NRL ROUND 8 TIPPING PREVIEWBy W D Nicolson
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The Storm try for eight straight wins to open the season and the Tigers and Titans look to make it two straight in slightly less impressive win streaks.
For more on how we see the Weekend unfolding, check out the Podcast and Preview below.
For game-specific Late Mail every week - check back on Friday (or if there's an earlier game, earlier) for all your tipping and fantasy game needs.
Subscribe to the Podcast via this link / Download mp3 version
NOT The Footy Show Episode 103
- Round 8 Preview 2012 - Released Monday April 23, 2012
Right Click Save Target As This Link if you don't have iTunes for the MP3 File.
NOT The Footy Show's annual State of Origin Prediction Special will air next Wednesday May 2nd at 8:15pm.
1st Prize: NRL Match Steeden Ball. 2nd to 5th: NTFS Club Mascot T-Shirts.
NRL ROUND 8 PREVIEW - 201225/04 Odds are courtesy of Sportingbet Australia
For some more insight into the markets check out NOT The Footy Show's new resident tipster's site GT Tips http://www.gttips.co.uk
All Kick-Offs are LOCAL time.
DRAGONS $1.46 v $2.80 ROOSTERS 
SYD +6.5 | GAME STATS | @ Allianz Stadium, Sydney. 4:00pm Kick-Off.
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTERS - REP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
W Nicolson and M Spillane. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Dragons are 4-3 and 6th, Roosters are 4-3 and 7th.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Dragons 7 Roosters 3
The Roosters won their Round 23 game last year 20-12 but the Dragons have had a stranglehold over this game recently - winning 6 straight from 2009.
Dragons 7 Roosters 3
The Roosters won their Round 23 game last year 20-12 but the Dragons have had a stranglehold over this game recently - winning 6 straight from 2009.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
STI: B Morris, D Vidot, K Stanley, M Cooper, J Nightingale, J Soward, B Hornby (c), D Hunt, N Fien, M Weyman, B Scott, B Creagh, D Young.
Bench: M Prior, J Latimore, T Merrin, J de Belin, J Miller, C Stanley, J Marketo.
Bench: M Prior, J Latimore, T Merrin, J de Belin, J Miller, C Stanley, J Marketo.
[Team Changes - A few changes for the Dragons - Matt Cooper comes back from an ankle injury and Nathan Fien replaces Mitch Rein at hooker. Josh Miller, Chase Stanley and Jake Marketo are named on an extended bench but are unlikely to play. ]
SYD: A Minichiello, P Tagive, J Leilua, S Kenny-Dowall, S Perrett, B Anasta (c), M Pearce, J Waerea-Hargreaves, J Friend, M Kennedy, A Guerra, M Aubusson, T Arona.
Bench: B Takairangi, L Tasi, M Masoe, J Bosden.
Bench: B Takairangi, L Tasi, M Masoe, J Bosden.
[Team Changes - Tautau Moga is IN... NSW Cup. Peni Tagive was unimpressive last week on the flank but Moga could still be a late inclusion... this seems like the kind of game Brian Smith has him primed for. Aidan Guerra starts for the injured Boyd Cordner, while Mose Masoe is the new face on the bench. ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Dragons here.
There's not a lot that has impressed us about the Roosters despite their 4 wins and the Dragons usually get up for this ANZAC Day game. If the Roosters hand the Dragons an early lead - this one will be over by halftime.
There's not a lot that has impressed us about the Roosters despite their 4 wins and the Dragons usually get up for this ANZAC Day game. If the Roosters hand the Dragons an early lead - this one will be over by halftime.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Kyle Stanley drops out, Matt Prior to the centres and Mitch Rein will play for hooker and Nathan Fien goes to the bench in place of Stanley and Josh Miller comes in for Jack de Belin.
NOT The Footy Show Video - No Video Tipping this week.
In the Podcast:
Jamie Soward has a whinge about his Origin snub - warranted or not?
Join Warrick Nicolson and Matt Duncan as they dissect the results of Rep Weekend and the resulting Origin permutations plus we preview all the Round 8 action in NOT The Footy Show Episode 103.
We talk the ANZAC Test's future, City-Country and NYC Origin success or failure? QLD City v Country an option? Who QLD actually fear and the NOT The Footy Show Feedback Files get another run.
And as always we have a good look at the chances of your team in Round 8, with our panel's tips and much anticipated Special Fried Rice selections.
At just 48 minutes long this week - NOT The Footy Show is ready to go well before ANZAC Day
FANTASY NRL CUP
Click to join http://nrlfantasy.foxsports.com.au/my-leagues/7994/join/?autojoin-code=792-7994
In the Podcast:Jamie Soward has a whinge about his Origin snub - warranted or not?
Join Warrick Nicolson and Matt Duncan as they dissect the results of Rep Weekend and the resulting Origin permutations plus we preview all the Round 8 action in NOT The Footy Show Episode 103.
We talk the ANZAC Test's future, City-Country and NYC Origin success or failure? QLD City v Country an option? Who QLD actually fear and the NOT The Footy Show Feedback Files get another run.
And as always we have a good look at the chances of your team in Round 8, with our panel's tips and much anticipated Special Fried Rice selections.
At just 48 minutes long this week - NOT The Footy Show is ready to go well before ANZAC Day
FANTASY NRL CUP Click to join http://nrlfantasy.foxsports.com.au/my-leagues/7994/join/?autojoin-code=792-7994
1st Prize: Your name permanent markered onto our prestigious NTFS Trophy and a NTFS T-Shirt for the Top 3 finishers.
We have two comps running in Dream Team and Super Coach.
We have two comps running in Dream Team and Super Coach.
WEDNESDAY - APRIL 25
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTERS - REP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
C Buchanan and M Duncan. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Storm are 7-0 and 1st, Warriors are 3-4 and 9th.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Storm 4 Warriors 5 Draw 1
The Warriors stunned the Storm in the prelim final last year and actually won this corresponding game at AAMI Park in 2011. Warriors have won 3 of last 4.
Storm 4 Warriors 5 Draw 1
The Warriors stunned the Storm in the prelim final last year and actually won this corresponding game at AAMI Park in 2011. Warriors have won 3 of last 4.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
MEL: B Slater, M Duffie, D Nielsen, W Chambers, A Quinn, G Widdop, C Cronk, J Bromwich, C Smith (c), B Norrie, K Proctor, R Hoffman, T Lowrie.
Bench: R Hinchcliffe, R Kostjasyn, S Vave, J Ryles, A Quinn.
Bench: R Hinchcliffe, R Kostjasyn, S Vave, J Ryles, A Quinn.
[Team Changes - This is a settled looking Storm side with only Sika Manu missing from their full strength lineup. There's a chance Billy Slater could miss here given the shortened break after the Test but that's a remote chance. Ryan Hinchcliffe could start for Todd Lowrie - who while named - did miss last round. Anthony Quinn or Rory Kostjasyn will be the 18th man. ]
WAR: K Locke, B Tupou, B Henry, K Inu, M Vatuvei, J Maloney, S Johnson, Sione Lousi, N Friend, B Matulino, F Mateo, S Mannering (c), E Taylor.
Bench: R Packer, U Ta'ai, L Brown, Sam Rapira, P Godinet, G Fisiiahi.
Bench: R Packer, U Ta'ai, L Brown, Sam Rapira, P Godinet, G Fisiiahi.
[Team Changes - The Warriors get Kevin Locke back but lost Jerome Ropati to another hamstring injury. Pita Godinet and Glen Fisiiahi travelled with the team but are not expected to play. Manu Vatuvei picked up an ankle injury in the Test but is expected to play. ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Storm.
Look the Warriors will be the 'sexy upset' pick of the round but a team like Melbourne don't win eight games in a row by accident. The Warriors always match up well with the Storm but if the Storm turn up with their minds on the job - the Warriors aren't in good enough form to spring the upset here... well I'm not willing to waste a tip on them put it that way.
Look the Warriors will be the 'sexy upset' pick of the round but a team like Melbourne don't win eight games in a row by accident. The Warriors always match up well with the Storm but if the Storm turn up with their minds on the job - the Warriors aren't in good enough form to spring the upset here... well I'm not willing to waste a tip on them put it that way.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Todd Lowrie misses with a leg injury and Siosaia Vave is left out. Anthony Quinn and Rory Kostjasyn come into the team. Shaun Johnson is a late withdrawal with the shoulder injury he picked up in the Test and Pita Godinet starts.
THE NRL TWEET'S PICKSTORM by 6.
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FRIDAY - APRIL 27
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTERS - REP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
B Hoese and N Wilbow. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Bulldogs are 4-3 and 5th, Sea Eagles are 3-4 and 8th.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Bulldogs 3 Sea Eagles 7
Manly won both games last year but this is game one of Hasler v Toovey.
Bulldogs 3 Sea Eagles 7
Manly won both games last year but this is game one of Hasler v Toovey.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
CBY: B Barba, S Turner, J Morris, J Wright, B Goodwin, J Reynolds, K Keating, A Tolman, M Ennis (c), S Kasiano, F Pritchard, D Halatau, D Stagg.
Bench: J Graham, G Eastwood, C Payne, J Romelo, M Taupau.
Bench: J Graham, G Eastwood, C Payne, J Romelo, M Taupau.
[Team Changes - No changes for the Bulldogs. They are retaining the same 17 that was beaten by the Storm in Round 7. Martin Taupau is the 18th man and Trent Hodkinson is unlikely to return this week from a knee injury. ]
MAN: B Stewart, J Taufua, J Lyon (c), S Matai, D Williams, K Foran, D Cherry-Evans, J King (c), M Ballin, B Kite, A Watmough, J Buhrer, G Stewart.
Bench: J Galuvao, D Whare, N Skinner, V Mauro, D Harrison, L Foran.
Bench: J Galuvao, D Whare, N Skinner, V Mauro, D Harrison, L Foran.
[Team Changes - Manly have named Kieran Foran (Hammy), Glenn Stewart (Finger) and Brett Stewart (Ribs) after all three missed their loss to the Titans. Vic Mauro is moved to the bench with Dean Whare and Liam Foran, while there is no sign of Darcy Lussick - who is suspended until Round 9. ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Sea Eagles.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Foran is the big concern for the Sea Eagles but our spies tell us he trained earlier this week and the reports he hasn't trained later in the week is simply not to overdo it - not that he can't. But wait til an hour before kick-off and you'll know for sure (He's out - Liam Foran to 5/8 and George Rose is a surprise inclusion on the bench). Matai and Glenn Stewart will play, as will Brett Stewart. Dogs will be 1-17 with Trent Hodkinson at least another week away.
THE NRL TWEET'S PICKSea Eagles by 4.
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FRIDAY - APRIL 27
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTERS - REP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
M McLucas and J Davies. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Broncos are 6-1 and 2nd, Titans are 2-5 and 15th.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Broncos 8 Titans 2
Brisbane have this rivalry in hand, winning the last five in a row.
Broncos 8 Titans 2
Brisbane have this rivalry in hand, winning the last five in a row.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
BRI: J Hoffman, G Beale, J Reed, J Hodges, D Copley, C Norman, P Wallace, B Hannant, A McCullough, P Civoniceva, A Glenn, S Thaiday (c), C Parker.
Bench: B Hunt, J McGuire, M Gillett, D Lui.
Bench: B Hunt, J McGuire, M Gillett, D Lui.
[Team Changes - Peter Wallace returns from a groin strain at halfback and Ben Hunt drops back to the bench after a sensational game filling in. Dunamis Lui is again on the bench, while Kurt Baptiste drops back to the QLD Cup. ]
GLD: W Zillman, K Gordon, J Idris, D Peyroux, D Mead, A Sezer, S Prince (c), L Bailey, M Srama, L Douglas, G Bird, L O'Dwyer, N Myles.
Bench: M White, M Henderson, M Minichiello, B Thompson, P Graham.
Bench: M White, M Henderson, M Minichiello, B Thompson, P Graham.
[Team Changes - Beau Champion is out with a back injury, Ashley Harrison misses a week with suspension and Jamal Idris is no certainty with a hamstring strain. Dom Peyroux is at centre, Nate Myles shifts to lock and Phil Graham and Matt White are the new men on the bench. Aiden Sezer holds his spot at five-eighth in a sign John Cartwright might be onto something... ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Broncos.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Broncos look healthy, only Josh Hoffman's ankle is of any concern and Wallace will play. Idris has been cleared but don't hold your breath that the hammy holds up, with Phil Graham on standby.
THE NRL TWEET'S PICKBroncos by 12.
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SATURDAY - APRIL 28
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTERS - REP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
G Delaney and N Wilbow. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Rabbitohs are 3-4 and 12th, Cowboys are 4-3 and 4th.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Rabbitohs 6 Cowboys 4
The Bunnies have the wood on the Cowboys, winning 4 of the last 5.
Rabbitohs 6 Cowboys 4
The Bunnies have the wood on the Cowboys, winning 4 of the last 5.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
SOU: G Inglis, A Everingham, M King, D Farrell, C McQueen, J Sutton, A Reynolds, S Geddes, I Luke, D Tyrrell, E Pettybourne, D Taylor, M Crocker.
Bench: J Clark, B Lowe, N Areaiiti, J Starling, S Corrigan, N Merritt.
Bench: J Clark, B Lowe, N Areaiiti, J Starling, S Corrigan, N Merritt.
[Team Changes - Look that really is Nathan Merritt's name on the extended bench. Assuming he trains well this week he'll go onto the wing and Chris McQueen will drop to the bench. Shaune Corrigan and Josh Starling likely miss out. The health of Greg Inglis who copped a head knock in the Test is the only concern for the Bunnies... other than Merritt's big toe. ]
NQL: M Bowen, A Graham, B Tate, A Winterstein, K Fai-Fai Loa, J Thurston (c), R Thompson, A Sims, A Payne, J Tamou, G Cooper, T Sims, D Johnson.
Bench: J Segeyaro, G Hall, R Thorby, J Taumalolo.
Bench: J Segeyaro, G Hall, R Thorby, J Taumalolo.
[Team Changes - The continued absence of Matthew Scott with a foot injury is the only surprise. Kane Linnett is not ready to come back from a hamstring injury and Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa holds his wing spot. Tariq Sims starts in the second row again with Glenn Hall and Jason Taumalolo on the bench. ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Cowboys.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Nathan Merritt will come onto the wing for Chris McQueen who goes to the bench and Shaune Corrigan will miss out. Matt Scott could travel with the team so don't be shocked if he plays at the expense of Ricky Thorby or Jason Taumalolo, while Scott Bolton is the probable 18th man. Bolton is set to get a run now that Glenn Hall has withdrawn with a foot injury, Scott remains an outside chance.
THE NRL TWEET'S PICKCowboys by 7.
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SUNDAY - APRIL 29
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTERS - REP PLAYER OF THE YEAR
G Delaney and M Vickers. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN