Thursday 30 August 2012

NRL 2012: Round 26 NRL Preview Tips Teams Predictions Late Mail Podcast Odds


NRL ROUND 26 TIPPING PREVIEW
By W D Nicolson 

Good evening again all you www.wdnicolson.com visitors, welcome to the last regular season preview of 2012.

Hopefully this site has once again helped you more than it has hindered your Tipping and Fantasy exploits this year, and thank you for your support. The numbers each week show that this site has something going for it - so cheers.

Now let's get to the business end of the season.

Just before we do - let me take this opportunity to recommend you listen to our tribute to Nathan Hindmarsh and the retiring brigade on Episode 122 of NOT The Footy Show, plus of course plenty more footy talk with Maria Tsialis, Matthew Duncan, DC Chapman and myself.

| To Round 26 and NOT The Footy Show delivers our Nathan Hindmarsh tribute and Top 8 Permutations entering Round 26. Plus rumours of a road trip to Canberra, Tony Iro loses the plot, How long can Griffin survive if Brisbane miss the Finals? And we meet a fan... yes one does really exist.

So grab NOT The Footy Show for 77 minutes of pure Rugby League... well kind of. We'll miss you Hindy.

Be sure to check all the Team news on the NRL Injured List which is updated every Tuesday afternoon - and the Podcast has plenty of insight on those selections and your Late Mail and Panel Picks are below.

| Full Round 26 Tips are Sea Eagles by 4, Bulldogs by 10, Titans by 6, Dragons by 4, Cowboys by 7, Tigers by 10, Rabbitohs by 10, Storm by 12.

| My 'Locks' are Canterbury, Manly and South Sydney; My 'Less than Confidents' are Melbourne, Brisbane and Parramatta, while My 'Don't put the house on Its' are the Sharks and Warriors.

Good luck with that.

All the panel's picks are below with their Special Fried Rice selections - which is our lock of the week but we can't choose the same team as what one of the other six tipsters has already selected.
NRL ROUND 26 PREVIEW - 2012
30/08 Odds are courtesy of Sportingbet Australia
For some more insight into the markets check out NOT The Footy Show's resident betting maestro's site GT Tips http://www.gttips.co.uk
All Kick-Offs are LOCAL time.
Round 26 Late Mail... 
If you have any reputable mail - Let me know via @NRLTweet
KNIGHTS (+3.5) $2.30 v $1.65 RABBITOHS
The Knights report no problems and will be 1-17 - though there could be a reshuffle come kick-off and Chris Houston is expected to play. The Rabbitohs will find room for Issac Luke with Dave Tyrrell likely to miss out to accommodate him.
| South Sydney are a different unit to the one that got smashed in the corresponding game last year, they win a close one in Newcastle.
BRONCOS $1.22 v $4.50 PANTHERS (+12.0)
Brisbane have injuries but Sam Thaiday, Justin Hodges Jack Reed and Matt Gillett will all play, and Dale Copley makes his comeback this week. The Panthers could find room for Ryan Simpkins in their final 17 with Adam Docker likely to make way.
| Penrith score first and things might be interesting, but the Broncos have so much to play for only the pressure seems capable of beating them here - losing streak or not, they are better than the Panthers.
TITANS (+12.0) $4.50 v $1.22 SEA EAGLES
Nate Myles, Aidan Sezer and Greg Bird could be late omissions, while the Sea Eagles should get Jason King back. There may however be a late change on Manly's bench.
| The Titans played terribly with their season on the line last week and with nothing at stake here and Manly aiming to secure a Top 4 spot - it should be a Manly massacre.
BULLDOGS $1.16 v $5.50 ROOSTERS (+14.5)
The Dogs will look to fire again so resting a player seems more unlikely than last week, the Roosters should be 1-17 after smashing the Tigers last week with this group.
| Canterbury could score 50 here if the Roosters forget they have to start again after last week. Ben Barba will score at the very least a hat-trick and win the Top Tryscorer Title once again.
TIGERS (+2.5) $2.20 v $1.70 STORM
It'd be stunning to see Robbie Farah play, while Ray Cashmere could join the bench at the last minute after being 18th man last week. The Storm are likely to rest a forward or two - with Ryan Hoffman, Jesse Bromwich, Ryan Hinchcliffe and Jason Ryles the likely suspects. Expect the Big 3 to all play.
| The Tigers can win to get a chance at September, but I don't think they will. Melbourne will be all about continuing their momentum and that doesn't mean losing here.
WARRIORS (+4.5) $2.47 v $1.57 RAIDERS
James Maloney may or may not play, there are conflicting reports. Expect him to play off the bench, as the club can't be that classless to not give him one final chance to say goodbye to the fans. The Raiders are unlikely to have Sam Williams, with Shaun Berrigan going into the halves and Travis Waddell joining the bench. There is also talk that Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Josh Dugan are not 100%... expect them to play if Canberra have to win to make the Finals though, alternatively - they may sit out.
| The Warriors are just as likely to win by 20 as they are to lose by 20... and Canberra are not a great team on a roll... they have beaten average opponents to give themselves a chance at the Finals but I think they slip up here - esp if their playoff spot is secure the night before.
SHARKS $1.70 v $2.20 COWBOYS (+2.5)
Wade Graham could make an appearance on the bench, while Ben Ross, Matt Wright and Anthony Tupou are still no certainties. Ben Pomeroy trained but probably won't be seen until the semis. The Cowboys will know their chances of a Top 4 spot by Sunday so they might rest some forwards but right now that extended bench is likely to cull Blake Leary and Joel Riethmuller and one of James Segeyaro/Anthony Mitchell or Michael Morgan.
| Sharks should've won last week and the Cowboys need something to play for to be a factor here... so if Manly and Souths lose before they play - the Cowboys might not show up here. Pick Cronulla.
EELS (+1.5) $2.05 v $1.80 DRAGONS
Casey McGuire may be getting a farewell game after being a surprise pick in the 17 when his season looked over, while Justin Poore misses without explanation after missing out on Tuesday. The Dragons will choose between Leeson Ah Mau, Jack Stockwell and Cameron King for their final bench spot.
| Eels win for Hindy and the Dragons just go through the motions after farewelling Ben Hornby/Dean Young last week.

For more on how we see the Weekend unfolding, check out the Podcast and Preview below.

NOT The Footy Show Episode 122 - Round 26 NRL Preview Podcast 2012

Nathan Hindmarsh tribute and Top 8 Permutations entering Round 26.

NOT The Footy Show Episode 122 has our farewell to Hindy, Petero and the other retirees, How the Top 8 ends up, Road trip to Canberra anyone? Tony Iro loses the plot, How long can Griffin survive if Brisbane miss the Finals? And we meet a fan... yes one does really exist.

So join hosts Warrick Nicolson and DC Chapman, as they talk to Maria Tsialis and Matthew Duncan on this week's episode.

As always we give you a full odds preview of Round 26 with all our picks and final Special Fried Rice selections - but no one can catch the Queen of Rugby League!

NOT The Footy Show 77 minutes of Rugby League... well kind of. We'll miss you Hindy.

NOT The Footy Show Episode 122
Round 26 NRL Preview - Released Wednesday August 29, 2012
Right Click Save Target As This Link if you don't have iTunes for the MP3 File

Subscribe to the Podcast via this link / Download mp3 version

LIKE the show on Facebook for all the latest updates.
NOT The Footy Show will release another Podcast next Monday night September 3 with our NRL Tweet Player of the Year Awards and on Wednesday September 5 with our NRL Qualifying Finals Preview.

Thursday 23 August 2012

NRL 2012: Round 25 NRL Preview Tips Teams Predictions Late Mail Podcast Odds


NRL ROUND 25 TIPPING PREVIEW
By W D Nicolson 

Evening to all the regulars on www.wdnicolson.com (and the not so regulars), well there were no Des Hasler at a local petrol station sightings this week but we start with some sobering but good news from Penrith.

According to the Rugby League news cycle - Luke Lewis underwent surgery on his neck to attack a cancerous thyroid and as of right now, he's feeling good and on the road to recovery.

That's great news and sadly the world of Twitter has evidently turned what should have been comforting news into a 'he said, she said' deal about who broke the story first...

Gee that's disheartening... Twitter's main use is sharing information, if you want an 'exclusive' go on 'A Current Affair' or 'Today Tonight' and you will not be missed.

Anyhoo... there was a huge story worth talking about at length on Tuesday and NOT The Footy Show has the low-down on the ARLC's long wished for $1 billion deal.

Anyway to the footy and Round 24.

The premiership credentials of a couple of current pretenders get a firm test this weekend when the Tigers visit the Dogs, the Broncos host the Storm and the Sharks face the Rabbitohs.

All three are 'in' the Top 8 but they need big scalps pronto to give them any sort of confidence of winning more than one game when the Finals start.

The other two teams still in contention for a playoff spot - Canberra and Newcastle, simply have to beat the Roosters and Sea Eagles respectively to stay in the hunt.

But in truth neither have a sniff it seems even if they make it to the dance.

There's more on the playoff race and plenty of footy talk on this week's NOT The Footy Show Podcast.

| To Round 25 and NOT The Footy Show delivers plenty of guests - General Manager of Media Tara White from the Newcastle Knights, Reece Carter, Jake Hauritz and Matthew Duncan join Warrick Nicolson for Episode 121.
The Gyng who stole Rugby League, Was the TV Money worth handing back control to Channel 9? Hornby retires, McClennan sacked, Daley the new coach of NSW and we have our full Round 25 Preview and a couple of sneaky bets from our team.

Grab the 68 minute Podcast right here

Be sure to check all the Team news on the NRL Injured List which is updated every Tuesday afternoon - and the Podcast has plenty of insight on those selections and your Late Mail and Panel Picks are below.

| Full Round 25 Tips are Sea Eagles by 4, Bulldogs by 10, Titans by 6, Dragons by 4, Cowboys by 7, Tigers by 10, Rabbitohs by 10, Storm by 12.

| My 'Locks' are Souths and Melbourne; My 'Less than Confidents' are Bulldogs, Tigers, Titans and Cowboys, while My 'Don't put the house on Its' are the Sea Eagles and Dragons..

Good luck with that.

All the panel's picks are below with their Special Fried Rice selections - which is our lock of the week but we can't choose the same team.
NRL ROUND 25 PREVIEW - 2012
23/08 Odds are courtesy of Sportingbet Australia
For some more insight into the markets check out NOT The Footy Show's resident betting maestro's site GT Tips http://www.gttips.co.uk
All Kick-Offs are LOCAL time.
Round 25 Late Mail... 
If you have any reputable mail - Let me know via @NRLTweet
SEA EAGLES $1.48 v $2.72 BRONCOS (+6.0)
Jason King is extremely unlikely, so expect Joe Galuvao or Darcy Lussick to start. Matt Ballin remains a serious doubt with a calf injury and Liam Foran is likely to be on standby. Jamie Buhrer expects to play. The Broncos expect to risk Alex Glenn's hamstring and bring him off the bench, while Josh McGuire will play with an injured eye. That means Luke Capewell could miss out to an extra forward on the bench in Mitchell Dodds or Dunamis Lui.
| I love the Broncos with the start... but can't tip them head to head based on recent performances. The Sea Eagles will miss Ballin terribly if he can't play... that's the big worry from a tipping point of view.
RAIDERS (+4.0) $2.40 v $1.60 BULLDOGS
Canberra will be 1-17 after Tom Learoyd-Lahrs passed his fitness test. The Dogs are said to be resting Michael Ennis so they're specials now... Joel Romelo and David Stagg will share the hooking duties. There is talk there could be other changes but Jonathan Wright's the only confirmed chance to miss due to paternal duties and Aiden Tolman, Ben Barba and Krisnan Inu are all still rumours at this stage. Bryson Goodwin will head to Canberra as cover.
| Canberra can't beat the Dogs if the Dogs stay in decent form, Canberra's 3 match winning streak is a farce - they aren't playing well. Dogs win by quite a few if Ben Barba plays.
PANTHERS (+4.5) $2.50 v $1.56 TITANS
Travis Robinson remains a chance to replace Brad Tighe in the centres, while Adam 'Cotton' Docker is expected to play his 2nd game in a row on the bench. The Titans may well rest Greg Bird and Nate Myles (both carrying injuries) if the Broncos and Raiders win on Friday night as those results would consign the Titans to also-ran status for 2012. Look for more info on Friday as to who travelled with the Titans.
| Great to see a game at 3:30pm on a Saturday... pity it is these two teams. Titans win for sure if Brisbane and Canberra lose, but if they have key guys pull out late due to their finals chances diminishing - don't mind the Panthers with the start.
DRAGONS $1.48 v $2.72 WARRIORS (+6.0)
Ben Hornby did an ankle but wants to play his last game at Wollongong and Dean Young's knee is in the same boat. Jack Stockwell is on standby for Young, while Beau Scott is probably only a chance for  a Round 26 farewell. The Warriors are unlikely to bring Simon Mannering back until Round 26 but who knows with a new coach in charge, that also means Konrad Hurrell (if fit enough) would likely start for Ben Henry or Lewis Brown in the centres.
| Who really cares? Both teams are average and the Warriors can score points so... stuff it give the Dragons the benefit of the doubt at home.
COWBOYS $1.30 v $3.65 KNIGHTS (+10.0)
Matthew Bowen should shake an arm injury off and play given the Cowboys are still a chance at Top 4 spot but Ricky Thorby is out and Joel Riethmuller is expected to take his place on the bench. Michael Morgan's wrist and head injuries are a worry but at this stage he will play, James Segeyaro could come in either alongside Anthony Mitchell on the bench or replacing Aaron Payne who would shift to halfback if Morgan is out. The Knights take Kevin Naiqama to Newcastle as cover for James McManus - should the veteran winger (cheekbone) pull up sore after contact work this week.
| Newcastle might have some hope if Canberra and Brisbane lose on Friday, but if that doesn't happen the Cows could win by 20.
ROOSTERS (+4.5) $2.50 v $1.56 TIGERS
Anthony Minichiello is going to play after somehow beating a striking charge that had 3 weeks written all over Josh Dugan's face last week... Aidan Guerra should return from an ankle injury in the second row and don't be shocked if Daniel Tupou is replaced before kick-off. The Tigers won't have Robbie Farah who is out with a hand injury, so Masada Iosefa could start with Liam Fulton at five-eighth and Tim Moltzen moving to the bench. Ray Cashmere may also be a late addition to the bench. Chris Lawrence should be good to go.
| The Tigers all but secure a Top 8 spot with a win here and they will beat the Roosters - even without Farah.
RABBITOHS $1.18 v $5.15 EELS (+13.5)
Issac Luke is at this stage still playing for North Sydney and Jason Clark is expected to get the final bench spot ahead of Justin Hunt and Dave Tyrrell. The Eels should be 1-17 with Willie Tonga the only long shot hope of making a late bid to play.
| South Sydney need to right the ship after two losses in a row... a Top 4 spot could depend on this result so they should. Parra could have a crack but won't stick with Souths if the home team is fair dinkum.
STORM $1.42 v $2.95 SHARKS (+7.5)
If the Storm win this game they can sew up at least 2nd spot, so expect all their stars to play. There may be a late shuffle of the forward pack and the bench, but only Jaiman Lowe looks in any danger of being replaced by Rory Kostjasyn from outside of the squad. Cronulla have concerns over Ben Ross and his hand but Ben Pomeroy is no hope. Wade Graham may not be risked til next week, and Nathan Gardner returns from injury in NSW Cup.
| Melbourne are a team that can win the comp... the Sharks are not. Tip accordingly.

For more on how we see the Weekend unfolding, check out the Podcast and Preview below.

Wednesday 22 August 2012

NOT The Footy Show Episode 121 - Round 25 NRL Preview Podcast 2012

The Gyng who stole Rugby League... ARLC get the TV Rights cash but not control.

NOT The Footy Show Episode 121 dissects the Pros and Cons of the $1 billion TV Deal between the ARLC, Fox Sports and the master puppeteers: Channel 9 and that extremely affable executive David 'The Grinch' Gyngell.

Tara White, the General Manager of Media at the Newcastle Knights joins us to talk about Knights Digital Crusade and how Wayne Bennett is reaching out to Newcastle via the website.
So join host Warrick Nicolson and guests Reece Carter, Jake Hauritz and Matthew Duncan as they talk TV Rights, Ben Hornby, Laurie Daley as NSW Coach, Brian McClennan gone from the Warriors and Rob Brough's foray into life after Family Feud. And as always we give you a full odds preview of Round 25 with all our picks and Special Fried Rice selections.

NOT The Footy Show 68 minutes of everything you've come to expect from us... minus Maria, Nic, DC and Eyes.

NOT The Footy Show Episode 121
Round 25 NRL Preview - Released Wednesday August 22, 2012


Right Click Save Target As This Link if you don't have iTunes for the MP3 File

Subscribe to the Podcast via this link / Download mp3 version

LIKE the show on Facebook for all the latest updates. NOT The Footy Show will release another Podcast next Wednesday night - August 29 with our Round 26 Preview.

Thursday 16 August 2012

NRL 2012: Round 24 NRL Preview Tips Teams Predictions Late Mail Podcast Odds


NRL ROUND 24 TIPPING PREVIEW
By W D Nicolson 

Here's an incredible piece of scoopage from www.wdnicolson.com - I bought fuel at the same petrol station as Des Hasler this evening... wow.

And considering I've been playing Erasure's 'A little respect' on the Podcast for two weeks in a mocking gesture of how Des wants people not to respect his Bulldogs - that's huge news!

Put it on the front page of the Telegraph tomorrow!

Then make sure you throw it out right away... who buys the Tele anymore? Honestly?

Anyway to the footy and Round 24.

The premiership credentials of a couple of current pretenders get a firm test this weekend when the Tigers visit the Dogs, the Broncos host the Storm and the Sharks face the Rabbitohs.

All three are 'in' the Top 8 but they need big scalps pronto to give them any sort of confidence of winning more than one game when the Finals start.

The other two teams still in contention for a playoff spot - Canberra and Newcastle, simply have to beat the Roosters and Sea Eagles respectively to stay in the hunt.

But in truth neither have a sniff it seems even if they make it to the dance.

There's more on the playoff race and plenty of footy talk on this week's NOT The Footy Show Podcast.

| To Round 24 and NOT The Footy Show delivers plenty of talking points.
Can we hand Barba the Dally M/#NRLTweetPOTY double already? Hindy suspended! Do you have to lose to win? And we have our full Round 24 Preview and the genuine current Premiership market from our resident bookie.

Grab the 53 minute Podcast right here

Be sure to check all the Team news on the NRL Injured List which is updated every Tuesday afternoon - and the Podcast has plenty of insight on those selections and your Late Mail and Panel Picks are below.

| Full Round 24 Tips are Bulldogs by 4, Storm by 10, Raiders by 10, Rabbitohs by 10, Warriors by 12, Titans by 4, Sea Eagles by 8 and Cowboys by 10.

| My 'Locks' are Warriors, Sea Eagles and Raiders; My 'Less than Confidents' are Cowboys, Storm and Rabbitohs, while My 'Don't put the house on Its' are the Titans and Bulldogs.

Good luck with that.

All the panel's picks are below with their Special Fried Rice selections - which is our lock of the week but we can't choose the same team.
NRL ROUND 24 PREVIEW - 2012
16/08 Odds are courtesy of Sportingbet Australia
For some more insight into the markets check out NOT The Footy Show's resident betting maestro's site GT Tips http://www.gttips.co.uk
All Kick-Offs are LOCAL time.
Round 24 Late Mail... 
If you have any reputable mail - Let me know via @NRLTweet
BULLDOGS $1.45 v $2.85 TIGERS (+6.5)
Sam Kasiano and James Graham will return, with Joel Romelo and Martin Taupau likely to miss out as a result. The Tigers will choose between Tim Simona and Ben Murdoch-Masila (if fit) for their final bench spot.
| Want to pick the Tigers, will stick with the Dogs for your tipping needs only... Tigers capable though in current state.
BRONCOS (+4.0) $2.40 v $1.60 STORM
Corey Parker reckons he'll play but the mail was strong last week he wanted to as well... and didn't. Expect him to try and play but if you are a fantasy leaguer - don't expect his normal output, but he'll give it a crack regardless. Matt Gillett or Ben Te'o will move to the bench and Brendon Gibb misses out. The Storm could have a whole bunch of changes out wide and up front. Do not be shocked if Matt Duffie comes in on the wing returning from injury after he was named in the NSW Cup. Dane Nielsen could replace Justin O'Neill (leg) and both Jaiman Lowe and surprisingly Sika Manu are reportedly under pressure from Rory Kostjasyn for a spot in the 17.
| Broncos will give it a red hot go but the Storm should win as they try to secure home final and 2nd spot.
RAIDERS $1.45 v $2.85 ROOSTERS (+6.5)
Canberra will be 1-17 with Jarrad Kennedy 18th man. The Roosters have a coach called Brian Smith so don't be surprised if there's a whole bunch of late positional changes but probably not from outside the 18 man squad named on Tuesday.
| Canberra can't do anything in September but if they don't win this they won't even get a chance to prove me wrong.
SHARKS (+6.0) $2.70 v $1.48 RABBITOHS
Ben Pomeroy is not going to play and Wade Graham won't either. Nathan Gardner is also yet to be cleared, so the Sharks will be 1-17 with only Tyson Frizell a chance of forcing his way in if Anthony Tupou's hamstring has any complications before kick-off. The Rabbits get Greg Inglis back and will leavue Ben Lowe or Jason Clark out for Roy Asotasi.
| Cronulla can make the Top 8 with a win... but they won't and the Rabbitohs can't afford the loss given Manly's form.
WARRIORS $1.33 v $3.45 PANTHERS (+9.5)
Simon Mannering is training so he's a good chance - though the Warriors can't make the Top 8 so he may not be rushed back. Once again the Warriors may reshuffle their pack and their bench before kick-off. The Panthers should be 1-15 then 21. Though Travis Robinson and David Simmons are likely to swap positions, Danny Galea is ruled out and Adam 'Cotton' Docker/s is in on the bench. Don't worry I haven't heard of him either, but that's a great Seinfeld inspired nickname right there.
| Warriors in a game that sees 50+ points scored...
TITANS $1.48 v $2.72 EELS (+6.0)
Ashley Harrison, Greg Bird and William Zillman will all be game time decisions and Nate Myles will play injured regardless. If the trio are out... good luck Titans. The Eels will be 1-16 with Taniela Lasalo or Pat O'Hanlon the 18th man.
| Eels will play attacking footy but if the Titans defend, the Eels won't. Titans if Harrison and Bird play.
SEA EAGLES $1.38 v $3.15 KNIGHTS (+8.0)
Manly are set to get Jason King and Steven Matai back from injury with the long break since their last game giving them the time they needed to recover. Dean Whare and Tim Robinson will miss out. The Knights have Joel Edwards as 18th man and either he or Zane Tetevano will have that role on game day.
| Manly have a smell about them... they could win this by 20 if the Knights think they're going better than they are..
DRAGONS (+4.0) $2.40 v $1.60 COWBOYS
Matt Cooper should play and Beau Scott will make a late bid to play given the Monday game. Josh Miller or Jack Stockwell would make way for Scott. Ray Thompson is unlikely, with Anthony Mitchell joining the bench for the Cowboys.
| Quite a 'who cares' game for MNF but the Cowboys have more riding on this result and need to win... get it? Riding....

For more on how we see the Weekend unfolding, check out the Podcast and Preview below.

Wednesday 15 August 2012

NOT The Footy Show Episode 120 - Round 24 NRL Preview Podcast 2012

Can we really crown Ben Barba with the Player of the Year Award already?

NOT The Footy Show Episode 120 delivers Warrick Nicolson, Maria Tsialis, Matthew Duncan, George Taylor and Eyes talking the merits of handing Ben Barba the Dally M/NRLTweet Player of the Year double with 3 rounds left, Who did Hasler blame for Canterbury's win this week? Of the 5 teams left vying for 3 playoff spots - can any of them win the thing? What does Hindy have to do to get suspended? and GT declares the genuine Premiership market entering Round 24.

And as always we give you a full odds preview of Round 24 with all our picks and Special Fried Rice selections. NOT The Footy Show 53 minutes footy filled goodness at no extra charge.

NOT The Footy Show Episode 120
Round 24 NRL Preview - Released Wednesday August 15, 2012

Right Click Save Target As This Link if you don't have iTunes for the MP3 File

Subscribe to the Podcast via this link / Download mp3 version

LIKE the show on Facebook for all the latest updates.
NOT The Footy Show will release another Podcast next Wednesday night - August 22 with our Round 25 Preview.

Thursday 9 August 2012

NRL 2012: Round 23 NRL Preview Tips Teams Predictions Late Mail Podcast Odds


NRL ROUND 23 TIPPING PREVIEW
By W D Nicolson 

Well good evening footy fans... do we give the Dogs or Souths the premiership or are their current 16-game combined winning streak just a good way to boost their confidence before the big boys come good in September?

Judging by last week's wins by Manly and Melbourne - we might be hesitant to give the Dogs and Souths the title for good reason.

Manly won a tough game with the Cowboys in Townsville and the Storm woke up and remembered how to attack against the Panthers.

Yes the Dogs used a great start and great defence to beat Newcastle, while the Bunnies did much the same to beat the Titans.

But what the heck has happened to the Broncos?

Those questions and more are answered  in this this week's NOT The Footy Show Podcast.

| To Round 23 and NOT The Footy Show has your NRL Podcast needs covered in Episode 119: The Round 23 Preview - DC Chapman joins Warrick Nicolson to chat to Matt 'Fremantle' Duncan to discuss Des Hasler's lack of respect for referees (and his team's performance evidently), Crowd Over/Unders for Round 23, Bye Bye Lote Tuqiri/Hello Marika Koroibete, What went wrong for the Warriors?, Ricky Stuart steps down as NSW coach for Phil Gould? and Finally how good is the open footy some teams are playing now?

Grab the 57 minute Podcast right here

Be sure to check all the Team news on the NRL Injured List which is updated every Tuesday afternoon - and the Podcast has plenty of insight on those selections and your Late Mail and Panel Picks are below.

| Full Round 23 Tips are Sea Eagles by 6, Storm by 12, Eels by 10, Cowboys by 4, Tigers by 2, Panthers by 4, Bulldogs by 10 and Knights by 1.

| My 'Locks' are Melbourne and Cowboys; My 'Less than Confidents' are Knights and Eels, while My 'Don't put the house on Its' are the Sea Eagles, Tigers, Bulldogs and Panthers.

Good luck with that.

All the panel's picks are below with their Special Fried Rice selections - which is our lock of the week but we can't choose the same team.
NRL ROUND 23 PREVIEW - 2012
09/08 Odds are courtesy of Sportingbet Australia
For some more insight into the markets check out NOT The Footy Show's resident betting maestro's site GT Tips http://www.gttips.co.uk
All Kick-Offs are LOCAL time.
Round 23 Late Mail... 
If you have any reputable mail - Let me know via @NRLTweet
RABBITOHS $1.85 v $2.00 SEA EAGLES
Roy Asotasi is set to play one more game for the Bears in the NSW Cup before making his NRL comeback but still, wouldn't surprise anyone if he did play against Manly. Dave Tyrrell will be 18th man. Manly should be 1-17 if Jason King and Steven Matai pull up well on Friday morning, with Tim Robinson and Dean Whare the leftover players unless King and Matai miss.
| Give me Manly... Souths are playing great but Manly need a statement against the Top 4 and this is a golden opportunity to say they are here and ready to defend their title.
STORM $1.36 v $3.25 TITANS (+8.5)
Storm might leave Anthony Quinn out and play a youngster such as Mahe Fonua or Young Tonumaipea for this home game. The other option is giving Dane Nielsen a reprieve before the finals after dropping him to NSW Cup last week. Justin O'Neill's groin should be fine, while Kevin Proctor may also start with Sika Manu going to the bench. The Titans hope Greg Bird is ready to play and if he is passed fit - Ben Ridge or Luke O'Dwyer would likely miss out to accommodate his inclusion. The other option is to move Luke O'Dwyer to the centres and omit Steve Michaels.
| Melbourne win if they are fair dinkumly back...
EELS (+1.5) $2.00 v $1.80 ROOSTERS
While Brad Arthur told me on Wednesday that he is giving the same 17 from last week a chance to make up for their poor defensive effort - I'm not convinced there isn't a late change in the centres with Cheyse Blair making way for possibly Willie Tonga or another player. The Roosters will choose between Brad Takairangi and Lama Tasi for the final spot in their 17.
| Parra's defence will come good and the Roosters played their final 'big game' last weekend.
COWBOYS $1.38 v $3.15 WARRIORS (+8.0)
The Cowboys could start Ray Thompson at halfback and move Michael Morgan to the bench or out of the 17 entirely if Anthony Mitchell is preferred as the utility (word from the Cowboys is Ricky Thorby and Mitchell miss out with Jason Taumalolo a chance to come in as 18th man). The Warriors took Simon Mannering and James Maloney to Townsville despite not naming either player but Maloney seems to be the only one with a genuine chance to play. Konrad Hurrell should be fine.
| North Queensland went close last week and back up with a victory here, the Warriors have to win to stay alive but we said that last week and they got smashed at home by Cronulla.
TIGERS $1.65 v $2.30 DRAGONS (+3.5)
Gareth Ellis should shake off a bruised ankle and start, while Tim Simona could make way on the bench for another forward. The Dragons could start Jack Stockwell over Josh Miller (out with a rough head) but then again, they are known to bring in unnamed players... hello Beau Scott? Jamie Soward will play, it's a matter of whether he starts or not.
| Tigers in a tight one... Dragons are every chance but hard to back give how they attacked v Roosters.
PANTHERS (+2.0) $2.12 v $1.75 RAIDERS
Penrith should be 1-16 and either Danny Galea or Nigel Plum get the final bench spot. The Raiders will give Dane Tilse every chance to play if his wife hasn't given birth before kick-off and Bronson Harrison could come in regardless for Mark Nicholls or Joe Picker on the bench.
| Penrith did win 2 in a row before getting smashed in Melbourne - that's kinda form as far as the Panthers go... Canberra surprised everyone winning at home last week and are complete wild cards, so avoid them.
BULLDOGS $1.31 v $3.55 BRONCOS (+10.0)
Don't choke on your cornflakes but the spies have reported that not only has the DT indicated Corey Parker is a strong chance to play but wdnicolson.com's man in Brisbane has confirmed at this stage Parker IS playing. Wowser... but we've been burnt before. For those Fantasy players - take the punt he plays but don't think you'll definitely avoid a donut.
Sam Kasiano might be a late inclusion but the Dogs don't have to rush him. Kris Keating should be back with Corey Payne possibly under the most pressure from Joel Romelo for the final bench spot. James Graham will overcome a knee injury in all likelihood. Corey Norman is at fullback for the demoted Josh Hoffman and Justin Hodges should play. Luke Capewell becomes the bench utility.
| Dogs will lose... just not this week. Broncos make a tough stand on Hoffman but either way they have to play out of their skins here to win... which is possible I guess.
KNIGHTS $1.75 v $2.12 SHARKS (+2.0)
Kade Snowden will play, Joel Edwards has been made 18th man with Zane Tetevano now in the 17 and Alex McKinnon will start for Neville Costigan. Cronulla will give Bryce Gibbs and Wade Graham practically until kick-off to prove their fitness, while Tyron Frizell/Mark Taufua/Ricky Leutele would probably make way if both played.
| Knights showed me enough last week to beat the Sharks... that is unless Cronulla score 24 points in 15 minutes like the Dogs did.

For more on how we see the Weekend unfolding, check out the Podcast and Preview below.

Wednesday 8 August 2012

NOT The Footy Show Episode 119 - Round 23 NRL Preview Podcast 2012

Des and the Dogs can't get no respect... no wait, they don't want any.

On this week's NOT The Footy Show Episode 119: DC Chapman joins Warrick Nicolson to chat to Matt 'Fremantle' Duncan to discuss Des Hasler's lack of respect for referees (and his team's performance evidently), Crowd Over/Unders for Round 23, Bye Bye Lote Tuqiri/Hello Marika Koroibete, What went wrong for the Warriors?, Ricky Stuart steps down as NSW coach for Phil Gould? and Finally how good is the open footy some teams are playing now? 

Plus Eyes isn't well but he still finds time to talk to Mr DC about the game the youngster is attending on Sunday.

And as always we give you a full odds preview of Round 23 with all our picks (and GT's!) and Special Fried Rice selections.

NOT The Footy Show 58 minutes of what you've come to expect from our dedicated footy crew.

NOT The Footy Show Episode 119
Round 23 NRL Preview - Released Wednesday August 8, 2012

Right Click Save Target As This Link if you don't have iTunes for the MP3 File

Subscribe to the Podcast via this link / Download mp3 version

LIKE the show on Facebook for all the latest updates.
NOT The Footy Show will release another Podcast next Wednesday night - August 15 with our Round 24 Preview.

Thursday 2 August 2012

NRL 2012: Round 22 NRL Preview Tips Teams Predictions Late Mail Podcast Odds

NRL ROUND 22 TIPPING PREVIEW
By W D Nicolson 

The Top 8 is no clearer than it was last week and for more talk on what we've learnt (if we learnt anything ) just listen to this week's NOT The Footy Show Podcast.

Three big games worth watching this weekend are the Knights v Bulldogs, Cowboys v Sea Eagles and Titans v Rabbitohs.

Basically if the Knights and Titans lose they label themselves pretenders in terms of doing anything in the Finals should they make it, while the winner of the Cowboys/Sea Eagles game probably finishes in a Top 4 spot.

The other game of some interest is the Warriors v Sharks - if the Warriors win they are some hope at September, but if the Sharks lose - then a lot of teams below them are a huge chance of making the Top 8.

Welcome to August.

| To Round 22 - and NOT The Footy Show has your NRL Podcast needs covered in Episode 118: The Round 22 Preview - with a record breaking 4 member panel show featuring Maria Tsialis, Jake Hauritz, DC Chapman and Warrick Nicolson in the studio to preview the Run to the Finals - which teams did we settle on making the Top 8? 
Grab the 57 minute Podcast right here.

Be sure to check all the Team news on the NRL Injured List which is updated every Tuesday afternoon - and the Podcast has plenty of insight on those selections and your Late Mail and Panel Picks are below.

| Full Round 22 Tips are Roosters by 4, Storm by 20, Bulldogs by 4, Sea Eagles by 2, Warriors by 10, Broncos by 8, Titans by 6 and Tigers by 10.

| My 'Locks' are Melbourne; My 'Less than Confidents' are Warriors, Tigers, Broncos and Bulldogs, while My 'Don't put the house on Its' are the Titans, Sea Eagles and Roosters.

Another dud round to pick.

All the panel's picks are below with their Special Fried Rice selections and we have updated the NRL Injured List with all of this week's Late Mail as well as below in streamlined form.
NRL ROUND 22 PREVIEW - 2012
02/08 Odds are courtesy of Sportingbet Australia
For some more insight into the markets check out NOT The Footy Show's resident betting maestro's site GT Tips http://www.gttips.co.uk
All Kick-Offs are LOCAL time.
Round 22 Late Mail... 
If you have any reputable mail - Let me know via @NRLTweet
ROOSTERS (+5.5) $2.50 v $1.55 DRAGONS
If Lama Tasi is over a shoulder injury then Brad Takairangi misses out for Easts. The Dragons will make Jamie Soward earn his spot back in the top grade through the Illawarra NSW Cup team, while Nathan Green will start at centre. Will Matthews looks to hold his spot on the bench with Leeson Ah Mau and Jake Marketo to miss out.
| Roosters for whatever reason, mainly because they played with no fear last week... yes they lost but the Dragons are back in the Top 8 hunt - they'll clam up.
STORM $1.26 v $4.00 PANTHERS (+10.5)
Justin O'Neill could be a late inclusion and Matt Duffie isn't far off but don't expect any changes to the backline this week... then again. Richie Fa'aoso, Todd Lowrie and Jaiman Lowe will fight it out for the final bench spot. Penrith won't get Luke Lewis back anytime soon, while Danny Galea will be 18th man.
| Melbourne by four hundred... can't tip the Panthers here, Storm on a losing streak or not.
KNIGHTS (+5.5) $2.47 v $1.56 BULLDOGS
The Knights will be 1-17, while the Dogs are likely to start Dale Finucane or Martin Taupau at prop again with James Graham or Aiden Tolman going to the bench for the opening 15 minutes. Harlan Alaalatoa misses out.
Newcastle every chance but the Dogs aren't exactly struggling on their way to the pole position for the minor premiership true?
COWBOYS $1.77 v $2.10 SEA EAGLES (+2.0)
Brett Stewart will play barring any last minute soreness in his hamstring and Anthony Watmough is free to play after the NRL wisely let him off a chicken wing charge that would've rubbed half the competition out over the last month of the regular season. Jason King remains in serious doubt due to a chest injury and either Vic Mauro or Daniel Harrison will join the bench. The Cowboys think Ashley Graham isn't far off while Ray Thompson will come in for Michael Morgan if 100% fit. It'd be nice to see Jason Taumalolo elevated for a game like this but Neil Henry doesn't seem sold on the youngster for whatever reason...
| Manly are at a cross-roads - got out of jail v Warriors and need a big road win to announce themselves, exactly what the Cowboys didn't do in Sydney last weekend.
WARRIORS $1.55 v $2.50 SHARKS (+5.5)
Paul Gallen plays unless he snaps in half between now and Sunday. Todd Carney is likely to play through an abdominal strain but how fit he is is the question... Jon Green and Sam Tagataese will miss out while it wouldn't shock anyone if Chad Townsend travels with the team as cover for Carney. The Warriors would be within their rights to bring Simon Mannering back early due to the importance of the game, with Sebastine Ikahihifo going back to the bench. Konrad Hurrell is next to no chance.
Neither team can really do anything if they make the Top 8 but the Warriors are at home so let's go with them.
RAIDERS (+2.5) $2.20 v $1.70 BRONCOS
Corey Parker should play, despite not being named and Jack Reed will join him in the lineup on Monday after training strongly on Thursday. Dale Copley is probably another week away. Expect Alex Glenn or Ben Te'o to move back into the pack and Aaron Whitchurch and Dunamis Lui to miss out. Canberra have hand injuries a-go-go (Papalii, Earl and Ferguson) and Josh Dugan's ribs are sore but expect everyone to play.
Canberra suck, Brisbane suck - but who sucks less? Brisbane maybe.
TITANS (+3.5) $2.25 v $1.66 RABBITOHS
Ashley Harrison will play and Nate Myles will play through a sternum injury as long as he can endure the pain. Greg Bird's hamstring strain is likely to keep him out. The Bunnies should have Sam Burgess but he remains hampered by a minor hammy strain suffered last weekend. Souths will take Scott Geddes as cover but he might miss out entirely with Roy Asotasi set to travel to the Gold Coast and is likely to play.
| Titans are back on the tipping map, so really I've gotta tip them right? Real reason is Souths will miss Inglis and Luke this week more than they did last weekend.
TIGERS $1.62 v $2.35 EELS (+4.0)
Tim Moltzen will need the long turnaround for his hamstring to be right to go and Keith Galloway will play through pain in his shoulder to keep the Tigers in the race for the Top 8. Tim Simona could find himself out of the 17 if Moltzen plays, while for the Eels - they will be 1-17 with Justin Horo remaining 18th man.
| Tigers please... you just can't overlook what's at stake here, even if the Eels are playing good footy.

For more on how we see the Weekend unfolding, check out the Podcast and Preview below.

Wednesday 1 August 2012

NOT The Footy Show Episode 118 - Round 22 NRL Preview Podcast 2012

James Blunt drops by with a box of chicken wings.

On this week's NOT The Footy Show Episode 118: Matt Duncan and Nic McInerney join Warrick Nicolson to discuss Watmough's Chicken Wing Fiasco (he was exonerated surprise surprise!), Blunty's Top 5 Footy Moments since Origin, Gasnier's legendary status and Eyes wants Hindy's shorts!

And as always we give you a full odds preview of Round 22 with all our picks (and GT's!) and Special Fried Rice selections.

NOT The Footy Show 56 minutes that inform, entertain and drain you of the will to live.
NOT The Footy Show Episode 118
Round 22 NRL Preview - Released Wednesday August 1, 2012
Right Click Save Target As This Link if you don't have iTunes for the MP3 File.
(It's not 227 mins long - only 56 we promise)

Subscribe to the Podcast via this link / Download mp3 version

LIKE the show on Facebook for all the latest updates.

NOT The Footy Show will release another Podcast next Wednesday night - August 8 with our Round 23 Preview.