NRL ROUND 9 TIPPING PREVIEWBy W D Nicolson
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Game of the round is Saturday night in Auckland when the Warriors host the Broncos - and I'm actually excited to watch Brisbane on another channel other than Channel 9 for once!
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.
NOT The Footy Show Episode 104Origin Selection Special / Round 9 Preview - Released Wednesday May 2, 2012
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NOT The Footy Show airs again next Wednesday night - May 9 at 8:15pm.
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1st Prize: NRL Match Steeden Ball. 2nd to 5th: NTFS Club Mascot T-Shirts.
NRL ROUND 9 PREVIEW - 201203/05 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.
EELS $2.75 v $1.47 BULLDOGS 
PAR +6.0 | GAME STATS | @ ANZ Stadium, Homebush. 7:30pm Kick-Off.
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
B Hoese and J Davies. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Eels are 1-7 and 16th, Bulldogs are 4-4 and 6th.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Eels 7 Bulldogs 3
Dogs won both games last year but Parra had won 4 on the trot before that... amazingly.
Eels 7 Bulldogs 3
Dogs won both games last year but Parra had won 4 on the trot before that... amazingly.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
PAR: J Hayne, K Sio, R Morgan, W Tonga, L Burt, B Roberts, C McGuire, T Mannah, M Keating, M Ryan, N Hindmarsh (c), J Paulo, R Maitua.
Bench: C Sandow, FF MoiMoi, J Poore, M Allgood.
Bench: C Sandow, FF MoiMoi, J Poore, M Allgood.
[Team Changes - Why hello there, Chris Sandow is back in first grade but in #14 on the bench. Ryan Morgan also comes in for the injured Cheyse Blair (hammy) and Matt Ryan holds his starting spot. Taniela Lasalo drops out of the squad. ]
CBY: B Barba, J Wright, J Morris, T Lafai, B Goodwin, J Reynolds, K Keating, A Tolman, M Ennis (c), S Kasiano, F Pritchard, D Halatau, G Eastwood.
Bench: J Graham, D Stagg, C Payne, J Romelo, M Taupau.
Bench: J Graham, D Stagg, C Payne, J Romelo, M Taupau.
[Team Changes - Steve Turner misses with a bad knee injury that could see him out for the season, with Tim Lafai coming into the centres and Jonathan Wright moving out to the wing. No Trent Hodkinson but he could always be a late inclusion and that would see Kris Keating go to the bench and Joel Romelo miss out. Martin Taupau might also get a run after being included as 18th man for the 85th time in a row. ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Bulldogs to get home late against the 'improved' Eels here. Both teams are pretty average but the Dogs aren't as average as Parramatta.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Sandow should play - and if he's in the squad surely he starts? Morgan has been named but don't be shocked if there's a different Eel at right centre. Roberts might also get dropped - Kearney is capable of anything this week with his team at 1-7. Dogs have flirted with Marty Taupau for a few weeks and with Ennis trying to make himself relevant to Origin again - he'll want to play 80 minutes here so Romelo would miss out.
NOT The Footy Show Video for Round 9 - Out Friday Morning with DC and Waz!
In the Podcast: We officially reveal NSW and QLD Teams for Game 1!
Well kind of... NOT The Footy Show delves into the minds of Stuart and Meninga and comes up with very little scoop for Origin 1. But we give you just about the most reasoned predictions you'll hear anywhere.
Join Warrick Nicolson and DC Chapman as they talk to Matthew Duncan and Maria Tsialis about all things Origin 1 and we preview Round 9 with odds guru George Taylor - all in NOT The Footy Show Episode 104.
Plus Eyes reviews the latest NRL Footy Cards (Actually no he doesn't - his uncle forgot to edit his segment into the show! - Next Week for sure) and we have plenty of feedback from readers about our Origin article on www.wdnicolson.com and as always we preview your team's chances in Round 9, with our panel's tips and moderately anticipated Special Fried Rice selections.
At just 90 minutes long this week - NOT The Footy Show lasts just about as long as the total minutes Kurt Gidley has spent on the field this season.
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.
FRIDAY - MAY 4
STI +2.5 | GAME STATS | @ Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville. 7:30pm Kick-Off.
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
M Spillane and M McLucas. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
THE NRL TWEET'S PICK
Cowboys by 2.
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NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
M Spillane and M McLucas. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Cowboys are 4-4 and 5th, Dragons are 5-3 and 4th.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Cowboys 4 Dragons 6
Dragons haven't lost to the Cowboys since 2009 - but that was the last time these two teams played in Townsville.
Cowboys 4 Dragons 6
Dragons haven't lost to the Cowboys since 2009 - but that was the last time these two teams played in Townsville.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
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, S Bolton, R Thorby, J Taumalolo, G Hall.
Bench: J Segeyaro, S Bolton, R Thorby, J Taumalolo, G Hall.
[Team Changes - The continued absence of Matthew Scott with a foot injury is once again a concern - although with the game being at home - he will have a fitness test later in the week. Scott Bolton, Glenn Hall or Ricky Thorby would miss if Scott comes in late. Aaron Payne holds onto the starting role despite James Segeyaro's great form. ]
STI: B Morris, D Vidot, K Stanley, M Cooper, J Nightingale, J Soward, B Hornby (c), D Hunt, M Rein, M Weyman, M Prior, B Creagh, D Young.
Bench: N Fien, J Latimore, T Merrin, J de Belin.
Bench: N Fien, J Latimore, T Merrin, J de Belin.
[Team Changes - A few changes for the Dragons - Kyle Stanley and Jack de Belin return at the expense of Josh Miller and the injured Beau Scott (out for 6 weeks with an elbow injury). But will this be the 17 that plays on Friday - who knows with the Dragons? Matt Prior is also back in the pack after a stint out wide the last few weeks. ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Cowboys here because if they start well then the Dragons might find chasing points tough. Mind you they did run down the Roosters, but that was the Roosters. Cows here.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Matt Scott is a big chance of playing (he'd come in for Scott Bolton or Ricky Thorby with Glenn Hall missing out) but Kane Linnett is only 50/50 due to a hammy strain and it's unsure who he would oust from that backline. The Dragons took Jack Stockwell and David Gower to Townsville as cover.
THE NRL TWEET'S PICKCowboys by 2.
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SATURDAY - MAY 5
WAR +2.0 | GAME STATS | @ Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland. 7:30pm Kick-Off.
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
M Duncan and C Buchanan. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
THE NRL TWEET'S PICK
Warriors by 6.
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NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
M Duncan and C Buchanan. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Warriors are 3-5 and 12th, Broncos are 7-1 and 2nd.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Warriors 4 Broncos 6
Broncos won the last two clashes in 2011, including their Qualifying Final in Brisbane.
Warriors 4 Broncos 6
Broncos won the last two clashes in 2011, including their Qualifying Final in Brisbane.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
WAR: J Ropati, B Tupou, B Henry, K Hurrell, M Vatuvei, J Maloney, S Johnson, R Packer, N Friend, B Matulino, F Mateo, S Mannering (c), E Taylor.
Bench: L Brown, U Ta'ai, Sione Lousi, P Godinet, K Inu, J Lillyman.
Bench: L Brown, U Ta'ai, Sione Lousi, P Godinet, K Inu, J Lillyman.
[Team Changes - The Warriors lost Kevin Locke just as soon as they got him back - this time to sternum injury. They also lost Sam Rapira as well. In come Konrad Hurrell at centre and Jerome Ropati at fullback, while Krisnan Inu and Sione Lousi go to the bench. Pita Godinet stays in the squad as cover for Shaun Johnson who is named to return from a shoulder injury. ]
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, B Te'o.
Bench: B Hunt, J McGuire, M Gillett, B Te'o.
[Team Changes - Just one change for the Broncos this week with Dunamis Lui making way for the return from suspension of Ben Te'o. This is one settled Brisbane unit for the trip across the ditch. ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Warriors with the upset here, look the Broncos are a very good footy team but are they as good as a 7 wins in a row team they would be if they beat the Warriors? No, hence the home team getting the tip.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Broncos are 1-17 and purring. The Warriors should play Jacob Lillyman for Godinet and Inu to bolster their pack. Shaun Johnson and Jerome Ropati should play.
THE NRL TWEET'S PICKWarriors by 6.
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SATURDAY - MAY 5
GLD +10.0 | GAME STATS | @ Skilled Park, Gold Coast. 7:30pm Kick-Off.
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
M McLucas and J Davies. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
THE NRL TWEET'S PICK
Tigers by 16.
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NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
M McLucas and J Davies. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Titans are 2-6 and 15th, Tigers are 3-5 and 11th.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Titans 5 Tigers 4
This has been a good matchup for the Coast, but the Tigers won in Round 25 last year convincingly.
Titans 5 Tigers 4
This has been a good matchup for the Coast, but the Tigers won in Round 25 last year convincingly.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
GLD: P Graham, K Gordon, J Idris, D Peyroux, D Mead, W Zillman, A Sezer, L Bailey (c), M Srama, N Myles, G Bird, L O'Dwyer, A Harrison.
Bench: M White, L Douglas, M Minichiello, B Thompson, M Henderson.
Bench: M White, L Douglas, M Minichiello, B Thompson, M Henderson.
[Team Changes - Scott Prince misses with an arm injury, Aidan Sezer moves to halfback and William Zillman is back to five-eighth. That opens the door for former Canberra and Sydney back Phil Graham to play at fullback, while Beau Champion is still not healthy. Michael Henderson or Bodene Thompson will fight it out for the final bench spot, while Ashley Harrison returns from suspension at lock. ]
WTG: T Moltzen, B Ryan, J Reddy, C Lawrence, L Tuqiri, B Marshall, T Humble, A Woods, R Farah (c), K Galloway, A Blair, L Fulton, M Bell.
Bench: B Murdoch-Masila, B Ayshford, R Cashmere, J Moors.
Bench: B Murdoch-Masila, B Ayshford, R Cashmere, J Moors.
[Team Changes - Matt Groat damaged a knee in the win over Parramatta and his spot is taken by Junior Moors on the bench. That is the only change for the Tigers, although Robbie Farah copped another head knock in the win. Gareth Ellis and Chris Heighington are still a few weeks away at least. ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Tigers to take the Titans apart if they are fair dinkum. The Titans pack looks ok but with Sezer and Zillman in doubt and Prince already out - who will create for them? Jordan Rankin? Pass, give me the Tigers.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Zillman is out and Sezer will be a game day decisions (but that beats him being out), with Bird to #6 or Rankin in at #7 with Zillman are out. Tigers should be 1-17 unless Lawrence finds himself in the halves with Humble to the bench or NSW Cup oblivion. Jacob Miller can't take a trick...
THE NRL TWEET'S PICKTigers by 16.
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SATURDAY - MAY 5
PEN +14.5 | GAME STATS | @ Centrebet Stadium, Penrith. 7:30pm Kick-Off.
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
N Wilbow and M Vickers. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
THE NRL TWEET'S PICK
Storm by 20.
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NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
N Wilbow and M Vickers. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
Panthers are 2-6 and 14th, Storm are 8-0 and 1st.
HEAD TO HEAD LAST 10
Panthers 1 Storm 9
Yes that's 9 on the trot for Melbourne... eeek.
Panthers 1 Storm 9
Yes that's 9 on the trot for Melbourne... eeek.
TUESDAY TEAM NEWS
PEN: L Coote, D Simmons, M Jennings, G Daniela, B Tighe, B Austin, L Walsh, S McKendry, T Burns, D Weston, C Ciraldo, D Galea, L Lewis (c).
Bench: R Simpkins, D Weston, C Newton, M Robinson, C Armit.
Bench: R Simpkins, D Weston, C Newton, M Robinson, C Armit.
[Team Changes - Penrith named the same 17 pretty much that lost to the Knights because they only lost the night before and have a thousand injuries. Luke Walsh (knee) won't play, so expect Travis Burns at halfback and Ryan Simpkins at hooker. Luke Lewis and Michael Jennings are both under injury clouds due to shoulder knocks. Beware, this could be a very different Penrith team on Saturday night. ]
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, J Lowe.
Bench: R Hinchcliffe, R Kostjasyn, S Vave, J Ryles, A Quinn, J Lowe.
[Team Changes - Todd Lowrie returns at lock after missing a fortnight, Bryan Norris also starts with Jason Ryles to bench. Siosaia Vave also returns to the squad. Pretty much a full deck of Storm cards to choose from for coach Craig Bellamy. Is this the week Billy Slater gets a rest? ]
THURSDAY GAME PREVIEW
Listen to the Podcast for a full preview, but we like the Storm by plenty unless about eight Panthers are back from injury and Slater, Smith and Cronk miss for Melbourne. Slater is the only threat of missing but they should make it 9 in a row regardless.
TIPPING AND FANTASY LATE MAIL
SMH and Other Late Mail - Slater is a minor chance of being rested but should play given the big break for the Storm since ANZAC Day. Lowrie should return. The Panthers won't have Walsh and Jennings could also miss (Josh Mansour is set to play), meaning Burns to #7 and possibly Kingston to #9 - alternatively Simpkins or Nafe Seluini will start at hooker. Not a healthy roster at Penrith right now.
THE NRL TWEET'S PICKStorm by 20.
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SUNDAY - MAY 6
CAN +12.5 | GAME STATS | @ Brookvale Oval, Brookvale. 2:00pm Kick-Off.
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
G Delaney and M Tsialis. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN
NRL TWEET PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTERS
G Delaney and M Tsialis. Follow #NRLTweetPOTY for every Vote in 2012.
COMING IN