Politics unfortunately headed the lead up to Manly’s clash against the Roosters, with 7 players BOYCOTTING the game. We, the fans, were informed via the press that they would not play in the rainbow jersey due to their religious and cultural beliefs. (For clarity, the rainbow jersey was introduced to promote inclusiveness). It was later revealed by Scott Penn on Thursday, that after talks with the players they would wear the rainbow jersey if they were properly consulted. So it seems it’s not the jersey, and it was not their religious and not cultural beliefs, it’s simply the lack of consultation that stopped them from playing. I didn’t realise players had to be consulted in regards to what jerseys they wear. Read into that what you will. Politics does not belong in Rugby League. Anyway, a weakened Manly side lost 20-10.
There were 2 matches that caused a few headaches for punters this weekend. They also caused havoc in the leaderboard. Our average score was only 5.3, and nearly 50% of us get our standouts wrong.
Game 1. The Tigers upset win over the Broncos 32 – 18 at Suncorp got them off the bottom of the ladder. But the (deserved) win also upset 64 tippers – in fact the only tipper to get this one right was Toothpick13. The big hit was to 24 punters who took the Broncos as their standout selection.
Game 2. The local derby (and battle of the westies) at CommBank Stadium saw the Eels knock off the Panthers for the 2nd time this season. Final score 34 – 10. They are the only team to beat them this season, last beating them in round 9. Big news, was the send off of Nathan Cleary for a spear tackle 20 minutes into the game. It will probably see Cleary sidelined for the rest of the regular season. I don’t think it will be enough to see them lose out on winning the minor premiership though.
All other games went pretty much to plan. Here are all the results from round 20 ;
Main Competition
There has been a major shakeup in the leaderboard and things are getting tighter at the top of the table. Murch is our new leader with a solid 7 score. Admireel moves into 2nd place (just 1 game behind) after managing 8 this week. Big losers were Turbohamstrings and Panthers29 who only managed 4’s this week. They now hold down 3rd and 4th places.
Second (Chance) Competition
iTerry now has a clear lead of 13 points to Robert Cook. Big mover was Splinter who moves up 18 places and into the cash in third place.
The Standout
- 34 – got it right.
- 31 – got it wrong
- The average score – 5.32
- Our round high – 9.
- Our round low was – 0
Footy Tipper Weekly Jackpot
No takers this week so I jackpot pool rises to $30 for round 21.
Good luck with your tips this week.
Paul
