix Results – Good, Bad, Ugly

By
Perry Thrust
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0

The 2019 Australian Grand Prix results are in, and it was a race surprisingly dominated by Valtteri Bottas, 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.

Follow to the end to see the season tally so far to see who the ultimate Good and Bad are.

 

2019 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX IN 100 WORDS OR LESS

Bottas burned Lewis Hamilton off the start, as further back Daniel Riccardo found something off track that destroyed his front wing and race within a few 100 metres of leaving his grid slot.

Bottas as never headed as he cleared away form Lewis Hamilton is a style usually seen from the #44 not the #77.

Further back Max Verstappen showed a little glimpse of Honda gold, and he burned off Sebastian Vettel who was off the pace and would have been behind new team-mate Charles Leclerc if not for team orders.

Even further back the midfield battled and some usual suspects ended up best of the rest, and the new aero rules were tested and little surprise that overtaking wasn’t much easier.

Perhaps it was Albert Park, or that the teams have already caught up with any aero loss that could have led to more passing.

 

2019 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX RESULTS – MOMENT OF THE RACE

Although expectations were reasonably low, Daniel Ricciardo destroying his front wing removed some of the buzz for Australian fans, starved of home-grown success.

 

2019 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX RESULTS – RACE RATING

We gave the potential excitement rating out of 50 in our preview of the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, so why not have another tally of 50 to rate the race that was.

SURPRISE – 9/10

Ferrari not being at the front was surprise enough, but Valtteri Bottas dominating even more so.

SUSPENSE – 3/10

Apart from the start and the exchanging of Fastest laps at the end, there wasn’t a great deal to keep one on the edge of their seat.

RACING – 4/10

Not a great deal to speak of, as the new aero rules don’t improve the racing that much. A few overtaking moves were glimpsed, but that is Albert Park.

SIGNIFICANT EVENT – 7/10

Ferrari’s team orders at the first race gives an insight on their thoughts early in the season, and shows Charles Leclerc what he will need to do to avoid them for the rest of the season – get head and stay ahead of Vettel. Bottas beating Hamilton is also significant enough.

SEASON DEFINING – 7/10

The pace of Mercedes has set the ne benchmark for others to panic about. Max Verstappen’s weekend for Red Bull looks like they might be closer to the front too.

TOTAL RACE RATING 30/50

Enough excitement due to being the first race of the 2019 F1 season, but hopefully the action gets a little better.

 

 

2019 AUSTRALIAN 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 Australian Grand Prix.

THE GOOD

VALTTERI BOTTAS (Best of the Good)

A super first lap in Q3 sent a shiver down the spine of Ferrari, and possibly his team mate who had just enough in reserve to take pole. 

But Pole Position meant bugger all once again for Lewis Hamilton as he was well beaten off the line by Bottas, who was never spied again. The Finn simply drove off into the distance in a manner that we would have expected from a Hamilton or Vettel in the past.

A drive of quality that was unexpected or at least overlooked going into the 2019 season opener with all the hype of new drivers and combos.

 

MAX VERSTAPPEN

Not a bad weekend for Max Verstappen. He has a Red Bull with a Honda engine that looks fast and reliable, his new team mate applied no pressure at all, and he earned himself a podium at the end of it all. He behaved himself all weekend

It definitely looks like more to come too.

 

KEVIN MAGNUSSEN

The first best of the rest winner for 2019 with his sixth place finish, making up for the bag of lost points from last season when his team forgot to bolt his wheels properly. Unlike this season, when only Grosjean got the old sugar-me-do with his wheels. Magnussen was also the last car not lapped.

 

NICO HULKENBERG

Did all he could, and what he usually does. Outqualified new team mate Daniel Ricciardo at the first attempt, and produced a usual barely noticeable good drive to 7th from 11th.

Ricciardo may have it more difficult than we originally thought in 2019.

 

LANCE STROLL

Zoomed up from 16th to 13th at the start of the race, and ended up with a couple of points for his trouble by race end. Ahead of the highly rated Sergio Perez which does a little bit to try to enhance his reputation from a pay driver who owes his F1 existence to his father.

 

LANDO NORRIS

Although his race may not have panned out how he would have liked, his qualifying performance was more than enough to make the Good list for the 2019 Australian Grand Pix. His 12th place was nothing to sneeze at, and there appears to be plenty more to come from the driver who had to be the rookie of the weekend.

 

GEORGE RUSSELL

The Williams might be the ultimate dud machine in the 2019 Formula One season, but at least George Russel showed some signs on this Grand Prix debut.

Given that the Williams will likely never be fighting, the best Russell can do is win the qualifying battle with team mate, and finish ahead of him in the race. 

Both boxes ticked so far.

 

THE BAD

DANIEL RICCIARDO

Australians appear cursed at the Australian Grand Prix, and Daniel Ricciardo produced another stunning example of it in the 2019 Australian Grand Prix.

Expectations were set low but not too low with his move to Renault, but a top ten job in qualifying seemed not too lofty a goal. So when he missed Q3, and was outqualified by his team mate Nico Hulkenberg it was disappointing but not the end of the world. He’d come good in the race surely.

Sadly his race was effectively over after a few hundred metres when he was quite unlucky to find a service road which rip the front wing from his car, and with it went his chances of doing anything in the race.

Eventually a DNF put an end to his day, possibly a mercy given he never seemed likely to grab a point after the start.

 

SEBASTIAN VETTEL

Came into the weekend with the F1 world presuming he would land his Ferrari on pole and go from there.

Reality on Saturday came as the Mercedes team flexed their muscles to show Winter Testing meant nothing.

Vettel’s raceday was even worse as the Ferrari was never quite on the pace of the Mercedes, and he was easily dispatched by Max Verstappen towards the end and needed team orders to stay ahead of Charles Leclerc.

 

CARLOS SAINZ JNR

Kicked out of qualifying in Q1, ending in 18th and 0.3 seconds behind his rookie team mate, leaving him just in front of the Williams cars. Lando Norris went on to make Q3 too.

Suffered a fiery exit in the race on lap 9 to be the 2019’s F1 season’s first retirement.

 

PIERRE GASLY

Was certainly the most disappointing of the newcomers to the big three teams after getting the promotion to Red Bull from Toro Rosso in the off season.

Being eliminated in Q1 was underwhelming at a minimum, especially hen his team mate was able to split the Ferraris.

Then the Frenchman was unable to get past the Toro Rosso of Kvyat in the closing stages of the races, missing out on a Championship point in the process by finishing 11th.

Will need to improve on that race given the brutal driver treatment of Red Bull at times.

 

ROBERT KUBICA

Has done an incredible job just to get back to Formula 1, but may regret that at sometime during the season if all the races are going to go like Australia.

It is giving the impression that it will.

Williams are the new Minardi, at the back of the grid with no hope of getting any further ahead this season. And Kubica is being outqualified by the rookie team-mate.

He also finished behind George Russell, and was lapped three times before the race ended.

 

 

THE UGLY

CHARLES LECLERC

Got a decent taste of his life at Ferrari ahead at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix.

Outqualified by Vettel in Q3, after a decent showing of beating him in Q1 and Q2. 

Had a decent race, which included running wide at turn 1, but has been nominated for the ugly category for his late charge up to the back of Vettel and subsequent falling back from the German. It appears as if the team had intervened, and for the new Ferrari driver that must be concerning if they are playing the team order game this early into the season.

 

 

2019 F1 SEASON ULTIMATE 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 GBU Win / Podium Fastest Laps Pole/Front Row Outqual Outraced Avoidable Accident Start Best Rest
Valtteri Bottas 8 2 3 1 1   1      
Lewis Hamilton 5   2   2 1        
Max Verstappen 5 1 2     1 1      
Kevin Magnussen 3 1         1     1
Nico Hulkenberg 3 1       1 1      
Lando Norris 3 1       1 1      
George Russell 3 1       1 1      
Kimi Raikkonen 2         1 1      
Lance Stroll 2 1         1      
Romain Grosjean 2         1       1
Sebastian Vettel 1 -1       1 1      
Daniil Kvyat 1           1      
Sergio Perez 1         1        
Alexander Albon 1         1        
Antonio Giovinazzi 0                  
Carlos Sainz Jnr 0 -1             1  
Charles Leclerc -1 -1                
Pierre Gasly -1 -1                
Robert Kubica -1 -1                
Daniel Ricciardo -3 -2           -1    

POINT SCORING

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.

 

 

FPL Week 31 Preview – The Own Goal

By
Theydon Bois
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0

ollowing on from our semi popular Premier League predictions, we offer our weekly EPL Fantasy preview – The Own Goal FPL Week 31.

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 31 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 31 – WHO’S HOT

Here’s a quick rundown of who is catching the eye from the midweek and beyond.

ARSENAL 

Should have beaten Spurs and be on a run of five wins straight. They are even getting points out of Henrikh Mkhitaryan lately. Handed Man Utd a first EPL loss under OGS. Got the week off now too.

MAN CITY

Six wins in a row in the League, and the 7-0 thrashing of Schalke in the Champions League is a real intent of their powers. Raheem Sterling leading the way, but behind him, the choice is hard of which one to take.

NEWCASTLE AT HOME

The Magpies are getting the job done at home, proof in their comeback win over Everton. Perez, Rondon, Almiron are really doing the job, and there are points to be had. At home. Less so away.

HARRY KANE (Spurs)

Back from injury and losing good again. Scored three goals in four weeks. Despite Spurs having a poor run of results.

SOUTHAMPTON

Two wins in three, and did very well away to Man Utd. James Ward-Prowse proving a real value buy with six goals in nine games.

 

FPL Week 31 – WHO’S NOT

FULHAM

Going down with a bit of fight thanks to new manager Scott Parker, but going down.

BURNLEY

Lost three in a row since beating Spurs, but still scored a combined three goals in those losses.

SPURS

Probably happy to have the week off after they’ve turned a potential title chase into a four way battle for the remaining for Champions League. Although, see Harry Kane above.

 

 

FPL Week 31 – Week 31 Considerations

With a load of teams missing from Week 31, it may be time to start planning. We pick a handful of players from those teams who re worth considering. The players at big clubs Liverpool and Chelsea are obvious, so we go down the table a bit. Looking down the list, of lot of these teams have quite good runs in the next few weeks.

JAMES MADDISON (Leicester) Value 6.7 – Form 4.0 – Total 103pts – Last Week 6pts

One of the best young players of the season, he has shown signs of some of coming back to his best in recent weeks. Two assists in three games, and he taking the occasional shot. A big bag O points awaits soon we feel.

Next 3 matches – Burnley A, Bournemouth H, Huddersfield A

 

YOURI TIELEMANS (Leicester) Value 6.0 – Form 5.3 – Total 22pts – Last Week 9pts

The on loan Monaco midfielder is hitting his straps, with two assists in two weeks before a first goal last weekend. It is out of Ryan Fraser and Tielemans for one of the vital FPL Week 31 spots this week. And if you can afford both, do it. The new manager bounce will wear off soon, but ride the wave of points now. Doubling up, or even tripling up for FPL Week 31 is a risk, but doable.

Next 3 matches – Burnley A, Bournemouth H, Huddersfield A

 

ASHLEY BARNES (Burnley) Value 5.7 – Form 4.3 – Total 94pts- Last Week 2pts

Scored despite Burnley going down to Crystal Palace two games ago, which made it an excellent five goals and one assist in six games. His goals had been at the heart of Burnley’s charge away from relegation. Burnley. However Burnley’s dip in form is a worry, but probably not enough to stop Barnes scoring. A decent run ahead too.

Next 3 matches – Leicester H, Wolves H, Bournemouth A

 

MIGUEL ALMIRON (Newcastle) Value 6.0 – Form 3.3 – Total 14pts – Last Week 5pts

We’re going to continue pushing the claims of the former US MLS player of the year until he produces the truckload of points he looks like he’s capable of.  Finally got an assist last weekend, but is shoeing so much more. A must include this week we feel.

Next 3 matches – Everton H, Bournemouth A,  Arsenal A

 

DAVID BROOKS (Bournemouth) Value 1.3 – Form 0.5  Total 99pts – Last Week 3pts

Bournemouth are looking better, and have a few games at home where they are infinitely stronger. Brooks has been one of the best young recruits in 2018-19, and has been some decent FPL value as well. Not quite as good as Ryan Fraser, but to justify spending a little to strengthen the team elsewhere. Is coming back from injury which explains the very low recent form.

Next 3 matches – Newcastle H, Leicester A, Burnley H

 

RYAN FRASER (Bournemouth) Value 6.2 – Form 5.0   Total 141pts – Last Week 13pts

Ryan Fraser is back to his best position in our opinion, and that combined with the return of Callum Wilson has led to FPL point scoring gold. With the decent run of fixtures for Bournemouth and Fraser’s season long form on the whole, Fraser is well worth picking up for FPL Week 31, and holding onto.

Next 3 matches – Newcastle H, Leicester A, Burnley H

 

CALLUM WILSON (Bournemouth) Value 6.4 – Form 2.8   Total 125pts – Last Week 11pts

Back from injury and back in the goals. One of the best cheap strikers this season has been well worth the investment when fit. Bournemouth have a great run of fixtures now, so not only one for FPL Week 31, but beyond.

Next 3 matches – Newcastle H, Leicester A, Burnley H

 

ROBERT SNODGRASS (West Ham) Value 5.0 – Form 4.0  Total 77pts – Last Week 2pts

We think highly of Robert Snodgrass, having included him in our team recently, and he did well against Newcastle and Fulham at home in their last few home games, and Huddersfield could be great for him to get in the points again. Two assists in two games at home. We’ll back him to make it three.

Next 3 matches – Huddersfield H, Everton H, Chelsea A

 

DECLAN RICE (West Ham) Value 4.7 – Form 5.0   Total 80pts – Last Week 1pt

Declan Rice has caught the eye of English football selectors and FPL enthusiasts and is a great cheap option in this half-effort of Week 31. Scored a goal and 15points against Newcastle two games ago, and they are playing Huddersfield at home. The Terriers have only scored eight times in 14 games, so a clean sheet is a real possibility, as is more contributions at the other end too.

Next 3 matches – Huddersfield H, Everton H, Chelsea A

 

GYLFI SIGURDSSON (Everton)  Value 7.3 – Form 7.0  Total 140pts – Last Week 2pts

Followers of Gylfi cashed in a few weeks ago with a two goal haul against Cardiff, but that big haul only happens every four to five matches. Still, he is quality, and Everton are showing a bit of backbone lately. Although their Week 31 clash against Chelsea is a turn off. As are their next two fixtures after that.

You could also take Richarlisson, however his second half season slump makes him less reliable. His value of 6.5 might tempt a few.

Next 3 matches – Chelsea H, West Ham A, Arsenal H

 

ALEXSANDR MITROVIC / RYAN SESSEGNON / TOM CAIRNEY (Fulham) 

All these players are on in Week 31, and are the only three Fulham ever worth considering in our opinion. Yes, they are playing in Week 31, but they are playing Liverpool. That of course doesn’t pre-determined them to a big defeat, but it does make it hard to see any of them scoring points. And their run after that doesn’t get better with Man City, Watford, Everton.

But new manager Scott Parker saw them to a fair result and good performance against Chelsea in Week 29, so maybe there is the danger of the new manager bounce. Mitrovic might not be a bad choice for a backup striker.

Leicester A, Liverpool H, Man City H

 

FPL Week 31 – CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN

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

It’s either Mo Salah v Sadio Mane as Liverpool take on Fulham.

Or there’s always Eden Hazard who plays Everton away.

For left field choices there is the Cherries duo of Callum Wilson or Ryan Fraser.

For a safer left field choice, why not Felipe Anderson for West Ham at home to Huddersfield.

Jamie Vardy is is in a nice goal scoring run, so worth a consideration as well.

Our selection – Mo Salah – good form but not scoring points, but scores more goals away than Mane. Or Felipe Anderson, if we had him.

 

FPL Week 31 – 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 31 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.

THE RUN HOME….

fpl week 31 remaining fixtures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIFFICULTY RATING OF REMAINING GAMES

fpl week 31 difficulty ratings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOME v AWAY GOALS % – Min 10 Goals

premier league week 31 - goal scored home and away

Premier League Predictions Week 31 – Gurgler v Gossip

By
Theydon Bois
-
1
20-21 Premier League Predictions Week 32 & Stats Preview

Time for a half-arsed week of Premier League football, so we present our half-arsed Premier League Predictions Week 31.

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 gossip rate of each region in the UK.

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

 

Premier League Predictions Week 31 – Gurgler v Gossip

TIPS BACKGROUND: It’s Week 31 of the Premier League, and since there’s only five teams in a half-hearted round of football, we have responded with tips based on how much each UK region/city gossips.

We found stats below which has a gossip rate out of 10 people. So to find a winner we say that the town/city that gossips worse will lose, as their fans are likely to gossip more and de-stabilize the team. 

Link to stats here.

PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 31 – Gossip Rates in the UK

Gossip per 10 people in brackets.

BOURNEMOUTH (4.49) to beat Newcastle (5.34)
BURNLEY (4.96) to beat Leicester (5.18)
WEST HAM (4.88) to beat Huddersfield (5.03)
FULHAM (4.88) to beat Liverpool (4.89)
CHELSEA (4.88) to beat Everton (4.89)

 

GURGLER PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 31

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

BOURNEMOUTH to beat Newcastle (3-2)
LEICESTER To beat Burnley (2-1)
WEST HAM to beat Huddersfield (3-0)
LIVERPOOL to beat Fulham( 6-1)
CHELSEA to beat Everton (2-0)

 

 

Premier League Predictions Week 31 Mini Match by Match Preview

Here’s a quick run down of every game for Week 31, with a barely interesting stat included for those inclined.

BOURNEMOUTH v NEWCASTLE

Kick Off: Saturday 3:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Newcastle 2 Bournemouth 1

Callum Wilson returns, Ryan Fraser is back to his best position, and all of a sudden Bournemouth looked great last weekend, and away from home. Their first win on the road in 9 games. Their home form is more impressive with the Cherries holding the 7th best record at home.. And beating Chelsea 4-0 also  helps the club.

Newcastle on the road has seen just the two victories, but they are now in form at home, so perhaps some of that will rub off onto their road trips. 

We are still waiting for bags and bags of goals from Miguel Almiron, and he will no doubt deliver this weekend. Or soon.

It is amazing to see that these two teams are now next to each other in the table, given how badly Newcastle were struggling earlier in the season, and how Bournemouth looked at times. A Newcastle win will see them swap places.

Barely Interesting Fact: Both sides seem to keep themselves in games at half time with Bournemouth only being behind once at home this season, and Newcastle have only been behind twice at half time on the road despite winning only twice,

 

BURNLEY v LEICESTER

Kick Off: Saturday 3:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Leicester 0 Burnley 0

Burnley have responded to their win over Spurs with three straight losses, dragging themselves right in the mix for relegation. They currently sit 17th and are just two points above the drop. They did quite well against Liverpool last weekend, giving them a real scare in the end. Ashley Barnes has scored five times in the last seven games, and is just one goal away from joining the double figure club.

Talking of goals, Jamie Vardy continues his great post manager sacking goal scoring feats. Having scored six goals in five games after Ranieri’s sacking, he has scored four goals in three games since Claude Puel was moved on. He also has the second strike rate for away goals of the players who have scored 10 or more goals. 63% of Vardy’s goals come on the road – only Lukaku at 66% is higher.

Barely Interesting Fact: Leicester have only failed to score once on the road this season.

 

WEST  HAM v HUDDERSFIELD

Kick Off: Saturday 3:00pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Huddersfield 1 West Ham 1

West Ham are wonderfully hard to follow form wise, just when you think they are on a run it will swing the other way. Their recent last six form might read 2W 2D 2L, but in amongst that were a great draw at home to Liverpool, and a narrow loss to Manchester City away. Really only last weekend’s loss to Cardiff was a poor result.

The Hammers are unbeaten at home in their last five, their opponents Huddersfield have won once on the road this season, and that was nine games ago.

It’s a matter of when not if Huddersfield will go down, and they have shown some fight recently, hopefully allowing Bournemouth a rare away win last weekend will not be the turning point where Huddersfield give up a little a become late season fodder.

Barely Interesting Fact: West Ham haven’t conceded a goal against Huddersfield at home since 1971. OK, so it is only four games ago but still, barely interesting.

 

FULHAM v LIVERPOOL

Kick Off: Sunday 2:15pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Liverpool 2 Fulham 0

Liverpool are coming into the match on the back of completing a clean sweep of English teams progressing in the Champions League, and after beating a team of Bayern’s stature 3-1 away, you worry for Fulham. It could be any old score.

New Fulham manager Scott Parker hasn’t stopped the losses, but nor was he probably expected to with their run. They as doomed as Huddersfield, and have Manchester City, Watford and Everton to play in the next three weeks.

You get the feeling that Mo Salah is playing well without getting the goals, and a Fulham defence might just be the kind of game to get going again.

Barely Interesting Fact: Fulham did the double over Liverpool in 2011/12.

 

EVERTON v CHELSEA

Kick Off: Sunday 4:30pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Chelsea 0 Everton 0

The paltry offerings of Premier League Week 31 finishes off with what should be a decent game with Chelsea looking to keep alive in the race for fourth place. They are currently in the worst place of all the contenders , sixth and four points from third placed Spurs, but they do have a game in hand and beating Everton would draw them level with fourth placed Arsenal.

It looks like the Sarri sacking rumours have been taken over with the Eden Hazard to Real Madrid rumours, as what happens at this time most years. Chelsea are still alive in the Europa League, so do get a second chance for the Champions League next season.

Everton have been decent recently with an away win at Cardiff and home draw to Liverpool happening before their recent clash at Newcastle, where they led 2-0 but couldn’t hold on. As easy to pick as a nose with a broken finger, it is best left up to the imagination what the result here would be.

Barely Interesting Fact: Chelsea’s record at Goodison Park isn’t as great as you’d think, just three wins at Everton in 10 Premier League matches. And the last two games have been 0-0 against Everton.

 

Premier League Predictions Week 31 Stats and Stuff

Here’s a quick bits and pieces of the various stats we found.

LAST 6 FORM v SEASON POINTS PER GAME

Team Form v Season
Cardiff 161%
Crystal Palace 152%
Newcastle United 147%
Manchester City 122%
Burnley 117%
Southampton 117%
Watford 116%
Manchester United 112%
Arsenal 108%
Huddersfield 107%
West Ham 103%
Brighton 103%
Wolves 102%
Chelsea 85%
Liverpool 82%
Leicester 79%
Tottenham 57%
Everton 54%
Bournemouth 54%
Fulham 0%

GOALS SCORED HOME / AWAY (More than 10 Goals Scored)

premier league week 31 - goal scored home and away

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE RUN HOME

fpl week 31 remaining fixtures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018-2019 Premier League Tipping Competition Results

THE GURGLER

2018-2019 Tipping Results – 155/299 – 52% – (17 Correct Scores)

Last Week Tipping Results –  4/10

Best – 7/10 Week 1, 3, 4, 7, 15, 25

 

OPPOSITION

2018-2019 Results – 138/299 – 46%

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

 

Alternative NRL Round 1 Predictions and Preview – Gurgler v Round 1 Form

By
Max Layne
-
5

Welcome to the Kick to Come – a preview of the rugby league weekend ahead, our alternative preview plus NRL Round 1 predictions.

Want more Haiku in your life? Feel the need for poetry and rugby league to collide? Or interested in NRL Round 1 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 11 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 1 Predictions and Preview awaits.

 

 

NRL ROUND 1 PREDICTIONS – GURGLER PREDICTIONS

MELBOURNE to beat Brisbane by 4pts
SHARKS to beat Newcastle by 6pts
ROOSTERS to beat Rabbitohs by 10pts
BULLDOGS to beat Warriors by 12pts
WESTS TIGERS to beat Manly by 4pts
COWBOYS to beat Dragons by 20pts
PENRITH to beat Parramatta by 12pts
TITANS to beat Canberra by 2pts

 

NRL ROUND 1 PREDICTIONS – OPPONENT PREDICTIONS

BACKGROUND FOR TIPS – Easy, who has the best 1st round win % is more likely to win in the first round, so gets the tip over the team with the lower %.

MELBOURNE (90%) to beat Broncos (67%)
NEWCASTLE (62%) to beat Sharks (40%)
ROOSTERS (67%) to beat Rabbitohs (42%)
BULLDOGS (43%) to beat Warriors (20%)
WESTS TIGERS (63%) to beat Manly (29%)
COWBOYS (45%) to beat Dragons (40%)
EELS (52%) to beat Penrith (33%)
TITANS (53%) to beat Canberra (45%)

 

 

NRL ROUND 1 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 – MELBOURNE STORM v BRISBANE BRONCOS

Head to Head since 1998 – Storm 32 Broncos 13
Last Season: Brisbane 20  Melbourne 34 – Melbourne 32  Brisbane 16

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Coaching circus ends
Broncos end with better deal
Against grumpy man.

SIDE INTERESTS

We were hoping to say Scott Drinkwater at fullback, but he was injured during the pre season, so the excellent Jahrome Hughes gets the first crack at the number 1 for 2019. He can be an excitement machine too.

Jack Bird’s return to the side, we’ll see if he is worth the hype and cost in 2019. There’s no doubting the value of his centre partner.

Broncos’ young gun forward interchange – David Fifita, Tevita Pangai Jnr, Tom Flegler.

Will Cameron Smith ask for the game’s result to be corrected to a Melbourne win if they lose to a controversial golden point penalty?

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Melbourne have the best Round 1 win % at a very healthy 90%. Broncos haven’t played a Round 1 fixture on anything other than a Thursday or Friday night since 2008. Barely interesting and certainly not surprising.

BEST BET

Either team to win by 8 points or less @ $2.10

 

FRI 6:00pm – NEWCASTLE KNIGHT v CRONULLA SHARKS

Head to Head since 1998: Newcastle 20 Sharks 18
Last Season: Newcastle 10  Sharks 48 – Sharks 38  Newcastle 12

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Off season from hell
Sharks ready to bite round one
Ponga switch takes time

SIDE INTERESTS

After a few underwhelming performances (after some possibly unfair high expectations) we can’t wait to see Kalyn Ponga at five eighth.

After an ordinary off-season, the Sharks response will be interesting, and given the amount of fired up individuals 

Is this the year that Gallen has jumped the shark. Pardon the pun.

It is hard to believe that the Warriors could discard Shaun Johnson so easily. He must be a bit more difficult than he appears or maybe he isn’t as great as we think. We’ll see how he goes in blue.

David Klemmer.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

The Sharks won this fixture by a combined 64 points in 2018.

BEST BET

Sharks +2.5 start @ $1.69

 

FRI 7:50pm – ROOSTERS v RABBITOHS

Head to Head since 1998 – Roosters 26 Rabbitohs 12
Last Season: Roosters 12  South Sydney 4 – Roosters 14  South Sydney 26 – South Sydney 14  Roosters 18

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Roosters back to back?
Better believe that they can.
A sombrero helps

SIDE INTERESTS

Greg Inglis v Latrell Mitchell – the passing of the flame between one of the greats and one soon to be. Perhaps it better be a gas lit flame if Mitchell is up to his evading best, the rushing wind might extinguish it.

Angus Crichton will look weird in Roosters colours, but we have had over 15 months to prepare.

Josh Morris doing a Cooper Cronk and enjoying his twilight years in Roosters colours.

Can the Burgess brothers hold onto the ball.

Cody Walker – always a joy to watch.

Will Adam Reynolds vary from his standard bomb on the fifth tackle?

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Souths and the Roosters have met 13 times in Round 1 since 1998.

BEST BET

Cody Walker to score anytime @ $4

 

SAT 3:00pm – NZ WARRIORS v BULLDOGS

Head to Head since 1998 – Bulldogs 18 Warriors 15
Last Season – Bulldogs 27 Warriors 26

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

NZ Warriors
Are like a box of chocolates
Dogs to make them pay

SIDE INTERESTS

Can they do it without Shaun Johnson?
How will his replacement Adam Keighran go?
Is Stephen Kearney really that great a coach?
When will the Warriors season implode?
Will we ever find what the Jazz is all about?
How does Dylan Napa play after his tumultuous summer.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Bulldogs have a 56% winning strike rate in NZ based on Warriors away games, and home games they have taken across the Tasman.

BEST BET

David Fusitua to score 2 Tries or more @ $4.50.

 

SAT 5:30pm – WESTS TIGERS v MANLY SEA EAGLES

Head to Head since 1998 – Manly 15 Wests Tigers 12
Last Season: Manly 12  Wests Tigers 38  —  Wests Tigers 22  Manly  20

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Manly popular
Like current  sitting member
Tigers ready to maul

SIDE INTERESTS

Can Benji Marshall continue to work his magic like last season?
Paul Momirovski in new colours.
Martin Taupau – an action man.
Are Manly going to be busted arse without Tom Trbojevic

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Wests Tigers have won six of the last seven home games v Manly. Tigers also did the double over Manly last season.

BEST BET

Wests Tigers to win @ $1.65

 

SAT 7:30pm – NORTH QLD COWBOYS  v ST GEORGE ILLWARRA DRAGONS

Head to Head since 1998 – Cowboys 15 Dragons 15
Last Season – North Queensland 10  St George Illawarra 24

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

No Thurston today
Michael Morgan up against
Broncos reject halves

SIDE INTERESTS

A fit Michael Morgan raring to go, and will his new no Thurston responsibility.
How the last minute Broncos switchers get on in their new colours.
Nene McDonald, there’s not nearly enough PNG Internationals getting a go in the NRL.
Corey Norman and Ben Hunt – It could be a masterstroke or a massive failure.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

The Dragons have only played in Townsville three times since 2009. Last season was their only win of those three.

BEST BET

North Qld win @ $1.78

 

 

SUN 3:00pm – PENRITH PANTHERS v PARRAMATTA EELS

Head to Head since 1998 – Penrith 19 Parramatta 19
Last Season – Parramatta 6  Penrith 12  —  Penrith 24  Parramatta 14

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Sunday afternoon
Two Sydney teams in battle
Channel Nein of course

SIDE INTERESTS

Let’s see if Ivan Cleary was/is worth all the hype.
Parramatta’s new five eighth Dylan Brown.
Parramatta’s incumbent lock Nathan Brown.
Blake Ferguson doing stuff – good and bad.

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Penrith have won the last seven matches in a row between these sides on a Sunday. 

BEST BET

Mansour to score anytime @ $1.91

 

SUN 5:00pm – GOLD COAST TITANS v CANBERRA RAIDERS

Head to Head since 1998 – Gold Coast 12 Canberra 12
Last Season – Canberra 32  Gold Coast 18 — Gold Coast 30  Canberra 28

MATCH PREVIEW HAIKU

Two forgotten teams.
In Australian sports graveyard
Titans peak early?

SIDE INTERESTS

AJ Brimson in his new bench role.
Tyrone Peachey in his new club.
Can Bryce Cartwright rediscover the magic.
Will we get an early season Ricky Stuart spray?

BARELY INTERESTING FACT

Canberra have won two of the last three on the Gold Coast.

BEST BET

Titans to win @ $1.85

 

 

Round 2 Intrust Super Cup Predictions + Preview

By
Max Layne
-
0

Week two of the new Intrust Super Cup season is here, and we offer up our Round 2 Intrust Super Cup Round preview with our fearless predictions.

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.

If you want to find out about our thoughts on Round 1 then follow this link.

If you need a full season preview – we have you covered here with our 2019 Intrust Super Cup preview.

If you don’t yet have an Intrust Super Cup team, then take our Personality Quiz.

And the TV game is thankfully back to Sunday afternoon. Where it belongs.

 

ROUND 2 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 tips below, and submit your via our Twitter or Facebook page.

BRENDAN O’FARRELL (CEO of Intrust Super)

BURLEIGH BEARS to beat Ipswich Jets
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS to beat Sunshine Coast Falcons
EASTS TIGERS to beat Norths Devils
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES to beat Mackay Cutters
CENTRAL CAPRAS to beat Wynnum Seagulls
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS to beat Tweed Heads Seagulls
NORTHERN PRIDE to beat PNG Hunters

SEASON PROGRESS 3/7

THE GURGLER’s TIPS (Us) 

BURLEIGH BEARS to beat Ipswich JEts
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS to beat Sunshine Coast Falcons
NORTHS DEVILS to beat Easts Tigers
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES to beat Mackay Cutters
WYNNUM SEAGULLS to beat Central Capras
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS to beat Tweed Heads Seagulls
NORTHERN PRIDE to beat PNG Hunters

SEASON PROGRESS 4/7

Follow our weekly Twitter post to add your selections.

The Gurgler Twitter Feed

 

 

ROUND 2 INTRUST SUPER CUP – MINI PREVIEW

Here’s a quick rundown on our thoughts for all of the games this weekend.

The full Team Lists for Round 2 can be found at the QRL Website.

 

BURLEIGH BEARS v IPSWICH JETS
Saturday 4:00pm

The Intrust Super Cup Round 2 kicks off at Pizzey Park between two sides who lost in Round 1. The Bears went down in a close one to Norths at Bishop Park, while Ipswich were well beaten at home by the Townsville Blackhawks.

Some positives out of the Round 1 losses for both sides, that the Bears try scoring machine from last season – Troy Leo – continued his fine form with two tries at Bishop Park. And for Ipswich Josh Cleeland was a positive, even if it didn’t quite end in victory for the Jets.

Perhaps it was the heat, but the Jets ran out of steam last weekend against Townsville, and Burleigh are quite a similar side that could cause quite similar problems this weekend.

2018: R13 – Ipswich 20 Burleigh 42
Betting: N/A

 

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS v SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
Saturday 6:00pm

The James Ackerman Cup will be played on Saturday evening, Ackerman having represented both clubs with distinction before his untimely passing.

Redcliffe went down to the Northern Pride last weekend, coincidentally becoming the first reigning premier to lose their first game of the season since the Northern Pride failed to win in 2015 after their premiership the year before. They did win both of these fixtures last season, but as ever in the Intrust Super Cup, there has been plenty of player movement and changing fortunes.

The Falcons got home last weekend on the back of perfect goal kicking, having scored four tries to Wynnum’s five. The 74th minute try to Sam Burns getting them home alongside 4/4 conversions and one penalty goal.

Going through the team lists, the Falcons backline reads as one of the competition’s best, with former NRL players, Internationals, and plenty of real potential, all waiting for their chance in the Storm NRL talent factory.  

2018: R11 – Sun Coast 4 Redcliffe 26  —  R25 – Redcliffe 45 Sun Coast 16

 

NORTHS DEVILS v EASTS TIGERS
Saturday 6:00pm

Two classic Brisbane based clubs meet at a classic Brisbane venue in Bishop Park after opening their season with good wins in Round 1.

Norths continued their good recent record over Burleigh by holding on against the Bears after getting out to a big lead early in the second half. Exciting news for the Devils was the form of PNG International Nixon Putt. The former PNG Hunter made the big move to Brisbane for the 2019 season, and it appears that he will pick up where he left off from a very successful 2018. PEehaps he will get that NRL chance that is long overdue for a PNG Hunters forward, that has passed his former teammates by. Especially Willie Minoga.

Easts took care of the Mackay Cutters last weekend, possibly proving two things for the season ahead. One is that the Tigers will always be a factor, even more so in 2019 where the top six is now a top eight. Secondly that Mackay might not have a great 2019 but won’t be easybeats either.

At least in this game the poor goalkicking didn’t cost the Tigers a win like their rivals Wynnum on the Sunshine Coast last weekend.

Norths should be wary of the 46-12 home thumping they received last year by Easts.

2018: R8 – Easts 16 Norths 18  —  R20 – Norths 12 Easts 46

 

MACKAY CUTTERS v SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Saturday 6:00pm

Two sides meet who were on the ends of first round losses last weekend. 

Whilst Mackay were probably always going to struggle at Langlands against the Tigers, especially after losing Carlin Anderson, the Magpies lost convincingly at home to the Cental Capras.

Souths Logan had been fancied by a few as a side to go places in 2019, but losing to the Capras first up makes you wonder whether their disastrous set of results in the second half of last season has left a legacy at the club, despite new signings.

Mackay will be bullish about their chances, given the Magpies didn’t enjoy playing central Queensland opposition last weekend. But surely the Magpies depth will make a difference soon. Having a look at their bench they have the perfect mix of up and coming potential NRL talent, and the record holder for appearances in Phil Dennis, who is always a pleasure to watch him weave his magic.

2018: R11 – Souths Logan 42 Mackay 30  —  R24 – Mackay 14 Souths Logan 22 

 

CENTRAL CAPRAS v WYNNUM SEAGULLS
Saturday 7:00pm

Central Capras handed out the upset of the first weekend with 36-14 win at Davies Park over the Magpies, and they will fancy themselves to double up against a visiting Brisbane based side in the last of a big night of five Intrust Super Cup Round 2 games on Saturday.

The win by the Capras underlined their excellent early season form in general, as they have lost just one of their opening fixtures in the past five seasons. hopefully this year they can kick on. And oh yes, Dave Taylor did play and contributed to the Cutters victory.

Wynnum should have beaten the Sunshine Coast last weekend, outscoring them five tries to four, bad goalkicking being the difference in the two competition points. On a positive note was the first game in the green and red of Wynnum for former PNG Hunter Edene Gebbie who provided plenty in attack as expected. The Seagulls may have stumbled on some potential gold if some of the small defensive deficiencies can be ironed out. Promising start though.

2018: R8 – Central 14  Wynnum 24  

 

TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS v TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
Sunday 12:10pm
TV GAME

The Townsville Blackhawks feature on Sunday afternoon TV for the second weekend in a row. But who could blame them for not loving Piggabeen and the Townsville Blackhawks form they showed against Ipswich.

Tweed Heads too kicked their season off in style with a win over PNG Hunters 10-0. They also achieved a feat no other team has managed since the PNG Hunters arrival in 2014 – held them PNG side to nil.

They’ll be doing well to defeat the Blackhawks, whose side is so full of quality that Shaun Nona can only get onto the interchange bench. They did well against Ipswich last weekend, and find themselves a long way from home for the second weekend run. Townsville have had some big wins over the Tweed in recent seasons.

 

PNG HUNTERS v NORTHERN PRIDE
Sunday 3:00pm

Not a great result for the PNG Hunters last weekend, losing to nil for the first time since entering the competition, but a silver lining is that one of the Hunters weapons of strong defence remains as the 10 points conceded was the third lowest by any side – only behind Townsville and of course Tweed Heads.

Much change in the Hunters line up, and not only the quantity but the quality. Losing the Boas brothers, Willie Minoga among other overseas, alongside those who performed quite well for their new Intrust Super Cup sides was always going to be hard to cover straight away.

Don’t rule out that there’s some undiscovered gold that will come out of the Hunters side soon, but patience will be required.

That patience will probably need to extend past the visit of the Northern Pride, who beat premiers Redcliffe last weekend, and will have the services of NRL ready Jake Clifford among other fringe Cowboys. They look good for another tilt at the top four and beyond.

However the Pride don’t have a great record in PNG, so perhaps that gives the Hunters something.

2018: R2 – Pride 26 PNG Hunters 14  —  R18 – PNG Hunters 18  Pride 8

 

 

 

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