Thursday 22 July 2010

NRL Tips Round 20 2010 + NOT The Footy Show Episode 31 Video + Podcast Preview

Here are The NRL Tweet's Previews & Tips for Round 20 of the 2010 NRL Premiership.
(Subscribe to the NOT The Footy Show Podcasts via iTunes HERE)
|=| Ladies & Gentlemen - The Hayne Train is back on track and coming to a Stadium near you. Whether or not Parramatta are back to the kind of form that took them to the Grand Final next year is still up for debate but Jarryd Hayne's last three games (Origin 3 for NSW and for Parramatta v Nth Qld & Penrith) have been absolutely brilliant.
NOT The Footy Show is back onboard The Hayne Train!
With seven rounds left in the 2010 NRL Premiership - only three teams are out of playoff contention (Melbourne, North Queensland & Cronulla), one team - Canterbury must win almost every game and both Newcastle & Canberra will find the going extremely tough if they don't win this weekend against out of contention teams.
Closer to the Top 8 - there a bunch of games that will impact the long term makeup of the Finals.
So strap yourself in for what looks to be a cracking Round 20 of the 2010 NRL Premiership.
|=| Here are the Round 20 Previews with the NRL Tweet's Fantasy + Team Selection News - Last Update comes on Friday July 23. |=|
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|=| Subscribe To The NOT THE FOOTY SHOW Podcasts |=|
This week's Podcast Episode 31:
July 21

Round 20 Preview + Round 19 Review
|=| It's all Jarryd Hayne this week! Guest host Dave & Waz look at why Parramatta might not miss the playoffs after all, given Hayne's 10 out of 10 against Penrith suggests they might be Back on Track in 2010 + What is Ricky Stuart's Legacy as an NRL Head Coach & What is his future? + A lengthy debate about what the NRL can do to help us have faith that the Salary Cap can work + Our Round 20 Preview + Round 19 in Review + Why Julia Gillard's catchphrase 'moving forward' & Tony Abbott's 'budgie smugglers' are banned from all future NOT The Footy Show Podcasts + Some More Talking Points: Did Kevin Moore's decision to bench Ben Barba cost the Dogs a playoff spot? + Are the Titans & Rabbitohs done? + Why is refereeing so wildly inconsistent? + A full rundown of how the NRL Tweet Player of the Year Leaderboard looks after 19 Rounds + Whatever else we find interesting on Episode 31. |=|
|=| With your hosts Dave & Waz on NOT The Footy Show! |=|

This week's Video - Short Version of the Podcast
Coming July 22.
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Friday @ ANZ Stadium
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Friday @ WIN Jubilee Stadium
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Saturday @ Canberra Stadium
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Saturday @ Dairy Farmers Stadium
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Saturday @ AAMI Stadium
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Sunday @ ANZ Stadium
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Sunday @ Bluetongue Stadium
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Monday @ Suncorp Stadium
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|=| ROUND 19 NRL PREMIERSHIP LADDER |=|
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|=| NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD |=|
|=| LEADERBOARD AFTER ROUND 19 |=|
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|=| NRL ROUND 20 PREVIEW |=| July 23-26, 2010 |=|
ROUND TWENTY OF THE NRL PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2010
BULLDOGS v EELS
|=| Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 13th: 6-11, 356-369, -13, 16pts.
|=| Parramatta Eels 10th: 8-9, 281-309, -28, 20pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From ANZ: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: CBY $2.60 v PAR $1.50 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Recent Clashes: Parramatta have won 7 of the last 8 clashes with Canterbury including the last 3. All 8 Games have been at ANZ Stadium.
|=| Wednesday's Preview: If Canterbury had held on to their 30-18 lead over the Roosters last Sunday this would have been the game of the round... if it isn't anyway. The loss all but ruled the Bulldogs out of the Finals in 2010 but mathematically at least they have a chance to make it - as a result you would think they will throw everything at the Eels on Friday Night. But Dogs coach Kevin Moore has reigned in the Canterbury game plan in each of their last four games after they took a sizeable lead - so who knows what he'll do this week. As for Parramatta they will ride the Jarryd Hayne Train for as long as he can do so - and judging by his performance against the Panthers last Saturday Night - it'll for a few weeks at least. Parramatta to win a game that might go down to a sideline conversion...
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 21 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail): Canterbury named an unchanged 17 that lost their way in the last 15 minutes against the Roosters. Despite not playing a full game Tim Winitana has been named on the wing and Shane Neumann also picked up a knock in the Roosters game. As a result both may be late withdrawals with some sources suggesting Steve Turner will return from injury on the wing and one of Jamal Idris, Dene Halatau or Ben Roberts may be in line for Neumann's spot in the centres. Parramatta regain Timana Tahu from suspension and he pushes Jonathan Wright to the bench. Former Bulldog Lee Te Maari is also out - replaced by Matt Keating in the 17 man squad.
Update July 23: Jonathan Wright drops out for the Eels & the Bulldogs are yet to confirm the Turner/Halatau changes.
|=| Follow The NRL Tweet for more |=|
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: EELS by 2 =  ?

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|=| FRIDAY
DRAGONS v TITANS
|=| St.George-Illawarra Dragons 1st: 13-4, 371-182, +189, 30pts.
|=| Gold Coast Titans 8th: 9-8, 350-376, -26, 22pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From WIN Jubilee: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: STI $1.28 v GLD $3.65 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Recent Clashes: St.George-Illawarra have lost just once to the Gold Coast Titans since their re-admittance in 2007. That's 6 wins from 7 games for the Dragons.
|=| Wednesday's Preview: St.George-Illawarra haven't been at their best of late losing at home to Penrith in Round 18 and scraping over the line with a late try to sink the Bunnies at ANZ in Round 19. But they still remain 4 points clear on top of the competition ladder and their opponents on Friday Night - the Gold Coast Titans are slipping out of the Top 8. With 3 losses on the trot to the Broncos, Tigers & Knights (and 6 losses in their last 8 games) - the Titans are not only kissing a spot in the Top 4 goodbye but with Greg Bird's hamstring injury against the Broncos ruling him out for up to a month - it could be a case of Remember the Titans didn't make the Finals in 2010. St.George-Illawarra get Matt Cooper & Jeremy Smith back from injury for this clash and are only missing Michael Weyman from their strongest 17 - an important aspect with the Finals on the horizon for the Dragons who need to settle on their best team now, so they have no excuses come September. Mark Gasnier finds himself on the bench once again and if he's lucky will get to line up against Steven Michaels who lost his spot at the Broncos because of his defensive deficiencies. Pick the Dragons even though the Titans will likely throw everything they have at them in the opening half.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 21 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail): The Dragons welcome back Jeremy Smith & Matt Cooper from injury for this game although both could be late scratchings if they don't pull up well after their final training session. Kyle Stanley continues to 'rest' while Jon Green will start for the still suspended Michael Weyman. Mark Gasnier is again on an extended bench but he is likely to come on and shift Beau Scott to the forwards when Luke Priddis or Dean Young get a spell. Ricky Thorby, Nick Emmett or Jarrod Saffy are the ones most likely to be omitted. The Titans lost Greg Bird to a serious hamstring tear and have moved Mat Rogers to five-eighth to cover his loss. This sees Bodene Thompson move to the lock forward spot for the injured Ashley Harrison and Steven Michaels & Clinton Toopi start at centre. Ben Ridge could make his debut on the bench for Ryan James and Shannon Walker is listed as cover as 18th man.
Update July 22: Nick Emmett & Ricky Thorby have been trimmed from the Dragons bench.
Update July 23: Emmett & Thorby are out, Gasnier will come off the bench. Luke O'Dwyer is favoured to keep Shannon Walker out of the 17, while rookie Ben Ridge will play.
|=| Follow The NRL Tweet for more |=|
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: DRAGONS by 16 =  ?

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|=| SATURDAY
RAIDERS v SHARKS
|=| Canberra Raiders 11th: 7-10, 311-368, -57, 18pts.
|=| Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 14th: 5-12, 245-426, -181, 14pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From Canberra: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: CAN $1.38 v CRO $3.05 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Recent Clashes: Cronulla will fancy their chances in Canberra this weekend. Sharks have won the last 5 games between the teams at Canberra Stadium.
|=| Wednesday's Preview: Canberra are coming off a game in which they scored 40 points in the opening half (won 52-18 over Newcastle) and Cronulla had 36 points put on them in their opening half against Manly. All signs point to the Raiders scoring a plethora of points here in Canberra but the big factor off the field that impacts this result is the elevation of Shane Flanagan to Cronulla coach now that Ricky Stuart has stepped down. The new coach factor is always a powerful one and the Sharks also brought Scott Porter back into the team at halfback - giving them the direction they haven't had with Tim Smith in the #7 and last week when Trent Barrett was injured. If Flanagan has any new tricks he didn't reveal as an assistant to Stuart for the last 8 years - now is the time because the Raiders are definitely beatable. Still you have to pick Canberra to chalk up their 3rd win in a row.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 21 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail): Canberra will monitor the fitness of Joel Thompson from week to week but he is unlikely to play in this game because of his groin injury. Joe Picker is in doubt with a shoulder injury sustained when Akuila Uate plowed into him off a Newcastle kick-off when Picker didn't have the ball. Danny Galea is listed as 18th man. Cronulla has recalled Scott Porter for Tim Smith at halfback, and welcome back Trent Barrett from a shoulder injury. Broderick Wright & Taulima Tautai come into the squad for Siosaia Vave & Lancen Joudo.
Update July 23: If Joe Picker doesn't play - Danny Galea is likely to come in for Canberra. Sharks are expected to be 1-17 at this stage.
|=| Follow The NRL Tweet for more |=|
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: RAIDERS by 7 =  ?

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|=| SATURDAY
COWBOYS v KNIGHTS
|=| North Queensland Cowboys 15th: 4-13, 305-460, -155, 12pts.
|=| Newcastle Knights 12th: 7-10, 337-421, -84, 18pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From Dairy Farmers: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: NQL $1.60 v NEW $2.35 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Recent Clashes: Newcastle continue the trend of one team having the wood on another. Knights have won 4 of the last 5 games v Cowboys since 2008.
|=| Wednesday's Preview: North Queensland are having a forgettable season and picked up loss #13 on Monday Night after wasting a 16-0 lead over the Wests Tigers after 27 minutes. The good news for the Cowboys was the effort that hasn't always been on display this year was there, but the ability to believe they could hold the Tigers at bay in the 2nd half was not. The Cowboys continue to be a mystery given the quality of their Top 6 players (Thurston, Bowen, Mason, Tonga, Scott & O'Donnell) but they rarely seem to lift their team-mates to the level we expect them to. Newcastle will forget all about last weekend in Canberra after their 52-18 defeat and travel to Townsville with their season on the line. If the Knights don't beat teams below them on the ladder in the last two months, they can forget about playing in the Finals. Because of this and the Cowboys lacking confidence - Newcastle will win this vital game on the road.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 21 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail):
North Queensland have named Willie Tonga despite him only lasting 15 minutes against the Tigers with an ankle injury. Anthony Watts comes back onto the bench after serving his one match suspension and Ben Harris is 18th man. Newcastle have lost second rower Cory Paterson with a shoulder injury and Cameron Ciraldo will start in his place. Isaac De Gois will start with Matt Hilder going to lock and Mark Taufua to the bench. Con Mika is the new face on the bench.
Update July 23: The Knights have lost Adam MacDougall & Dan Tolar to injury, Wes Naiqama or Cooper Vuna will replace MacDougall, while Mark Taufua is favoured to fill Tolar's spot. Willie Tonga is unlikely to play with Ben Harris moving into the centres.
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: KNIGHTS by 10 =  ?

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|=| SATURDAY
STORM v PANTHERS
|=| Melbourne Storm 16th: 9-8, 339-265, +74, 0pts.
|=| Penrith Panthers 2nd: 11-6, 439-334, +105, 26pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From AAMI: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: MEL $1.62 v PEN $2.30 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Recent Clashes: Melbourne have dominated the Panthers in recent seasons. In fact the Storm are on a 6 match winning streak since 2006.
|=| Wednesday's Preview: Melbourne have been crisscrossing their way across Australasia the last month (losing in Perth, Adelaide & Auckland) and will welcome a chance to train and then play in Melbourne. Penrith pulled off a dramatic 12-8 win against St.George-Illawarra that seemed to open up the Minor Premiership race and then dropped two straight to the Warriors & Eels. Penrith blew a 22-0 lead in their loss to the Eels but that was without their best player - Luke Lewis. Lewis has not been named afor this game and that makes Melbourne very hard to tip against. The only problem if you pick Melbourne is they have lost their killer instinct and in each of their last 3 losses - they could have won. If this game was in Penrith you pick the Panthers, but Melbourne will relish the safe haven of AAMI Park and I'm sticking with the Storm for another week... setting myself up for disappointment.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 21 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail): Melbourne bring Ryan Hinchcliffe & Dane Nielsen back into the squad after being rested last week and Kevin Proctor misses out. Ryan Hoffman starts in the second row with Adam Blair shifting to lock. The Panthers still haven't named Luke Lewis with Nathan Smith starting at lock. Frank Puletua starts for Sam McKendry who comes off the bench. Masada Iosefa is on an extended bench.
Update July 23: Chase Stanley or Justin O'Neill will make way for the return of Dane Nielsen for the Storm, while Luke Lewis will not play after failing to get through a fitness test on his shoulder.
|=| Follow The NRL Tweet for more |=|
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: STORM by 4 =  ?

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|=| SUNDAY
RABBITOHS v WARRIORS
|=| South Sydney Rabbitohs 9th: 8-9, 418-351, +67, 20pts.
|=| Warriors 5th: 10-7, 354-365, -11, 24pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From ANZ: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: SOU $1.67 v WAR $2.20 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Recent Clashes: The results of the last 10 Souths v Warriors games: WAR, SOU, SOU, SOU, WAR, WAR, WAR, WAR, WAR, WAR. Incl. Warriors 66-0 in 2006.
|=| Wednesday's Preview: Huge game for South Sydney who dropped out of the Top 8 by blowing their game with the Dragons last Friday and desperately need to arrest their recent slide of four losses in five games. On the flip side - the Warriors have won each of their last five games and will be growing in confidence given their lofty position on the table (5th with 24 points). But what the Warriors have to be wary of is thinking they are on track for the Finals - because despite having 24 points they are -11 in the differential category which means if they drop a game or two they could find themselves drop from 5th to outside the Top 8 in a couple of weeks. Brent Tate returned from injury last week and looked dangerous and his presence along with that of Brett Seymour were huge boosts to the Warriors. Having said that - I like the Bunnies. Despite Luke Stuart being out for the rest of the regular season with a broken hand, the shift of Sam Burgess from a wide running second row position into the front row might be just what South Sydney need to spark the team. Even though Issac Luke is still hurt - I am leaning towards the Rabbitohs at ANZ on Sunday.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 21 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail): South Sydney have lost ironman prop Luke Stuart with a broken hand and have shifted Sam Burgess to the front row. Michael Crocker starts in the second row. Jason Clark is the new man on the bench. The Warriors named Brett Seymour after he copped a knock to the head against Melbourne and although Jacob Lillyman has been added to the bench he will likely play in the NSW Cup.
Update July 23: It looks like Jacob Lillyman will play NSW Cup for the Auckland Vulcans, Souths are 1-17.
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: RABBITOHS by 6 =  ?

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|=| SUNDAY
SEA EAGLES v TIGERS
|=| Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 6th: 9-8, 400-344, +56, 22pts.
|=| Wests Tigers 3rd: 11-6, 356-338, +18, 26pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From Bluetongue: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: MAN $1.50 v WTG $2.60 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Recent Clashes: Wests Tigers look for their 3rd straight win over Manly on Sunday. Manly however had won the previous 5 games between the clubs.
|=| Wednesday's Preview: Tough match to pick because the Sea Eagles clicked into gear against Cronulla and the Tigers have won seven from eight with their only loss coming to the Dragons at WIN Jubilee. But the Tigers won't have Gareth Ellis (at this stage he is not playing) and he is the key to the Tigers forward pack being physical enough to match teams like Manly. This tips the scales towards Manly despite the Tigers winning record being far superior over the last two months. Jamie Lyon is Manly's most important player and he showed signs he is getting back to fitness in the romp over Cronulla. This game is in Gosford rather than Brookvale but I'm still picking the Sea Eagles in a close one.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 21 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail): Manly have named the same 17 that crushed the Sharks 48-18 last week with Matt Cross 18th man. The Tigers will again be without Gareth Ellis (although he might be a late inclusion) but Robert Lui is back at halfback after getting through his Toyota Cup game on Monday. John Skandalis stays on the bench after his comeback last weekend.
Update July 23: Gareth Ellis is long odds to make a late appearance but the Tigers may also be without Keith Galloway after his head knock v Nth Qld - Andrew Fifita or Junior Moors would come in for Galloway. Manly will drop Matt Cross from their bench.
|=| Follow The NRL Tweet for more |=|
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: SEA EAGLES by 10 =  ?

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|=| MONDAY
BRONCOS v ROOSTERS
|=| Brisbane Broncos 7th: 9-8, 382-341, +41, 22pts.
|=| Sydney Roosters 5th: 10-7, 391-386, +5, 24pts.
|=| The NRL Tweet's Game Notes From Suncorp: See Results Article on Monday.
|=| Wednesday's Market: BRI $1.55 v SYD $2.45 (Graphic is Tuesday's Team Lineup)
|=| Recent Clashes:
Prior to the Roosters beating the Broncos 25-6 in Round 6 this year, Brisbane had won 8 of their last 9 games against the Roosters.
|=| Wednesday's Preview: Huge game in the context of the Top 8 at Suncorp on Monday Night. The Broncos have gone loss-win-loss-win since their five match winning streak and the Roosters have won three on the trot (should be five in a row given they dropped the Warriors match in the final minute). So both sides have some form on the board. Brisbane (22pts) sit in 7th spot but a win here would take them past the Roosters (24pts for 5th) on differential. The Roosters showed immense spirit to overcome a string of terrible calls and beat the Bulldogs from 30-18 down and will be confident they can run with the Broncos at Suncorp. Brisbane beat the Gold Coast 24-10 last Friday and did so with some of their big guns not at their best in Lockyer, Folau & Thaiday (who was hurt). As much as I love the way the Roosters play with their new scrumbase trio - I still find myself tipping the Broncos at home.
|=| Team Selection + Fantasy News July 21 (Friday's Update with help from SMH's Late Mail): Brisbane have the same 17 but Sam Thaiday is in doubt with a cork in his thigh. The Roosters didn't name Joseph Leilua although he was a late inclusion for Phil Graham (who is named again). Mose Masoe replaces Martin Kennedy on the bench.
Update July 23: Some huge news out of the Roosters camp with Mitchell Pearce picking up a slight hamstring strain putting him in doubt. Nate Myles should play but is still bothered by his hip injury. If Pearce is out - look for Todd Carney to move to halfback and Braith Anasta to five-eighth. Sam Thaiday is likely to play.
|=| Follow The NRL Tweet for more |=|
 |=| NRL Tweet's Prediction: BRONCOS by 13 =  ?

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|=| The NRL Tweet's 2010 Tipping Record To Date... 86/136 @ 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 - 3/7 - 7/8.
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|=| NOT The Footy Show |=|
|=| Round 20 Preview - Episode 31 Podcast |=|

| View all the NOT The Footy Show Videos HERE |
|=| What's on NOT THE FOOTY SHOW EPISODE 31?
1. Waz & guest host Dave still talking league... we'll shut up in October.
2. Kick The Show Off with our rendition of 'The Hayne Train!' Get the video on YouTube.
3. We go into the whole Salary Cap, Greg Inglis, Policing of the Cap etc in detail in one mighty long segment - but we also raise the idea of a Public Salary Cap.
4. Ricky Stuart - What is his legacy thus far as a coach & what does the future hold?
5. All the Round 19 Moments in detail... Did Kevin Moore's decision to bench Ben Barba cost the Dogs a playoff spot?
5. Some More Talking Points This Week:

a. Why Julia Gillard's catchphrase 'moving forward' & Tony Abbott's 'budgie smugglers' are banned from all future NOT The Footy Show Podcasts
b. Matt Vickers asks The NRL Tweet: Are the Titans & Rabbitohs done?
c. Rugbystique wants to know why the refs still can't get it right more often than not?
6. A full rundown of how the NRL Tweet Player of the Year Leaderboard looks after 19 Rounds
7. Plus all our Tips & In-Depth Previews of NRL Round 20 + Our Tipping Records + But you'll have to see the video for our Special Fried Rice Picks this week.
8. Check it out on iTunes now!
Cheers Waz & Dave
(& Nic although he wasn't here)

NOT The Footy Show
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|=| Here are the NOT THE FOOTY SHOW Videos for Round 20 |=|
|=| NOT The Footy Show Episode 31 - NRL Round 20 Video Preview (Coming July 22) |=|
|=| NOT The Footy Show - Episode 08 - Kick-Off 2010 Sideline Challenge Promo! |=|
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|=| NRL Tweet Player of the Year Award - Round 19 Voting Complete.
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