The theme week returns, and this week we give our nod in the direction of the Redcliffe Dolphins win in the Intrust Super Cup by celebrating National Dolphin Week.
The side from Redcliffe are heading to Sydney to get a rare interstate rugby league win for Queensland in 2018, and they need your support. Hence the celebration of National Dolphin Week.
But it’s not ll about rugby league dolphins, all Dolphins could use your support.
We list our favourite Dolphins of all week in honour of National Dolphin Week. Sadly we realised that we don’t really like that many Dolphins. But go for quality over quantity.
OUR FAVOURITE DOLPHINS OF ALL TIME FOR DOLPHIN WEEK
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
The inspiration of National Dolphin week after their great win in the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final on Sunday.
They will now fight for national rugby league pride in the State Championship on Sunday against the Bulldogs. Queenslanders should get behind the Red nd White tilt after two years of NSW dominance at Intrust Super competition level.
And who doesn’t love an Adam Mogg, head coach of Redcliffe.
FLIPPER
Cult TV Hero is a throw back to a simpler time in television.
Sadly, the current crop of reality shows and another residual dross mean that Flipper was actually smarter than the current bunch of humans.
SNOWFLAKE THE DOLPHIN FROM ACE VENTURA
A very funny movie, and a peak for Jim Carrey. The plot revolves around the famous performing Dolphin for the Miami Dolphins.
SOUTH PARK DOLPHIN AND WHALE
Not really a Dolphin per se, but a funny enough clip we like involving the use of Dolphins. The full episode delves into the fact that Americans blamed the Hiroshima bombing on Whales and Dolphins by putting their photos in the plane that dropped the bomb. Pure South Park.
Warning: Usual South Park language in the below video.
Here’s another batch of midweek football fixtures that very few people care about, the clubs and players don’t seem to care that much, we still do and offer up our EFL League Cup Round 3 Predictions.
The Big Premier League sides join the action for the third round of the EFL League Cup, but most will probably put out a second sting side, which will feature some players that will get their Wikipedia record starting cap confirmation, and Alexis Sanchez.
But we care, which is why we bother with our EFL League Cup Round 3 Predictions.
Much like our popular Premier League Predictions we will put our tips up against an opponent, like Lawros tips at the BBC. But unlike those predictions against celebrities of varying mainstream awareness, we put our EFL League Cup Round 3 Predictions up against some different, a stat based opponent, like this week it is all about each team’s performance in midweek fixtures last season..
Here are our EFL League Cup Round 3 Predictions, but first…
EFL League Cup Round 3 TV Games
So the TV gmes go down the usual route of featuring all EPL ties that we can get every week like the people only ever want to see all Premier League all the time. Sure Liverpool v Chelsea selects itself, but Wolves v Leicester?
Of course no matter who either Manchester side draws will be shown. Luckily both are interesting this time with Frank Lampard’s Derby County (formerly known as just Derby County) going to Old Trafford and City go to Oxford United in the third tier, the exact same division that Wigan lived in when they defeated City in this comp last season.
For those in Australia and who have Bein Sports, here are the TV Games for Round 3. Times AEST.
WED 4:40am Bein Sport 1 513 –
Oxford Utd v Manchester City
WED 4:40am Bein Sport 3 515 –
Wolves v Leicester
WED 5:00am Bein Sport 2 514 –
Manchester Utd v Derby County
WED 1:05pm Bein Sport 2 514 –
West Brom v Crystal Palace – Delayed
THU 4:45am Bein Sport 2 514 –
Liverpool v Chelsea
THU 4:55am Bein Sport 1 513 –
Spurs v Watford
THU 8:10am Bein Sport 2 514 –
Arsenal v Brentford – Delayed
EFL League Cup Round 3 Points of Interest
Adebayo Akinfenwa terrorising another higher division team with his work for Wycombe Wanderers. When will The Beast come and play the A League?
Championship promotion hopefuls Derby County, Brentford and West Brom up against quality Premier League opposition as a potential taster for next season.
Getting to see the next generation of players for the top EPL sides as they take the League Cup with the usual amount of seriousness. A good sighter for potential Fantasy bargains.
Macclesfield annoying West Hm at home for half an hour before they wake up.
At least one third tier side making it through to the fourth round, where they will no doubt draw Manchester United t Old Trafford.
The Gurgler’s EFL League Cup Round 3 Predictions – The Upsets
Note: these tips and all tips are based on who qualifies for the next round…
WYCOMBE to beat Norwich
WEST BROM to beat Crystal Palace
BURTON to beat Burnley
BRENTFORD to beat Arsenal
Our EFL League Cup Round 3 Predictions – The Home Comforts
MANCHESTER UNITED to beat Derby County
LIVERPOOL to beat Chelsea
WEST HAM to beat Macclesfield
WOLVES to beat Leicester
SPURS to beat Watford
PRESTON NORTH END to beat Middlesbrough
BOURNEMOUTH to beat Blackburn
Our EFL League Cup Round 3 Predictions – The Away Pays
MANCHESTER CITY to beat Oxford
FULHAM to beat Millwall
QPR to beat Blackpool
STOKE to beat Nottinghm Forest
EFL League Cup Round 3 Predictions – Our Opponent…Tips Based on 17/18 Midweek Form
How good were all of the teams last year in midweek? Well the higher the average points, the better side is, and so they get the EFL League Cup Round 3 Tip. Follow on for the full stats.
Burnley to beat Burton
Norwich to beat Wycombe
Manchester City to beat Oxford
Fulham to beat Millwall
Blackburn to beat Bournemouth
Preston to beat Middlesbrough
Wolverhampton Wanderers to beat Leicester
Blackpool to beat Queens Park Rangers
Manchester United to beat Derby
Crystal Palace to beat West Bromwich Albion
Arsenal to beat Brentford
Nottingham Forest to beat Stoke
Macclesfield to beat West Ham
Chelsea to beat Liverpool
Tottenham to beat Watford
Barely Interesting Stats – Midweek Form from 17/18 for all four divisions.
The Intrust Super Cup has been run and won, and we’ve already discussed the how Redcliffe won, and the key moments, so now it is time to focus on a few of the players with the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final Player Watch.
We have a quick rundown of the key players that we names to follow before the game, and those that caught the eye during the Grand Final.
Here then is the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final Player Watch.
SAM KASIANO (Easts)
Kasiano was the big NRL name to feature in the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final on Sunday, and you could argue he was one of the least effective on the field, and certainly the most disappointing.
Coming on around the 20th minute, his first real impact on the game was a misdirected offload that ended up in Redcliffe hands, and not much later he gave away a penalty for a high shot. A repeat set later and the Dolphins were in and leading. The first try in the second half came not after Kasiano dropped the ball on the first tackle.
Not that it was all dropped ball, and poor offloads, but in general he looked a little disinterested and frustrated. Maybe it was just slightly more noticeable because he was a big name.
Perhaps that frustration was caused by thinking he was playing in the wrong Grand Final, but on the form that was on show at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, it’s no wonder that Orange became the new Purple for Big Sam in 2018.
TOBY RUDOLF (Redcliffe)
The big second rower for Redcliffe with the long locks was named man of the match, and it was certainly deserved. Although you could argue the Redcliffe fullback Trai Fuller ran him pretty close.
He was huge for Redcliffe in the first half, with some devastating runs leading to points. The first set up the first points of the game as Redcliffe kicked a penalty goal. The first Redcliffe try came on the back of another quality charge from Rudolf.
The quality continued throughout the game in both attack and defence. Rudolf was taken off in the last ten minutes getting the rest he had earned, knowing his contributions set up the Dolphins nicely.
BILLY WALTERS (Easts)
Sadly Billy Walters became a player to watch for the wrong reasons as a injury saw him leave the field around the 30 minute mark.
Walters have battled hard to make the Grand Final, only making his comeback from injury the previous week against Burleigh as he helped steer the Tigers into the Grand Final.
Seeing the footage of him dejected in the dressing rooms is a sad reminder of the personal side of rugby league remaining.
Who knows what the end result could have been had he stayed on the field.
TRAI FULLER (Redcliffe)
Redcliffe’s custodian at the back certainly put on a good show in the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final, scoring two tries and providing plenty of excitement with his kick returns.
His first try was good back up play as he benefitted from a great offload close to the line in attack. His second was when he turned on the speed 10 metres out after receiving what looked like a high tackle from Scott Drinkwater and Easts defenders seemed to hang off.
But tries aside, his kick returns were fierce, and was solid under the high ball for all of the game. His runs were full of velocity, and particularly impressive was his 360 degree spin after breaking out of a Tiger tackle.
Must have been a close second for best on ground.
SCOTT DRINKWATER (Easts)
A big month for Scott Drinkwater, who has dazzled all year of the Tigers, made his NRL debut for the Storm and had a big hand in getting Easts to the Grand Final.
He was still good in most parts yesterday, initially in his starting position at fullback as Easts were the better side early in the Grand Final. Drinkwater threw the perfect cut out to Carey on the wing for the Tigers first try, and almost scored in the 22nd minute himself.
After Billy Walters went off he moved to five eighth and Linc Port took over at fullback, and Drinkwater was the one who missed the tackle for Redcliffe’s opening second half try. But Drinkwater grew into the second half and scored a vital try in the 65th minute to get the Tigers within 10 points. He tried hard thereafter to spark the Tigers, but luck wasn’t on their side.
He still looks a good thing to take over the number one from Billy Slater next year. And perhaps he might play on NRL Grand Final after all, even if his Tigers teammates will not.
TOMMY BUTTERFIELD (Easts)
There’s a lot to like about Tommy Butterfield, one of the competition’s finest hookers.
He was his usual effective self from dummy half, with the occasional dart from the ply the ball causing Redcliffe a few problems. He was on the spot to scoop up a loose Redcliffe ball in the first half and ran a good 40 metres before being caught. Sadly he lost the ball
Butterfield went off after receiving a cut to his head attempting to make a tackle and went off under HIA rules.
When he returned he was back to business, almost crashing over a few times in the second half as Easts tried to get back into the game.
Despite the riches of number 9’s for PNG, you would have to think he would go close to spot in the 17 for the upcoming PNG International clash with the PM’s team.
Redcliffe Dolphins have taken out the 2018 Premiership over the Easts Tigers, and we have already provided the full match review, but for those in a hurry here are the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final Key Moments.
To save you time, we have assembled the biggest moments of the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final which shaped the result or at least provided some interest in the big game at Suncorp Stadium.
BILLY WALTERS INJURY
One of the biggest 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final Key Moments was when Easts Tigers five eighth Billy Walters went down injured around the 30th minute.
Sadly he never returned after limping off, causing a large hole in their backline, and a major reshuffle to go with it.
Whilst Scott Drinkwater eventually filled in with aplomb and the subsequent shift of the excellent Linc Port to fullback didn’t hurt, it meant that their major attacking weapon of the season was blunted slightly from five eighth. It didn’t help when the excellent hooker Tommy Butterfield went off with a HIA not long after.
Sad times for Billy Walters who only came back from injury in the previous weekend’s match at Burleigh, where he played well.
PLAY THE WHISTLE
After clawing back to 14-10 at half time, the second half didn’t start so well for the Tigers.
Two tries came in quick succession, the first came after what appeared to be the Tigers defenders holding off waiting for the referees to blow their whistle for a high shot by Scott Drinkwater on his opposite number.
The Redcliffe fullback Trai Fuller had been shuffling across field in attack, and when he was met by Scott Drinkwater 10 metres out was caught a little high.
But instead of the whistle blowing the whistle, play continued on and the Redcliffe fullback simply strolled the handful of metres to open up the second half scoring untouched after the initial contact.
It was a setback, and showed that the Tigers weren’t quite at the races after the break. A point underlined not long after.
IT AIN’T OVER UNTIL IT IS OVER
Following on from the above perceived lack of intent from the Tigers, or at minimum being out-enthused by the Dolphins early in the second half came the try to Kotoni Staggs a few minutes after the previous try from above.
Initially it looked like an underwhelming last play grubber from Redcliffe that looked way too long, but a determine chase from second rower Aaron Whitchurch saw him break through the two Tigers players hovering over the ball, and dive after the ball and drag it back Greg Inglis style to a waiting Kotoni Staggs.
The margin of Whitchurch’s toes to the dead ball line was tight, unlike the attempt from Easts to keep him from the ball.
On the back of the previous Trai Fuller try, it looked as if Easts were being out enthused early in the second half. Sure a 7 tackle set was good enough reason not to attack the football too much, but bit them badly when Whitchurch was able to produce his heroics.
Instead of applying early pressure after scoring just before half time, Easts were now down 26-10, and a win looked far away.
TIGERS FINGERTIPS FROM TRY
Down by ten points with just under ten minutes to go Easts came so close to bridging that gap in the 71st minute with a 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final Key Moments.
A clever grubber on the last from Brayden Torpy was heading for the corner, and Easts makeshift winger Marion Seve, but the bounce of the ball went he way of the Dolphins.
Initially the Tigers were assisted by the bounce as Redcliffe winger Hawkins was unable to clean up, but it didn’t fall the way of a charging Seve either, and was eventually ruled as kicked dead by Easts and Redcliffe were handed a seven tackle set.
There were some video replay angles that made it look like Redcliffe may have touched the ball, giving Easts a repeat set, but it wasn’t to be.
The Tigers continued to try hard after that, a clever Scott Drinkwater grubber led to another big chance two minutes later, but the quick tap on pass went forward.
Then came the referee getting involved to a potential Linc Port try, it just wasn’t their day.
REF’s CALL KILLS THE GRANDSTAND FINISH
With around five minutes to go Easts Tigers were on the attack on the half way line, and a beautiful move saw their sand in fullback Linc Port benefit from the Storm like outside – in play.
The speedy Port didn’t need too much asking to slip through Redcliffe defenders, and was powering away to what looked a certain Tigers try, and a reduction of the gap to less than a try.
But surprisingly the whistle was blown, and Port called back with a penalty awarded against Easts.
Eyebrows were raised in the ground for the reason of the penalty, and replays on the big screen did nothing to lower the same eyebrows. Most are in agreement that the call was either marginal or pissweak, and sadly cost everyone at the ground an exciting, close finish.
Whilst it didn’t necessarily change the game, it certainly stopped Easts getting with a converted try of winning, with five minutes to go, and lost all the precious momentum it would have brought.
Redcliffe Dolphins are the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final winners after beating the Easts Tigers in a very entertaining match at Suncorp Stadium.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon for rugby league, and very few in the slightly disappointing crowd of 7,504 could have too much of a gripe about rugby league on offer, as both teams produced a contest worthy of the final game of the season.
The big question heading into the game was whether the Tigers red-hot finals form and momentum would carry them to a long overdue premiership, or whether Redcliffe’s comparatively easy ride of one game in three weeks would be the key.
In the end that was answered in the affirmative to the Dolphins, but not without a big effort from the Tigers, and a little drama that you’d expect from the biggest day of the season.
The main drama revolved around a key injury to Easts’ five eighth Billy Walters, and a late refereeing decision which cost the Tigers and game a grandstand finish.
That’s not to take anything away from the Redcliffe Dolphins, who withstood early Easts dominance to take control of the game, and took their opportunities when they arose throughout the game.
Easts looked the better of the two sides with early attacking raids testing Redcliffe’s resolve, but the first points went to Redcliffe via a penalty goal, after a great charge up the middle from Dolphins second rower Toby Rudolf ended in a penalty due to the Tigers holding on too long.
The Tigers weren’t behind for long, pardon the pun, as a shambles of a kick off return ended in a drop out and a try to Easts winger who dove for the corner inadvertently showing his bottom to a large chunk of the Western Stand. It was delivered via a fine cut-out ball from Scott Drinkwater who had looked sharp up to that point. A fine sideline conversion saw the score 6-2.
Proving there was always plenty happening, Redcliffe’s next try came a few minutes later after a charge down, a repeat set, a Redcliffe knock on almost on the try line, Tigers Tommy Butterfield scooping the ball up and running 50 metres only to drop it, and another quality charge from Rudolf before Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller took advantage of a fine offload to cross a few plays later.
Easts secret weapon on Sunday afternoon was their kick offs, which Redcliffe had trouble with again, and it almost led to another Tigers try, but it didn’t happen for Scott Drinkwater so close to the line. At this stage Sam Kasiano came on for the Tigers, and despite the pedigree and big name stature he had very little positive influence on the game.
In fact errors and penalties from the big man led to Redcliffe ball, territory, and a repeat set that led to Redcliffe’s next try to Jeremy Hawkins courtesy of a pin point cross field kick from Cameron Cullen. A sideline conversion made it 12-6 with just over ten first half minutes left.
Redcliffe were getting on top at this stage, and pushed further ahead in the 33rd minute with a penalty goal.
It was around this time that the Tigers lost Billy Walters through injury, a tragic event after the five eighth had only come back from injury in the previous week’s knockout win over Burleigh.
But a piece of good fortune was just around the corner as a fine intercept from Kelma Tuilagi led to a try a few plays later to Marion Seve who produced a now standard rugby league winger’s Superman dive to slam the ball down mid air. 14-10 at half time, with swinging momentum, it was anyone’s game.
Anyone’s became Redcliffe’s very quickly after the break with two quick tries, and both from what appeared as a lack of urgency in two key moments. The first is when Trai Fuller scored his second try, just moments before his 20 metre charge his fellow number one Scott Drinkwater claimed him high. Easts’ defenders appeared to be waiting for the whistle, and that small hesitation cost them dearly as the Redcliffe fullback breezed through to score.
The second try in the 46th minute was also due to Redcliffe just wanting it more. A grubber which appeared to be heading for a seven tackle set for the Tigers was sensationally retrieved mid air and a good metre past the dead ball line by Aaron Whitchurch despite two hovering Tigers, who had Kotoni Staggs waiting patiently for the ball to score and send Redcliffe out to a 26-10 lead.
Easts skipper Jake Foster crashed over ten minutes later to reduce the gap to 26-16, which was the culmination of a run of repeat sets of pressure from the Tigers.
Momentum swung over the next ten minutes as Nathan Watts pounced on a perfectly curling grubber from Bryce Donovan, who had sucked in the Tigers down the blind side on the last tackle. Followed by Easts scoring again three minutes later through Scott Drinkwater after some excellent lead up work and offload from Marion Seve. With just over ten minutes to go it was 32-22, and anything could happen.
Things were starting to go Easts way until the 75th minute when a great inside out play saw Linc Port through a gap and destined for four points, but the referee surprisingly ruled it out due to interference on a Dolphins defender. It was a questionable call, which robbed the Tigers of a certain try, and the crowd a grandstand finish.
In the end the Tigers tried hard but the moment was lost, and to rub additional salt into the Tigers’ wounds Tom Opacic scored just before full time, after a cheeky dummy from a penalty tap saw a cheeky run down the blind side by Cameron Cullen who found the ex Bronco centre. Big man Sam Anderson failed with the late conversion attempt.
Bustling second rower Toby Rudolf was named man of the match.
For Redcliffe it was a first Premiership since 2006, and three previous failed attempts in Grand Finals. They will now play on next weekend on NRL Grand Final Day, trying to uphold Queensland;’s honour against the Bulldogs in the State Championship.
Sadly Easts’ long wait for another premiership title since 1991 continues.
2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final Result
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 36
Tries: Trai FULLER (17m) Jeremy HAWKINS (26m) Trai FULLER (42m) Kotoni STAGGS (46m) Nathan WATTS (62m) Tom OPACIC (79m)
Goals: Kotoni STAGGS 4/6 Conv, 2 Pens
EASTS TIGERS 22
Tries: Conor CAREY (12m) Marion SEVE (37m) Jake FOSTER (56m) Scott DRINKWATER (65m)
Another weekend of quality European football awaits, and for those fans in Australia, here is our Best Of Bein Sports European Football Highlightsfor another weekend.
As a first class sports nerd we love Bein Sports Australia football coverage, as it offers up everything that the EPL doesn’t, mainly because none of the EPL clubs play in the leagues broadcast.
But there’s not just 10 games to care about, there’s 72 teams in the EFL, 20 in France, Italy and Spain, and 18 in Germany.
Too much football is barely enough we like to say. But you can’t watch everything, so we offer up our Best Of Bein Sports European Football Highlights, to help you follow the best of it live, without the need to stay up for absolutely everything.
Join the sports nerds, the football hipsters, and the genuine fans with a weekend of quality European Football.
Bein Sports Australia Highlights
SUN 1:50am AEST – BEIN SPORTS 1 – CH513
SERIE A – FIORENTINA v SPAL
Obscure Serie A club SPAL are currently sitting a surprise 2nd, hot on the heels of all conquering Juventus. They take on Fiorentina who are currently 4th. SPAL have conceded just the one goal so far this season.
SUN 1:50am AEST – BEIN SPORTS 2 – CH514
BUNDESLIGA – SCHALKE v BAYERN MUNICH
Token Bundesliga game for the weekend. Bayern are doing what they do best, leading the Bundesliga by plenty already. Schalke are the big surprise, sitting second last with zero points.
SUN 4:25am AEST – BEIN SPORTS 3 – CH515
SERIE A – SAMPDORIA v INTER
One of the better Serie A games this weekend, Sampdoria are fifth, but have a better goals for and against than Juventus, and Inter are coming into the game fresh from beating Spurs in the Champions League.
MON 0:10am AEST – BEIN SPORTS 4 – CH514
LA LIGA – VILLAREAL v VALENCIA
The Derby de la Comunitat between two sides from the Valencia region, and both of these sides are lower in the table than usual. Normally they are pushing for top four, but at the moment are 15th and 17th. Villareal are 15th with just the one victory, Valencia meanwhile have also not won a game in the league.
MON 4:55am AEST – BEIN SPORTS 3 – CH515
LIGUE 1 – LYON v MARSEILLE
The French game of the week for Bein Sports European Football nerds/hipsters is the Olympico between the two Olympique sides from Lyon and Marseille. Both sides had differing fortunes in the midweek European competitions – Lyon provided the upset of the Champions League Matchday 1 by beating Manchester City in the UK. Marseille meanwhile were beaten at home by Eintracht Frankfurt. Marseille are going better in the league, sitting 2nd compared to Lyon’s 7th.
MON 6:40am AEST – BEIN SPORTS 3 – CH515
ARGENTINA – BOCA JUNIORS v RIVER PLATE
If you are going to watch just one Argentine football game this month, it may as well be the Superclasico. One of Football’s biggest rivalries, this match has been played 338 times no less. In the league so far this season both teams have the same goals for and against, but Boca are 3rd and River Plate are 10th after 5 rounds.
Missed most of the above action or couldn’t be bothered in the first place?
Follow the below Highlights shows to see the best of each competition, and impress your friends and family, with your newly acquired football knowledge.
The weekend is almost here, and so is our now regular Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia to ensure that you can soak up as much sport as possible, where too much is barely enough as Roy and HG would say.
With so much sport, and so many other jobs and people needing your attention on the weekend it is important to balance that out, to give you as much sloth time as possible.
Which is why we offer up the Ultimate Sloth Weekend TV Sports Guide for Australia, a suggestion of the best of the Australian TV Sport this weekend.
You will of course need a subscription sports package, but any mad Australian sports fan couldn’t survive on a diet of Gus Gould, Stats McAvaney and the poor excuse Channel Ten have for their F1 coverage these days.
Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia Highlights
Here’s a quick overview of what’s ahead, with the full Ultimate Sloth Weekend TV Sports Guide for Australia with times and channels following.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Just four teams remain in the NRL Finals series, and two of them we’ll see next weekend. Neither game is getting fires burning yet, although one could be forgiven for wanting Roosters and Sahrks to droo out this week.
One step ahead of the NRL is Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup and NSW’s Intrust Super Premiership. Both game kick off at 3pm on Sydney/Brisbane time.
There’s also NRLW, which is a good watch, that Broncos v Warriors game could well be the best game of league this weekend.
Bad time to watch, but good rugby league is the UK Super League. One of the double header games involves our favourite UK League team the Toronto Wolfpack.
Here is some NRL Finals we highly recommend/still trying to flog off.
Over to the bikes after F1 was the motor sport attention grabber last weekend. This weekend sees another of the five Grands Prix to be held in Spain this year. At least they race, and in lower tiers, they are even so nice to each other they apply the brakes for their opponents.
FOOTBALL
Not much on to be honest, but found a gem for early Monday morning.
The big derby from Buenos Aries between Boca Juniors and River Plate is on, and if you are only going to watch one Argentinian sporting event this year, this should be it.
Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia- September 21 – September 23
Here is the best of what’s on offer according to us. OF course there’s more, but you only have two eyes and 24 hours in a day. Unless you have more of either, in which case we salute you.
Day
Time
Sport
Channel
TV
Description
Friday
17:00
NRLW
FoxLeague
502
Broncos v Warriors
Friday
19:50
AFL
FoxFooty
504
Richmond v Collingwood
Friday
20:00
NRL
FoxLeague
502
Storm v Sharks
Saturday
15:20
AFL
FoxFooty
504
West Coast v Melbourne
Saturday
17:00
NRLW
FoxLeague
502
Roosters v Dragons
Saturday
20:00
NRL
FoxLeague
502
Rabbitohs v Roosters
Saturday
23:00
F1
FoxSports6
506
Singapore GP Qual
Saturday
23:30
Football
SBS
SBS
Man Utd v Wolves
Sunday
0:00
Super League
FoxLeague
502
UK Super League Double Header
Sunday
15:00
Intrust Super Cup
Ch9 Qld
9NOW
Grand Final – Redcliffe v Easts
Sunday
15:00
Intrust Super Prem
Ch9 NSW
9NOW
Grand Final – Newtown v Bulldogs
Sunday
21:30
Moto GP
Fox Sports 6
506
GP of Aragon Spain
Monday
6:20
Football
Bein Sports 1
513
Boca Juniors v River Plate
All Weekend
0:00
Cricket
Fox Cricket
501
Fox Cricket Channel Launched
Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia
DRINK OF THE WEEK
It’s hard to imagine a weekend of sport on the lounge without a refreshing beverage, and each week we’ll recommend one for you as an accompaniment to all that sport.
THIS MONTH – SP LAGER
Nothing says refreshment like PNG’s finest beer, and since they bombed out of the finals contnetion on the last day of the Intrust Super Cup season, this will be PNG’s only contribution in September.
Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia
SNACK OF THE WEEK
It’s equally hard to imagine a weekend of sport on the lounge with a refreshing beverage without something to snack on. So as above we’ll offer up our Snack of the Week for late night heartburn.
It’s only this time of year when a Hotdog is a good idea. Just.
Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia
OBSCURE SPORTING SHIRT OF THE WEEK
To get into the mood for a good weekend of slothing and sport, it’s always good to wear a sporting shirt of some sort to attempt to justify to yourself and others about all the slothing ahead. And of course, the more obscure the shirt, the more respect you’ll get.
THIS WEEK – 2009-2010 WREXHAM HOME SHIRT
Want to own a shirt for a team in the fifth division of English football. You can, and this team is actually from Wales.
Premier League is in full swing, and as ever we have our Premier League Predictions Week 6 ready.
Each game week we bring our unique look at the EPL, starting with this week’s Premier League Predictions Week 6 and then all the other things like games, fantasy, and betting that make up our mini preview.
But anyone can offer up predictions. So each week we will put our Premier League predictions up against a guest tipster, but not necessarily a person, but based on a statistic or ridiculous idea which has varying links to football.
It’s very much like BBC’s Lawro vs Somebody preview, but better. Arguably. And we’re slightly less grumpy than Lawro. Sometimes. And our tips are available for everyone to enjoy, not just those in the UK who know who the usual array of comedians and musicians are.
Like this week,for our Premier League Predictions Week 6 we put our selections up against tips based on how interesting each city/town is. Why? We’ll explain that down the page.
We’ll also offer up a few other bits and pieces for the huge weekend of Premier League.
Premier League Predictions Week 6 – Gurgler v Avoiding Russians
Opponent Tips Background: One of the big news stories in the UK over the past few months has been the poisoning involving Russians in Salisbury. The accused have since come out and said they were in Salisbury for tourism only.
How do we get tips out of that you ask?
Since one is more likely to have ex Russian spies that may or may not poison you if your city/town is more interesting as a tourist, we say that the less interesting the city/town is, the safer you’ll feel. And that will in turn translate to the football team of that area feeling safer, happier, and more likely to win.
So the less interesting the city/town, the safer the people and football team are, and the more likely to win. Apparently.
The Gurgler’s selections are based on a mixture of listening to multiple podcasts and reading way too many websites, added with ignorance to all of that with our own thoughts. We’re going all right so far at 65% for the season.
Keep reading on for our Mini Preview of the weekend ahead too.
Premier League Predictions Week 6 – Our Tips
FULHAM to beat Watford (2-1)
LEICESTER to beat Huddersfield (2-0)
LIVERPOOL to beat Southampton (1-0)
DRAW – Man Utd v Wolves (0-0)
DRAW – Burnley v Bournemouth (1-1)
MANCHESTER CITY to beat Cardiff (2-0)
NEWCASTLE to beat Crystal Palace (1-0)
DRAW – Brighton v Spurs (1-1)
CHELSEA to beat West Ham (2-1)
ARSENAL to beat Everton (2-0)
Premier League Predictions Week 6 – Avoiding Russians due to Tourism Interest in City/Town
Ranking for each City/Town in brackets. Of course places not on list are safest of all.
DRAW – Fulham (22nd) v Watford (22nd)
HUDDERSFIELD (Not in list) to beat Leicester (50th)
SOUTHAMPTON (42nd) to beat Liverpool (28th)
WOLVES (56th) to beat Manchester Utd (27th)
DRAW – Burnley (Not Listed) v Bournemouth (Not Listed)
CARDIFF (30th) to beat Manchester City (27th)
NEWCASTLE (23rd) to beat Crystal Palace (22nd)
SPURS (22nd) to beat Brighton (18th)
DRAW – West Ham (22nd) v Chelsea (22nd)
EVERTON (28th) to beat Arsenal (22nd)
Premier League Predictions Week 6 Quick Mini Preview
MATCH BY MATCH IN 25 WORDS OR LESS OR SO
FULHAM v WATFORD
A truly interesting early game between this year’s surprise packets Watford, and Fulham who have been hit and miss since their promotion. They did win 4-2 last home against Leicester.
LEICESTER v HUDDERSFIELD
Leicester games usually see a lot of goals, some of them scored by the Foxes and a lot of conceding two goals or more. They welcome Huddersfield who have scored just two in total this season. A loss for Leicester might have manager Claude Puel out the door.
LIVERPOOL v SOUTHAMPTON
Liverpool announced their potential for the season ahead by beating PSG in the Champions League, and disposing of the other team likely to challenge Man City – Spurs – on the weekend. Still aren’t playing their best, but still 100%. We had Southampton to go down, but they look decent for the moment.
MANCHESTER UTD v WOLVES
Manchester United are back on track with consecutive League wins and throw in a decent Champions League win in Switzerland, but Wolves are tough to beat and proving pre season judgements of being EPL mid table worthy. Amazingly these team are next to each other in the table in 8th and 9th.
BURNLEY v BOURNEMOUTH
Burnley are dead last, and with the Europa League out of the way, they need to start winning. They have yet to do so at home this season with two losses from two. Bournemouth are flying high in fifth place, and could stay there with no big 6 game until November.
CARDIFF v MANCHESTER CITY
Cardiff have the third leg of three top 6 clashes in a row with Man City coming to town. Despite not being as hopelessly poor as some predicted, there is no way you can see them beating Man City. Fantasy killing rotation a certainty after City played Champions League midweek and lost to Lyon.
CRYSTAL PALACE v NEWCASTLE
Crystal Palace welcomed back Zaha last weekend against Huddersfield, and welcomed his goals and victory. Despite the many kicks, which is sadly common practice against the most skillful players. Newcastle have already played four of the top six, and have not been embarrassed. Perhaps this is the weekend they get that first win in easier company. Newcastle have a decent record against Palace. It’ll probably be Palace having a hundred shots on goal for nil and Newcastle one from one.
BRIGHTON v SPURS
Not a great week for Spurs. Beaten by Liverpool in the League and beaten by Inter Milan in the Champions League. Brighton is no fun place to go to either, a win over Man Utd and a draw from their two home fixtures this season.
WEST HAM v CHELSEA
A little unfair on West Ham who have to back up from their best performance of the year at Everton with a visit of red hot Chelsea. Although West Ham have a decent recent record against Chelsea. Hazard is in top form, but is he as effective away from Stamford Bridge? Stats say no.
ARSENAL v EVERTON
This game will probably sum up if Arsenal are the new Arsenal or the same old Arsenal. It is a game they should win, and regularly do. But they have to play in the Europa League on Thursday night against Ukraine powerhouse Vorskla. Everton suffered their first loss last weekend at home to West Ham who hadn’t taken a point before the game.
THE AUSTRALIAN TV FTA GAME
No Optus? Don’t blame you, it’s no longer free. But if you’re a tightarse like us, here is the TV game for the week. $15 a month is not bad on Optus if you throw in the Champions and Europa League.
SATURDAY 11:30pm AEST – MANCHESTER UNITED v WOLVES
THE 0-0 SPECIAL
Manchester United v Wolves
Season Progress – 2 correct from 5 weeks. BEaten by the single Zaha goal last weekend.
EPL BETTING – SUPER PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 6 MULTI
Time to make some money – here’s our best five tips rolled into one money making machine.
LEICESTER to beat Huddersfield
MANCHESTER CITY to beat Cardiff
NEWCASTLE to beat Crystal Palace
DRAW – Brighton v Spurs
ARSENAL to beat Everton
$1 Multi pay $37
FANTASY FOOTBALL THOUGHTS
We weren’t very good last season, but that won’t stop us providing a few Fantasy Football EPL tips.
Wolves dynamo Neves may be a great player, but he scores bugger all Fantasy points. But we’re holding on for now.
Bloody Ryan Fraser. Brought him into the side before the International Break only to believe he wouldn’t play. Great value buy, but may have missed his big payday.
Zaha is still a keeper still.
Captain is the key – we say this knowing we nailed Hazard as captain last weekend.
Lukaku could be good value over the next few weeks, with easier teams on the horizon. Especially if Aguero gets injured.
The big day for Queensland Rugby League is here with the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final being fought out on Sunday afternoon between Redcliffe Dolphins and Easts Tigers.
Will it be a sixth title for the Dolphins in the Queensland Cup era, and a first since 2006 despite making another three Intrust Super Cup Grand Finals since.
Or will the Tigers break an even longer drought, their previous title in the top grade predates the pre Queensland Cup era in 1991. They have made four Grand Finals without victory in the Intrust Super Cup sine 1996.
There’s a Broncos feeder club v Melbourne feeder club rivalry. North of the river v South. A few big NRL names, and many a soon-to-be household name. Quality attack, punishing defence. Sunday afternoon football at Suncorp Stadium with reasonable prices and a crowd figure to match an NRL final.
What more do you need?
How about an Intrust Super Cup Grand Final Preview.
HOW DID THE TEAMS GET TO THE INTRUST SUPER CUP GRAND FINAL?
Redcliffe Dolphins won the three-way battle between Burleigh and Townsville for the Minor Premiership, earning Week 1 of the finals off and a home fixture against second placed Burleigh.
The top two meet in week two of the finals, and Redcliffe grabbed the golden tickets straight into the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final with a 13-6 win in a tight affair. A 72nd minute field goal sealing the game.
Easts finished the regular season in fifth, and have been very impressive since. The defeated the Northern Pride 32-0 in Cairns in the first week of the finals, and blew the Ipswich Jets away the following week with 50-20 win.
They were impressive again last weekend with a 36-26 win over Burleigh, who had flogged them in the last week of the regular season dropping them to fifth.
These sides were the best and second best sides in the second half of the season from Round 13, Easts losing just three times in the second half, all against the top three. Redcliffe meanwhile suffered just two losses and a draw, the stalemate against last placed Mackay Cutters.
Both sides in form, Easts on a roll, Redcliffe the fresher. Will it be momentum that wins out, or the season long class of the Dolphins.
THE FORM LINE – HOW THEY FARED AGAINST EACH OTHER THIS SEASON
Redcliffe and Easts have met twice this year, with the honours going to Redcliffe on both occasions.
The first match of the season was in Round 5 where the Dolphins came to Suzuki Stadium and swiftly returned home with two points after a 32-16 win, highlighted by a hat trick to then fullback Tony Tumusa.
Battle recommenced in Round 19 in Goondiwindi for Country Week, and once again Redcliffe got the two competition points with a 16-14 win. But it wasn’t after a stirring late comeback from Easts, who almost stole the game right at the end in a highly entertaining affair.
Redcliffe may have the minor premiership and the head to head advantage for 2018, but that means nothing come Intrust Super Cup Grand Final day, and the Tigers are red hot.
FIVE REASONS TO GET INTO THE INTRUST SUPER CUP GRAND FINAL
Watch the heir to Billy Slater at Melbourne in Scott Drinkwater. Easts followers know what the fullback can do, but he also put on a decent show in his NRL debut. That debut actually crossed paths with the first week of the Intrust Super Cup finals, making the 32-0 win in Cairns even more impressive. Has been one of the players of the season in 2018.
Cameron Cullen carved up the 2016 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final, ironically against the Redcliffe Dolphins for Burleigh. He is the man for Redcliffe who can make the difference and turn from villain to hero in just two years. His counterpart Brayden Torpy has found it hard to crack into the Tigers first grade side this year, with Brodie Croft occasionally being surplus to requirement for the Storm, but when Torpy has got his chance he has nailed it, especially during this final series. A classic haves battle awaits.
It wouldn’t be a big Grand Final without some big guys going at it up the middle, and our favourite from each side to sit back and enjoy is the Easts Tigers Albert Vete, and Sam Anderson. Vete arrived mid season from the NZ Warriors NRL Side where he played 45 games between 2015 and 2018, and has been a hit for the Tigers leading the way in their second half of the season run. Redcliffe’s Sam Anderson is our favourite Dolphin forward, and one just has to admire the tough way he plays his rugby league.
The occasional NRL big name drops through to the Intrust Super Cup, and the Tiger’s Sam Kasiano is the big name of the squads named. The big unit has turned out a few times this year for both the NRL side and the Tigers, and has provided plenty of interest every time he drops in. He could very well end up playing in Grand Finals in consecutive weeks if there’s an injury at the Storm for Grand Final day.
Cheap entry compared to the NRL, and a rare Sunday afternoon of rugby league in Brisbane.
HOW SHOULD A NEUTRAL SUPPORT IN THE INTRUST SUPER CUP GRAND FINAL
Don’t follow either side and haven’t taken side yet? Here’s a few quick reasons to get behind either team.
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
If you are a Broncos fan due to the feeder club arrangement.
You live on the north side of town.
You love the ocean/beach.
You have pet fish.
You like to back a favourite.
You love a little bit of Adam Mogg
EASTS TIGERS
If you are a Storm fan due to the feeder club arrangement.
You live in the south of town.
You love the bustle of inner city living.
You are a cat person.
You love an underdog.
You’d love to see Easts crack that long streak of a title win.
You don’t want to make Craig Bellamy angry.
24-22. Redcliffe by two, penalty goal scored during golden point after the scores are tied at half time and full time.
INTRUST SUPER CUP GRAND FINAL TEAMS
Redcliffe Dolphins
Trai Fuller 2. Josh Beehag 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Tom Opacic 5. Jeremy Hawkins 6. Bryce Donovan 7. Cameron Cullen (c) 16. Nathan Watts 9. Jake Turpin 10. Sam Anderson 14. Myles Taueli 11. Toby Rudolf 13. Jamil Hopoate 8. Nick Slyney 12. Aaron Whitchurch 15. James Taylor 17. Hugh Pratt 19. Scott Schulte 22. Tom Geraghty
Easts Tigers
Scott Drinkwater 2. Linc Port 4. Marion Seve 3. Shane Neumann 5. Conor Carey 6. Billy Walters 7. Brayden Torpy 8. Albert Vete 9. Tommy Butterfield 10. Dave Tyrrell 11. Jake Foster (c) 12. Patrick Kaufusi 13. Jack Svendsen 14. Chris Ostwald 16. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 17. Kelma Tuilagi 20. Sam Kasiano 15. Jarred Tuite 18. Leon Ellia-Niukore
There was way too much sport over the past weekend, one could barely keep up with it all, but regardless, here’s our Wash Up of the Sporting Weekend.
Like most things we do here at The Gurgler, a weekly sporting round-up seemed like a good idea, and this week will feature chat on the NRL Finals, AFL Crowds, Sebastian Vettel is choking again, and the Wallabies suck.
Onwards then our talking points of the weekend. Sure it’s Tuesday night by the time we get around to it, but it’s all good.
THREE TIMES LUCKY FOR SOUTHS
Once again Souths did not play that well in the NRL Finals Series, but thankfully they prevailed in the knockout game against the Dragons.
The victory was hard on the Dragons, who played well enough to win, and have surprised all after going into the finals as the most busted arse finals team in recent seasons.
Dragons were hard done by with the Cameron McInness dummy half penalty, but in the end there was one point of difference.
Halfbacks. One point at a time.
Under pressure Adam Reynolds nailed three field goals as cool as one can do, whereas Ben Hunt failed to land the killer blow. We’re not going to jump on the hate Ben Hunt bandwagon and burn a jersey or two, he is a very good NRL player, but as shown at Origin level, and in patches in key games, he is just not the top shelf halfback to get you home in big games.
The Rabbitohs are yet to play well at all, big man Sam Burgess has not been at his best either for obvious reasons, so Souths fans are hoping they are saving themselves for the Grand Final win over the Storm.
PANTHERS COACH SHOULD TELL TEAM THEY ARE DOWN 18-0 BEFORE GAME STARTS
Penrith are an enigma this season, the comeback kings. And they nearly did it again on Friday night against the Sharks.
If it were any side other than Penrith you would have given up as former player Luke Lewis strolled over just before half time.
The Panthers are entertaining to say the least, on and off field, and have had made a habit of winning these games where they looked down and out. They probably should have won this one too with all the second half momentum, but the Sharks are a side who know how to win in tight games.
That makes them fun to watch, and after over achieving a little this year, and hopefully settle on an assistant head coach to share duties with Gus Gould, they’re be at the sharp end next season. All the coach would then have to do is tell the team they are 18-0 before the game kicks off and go from there.
At the very least, Sportsbet and other wagering companies must really hate Penrith, hurting their money back specials.
AFL CROWD BOOMING – NRL SUCKS
Unbelievable that the AFL had almost the same amount people at their games in two matches this weekend than the NRL had in total during the Finals Series. Broncos happily boosting that figure.
Sebastian Vettel was meant to dominate the Singapore GP, reducing the championship deficit to Lewis Hamilton, and getting eady for a late season title charge.
Instead he finished behind Lewis and a Red Bull, and is further away than ever.
Once again the German is throwing away the Championship with mistakes, the kind you just don’t Lewis Hamilton making.
The Ferrari does look a Championship winner, but like last year although not quite as bad, little by little the errors are costing Vettel and it looks like Hamilton’s title for the taking. Only a massive run of errors will stop the Ham now, ones he rarely makes.
Questions about the all time greatness of Vettel will remain until he clinches a Ferrari title.
I GUESS WE CAN’T COMPLAIN ABOUT MEDIOCRITY
We have complained about our favourite English Football League team Ipswich Town being the most mediocre sporting team in the world. We now wish we were complaining about that.
Last weekend they were beaten by Hull, and unfortunately Reading also won. This leaves the tractor Boys dead last. Sadly with a new manager and a history of giving them time, things don’t look good. Luckily the new manager has stocked up on League One and Two players. We may need them.
There’s a long way to go, so all is not lost yet.
BEST OF THE WEEK
Melbourne Demons and Adam Reynolds’ thee field goals. Ronaldo finally scored for Juventus.
WORST OF THE WEEK
Ipswich Town being last.
JERK OF THE WEEKEND
Juventus player Douglas Costa spitting into an opponents mouth. Lovely.
