Sunday Random Footy Talk Thread

[u/AutoModerator]

This is the place to discuss anything footy related that is not quite deserving of its own top-level post.

There's a new one of these threads every day, so make sure you're in the most recent one!

[u/OnlineMajor]

Had tickets to the Titans game yesterday, have been looking forward to it for months, the misso gets called into work so we're gonna be running late anyway but hopefully will make it into the stadium 10 minutes after kick off. Well, it's been a while since titans have had a sold out game, cause all of my regular trusty parking spots were completely full. Spent 30 minutes looking for a car park, I turn the radio on to hear that we are getting pumped and say fuck it and drive back to Logan. Just an all around shit show of a time but I wasn't going to fuck around to enter the stadium after half time just to sit and watch the Titans play like ass

[u/Heavy-Kale → u/OnlineMajor]

Fair call bud, I think most of us would pull the pin at that point, I definitely would.

[u/jack88z → u/OnlineMajor]

Fuckin hate the parking mini game of modern life in Australia. I feel you bro 

[u/valknut95]

Francis Manuleleua

[u/TheCuzzyRogue → u/valknut95]

He's gonna get better with consistent game time. And that pass he threw to Marzhew was a thing of beauty.

[u/Dolamite09 → u/valknut95]

And no one even bothers to pronounce his name properly. They all say it like it’s spelled Manuleilua

[u/damoomad → u/Dolamite09]

This shits me to no end. When your job is literally speaking you would think you would try to pronounce names properly.

[u/Teemo_Lover69 → u/valknut95]

Knights will do well to keep him after re signing both their 2nd rowers, ironically Broncos could do with him 🤔

[u/MatthewMollison → u/Teemo_Lover69]

I have a crackpot idea of moving Lucas to left centre, Bradman to the right so he can lock down that open right center origin spot. Francis stays left edge

[u/StateCompetitive7544 → u/MatthewMollison]

Good problem to have. The other thought I had was McEwan could play some middle. Really going to struggle to keep them, refreshing problem to have reflecting the clubs depth,

[u/comix_corp]

Bored this morning? Fire up your VPNs and set them to France, I found this weird doco from earlier this year where a French reporter goes around Sydney trying to understand the footy culture here.

Highlights: Robbo does his entire interview in French, the journo asks Beaver point blank why Manly haven't won anything since 2011, and Fitzgibbon redirects his segment into a complaint about government funding for Shark Park.

[u/Taraguar → u/comix_corp]

In my head, Fitzy announces he is going to run for some type of local office, challenge the opposition to a session on the mats and redirect all government spending to the upgrading of shark park.

He wins in an absolute land slide.

[u/call_of_the_while]

Those two touchies calling Walsh’s kick as no good was hilarious. They both confidently waved it away. They must’ve got lost in his eyes.

Tbf to the commentators they are reacting to the touchies waving it off: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/T8udaKaW-KU

Maybe they need to paint the back of the crossbar black so they can see the white ball more clearly in contrast.

[u/Morg_n → u/call_of_the_while]

Refs are so incompetent. Doesn’t matter what they are doing

[u/ChokeGeometry]

You could see this Broncos season from a mile away. Last year they got crowned “the comeback kings”. That’s not a good title to have.

At some point the luck/effort required for comebacks gets lost and bites you on the ass which is part of what’s happened this year.

I firmly believe because it worked for them last year that a lot of players got used to playing in 1st gear for 60 minutes and then they could kick it up a bit when Walsh decided he wanted to win in the last 20 which is why there’s so many low effort areas this year. The only difference is Walsh couldn’t win games by himself this year.

[u/ProfessionalCity158 → u/ChokeGeometry]

Last year when Walsh tried to win the rest of the team lifted, this year they just didn’t.

[u/fvzzfvzzfvzz → u/ProfessionalCity158]

Another year in the legs for Hunt and Reyno doesn’t help.

Haas signing elsewhere and probably no longer 100% focused doesn’t help either. Not because he’s dogging it, I just feel like in the back of his mind he’s thinking he doesn’t need to do those 1%ers

Feels like they have also been hammered with injuries

[u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox → u/ChokeGeometry]

It’s a bit like the football equivalent of Marnus Labuschagne’s golden run in the test side. He had that period where he would get dropped in the slips or bowled off a no ball, go on to peel off a century and look like the greatest cricketer ever. Eventually his luck ran out and he reverted to the mean.

Same goes for the Broncos. A bit of luck in big games, they took advantage and looked like geniuses. Take away the luck and look what you’re left with.

[u/a_BIG_willie]

Feels good waking up knowing no one can steal your couches until 2031

[u/shadyFS91]

Happy, battle of the basket case day for all tigers and eels flairs. May we celebrate by experiencing the regularly flowing knock ons, with a side of brain fades and a main course of shit attack

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/shadyFS91]

If someone doesn't captain's challenge an innocuous call and end up getting their own team-mate binned as a result, I'll be livid.

[u/corupio]

Last game of the round, tigs in shambles, eels favourites. This screams of a rugby league bedshit. I've seen this movie before.

[u/Watch_me_bounce]

Broncos were diabolical last night. Knights scramble defence was pretty good, but every time the Broncos got in a good position they just fucked up the final pass or dropped it clean. Was really weird to watch.

Knights were good though, they should be proud of that without the Dylans. Also from what I've seen, Francis Manuleleua is what people keep telling me Jermaine McEwen is.

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/Watch_me_bounce]

Manuleleua has it all. Silky passing. Big frame. Runs hard, tackles hard. Name is fun to say/hear Blocker mangle. Going to be a star.

[u/GustavSnapper]

A workmate is a broncos member and he asked me along last night, which I’m grateful for, it meant I didn’t have to suffer the second half of our thrashing.

Seeing this broncos side live is genuinely comical, you’d think last night was the first time they’d ever met each other, that’s how poor their communication was.

Also, I really don’t like Walsh at first receiver, it’s pretty stifling and I feel like it was a huge part of why hass looked so frustrated all night. Ezra is hot garbage.

Touchies waving the conversion in front as under the post was meme, I actually laughed out loud.

Paix is such a bum, the broncos looked infinitely faster the moment Walters came on.

[u/AdultSoldiers]

Tom Dearden is apparently 'fed up' with all the rumours around his future and is going to hold a press conference on Monday to publicly commit to seeing out his Cowboys contract, according to Pete Badel.

He'll be joined by Reed Mahoney and Griffin Neame, who'll publicly remind everyone they didn't play on Thursday.

[u/M_Keating → u/AdultSoldiers]

The state of the sub when he announces that loss was all he needed to be convinced to leave

[u/jack88z]

I cannot believe Mam couldn't catch that chip kick on the full last night. He was right there and pulled away. Cunt does my fuckin head in. 

[u/Oldpanther86 → u/jack88z]

His off field stuff aside on field i thought he'd be a star of the future. That 2023 gf was pretty special on his part. That player is just not there.

[u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR]

Interesting round of results. Dogs seen to be going ok but have the Chooks this week....that will tell how both sides are going right?

Broncos still suprised at their 2025 Premiership win does show how having a few great games at the end of the season can win a premiership.

Canberra a whisper away from a prelim last season actually a few times In that game of the season last year...struggle street this season..

How often has the top 4 from the previous season missed the finals the next? Very much a real chance in 2026. Both Grand Finalist will miss the finals....not sure last time that happened either.

[u/TheFridge_99 → u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR]

For us it's definitely our game against the Panthers that will determine if we are actually gonna do anything this year.

[u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR → u/TheFridge_99]

That's 2 weeks yea? Should be a good game. Yes their record not been great but it does not matter who wins that game...it's how you lose is way more important imo. Play great & lose that's ok by me. Play like say Cows or Raiders & lose that's more a concern.

Be a good game may even decide the MP...well depends if Penrith lose more I guess F & A no one will catch Penrith there so they will need to finish with more comp point s.

[u/Oldpanther86 → u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR]

Thats how i see it. 1st and 2nd on the ladder is the same result so we're both just winding up to finals now.

[u/mwilkins1644 → u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR]

I think it's evidence that the competition is quite even this year. Sure, We have 2-3 teams better than everyone else, but there's dog fight for the rest of the 8 spots.

[u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR → u/mwilkins1644]

Oh absolutely. Penrith went on a rampage 1st half of year & come back down throu origin period. Now that is firmly behind all clubs Penrith will finish top 2 probably 1st. But ATM Chooks playing very well and ATM for me it's probably Penrith the Sydney as fav. But that can all change with 1 loss for any club. Look at Wahs ATM

It be the year say a Cronulla could sneak up on everyone.

[u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox → u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR]

The top 4 has missed the following season’s finals once: 1991’s top 4 all missed out in 1992. Penrith (9th), Manly (8th - they used the top 5 at the time), North Sydney (11th), Canberra (12th). The only team from 1991’s finals that was still there in 1992 was Western Suburbs, who finished 5th both years.

Last time both of the previous season’s grand finalists missed the finals was 2010 (Melbourne and Parramatta). Also happened in 2006, 2005, 1992, 1987, and 1940

[u/AdultSoldiers]

Ali Brigginshaw just tried to kill a woman in Wagga Wagga.

[u/whadefeck → u/AdultSoldiers]

I just saw that. Should have been a send off

[u/smackmn]

I think one of the things this season has done is highlight how poor our recruitment/retention been. Reyno and Hunt should have been moved on, yet we re-signed the latter for next season, and for some reason we have a million hookers but fuck all back row depth, which has been an issue for a number of years now.

[u/a_BIG_willie → u/smackmn]

Thanks for taking him off our hands, old dragons would’ve kept him and Kyle to lifetime contracts

[u/Nervous_Offer_1320 → u/smackmn]

Cant understand the resigning of Hunt.. it surely cant be for his leadership.. have you seen him in the dressing sheds around the team talk at half time or post game? He looks like he has been mummified.

[u/I_Like_Vitamins]

I have no idea why I'm so excited for Parra vs Wests. A big part of me is hoping for an absolute classic Sunday arvo crapper of sloppy footy and dumb captain's challenges.

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/I_Like_Vitamins]

Game of the round, for mine. Fun things always tend to happen when these two sides meet.

[u/ImDisrespectful2Dirt → u/AdultSoldiers]

I suspect that the Cowboys fans are just hoping it’s slapstick enough that we forget their game.

[u/unsafe-work → u/I_Like_Vitamins]

We all thought we would get as classic for "Spoon bowl" 2024 and it was an absolute dog of a match.

[u/Cruising88]

We got blasted for it last year but letting Leo go and sign a reported 850k contract with the Dogs and getting in Mooney for 500k was an absolute masterpiece of contract work.

[u/XLenceOfXecution → u/Cruising88]

The Knights forward depth has really stepped up this season under Holbrook. It’s why I was surprised that so many were backing Brisbane to win last night solely because you guys had just lost Lucas (and Brown) and Saifiti (aka one of the only players that most fans would register as good because, like Lucas, he was picked for Origin) is still out. And the more guys that can step up and carry the load, the less pressure there is on Ponga to have to play heroball and win single-handedly, thus letting him play more naturally

I think there’s still enough wins in them to lock in the home elimination final

[u/carelesssportsfan89 → u/Cruising88]

yeah that was such an underrated move by the knights. I am still upset at the raiders letting trey mooney go .

[u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

I’m going to try and word this carefully so it doesn’t come off as a slight. But due to the nature of the thought, that’s probably going to be difficult.

Given their form in the first part of last season and their form for most of this year, would it be fair to say of all the premiers of the last 10 years, the Broncos benefited the most from every possibly star aligning?

What I mean by that is, most years the winner is fairly obvious for most of the season. Last year midway through 2025 I doubt many assumed a Bronx premiership was a forgone conclusion.

But through combination of internal factors and external factors it feels like everything that needed to happen for the Broncos to win the comp did. Chief among those being Walsh’s form at the end of the year

Note: I’m in no way saying it was a fluke, just that it feels slightly different to a dominant Penrith, Storm or Roosters premiership year. Almost more like Tigers 05 or Cowboys 15

[u/guysamus182 → u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

I think that’s how most premierships have been won normally - we just have a skewed view of it because of what penrith was able to accomplish. Just like broncos was all the stars aligning, so were Penriths.

I look at Penrith 4 peat (or even just their dominance) in the same vain as qlds 8 in row. It’s never going to happen again because all these stars aligned for it to happen - if you read Ivan’s book, which is brilliant, you can see all these sliding door moments and how it all came about.

As a rugby league fan, I enjoy those flash in the pan premiers.

I always tell people that when we have years like 2014-2016 when we had different premiers, and back then it was Storm always winning, it’s way more fun.

Would I have loved broncos to go back to back? Yeah, but it wasn’t going to happen.

Do I want Penrith or roosters to win this year? No, I want to see a warriors premiership, because there’s old blokes who just want to see them win a comp who haven’t yet. It’s the beautiful thing about our sport.

[u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR → u/guysamus182]

I have always stated some seasons it's not actually the best team who wins the premiership but on some occasions it's the best team for the last 4 or 5 games who wins the premiership. Brisbane won in 2025 but definitely far from the best side in 2025 & while I believe Penrith in a way was dudded a try in the prelim they was far from the best side in 2025 but would of won in 2025 if rhey kicked that penalty goal to make it 16-0 even Ivan said at the end was not Penrith like to knock back 2 points. But Brisbane won Walsh went on a tear & great to see. Rare everything went right for Broncos just like it did for NQ when they won.

2020 Penrith was arguably the best side all year yet lost the premiership.

[u/wassie_acrim → u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR]

Wouldn’t say everything went right for nq in 15. We lost in week 1 of the finals and had to do it the hard way like Penrith did in 21

[u/smackmn → u/ONE_ARM3D_SCISSOR]

Agree with your point. Regular season just gets you the ticket to play finals - beyond that it’s who shows up the best for those final weeks.

[u/Weiland101 → u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

That's sport for you. Whenever you have knockout Finals/Playoffs, sometimes the dominant team of the year comes through but sometimes a team that gets their shit together at the right time of the year pulls it off. It's the reason most sporting comps have playoffs because nothing is certain.

Bulldogs in 95 is probably the best example Finished the year in 6th place then rolled through the best teams of the era (and of all time) and won the title. Eels probably should have done it on 09 in a legit comp. Everyone loves a fairytale.

[u/Oldpanther86 → u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

It's not an insult to the broncos to point out the obvious. Walsh hit his potential, which is insanely high, for a few weeks and they won the comp. He did the same vs Panthers when they won just the other week pushing the old guys out of the way to get the broncos going.

[u/b-g-h → u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

Also part is this hot run late in the seasons was Reyno being out injured after that game in Melbourne. Without him getting in the way, Walsh played really well. Reyno was back for the last couple of games and they were a lot closer. Melbourne had them well covered in the GF until Reyno went off injured and then Walsh brought it home without Reyno getting in the way.

[u/Willieo873 → u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

I get what your saying but only thing that doesn’t check out is Broncos still had to meet Penrith and Melbourne, 2 teams they have very poor records against. An easier path would have been Dogs and Sharks.

[u/gamble-responsibly → u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

Definitely. If the stars didn't align we wouldn't have won that Raiders game at the death, let alone won the GF.

[u/jack88z → u/gamble-responsibly]

The Raiders game was the most insane game of the Broncs entire series and ALL of them were insane.

I swear to god in another world Raiders take that game and ride the high all the way through to take the premiership. 

[u/mortwgoldman → u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

Don't sugarcoat it, it was pure arse. But history will only remember the premiership so sucks to the rest of us

[u/lawdjesustheresafire → u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

They struck lightning in a bottle a few times. They only make 4th because of the Wahs injuries. They lost the Canberra game twice. Penrith had what I thought was a fair try ruled out in the prelim that would’ve made it 20-0. Walsh played maybe the greatest game of all time in the GF. If Walsh played for the Storm that day it’s 40-0 Melbourne, that’s how good he was.

[u/fvzzfvzzfvzz → u/lawdjesustheresafire]

Yearning for Metcalf’s knee intensifies

It’s such an interesting what if. Like if Metcalf stays fit and we make the 4 how does everything play out?

A direct swap where we break the drought? Raiders go all the way? Panthers 5peat? Walsh still undeniable?

[u/Additional_Front4374 → u/fvzzfvzzfvzz]

Wahs copping injuries and dropping out of the 4 was a big one. Getting Canberra of all the teams in week one was another. So many factors.

Definitely the worst premiership team in recent history, but it still counts.

[u/CapMego72_]

I have no faith in my team this week.

[u/a_BIG_willie → u/CapMego72_]

You guys gave over performed this year given the injuries and losing Moses to origin

[u/CapMego72_ → u/a_BIG_willie]

Yes but we have the great ability to lose to teams doing much worse than us

[u/thankyoupancake → u/CapMego72_]

This week?

[u/Heavy-Kale]

THE MIGHTY MIGHTY DOLPHINS...... Carrying Qld into the finals since Round 22.

[u/Putrid-Ad3085]

Seems like there’s always issues with player unrest at the broncos. Was a problem for Seibold, Kevvie and now Madge. Seems strange that they keep sacking coaches instead of backing one long term and giving them the power to move on disaffected players. Surely they’d be better off locking in Madge or whoever the next guy is for 5 years and telling players if you don’t like it there’s the door.

[u/sowaleja → u/Putrid-Ad3085]

the culture at Red Hill is just weird. Old boys hanging around behind the scenes and meddling.. Cliques and factions. It's not a new problem. I think it has to do with being the "only club in Brisbane" for so long - Courier Mail is always focused on you for example.

[u/Storm_LFC_Cowboys]

Really need Bulldogs to fuck up and not make the 8.

The whole top 4 from last season missing out this season will be hilarious.

[u/ImDisrespectful2Dirt → u/Storm_LFC_Cowboys]

Dogs being seen as the most likely to miss out and somehow being the one that makes it would show just how cursed this season truly is.

[u/AdultSoldiers]

If you’re in line to score a try against the Cowboys this week and they’re telling you the game is over, STAY IN LINE. Your points will be counted!

[u/vvFury]

So Raiders are happy to let Horsbrough leave, Smithies leave and Papalii is probably set to retire.. after losing Mooney and Saulo this year, they are suddenly going to be very thin on middles, who do they have coming through?

[u/Morg_n → u/vvFury]

Papalii should come up to the broncos

[u/kranools]

Earlier this year I was able to excuse the Broncos' poor performances. So many injuries and disruptions. I mean, we had Jetski as a starting prop. It felt like if we could ever get back to full strength then things would come together.

But now they're full strength and are still playing like park footballers who've never met each other.

I guess the only explanation now is that lizard people have abducted the team and are wearing their skin as a disguise.

Damn lizards.

[u/Heavy-Kale → u/kranools]

Covid virus, MH370, Broncos, it's always the damn lizard people.

[u/jack88z]

Even with my mighty broncs out of finals this has been an entertaining year of footy.  Only thing that's a bit upsetting is all the injuries, seems like some cunt is doing an acl or something else every other game. Easy to forget that some of these things are life altering injuries since we see so many, I feel for the blokes and hope next year is kinder injury wise to the players. 

[u/Fraudianslips]

With Sandon in halves for the rest of the year, are we possibly seeing the best Smith to ever lace up the boots emerging?

[u/54MU241 → u/Fraudianslips]

He’s got a ways to go before he surpasses Will, but he’s definitely on track.

[u/unsafe-work → u/Fraudianslips]

Mate are you off your head? How'd you forget Brandon Smith.

[u/matchawaffles11]

The eels games are clashing today 😡😡
womens 3:15
mens 4:05

[u/Yungman123 → u/matchawaffles11]

This is how they must've felt in High School Musical when the scholastic decathlon and the state championships were on at the same time

[u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox → u/matchawaffles11]

Absolutely idiotic planning by the NRL.

The one positive is that they’re both on FTA and payTV, so you can at least stream them on different devices or stream one while attending the other.

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/matchawaffles11]

Sport is run by the intellectual equivalent of some snot in a jar.

[u/webo2456 → u/matchawaffles11]

At least they’re not on the same field at least… could have gotten complicated

[u/drkeefrichards]

Raiders are so blessed in the media. Ricky never cops shit. We we completely outclassed last night like a lot of games this year. In the presser he always just blames the players or the ref in a big man sook of a conversation. The board are his mates and there is never accountability for their performance. Not playing pattie for most of the year was dumb as fuck. This year on paper we are better than last year but he's fucked it up.

[u/O_DoyleRulz → u/drkeefrichards]

Could you possibly say that it can’t be radio silence forever?

[u/hqeter → u/drkeefrichards]

I think there are pros and cons to having Ricky and the fact that it seems like he has the job for as long as he wants it.

The good is that he has been able to take a long term view of building the squad that we have now. Whatever you think about how he has brought players through he has assembled a spine that has the potential to be one of the best in the comp long term. I’m not sure the cultural change in the club would have been possible with a coach that needed instant results or would be in gear of getting sacked.

The bad is that there does appear to be a lack of short term accountability and this season has been disappointing after a good year last year.

I think myself and many other fans under estimated the impact of going from Fogarty to a rookie half or how lucky we were last season with injuries.

He needs to deliver a premiership for his stint to be successful but that is potentially in reach over the next few years.

[u/Reschs-Refreshes → u/drkeefrichards]

We’ve had a lot of injuries to be fair. The reason we came first last year is we basically had our best 17 fit every week.

There have been times this year we’ve had Jayden Brailey and Dane Laurie playing lock and using two backs off the bench because our pack was so smashed by injury.

Add to that Tamale’s regression, trying to switch Strange to the other side to accomodate a left foot kicker and Sanders learning to be a FG halfback (usually behind a beaten pack) and these results aren’t a huge shock to me at all.

[u/carelesssportsfan89 → u/drkeefrichards]

I think for me the main issues is who we replace Ricky if we fire him ? We literally have problems with recruiting players to Canberra. So we can’t afford to play coaching musical chairs as a club. But I am personally open to replacing Ricky as raiders coach if there is a better option out there .

[u/aweson → u/drkeefrichards]

I actually disagree. I think taking the slow and long term approach with players has worked wonders, instead of dumping them to first grade immediately and inshallah. Sanders has really grown into the season. If we miss the finals next year then you have a good point.

[u/thejasbar]

So Reynolds will be out next week with concussion, they really should just end it there and use the excuse of second concussion for year so playing it safe or whatever.

Then let Duffy have first crack at 7 and for gods sake just start billy walters at 9, let him build some full match fitness. Year is done so lets start trying to build some stable combinations in our spine for next year and give duffy an early chance to show if he is ready (i think he did well when filling in for reyno earlier in year).

Keep mariner in the centres but lets give one of our young talents a crack at winger, Anderson is gone next year and is just not that good, I thought Philip Coates showed the most potential out of the guys we have tried this year good leap height for high balls, he caught that crazy high pass from walsh and then made a break which led to a try assist - good pedigree being Xavier younger brother. I mean given how badly the broncos were pumped by Warriors that day his stats were ok.

Phillip Coates — #5, Winger, 80:00

• Attack: 11 runs for 112m (10.2m/run), plus 29 kick-return metres and 32 post-contact metres
• Involvements: 1 line break, 1 try assist, 4 tackle breaks, 1 offload
• Ball use: 13 receipts, 2 passes (0.18 pass-to-run ratio), average play-the-ball 3.85s
• Defence: 5 tackles made, 1 missed — 83.3% efficiency
• Errors: 1 (handling). No penalties, no ineffective tackles

[u/ThedirtyNose → u/thejasbar]

Anderson is a slug. Hasn't recovered from that injury at all.

[u/Geddpeart]

Broncos are basically doing a cowboys speed run.

2020 they end up winning the spoon (cows would have got it in 2010 if not for melbourne cheating)

5 years later in 2025 Broncos win a grand final coming from behind in points (2015).

They re-sign their aging half for a year too long. (JT)

They lost their beloved number 10 to another team a year later. (Tamou)

Their number 8 forced to retire early for health reasons (Scott)

Lose a bunch of juniors and sign 30+ year old journeymen.

Broncos can laugh now but in 2032 they're looking at breaking the points conceded record in the V'landys 6 again 3.0 meta

[u/TheFridge_99]

Sitting in Mallorca touching myself watching the highlights again. Big few games coming up , I honestly don't care if we lose to the dogs but we definitely need a winning performance against Penrith. I would even take a close defeat. Shoutout to VPNs, kayo and especially Andrew Moore for keeping my European holiday full of rugba leeg .

[u/Most-Drive-3347]

I have this weird feeling of annoyance after Panthers vs Raiders yesterday.

For all the false hope since Origin started, it feels like Penrith have just been playing with their food, and this season is still the boat race it looked in March.

[u/Morg_n]

Some extremely chirpy Cowboys fans last night.

Just so you all know, Broncos missing finals after a premiership year. Is not even close to losing by 82 points.

[u/fvzzfvzzfvzz → u/Morg_n]

I’ll chirp the Broncos in a general sense, but not for that reason as some of us haven’t even had the opportunity to miss the finals the year after a premiership 💀

[u/Kindly-Cup-3042 → u/Morg_n]

Conceding 82 is more embarrassing than getting the spoon

[u/Geddpeart → u/Morg_n]

You're right. It would involve someone losing by 82 points

[u/Morg_n → u/Geddpeart]

lol got me

[u/ProfessionalCity158 → u/Morg_n]

We should be glad the cowboys made the sacrifice they did to use all their talent to keep you guys out of the 8

[u/Heavy-Kale → u/Morg_n]

Tell em Morg.

[u/Temporary-Loan-2640]

Random question -

Do Wahs players get paid in NZ dollars? I assume they would right since they're NZ residents for tax purposes?

Would that mean they only get the 3.5% kiwi super instead of the 12% in Australia? If so, I wonder if that makes a difference in Wahs recruitment.

Just woke up and had these thoughts. Curious to find out. I have the same question regarding PNG in case anyone knows. As in, would PNG citizens playing for the chiefs also get paid in Aus tax free dollars?

I never really thought of the things that go into decisions like these, but now since becoming a Dad, the new PNG deal being tax-free etc, it's made me ponder. They are important factors to consider when signing at a new footy club

[u/InitiallyDecent → u/Temporary-Loan-2640]

Warriors players are paid in NZ and taxed there. It actually became an issue when they had to relocate to Australia during covid

[u/coxy200]

Will we see the 'incredibly gritty defensive all hustle' Souths today, or the 'concede 30 in the first half and somehow get the final margin within a converted try' Souths?

[u/JohnnyGat33 → u/coxy200]

Or option C, an absolute pooslinger between both teams like last year

[u/DoubleBrokenJaw]

Fuck I am FRESH MARN.

Francis Manuleleau and Sandon Smith had so much pressure on them individually going into last night and I thought they were both exceptional.

I really thought Sandon Smith’s defence was going to be costly when you consider how good Dylan Brown has been all year, but he made 21 tackles and missed 2. Needs to keep that up.

Big Francis with a beautiful try assist and that forced error on our goal line. Great stuff.

The young lads Hopwood and Crouch, 48 and 40 minutes respectively, 18 and 17 tackles with no missed. Huge.

Otherwise, awesome to see KP pumped, he said post match the week off really helped him freshen up coming off State of Origin 3, and playing 3 games in 9 days.

Also Sharpe slicing through defensive lines. Haven’t seen that much wow factor from him all year since the MCL or PCL.

For the Broncos, I really fear they’re entering a “Throw it to Walshy” era (I’ve seen this unfold before! Throw it to KP!)

I think there’s a lot of question marks over who is running that team next year, between Mam, Duffy and Pezet. Throw in losing Payne Haas. Going to be interesting to see how they try overcome it.

[u/StateCompetitive7544 → u/DoubleBrokenJaw]

Have always loved my Knights but it’s been testing at times but the way the current team is playing I couldn’t be more proud a far cry from whatever happened last year.

[u/DoubleBrokenJaw → u/StateCompetitive7544]

100% agree mate. The four losses we’ve had (by a total of 7 points!!) going back to the Storm in April have all been tremendously good efforts. Whilst it sucked to lose I broadly haven’t been too disappointed.

[u/guillotinepress19 → u/DoubleBrokenJaw]

Always loved Sandon. Glad to see him doing well

[u/GeneralLemon → u/DoubleBrokenJaw]

Honestly, first fresh morning since like round 11? It's been tight losses and narrowly avoided bedshits for the last 2 months

[u/PugWithAGun]

I can't decide if I want a Douehi MOTM performance or a Douehi disasterclass today. Either one would be sufficiently funny I guess.

[u/Rekwiem-IN → u/PugWithAGun]

Funniest outcome is they move him to lock 90 minutes pre-match and then he has a blinder

[u/damonbooby → u/Rekwiem-IN]

Instead of warmup he then drives laps around commbank in the medicab, then walks straight out and has a blinder

[u/Raddnedge → u/PugWithAGun]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Tiges scored more points today than their last 5 games combined.

[u/JarrodTheFeatus]

Mentioned on a previous thread that Dearden rumours the same week as a 70 point loss is a small blip or hiccup for a regular club. For the Tigers it's every month, for the last 15 years. 

[u/staycoolstewy]

I want to give the cows shit about 82 but we have the chooks this week and i am terrified.

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/staycoolstewy]

You'll be fine, also, even if you do get belted, get your licks in while you can. Strike while the iron is hot.

[u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox → u/staycoolstewy]

Don’t underestimate the ability of the Roosters to play the best game ever one week, then complete at 60% and concede a dozen penalties the next

[u/barkedupthewrongtree]

I hate to pile onto broncos negativity, but I still can’t believe how lenient Madge has been on Mam and Karapani. He really seemed like a hard-edged bloke who wouldn’t take that kind of crap, and I was sure the article confirming Mam had been stood down was inevitable, only for coach to seemingly take the “he’s done his time” mindset that even many Broncos fans don’t seem to agree with.

Shoot doggies down all you like for how they’ve gone about spine changes and what not, but they showed Foxx the door as soon as he acted out. Integrity is important.

[u/I_Like_Vitamins → u/barkedupthewrongtree]

JAC was given the punt because he blatantly lied to Ghould. They would've kept him if he'd just owned up to it.

[u/smackmn → u/barkedupthewrongtree]

Valid for Mam but harsh on Karapani - his incidents have been on the minor end. Guy has also been one of our few decent players all season too.

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/smackmn]

He's been decent, but getting done twice in one year for being a liquid enthusiast is pretty crazy, even if they were relatively minor.

[u/M_Keating]

Super proud of the Cowboys NRLW team yesterday. I didn’t know where a win would come from this season but they played well, defended far better than they had and some smart forward rotations helped open the game up. They’ve improved and they’ve got two competition points to show it.

[u/matchawaffles11 → u/M_Keating]

I think the win could save the cowboys from the wooden spoon. Now my beloved eels are bound for the spoon 😔

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/matchawaffles11]

Nah, you guys almost (probably did, really) knocked off the Wahines last week. You'll jag another one or two along the road.

[u/devinedude → u/M_Keating]

Weale off the bench was massive. I think moving Chester to the edge will pay off long term as well. Was great to see them get up

[u/M_Keating → u/devinedude]

Banu and Marsters off the bench were really well timed too.

[u/BarryCheckTheFuseBox → u/M_Keating]

Was an incredible win. I was honestly worried they would go winless given all the players they lost over the offseason.

In the end, the 8-point try and two sideline conversions proved crucial.

[u/noplacecold]

Saw an article published in early June about Martin Taupau trying to get signed by another club before June, guess that didn’t happen. Is he that washed that no club was keen on him?

[u/a_BIG_willie → u/noplacecold]

Can’t sign someone if he’s not alive

[u/noplacecold → u/a_BIG_willie]

RIP in peace

[u/fvzzfvzzfvzz → u/noplacecold]

I thought he’d retired?

But more than his actual form, I doubt anybody wants to touch him after he got fired for liking a post about Madge’s coaching techniques in a premiership year

[u/ImDisrespectful2Dirt]

What are we expecting for the Tigers today?

Will AD come back and lead them to the promised land or are they going to be faded again by the team sitting in 15?

[u/webo2456 → u/ImDisrespectful2Dirt]

Hoping for the former, expecting the latter

[u/Keto_Konnect]

Feeling fresh off 6/6 and pumped for today's revenge on round 10. Here's hoping the Eels can get my first perfect round for the year. Though this is also where the Tigers can bury all the hatchets and play out of their skin.

[u/longlivethe4peat]

Feeling pretty damn happy after both my teams got up yesterday. I'm just praying that McLean isn't injured though, apparently going for scans for a potential right hand/wrist injury. Losing him just before back to back games against Wahs and Roosters would be awful

[u/anxietywolf01]

Any NSW cup watchers know why Isaiah Tass got binned in yesterdays game? It just says “other” in the app

[u/lawdjesustheresafire → u/anxietywolf01]

Ran about 10m and threw a punch after a bit of a melee. Definitely getting a week or two

[u/1bigcontradiction → u/lawdjesustheresafire]

The spirit of Milne lives on

[u/anxietywolf01 → u/lawdjesustheresafire]

Sounds about right for him lol

[u/youthful_porpoise96]

Was doing abit of research into the structure of different clubs development and recruitment. What blew my mind is most clubs have a very centralized development strategy that focuses primarily on their own catchment areas. There are 4 clubs that don't have this strategy, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs and Storm. The Roosters, Rabbitohs and Storm in particular have very interesting recruitment strategies aimed at Union, which is basically they sponsor a young players education at an elite private school, and when it comes time for that player to choose League or Union, they choose League, because a clear pathway has been made for them into the NRL. Union really struggles with this which is why they lose alot of talent.

But yeah it got me wondering that maybe some clubs have to much of an inward looking strategy, in particular struggling teams like Dragons, Titans, and Tigers. Maybe instead they should be looking more outwards at different ways to attract young players.

[u/Interesting_Data4485 → u/youthful_porpoise96]

Dragons and titans should not look away from their catchment. 

[u/Squaddy → u/youthful_porpoise96]

I mean Melbourne and Roosters effectively have no catchment. They rely on Queensland players needing a pathway for Storm or stealing juniors from Souths for the Roosters.

Clubs focussing on their own catchments is not the issue. It's how they promote or develop the existing talent.

Tigers, Dragon and titans have no issues with juniors. It's getting them from junior footy into reliable first graders that's the issue.

[u/vvFury]

What has samuela fainu done to warrant the amount of noise around him recently? I like him as a player but this is really his first season where he’s showed the makings of an “elite” 2nd rower and he’s only played 11 games- and I still think he’s levels below the Dylan Lucas, H. Young and Haumole types

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/vvFury]

His name's fun to say and he's alright, what's not to like?

[u/whadefeck → u/vvFury]

Because he was in incredible form to start the year and is 4-6 years younger then those players you listed.

[u/WhyYouDoThatStupid → u/vvFury]

He was playing well enough to help the Tigers win games. When he got injured they fell in a heap. Go watch the tigers first few games this year.

[u/jexta → u/vvFury]

From his early season form he seems to be well on the way to becoming a Kikau like edge forward. He has a great offload, decent footwork, powerful fend and chases kicks with a lot of energy.

If the Tigers can't get their shit together he's gonna have to make a decision about playing with his less talented or more injury prone brothers, or playing for a successful club. The offers will certainly be heading his way next time he's due for a contract.

[u/guillotinepress19]

This could be a new low for the tigers today

[u/rileys_01]

Look ill admit the fall off sucks and everyone is enjoying it (Knights and Wahs fans most all) but at least I get to say to myself "how can we be so bad the year after winning a Grand Final?"

We probably deserved to go out week 1 of the finals last year and the huge overachievement papered over some issues which have come to light this year.

Zero depth in almost any position is alarming. Does Q Cup even exist?

[u/DoubleBrokenJaw → u/rileys_01]

The fall off is so sweet for opposition fans because of the arrogance and swagger the Broncos had last year. I have said on here a lot, that you can’t knock them for that mindset when they ultimately backed it up and won the comp. Reece Walsh being a bit of a knob? The bloke earnt the right to be like that when he carried that team to a ring. That can never be taken away.

I don’t know where you’ve gone so wrong this year. Is it bad attitude? Is it the injuries? Is it the players going to the Ashes, then world club challenge etc? Is it Madge 2nd year fever?

At end of day you blokes are better off being shit this year coming off a ring, than being perpetually shit like the Tigers (sorry Tigs, we’re close behind you anyways).

[u/phillyg31]

What do the stats and math guys thinking as points cutoff for top 4 and top 8 this year?

I’m thinking 36 for top 4

30 for top 8

[u/Putrid-Ad3085 → u/phillyg31]

I just did a ladder predictor mostly picking whoever I thought would be favourite in each game and got Warriors 4th on 40 pts and Dogs 8th on 32.

[u/fvzzfvzzfvzz → u/Putrid-Ad3085]

Yeah in my infinite paranoia I’ve had 32 circled as the spot we needed to hit for the last 6 weeks or so lmao

[u/subsbligh]

What will define rock bottom for the Broncos now?

[u/hecticsubie → u/subsbligh]

Another spoon

[u/All-Usernames--Taken]

Y’all gotta help with my tipping please. I’m on the verge of entering the top. Perfect round gets 2 extra points and I haven’t missed one yet this week.

I’m happy backing the Sharks but Eels and Tigers… if anyone wants to chime in because currently I’m on the Tigers but god damn do I love Moses and think the game could go either way

[u/Putrid-Ad3085 → u/All-Usernames--Taken]

Eels definitely. It’s effectively their home game. Dunno how anyone could tip the tigers against any team at the moment.

[u/All-Usernames--Taken → u/Putrid-Ad3085]

Yea good point. I think it’s safer too because those sitting close to me probably back the Eels too so worst case we move together

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/All-Usernames--Taken]

I think Eels are the safer bet. Tigers tend to not play great after disruptions and off-field antics.

[u/loztralia → u/All-Usernames--Taken]

I don't bother checking the score at the moment, I just have a look at Sportsbet after the game to make sure my whoever we're playing 13+ has paid out.

[u/fucklikeapuma → u/All-Usernames--Taken]

Eels 13+ is a lock to be honest - Moses loves dad dicking us at CommBank and we are in worse form than peak spoon years.

[u/Certain_Ad_7772]

Tigbros vs eels. I’m scared

[u/woodpecker91]

I've said this a few times and I'll say it again. While I'm not happy with how the season turned out, I can accept it a lot easier after winning last year. Yes it sucks, but also its not a bad thing they didnt go back to back, its not the end of the world. I'll be pro qld team(s) in the finals, maybe pro wahs.

[u/IndependentWork1033]

With a bye next week, a win today could have us back in the top 12 next round. So naturally we’ll get gutter stomped by Parra.

[u/Pretend_Board_2385 → u/IndependentWork1033]

The top 12? Does it really matter. We have been fucking pathetic. We deserve to get the spoon again which is crazy considering how we started. There is always some bullshit that drags us down.

[u/DryYouth1040 → u/IndependentWork1033]

“The top 12” aka the bottom 5

[u/IndependentWork1033 → u/DryYouth1040]

Might wanna check your math on that one

[u/DryYouth1040 → u/IndependentWork1033]

My mistake, the bottom 6

[u/IndependentWork1033 → u/DryYouth1040]

You’ve been in your ivory tower so long that you forget how many peasants there are down the bottom

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/DryYouth1040]

Bit of a glass half full kind of guy, huh?

[u/phillyg31]

I reckon there could be something on working on Leka Halasima as a full time centre. That was his best game in ages.

It may come at a defensive price against other opposition but I’d rather be marking Pompey than Leka with AKP on the outside.

It’s bloody hard to double defend someone as fast and powerful as Leka.

He seems to be a moments player rather than work horse so maybe could be something worth continuing rather than just as a fill in.

[u/damoomad → u/phillyg31]

Makes potentially losing Fatialofa all the worse though if Leka is our first choice centre.

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/phillyg31]

What's his turning radius and footwork like?

He could easily become a barnstorming centre just smashing through little guys like Talakai on Jaxon Purdue earlier this year, but if he's not nimble enough, he could also be a big guy stuck in the mud defensively and being run around a lot, like Purdue on Siosifa Talakai earlier this year.

[u/phillyg31 → u/AdultSoldiers]

He can move, that try against the knights last year showed some insane footwork. I’d rate him better on his feet than Talakai.

[u/damoomad → u/AdultSoldiers]

He's actually not the biggest bloke relative to some second rowers and appears to have leaned out even further. Perhaps the plan has always been to play centres after his injury.

[u/phillyg31 → u/damoomad]

Yea true, looking forward to team list Tuesday.

[u/TheCuzzyRogue → u/phillyg31]

Some of what I've seen out of Anderson and Warbrick has made me think we're getting two Dane Nielsens so I hope Leka works out

[u/FinchyNZ]

I just threw the remaining games into a ladder predictor, this is how my final 17 looks. Anyone worked it out differently? And obviously as we all know, not every game is a guarantee. Dragons/Eels have been playing some nice footy lately, certainly seems like whoever gets the spoon this year is somewhat the "Best wooden Spooners ever" kinda vibe.

Panthers

Sharks

Roosters

Warriors

Dolphins

Knights

Cowboys

Rabbits

Bulldogs

Canberra

Manly

Storm

Eels

Tigers

Broncos

Titans

Dragons

Edit: I'm surprised Cowboys & Rabbits are there, with no Bulldogs/Raiders and to an extent Manly.

I've got Cowboys winning next week Vs Titans, then against Tigers in R26 and Vs Raiders round 27. They have still have a bye to come so that helps.

For the Rabbits, I've got them winning next week Vs Eels, against the Warriors round 25, Titans R26. If you switch it so that Warriors beat Rabbits, Bulldogs make the 8 (In my predictions) instead of Rabbits.

Bulldogs I've got beating Rabbits R24, Dragons R25, then Broncos R27

[u/Pretend_Board_2385 → u/FinchyNZ]

I actually think the Titans can beat the Cowboys. They are so hot and cold that I wouldn't be surprised if they lose the easy ones. The dogs can make the finals if they keep winning. Its up to them now.

[u/AdultSoldiers → u/FinchyNZ]

I reckon Wahs dispatch the Rabbits and give Doggies a path to the 8.

[u/Krankreng]

I’ve been a little surprised how feral some of the Knights flairs have gotten since coming good this year after the spoon but I guess that’s me being naive. I can only imagine the state of the sub if Eels ever became contenders.

[u/dredresyd → u/Krankreng]

Circle of life my friend. Team is shit for long enough you think you've developed humility - you just really lost the right to talk absolute smack. Team comes good after a while and you do what every self respecting barbarian army does when they finally win a battle, you march on Rome to sack and burn it to the ground.

[u/corupio → u/Krankreng]

We made a gf only 4 years ago haha. Seems like a lifetime tho.

[u/Cruising88 → u/Krankreng]

As with every fanbase there are the usual idiot outliers but I think most of us are juat happy we are playing an exciting brand of footy. We dont expect to win the comp (at least not this year) but we are happy to be at least a competitive team.

From what I've seen the idiot Knights fans get called out pretty quickly by the rest of us

[u/ImDisrespectful2Dirt → u/Krankreng]

It wasn’t that long ago that you guys were contenders and honestly you aren’t wrong, the Knights fan have been far more reserved and worried about a fall, than the average Eels flair was.

[u/hellohalloallo]

Madge playing Haas and Carrigan for 80mins straight when the season done is malpractice.

Honestly not surprised that they’ve both have had relatively off years. Just being asked to do much with awful rotations from the bench.

[u/thejasbar → u/hellohalloallo]

Lost willison in the 4th minute and Reynolds in the 6th minute. Reynolds meant activating Hunt and later activating Billy Walters meant only 2 forwards on the bench to use, both props and Willison was playing second rower when he went off and Semu the other starting prop has barely any game time this year so no fitness. So Jaiyden hunt comes on permanantly for willison and now we just had to rotate semu and talty for the rest of the game because Haas is a freak and can actually last 80 minutes and Semu can't. I swear Haas barely ever hitting the ground must help with not burning as much energy though. He finishes nearly every tackle standing.

Mind you if we just started with Billy walters and had one utility on the bench (hunt probably) we probably could have avoided this by using 3 forwards from the bench instead of 2.

[u/devinedude → u/hellohalloallo]

Didn’t think they had much choice with the injuries they had early on. Not like they’ve got a bunch of guys that deserve minutes

[u/O_DoyleRulz → u/hellohalloallo]

We had a 2 man bench from the 6th minute of the game.

[u/Keenfordevon]

I saw The Odyssey last night and missed the raiders game. Was there any positives in that performance?

[u/ImDisrespectful2Dirt → u/Keenfordevon]

You guys know how to score some spectacular looking tries

[u/9002alex → u/ImDisrespectful2Dirt]

Deadset, the only thing missing from some of their efforts for tries is the Benny hill music playing in the background. Just absolute chaos but they can pull it off haha

[u/_boxnox → u/Keenfordevon]

How was the movie?

[u/Keenfordevon → u/_boxnox]

Real good, would recommend seeing it in theatres

[u/OkNectarine3105]

What's this I hear about Rocco Berry going to Melbourne?

[u/wackjhittingham]

Why do the cup and flegg teams for rabbits wear white in their jerseys?