The NRL finals picture is getting clearer with three teams dominating this round.
The Top Teams
It was only a couple weeks ago when Tipsters would have been asking who could challenge the Panthers for the title. In consecutive games, heavyweights the Warriors and Roosters have answered that call.
The Premiers will come from one these three teams.
The Roosters have moved into outright first with an incredible win over the much fancied Panthers.
The game was low scoring but both team’s attack and defence were on full display. The Panthers would have scored 18-24 points against any other team but were denied by the desperate Chooks defence.
And then on Saturday, we saw the Wah’s totally dominate the reigning Premiers at Suncorp.
The final three rounds;
- Roosters – Wests Tigers, Dolphins and Rabbitohs (all at Allianz Stadium)
- Panthers – Storm (A), Bulldogs (H), Wests Tigers (H)
- Warriors – Rabbitohs (A), Knights (H), Sea Eagles (H)
It will be a very interesting finish to the season to see who ends up with home finals.
The Other Finalists
Consecutive losses has seen the Sharks drop out of the top four at the expense of the Dolphins. But the Sharks 66-0 win over the Dolphins in round 19 may come back to haunt the ‘Phins as the Sharks hold a 45 point better differential.
The Knights are also in striking distance of the top 4 having secured a finals berth after picking up the wooden spoon last season.
The biggest disappointment of the round goes to the Bulldogs and Cowboys who have left an unlikely door ajar for the Sea Eagles, Storm and Raiders. But for this to happen, the Rabbitohs and Cowboys would have to lose all remaining games.
The Cows have a guaranteed 2 points with a bye this round and finish up with the Wests Tigers and Raiders both in Townsville.
The Rabbitohs face the Wah’s (H), Titans (A) and Roosters (H).
The Spoon
At the other end of the ladder, the Dragons back-to-back victories over the Sharks and Wests Tigers sees the Broncos, Titans and Wests Tigers squarely in the sights.
The reigning premiers Broncos face the very real prospect of adding a wooden spoon to their trophy cabinet.
Can the Dragons continue their winning form? They take on the Bulldogs this week that started their rot with that controversial golden point penalty in Las Vegas.
This Round’s Results
This Round’s Stats
| Standouts Correct | 42 |
| Standouts Wrong | 6 |
| Round High Score | 9 – Shagger, blakey94 |
| Round Low Score | –1 – MLC, Ramin Dadisho, Lukebrooksbiggestfan |
| Average Score | 2.6 |
| Biggest Mover | +4 – Pablo (I guess if you are that far down you eventually move up) |
| Biggest Drop | -6 – TheZipZipMan |
The Standout
Sometimes it doesn’t pay to pick a different standout hoping to see the favourites fall down.
84% correct this week.
Main Competition
Much like the NRL competition, it looks to be a three-horse race.
Bart Simpson, The Creator and MR. TAYLOR are all playing safety first at the moment. Who is going to make the play for the ultimate prize?
But look over your shoulders Tipsters because MB is making a play for the top with murch, Bridie holding the final prizes this week.
Three rounds remain.
Risk v Reward.
Second Competition
iTerry hits the lead over Cruella and I miss Benji.
Who will it be next week?
Three rounds remain. Tick, tick, tick…
Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot
The Bart Simpson Weekly Jackpot is now the 3rd highest paying prize in the competition at B$170.
Three weeks to go. Who wants Bart’s money?
Risk v Reward. You are running out of time Tipster.
As always, good luck with your team and tipping.
Rob
The Creator
