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FULL TIME SCORE: Canterbury 28-4 Melbourne
Powerful performance from the Bulldogs today, as they take a 24-point victory over the Storm. The game was well and truly won in the first half, as the Dogs put on four unanswered tries to put the game away before the 40th minute. As good as the Bulldogs were today, the Storm were just as bad, putting in one of their worst performances in a long while. They did improve in the second stanza, but certainly not up to their usual lofty standards.
Channel 9 gave the MOTM to James Graham today, and I have to agree with them there. Just a strong, workmanlike game from the English forward, and he’ll be key if they’re to beat the Sea Eagles next week.
For mine, I think the Dogs are a very real chance of knocking over the boys from Brookvale next weekend. That’s all from me today, thanks for joining me for Sunday afternoon football.
It’s NRL finals time, and we finish the weekend with a big elimination final clash between the Melbourne Storm and the Canterbury Bulldogs. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:10pm (AEST).
Melbourne booked a home final with a 10-point victory over the Broncos last weekend.
They’ve been in pretty good form, although they aren’t exactly red hot, with a loss to the in-form Roosters their only blemish over the past month.
They’ll be hoping for a big crowd on a Sunday afternoon with no AFL in Melbourne on that day.
If any team has reversed into the finals this year, it is the Bulldogs. Coming off six losses in their last eight starts, they quickly saw their top four credentials disappear as the losses piled up over the closing stages of the competition.
A trip to Melbourne could be a bridge too far for a team that lead the competition earlier this season.
Melbourne have one massive in for this weekend, with Bryan Norrie returning to the starting line up.
They have a six man bench for this clash, with Dayne Weston and Justin O’Neill added.
Cameron Smith has been under an injury cloud all week, and though it’s likely he’ll play, it’s hard to see how he will be at 100 per cent after being in a moon boot all week.
His addition, though, does add plenty of finals experience and big match temperament to the Storm, however, so it’s a no-brainer to play him, whether he’s fully fit or not.
Canterbury are bringing a seven-man bench to Melbourne, as they look to find the outfit that can pull them out of their form slump.
The hard-working Dale Finucane returns for this clash, and looks to be a key part of their 17. Harlan Alaalatoa and Pat O’Hanlon join Finucane on the extended bench.
Prediction
Two months ago this prediction would have gone the other way. As it stands, the Storm are a real chance of making another preliminary final this year, and they’ll like their chances to kick off the Finals with a good win over the Bulldogs.
Storm by 14.
Join The Roar at 4:10pm for live scores and commentary, and don’t be afraid to join in the banter.
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