We were saddened to hear the passing of Billy J Smith today, someone who qualifies under our website mission statement of celebrating the forgotten.
Billy J Smith is best known for his fine work on one of the greatest TV Shows of all time – It’s A Knockout.
It’s a Knockout was a wonderful piece of entertainment, that could only work in the 1980’s, and with Billy J Smith involved.
They tried to replicate it, but nothing beats the original in most cases, and this case.
Billy J Smith, along with Fiona McDonald provided all the commentary and interview, and it was not contrived or over the top, it was genuine commentary from people who loved their work. And why wouldn’t they.
The “He’s Fallen Over” was genuine, as was the guffaws, it was a simpler time.
But it wasn’t just all penguin suits, giants, and pillow fights above a pool, Billy J Smith was a great sports commentator, mainly on the Brisbane scene.
He was the commentator for no less a sporting event than the very first State of Origin. Although not as good as our favourite Alan “He Had the Ball Said Wally” Thomas, but it was of course still miles better than what passes for today’s work.
Talking of being better than modern-day Channel Nein, many may have forgotten that Brisbane used to have its own Footy Show on a Thursday night, and Billy J Smith was the original host. We have included a trip down memory lane courtesy of Youtube for those interested.
He went on to do a massive amount of MC work, mostly sport related, and it is in that capacity that we will end with an anecdote. about our only meeting with the great man.
We were lucky enough to win a ticket to watch the Queensland Origin side train at Langlands Park around the turn of the century. After the training session was over, there was a catered event which included a meet and greet with the Origin players, with Billy J Smith playing the ever professional MC.
Fans were given Team posters to get the athlete’s signatures, but after much consideration we decided there was only one signature we wanted as long-term It’s a Knockout fans.
Billy J Smith duly obliged, and even signed it “It’s A Knockout” along with his name at our request. What a man.
Vale Billy J Smith, we salute you.
BILLY J SMITH BEST WORK ON YOUTUBE
Why not relive some of his best work from Youtube.
A new season of Intrust Super Cup rugby league is not far away, and so we offer up our Alternative 2019 Intrust Super Cup Season Preview.
We could wax lyrical about how great following the Intrust Super Cup, and how much better the matchday experience is, with laid back ground, affordable everything, and a competition that at times is not far off the big names of the NRL.
Another source of pride following the Intrust Super Cup is seeing the recent graduation of so many from the Intrust Super Cup sides to the NRL teams in Queensland and Melbourne.
For the brightest examples look at AJ Brimson at the Titans, Jake Clifford at the Pride, and the huge group of forwards to have learned their trade at Davies Park before cementing their places with the Broncos. Throw in Jamayne Isaako, and you have a top shelf bunch of recent recruits from the Intrust Super Cup.
We should do all of that, and we will, but there’s a 2019 Intrust Super Cup Season Preview we need to get through.
There’s hopefully enough information from our 2019 Intrust Super Cup Season Preview to get you started for the season ahead.
If you don’t have a team to follow, why not take our Personality test to find yourself an Intrust Super Cup team for 2019 and beyond.
2019 Intrust Super Cup Season General Points of Interest
The 2019 Intrust Super Cup Season will see a top eight introduced for the finals series for the first time. It will follow the NRL model.
TV Broadcast games have moved back to Sunday – where they belong – as Channel Nein decide probably worked out here’s no point covering something that no one can watch.
Fox Sports will help out with the broadcasting of the finals series, so fans can see more than one game at the sharp end of the season.
You can actually see the PNG Hunters on TV this season, unlike the pisspoor effort in 2018, in Round 15 the Hunters game in Cairns is televised.
2019 Intrust Super Cup Season Preview – Team by Team
Here is our rundown of each team ahead of the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season. For something completely different, this year we have put them in geographic order from north to south.
Sure we will miss the players we have grown to love, especially Willie Minoga, but in their place come an exciting new batch of potential new favourites. Mostly continuing the great work from the PNG Hunters previously by promoting local talent from their national competition.
Some may remember Bland Abavu as regular of the PNG Hunters in previous season, including the 2017 grand final winning side. He is the big name of the ins for the Hunters for the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season. But it’s more about name you don’t know, and our one we’re keeping an eye on for the new season is Joe Joshua.
In the absence of the Boas brother creativity in the halves, Charlie Simon – who was impressive at times in 2018 will likely take over as the main man in the halves. He has the quality to do cover for the Boas brothers, but the big mystery is whether there’s a superstar or two in the new recruits. We hope there is, and more.
Trials Form: Anthony Seibold sadly cancelled a planned trial against a Broncos side. Trials Form: The Hunters were involved in a tri series against some Digicel Cup sides. A win and a draw were the results from the half games.
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Gairo Kapana, Epel Kapinias (Rabaul Gurias), Shane Haro, Kevin Appo (Pom Vipers), Joe Joshua, Junior Rop (Lae Tigers), Daniel Tapol, Jerry Teme (Hela Wigmen), Brendon Nima, Nick Hasu (Goroka Lahanis), Joe Frank (Waghi Tumbe), Woods Kawage (Enga Mioks), Rex Kaupa (Southern Confederate), Justin Yoka, Jordon Pat (Highlands Confederate), Bland Abavu (Fassifern Bombers), Jack Oii (PRL).
LOSSES: Stargroth Amean, Wartovo Puara, Willie Minoga (Barrow Raiders), Ase Boas, Watson Boas, Thompson Teteh (Featherstone Rovers), Rahdly Brawa, Edene Gebbie (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Brendon Gotuno (Penrith Panthers), Adam Korave, Muka Peter Kulu, Junior Bobby, Clyde Name, John Andy, Julius Yakopa, Silas Gahuna (Released), Nixon Putt (Norths Devils).
NORTHERN PRIDE
2018 Result: 4th – Knocked out first week of finals
2019 Premiership Odds: $26
The Northern Pride enter a new season without the fanfare / circus of a former NRL badboy in 2019, and whilst that will not be a loss for 2019, the potential loss of Jake Clifford to the Cowboys for NRL duty will certainly make a difference.
But maybe not. The Northern Pride have done some very shrewd recruitment for the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season, notably Brayden Torpy from Easts, who is more than capable of picking up where Jake Clifford may leave behind. Brayden Torpy has been outstanding for the Easts Tigers, and he arrives with his brother Cameron in a double deal for 2019. Another name recruit for 2019 is former NRL and Super League player Maurice Blair, who will add plenty of experience into the Pride.
The Cairns based Pride lost a few of their regular quality contributors in recent seasons to retirement for 2019, but the remains of the side that finished 4th in 2018, together with their new recruits should prove to be a unit that are hard to beat in 2019. Their first up trial win over pre season favourite Townsville proves they are ready to battle right at the top this season.
Trials Form: Sat 16th – Northern Pride 18 Cairns Foley Shield Team 12
Trials Form: Sat 23rd Feb – Northern Pride 28 Townsville 10
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Maurice Blair (Hull Kingston Rovers), Evan Child, Steven Tatipata (Northern Pride U20s), Matolu Laumea (Innisfail Leprechauns), Hugh Sedger, Denzel King (Ipswich Jets), Dominic Biondi (Norths Devils), Cameron Torpy (Canterbury Bulldogs), Brayden Torpy (Easts Tigers)
LOSSES: Ryan Ghietti, Brett Anderson, Troy Kapea, Nathan Wales, Graham Clark, Justin Castellaro, Sheldon Powe-Hobbs (Retired), Keelan White (Released), Jonico Hardwick (Rugby Union), Darryn Schonig (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
TOWNSVILLE BLACKHAWKS
2018 Result: 3rd – knocked out 1st week of finals
2019 Premiership Odds: $5.00 (favourites)
The Townsville Blackhawks have been super competitive since their entry into the Intrust Super Cup in 2015, they secured the minor premiership in their first season and were beaten grand finalists. They haven’t missed a finals series since, yet despite finishing 3rd twice with arguably one of the strongest squads in the competition, another grand final hasn’t come. 2019 is here, and the Blackhawks have another strong squad, and with the Cowboys looking as strong as ever, Townsville should be top six contenders and above again.
Some interesting players movements for the upcoming season in both directions. Premiership winning Shaun Nona heads back up north after his stint at Wynnum didn’t quite work out. His last stint in North Queensland ended in a premiership for the Northern Pride in 2014. Throw in Kyle Laybutt and Josh Chudleigh and they have a promising spine for the upcoming season.
On the downside they have lost the experience of Zac Dockar-Clay, and the speed of Jonathon Reuben amongst a steady stream of exits. But one of their big assets Dan Beasley remains to lead the pack.
Other points of interest for the 2019 season is a new coach in former hooker Aaron Payne who replaces foundation coach Kristian Woolf. The Blackhawks team also features Chippie Korostchuk – who is the leading try scorer for the Polish international rugby league team.
After the town’s recent flooding disaster, who wouldn’t begrudge Townsville a little on field success and joy in 2019.
Trials: Sat 23rd Feb – Northern Pride 28 Townsville 10
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Shaun Nona (Brisbane Broncos / Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Sam Hoare, Kyle Laybutt, Shaun Hudson, Josh Chudleigh (North Queensland Cowboys), Chippy Korostchuk, Ryan Lloyd, Nathan Trail, Michael Parker-Walshe (TDRL)
LOSSES: Andrew Davey (Parramatta Eels), Zac Dockar-Clay (Blacktown Workers), Jonathon Reuben (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Sam Foster (Easts Tigers), Jordan Kenworthy, David Munro, Ross Bella, Paul Byrnes, Brendan Santi (Sydney), Ty Carucci (Townsville Brothers), Davin Crampton (Western Lions), Jordan Drew (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
MACKAY CUTTERS
2018 Result: 14th and last.
2019 Premiership Odds: $34.00
Mackay won just four games in 2018, and have lost two of their better players to other Intrust Super Cup sides for the upcoming. Nicho Hynes and Jordan Grant have departed, and despite picking up some good talent from the Blackhawks and a few new names from overseas, it is hard to see the kind of improvement that will take them into the top six this season.
The most interesting of the incoming for Mackay in 2019 is the powerhouse forward Sala Falelua-Malio from the Mt Albert Lions in New Zealand, who could provide some real muscle up front for the Cutters. Also flying into Mackay are recruits from the recently relegated Widnes Vikings in the UK Super League Alex Gerrard and Lloyd White. Both have over 100 games of experience from the UK top competition. These three could make up a great front row for Mackay.
Will they and the other newcomers counter the losses of arguably their best and most promising player Nicho Hynes? They still have Cooper Bambling in the ranks and as captain in 2019, who provides plenty of quality for Mackay.
One side interest is that the new Cutters jersey looks pretty cool, and their logo remains one of the most threatening of logos.
Trial Form: Sat 23rd Feb Capras 34 Mackay 10
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Paul Byrnes, Ross Bella, Dave Munro, Jordan Kenworthy (Townsville Blackhawks), Marcus Jensen (Townsville Brothers), Otto Wrakonei (Easts Rugby Canberra), Jarrod Brakenhofer (Cootamundra Bulldogs), Tyler Gardiner (Mackay Magpies), Alex Gerrard, Lloyd White (Widnes Vikings), Sala Falelua-Malio (Mt Albert Lions)
LOSSES: Aaron Booth, Bennett Leslie (Easts Tigers), Nicho Hynes, Nathan Saumalu (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Nick Brown, Jordan Grant (Redcliffe Dolphins), Jack Joass (Souths Magpies), Darcy Cox, Jesse Dee, Jared Maguire (MDRL), Tom Murphy, Lona Kaifoto, Johnny Faletagoa’I, Bailey Hartwig, Leoanti Fetuani (Released)
CENTRAL CAPRAS
2018 Result: 13th
2019 Premiership Odds: $51
The Capras managed to avoid the wooden spoon in 2018, handing that to their nearest rivals in Mackay, but it looks like the Capras will be battling towards the lower half of the table again in 2019.
Like Mackay with Nicho Hynes, Central have lost arguably their most promising player in Connor Broadhurst to another Intrust Super Cup club, which will certainly hurt their chances of improvement in 2019. Zeik Foster is also another key loss for the Rockhampon based side.
They do however still have one Dave “Coaltrain” Taylor on their books, who despite not being at his NRL best, still has plenty to offer a club like the Capras. He will surely be determined to make some rugby league highlights shows for his on field contributions, rather than being joke fodder for a few jerks on a Sunday on mainstream media. Their ignorance and woefully self-centred apologies afterwards still irks this contributor, who has long given up on gleaning anything useful from national FTA rugby league broadcasting.
Former Rabbitohs and Titans Eddy Pettybourne joins via France, and despite his NRL best probably being behind him, he is always one to give plenty for his side. Pettybourne and a full flight Dave Taylor could cause a bit of mischief throughout the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season. They have scored 34 points in both of their trial wins so far in 2019.
Trials Form: Sat 16th Feb Capras 34 Wynnum 32 Trials Form: Sat 23rd Feb Capras 34 Mackay 10
IN AND OUT
Gains: Bessie Aufaga To’omaga (Cronulla Sharks), George Grant (Yeppoon Seagulls), Kainoa Gudgeon (Tweed Head Seagulls) Mark Johnstone (Brothers, Rockhampton), Jack Lote (Western Lions, Townsville), Aaron Pene (St Mary’s, Penrith), Eddy Pettybourne (Toulouse, France), Matthew Wright (Manly Sea Eagles)
Losses: Connor Broadhurst (Norths Devils), David Cowhan (Retired), Zeik Foster (St George Dragons), Blake Goodman (Asquith Magpies), Jerry Key (North Sydney Bears), Brad Lupi (Norths Devils), Oliver Percy (Burleigh Bears), Peter Rogers, (Biloela Panthers), Chanel Seigafo (Victoria Rugby League).
SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS
2018 Result: 10th
2019 Premiership Odds: $5.50
It helps to have a relationship with the Melbourne Storm, and the Falcons are taking full advantage of that for 2019 with a high quality squad that look capable of bouncing back from a disappointing 2018 where they finished 10th after being losing grand finalists in 2017.
Nicho Hynes is possibly their best new name to come into the Falcons nest for 2019, the former Mackay Cutters player doing enough in a wooden spoon outfit to catch the eye of Sunshine Coast for the upcoming season. Another exciting recruit from a little further north is speed machine Jonathon Reuben from Townsville. A side that features Rueben and PNG International Justin Olam is going to have firepower capable of many wins.
Talking of internationals, Fijian international player Sitivene Moceidreke joins the falcons from the Mounties in Canberra. In Todd Murphy, Sunshine Coast have a half more than capable of replacing the outgoing Canadian International Rhys Jacks.
Other notable exits include Matt Soper-Lawler andJye Ballinger, who have been some great contributors for the Falcons in recent seasons. But a fully fit Sandor Earl should cover some of the loss of experience.
Sunshine Coast also have a new head coach for the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season with former Melbourne Storm NYC coach Eric Smith taking over from Craig Ingebrigtsen. Their second favouritism for the premiership and thumping win over Ipswich in a trial shows they are ready for the step up in 2019.
Trials Form: Sat 16th Feb – Sunshine Coast 48 Ipswich 0 Trials Form: Sun 23rd Feb – Sunshine Coast 28 Norths 16
LOSSES: Jye Ballinger (Albi Tigers), Harrison Muller, Matt Soper-Lawler (Souths Logan Magpies), Jacob Hind (Burleigh Bears), Rhys Jacks (Easts Tigers)
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
2018 Result: Minor Premiers and Premiers. Lost State Championship.
2019 Premiership Odds: $6
Redcliffe will looking to go back to back in the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season, repeating the feat that they managed in 2002 and 2003, and more recently by Wynnum in 2011/2012.
Ignoring the losses and gains list for 2019, the big news is that the Redcliffe Dolphins will be going into the 2019 season without one of their star players in Cameron Cullen, who has been ruled out for the season due to injury. The experienced and influential Cullen was one of the main reasons for Redcliffe’s success in 2018, and how they will cover that loss is going to determine their season.
The Dolphins have two very interesting signings for the 2019 season, one being Gerard McCallum, whose back story is told best by a previous article from his Easts Tigers days. Jayden Nikorima is also another eye-catching recruit, the former Rooster perching himself at Redcliffe to start afresh after an unsuccessful stint in Sydney.
Trials Form: Sat 16th Feb – Norths 12 Redcliffe 12 Trials Form: Sat 23rd Feb – Souths Logan 32 Redcliffe 24
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Jordan Grant, Nick Brown (Mackay Cutters), Faitotoa Faitotoa (Newcastle Knights), Zev John (Melbourne Storm), Gerard McCallum (Easts Tigers), Harrison Smith (Cronulla Sharks), Josh Rudolph, Raeden Fonoti (Year off)
LOSSES: Sam Anderson (Maitland Pickers), Toby Rudolf (Cronulla Sharks), Tristan Hope, Mosese Pangai, (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Josh Fauid (Easts Tigers), Curtis Johnston (North Sydney), Tom Opacic (North Queensland Cowboys), Jonus Pearson (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jake Sparey (Easts Tigers), Rinsma Saueha (Wests Panthers), Nick Slyney (Retired)
NORTHS DEVILS
2018 Result: 8th
2019 Premiership Odds: $21
Now here is a dark horse for success in 2019, the team from Nundah have done some very shrewd recruiting, and will hopefully go a little further than 2018 where they were in the top six for a large part of the season before fading late.
A big loss is the hooker Alex Bishop who has moved to the Souths Logan Magpies, but they are well covered from their 2018 squad and the new 2019 recruits.
Most exciting for us is the capture of Nixon Putt from the PNG Hunters. Nixon Put was one of the PNG Hunters better players in 2018, and you could also argue that he was one of the best in the Kumuls big win over Fiji in the mid-season international last season. Of all the players that Norths could have taken from the mass off-season exodus from the PNG Hunters, they have certainly got the right one.
Throw in Connor Broadhurst who had been outstanding for the Capras, and real Intrust Super Cup experience of Luke Archer, Shane Pumipi and Joe Bradley, and you have a good squad which can compliment the already high quality Zach Strasser, Herbie Farnsworth and Gehamat Shibasaki. The latter two having already played with the Broncos 2019 Trial teams.
There’s some serious value at $21.
Trials Form: Sat 9th Feb – Wynnum 24 Norths 40
Trials Form: Sat 16th Feb – Norths 12 Redcliffe 12 Trials Form: Sun 23rd Feb – Sunshine Coast 28 Norths 16
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Connor Broadhurst (Central Queensland Capras), Luke Archer, Brad Frith, Jordan Mago (Souths Logan Magpies), Brendan Frei (Sydney Roosters), Shane Pumipi, Joe Bradley (Redcliffe Dolphins), Brad Lupi (Central Queensland Capras), Jayden Baker (Tweed Heads Seagulls), Nixon Putt (PNG Hunters), Stedman Lefau (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Henry Penn (Newcastle Souths).
LOSSES: John Palavi (Gold Coast Titans / Tweed Heads Seagulls), Alex Bishop (Souths Logan Magpies), Dalton Phillips (Sunshine Coast Falcons).
Easts Tigers will be looking to go one further in 2019 than their grand final defeat in 2019, and early trial form and some a few good inclusions for 2019 show that as ever they’ll be in and around the top six at a minimum.
The Tigers have recruited some quality from south of the border in Tom Hughes and Matt Cooper from the Newcastle Knights system, and the inclusions from other Intrust Super Cup sides is building a nice squad full of experience and potential. Canadian international Rhys Jacks has been nabbed from the Melbourne Storm feeder side Sunshine Coast.
A few key losses is a concern heading into the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season, notably Linc Port and Brayden Torpy, both of whom were excellent throughout the 2019, and will be missed for the regular contributions.
But having the link to the Melbourne Storm will always prove handy throughout the season, although based on the performance of big Sam Kasiano in the Grand Final loss to Redcliffe, the rumours that Melbourne are trying to move him onto another club might be a good thing for the Tigers.
Trials Form: Sat 16th Feb – Easts 24 Burleigh 4 Trials Form: Sat 23rd Feb – Easts Tigers 16 Ipswich 8
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Tom Hughes, Matt Cooper (Newcastle Knights), Curtis Dansey-Smaller (Tweed Heads Seagulls), Josh Fauid (Redcliffe Dolphins), Sam Foster (Townsville Blackhawks), Rhys Jacks (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Aaron Booth, Bennett Leslie (Mackay Cutters), Sam Lavea, Justin Fai, William Samuel (Souths Logan Magpies), Jack Peoples (Norths Devils)
LOSSES: David Tyrrell (Retired), Linc Port (Souths Logan Magpies), Brayden Torpy (Northern Pride), Conor Carey (Featherstone Rovers), Matt Groat (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Anton Iaria (St Mary’s Penrith), Adam Crear, James Salter (Proserpine Brahmans), Michael Egan (West Brisbane Panthers)
WYNNUM SEAGULLS
2018 Result: 12th
2019 Premiership Odds: $13
12th was a long way down for the Wynnum Seagulls in 2018, and they have set about correcting that downward trend with some good recruiting for the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season.
Sam Scarlett will more than make up for the loss of Shaun Nona in the halves, and the Broncos feeder arrangement will likely lead to an influx of more quality than the ins list provided here. Richie Kennar is a player who fits that bill, the NRL standard centre/winger will make up for the loss of Intrust Super Cup all time leading try scorer Daniel Ogden. They are likely to see a bit of Payne Haas in green and red this season given the depth of strength in the forwards at the Broncos.
Other great additions include Matiu Love-Henry, Moses Pangai and PNG duo Edene Gebbie and Rahdly Brawa. Edene Gebbie in particular showed some real quality for the Hunters in 2018, and could be a real handful in the upcoming 2019 season.
Trials Form: Sat 16th Feb Capras 34 Wynnum 32 Trials Form: Sat 23rd Feb Wynnum 12 Broncos 26
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Sam Scarlett (Brisbane Broncos / Souths Logan Magpies), Salesi Funaki (Brisbane Broncos / Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Keenan Palasia (Brisbane Broncos), Moses Pangai (Brisbane Broncos / Redcliffe Dolphins), Matiu Love-Henry (New Zealand Warriors), Junior Pauga (New Zealand Warriors), Patrick Sipley (New Zealand Warriors), Edene Gebbie (PNG Hunters), Rahdly Brawa (PNG Hunters), Matt Groat (Easts Tigers), Tristan Hope (Redcliffe Dolphins), Richie Kennar (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Edwin Ipape (Lae Snax Tigers), Jordan Drew (Townsville Blackhawks)
LOSSES: Daniel Ogden (Retired), Michael Dobson (Retired), Atelea (Til) Vea (Retired), Mitchell Moore (Retired), Joshua Hoffman (Retired), Jeriah Goodrich (Retired), Billy Solah (Retired), Peter Gubb (Ipswich Jets), Shaun Nona (Townsville Blackhawks), Stedman Lefau (Norths Devils), Mitchell Frei (Souths Logan Magpies), Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard (New Zealand Warriors)
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
2018 Result: 9th
2019 Premiership Odds: $10
There has rarely been a fall from grace like the Souths Logan Magpies in 2018. The Magpies wee genuine front-runners around the halfway point of 2018, but their season fell apart, and they were lucky to win any games in the second half of the season. Not that they weren’t competitive in a lot of those losses.
Souths Logan have recruited well, grabbing some real quality from around the Intrust Super Cup. Linc Port, Mitchell Frei, Alex Bishop and Matt Soper-Lawler all bring with them experience and consistent performance over recent seasons, and compliment the squad nicely.
They still have one of the competition’s best players in Guy Hamilton, and the player who has started the most games in Intrust Super Cup history – Phil Dennis, who will no doubt be as crafty as ever. They fielded a very strong side in the NRL trial with a very weakened Broncos side in Warwick and got belted 42-0
The Magpies have lost a promising fullback for the second year in a row with Corey Allen heading to the Rabbitohs for 2019, following Jamayne Isaako’s rise from Magpie to Bronco in 2018.
Trials Form: Sat 16th Feb – Broncos 42 Souths Logan 0 Trials Form: Sat 23rd Feb – Souths Logan 32 Redcliffe 24
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Mitchell Frei (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Harrison Muller, Matt Soper-Lawler (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Linc Port (Easts Tigers), Alex Bishop (Norths Devils), Jack Joass (Mackay Cutters), Gerome Burns (Norths Devils / Brisbane Broncos), Haydyn O’Hara (Brisbane Broncos), Jerome Veve (Burleigh Bears).
LOSSES: Sam Scarlett (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Sam Lavea (Easts Tigers), Travis Waddell (Dubbo), Corey Allan (South Sydney Rabbitohs).
IPSWICH JETS
2018 Result: 6th – knocked out second week of finals
2019 Premiership Odds:
If you don’t like watching the Ipswich Jets, then you are very hard to please as rugby league fans. We also can’t work out why, after their success in the 2015 dual premiership winning season, why no one in the NRL or UK Super League wouldn’t take a risk on the inventive Walker Brothers. Theirs and rugby league’s losses we’re afraid. We’re still entertained and hope to catch them liver or on a screen sometime throughout 2019. The novelty still hasn’t worn off for us.
As for the player movements, the Jets have lost two from their premiership year, and two quality contributors from last season in halfback Dane Phillips and the liveware Wes Conlon. Countering the Phillips departure is the return of premiership five eighth Josh Cleeland, who was unable to crack the difficult Sydney based NRL team market. He did get to win a second NRL State Championship with the Bulldogs last season. A fully fit Marmin Barba will go a long way to making up for the loss of Conlon. Wynnum’s very popular Peter Gubb is an interesting new recruit for the Jets in 2019 too.
The Jets still have two of the Intrust Super Cup’s most exciting players in Marmin Barba, and try scoring machine Michael Purcell, and the Jets best from 2018 Nat Neale who sets a platform for the skillful and speedy players to weave their magic. Not that the big man isn’t capable of chipping in with some tries.
Whether they can match their 6th placed finish for the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season remains to be seen, but they will surely entertain.
Trials Form: Sat 16th Feb – Sunshine Coast 48 Ipswich 0 Trials Form: Sat 23rd Feb – Easts Tigers 16 Ipswich 8
IN AND OUT
Gains: Josh Cleeland (Canterbury Bulldogs), Hayden Crowley (Wynnum Seagulls), Peter Gubb (Wynnum Seagulls), Brett Kelly, Jacob Teevan (Easts Tigers) Fred Keil (Melbourne Rebels / University) Todd White (Pittsworth Danes).
Losses: Dane Phillips (Retired), Wes Conlon (Brothers Ipswich).
BURLEIGH BEARS
2018 Result: 2nd – knocked out last week of finals
2019 Premiership Odds: $7
After losing out in the season long battle for the minor premiership, Burleigh were knocked out of the finals with consecutive losses to eventual premiers Redcliffe and Easts.
With minimal losses of their 2018 squad – former NRL prop Matt White retiring – they are primed to be at the top of another Intrust Super Cup season. They have recruited a little extra quality for their 2019 squad, the retention of occasional Titan Tyronne Roberts-Davis gives the team plenty of scoring power.
The squad still features former player of the year Jamal Fogarty, PNG international Luke Page and quality hooker Pat Politoni in the middle of the park, and having wingers of the quality of Troy Leo and the previously mentioned Tyronne Roberts-Davis means Bears will be hard to beat again in 2019.
Trials Form: Sat 16th Feb – Easts 24 Burleigh 4 Trials Form: Sat 23rd Feb – Burleigh 18 Tweed Heads 20
IN AND OUT
GAINS: Jacob Hind (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Jack Buchanan (Toronto Wolfpack), Oliver Percy (CQ Capras), Tyronne Roberts-Davis (Gold Coast Titans), Jordan Scott (Souths Logan Magpies), Hayden Hansen (Swinton Lions)
LOSSES: Matt White (Retired)
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS
2018 Result: 11th
2019 Premiership Odds: $41
The men from Piggabeen head into 2019 looking down the barrel at another second half of the table finish, but that doesn’t mean they can’t improve on their 11th place finish from 2018, especially with the tie-up with the Titans. That NRL alliance saw a few decent players don the butcher’s stripes in 2018 – Konrad Hurrell and Bryce Cartwright so any poor performance in the NRL in 2019 could be a benefit for the Seagulls.
Their big loss is Brayden McGrady, but also some great Intrust Super Cup experience in Tristian Lumley and Sam Saville. Christian Hazard is a very good pick up for the Seagulls, the former Redcliffe Dolphin returning to the Intrust Super Cup from a stint with the Newcastle Knights.
Tweed Heads do have a shiny new logo for 2019, which could be a new lucky charm to see them fly higher in 2019.
Trials Form: Sat 23rd Feb – Burleigh 18 Tweed Heads 20
IN AND OUT
GAINS: John Palavi (Norths Devils), Christian Hazard (Newcastle Knights), Kurtis Dark (Newcastle Knights), Daniel Palavi (New Zealand Pt Chevalier), Kyle Kennedy (Newcastle competition), Stuart Mason (Illawarra Cutters)
LOSSES: Brayden McGrady (Penrith Panthers), Eli Levido (Illawarra Cutters), Tristian Lumley (Dubbo competition), Sam Saville (Burleigh Bears), Hiale Roycroft (Unknown), Sam Meskall (Tugan Seahawks)
2019 Intrust Super Cup Season Preview – Season Prediction
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.
Being midweek fixtures there’s not much turnaround, so this edition of The Own Goal is a small one. Quality over quantity.
So enjoy The Own Goal FPL Week 28 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 28 – WHO’S HOT
With all the big names playing out bore draws or losing to Burnley, it was time for some different stars to shine last week. Some are great value too.
WATFORD FORWARDS
Gerard Deulofeu grabbed 23 points last weekend v Cardiff via 3 goals and an assist. Striking partner Troy Deeney grabbed two goals for himself and an assist for 15 points.
NEWCASTLE
Much was made of Miguel Almiron’s first full game, and rightly so. He may not have scored the points, but he made a point of his potential, and point scoring is not far away. A recipient of his pace was Venezuelan forward Salomón Rondón, who got one goal and an assist for 12 points.
BURNLEY STRIKE DUO
Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes are carving it up at the moment. Doing it against Spurs no less last weekend. Kiwi Chris Wood has six goals in eight games. Austrian International Ashley Barnes has scored in four consecutive games.
FPL WEEK 28 – WHO’S NOT
LEICESTER CITY
But we’ll have more on that soon.
HUDDERSFIELD
Going down and slim picking for FPL.
FULHAM
Also going down. But worth keeping an eye on players like Sessegnon in anticipation of avoiding the drop for another EPL side next season. Tom Cairney and Aleksandr Mitrovic seem the only ones who will get a gig in the EPL next season.
FPL Week 28 – NEW MANAGER BOUNCE AT LEICESTER?
With Claude Puel’s exit at Leicester, there opens an opportunity for some players to shine, who can no longer hide behind the excuse of the underperforming manager. Here’s a few worth considering. If they move quickly for Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers then all the more reason to jump on board. And they play in the dreaded Week 31.
JAMIE VARDY – Value 8.8 – Form 2.0 – Total 91pts
After Claudio Ranieri got sacked in 16-17, Vardy went on to score five goals and two assists in the following five games from the sacking. By season’s end, he had eight goals and five assists.
JAMES MADDISON – Value 6.6 – Form 2.0 – Total 89pts
Due for a turnaround – averaging under 2 points a game for his last eight. Loves to have a shot, soon a lot of them will gone in.
YOURI TIELEMANS – Value 6.0 – Form 1.0 – Total 3pts
In from Monaco, he has looked good without scoring any points in his few games for Leicester. Scored five goals and an assist for Monaco this season so far, not bad in a Monaco side who have been poor this year in Ligue 1.
HARVEY BARNES – Value 5.5 – Form 2.2 – Total 15pts
A very handy prospect for the Foxes, who returned to the club after a loan at Championship side West Brom, where he scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 20 games. Got an assist in the coach killing loss against Crystal Palace on the weekend.
HARRY MAGUIRE – Value 5.4 – Form 2.0 – Total 71pts
Not the greatest season for someone who was supposedly off the Man Utd in the summer. Probably ned to wait to see how Leicester will change defensively, but Maguire does chime in with the occasional lazy
FPL Week 28 – CAPTAIN? MY CAPTAIN?
Mo Salah – 3 Games – 6 goals – 2 assists v Watford. Sorted.
Man City v West Ham– Take your pick based on whoever you have in your side. David Silva has six goals and three assists in 14 games v West Ham. Raheem Sterling has five goals and eight assists in 12 games. Sergio Aguero is in great goal scoring form as has 8 goals and 4 assists in 12 games.
We suggest: Mo Salah
FPL Week 28 – 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.
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.
A month comes around so quickly and so does another fresh batch O jerks and the February 2019 Jerk of the Month nominations.
Of course there’s the now standing nomination for the POTUS, a man who jerks like no other.
There’s a nice, wide mix of nominations for February. Some new, some recurring at the same time every year. Our form guide for the February 2019 Jerk of the Month is below for your consideration.
Who’s the biggest jerk for the month? It is up to you, the reader of this website to choose one or many of the people and things up for February 2019 Jerk of the Month nominations.
FORM GUIDE – February 2019 Jerk of the Month
DONALD TRUMP
Why nominated for the Jerk?
After ending the US Shutdown by making a deal with the Democrats that made him look weak, he rebounded with declaring an emergency to get his money.
Much like he kid who has thrown the toys out of the pram when they don’t get what they want.
The end result will be a wall that is useless, doesn’t stop anything that Trump is promising, and has wasted billions of dollars.’
If the US had an Australian political setup, he would have been replaced as leader at least three times by now.
For taking his potential dethroning of his Warringah electorate in a blaze of jerk.
Hopefully 2019 will be the last of him we’ll see as a politician before he moves onto the increasingly awful and unwatchable Sky News Channel.
Enough of the politics now, on to some other categories of jerk.
Jerk Rating: 9/10
SOUTHAMPTON FOOTBALL FANS DOING AEROPLANE IMITATION DURING CARDIFF MATCH
Why nominated for the Jerk?
There’s plenty of banter between rival sets of fans in any UK Football match, most of it is great, and a reason English Football attracts the biggest dollars.
But some people take it too far, those who made aeroplane signs towards Cardiff fans are jerks of the highest order.
Most fans of most clubs paid their respects during the first weekend after the missing body of Sala was confirmed as being on a plane in the bottom of the sea. A few jerks didn’t and made aeroplane gestures towards Cardiff fans.
Police took the people in but released them as you sadly can’t arrest people for being a jerk. Yet.
Jerk Rating: 8/10
MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT (ENTIRE SHOW)
Why nominated for the Jerk?
As awful as a show can get, even for reality TV, with Channel Nein assembling the biggest bunch of awful, self-centred, over opinionated, awful twits since the modern Channel Nein cricket team.
One wonders what news.com.au will do for content once it’s finished.
One doesn’t wonder about Channel Nein’s ability to produce rubbish.
Jerk Rating: 9/10
TARA McWILLIAMS – MAFS EXEC PRODUCER
Why nominated for the Jerk?
The brains behind MAFS. And other similarly bad programming.
Jerk Rating: 10/10
MKR
Why nominated for the Jerk?
Whilst not as bad as MAFS, it is still bad, full of jerks who have probably been told by producers to act as big of a —- for ratings.
Home schooled morons talking sh!t, people who have never met talking sh!t, chefs talking sh!t, people eating sh!t.
It’s all sh!t. And remember the mission statement of the show – Cook, Cry, Repeat.
A previous Monthly Jerk winner in 2018.
Jerk Rating: 8/10
INSURANCE COMPANIES
Why nominated for the Jerk?
As ever Insurance companies are fine with taking an annual premium, but less so when there has been a natural disaster and you actually need the support.
Cue the predictable knocking back or reduction of claims for those affected by the Townsville flooding.
Insurance companies who do the above are so low that they would need a parachute to fall out of a snake’s arse.
Jerk Rating: 9/10
NRL OFF SEASON BAD BOYS
Why nominated for the Jerk?
Whilst you can’t paint all rugby league players with the same brush, you can certainly group all the buffoons who have broken or stretched the law since the NRL stopped last October.
Ranging from alcoholic buffoonery to jailable offences, they have kept the NRL bosses busy and deserve to be recognised as potential Jerk of the Month recipients.
Jerk Rating: 5/10
JUSSIE SMOLLETT
Why nominated for the Jerk?
Justin “Jussie” Smollett would be a name that very few people around the world would have known before he was involved in a shocking hate crime.
Correction: it was not a hate crime, but a staged attack to boost his future career earnings.
At last, he could add a Jerk of the Month trophy to his CV.
Jerk Rating: 8/10
VOTE NOW – February 2019 Jerk of the Month
Vote for as many of the this month’s Jerk nominations as you like. They’ve asked for it.
Time for some more midweek Premier League action, it’s time for some more of our Premier League Predictions Week 28.
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 odds of the next manager sacked, after Claude Puel became yet another victim of an underperforming Premier League side.
It’s a lot like the BBC’s Lawros tips, but better. Arguably.
Premier League Predictions Week 28 – Gurgler v Sack Race
TIPS BACKGROUND: With Claude Puel being the latest manager sacked, and Sarri at Chelsea getting ready to disappoint pun headline writers everywhere by getting the arse at Chelsea, it’s a good time to use odds for the next manager sacked to determine some Premier League winners.
Our theory is, that the shorter the odds of the manager being sacked, the worse the team are playing, and the less likelihood of them winning. So the team with the higher odds of their manager being the next sacked gets the tip.
GURGLER PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 28
But first our tips. Based on our opinion, research, study and ignorance. (In no particular order)
CARDIFF to beat Everton (2-1)
WOLVES to beat Huddersfield (3-0)
LEICESTER to beat Brighton (2-0)
NEWCASTLE to beat Burnley (3-1)
DRAW – Southampton v Fulham (2-2)
ARSENAL to beat Bournemouth (3-0)
MAN UTD to beat Crystal Palace (2-1)
SPURS to beat Chelsea (2-0)
LIVERPOOL to beat Watford (4-2)
MAN CITY to beat West Ham (5-0)
PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 28 – Manager Sack Race
Odds of the team’s manager to be the next sacked in brackets. Odds courtesy of Unibet.com.au
CARDIFF ($21) to beat Everton ($17)
WOLVES ($67) to beat Huddersfield (NA)
LEICESTER (No Market) to beat BRIGHTON ($51)
DRAW – Newcastle ($15) v Burnley ($15)
SOUTHAMPTON ($41) to beat Fulham ($8)
BOURNEMOUTH ($67) to beat Arsenal ($51)
MAN UTD ($81) to beat Crystal Palace ($41)
SPURS ($81) to beat Chelsea ($1.20)
LIVERPOOL ($151) to beat Watford ($67)
MAN CITY ($151) to beat West Ham ($51)
Premier League Predictions Week 28 Mini Match by Match Preview
Here’s a quick run down of every game for Week 28, with a barely interesting stat and a best bet included for those inclined.
Cardiff should be smarting after their 5-1 pantsing at home to Watford ruined a two game winning streak which saw them sneak out of the bottom three. It was the equal biggest home defeat of the season along side Arsenal beating Fulham 5-1 and coincidentally Everton beating Burnley. Cardiff are still out of danger in fourth last, but just one point above Southampton, and the four goal margin extended the gap in goal difference to nine. Strange as Cardiff’s home form was decent enough for a lowly ranked side (14th best in EPL).
Everton had the weekend off thanks to the League Cup final, but they average less than a point a game away from home, and have lost four of their past six games away and overall.
Barely Interesting Fact: Cardiff are unbeaten at home to Everton in the league since 1952. They have only lost to Everton twice at home ever.
Huddersfield surprised most, especially Wolves earlier in the season when they registered one of their only two wins for the season, but Huddersfield have actually won their last four matches against Wolves. A second win looks very unlikely as Huddersfield made Newcastle look like world beaters on the weekend. Albeit hamstrung by being a man down for a large part of the match.
Wolves fell behind Watford in the race for best of the rest on goal difference after drawing at Bournemouth, which is still a decent result as the Cherries are far more useful at home than on the road. With Watford playing Liverpool, Wolves have the chance to leap over the 40 point mark and back into 7th.
Barely Interesting Fact: Huddersfield have actually won 14 of 21 clashes with Wolves since 1992, with another four draws thrown in for good measure. Or Huddersfield have only scored 1 more goal than points scored at home this season. 6 goals, 5 points in 14 games.
So Leicester have done the inevitable and sacked Claude Puel, he managed to prolong his stay after a good run which included a win over Man City, but it ultimately wasn’t enough for the humourless Puel. Brendan Rodgers from Celtic is the favourite to be the new manager, and he would be a gold hiring for all involved. Probably the right time to do it, as Leicester are now 12th and just 8 points from the drop. Losses at home like the one to Crystal Palace, which was the fourth loss in a row at home, would have seen them in the relegation mix before long.
Right in the relegation mix now are Brighton, who are now 16th and three points from the drop. They do have a game in hand, but that is away to Chelsea. And with just two wins away this year they won’t beat Chelsea, and now with the new manager bounce for the Foxes, probably wont beat Leicester either.
Barely Interesting Fact: Leicester have the fourth worst record at home this season, and are the fourth worst team so far in the 2019 calendar year. Continuing the fours, they have lost four in a row at home.
A clash which features two sides in form despite their lowly league position. Burnley are on the second longest undefeated streak in the league with eight games (Man Utd 1st with 10 games). This has seen them climb all the way to 14th and two points ahead of this week’s opponents. A defeat against Spurs on the weekend was surprising but deserved. Ashley Barnes has scored six goals and two assists in his last ten games, Chris Wood has scored six goals in his last eight.
Newcastle’s record signing Miguel Almiron showed some real quality in his first home game for Newcastle, and the Newcastle fans have every justification to be excited about his prospects after the weekend. Goals and assists will surely come.
Barely Interesting Fact: Newcastle have a winning streak at home to Burnley of five games, they last lost in 1976.
Fulham look doomed after their West Ham loss, where they had enough luck and chances early to be 2-0 up. With their dreadful away record, which has seen no wins thus far, Fulham look like they don’t have enough to stay up. Despite the zero wins, they seem more likely to pick up a point on the road, as they face Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City at home still.
Helping Fulham in their cause is that Southampton have terrible results at home, they are the only side to average less than a point a game at home (Huddersfield being the other). They did beat Southampton earlier in the season, which was their first win in six games against the Saints.
Barely Interesting Fact: Fulham have only beaten Southampton away once, in the old 2nd division in 1935.
ARSENAL v BOURNEMOUTH
Kick Off: Wednesday 7:45pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Bournemouth 1 Arsenal 2
This should be an easy one to guess. Arsenal have lost just once at home this season, and have won ten games. And their opponents have lost eight in a row on the road now.
Arsenal’s home form record leaves them behind just Man City and Liverpool as the best home side. They are importantly ahead of the other clubs in the race for fourth place too.
AS mentioned before, Bournemouth’s away record is terrible. Whilst they are conceding so many goals away from home, they have managed just 1 goal on the road in
Barely Interesting Fact: Only winless Fulham have conceded more goals at home than Bournemouth.
CRYSTAL PALACE v MAN UTD
Kick Off: Wednesday 8pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Draw 0-0
While the wins may have dried up for Man Utd, they are still going good enough to shutdown the Liverpool juggernaut. The 0-0 wasn’t vert entertaining, but effective. For Man Utd that is. They are still unbeaten in the League since he departure of Mourinho, and number one in form of all the teams in form over the season since Jose left.
Crystal Palace have the 3rd worst home record this season, and the goals scored (9 goals) is the second worst. Their goals conceded is the fifth best of Premier League.with Spurs (12 goals in 13 games).
Barely Interesting Fact: Crystal Palace have conceded 12 goals in 13 games, 5th best and as many Spurs on the road.
CHELSEA v SPURS
Kick Off: Wednesday 8pm UK
Chelsea come into the game after a heartbreaking loss to Man City in the League Cup final, where the big talking point was between Sarri and Kepa, after the Chelsea goalkeeper wanted to stay on against his bosses wishes. Sarri looks set to be the next manager fired, and he is the red-hot favourite for the boot at the moment. Which gave us the idea for this week’s opponent.
Spurs suffered on the weekend as well, beaten 2-1 by Burnley which will probably rule out a title challenge that only they believed anyway. Harry Kane returned, and Harry Kane scored but it wasn’t enough. Kane does score in every second game against Chelsea, and Eden Hazard almost does the same for Chelsea against Spurs.
Barely Interesting Fact: This will be the fourth meeting between these sides this season.
LIVERPOOL v WATFORD
Kick Off: Wednesday 8pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Watford 0 Liverpool 3
Liverpool need to get back to winning ways, as their three draws from the last four league matches means Man City are now the favourites for the title. Keeping the red hot Man Utd to 0-0 is not a bad result, but they need more if they are going to break their title drought. Perhaps a visit by Watford, whom they have had some good home wins recently is the perfect game to get back on track.
Watford come into the games on the back of flogging Cardiff 5-1 in Cardiff, and have temporarily grabbed the best of the rest 7th place. A trip to Wembley could also be a possibility if they win their next FA Cup clash too, in what is turning out to be a real success story.
A worry for Watford is Mo Salah, who has six goals and two assists in just three games against them.
Barely Interesting Fact: The last two seasons have seen some big wins for Liverpool at home to Watford, 5-0 and 6-1.
MAN CITY v WEST HAM
Kick Off: Wednesday 8pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: West Ham 0 Man City 4
It’s been a real adventure for Man City across four different competitions – beat Chelsea 6-0 in the league, followed by outlasting FA Cup upset merchants Newport County in Wales, then coming behind to win 3-2 against Schalke in the Champions League, and finishing it all off with a League Cup trophy win over Chelsea. They have won one of a potential four trophies.
West Ham are in decent form, with a win against a misfiring Fulham, and two draws (once against Liverpool) are a good sign. They seem harder to beat, although mistakes like the one in the very first minute against Fulham will certainly be punished with a better side taking advantage.
Barely Interesting Fact: West Ham didn’t lose to Man City in 15/16. They did lose the subsequent six games in a row by 22-3.
Following on from our semi popular Premier League predictions, we introduce our weekly EPL Fantasy preview – The Own Goal FPL Week 27
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 enjoy The Own Goal FPL Week 27 preview.
Disclaimer: We are Ipswich Town fans, so have no prejudice against any side in this division. Or the next, come August 2019.
WHO’S HOT
SERGIO AGUERO – scoring goals for fun in all competitions – the premium striker right now, and still good value.
PAUL POGBA – a masterclass against Fulham last match continuing a great run of Post Mourinho form.
BURNLEY – Burnley are quickly saving their season, and are one of the form sides in the last six matches.
SON – Just keeps racking up the stats, not letting the Asian Cup adventures slow him down.
Here’s the top ten on recent form with some handy stats.
Player
Price
TSB
Form
TotalPts
PPP
AvgMins
Games
GS
A
CS
BP
Aguero
11.5
32%
11.3
149
0.98
78.25
4
7
0
2
9
Pogba
8.8
43%
10
143
1.14
85.75
4
4
1
2
5
Son
9
25%
8.7
132
0.97
67
3
3
0
1
5
Mane
9.6
22%
8.3
140
0.86
89
4
4
0
1
3
Wood
6.2
1%
8
74
1.29
86.25
4
3
0
1
6
Jimenez
6.8
33%
7.7
124
1.13
89.5
4
3
1
1
6
Sterling
11.3
11%
7.5
173
0.66
75.25
4
2
3
1
4
Barnes
5.6
2%
7.3
79
1.30
90
4
3
1
1
3
Llorente
5.7
3%
7
27
1.23
72.25
4
1
3
0
3
Cathcart
4.5
2%
7
80
1.56
67.5
3
1
0
2
2
Note: PPP = Points per Price (1 GBP)
WHO STINKS
FULHAM – especially their defence. They look doomed to go down, and only Mitrovic is worth including in your side. unless they eventually give up and let all the decent Championship players who got them promoted have another go.
BRIGHTON – you used to be able to at least rely on Brighton’s home form, but Burnley proved last time out that the Seagulls are no invincible, and they need to be as their away form is terrible. As long as Glenn Murray stays fit he might be worth keeping for now.
FPL WEEK 27 – NO MAN CITY OR CHELSEA (and Everton and Brighton)
Given Chelsea’s recent run, not many will have three Man City and Chelsea players, but if you do, your bench better be in order.
Moving Chelsea players permanently might not be a bad idea, as they aren’t playing well, their manager is under pressure to keep his job, and Chelsea look like they have an upcoming fixture list that features either top six sides, or in form sides.
Taking Eden Hazard out is always a risk, but with the annual Real Madrid speculation, perhaps he won’t be at his imperious best. As for any other Chelsea players, most if not all can be replaced with an equivalent top six substitute.
Manchester City’s win in the Champions League with 10 men shows just how good they are, and how much talent is on offer. As long as you have the right Man City players, we’d recommend just benching them for a week and unleashing in the upcoming midweek fixtures. They play West Ham at home.
Normally no Brighton and Everton wouldnt’ cause too many problems, especially given their recent form drop off, but Richarlisson or Glenn Murray are quite popular mid range players, and if combined with the above Chelsea and Man City losses, there’s potential for a very depleted team. Glenn Murray is always worth hanging onto if you already have him, few have his scoring power at the price. Richarlisson might be worth getting rid of however, given there’s a tendency for second half season syndrome. Perhaps replacing him for a couple of cheaper options listed in the next section.
FPL WEEK 27 – RISKY BUSINESS
Time to take a risk then, and we have a few suggestions outside of the top six. These are based on clubs who have a pretty good run of fixtures coming up, or are in form.
NEWCASTLE – Avoid top six sides in their next five fixtures, and don’t play anyone higher than 9th. Have won two in a row at home, and their last start draw away to Wolves shows progress.
Isaac Hayden (MID – Price 4.3) tops the recent form for Newcastle, and racked up two assists and a goal in his last four starts, and could be a real option to have on the bench or start this weekend for the Huddersfield visit.
Salomón Rondón (FWD – Price 5.8) – although not a prolific scorer, he chips in occasionally. In fact he seems to score every third week, and he is currently on a two game scoreless streak.
Jamaal Lascelles ( DEF – Price 4.6) & Fabian Schär (DEF – Price 4.6) Newcastle don’t keep a clean sheet very often, but they did against Cardiff a few games ago, so not impossible. Good cheap defenders are on offer, Lascelles is one of Newcastle’s best players and will always feature when fit. He has 1 Goal and 6 assists so far this season. Fabian Schar has peaked lately, with his 2 goals and an assist coming only in the last few matches.
Miguel Almirón (MID – Price 6.0) Perhaps taking on faith on his US Major League point scoring ways. We have taken the plunge and including him this week, epseically with Huddersfield away first up.
WEST HAM – If you overlook the Manchester City away trip in the midweek, West Ham have a great run, and an opportunity for some value alternatives.
Felipe Anderson (MID – Price 7.2) Has been one of West Ham’s best this season, and certainly one of the better buys for a club which is hit and miss at best. He has eight goals and four assists this season, and face Fulham at home. Fulham being the league’s winless and worst away team.
Michail Antonio (MID – Price 6.8) Slightly cheaper than Felipe Anderson and has three goals and five assists. Most of those points coming later in the season. Was super for West Ham last season in patches, and is currently their highest in terms of recent form.
Declan Rice (DEF – Price 4.5) Aaron Cresswell (DEF – Price 5.0) Defenders are a little hard to take from West Ham, but Declan Rice is a great prospect, good enough to change his allegiance from Ireland to England for international football. He hasn’t done much since scoring v Arsenal, so taking on faith. Same for Aaron Cresswell, taking him on past deeds to be fair., but he was good in patches when fit last season. We also recommend him as an Ipswich Town fan, clinging onto any success involved with the club.
Robert Snodgrass (MID – Price 5.0) Great player who hasn’t done a great deal lately, but he did score against Fulham last time they met. He is due a few big games.
We didn’t include Lukasz Fabianski as Risky business, as his stats and popularity makes him a good thing to include.
CARDIFF – Whilst they are still fighting relegation, Cardiff are winning games, and their recent form is not too bad. The win away at Southampton last time out shows they are ready for the relegation scrap, and that means more points from their players.
Sol Bamba (DEF – Price 4.6) Cardiff get more clean sheets than you would have thought, they have four clean sheets in their last eight games. Sol Bamba could take these points for clean sheets, and he did pop up and score a goal at Southampton last time.
Bobby Reid (FWD – Price 5.2) – His two goals against Bournemouth in their second last clash mask his total stats for 2019, but perhaps it is just the beginning of a goal glut that you don’t want to miss out on.
And there’s plenty more you can take a risk on from Cardiff. You don’t have to listen to us.
We Recommend: Miguel Almirón , Jamaal Lascelles , Felipe Anderson
FPL WEEK 27 – CAPTAIN? MY CAPTAIN?
Mo Salah – hasn’t scored against Man Utd in 3 games.
Marcus Rashford – Has been scoring frequently for Man Utd, and is a reason for their turnaround. Has the best goals ratio against FPL Week 27 opposition of most of the potential captains listed here with two goals and one assist in five matches v Liverpool.
Paul Pogba – In great form, but coming up against Liverpool, a team he has just the one assist against in two games. Has won a World Cup this season, so will be used to the atmosphere of a big, big clash.
Christian Eriksen – in almost as good form as Son, but has just one goals from six meetings against Burnley.
Heung-min Son – In red hot form, but has only scored once against Burnley in two games.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang OR Alexandre Lacazette – a very winnable fixture this weekend for the Arsenal pair as Southampton come to visit. 10 goals and 8 assists is a very handy contribution from Alexandre Lacazette. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has 15 goals and 6 assists which is more than Lacazette, but is also 1.6M more to buy.
We suggest: Heung-min Son, or one of the Arsenal forwards.
FPL WEEK 27 – 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.
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.
Spurs and Watford have the most red fixtures this week.
West Ham have a good run with 4/6 games against the bottom six. Newcastle, Huddersfield and Leicester all avoid a Top six clash in the next six weeks.
The difficulty rating mostly follows the league table, although Newcastle appear to have a great run ahead for those looking to jump aboard the Toon train. Watford look the odd team out at the top of the difficulty ratings.
After an FA Cup 5th Round interruption, it’s time for a return to the EPL and our Premier League Predictions Week 27.
There’s also a League Cup final interruption, which explains the eight games and no Man City, Chelsea, Brighton and Everton this week.
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 Divorce rate of UK regions.
It’s a lot like the BBC’s Lawros tips, but better. Arguably.
Premier League Predictions Week 27 – Gurgler v Divorce
TIPS BACKGROUND: Since we did tips based on the UK Spend on Valentine’s Day for Week 26, why not go the other way and have tips based on Divorce Rate in the UK for Week 27.
Because maybe those who didn’t spend a lot on Valentine’s Day have their partnership ending in Divorce due to a lack of spend on Valentine’s Day.
So, using the divorce rate, whichever region has the lower divorce rate, the fans will be happier, and hence support their team more, leading to victory. Or so we say.
GURGLER PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 27
But first our tips. Based on our opinion, research, study and ignorance. (In no particular order)
DRAW – Cardiff v Watford (1-1)
WEST HAM to beat Fulham (2-1)
SPURS to beat Burnley (2-0)
WOLVES to beat Bournemouth (2-1)
NEWCASTLE to beat Huddersfield (2-0)
CRYSTAL PALACE to beat Leicester (1-0)
LIVERPOOL to beat Man Utd (2-1)
DRAW – Arsenal v Southampton (1-1)
PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 27 – Divorce Rate in the UK
The team whose region has the lowest divorce rate gets the tip.
WATFORD to beat Cardiff
DRAW – West Ham v Fulham
SPURS to beat Burnley
WOLVES to beat Bournemouth
HUDDERSFIELD to beat Newcastle
LEICESTER to beat Crystal Palace
DRAW – Man Utd v Liverpool
SOUTHAMPTON to beat Arsenal
Premier League Predictions Week 27 Mini Match by Match Preview
Here’s a quick run down of every game for Week 27, with a barely interesting stat and a best bet included for those inclined.
Cardiff come into the game after a FA Cup enforced break, enough time to celebrate their win at Southampton last start which allowed the teams to swap safety status. Two wins in a row now for Cardiff and their home record isn’t too bad either – 10 points from their last six home games is as good as Wolves and Burnley. Goals could still be the issue for Cardiff, only Huddersfield have scored less in their last six games. Although both teams have scored in this fixture at Cardiff in the last 8 games.
Watford are into the last eight of the FA Cup and avoided both Manchester sides in the draw, so they have a great chance of at least getting to a Wembley semi final. They currently sit eighth in the table, and last six form.
Barely Interesting Fact: Cardiff have led at half time once this season, despite winning seven games. Or both teams have had 7 clean sheets this year, but Cardiff have conceded 13 more goals.
Best Bet: Both teams to score – Yes @ $1.72
WEST HAM v FULHAM
Kick Off: Friday 7:45pm UK
Previous 2018-19 Result: Fulham 0 West Ham 2
Fulham are getting close to a point of no return in their battle for survival. Talking of no points or very few, the Cottagers are still winless away from home this year. Claudio Ranieri has made a small impact at Fulham – his points per game is at 0.86 – more than double the 0.42 of his predecessor, and the goals conceded have dropped from 2.6 per game to 1.9. But neither are great reading or likely to save Fulham in the EPL.
West Ham are reasonably unpredictable, however they have lost just once at home in their last six. Clean sheet are a worry for both sides though, West Ham have just two at home, Fulham have just two in all games.
Barely Interesting Fact: Both sides have been knocked out by 3rd tier or lower teams in the FA Cup this season. Fulham have conceded exactly four times as many goals as they’ve scored away this year.
Best Bet: Felipe Anderson to score anytime @ $2.50
Spurs are the Premier League’s best away team with the most points, most goals scored, and fewest losses. Perhaps that’s because they technically don’t have their own home at the moment. They are going OK since losing Harry Kane to injury. 4/4 in the Premier League and a win over Dortmund as well. You’d have to overlook the FA Cup exit.
Burnley are going quite nicely too, sitting 5th in the last six form. Their 10 points at home in their last six is a significant % of their total home points for the season of 14. Their record against the big six isn’t great recently, so it should be another Spurs win, just to make the title race a bit more interesting.
Barely Interesting Fact: Burnley last beat Spurs in 2010 (4-2) – there has been just one draw since.
A battle of two teams in the top six for last six form for home and away respectively, Wolves are sitting seventh as they are much better on the road. Wolves last start draw against Newcastle ended a run of three straight wins against their mid table rivals, but truth is that Wolves seem a cut above all but the top six. A summer upgrade to their squad could have them really annoying a club like Arsenal next season.
Wolves aren’t top six yet, and Bournemouth are yet to lose at home to a team outside the top six, and put one of the nails in the Sarri coffin last home game with a 4-0 trouncing of Chelsea.
Barely Interesting Fact: Bournemouth have scored 73% of their points at home this year, second only to Fulham.
A scrap at the bottom between one side that looks doomed for relegation, and the other who are just one point from the drop zone.
Newcastle are the third worst team at home this year, but have beaten Cardiff 3-0 and Manchester City no less in their last two home fixtures. Despite five goals in their last two wins, they still average under one goal a game at home. We look forward to seeing more of Miguel Almirón.
Talking of less than one goal a game, Huddersfield average under one goal a game away, but their 8 in 13 is better than their 6 in 14 at home. They are winless in 13 games and 14 points from safety. If a miracle is on and they can bridge that gap, a win is needed this weekend.
Barely Interesting Fact: Huddersfield’s 1-0 win over Newcastle in the Magpies last visit to the second tier was their first in over 50 years.
The gap between these two sides is closing in league position and points. Crystal Palace are now 13th to Leicester’s 12th, and the current five point gap could be own to under a win after this weekend.
Leicester’s fall from solid midfield has been on the back of four losses and a draw in their last five, leaving Claude Puel in the running for the next manager sacked. Leicester aren’t much better at home recently, losing four of their last five home fixtures. Although they did beat Manchester City in that five game run.
Crystal Palace are another team that has beaten Manchester City recently, away from home, which shows they’re comfortable on the road. In fact they have scored one more point away than at home.
Barely Interesting Fact: Leicester’s last 5 pattern is LLDLL. Crystal Palace’s last 5 sequence is WDWDW. That makes a draw a certainty
Best Bet: Draw or Crystal Palace @ $1.62
MANCHESTER UNITED v LIVERPOOL
Kick Off: Sunday 2:05pm
Previous 2018-19 Result: Liverpool 3 Man Utd 1
The big game of the weekend, and certainly more riding on it than the last fixtures which saw a big Liverpool win and a last hurrah of Jose Mourinho at Man Utd and probably the Premier League.
Manchester United have turned their season around since their loss at Anfield, in fact if the table was done from after Mourinho’s sacking, Man Utd would be 1st and ahead of Man City by four points with a game in hand. Paul Pogba finally showing the player he has been everywhere else.
Liverpool are five points worse off than Man Utd since their big win, but still remain equal on points with Man City with a game in hand. That game in hand advantage evaporates this weekend if Man Utd win. So in effect, Man Utd fans have a hard choice as a win for their side will help their city rivals. A loss will see Liverpool strengthen their position.
Maybe it will be a draw. There were four in a row prior to the last two matches.
Barely Interesting Fact: Liverpool have not won at Old Trafford since 2014, and before that it was 2009. So pattern dictates that Liverpool win this weekend. Mo Salah hasn’t scored against Man Utd in three games.
Best Bet: Liverpool to win and both teams score @ $4.00
Arsenal head into a game they should win with on a streak of six straight wins at home in the Premier League, and the third best home record overall, with just one loss. They did lose to Man Utd on Monday in the FA Cup and to BATE Borisov in the Europa League.
Southampton’s away form this year has been decent, but they sit in the bottom three after losing to fellow relegation candidate Cardiff last weekend. The Saints are unbeaten in the last four away matches, and their seven goals conceded in the last 6 matches is behind Liverpool and Man Utd only. Southamptron have avoided defeat against Arsenal at least once in all but one season since 2000.
Barely Interesting Fact: The last two games between these sides has ended in 3-2 to the home side.
F1 Winter Testing 2019 has finally kicked off as the endless talk about the 2019 F1 season and livery unveils makes way for actual on track action.
The big F1 Winter Testing 2019 sessions at Barcelona track provides the first glimpse into what lies ahead for the 2019 F1 season, or does it?
Teams will have aero devices that look like retro TV antennas, and bright flourescent paint will flow over the cars, telling engineers how their off-season sums have worked out.
And we do hope there’s a least a few mentions of yaw.
For some teams it can be an earth shattering realisation that the off season and the decision to stopped developing their 2018 car was a complete waste of time and another season of touring around at the back of the grid awaits.
For some team the F1 Winter Testing 2019 will require a team boss to hide a smile to keep the secret
Others there will still be a million questions left to answer. And loads of delicately scripted PR speak to wheel out to the waiting pack of media sharks and F1 bloggers around the world.
No matter where the cars are at, or may be at, or aren’t really at, the F1 Winter Testing 2019 will provide many a quote, and we have devised a little game for those playing at home.
We have pre-prepared the most obvious F1 Winter Testing 2019 reaction quotes into a neat little quiz, where you can attempt to match the quote with who said it.
Play the F1 Winter Testing 2019 Guess the Statement Game
Try your luck below by matching our pre-prepared Guess the Statement to the potential person/team that could have said it.
Note that no one has actually said these yet, we have just guessed the most obvious statement in advance.
Here is our Alternative 2019 Intrust Super Cup Draw for the big season ahead.
While all the hype will be around the NRL, there’s a lot of good rugby league awaiting those fans who like simple pleasures, and surroundings.
Our Alternative 2019 Intrust Super Cup Draw provides our highlighted games we think are worth keeping an eye out for, the TV games, and a full draw.
For those chasing just PNG Hunters information, we have already created a separate PNG Hunters 2019 Season Guide.
For those who love their rugby league local and great, enjoy our Alternative 2019 Intrust Super Cup Draw.
2019 Intrust Super Cup Adopt-A-Team
Before proceeding with our 2019 Intrust Super Cup draw, if you haven’t currently got a team and need some assistance to get into the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season, then let us do the work for you.
We have developed a personality test to match you to an Intrust Super Cup team.
Just answer a handful of questions, and our Super Computer 3000 will assign you to a club to support for the season.
Can’t get to everything in the 2019 Intrust Super Cup draw?
Well, here are the premium events we advise in getting involved with somehow.
They may be great local derbies like Easts v Wynnum or a historical rivalry like the Cairns-Townsville-Mackay based Foley Shield series. Or they could be games which feature two sides from the same NRL feeder system, or just two teams who always seem to provide plenty of entertainment in their clashes.
Or it could be that both sides have the same nickname and share one of the great clash names of The Flockbuster.
You have to wait until Round 9 for the Grand Final replay between Redcliffe and Burleigh. And probably a lot longer for a PNG Hunters TV game.
For all those reasons and more, here is our selection of the best of the 2019 Intrust Super Cup.
We’re not holding our breath for Hunters games in 2019 though.
Also good news is that Fox Sports will help out with the coverage in 2019, meaning that we should see both finals matches this season. Although, we’ll see if there is a potential final for Port Moresby.
It is still not as good a deal as the NSW Cup, where you can see three games a week between Channel Nein and Fox Sports. But for now we’ll take the Sunday TV match return.
Date
Time
Home
Away
Venue
Round
Sunday, 10 March 2019
12:10PM
Ipswich Jets
Townsville Blackhawks
North Ipswich Reserve
1
Sunday, 17 March 2019
12:10PM
Tweed Heads Seagulls
Townsville Blackhawks
Piggabeen Sports Complex
2
Sunday, 24 March 2019
12:10PM
Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Redcliffe Dolphins
BMD Kougari Oval
3
Sunday, 31 March 2019
12:10PM
Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Mackay Cutters
BMD Kougari Oval
4
Sunday, 7 April 2019
12:10PM
Easts Tigers
Central Queensland Capras
Suzuki Stadium
5
Sunday, 14 April 2019
12:10PM
Ipswich Jets
Norths Devils
North Ipswich Reserve
6
Sunday, 21 April 2019
12:10PM
Redcliffe Dolphins
Tweed Heads Seagulls
Dolphin Stadium
7
2019 Intrust Super Cup – Country Week
The wonderful initiative of taking all the games to country locations returns in 2019 for another installment of Country Week.
It will be in Round 18, but locations and times are yet to be confirmed.
Stand by throughout the seasons for an update.
2019 Intrust Super Cup – Season Coverage
We’ll be covering as much 2019 Intrust Super Cup as we are physically able to, but for more in depth featuring rugby league in general visit the excellent website NothingButLeague
Full 2019 Intrust Super Cup Draw
Yes you can go to the QRL website for a fancy, colourful 2019 Intrust Super Cup Draw, but for simplicity, and ability to copy and paste into excel for clandestine excel work usage, here is our 2019 intrust Super Cup draw ready for a good old-fashioned cut and paste.
Many have ridiculed his latest beef and theory on a Chinese Takeover of Australia Theory, but what if he is right.
What if there really is a Chinese Takeover of Australia Theory happening under our nose and only Clive Palmer is seeing the signs.
The investigative team at The Gurgler website has spent the last week scouring the nation for other potential signs of places and things around Australia that could be another sign of a Chinese Takeover of Australia.
Here are the findings of the best work of our investigations team.
More Potential Chinese Takeover of Australia Theory Locations
Bribie Island
With just the Pumicestone Passage separating Bribie Island to mainland Australia, Bribie Island is a perfect example of a location that could lead to a Chinese Takeover of Australia Theory.
And so close to Clive Palmer’s base on the Sunshine Coast.
With a decent road bridge from Bribie Island to the mainland, it would be easy to quickly get tanks and trucks on the way to the capital of Queensland.
They could also train in secret at Poverty Point to prepare themselves for the Australian Climate.
Or perhaps the excellent boat ramps at Ningi and Toorbul could accommodate a mass landing of Chinese Troops. As would the Big Fish Hotel for a feed and a drink not far down the road, before they began their assault on Brisbane, then Australia.
Bee Gees Way
Even wondered why an abandoned lane in Redcliffe previously used for throwing up in after a big night was converted into a Bee Gees memorial so quickly?
The answer is Chinese investment.
Why? Because the statues are in fact pieces of surveillance equipment, full of the latest Chines Military technology which is secretly obtaining conversations, and profiling Australians for a potential Chinese Takeover of Australia.
Who knew there’d be more to Stayin’ Alive than just a song.
The Twelve Apostles
If an obscure runway in Northern Western Australia is proof of a Chinese Takeover of Australia, then surely some giant pillars off the coast of Victoria is a suspicious piece of Australian geography.
Our investigative team has found the twelve apostles would be the perfect landing spot for Chinese Military Helicopters, and with the Great Ocean Road a scenic march to the second biggest city in Australia, perhaps Australian should be worried at more potential evidence of a Chinese Takeover of Australia.
Central Coast Stadium
Ever wondered about the giant Sauce Bottles and Palm Trees at the Central Coast Stadium in Gosford aka Graham Park.
After a few Toohey’s Old at the Central Coast Leagues Club, our investigators guessed that the palm trees are in fact latest technology radar equipment, as are the giant Masterfoods sauce bottles. What other explanation can there be for giant sauce bottles? Apart from the fact that Masterfoods is one of the biggest employers in the Central Coast region. Facts schmacts.
Real fact is Chinese love football and sauce, so unknown to Australians all these years.
Maybe all of the above are the main reason the Usain Bolt experiment didn’t work out this year. Perhaps the Chinese didn’t want any further potential worldwide media exposure into their clandestine Chinese Takeover of Australia.
The ‘Gabba
Is there any real reason why Brisbane’s premier circular stadium has been left in an ordinary status quo while Perth and Adelaide get shiny new stadiums or makeovers?
It is not that the Queensland government has no money to do it, but that they are leaving it as is due to a potential Chinese Takeover of Australia.
The Gabba, as it is currently known before the Queensland Government change the name. Notice the Queensland Government are more interested in the name change than actually improving facilities.
Our investigative team’s mail is that the naming rights will go to a company with Chinese links. Coincidence?
They have even installed a pool for summer cricket matches in preparation of being able to look after tens of thousands of Chinese troops. Did you really think it was a marketing gimmick?
Willowbank Raceway
If Clive Palmer is going crazy about a runway in remote Western Australia, then why isn’t he more worried about a quarter of a mile piece of tarmac with an hour of Brisbane?
Is it any coincidence that the recent Centenary Motorway extension through Springfield and beyond has come in the same period of Chinese strengthening their position on the world’s economic stage.
Of course not.
In the meantime drag cars, funny cars or souped-up motorbikes run down the “runway” every now again, providing a distraction for the massive planes that will be coming any year now in the potential Chinese Takeover of Australia.
