The Finals. What a way to kick things off with two old Sydney
rivals. They’ve played each other 133 times since 1947 and fans have truly
hated each other with a passion at every single one of those games. Certainly,
every Souths fan I know has more than just the average Manly hatred running
through their veins - it’s passed down from their rugby league ancestors. So,
with the stage set for your Second Qualifying Final, we head to Bunnies’
headquarters at Allianz Stadium for Friday night footy.
No secret that the Eagles have not been at their best
lately, they’ve lost 3 from their past 5 including a 20 point thumping at the
hands of Souths. Ordinarily, it wouldn’t be hard to see them stepping up for
the finals and changing that momentum but this year, a big ask. The Rabbitohs
have been priming themselves for this battle for 3 years and with plenty of semi-final
experience of their own to call on, they’ll finish stronger. Keep any eye on
Luke Keary barking his way through the 80 minutes. Hilarious.
My tip: South Sydney 18-8
Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers
The defending premiers, minor premiers and competition
favourites are your shortest price this week. They are clearly the form team of
the competition and with weapons from 1 through 17, they will take some
stopping this Saturday against Penrith at Allianz Stadium. The Panthers have
blown minds over the past 6 weeks with some impressive performances under duress
and their reward was to finish 4th – but this is a bigger challenge
for a team that has never played finals footy together.
Still – you can bet Ivan Cleary will have something
special planned for the Chooks and I can’t wait to see it. This is your match
of the round and one that the Panthers will keep close, right to the end. More
importantly though – don’t miss the beginning – the Roosters forwards are a
daunting bunch and with their beloved captain only a month away from the end of
his career, they will be frothing at the mouth, champing at the bit and getting
themselves a week off.
My tip: Roosters 24-12
North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Bronco
Saturday night from Townsville where the Cowboys are undefeated
since round 3 this year and undefeated in finals footy since forever. No doubt
they will be tested here through – the Broncos have nothing to lose and will
always have a little extra in the tank when playing against their Queensland
rivals. Add to this the superb form of
their halfback, Ben Hunt and you have yourselves a close one with Brisbane
scaring the pants off the home side for a while – but not long enough.
Johnathan Thurston, despite what the talking heads have
been yapping about, is not in career best form – he has always been this good.
The differences this year, for mine, are that he is not carrying a serious
injury for once, and that his forwards are playing outstanding football. Of
course, the two are intertwined – JTs shoulders have not had to carry the
burden of 40 tackles a game. Speaking of JTs forwards, they will be the
difference here with the Sims brothers, Matt Scott and future superstar Jason
Taumalolo the standouts.
My tip: Cowboys 24-20
Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Week 1 of the finals rounds out with your Second Elimination
Final from AAMI Park in Melbourne on Sunday afternoon. The ‘Dogs are hobbling
but worse than this, it’s tough to guess which Bulldogs team will turn up. Will
it be the premiership calibre side that beat Melbourne at this very ground in
round 18? Or will it be the side that slumped to its 6th loss in 8
games against the Titans last week? Don’t answer that cos it may not matter.
The Storm don’t need to worry about form, don’t need to
worry about consistency and are not confused about which personality they will
play with in front of a packed house full of rabid purple pride punters. They
are rightfully heavy favourites here and unless Canterbury can make adjustments
to their attack, Melbourne will strangle them out of the season. The visitors
have not been very creative will the ball of late and Melbourne’s defence simply
won’t be tested enough.
My tip: Storm 19-12
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