For the last couple of years, come September I’ve often joked that I miss watching Parramatta choke in the finals.
September and October are the best time of the year to be an NRL fan, especially if your team is in the finals.
We have witnessed some tremendous football over the last two weekends – amazing athleticism, freaky tries, grit, determination, and sheer desperation as players and coaches do whatever they can to ensure that their finals hopes stay alive for one more week.
As a fan, nothing compares to the magnificent highs and deep, deep lows that we feel at this time of the year. Sometimes this happens all in the space of 80 minutes. Just ask a Roosters fan how they felt last weekend.
Two weeks out from this year’s grand final and there are four teams left – the Canterbury Bulldogs, the Penrith Panthers, the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
While the next two weeks will be a test for these teams, this weekend is a test for us – the fans and the NRL community.
We have a job to do.
A talking point for the entirety of the NRL season has been the crowds, or lack thereof. There has been debate as to the reasons for this and sticking points have been scheduling and ticket prices.
However, come finals time, we’ve done well. Crowds for the finals series this year are up 16 per cent on last season. So far, we have had six games in the finals series and over 140,000 fans have turned out.
This is a call to NRL fans to continue this trend and get out there for the games this weekend.
Friday night’s game has the makings of a blockbuster. The Rabbitohs were dominant in their defeat of Manly two weeks ago and the Roosters were courageous in their win over the Cowboys last weekend.
These two teams are fierce rivals and with talent like Sonny Bill Williams, Sam Burgess, Anthony Minichello, Mitchell Pearce and Greg Inglis taking the field, we’re in for an amazing game.
Similarly, Saturday’s game between the Penrith Panthers and the Canterbury Bulldogs is between two of Sydney’s most beloved and well supported clubs. These teams are a source of pride in the west and they will run out on Saturday to a full house.
With only three games remaining there is no stone that these teams will leave unturned to make sure they stay alive for the big one.
To those fans lucky enough to have their team still competing, make yourselves heard. From a fan who has missed the joy and the devastation of finals football since 2009 – don’t take it for granted.
Head out to the games this weekend. There is nothing more glorious than being part of the atmosphere that a finals series brings. Make sure you’re part of it.
Follow Mary on Twitter @Ladieswholeague
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All the team list information for Round 8.
