Friday 9 July 2010

NRL Tips Round 18 2010 + NOT The Footy Show Episode 29 Video + Podcast Preview

Here are The NRL Tweet's Previews & Tips of Round 18 of the 2010 NRL Premiership.
(Subscribe to the NOT The Footy Show Podcasts via iTunes HERE)

|=| State of Origin has been run and won by Queensland in 2010... again, and this week is the last NRL Round with any teams on the bye. Brisbane & St.George-Illawarra have the week off but the other 14 NRL Clubs have games in Round 18.
Here are the Round 18 Previews with the NRL Tweet's Fantasy + Team Selection News - Updated Friday July 9.
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|=| The NOT THE FOOTY SHOW Podcasts |=|
This week's Podcast Episode 29:
State of Origin Game 3 Recap + Round 18 Preview
|=| QLD swept NSW for the 1st time since 1995 in Origin 3 - we review a classic game of footy + Round 18 Preview + Round 17 in Review + 4 Talking Points: Dragons v Panthers GF Preview? + Game Plan Folly + The NRL's MVP + Third Man Thaiday.
|=| With your hosts Nic & Waz on NOT The Footy Show! |=|

This week's Video - Short Version of the Podcast
|=| The NOT THE FOOTY SHOW Videos |=|
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|=| NRL Round 18 Schedule |=|
 - All Team News is updated one final time on Friday July 9 thanks to SMH League Site LeagueHQ  -
Fri: #7 SYDNEY ROOSTERS v #5 SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS @ SFS
Fri: #3 WESTS TIGERS v #4 GOLD COAST TITANS @ Campbelltown
Sat: #6 MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES v #13 CANBERRA RAIDERS @ Brookvale
Sat: #12 CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS v #16 MELBOURNE STORM @ Adelaide
Sun: #11 NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS v #14 CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS @ EnergyAustralia
Sun: #2 PENRITH PANTHERS v #8 WARRIORS @ CUA
Mon: #10 PARRAMATTA EELS v #15 NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS @ Parramatta
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|=| ROUND 17 NRL PREMIERSHIP LADDER |=|
Top 8: Dragons 26, Panthers 26, Tigers 22, Titans 22, Rabbitohs 20, Sea Eagles 20, Roosters 20, Warriors 20.
Bottom 8: Broncos 18, Eels 16, Knights 16, Bulldogs 14, Raiders 14, Sharks 14, Cowboys 12, Storm 0*.
* Melbourne were stripped off all their 2010 points after rorting the Salary Cap.
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|=| NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD |=|
|=| LEADERBOARD AFTER ROUND 17 |=|
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|=| NRL ROUND 18 PREVIEW |=| July 9-12, 2010 |=|
ROUND EIGHTEEN OF THE NRL PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2010
BYES -- BYES
|=| FRIDAY
ROOSTERSVRABBITOHS
|=| Sydney Roosters 7th: 8-7, 337/340, -3 20pts.
|=| South Sydney Rabbitohs 5th: 8-7, 391/317, +74 20pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From SFS: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: SYD $1.92 v SOU $1.90 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Wednesday's Preview: Tough game to pick because in Round 1 it looked like the Bunnies were sure things and they got walloped 36-10 by the Roosters. The Roosters have been in good form lately - although they won through their opportunism v Canberra yet played better and lost against the Warriors. With only Nate Myles in any doubt - the Roosters look strong here. The Bunnies won't have Issac Luke after the hooker hurt his shoulder in a training accident and his loss is a gigantic hole in the middle of the side. Should Myles play, I'm more confident in the Roosters but the absence of Luke can't help but conjure up memories of the ineptness of the Bunnies performance against Brisbane the last time Luke was out. Roosters at the SFS.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 9 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail): The Roosters welcome back Mitchell Pearce from Origin 3, but Nate Myles is in doubt with a hip injury. The Rabbitohs only Origin player Dave Taylor will play. Michael Crocker seems likely to replace Dave Tyrrell on the Bunnies bench, while Eddy Pettybourne is a confirmed starter. Beau Falloon will start at hooker for the injured Issac Luke. The Roosters have stuck with the Anthony Minichiello at fullback, Todd Carney at five-eighth, Pearce at halfback and Braith Anasta at lock combination. Late Update July 9: Nate Myles appears to be out with a hip injury and is joined on the sidelines by winger Phil Graham. No word on replacements yet but Tom Symonds, Joseph Leilua and Daniel Conn would be in contention. Michael Crocker passed a fitness test and will play.
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: ROOSTERS by 2 =  ?
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|=| FRIDAY
TIGERSVTITANS
|=| Wests Tigers 3rd: 9-6 315/308 +7 22pts.
|=| Gold Coast Titans 4th: 9-6, 326/337, -11 22pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From Campbelltown: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: WTG $1.60 v GLD $2.35 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Wednesday's Preview: The Wests Tigers had about three good sets of six against the Broncos last Friday Night - yet that was good enough to steal a 16-14 win at Suncorp. Robbie Farah's brilliance got them over the line in a game they have regularly lost in recent seasons and despite the poor overall performance - a win is a win. They did name Robert Lui to return at halfback from a knee injury but he is a late scratching and the Chris Lawrence at five-eighth/Benji Marshall at halfback combination goes at it again. This is not ideal for the Tigers but it is the absence of Gareth Ellis with a groin injury that tips the balance of power in the visiting Gold Coast Titans favour. The Titans have Scott Prince returning to the lineup after a hamstring injury and their backrow matches up very nicely against a Ellis-less Tigers unit. Even with this game at Campbelltown - the Titans will fancy themselves and I do to. Titans to win.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 9 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail):
Ashley Harrison and Greg Bird will backup from Origin 3 for the Titans. Robert Lui was named but is out of the Wests Tigers side with Lawrence at five-eighth and Marshall at halfback. No Gareth Ellis, so Liam Fulton will start in the second row. Junior Moors & Mark Flanagan are back - Andrew Fifita could miss out. The Titans have named Bodene Thompson at centre but Brisbane recruit Steven Michaels may make his first start for the Titans. William Zillman is on the wing, while Ryan James & Luke O'Dwyer are new faces on the bench. Scott Prince is very likely to play.
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: TITANS by 7 =  ?
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|=| SATURDAY
SEA EAGLESVRAIDERS
|=| Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 6th: 8-7, 330/302, +28 20pts.
|=| Canberra Raiders 13th: 5-10, 235/328, -93 14pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From Brookvale: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: MAN $1.28 v CAN $3.70 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Wednesday's Preview: Manly have won 6 of the past 7 games between the two clubs and it would take a brave and stupid person to pick the Raiders to win at Brookvale given recent form. While Manly were comprehensively beaten 40-22 by Penrith at CUA 2 weeks ago, they didn't play badly and get skipper Jamie Lyon back from injury - as well as Glenn Stewart who seemed to pick up a serious ankle injury v Penrith. Jason King, Anthony Watmough, David Shillington & Tom Learoyd-Lahrs should be backing up after Origin 3. Manly are a much better side with Lyon at right centre and halves Trent Hodkinson & Kieran Foran seem to carry out the game plan with more confidence with Lyon on the field. As a result and given Canberra haven't won in a month where they've had more ball and field position than you can ever hope for in half a season - Manly win and they win well.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 9 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail): Jason King, Anthony Watmough, David Shillington & Tom Learoyd-Lahrs should all back up from Origin 3. Manly named Jamie Lyon & Glenn Stewart - the former is back earlier than expected from an ankle injury and the latter was thought to be out for at least a month with a similar ankle injury suffered in Round 16. Canberra despite some insipid form have made enforced changes with Travis Waddell starting for the injured Glen Buttriss and Josh McCrone coming in for Adam Mogg (which does not improve the Raiders despite Mogg being healthy). Canberra will trim Joe Picker, Troy Thompson or Mogg from their bench, while Manly will likely cut Matt Cross from theirs. Late Update July 9: Joel Thompson has been ruled out with a thigh injury, Adam Mogg will start at centre, Joe Picker in the second row and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs moves to the bench. Jamie Lyon is yet to be confirmed as a starter but Glenn Stewart will play.
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: SEA EAGLES by 12 =  ?
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|=| SATURDAY
BULLDOGSVSTORM
|=| Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 12th: 5-10, 304/315 -11 14pts.
|=| Melbourne Storm 16th: 9-6, 315/232, +83 0pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From Adelaide Oval: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: CBY $1.85 v MEL $1.97 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Wednesday's Preview: Last time these two teams met was post Origin 1 and practically all the Storm's rep players didn't back up... and Melbourne still won convincingly thanks to a super game from the one that did - Cooper Cronk. The Bulldogs have now won two in a row but have played about 40 good minutes in total across both games - so don't get on the Canterbury bandwagon yet. Ben Barba is in slashing form while Kevin Moore allows the team to attack but like the rest of the team - sees zero ball when the coach reigns in the game plan with a lead. The Storm might be playing for nothing now Origin is over but they've got a few games in them where they'll throw caution to the wind and it will pay off... this could be one of those games. If this was in Sydney you'd lean Bulldogs, but the Storm have won 6 of the last 7 games between the clubs and in Adelaide I'm picking the rather unpredictable Storm.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 9 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail):
Michael Ennis will play for the Bulldogs, while it appears all of the Storm's Origin contingent will lineup in Adelaide (Cronk, Slater, Smith & Inglis). The Storm did have another couple of rep players Wednesday night and one of them - winger Justin O'Neill - picked up an injury that might sideline him here. Expect either Gareth Widdop, Chase Stanley or Luke MacDougall to come in. The Bulldogs still have no Steve Turner so a slimmed down Tim Winitana keeps his spot on the right wing. With Ennis returning either Dene Halatau or Blake Green will likely miss out on a bench spot. Late July 9 Update: We're hearing Cooper Cronk is in doubt with a cork with Brett Finch likely to be partnered by Cameron Smith in the halves allowing Ryan Hinchcliffe to start at hooker if Cronk is unable to play.
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: STORM by 4 =  ?
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|=| SUNDAY
KNIGHTSVSHARKS
|=| Newcastle Knights 11th: 6-9, 298/359, -61 16pts.
|=| Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 14th: 5-10, 217/357, -140 14pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From EnergyAustralia: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: NEW $1.42 v CRO $2.85 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Wednesday's Preview: Newcastle have quietly won two on the trot after a lean spell and need to beat the Sharks at home to stay in contention for a Finals birth. The Sharks are also keeping their head above water but given both teams are a few wins out of the Top 8 - you'd think the loser probably faces a near impossible task of reaching the semis with a loss here. Cronulla will have Origin 3 players Trent Barrett, Paul Gallen & Kade Snowden backing up, while Newcastle only have Origin 3 supersub Kurt Gidley backing up. I give Cronulla a massive show in this clash because the Knights are a very hot and cold team and after two wins you can't help but feel they may be due for a stint in the freezer. But this is at EnergyAustralia on a Sunday afternoon and the Knights love a dry track - so sorry Cronulla, I've gotta pick Newcastle at home.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 9 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail):
All four Origin 3 players should play (Barrett, Gallen, Snowden & Gidley). Isaac De Gois is trying to return from a hand injury but is 50/50. Matt Hilder would start at hooker in his place. Zeb Taia played just 38 minutes against the Titans two weeks ago but has been named. New recruit from North Queensland Antonio Kaufusi is listed on the bench in his Newcastle debut. Cronulla are unchanged bar the inclusion of their Origin players and one of Broderick Wright, Siosaia Vave or Taulima Tautai will be shaved from their bench.
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: KNIGHTS by 1 =  ?
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|=| SUNDAY
PANTHERSVWARRIORS
|=| Penrith Panthers 2nd: 11-4, 405/288, +117 26pts.
|=| Warriors 8th: 8-7, 329/353, -24 20pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From CUA: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: PEN $1.33 v WAR $3.35 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Wednesday's Preview: In the past three weeks the Panthers have run a gauntlett of Brisbane, Manly & St.George-Illawarra and beaten them all. The Warriors have also won three straight beating the Knights, Roosters & Eels... not quite the same calibre of teams but three wins are three wins. The Panthers crushed the Warriors 40-12 in Auckland in Round 6 and that win was probably the springboard to Penrith's season so far. The Warriors were good against Parramatta and did it without Lance Hohaia so they will like their chances of knocking off a premiership contender... but this is at CUA and Penrith should win.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 9 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail):
Huge loss for the Panthers with Tim Grant suffering a leg injury against the Dragons that may keep him out until late August. The good news for Penrith is Michael Jennings, Michael Gordon, Petero Civoncieva & probably Luke Lewis (cork) will backup from Origin 3 and halfback Luke Walsh (hamstring) has been named after missing last week. Travis Burns goes back to the bench, while Matt Bell starts for Grant. Matthew Elliott has named a 9 man bench but with the 4 Origin players likely to play - the omissions are logical. The Warriors have ruled out Lance Hohaia once again with a groin strain - Jerome Ropati will move back to fullback.
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: PANTHERS by 4 =  ?
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|=| MONDAY
EELSVCOWBOYS
|=| Parramatta Eels 10th: 6-9, 211/257, -46 16pts.
|=| North Queensland Cowboys 15th: 4-11, 265/398, -133 12pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From Suncorp: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: PAR $1.45 v NQL $2.75 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Wednesday's Preview: The Eels and the Cowboys have had forgettable seasons but hopefully Monday Night's clash won't be in the same class as the last MNF game the Eels played in Newcastle. Parramatta blew that game in the final few minutes and had no answer to the Warriors in Auckland last Sunday, but that was without Jarryd Hayne who ran into some seriously good form in Origin 3. With Hayne & Tim Mannah backing up and the Cowboys trio of Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga & Matt Scott possibly sporting a hangover or two - Parramatta are in a position to get back to within just one win of the Top 8. The Cowboys are pretty much done for 2010 after they blew an 18-0 halftime lead against the Sharks in Round 16 - so pick Parramatta and hope they realise how much of a must-win game this really is.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 9 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail):
At this stage all rep players are backing up, given it is a Monday Night game - odds are only a serious injury will keep any one of Jarryd Hayne, Tim Mannah, Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott or Willie Tonga out. Tom Humble is replaced by Hayne at the back, while Justin Poore & Ben Smith return to the forward pack. The Jeff Robson/Daniel Mortimer halves combination is back for a second week. The Cowboys move newly acquired utility Arana Taumata to centre and Will Tupou comes onto the wing for John Williams. Matt Bowen is back at fullback for Shannon Gallant and Grant Rovelli is the new five-eighth. Anthony Watts also returns from injury on the bench.
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: EELS by 6 =  ?
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|=| The NRL Tweet's 2010 Tipping Record To Date... 76/121 @ 63%!
|=| Round by Round: 5/8 - 6/8 - 7/8 - 6/8 - 5/8 - 5/8 - 5/8 - 6/8 - 1/4 - 6/8 - 3/5 - 5/7 - 5/8 - 2/5 - 4/7 - 2/8 - 3/5.
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|=| NOT The Footy Show |=|
|=| Origin 3 Recap + Round 18 Preview - Episode 29 Podcast |=|

| View all the NOT The Footy Show Videos HERE |
What's on NOT THE FOOTY SHOW EPISODE 29?
1. Nic & Waz are in State of Origin 3 Recap mode... QLD sweep the series as Waz watches from the ground & Nic on TV.
2. State of Origin Game 3: Highs & Lows, Best & Worst Performers, + Our Players of the Series.
3. All the Round 17 Moments.
4. Four Big Talking Points This Week:
a. Dragons v Panthers – Was it a Grand Final Preview? And were the under-strength lineups an advantage for either team heading into September?
b. Game Plans – Are coaches or players responsible for how your team plays?
c. Most Valuable Player in 2010 so far? Consulting the NRL Tweet's Player of the Year Leaderboard after 17 Rounds - we narrow the field down to the true MVPs of the League.
d. Why Sam Thaiday has made a mockery of the Third Man In Rule.
5. Plus all our Tips + Previews of NRL Round 18 + Our Tipping Records + Our Special Fried Rice Picks this week.
6. Check it out on iTunes now!
Cheers Waz & Nic
NOT The Footy Show
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|=| Click Here For Our 2010 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES PAGE
All the Results plus Player Profiles, Previews, Reviews, Videos, Podcasts & our State of Origin Memories.
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|=| 'NOT The Footy Show' Fox Sports Fantasy NRL League - CODE: 1756-4389 - 30+ Teams have entered and the winner takes away a hastily cobbled together trophy! Enter mid-season if you wish - we welcome the extra competition.
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|=| Here are the NOT THE FOOTY SHOW Videos for Round 18
|=| NOT The Footy Show Episode 29 - NRL Round 18 Video Preview (July 9) |=|
|=| NOT The Footy Show - Episode 08 - Kick-Off 2010 Sideline Challenge Promo! |=|
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|=| NRL Tweet Player of the Year Award - Round 17 Voting Complete.
Check out the leaderboard above.
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