I must first apologise for that poor Apocalypse Now reference but I am just a little excited. This is the time of year that every league fan loves and this year’s finals series promises a great deal.
There are some very interesting match-ups in this week’s games.
Manly Sea Eagles versus South Sydney Rabbitohs promises to be a beauty. Most believe that South Sydney are going to win. They should start favourites with the injuries that Manly have and the fact it is effectively played at Souths’ home ground.
I feel that if Manly’s forwards, led by Brenton Lawerence and Anthony Watmough, can just compete and limit the impact of the Burgess Brothers and Issac Luke, the Manly backline may be able to guide their side to unlikely victory. Souths by 4.
Sydney Roosters versus Penrith Panthers has been billed as a match of the glamour boys versus the battlers. This game is also Anthony Minichiello’s 300th, which means he is just a game behind Luke Ricketson to achieve the most appearances for the Roosters.
Both teams have a number of players out, I don’t think that this will detract from the game. With two halfbacks in career-best form and two of the best young coaches in the NRL, this should be a fantastic game. I think the Roosters will prove to be to strong against the boys from the foot of the mountains. Roosters by 8.
North Queensland Cowboys versus Brisbane Broncos will be a Queensland derby – the little brother up against the big brother. The Cowboys are in hot form and perhaps this may be their greatest chance to end their premiership drought.
I think this game will be closer then some have predicted. The Broncos welcome back Sam Thaiday – a huge boost for the Brisbane side – though they will be without Jack Reed. Reed will be replaced by Corey Oates.
This game will be very close and may come down to one piece of brilliance. Cowboys by 4.
Melbourne Storm versus Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs will be a 2012 grand final rematch. The Bulldogs have been struggling with some very poor performances in recent times and the loss to the Titans must have dented their confidence.
The Storm enter the match with Cam Smith under an injury cloud. Even if Smith misses the game, which is unlikely given how tough he is, I think the Storm will win and win well. Storm by 12.
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