With the conclusion of round 13, it’s half time in the 2017 NRL season. It’s the ideal time to do what everyone else is doing and look back at the season so far. This week we’re looking at the first eight clubs that come up in alphabetical order. Part II to come next week. Benchmarks There… Read More Analysis – Another bloody mid-season review (Part I)
I think if the NRL could arrange for most rounds to play out per the form guide as round 13 did, then my experimentation with Elo models and rugby league would be far less embarrassing. It’s less Nostradamus and more John Edwards. Yes, I’m a greasy, shifty fraud who bilks people out of their money… Read More NRL Tips – Round 14, 2017
Background The Auckland Warriors, as they were originally known, were introduced to the competition in 1996, the first expansion team from outside of Australia. In the heady days of Stacey Jones’ leadership, the team became contenders, winning a minor premiership in 2002 and only falling at the last hurdle in the grand final to the… Read More Club Report – New Zealand Warriors
A good round for home teams with only the last fixture turning up a win for the visitors. I think the biggest surprise was the Panthers’ win over the Bulldogs. You might’ve tipped them but did you also pick the 38 point margin? I think not. I also missed the Roosters getting one over the… Read More NRL Projections Update – Round 13, 2017
I paid the price for my arrogance. I figured that the Raiders and the Warriors were done, dusted, spent forces that would not be able to stand up to even a weakened Roosters or Broncos outfit. They managed it and came home comfortable winners to boot. Scoring just one from four was not a pleasant… Read More NRL (& Origin) Tips – Round 13, 2017
Background After an ARL premiership in 1996, Manly entered the NRL in a slightly awkward position. The Sea Eagles took up the NRL’s offer to merge with local rivals North Sydney, forming the Northern Eagles. On-field performances were terrible and in 2003, it was apparent that the marriage was dysfunctional. The venture got a divorce –… Read More Club Report – Manly Sea Eagles
Well, I was in Sydney so I didn’t see a single minute of any of the short round of games. What I see on the scoresheet fundamentally reminds me that I know so little about this sport. I thought that, even weakened, the Roosters and the Broncos would be handy enough to take care of… Read More NRL Projections Update – Round 12, 2017
Round 11 was about as easy as they get. A lot of games came down as expected and unlike round 10, there weren’t any major deviations from the form book. “Success” A good round for all. Six of eight for me and Eratosthenes while the others managed seven from eight. The Greeks tipped Penrith over Newcastle… Read More NRL Tips – Round 12, 2017
Last weekend saw a much more predictable round with teams, perhaps for the first time this season, actually sticking to the form book. In fact, there were no what I would call upsets. The favourites generally accounted for their opposition, particularly the Broncos shutting out the Tigers in Brisbane, the Dragons taking care of the Warriors… Read More NRL Projections Update – Round 11, 2017
Round 10 had up and downs with a couple of surprises, a couple of line balls and a few dead certs coming through. Unfortunately, we were on the wrong end of almost all of them. “Success” It was a rough round for everyone except for Eratosthenes, who managed five from eight. Euclid and I scored… Read More NRL Tips – Round 11, 2017
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