Racing towards the September finals
The saying goes in geo-political circles that if you have to tell people you are democratic by having it in your country’s name, then the chances are you are not. So maybe global dictators are like rugby league players after all. Or maybe Sam Thaiday has missed his calling.
Thaiday was forced to say about the Broncos, “we don’t have an attitude problem”. But who knows? That is just what everyone is thinking.
Coach Wayne Bennett was fuming after his side threw away a twelve point lead against the Dragons and you’d expect he’d be delivering a few home truths at training this week.
I’d dare say the tackling bags will be out in force this week at Red Hill.
For all their success though, the Broncos are also known for their end of season fade outs, and once the rot sets in, it seems almost impossible to get them out of their funk.
With just three rounds to go, the Broncos are now giving off a scent to the chasing pack. They are just three points ahead of the Titans, who looked to be plummeting faster than the value of the Zimbabwean dollar.
Maybe President Mugabe should make Scott Prince his finance minister. It might turn the country into a economic powerhouse in a matter of weeks.
Prince is back and the Titans have again found their mojo.
It probably means that for both teams, the South Queensland derby comes at a perfect time.
The Broncos get the chance to wake themselves up in front of a big crowd, and their star players should enjoy the setting.
It should remind them of what it’s like to play finals footy.
Meanwhile the Titans, who will no doubt be invigorated after returning to the winning circles, will love the chance to get one over the big brother of Queensland rugby league.
They will fancy their chances against the stuttering side.
But while teams are looking to gear themselves up for the finals, the Raiders must be wondering whether their draw is a blessing or a curse.
With competition points at a premium, the footballing gods may have been kind to the Raiders, giving them the three bottom teams in the final three weeks.
While the Rabbitohs still look to be playing with a fair amount of spirit, the Raiders could well be faced with two games of touch football against the dispirited Cowboys and Bulldogs.
But is that really what you want before the finals?
Most sides traditionally like the idea of getting a few good hits-outs under their belt to ensure that they are acclimatised to finals footy.
But most teams also like to win the matches they need to get into the eight.
I’m sure if a side has three high intensity games but loses them and misses out on the finals, they would have preferred a game against the whipping boys.
Perhaps we’ll ask the Warriors and Dragons next week.
The winner of their clash will receive a big boost towards making the finals, while the loser may have to console themselves with knowing they played a game of finals intensity.
But does it matter in August?
It’s one of those footballing conundrums that crop up every season because there is just no answer.
The same theory will manifest itself in week two of the finals: some teams will say it is a disadvantage of getting the bye until week three, but not if you play in week two and lose.
Plus, you’d never need to ask a team twice if you gave them the chance to have the week off.
The only real constant is the fact that hindsight will again prove to be the most valuable commodity of all.
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Spiro Zavos said | August 19th 2008 @ 8:10am | Report comment
The theory is that teams that win the premiership have momentum going into the finals, and obviously through the finals. So the near future is reasonably bleak for the Broncos, and Manly? But teams have lost in the round-robin finals and then the whole thing. So perhaps momentum is over-rated. Getting into the finals, somehow or other, is the main thing I’d think. You’ve got to be in to win.
The Link said | August 19th 2008 @ 9:32am | Report comment
Funny you mention the Warriors Steve, they are my dark horses this year. They have a few big scalps already. Travelling doesn’t bring out the best in them though, if only they played the finals series at Mt Smart…
Steve Kaless said | August 19th 2008 @ 9:09pm | Report comment
Link,
I agree the Warriors are looking strong in New Zealand, but seem to struggle to beat a Jim Beam Cup team in Australia. Maybe a big push to get a first home semi in NZ is the key.
Whoever misses out on the finals will no doubt rue some matches which slipped through their fingers during the season.
alan grant said | August 21st 2008 @ 3:41pm | Report comment
people who say the broncos have an attitude and look down on them because of that must forget all the great players that have played in our game have had an attitude and thats partially what makes them great.