The Broncos busted. The Panthers in the top four. And we have another winner.
Another wet weekend but most results went as expected.
The first six matches were all one-sided affairs but were the ones with the biggest impact to the NRL Finals Series.
The top three teams of the Raiders, Storm and Bulldogs extending their lead over whoever ends up in 4th place.
Losses to the Broncos and Warriors opened up the door for the Premiers(4x) Panthers to return into the all important top four.
While the Dragons defeat of the Sharks puts lil’ brother in peril of dropping out of the finals with both the Roosters and Dolphins one win behind but with a vastly superior differential.
Storm v Broncos
I feel for Broncos’ supporters. Their season has been put on life support from one intercept pass with both halves, Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds, injuring hamstrings chasing Xavier Coates.
Selwyn Cobbo would also fall foul to the hamstring gods later in the match.
The Broncos now need Ben Hunt to lead them into the finals, but they are at risk of dropping out altogether. They play the Dolphins this weekend, a loss here will see the ‘Phins leapfrog them.
Check out part 2 of The Road Home analysis later this week to see what all teams are facing in the final month.
The Creator
Staying in Melbourne, somebody needed to turn the effects mics down. Every time the Storm scored there were sirens and truck horns tooting (not sure about the relevance) it was difficult hearing the commentors on Fox Sports.
It might not have mattered as much if Mick Ennis was commentating.
Spoon Sunday
How entertaining were the games for the teams trying to avoid the wooden spoon?
The Rabbitohs taking out the unlucky Titans by two points and the Eels pipping the Cows with a late field goal.
The Titans were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty for a highshot in the final minute that would have taken the game to golden point. They will win the wooden spoon unless they can win one more game than the Knights or Bunnies (who have the luxury of a bye up their sleave).
In the final game of the round, the Eels kept inviting the Cowboys to win. Even after kicking the match winning field goal, they turned the ball over and watched a Cowboys try disallowed by the bunker in the final seconds.
This Round’s Results
This Round’s Stats
| Standouts Correct | 50 |
| Standouts Wrong | 1 – isha68 |
| Round High Score | 12 [Perfect Round] – See below |
| Round Low Score | 3 – isha68, Admiree;, Lukebrooksbiggestfan |
| Average Score | 5.3 |
| Biggest Mover | +4 – I miss Benji |
| Biggest Drop | -4 – MLC |
The Standout
Only one Standout incorrect this week and that winner goes to… drumroll..
- isha68
Main Competition
No changes to the prize winners except C.Y.L.C. and B.S. swapping places.
For Bart Simpson, his brief tenure at the top looks to be all for naught as he continues to slide back into oblivion. Maybe B.S. should rethink his Stinky Manly strategy?
Interestingly, fellow Expert’s Panel members and FT officials, Pablo and The Creator battle it out in 9th and 10th spots like an episode out of a Wacky Races cartoon.
Will they leap above B.S. to top the Expert Panel? Can they take out a prize?
Second Competition
Now that’s more like it. A complete change in the ladder, in fact, the top 12 positions see changes with all Tipsters moving up.
SMOG leads with Wiley C now double dipping in the 2nd Competition as well.
MR. TAYLOR and murch share 3rd prize for now.
Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot
We have another winner.
Congratulations to GeorgeTheDragon who managed to pick the Roosters, Dragons, Rabbitohs and Eels combo and not tipping any Queensland teams or Manly.
If we could, we’d double your prize. Except we all know which team our Sponsor supports.
The Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot now stands at a modest B$10.
It’s the final month. If you are not going to go soon, you are running out of time.
It’s Risk v Reward.
As always, good luck with your team and tipping this week.
Rob
The Creator
