poidelberry ... on rugby league

The Journeys of a Space Cadet - or How I Buggered up a Chance with Channel 9 News

2008-09-07T08:17:00.043+10:00

My parents are not all that different to most other parents, so when my dad saw an add on television one night for a junior cadetship with Channel Nine News he jumped at the chance to sign me up. You see, I want to play sport professionally, in fact more than that, I want to captain our national team, I just haven't decided which one yet. My parents believe that I have the potential to do this, but not the drive.

Let's see, ambition without drive, that equals ... I'd rather not think about it, that's their problem, not mine.

So, this is where my video show and this blog come into it. Mum and Dad figured that I needed to channel my energy and do something constructive that might also lead onto something, or that at least would give me better skills for when I captain Australia and have to front the media, or when I retire.

This was all fine and well during the first semester of school because I had a pretty light academic load and kept up with things - with plenty of help from Dad. At the end of the semester I had a comment on my school report - I needed to have more interests outside of school. Hmmm. I play cricket from October through February and rugby from March through September. I have this blog and my weekly video show. I also take guitar lessons. Yeah, I need to do more outside of school.

Video: video show filmed three days before the competition

Okay, so by now you must be wondering what this has to do with NRL. Well, I was signed up for the sports reporter category, as if there was any other category, and this is the text of my script that Dad and I wrote on the morning of the competition.

"In their final match of the NRL home and away series, last night the Broncos farewelled coach Wayne Bennett and stalwart forward Tonie Carroll.

Securing 5th spot on the ladder, Brisbane delivered a thrashing to Newcastle who only managed to post a penalty goal in response to the home sides' 5 tries."

It was about a match the previous night, and the hardest part was keeping it down within the maximum allotted 20 seconds, and keeping my bile down when having to report on how my beloved Knights lost so badly to Brisbane.

You can catch the highlights of the Brisbane Broncos vs Newcastle Knights match here.

The competition fell on the day after my thirteenth birthday and the day before Father's Day. As it was, one of the few Saturdays each year that I am not playing sport. The script was written over breakfast, without reference to any news reports - watching the game the night before was plenty, I didn't need any more info, and I certainly didn't need to have my nose rubbed in it any more.

I had prepared another script, but that fell by the wayside on competition morning. The Broncos match was just so significant for so many reasons that to not do it just wouldn't have been right. Unfortunately, some things had to be left out, like the fact that this had also been Karmichael Hunt's 100th first grade match, the youngest ever to achieve that milestone.

I practiced the script while we all showered and dressed and Dad ironed two shirts for me, and then we were off before 9, over to the Robina Town Centre for registration at 9:15 and the 10:00 start of the competition. I was number 56. In between registration and the start of the competition Mum, Dad and I went up stairs so that I could practice again, and boy was I nailing it. Dad tried to get me to ask if I could get on stage quickly to see if my shirt would look okay with the chroma key - my shirt was yellow and the background was green, just to be on the safe side, you know. I blew it off. Dad told me later that it was as much to show that I had some awareness of this as to ensure that there were no problems.

Once the time came, Dad stayed upstairs to film me, and Mum joined me downstairs while I waited to queue up. I didn't know it at the time, but just as I was being asked to join the queue, almost an hour into it, some random security guard told Dad that he wasn't allowed to film there. Hmmm, look ahead lady, do you see the big camera?

Anyway, this is why the video ends so abruptly, which probably worked out for the best - read on to find out why.

Video: competition day

I was looking good, and I was confident, but I was also nervous. As soon as I stepped up onto that stage I forgot my script. On the third attempt I managed to get it out, but not very convincingly. I could hardly believe it.

Video: The official video

Nerves, man, nerves. They got to me. I wasn't a news cadet, I was a space cadet. I forgot my script! Twice, no less! I don't think you get it, I'm not especially nervous. I have played rugby at Ballymore Stadium at a Queensland Reds (yes, I used to play Union too) match in front of thousands, and cricket at The Gabba during an Australian test match, and that never bothered me. Every week I front the camera and do my show. No problems.

My school, St Andrews Lutheran College, stood to get $5,000 if I won the cadetship, and my Dad emailed the school and I mentioned the competition to several of my teachers, and not only did they not raise a finger to help me, they couldn't even be bothered to encourage me or to wish me well (remember, this is the school that said I needed to do more outside of school). In the end, what I really needed from them was the one thing that my parents couldn't really provide me with themselves, an audience so that I could confront and overcome any fears I had about speaking in front of people.

Channel Nine, I think that this competition is great. Bruce was warm and kind, and did have some nice things to say, like

"I admit that I wasn't totally impressed with the way I myself started, but today these kids gave it their best in front of a crowd that in the studios we don't have. We normally have just one, two camera men and a sound technician."

(but don't take this as an exact quote - it's not like we were able to film it). He also noted that my report was a real current event - after all, it would be another seven hours before the Nine News team would report on the same story.

While there was only one other person competing in my category, I was not surprised to have not won. I was glad, however, that the other boy did do a good job and that he won on the merits of his performance and not because of my failure. In fact, many of the contestants were really good. It amazes me how much talent there is here on the Gold Coast.

Heather Foord from Channel Nine, along with Bruce, signed our participation certificates although unfortunately Heather was not present.

I do have a suggestion to make, though. Just across the road from the Robina Town Centre is the Robina Community Centre. This would provide fantastic facilities without the background noise and general hubbub of a shopping centre. The studio could be setup on stage, screened from the audience, while a big screen tv could show the session to the audience. I think that this would be a great compromise - we don't have to worry about the daunting prospect of lots of live people in front of us, but we also know that there are viewers ... kind of like what really happens.

Anyway, I would like to thank Channel Nine News, and Bruce Paige in particular. I learned something that I really needed to learn about myself, and I'll be back next year, that is if a major network doesn't sign me first. In the meantime I just might reconsider Mum and Dad's suggestion about taking speech and drama again.

If you want to see more of me don't worry there's still finals footy and the Rugby League World Cup coming up, so keep tuned in to my YouTube channel.

Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 23

2008-08-14T06:51:00.001+10:00

The Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 23 has been published on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 22

2008-08-07T07:56:00.000+10:00

The Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 22 has been published on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 21

2008-07-31T13:47:00.001+10:00

The Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 21 has been published on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Round 20 - Back in the Swing of Things

2008-07-28T19:35:00.006+10:00

I have had one of my moments this round with quite a few right for the week and I can only say that I am getting back to the glory days as a tipster in the NRL world.

Right - Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla sharks: this match was close until the Broncos got a roll on in the second half but I do have to give credit to Sam Thaiday for this fantastic win with yet another try for the season. Big Sam Thaiday had an excellent game with exceptional hit ups and tackles and the one try which was certain to play a role in this fantastic win which was full of great plays.

Right - Parramtta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys: The Cowboys were definitely not favourites in this match and the Eels held on once again for a win against a struggling team in the 2008 season. The Eels should have done better in this match then what they did but they didn't provide and that's what made them get this poor score line against this destroyed Cowboys outfit.

Right - Canberra Raiders vs Jetstar Gold Coast Titans: what can I say about the Titans performance this week against the Raiders there's only two words that can describe this performance and that would be absolutely shocking! On the other hand, the Raiders had an excellent performance, both attacking and defensive wise they never looked like loosing once they scored their first two tries.

Right - Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers: the Panthers had a well played out game and they provided that in this game as you could see by this fantastic win against the in-form Tigers who have been in fantastic form lately as well as the Panthers but Panthers had a home game and used that to their advantage to get this needed win.

Wrong - New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm: the Warriors provided something for the home fans to cheer about with a 2 point win against the Storm who were favourites in this match to win but the Warriors proved them wrong with a great game at home but I do have to say that the forwards were the best in this match and that's what laid the foundation for the Warriors.

Right - Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs: the Knights were definitely favourites to win in this match and they provided this much needed win for the 2008 season. Like always Kurt Gidley had a great game and provided the Knights with a few tries off the back of great plays but the player of the match would have to be Cory Paterson because he had an outstanding game in defence and he scored an excellent try off of a surging run.

Wrong - Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles: I have one question how did the Sea Eagles loose against the struggling Roosters and I have only one explanation finals are putting the heat on teams so they play better and in this case the Roosters were on the good end of the rope against this top Sea Eagles team. The Roosters had a well played out game a head of them and they used this tactic against the Sea Eagles and this got this devastating win against the Sea Eagles.

Right- St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury Bulldogs: what can I say the Dragons just had a great game and I was fine with that as long as I tipped the Dragons and that's exactly what I did and the Dragons proved that they are an excellent team that can play finals footy and they showed this in this match with a superb game. The Morris twins had a great game and got the Dragons this win with four tries between them.

6/8 what can I say maybe I am getting my luck back or the teams finally proved that they could win when I tip them.

Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 20

2008-07-24T08:03:00.001+10:00

The Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 20 has been published on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Round 20 - Are the Teams Going to Come Clean

2008-07-23T08:11:00.000+10:00

This week will be tough for all teams in the comp with their recent form slumps. The teams that are in the top eight will be looking to have an outstanding game.

Brisbane Broncos vs Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium: I would have to personally pick the Broncos because Justin Hodges has been waiting for his NRL return after been suspended, he believes that he owes them some great performances and you can take Hodges word on that.If Darren Lockyer can provide some great balls to Hodges they will be certain to score with his sheer talent close from the line and his much improved strength when it comes to brushing out of tackles. I would say six points will be the difference in this match.

Parramatta Eels vs North Queensland Cowboys at Parramatta Stadium:the Eels will be looking to have a great game against the slomping Cowboys who have had a shocking year. If the halves can have a good game they will be certain to win through the hands of Brett Finch who will be looking to have a great performance due to their recent form against teams that haven't been doing that great.Brett Finch will be looking to rain some high bombs up for the wing and fullback of the Cowboys and test them out as much as they can and find the tactic that they can use to wrap this match up.

Canberra Raiders vs Jetstar GoldCoast Titans at Canberra Stadium: I would put my money on the Raiders because lately they have been uprising teams with their great form which has been on and of through out the season but now they will be looking to keep it this way with a win against the Titans who have been battling these last seven rounds out without the likes of Prince and Bailey this is going to be one of their toughest games this season but the Raiders will be looking to post the deadly points against this weakened Titans outfit.

Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers at CUA Stadium:I would tip the Panthers because they have just found red hot form and they wouldn't want to stop here not in these crucial stages of the year. Frank Fritchard will be looking to have another explosive game with great runs through the middle of the defensive line and partner big Petro, if these two can combine they will be certain to get a win.

New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium:the Storm should be certain to win this match if they have ball security in their own half.If Inglis can get some good balls out to the Wings they will be certain to score off of the back of some great plays by the halves such as Inglis doing some solo efforts to guide the Storm to yet another victory this season.

Newcastle Knights vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Energy Australia Stadium:I would put my money on the Knights because when they play at home they have a great game play to suit their field conditions which is going to trouble the Bunnies a lot in this match if the Knight can stick to their game plan and lift the roof of Energy Australia Stadium. Kurt Gidley should be looking to have another great athletic game to get his team the energy that they need to secure this much needed win at home.

Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles at Sydney Football Stadium: I would have to tip the Sea Eagles because last time these teams came faced to face the Roosters got demolished and the Eagles are in better form than that so the Roosters will have it tough where as the Sea Eagles should have an excellent game with a wonderful performance by Brett Stewart who will be looking to run it back as hard as he can to get the Eagles as much ground as they can get to work some magic.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium:this match should be an easy win for the big red V's if they can provide some great plays from the hands of Jamie Soward who will be looking to have a great game all around especially in defence and his kicking game to make sure everything goes the Dragons way in attack and defence so they have an outstanding game no matter what the out come is.

This should be my best week since my doomsday started this season.

Round 19 - The Mix-up

2008-07-22T07:54:00.001+10:00

This has been another dismay in NRL tipping. But the matches have been brilliant so far this year and theirs nothing more I can ask for.

Right - North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos: this was a good performance by the Broncos against an a dismal Cowboys side without to of their best play makers Jonathan Thurston and Matt Bowen this was always going to be tough for the Cowboys but the Broncos Darren Lockyer linked up with Hunt to set up some great tries to get the Broncos this much needed win. I personally believe that Darren Lockyer had an amazing game with his kicking performance to get the Broncs the field position they needed to post some points.

Right - Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramtta Eels: the Sea Eagles always looked to overpower the Eels with a great performance and that's exactly what they provided for the fans. With some great plays form the halves to get the tries that lead them to victory. Once again Glenn Stewart tackled his heart out to are sure the Sea Eagles a win off of the back of the Stewart brothers.

Wrong - Jetststar Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers: this match was important for both teams but the Panthers showed more eager to win this match and that's what they did with the help of Frank Pritchard, Petro and Rhys Wesser all of these players played exceptionally well with great performances. Prithchard seemed unstoppable with some great runs to get the Panthers on the front foot to get them the start that they needed to win. The score line was a thumping 22-36.

Wrong - Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights: the Knights looked like been favourites in a game full of errors but another penalty goal by Luke Covell got them the lead to wrap up this match.This match had to many handling errors that the game wasn't allowing to continue at a normal speed flowing with tries. The Sharks grabbed desperate win 16-13.

Wrong - Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors: this match was terrible if you go for the Bulldogs giving they were playing at home and couldn't produce anything to stop this Warriors outfit.The Bulldogs produced et another lacklustre performance without Sonny Bill Williams. The score was a nifty 22-40.

Wrong - Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters: the Roosters were sure to win until the rain kicked in at Canberra stadium, which made Roosters players time and time again knock the ball on giving the Raiders excellent chances in the oppositions half. The Raiders had an excellent game from all team mates with a surprising win 34-12.

Wrong - South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers: the Tigers put the Bunnies streak to an end when they posted their first points of the match, but the Bunnies recovered making it a tight situation for both teams but a player from one team had to lift and that's what the Wests provided through Robbie Farah who had one of his best matches yet this season. The Tigers demolished the Bunnies with an unappealing score line of 12-36.

Right - Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons: the Storm were definites to win at their home ground the graveyard. The Storm provided all the entertainment of the night with an outstanding performance by Jereme Smith who had a great running and defensive game to shut down the Dragons. The Dragons never looked to win once they had the 2 sin bins and Jason Ryles got sent off for the whole game,giving the Storm more opportunities which they used to the best of their abilities.

Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 19

2008-07-17T07:12:00.000+10:00

The Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 19 has been published on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Round 19 - The Goods for Tipster Alex

2008-07-16T08:58:00.000+10:00

[Ed.: due to an oversight this post was not published as scheduled.]

This week I believe will be my more preferred week in the history of NRL tipping so relax and sit back and enjoy my tips for round 19.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos at Dairy Farmers Stadium: I would put my money on the Broncos because this is a must win match for them if they want any chance of making it to the finals and I believe that Darren Lockyer will be the person to get this win with excellent exhilarating tries and plays to get his team on top of the Cowboys for a most improved win over a toppling Cowboys side.

Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels at Brookvale Oval:this is going to be a manly win i anticipate because the Eels can never play the same first ten minutes for the rest of the game. For Manly the player I believe that is going to get them this win would have to be Matt Orford who has been improving as every game goes in he will be looking to rain some kicks down from the Gods to trouble the Eels fullback and wingers.

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans vs Penrith Panthers at Skilled park:this is going to be a good match no matter the outcome but I believe that the Titans can get this win as they proved against the Roosters with some great plays. Mat Rogers is going to be the player to lead from in front with some great kicks and exhilarating runs to get his team in front for the Gold. Preston Campbell is going to be looking for a magic performance against the Panthers with some great line breaks to get the Titans on the front foot in attack t0 get them the tries that they need to wrap up this win.

Cronulla Sharks vs Newcastle Knights at Toyota Stadium: this will be a highly anticipated match but I believe the outcome is going to be a Knights thrashing as they have just gained the win that they needed to sore high to get them over in this match, the man for the knights would have to be Corey Paterson who has been playing with great enthusiasm for the Knights he is tall and rangy giving him the upper hand and I believe he won't be afraid to put some big hits on and run straight and hard at the defensive line to get the Knights them upper hand in both defence and attack.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium: I believe that Sonny Bill Williams will be looking to puncture holes in the Warriors defensive line along with some help from Daniel Holdsworth who will be looking to make some big plays off the back of great runs from Williams. I believe if these to players can combine they will be deadly and unstoppable which will give the Bulldogs some great confidence.

Canberra Raiders vs Sydney Roosters at Canberra Stadium: this match will show desperation from both teams no matter what position they are on the Ladder but in the end I believe he outcome will be a Roosters win due to some great play by the enforcer Craig Fitzgibon who will be looking to lead his team to yet another win for the 2008 season.

South Sydney Rabbioths vs Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium: I believe that the Bunnies will win this battle due to some great runs by Nathan Merritt who will be looking to combine with Craig Wing who since coming back from injury has been playing exceptionally well no matter the outcome and plus the Rabbioths have all this momentum form their last few wins which have been superb.

Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Olympic Park: the Storm will be looking for another win to topple this Dragons outfit.Cameron Smith will be looking for another great performance for the Storm in this match he will be looking for tons of nail biting tackles and floor less runs from dummy half he will even try to do the occasional kick to get his team on the way to another victory.

This will be the round for me with the teams going the way they are they look unstoppable.

Round 18 The Assault of Tipster Alex

2008-07-16T07:33:00.000+10:00

This week has been much improved from the past several weeks where I have only managed to get 1 tip for each round. Now I have spoken with a bomb like performance to get back in the game for my dream.

Wrong - Sydney Roosters vs Jetstar Gold Coast Titans: this match I was glad to get wrong due to me been a Titans fanatic and wanting them to make it to the finals. This game was close until the final minutes where the Titans lifted the roof of Sydney football Stadium and Mat Rogers decided that some one had to take control of the game with a superlative performance giving the Titans another away win to the 2008 season, getting them closer and closer to their dream of winning a grand final. The end score line was a hotly contested 28-32.

Right - Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights: the Knights wanted this win to end their 3 game loosing streak which has taken them closer and closer to the bottom of the ladder. Kurt Gidley had taken control of this match playing yet another position for the Knights as the no. 9 and he was the player to get this win and that's what he did with some great plays and breaks to get the Knights a 18-30 win.

Right - Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles: the Eagles have produced yet another exhilarating win for the 2008 season showing why they are on top of the ladder, featuring the Stewart brothers showing what they're made of with outstanding performances. Glenn Stewart scoring a double and setting up a try for his brother and partner in crime Brett Stewart. Glenn Stewart showed his strength in defence and in attack with some great runs and big hits on fullback Brett Kearney to trouble him and making him slow down on the accelerator. The Sea Eagles grabbing this win with a score line of 6-34.

Wrong - New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys: the Warriors stepped up to the mark for fellow Kiwi Ruben Wiki who had played his 300th game in Rugby League. Brett Tate had an outstanding game full of great breaks to get his team over the line. Whereas for the Cowboys it was once again Jonathan Thurston keeping them in the game but as they found out, JT can't do it all by himself even if he is in great form. The Warriors were sailing high with a result of 24- 14 at the end of full time.

Right - South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels: the Bunnies grabbing just their sixth win for the 2008 season and their 5th straight win in a row which has slowly gotten them off the bottom and on form heading for a berth in the top eight. Craig Wing was the difference in this match proving himself worthy at any position in the competition with an explosive game setting up many of their tries with great kicks and ball skills, enticing them to their fifth straight win in a row with a score of 32-20.

Wrong - St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canberra Raiders: this was an intense match from both teams to see their luck go to work as they battled it out until the final minutes of the second half where the Raiders were able to take complete control of the match with a try and a field goal to separate the difference. The score came to an end at 12-19.

Wrong - Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs: it was always going to be a close match with both teams looking a bit scrappy and The King, Darren Lockyer, was back to provoke the Broncos to get a win whereas the Bulldogs wanted to end this match with a big bang,exactly so that is what they did with a score showing who were the true winners of this match 18-26.

Right - Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm: this match should have,way and did go the Storm's way with an absolute flogging in the end of the match. Storm was always going to take control of this match after their first try of the game. The outcom was a devastating 18-30.

Round 18 - A Better Round of Tips (it has to be)

2008-07-11T09:48:00.000+10:00

After two atrocious rounds back to back this week shall be one of my best weeks ever in my history of tipping, mind you the past few weeks have not been the best with only just one right last week. I promise you will remember me for all the right reasons this week. Be sure to check out the video show with my good friend James as guest presenter.

Penrith Panthers vs Newcastle Knights at CUA Stadium: I believe this match will have a lot of points in it but I still believe that the Knights will steal this win off of the Panthers. This should be a great match for all fans that watch Rugby. The Knights will have all their origin stars back to full strength this should heighten the chances of the Knights getting this much needed victory.

Sydney Roosters vs Jetstar Gold Coast Titans at Sydney Football Stadium: the Roosters will blow all Titan fans away with a fantastic and explosive game of rugby with a great attacking game with Mitchell Pearce and Braith Anasta back at the helm for the Roosters I believe this partnership will be the key plan for the Roosters to establish a win for this match. Anasta will have some great runs so than they can stroll over for some tries he would also look to have some great precision plays to get the Roosters fans on their feet at the end of the match.

Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles at Toyota Stadium: I would put my money on the Eagles because they showed a great defensive effort against the Titans and they also have showed a dynamic attacking display of rugby which they have used to carve up opposition teams to get where they are now on the 2008 ladder. They will be looking for matt Orford to play exceptionally well with a great display of kicking to get his team the best field position so they can hold off the Sharks and keep them from scoring points.

New Zealand Warriors vs North Queensland Cowboys at Mt Smart Stadium: this will always be a close match but I would tip the cowboys becasue Jonathan Thurston has just found some red hot form from SOO and he will be looking to take this form into this match so the Cowboys have the best of their opportunities in attack. Ray Cashmere will be looking to make many metres so that jonathan Thurston can work his magic and do some precise kicks to the in goal corners.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels at ANZ stadium: I think the Rabbitohs will grab this win off of the outstanding Eels since they have just found red hot form, the Rabbitohs have been looking to get back to their glory days with a much improved team from the last few weeks. I believe that Roy Asotasi will have an excellent game with a great running game to get his team the field position that they need to score some excellent tries off great plays from the halves..

St Gorge Illawarra Dragons vs Canberra Raiders at WIN Stadium: this is going to be a tight match because you can never say die to the Raiders and they always look lively but I would have to tip the Dragons becasue they have the consistency to get them over the line with the help of Jamie Soward who would be looking to get some great plays so they can set up some tries in the corner for Mark Gasnier who will be looking to have a power house performance with some excellent runs off the back of great balls from Jamie Soward.

Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium: this match will have a great intensity level with inspirational skipper Darren Lockyer who is back in action for the Broncos he will be looking to have the best match possible. He will also be looking to link up with Karmicheal Hunt so they can get some great balls out to the backs. If Bulldogs want any chance of winning this match I believe that big Hickey will have to step up off the mark and get some hard and ferocious runs at the defensive line.

Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm at Campbelton Sports Stadium: this match is going to be tough for both teams but I believe that if Cooper Cronk can get his hands on the ball they will look more deadly than ever in what promises to be a high scoring match filled with great tries. I would also watch out for Jeff Lima who I think is going to have a great game filled with action packed runs and tackles, he should be looking to make many meters so that the Storm can get their best possible field position when it comes around to attack so Cooper Cronk can link up with Billy Slater so they can get some great trys off of the back of some great plays.

Round 17 - The Undepleted Round

2008-07-09T14:37:00.000+10:00

Just when I thought I couldn't do any worse than round 16 along comes round 17 which has really left me humbled - so much so that for Round 18 I will be bringing in a guest tipper for the video show. All I managed to get right in this short round was the blindingly obvious Storm - Raiders match.

Wrong - Jetstar Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles: the Titans always looked like winning this match until the Sea Eagles decided to put on a show that the Titans would never forget, with ten minutes left on the clock manly put on a show and nearly scored a try every 2 minutes the final score was a thumping 14-34.

Wrong - Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons: this match was close through out the game but the Knights never looked like winning a or getting a lot of points on the board which was needed in this encounter. The outcome was 16-24.

Right - Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders: Canberra looked early odds of winning the match until the 30th minute where Storm player Cooper Cronk decided to lead this un-depleted Storm side to victory. The Storm decided to work together and surprise fans at home how well they can play. The final result was a smashing 30-14.

Wrong - Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers: the Panthers prop big Petro lifted up his performance to get the Panthers this much needed win for the season with a great display of ball running skills and a great tackling performance by the no. 1 prop in Australia has got them over the line in this match. The score was a close yet devastating 16-22.

Wrong - Canterbury Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs: this match was always going to be a nail biter but the inform Rabbitohs beat the Bulldogs which means I have got another tip wrong for this week. The match went into golden point where the Bulldogs could not hold on any longer and the Rabbitohs took the match away from them. The score was a close fought 30-34.

Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 17

2008-07-03T06:00:00.001+10:00

The Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 17 has been published on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Round 17 - The Quick and Dirty

2008-07-02T09:07:00.001+10:00

This week promises to be an excellent week of footy with action packed highlights that you'll be watching time and time again. So please, sit back and enjoy a great round of rugby.

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles at Skilled Park: I would put my money on the Titans because they have been in red hot form and they play really well when they're at home. Last week against the Dragons the Titans received their first loss at home and they will want to get back on track so that they are in the top 8 by finals time.

Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Energy Australia Stadium: this match promises to be full of action packed tries and tackles. In this match I would be looking for the Knights to grab a win against The Big Red V. In this match I believe the halves are going to be important for the Knights to secure a win because someone needs to take control and get them over the line.

Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders at Olympic park: I would be looking for a Storm win because they have looked unstoppable this year and they wouldn't want to loose at home against the Raiders. This should be an easy win for the Storm with all their origin stars back to help them secure a win.

Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers at Parramatta Stadium: the Eels would be looking to wrap the panthers up and get this much needed win so they can have a chance when finals time comes around. I believe that Luke Burt will be the player to get the Eels over the line in this match.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium: This match promises to be close but I would still have to tip the Dogs on this occasion because last time they came face to face with the Bunnies they won and the Dogs will want to get another demolition derby against the Souths.

Thanks for reading remember to check out my Tipping videos on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Round 16 the Draw of the Heat

2008-07-01T08:47:00.001+10:00

This was a woeful week of rugby. To anyone that went with my tips, I'm sorry for letting you down on this round and it will never happen again.

Wrong - Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos: this match was a great battle of desperation from both teams. In this match it was a matter of winning or loosing and both teams wanted to get the win that could get them back into the race for the premiership. The final score was locked up at 12-12.

Right - Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs: this match proved that the Roosters are still dangerous without their Origin stars and they were willing to pass the ball around which got them home in the end of the match. The Bulldogs never looked like being in the match with only two tries. The end score was a devastating 24-14.

Wrong - Jetstar Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons: the Dragons gave the Titans something to be fired up about with their first loss at home this season. Throughout this match it always looked to be close but than the Dragons hit the lead for the first time in the game with 13 minutes to go. The Dragons stole what looked to be a Titans win with a score of 22-26.

Wrong - Manly Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights: the Knight s never looked to be in this match and Manly took all of their opportunities and showed the Knights why they're on top of the ladder. Whenever the Knights looked like scoring Manly used their best defensive efforts to stop them short of the line. The final score was a flying 28-12 in favour of the Sea Eagles.

Wrong - North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs: the Bunnies never looked like winning this in the first half where the Cowboys were smashing them but in the end the Bunnies grabbed the goods and took all of their opportunities to get this win 28-29, the second largest turn around in NRL history.

Wrong - Wests Tiger vs New Zealand Warriors: this was a close match until the dyeing stages where the Tigers had to convert from the sideline at the end of full time. Brett Hodgson took his time on the kick knowing how important it is to get it in, but failed to place the ball between the posts. In the end the score line was a close 26-28.

Right - Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm: this match was always going to be tough for the Storm without their origin stars but in the first few minutes it was like they had a full strength team and everyone was wondering what was going on but than the Eels came back and took the lead. The Storm ended the match with a late try with a 2 minutes to spare and the conversion was successful in the end of this thriller the score line was a great 24-22.

Wrong - Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks: this looked to always be a close match but the Raiders just couldn't hang in there and the Sharks took that opportunity to put on the accelerator and get some great tries. In the end the Raiders defence had let this game slip away from them giving them a score line of 24-36.

Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 16

2008-06-26T19:42:00.001+10:00

The Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 16 has been published on the poidelberry YouTube channel. Be sure to check back for the State of Origin III article and show.

Round 16 - A Round That Will Get You Thrilled!

2008-06-26T09:46:00.003+10:00

This week looks to be an action packed week full of great highlights to watch over and over again so make sure you get some cold ones and relax on your favourite seat so the game is more enjoyable for you and your mates.

Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos at CUA Stadium: this match looks certain to have some highlights that you'll never forget until the end of a great year of rugby. For this match I would put my money on the Broncos because they need to get their head back into the game so they can have another shot at gold - the premiership. I would be looking for Greg Eastwood to have a stand out performance with some hard and enthusiastic runs at the defence so he can make some breaks.

Sydney Roosters vs Canterbury Bulldogs at Sydney Football Stadium: I would be looking for a Roosters win because when they play at home they usually have a great intensity about them, and they can be unstoppable when the ol' Roosters get cracking. In this match I would be looking for Amos Roberts to have some great runs back at the defence form kicks so he can get the field position for the next set of defence they have to do. I would also watch out for Roberts because I believe he will get involved in the game and play a half-back or second receiver roll which will trouble the defence.

Jetstar Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Skilled Park: I would have to tip the Titans on this occasion because they have never lost a game at Skilled Park and they would want to keep it that way. To do this I would watch out for Gavin Cooper to come of the interchange with a power-house performance with some Brut big hits and some great runs so that his team are on the front foot for both attack and defence. Don't think that this will be a blow-out - the Titans are down on numbers due to injury and Origin duties.

Manly Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights at Bluetongue Stadium: in this match I would be looking for a Knights win because they have an excellent defensive side that has a lot of potential. I would be looking for great performances by Adam MacDougall and Jarrod Mullen if these to players can link up in attack they will be unstoppable and should be able to break through the Manly defence like a hot knife through butter.

North Queensland Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Dairy Farmers Stadium: this match, I believel is going to be the best match this round - but I believe the Cowboys will win this battle. I would be looking for stellar performance by Carl Webb who should be looking to have some ferocious, aggressive runs at the defensive line so his team will be on the front foot for attack so they can post points easier and fast then usual.

Wests Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors at Leichardt Oval: I would be looking for the home team to win so they can get back on the tracks to the gold. I would be looking for Brett Hodgson with a great game with some try saving tackles that will get his team to lift the front foot and get a roll on. I would also watch out for Benji Marshall to have a power house performance with some great steps to get throughout the Warriors defensive line.

Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm at Parramatta Stadium: this match should be one of the easiest matches for the Eels because Storm don't have most of their key players which means the Eels have the upper hand playing at home and have most of their players. I would watch out for Nathan Hindmarsh to have a great display of tackling so the youngsters can get involved more which should than get them excellent field position for their next set of six in attack.

Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks at Canberra Stadium: I would be looking for a great win from the home team - for the Raiders want to get this much needed win I would be looking for Milne to have some great attacking runs from kicks so he can get his team on the front foot in attack. Todd Carney should be looking to have a great display of kicking and will be looking to get some fast ball out to the backs so they can work some of their magic.

I hope you enjoy this round as much as I think you will.

Round 15 - Horse Shoes, Hand Grenades and Nuclear Weapons

2008-06-24T08:09:00.002+10:00

What a great week of Rugby League! Five of the eight matches had just one or two points between the sides which meant that fans had a full eighty minutes of contested footy to watch, balanced by several big margin wins just to keep it interesting.

Of the three matches I got wrong all were narrow contests, and all of those were decided by penalty goals. This was a mad tipping week for all tipsters out there in the world of Rugby League.

Right - Brisbane Broncos vs Wests Tigers: highlighted of action packed highlights with some great tackles and some great tries. This match truly went down to the last wire where the Broncos snatched a field goal which gave them the win that they needed to put their dream back on the tracks, with a one point difference the score line was 19-18.

Right - St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers: this match went down to the last minute where the Dragons made sure of a win. Both teams in this match showed a great defensive effort which kept both teams from scoring a load of points - it could of gone either way with a questionable call by the ref denying Penrith a chance to post a win through a penalty goal. The Dragons breathed the fire in the end to a victory win with a sultry one point difference 13-12.

Right - Canterbury Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders: the Bulldogs came barking up the wrong Raiders outfit as they suffered yet another deficit this season. The Raiders definitely continued on with their last game form as they blitzed the Bulldogs, the doggies were like a bunch of toy poodles, this match was not to be toyed with. The score line was a thumping 18-58.

Right - Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys: in a match that had a great kicking and passing game couldn't of had a better game. The home team looked to be struggling in the first half where the Cowboys got some great tries of some kicks by JT and as always the Storm replies through their halfback with a great chip kick that set up a try in the corner for Matt Geyer. Before the second half began coach Bellamy was screaming in their faces which obviously got to all of the players especially Greg Inglis who scored a hat trick of tries off the back of a great solo effort. Greg Inglis showed why the Blues should be worried for the next State of Origin match, the score line was scorched with a lightning 48-20.

Right - New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles: the home team was leading for most of the match until the Sea Eagles decided to put on their game outfits and play some rugby, there was only 13 minutes left on the clock and the Manly Sea Eagles scored consecutive tries to give them the lead to secure the win which has put them top spot on the ladder the score line was nasty looking 14-20.

Wrong - Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters: a match that had a great display of both attacking and defensive plays that made this match worth watching. I believe the contest of the wingers was the best part of the game with Vuna leaping high. In the 73rd minute the Roosters scored two points which sealed the for the Roosters. The end score was 14-16.

Wrong - Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels: this had a shocking way to end which was terrible but I was pleased with the contact in the match. This match went down to the last minute where Fui Fui Moimoi gave away an outrageous penalty which gifted the Sharks the win and the home fans something to be happy about. The score line was a tasty looking 16-14.

Wrong - South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Gold Coast Jetstar Titans: this was a shaky match to start with but than points started to flow, the Titans were looking to win this match all the way till the end, despite losing four players to injury, where a shot at goal got the Bunnies in front for the big win. The fluky score line was 24-23 an upset to all Titans fans.

Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 15

2008-06-19T05:01:00.000+10:00

The Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 15 has been published on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Round 15 Back in the Thick of It

2008-06-19T04:50:00.001+10:00

This week is going to be tough for some teams but they will still strive to do their bests to get a premiership. Be sure to check out the blog State of Origin - In Good Form? where we ask for your thoughts on the format of future State of Origin series and allow you to have your say in our poll.

Brisbane Broncos vs Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium: in this match I would be looking for a Broncos win because they will be looking to redeem themselves from that deficit over their shock loss to the Raiders, so this match is going to be really important to both teams but I believe that Broncos will come home on top.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium: I would have to tip the Dragons in this match because they look more deadly than ever and they are looking to be in the finals so they can prove themselves worthy to any team out there in the competition. I would also tip the Dragons because they didn't play last week which means they have had a well deserved rest and are now fit and re-energized to take on the Panthers.

Canterbury Bulldogs vs Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium: I would put my money on the Raiders because they got their best win of the season last week against the Broncos and will be looking to do that again except against the Bulldogs.

Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys at Olympic Park: in this match I would be looking for a Storm win because they have all of their Origin stars back and that's going to give them the oomph that they need to secure a win over the Cowboys, although if the Cowboys want to have a chance of winning Jonathan Thurston better have bring his best game with him.

New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium: I would have to tip the Sea Eagles on this occasion because they are in hot form and would be looking to secure a win over a side that isn't in that great of form and that's why I believe that the team from Manly will win.

Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters at Energy Australia Stadium: I would be looking for a Knights win becasue they are playing at home and they will want to embrace another win at Energy Australia Stadium. To get this much needed win I would be looking for Steve Simpson and Cooper Vuna to shine and get their team home.

Cronulla Sharks vs Parramatta Eels at Toyota Stadium: I would put my money on the Eels becasue they have found red hot form and will be looking to continue with this form, and to do this I would be looking for Nathan Hindmarsh and Brett Finch, if these to players can work up a partnership the Eels could be unstoppable.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Jetstar Gold Coast Titans at ANZ Stadium: this match is going to be very important to the Titans becasue if they win they will march up the ladder and they will get their hoodoo off their back, and this is a should-win match being played against a side that just has not been able to gel this season. The Titans will be looking for Scott Prince to have a great kicking game and passing game.

Remember to watch my videos and get a few cold ones and relax.

Round 14 - A Pivotal Round

2008-06-17T08:00:00.002+10:00

With the second of three State of Origin matches also marking the end of the first half of the season, this week was also a turning point for the Maroons and the Raiders with reversals of their fortunes. Check out the blog State of Origin - In Good Form? where we ask for your thoughts on the format of future State of Origin series, and vote in the poll.

Right - Queensland Maroons vs New South Wales Blues: this was the best match I had seen this year because the Maroons won, which was great because they levelled the series giving the Maroons another shot and keeping the series alive. The kicking game was excellent from both teams giving them good field position for their new set. The thing that I noticed was that Queensland got the ball out to the backs a lot quicker which gave them many opportunities, and their defense was quick off the line shutting down the NSW halves. The Maroons, off some great plays, won with an outstanding score line of 30-0.

Right - Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers: this match was won off of some great plays and some great balls out to the backs, this destroyed the black cats which obviously have bad luck on them selves. The Roosters halves have done it again gave them an excellent win that they needed. The Roosters have something to crow about with a winning margin of 32-12.

Right - Cronulla Sharks vs New Zealand Warriors: this match was played with intensity and nothing else, the Sharks bit hard and got their prey and took 'em home. The Sharks made some great tries off the end of some great plays which truly wrapped up the game which saw the Sharks down the Warriors 24-8.

Wrong - Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos: the Broncos were never in this match to play. The Raiders plundered their opponents and came away with their pride restored. I personally believe that this was their best match of the season getting a 34-16 win over the Broncos.

Wrong - Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels: the Wests Tigers lost it in the first half becasue the Eels suffocated their opponents until the final blow where it was all over and the Tigers had no chance what-so-ever at winning this match. The score line was a thrashing 6-44.

Right - North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights: this match was played until the final ten minutes where the Knights got some great tries to stab their opponent hard, the Knights gave the Cowboys another loss to the season whereas the Knights got back on track with another win away from home the final score of 18-30.

State of Origin - In Good Form?

2008-06-16T21:15:00.002+10:00

With nearly half of the players donning a jersey for the State of Origin series coming from just two teams, some serious questions are being raised about the future of the series. Leading the call for changes is New South Wales Blues and top contributing team Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

And Craig is not alone in calling for change, Jetstar Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright and West Tigers coach Tim Sheens also number amongst those calling for change.

While it seems that most people close to the game are calling either for no change or for State of Origin to be changed to a stand-alone fixture, we figured that there must be some more alternatives, so we sat down and came up with a few for you.

We will be conducting a poll until the end of July for readers of this blog and viewers of the poidelberry YouTube channel. Here's a brief description of what we came up with ... and if you don't see something there that you think would provide a good alternative then just leave a comment.

Just leave it alone - the Phil Gould option
Abondon it - the non-option
One player from each NRL team to each side
Three sides per state, playing over 1 weekend with a the "C" sides playing on Friday, "B" on Saturday and "A" on Sunday.
Expand to three sides - include "other" origins
A "super game" - extra length, more interchanges and interchange players
The top teams on the ladder play each other - 7v8, 6v5, 4v3 and 1v2
The top team from each state plays each other

We will put it all together once voting closes and publish the results (a sneak preview of the final result: 89% were in favour of changing Origin to a hen's night complete with chick flicks, chardonay and Ug boots).

Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 14

2008-06-12T04:25:00.000+10:00

The Tipster Alex Tipping Show for Round 14 has been published on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Round 14 - Back on the Tracks

2008-06-11T08:11:00.002+10:00

I believe that this round is going to go down into the history books for one of the best rounds of rugby to ever be seen by the human eye. So grab a seat and relax and enjoy a good week of rugby as the second half of the centenary season gets underway.

State of Origin II: Queensland Maroons vs New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium: what can I say - Go Maroons! If you want to know why I am tipping the Queensland Maroons then you're going to have to watch the video on the poidelberry YouTube channel.

Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers at Sydney Football Stadium: I would be looking for a Roosters win after last weeks deficit to Manly, which should hopefully make them come out of their shells and win this battle. Keep your eyes on Willie Mason because he never gives up and when he gets going it's like trying to stop an out of control train.

Cronulla Sharks vs New Zealand Warriors at Toyota Park: I would put my money on the Sharks because Brett Kimmorley will be looking to play out of his socks with a great kicking and passing game. I believe that the Warriors will have to watch out for this halves combination because when they get on a roll they are deadly.

Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos at Canberra Stadium: I believe that the Broncos will win on this occasion with most of their key players back from Origin duties, giving them the full strength team that they need to post a victory. Also, I believe that the Broncos will win because the Raiders are a side that is just not in form.

Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium: I would put my money on the Tigers because they have a strong attacking side that always looks to dominate in the game of rugby, plus, the Eels haven't been doing all that great which is the result of some pretty ordinary defensive performances.

North Queensland Cowboys vs Newcastle Knights at Dairy Farmers Stadium: I would tip the Knights because they have found their tracks again and will be looking to keep that alive with another win, and to get this win I would be looking out for Danny Buderus and a man whom I believe to be one of the best second rowers of all time, Steve Simpson. Simpson will be looking for a great game with lots of tackles and hard runs at the defence.

The byes this week go to Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm, St George Illawarra Dragons, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Jetstar Gold Coast Titans and Canterbury Bulldogs.

Thanks for reading this blog by Tipster Alex, and don't forget to grab a few cold ones and relax.