Rugby League

Is it Time to Replace Queensland in State of Origin?

Is it Time to Replace Queensland in State of Origin?

• Charlie Wilson
Game 2 hasn’t even kicked off yet, but after Queensland’s limp performance in Game 1, the rugby league world is asking a previously unthinkable question: Should we replace the Maroons in Game 3 if they lose again? It may be harsh, and it’s no disrespect to the Maroons, who boast a strong history and have their share of dominance in the rivalry. But NSW are bringing the big moments, and Queensland, well… with the squad they’ve named, we could be in for some more post-match apologies and excuses. So to save the spectacle and give us a real contest, I’ve…
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NRL Best Bets | Round 15

NRL Best Bets | Round 15

• Oscar Pannifex
Shane Flanagan delivered some more press conference brilliance following a heavy loss to The Dolphins in NRL Round 14. If history is any indication, ‘Flanno’ will get a response out of St George here and they get a winnable game against a Cronulla Sharks outfit that looks lost right now.   Nicho Hynes will cop the brunt of the criticism for Cronulla’s poor form but the issues are more widespread for the Sharks. Their defensive resilience has disappeared in the face of scoreboard pressure as they consistently fail to cash in on their good-ball opportunities.   Hynes, Braydon Trindall & Will Kennedy…
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NRL Best Bets | Round 14

NRL Best Bets | Round 14

• Oscar Pannifex
The Sea Eagles have gone WLWL since NRL Round 7 and are coming off a big win against the embattled Broncos. Their middle looks improved with Lachlan Croker, Jazz Tevaga and Ben Trbojevic in their preferred positions while Lehi Hopoate continues to trigger discussion around Manly’s best-choice fullback.  Newcastle will miss Leo Thompson through the middle and I’m still not convinced on plugging Fletcher Sharpe into five-eighth. Manly have burned me a few times this year but this is theirs to lose.   Bet Now Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys 8:00pm, Friday | AAMI Park, Melbourne Tips: Melbourne Storm 13+…
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NRL Best Bets | Round 13

NRL Best Bets | Round 13

• Oscar Pannifex
Newcastle posted a timely win last week but it reeks of their NRL Round 9 win over South Sydney. Dylan Lucas and Fletcher Sharpe impressed in their preferred positions to run through a decimated Panthers outfit, but how repeatable were most of those scoring actions?  I’m not sure the Dragons line will crack so easily here. St George need to keep in touch with the Eight and this is a winnable game for them on the back of their clinical left-edge attack.   Bet Now Gold Coast Titans vs Melbourne Storm 5:00pm, Saturday | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast Tips: Melbourne…
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State of Origin Best Bets | Game 1

State of Origin Best Bets | Game 1

• Oscar Pannifex
The 2025 State of Origin Series is finally here and there’s plenty for New South Wales Blues fans to feel confident about heading to Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. That being said, the Queensland Maroons famously do their best work as underdogs and as a Blues fan myself, it’s concerning to see Billy Slater’s squad written off so early… Deciding Factors Cooper Cronk offered some great insight on The Matty & Cronk Show this week into not only Queensland’s current gameplan, but also how the Maroons likely approached games during their decade of dominance. In summary, he predicted QLD to…
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