We're down to the business end of the season, with eight teams vying for the bottom four finals spots and The Adjudicator is as excited as Big Kev would have been on Christmas Day.
Oh how I have enjoyed reading the desperate emails this week from those fighting in the battle of the eight.
So here it is for your pleasure, The Adjudicator’s lowdown on round 23 of the NRL. If you've got something to say on round 24, don't be shy, early thoughts are always welcome.
South Sydney v Gold Coast Titans, Friday 7:35pm (EST), ANZ Stadium
Rabbitohs fan Paul Fernandes of South Coogee says: "Everyone keeps talking about Parramatta and the Tigers and write off Souths, after that win against Manly at 'Fortress Brookvale' they deserve more respect than that. Yes, Manly were poor but Souths didn't give them space and shut them down, they forced them back and frustrated them (look at the argument between Orford and Watmough), they were superior against them all over the park. Gold Coast will cop the same punishment after having to fly back from New Zealand on Monday and then fly to Sydney ... a short 5 day turnaround with travel will hurt them a lot. Souths by at least 14."
Titans fan of Brisbane says: "Every time a new week of our great game rolls around, I get as much enjoyment out of reading your comments as I did when Reggie Bill Reagan showed his face on the Footy Show. But Mrs A must have slipped a bit too much whiskey in your coffee this morning if you think the Bunnies will beat the mighty Titans. Its about as likely as Rusty actually admitting he's a kiwi and jumping on board with the Warriors. Without Big Roy and no sight of Dave Taylor's barnstorming thighs until next year the Rabbits wont have enough go forward to match Bailey, Mini & Laffranchi. 'Flash' Gordon to get a double with the Titans to cement themselves further in the Top 4 with a big win."
The Adjudicator says: "Firstly I'd like to clarify that Mrs Adjudicator does an adequate job in supplying the Chivas Regal quantities, and as I sip this morning's brew I am sticking with the Souths call. Put simply, if the Bunnies can force Anthony Watmough to share a kiss and make up session with Matt Orford, then the Titans may be underestimating their opponents. Souths by 8."
North Queensland Cowboys v Bulldogs, Friday 7:35pm (EST), Dairy Farmers Stadium
Cowboys fan Darren from the Gold Coast says: "You call the Cowboys uninspiring? Have you watched the Bulldogs in the last few weeks? They lost to the Eels, barely got over the Bunnies and scraped home against the Raiders (who couldn’t beat an under 8’s team outside of the ACT) . And all of these games were in Sydney. The Cowboys by comparison were the first team to win at Skilled Park this year when they dismantled the Titans two weeks ago. Last week they made the tough trip to Melbourne where they made 1,376m to the Storm’s 1,208. If a couple of first half passes had stuck the result well could have been different. With the Friday night match being played in the Far North, expect a rejuvenated Cowboys to run over the top of a stumbling dogs team by 4."
Bulldogs fan Ian Camlett of Mount Colah says: "It's a great game for lovers of Childrens books. A battle of the playmakers between 'Big Ears' Thurston and 'Noddy' Kimmorley. A battle of the heavyweights off the bench as 'The Grinch' Webb takes on 'The Beast' Eastwood. At fullback 'Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion' Patten takes on 'Road Runner' Bowen. Unfortunately The Magic Pudding was unable to appear as Jarrod Hickey ate it. Anyway you would have to believe in fairy tales if you see anything other than a Bulldog victory. Dogs by 6."
The Adjudicator says: "Ian, I'm not much of a reading man, usually it's just the form guide, but you have me believing your fairytale. Darren on the other hand has only provided excuse after excuse for why the Cowboys didn't win last week, and I'm not falling for that. There will be fireworks in this match, but the Bulldogs will sneak home by 4."
Sydney Roosters v Manly, Saturday 5:30pm (EST), Sydney Football Stadium
Roosters fan Daniel Ackland of Beachmere: "In my opinion Roosters are a given this weekend against the hapless sea-eagles. We showed what we are capable of against the knights, then follwed it up with a solid showing against the tigers last week. Its been heartening for me as a passionate roosters fan too see them putting more pride into the jumper and I think on the back of some strong performances this year a top four finish is a gimme next year. Setimata Sa has finally been showing something, and Big Willie and Fitzgibbon have been playing the house down. I just think manly are Vulnerable this week with some of there changes for e.g young Foran in the halves and Baily in the back row, and I think Manly have one of the poorer benches in the comp, although they have Kite on the bench I certainly don’t rate him. Look for roosters too jump out of the blocks, win by 10 and mitch aubusson first try scorer. And just quietly Ben Jones Dally m."
Manly fan Dave of The Hill: "Manly has been better in every category (except points) against the Tigers and Bunnies... including line breaks and missed tackles and tackle busts etc etc etc... Seriously, Manly is still the best side in the comp... if Manly don't beat the rubbish Roosters I am prepared to walk down Oxford St naked (though the Roosters will probably beat me to it). Manly will finish 5th and play Titans in round one of the semis. Melbourne will finish 3rd and both of us will get a bye in round one when Saints and Dogs get some realisation about their ability to win when the pressure is truly on. Neither Saints or Dogs will make the GF... "
The Adjudicator says: "I had threatened earlier in the week to do the unthinkable and tip the Roosters. But Dave's threat of running naked down Oxford St if the Sea Eagles lose has forced a re-think. Let's be honest though, the nudey run would be unlikely anyway, as there's no way a Manly fan would dare cross the Spit Brige, let alone the Harbour Bridge. Still, Choc's midway lovefest with Orford should be enough to get them over the line. Manly by 10."
Canberra v St George Illawarra, Saturday 7:30pm (EST), Canberra Stadium
Raiders fan Tim of Penrith says: "Well I was entirely disappointed with the result last week and you know we should have won that game against the bulldogs. So close! What a test though this week - 2nd place last week, 1st place this week, and we're gonna show the Dragons the loss they really need heading into the finals. With a few of their stars out, Bennett will use this 'excuse' as the loss they needed before the run to the finals - he'll probably even rest soward. Who cares, they've already got the minor premiership anyway. Raiders by 8.”
Dragons fan Phil of Illawarra says: "Adjudicator I will give you the tip, funnily enough when the Dell made his comeback via feeder club Shellharbour Sharks they did not have a pair of shorts big enough for him! True story. Now onto this week’s game, yep everyone is going to tell us to be wary of the Green machine. Based on their effort against the dogs this could be true, but I cast my mind back to round 21 a couple of weeks ago where the Dragons beat a very determined Storm by 13+. If they remain as clinical as that, the Dragons are at least a 2 to 3 tries better team than the Raiders. Respect to Canberra though they are definitely hard working."
The Adjudicator says: "Should have, could have, would have. All I keep hearing from Raiders fans about the Bulldogs loss. Well you didn't win, so get over it! This week the Dragons make the trip to our nation's capital and even if they are distracted by noble attractions such as Cockington Green and Questacon, they'll still come up trumps against their bogey team. Tim, you should also know 'excuse' is not a word in Wayne Bennett's vocab. Dragons by 12."
Parramatta v Warriors, Saturday 7:30pm (EST), Parramatta Stadium
Eels fan Darrell of Perth says: "Adjudicator (what a terrible name.Ever thought of a change?), I have to agree with you on this tip. The Eels to win and Fui Fui to keep people guessing as to what his hair style will be this week. Does he do this to distract his opponents? It works whatever the reason. Keep up the fun comments."
Warriors fan Magnus Walker of Auckland says: "Hey Mr A, This week I'm expecting Fui Fui's hair to be more exciting than the Warriors attack, ive had the inside word that Kemp may be back for this one and Macca is back in the centres, but I don't think there inclusion will make a difference. The chance of a Warriors win is about the same chance of England winning the Ashes, very, very, very slim. I'm expecting a cricket score at Parra'. Hayne to get a double."
The Adjudicator says: "The local Parramatta barber has been forced to go back to hairdressing school to learn styles such as dreadlocks, flat-top, mohawk and corn rows of late. But it's not only Fuifui Moimoi's main man with the scissors that's expanded his knowledge. The Adjudicator likes what he's seen of the Eels' game plan unlike MoiMoi's hairstyles, their form is not unpredictable. The Warriors on the other hand, don't even have the love of their supporters anymore. An easy win 14 point win by the Eels."
Cronulla v Wests Tigers, 2:00pm (EST), Toyota Stadium
Sharks fan Wendell of Canberra says: "I cannot remember the last time the Sharks beat the Tigers? Does anyone know? It was a long time ago. Will we have a team to put on the park? If the Sharks can keep them to 10 points we can win it 12-10."
Tigers fan Bricey of Wodonga: "Tigers could go as high as 5th at the end of the round if results fall there way. They have been strong for the last 6 weeks and I cant see anything changing this week. The sharks on the other hand have been like a pair of paper pants....terrible! they also have the short turn around from monday night, where as the tigers have had that extra day recovery. I'd put your house on it big A. Tigers by 24."
The Adjudicator says: "I once read that Tuiaki loves nothing more than to pay a visit to his local butcher to purchase a whole pig. From what I understand "I'll buy an entire pig for a spit roast," is his motto. With a saying like that what hope do the struggling Sharks stand? Tigers by 16."
Brisbane Broncos v Penrith, Sunday 3:00pm (EST), Suncorp Stadium
Broncos fan Brad says: "That's one way to fire up Bronco's fans, give Tunza a spray! You better watch yourself Adjudicator or your head may wind up in front of Tonie Carrols knee faster then Mrs A. says "Was that it?"... and swiftly turns her attention to Tony Del-a-Harris... Anyway, I will change the subject before I sicken the foxsports.com.au masses. Last week I said Broncos by 20 and low and behold, 30-10 over the Sharks, who quite amazingly have the most overrated player in the world (Paul Gallen) and the most overrated Coach in the world (Rickey Stuart)... But drowning Sharks is no fun when you are fighting a Panther, so if you want the hot tip, its Broncos by 12 over the Penrith Panthers, who are the genuine title pretenders."
Panthers fan Patrick of Auckland says: "Penrith lost to the top side last week which was disappointing. But we will be back this week with the taste of blood on our lips, those broncos are going to be hunted by the mighty panthers pack. Jennings and Junior Tia Kilifi will run around the battered broncos. Panthers by 14."
The Adjudicator says: "Brad, Mrs A is reading over my shoulder and assures me she is happy with the weekly intimacy. And I'm happy with my thoughts on this match too, even with threats of ending on the wrong end of a Tonie Carroll knee. The Panthers will make a return to 2009, unlike last week when they played like they were in the 1960's, just like their jerseys indicated. Penrith by 6."
Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm, Monday 7:00pm (EST), EnergyAustralia Stadium
Knights fan Dustin of Brisbane says: "For some stupid reason I actually think that the knights can win this game. If they can they’ll finish fifth, if they don’t they’ll finish 11th. It’s a funny occurrence when I coach leaves a football club, the players instantly forget everything that he has coached into them. This even happens when the coach is sacked, eg Roosters when Freddy took over and Eels when JT took over, these teams automatically embraced their new coaches style and went on lengthy winning streaks. Hello anyone at Newcastle listening? We should’ve smuggled Smith on to the Roosters team bus 2 weeks ago, we’d be knocking on the door of the top 4 if we had."
Storm fan Daniel Russell of Piggabeen: " There is absolutely no way that the mighty Storm will get beaten by the Knights this week. After all, they are so bad that even their own coach has abandoned them. For some teams, losing their most important player might cause them to stumble in the race for the finals but don't expect that from us! Storm by 40."
The Adjudicator says: "If Brian Smith was on the look out for Novacastrian gunmen after last week's loss to the Eels at Parramatta Stadium, The Adjudicator has genuine fears for his safety this week as he returns to home soil to take on the Storm. Dustin, you are stupid, the Knights can't win this, even with an Inglisless Storm. Storm by 6."
