THE RED ROOSTER

The cash issue is interesting, because for a club that is allegedly without the proverbial brass razoo they have been able to bring in players suitable for the Championship (Natoli and Webster-Mansfield) and have been able to subsidise low priced tickets. It's also certainly a much slicker off-field organisation than was the case in prervious years. At the fan forum, Gary Hetherington did mention that there had been investor interest but that he was looking for investors that were able tio contribute more than just money to the club, but also work to bring in business. Now this was not followed up as a question, nor the alleged link with the Dolphins of the NRL at the forum as unfortunately some people used the forum as an opportunity not to actually ask a question but to make long-winded statements about their own agenda. As I am not the only poster on this thread who claims to have been at the forum maybe their recollection tallies with mine.

Winners - Canterbury Bulldogs, Canberra Raiders, Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles Points - 174 Away wins - 1 Manly Victory Margin - 1-12 points Another consensus NRL round on TRL so it's nailed on this season some team will defy the odds... Good luck with your tips.

Just a bit of uniformed speculation on my part, We now have Newcastle Red Bull in Rugby Union but how many people recall the latre Keith Hogg floating the idea of London Red Bull back in the Ian Lenargan era. Now Gary Hetherington is looking for investors and sponsors bringing something to the party,so we were told at the fan forum, so what about this for an idea. the clubs shirt sponsor is Brewdog. What if Brewdog was to become a major investor in the club which would mean its pub chain network across the UK would be promoting the London Hounds and the sport of Rugby League. and it can be done economically, I still have my Adrian Morley beer mat from the 2000 World Cup. Better value for the club and game than the Eddie Stobart deal. As I say it's pure speculation on my part but perhaps the search for investors means that the club is looking more for a commercial partner than an Australian NRL Club tie-in .

England at 3-77 a long way behind India's 587 and need 388 to avoid the follow on which Shubman Gill would probably not enforce though if the promised rain on Saturday and Sunday turns up might force his hand. Englnds's bowlers being panned but you have a combination of a flat wicket and a sublime batting perfomance from Shubman Gill, a true captains knock. Sometimes you just have to say its more about your opponent being good than your limitations being exposed. This of course is now "Bazball with Brains" biggest test with India having slammed the door shut on an England victory can England bat time and settle for a draw going 1-0 up to Lords, or are we getting morr Harry Brook charging down the wicket exposing all three stumps. That approach will not end well. As often is the case ,Joe Root is the key. If he can play the anchor role then the others bat around him and England can get to or close to the 388. Lose Root early and Collapso Cricket beckons. Less fireworks than a catherine wheel style implosion. Still one positive of an Indian Vicory would be changes being made in this England side for Lords, whether they would be the right changes though that is the question?

Round 18.the last Origin affected round, its often difficult to tip in advance based upon the Tuesday team lists that are often not an accurate guide to a coaches mind nor take into account game changing last minute withdrawals such as Jerome Luai on the morning of Tigers at Manly. That’s my excuse anyway and I’m sticking to it. Canterbury Bulldogs v Brisbane Broncos The game of the round, Dogs losing Stephen Crichton, Jacob Kiraz, Max King and Kurt Mann with Daniel Suluka-Fifita out with concussion. For the Bronx, Selwyn Cobbo returns at fullback for Reece Walsh with other Origin absentees being Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan along with Gehamat Shibasaki who will be replaced by Deine Mariner. Now both Jesse Arthurs and Corey Jenen are out as well This game is really tough to call; it’s at Accor and the Dogs fans are worth a point or two. They had a tough loss to the Panthers last time out and would expect to bounce back against the Bronx. I think the Broncos will miss their Origin stars a bit more than the Doggies will so tilting their way, but it should be close. Verdict – Bulldogs Canberra Raiders v St George-Illawarra. Ricky’s Rollocking Raiders lose Hudson Young and Josh Papalii playing his origin swansong. Replaced by Morgan Smithies. For SGI it’s more like the Red V turning into the red cross with Toby Couchman, Hamish Stewart, Luciano Leilua and Christian Tuipulotu all out with the money man not making it past the pre-game warm up. Valentine Holmes goes to Origin A lot of players recalled notably Tyrell Sloan Despite a gutsy rearguard action against Paramatta led By Clint Gutherson when under siege. I cannot in all honesty tip SGI in the Capital against the red-hot Raiders. If SGI had a str9onher forward pack, then there would be an opportunity ton win the forward contest v Canberra but that’s not the case and it could be a long day for Dragons fans. Verdict – Raiders North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm The Cows fresh from squeaking home against the Gold Coast lose Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson to Origin. Still no Jason Taumalolo but John Bateman back. The Storm loses Xavier Coates, harry Grant, Trent Loeiro, Stefano Utoikamanu and Cameron Munster to Origin and Sua Faalogo to injury. Tyran Wishart is back in the halves. If this was a normal game, then Tropical Townsville favours the Cowboys but not this year where sides have been rolling up into Far North Queensland and coming back with the points. Conversely, Melbourne have not been the dominant force of old this year, losing games that, on paper they should have won away from Victoria. I would favour the Storm in this one but their strength in depth is being tested so it could be tighter than people think. Verdict – Storm in Townsville Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers Roosters lose Angus Crichton, Connor Watson, Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu to Origin and Siua Wong ton Injury. Eagan butcher returns though. Wests lose Jarome Luai to Origin and Jahreme Bula, Api Korosau and Heath Mason to Injury. Heaps of debutants for the Roosters, normally this would be a problem sign but this year the Roosters have surprised everyone with the way their reserve grade has stepped up when short-handed and at Origin time. James Tedesco and the halves pairing of Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala carrying the load. By contrast Wests remain the gift that keeps on giving for NRL 360 and The Daily Telegraph. With Tallyn da Silva’s lightning transfer to Paramatta and further strife at Concord including an exchange between Benji and Adam Douhi. Up until the Silvertails game the side had not been getting results but were in the game but now the wheels seem to be coming off. Verdict – Roosters Manly Sea Eagles v South Sydney The Silvertails are essentially unchanged from the side that beat Wests. Souths by contrast, have lost Latrell to Origin and Cody Walker joining Jhy Gray on the injured list. Still no room at the Inn for Lewis Dodd unlike to make the bench for this one. Benny giving a not to subtle indication of what he feels about past recruitment. Brandon Smith also rumoured to be coming back. I think the silvertails are pretty ordinary personally and that’s a pretty serviceable XIII that the Bunnies are putting out so with Manly winning when they should not yet lose games they should win ... This is one they should win but will they. Again, closer than people think. Verdict – Manly Sea Eagles

The IPO for London Ravens is owned by a US company based in Delaware London Ravens I remember the original Britiah American Football team with its fan club The Raven Loonies and mascot Ronald Raven

And by the fact that the club has made a rapid statement on the subject it both shows: a) That the club understands fan opinion on the subject of any proposed name change and that this has to be done with support from the fanbase, if any change at all is mooted. b) We are definately not in the David Hughes era.

If posters actually know anything about the history of Plough Lane you would know that in my formative years Wimbledon FC's Plough Lane ground was within spitting distance of Wimbledon greyhound and speedway stadium. In fact should you venture north of Gate D and past Gate F you will see a wall with a faded advert for Greyhound Racing at Wimbledon stadium. As this name change was registered, before the recent fans forum where the hard core fans voiced their disapproval of any name change. I am not surprised that Gary astutely kept this in his back packet so to speak, for I suspect at the next forum he will be hounded.. If you can get Newcastle Red Bull in Rugby Union then I suppose it's a possibility that you could get London Brewdog maybe. Certainly it is a major brand that stuck with the club post demotion. The aussie llnk I fear is dead following the coup by the backwoodsmen at the RFL, so that removes the only other reason for a name change would be a partnership with another NRL team who are not Brisbane. Good detection work by Matt Shaw who is a trustworthy RL journalist. though one point I would make is that often when ideas are being batted around, the club would not be too unhappy at this entering the public domain as it is a way of determing just how much blowback you get from the club's existing fanbase.

Winners -Canterbury Bulldogs, West Tigers, Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos, St George-Illawarra, South Sydney, Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys Points - 342 Home Wins - 3 Poll - North Queensland Cowboys

What is happening at the moment is judicious leaks being given to journalists trying to create momentum fior their proposed version of the future structure. Matt Hughes story is a version but not necessarily the version of the future structure which will be finalised in the next fortnight. Well played England, Ben Duckett certainly did come to the party with his 149. Some would say England were fortunate due to the Indian's fielding and the fact that in both innings India could have locked England out of the game, but to win in Test Cricket and to a degree in ODI cricket you win the key moments and England did that on a flat wicket that you would have thought would have suited India. A blow for India, and a potentaily bigger blow if the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah who after his opening spell looked short of a gallop. He was only due to play 3 tests out of five due to fitness concerns which could be more serious than previously thought. The England win though does mean England will not catapault Jofra Archer back into the side which was a tempation if England had lost.

Round 17, in a season that’s that becoming a tipster’s nightmare with a case to be made either way in all of these clashes. Penrith Panthers v Canterbury Bulldogs – SKYThe game of the round, all origin players back for both sides, Penrith – Cleary, Edwards, To’o, Martin and Yeo. Canterbury – Burton, Mann, Crichton and King. Are the Panthers back? That is thew question and a late premiership run cannot be discounted. There are two things to bear in mind though, Firstly, Penrith’s “home” game is at Comm Bank stadium crowd support is reduced and that is having an effect. Secondly, penrith have this season scored notable wins away at the Roosters and Broncos but failed to b ack it up the following week. For the Doggies this is the acid test par excellence, if they win confidence will be sky high, lose however and doubts may start to creep in. This is where the Dogs recruitment of big time players in Burton, Crichton and Kikau all ex-Panthers comes into play. These blokes have led the culture change at Belmore from a side that hoped to win to a side that expects to. Could be more Bulldogs fans at Comm Bank than Pathers and that too may come into play in a tight game. Verdict – Toss a coin. Manly Sea Eagles v West Tigers For the Silvertails, Turbo moves into the centres with Lehi Hopoate, who has impressed in the role Fullback role in his absence now given the job on a more permanent basis. Jason Saab dropped and Reuben Garrick moved to the wing. For the Tigers, Heath mason moves to Full back, where I do not think he has done too badly, due to Jahreme Bula’s injury. Latu Fainu given the chance to show he is a better prospect than what’s his name who went to the Dogs. Isaac Moses must be the most hated player agent amongst Tigers fans with his client Tallyn De Silva heading for a mid-season release. Two coaches under pressure but Tigers have been close in their last few games, it’s tough to win in Townsville but the Tigers almost overcame a 26-point deficit and in recent weeks have endured narrow loses to the Panthers and Raiders who are rather good. The Silvertails by contrast have become untippable with perverse results and internal discord which I suspect is more over money than loyalty. Verdict – Leaning towards West Tigers Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders The Knights bring back Jacko to replace the Injured Fletcher Sharpe in the halves and Jacob Saifiti returns. Ricky’s Raiders rest Hudson Young with Simi Sasagi The Novocastrians bounced back last week in Perth .Newcastle have even in their scoreless run always been able to defend. Now they appear to have solved their problems in attack and are at home which should be an advantage though has not thus far this season. Ricky’s Riotous Raiders survived a scare in Campbelltown last week and are perhaps due a loss. A lot may depend upon who scores first and if the Raiders can convert possession into points. The Raiders can look forward to a heap of home games in the Capital coming up so any discomfort from a loss may be temporary. Verdict – Toss a Coin Brisbane Broncos v New Zealand Warriors Bronx unchanged after their win over Sharkies. While fresh from their home face-plant against the panther cubs the Wahs bring back Rocco Berry and Kut Capewell with the injured Dallin Watene-Zelezniak replaced by Edward Kosi., Can the Broncos back up and win two in a row. It’s a mist win game for the Bronx if they have top 4 aspirations with the gap between them and the Warriors closing to four points with a win. The Selwyn Cobbo saga a more distraction off the field than on it. Heaps of Kiwis will be at Suncorp to support the Wahs and while there is no doubt they are a top 8 side. Their top four placing is suspect, and they are seen as the side most likely to drop out. Their points total is a mere +25 as previously posted they win tight games but when they lose it is big time. Verdict – Leaning toward the Bronx St George-Illawarra v Paramatta Eels - SKY Played at Wollongong, For SGI Corey Allan and the Money Man, Christian Tuipulotu return along with Valentine Holmes. Mixed news for the Eels with Dylan Brown’s return to the halves offset by Will Penisini picking up a three-game ban replaced by Jordan Samrani. SGI mired in controversy over the halfback situation and the retention in the side of Kyle Flanagan. This could end up costing dad his job. Tyrell Sloan the latest to be discarded by SGI and to be honest you could have decent XIII of SGI Juniors now playing elsewhere in the NRL and that’s on the club. I goofed in tipping Gold Coast against Parra last week, it’s a measure of the progress being made under Jason Ryles that the side can compete and win without their first-choice halves and win without Mitch Moses. SGI are not a significantly better side than the Eels. Verdict – I hate to tip against SGI at the ‘Gong but might this time. The Dolphins v South Sydney – SKY The Fins have lost Jack Bostock for the season replace by Junior Tupou The battling Bunnies bring back Cody Walker and Campbell Graham amid rumours of Benny’s exit from the Club. The Dolphins stuffed in their last game in wet conditions in Perth against the Knights and retain the sobriquet of the NRL’s great unprerdictables. They have difficulty in stringing a series of wins together and while I would not be surprised if they win, I would be equally unsurprised if they did not. A depleted Souths side took the Storm the distance last week and Latrell is quietly having a standout season on the field. With players now returning I would not rule out Souths getting into the Top 8. Like West Tigers they have had a heap of narrow losses and like Wests I reckon the tide will turn in their favour Verdict – Trending towards Souths in this one. Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks Xavier Coates returns for the Storm while the Sharks welcome back Oregon Kaufusi Melbourne have been very patchy this season and squeaked home against a battered Bunnies side last week. Cameron Munster makes a bigger contribution to Queensland than the storm these days much to Craig Bellamy’s dismay and he is the one of the quad (Papenhuysen, Hughes, Grant and Munster) not firing. It’s been an un-Melbourne like season with patchy results. For Cronulla victory over the Storm at Shark Park was supposed to herald a new era in which Sharkies would finally be able to win games against the top clubs in crunch matches. Since then, there has been a reversion to type since e despite the addition of Fonua-Blake the Sharks seem to have stood still since Craig Fitzgibbon’s promising first season and defeat here could spell the end of top 4 aspirations. Verdict – Melbourne’s Home advantage counts Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys The Titans have Tom Weaver takes over at halfback with Jayden Campbell out through concussion and Jaylen Degroot back in the squad if not the starting XIII. The Cows have Jake Clifford, Reece Robson and Reuben Cotter Back I genuinely do not know what to make of this game, Over the last 2 and a half NRL games the Cows have conceded a shedload of points and are the nearest thing I have seen this season to an NRL side “mailing it in”. With the Origin players back and a visit to Gold Coast this is as must win for the Cowboys. Gold Coast by contrast get a win and then fail to back up against a Paramatta side shorn of its halves ruining Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s return to Comm Bank Stadium. Again, Des needs a win here and the fan base would expect a Ge5t-right game against the Cows, Which paper will be calling for the Coaches Head post-match the Townsville Bulletin or The Gold Coast Bulletin? Verdict – Toss a Coin

India in the driving seat, theb key wicket today is that of Rishab Pant because if Pant scores heasvily it will be quick and England could find the game ebbing away from them. If India get 350 ahead then it's unlikely England can get that total unless someone plays a blinder with the bat and is suported in doing so by other contributions. Watching Smith and Brook toss their wickets away yesterday made me recall how KP was skewered in the mdedia back in 2008 when he got out fot 94 against South Africa at Edgbaston. "it's the way I play" is now the mantra with Bazball and brings less censure than perhaps it deserves. It's hard to see India so profiligate in the field second time around, and, as a batsman, if someone writes you a cheque by dropping you. you realy should be cashing it in.

Another day of England v Jasprit Bumrah looms, it's noticable the drop off in the Indian attack when he is not involved and it falls on Harry Brook to restrain himself for the first half hour asDEngland are still a long way behind. Their first target 272 to avoid following on though I doubt Shubman Gill would enforce it. But they need to get as close to the indian toItal as possible, you do not want to spot India a 100 run lad with England batting last on a paich that may beciome uneven under the sun. Olly Pope rode his luck being dropped on 60 but credit to the pontiff he stuck at it, but we need more today and, no I have not changed my view on him.

All I can say is that Todd Payten's coat must be haging on a shaky nail at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Much play being made of conceding 100 points in the last two games but the decline started in the second half against Wests. Not even the consolation of some garbage time tries to add respectability. Roosters move into 7th spot in the ladder and are a top eight contender but not one of the top four teams.

What a knockonathon, Victory will go to the side that can hold onto the ball in te second half and this game is not over yet as the Cows are a second half team this season allowing their opponents to bulid up a lead before trying , and sometimes succeeding in dragging it back.