The battle to the finals is well and truly on. Another round of key moments, close matches and a golden point.
GF Preview
The round started with the Panthers at home to the Storm in what many believe will be this year’s grand finalists. I sure hope not.
The game itself was interesting with the Storm starting strong, the Panthers coming back before a Storm penalty with eight minutes remaining proving the difference.
The live ladder was also fun to watch with the Panthers in 1st position with 20 minutes left on the clock but alas the Storm are now four competition points clear and certain to win the Minor Premiership.
The big talk was an injury to Panthers’ star Nathan Cleary who will be sidelined until the finals. This won’t be a problem for Penrith as they have played more games this season without him.
Both the Storm and Panthers will finish top two and host home finals.
The Other Six
All other teams making up the top eight had wins this round. The Roosters and Sharks hold down the top four while the Dragons return to the eight courtesy of a strong win over the Titans and the Bulldogs downing the Dolphins.
The ‘Phins are realistically the only team who can leapfrog back into the eight. For the Dragons, destiny is in their own hands and just need to keep winning.
- The Dragons have Sharks (h), Eels (a), Raiders (h)
- The Dolphins, Storm (a), Broncos (h), Knights (a)
It’s three rounds to go!
The Big Wet
It was amazing scenes at the newly built Allianz Stadium with the Roosters and Eels aquaplaning around the ground. Seeing two grounds keepers using pitchforks at halftime is something you couldn’t write. I’m not sure what they thought would happen.
Maybe this is Team Politis saying thank you Premier for the new stadium, can we now have a roof? Oh, and no other NRL team can play here.
The Battle for the Spoon
The Wests Tigers are gunning for the Eels after notching up their 5th win of the season. The Tiges held onto an 18-16 win over the Rabbitohs who thought they had scored the winning try on the siren.
With one bye still up the Tigers sleave, the Eels need to find a win against the Broncos or Dragons otherwise the battle for the spoon will be decided when the two teams play in the final round.
Let’s hope so! That would be an incredible finish.
In Other Games
- The Cowboys effectively ended the Raiders season with a comprehensive 42-4 victory
- The Sharks also ended the Knights season with a golden point win at home. How good is Sharkies half Daniel Atkinson going, kicking a sideline conversion in blustering winds to level the scores with five minutes to go? He then booted the winning field goal in extra time.
Round 24 Results
Main Competition
It’s hard being at the top of the pile. Everyone is watching YOU. Pressure is on with every decision – every tip……. Don’t choke now. You are only 3 weeks away from a big payday.
So the names of our top 5 tippers didn’t change this week, BUT GeorgeTheDragon gave 1 point back to the field. The only thing separating him from The Creator is the cumulative score. Carlos, SMOG and Magnum are well and truly in the hunt now too.
Who will yield in the final 3 rounds?
2nd Chance Competition
Stallion continues to lead the comp. He is 14 cumulative points clear of Robert Cook who moves up to 2nd place. I got myself back in the chase and now sit 5 points further back in 3rd spot. Go me!
The Standout
With most games going to plan, it was a pretty good round. Not as good as last week, but only 3 tippers got it wrong.
- Standouts correct – 49
- Standouts wrong – 3
- The average score – 7.67
- Our round high – 9
- Our round low was – 2
Footy Tipper Weekly Jackpot
No takers, so up we go. We now playing for $20 for round 25.
Good luck with your tips this week.
Rob and Paul
