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TURNER: Roosters and Doggies to pair off in NRL’s big dance

22nd September, 2014
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James Graham likes smoothies. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan)
Expert
22nd September, 2014
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At the top of today’s column, I will stick my neck out and predict we are heading for a Roosters-Bulldogs grand final.

Both teams squeezed home by a solitary point last weekend and in doing so convinced me they have the structures in place and the mental toughness to claim their respective grand final qualifiers.

The Roosters gave their supporters palpitations by squandering a 30-point lead against the plucky Cowboys, but when they had to knuckle down and find a way to win, they did the necessary job.

I have written on The Roar before that when Trent Robinson’s men get it right in attack and defence, they are the best team in the NRL.

Arch-rivals Souths will certainly provide a stern test on Friday night but I expect the defending premiers to rise to the challenge and win a highly physical battle by six points.

Roosters star hooker Jake Friend will be back near his best after returning last week from serious injury. They will also welcome back the hard-hitting Dylan Napa from suspension.

In this game, veteran fullback Anthony Minichiello will become the most-capped player in the club’s long history and you can bet his Roosters’ teammates will find something special to ensure he finishes his great career on grand final day.

Souths have made their third straight preliminary final, and despite what they are saying there is phenomenal pressure on the Rabbitohs to win this one and reach the title decider.

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I do not regard them as chokers – Madge Maguire has moulded them into a very formidable combination – but this game carries loads of extra pressure when one considers what has happened to Souths at this point in successive seasons.

This shapes as another gripping finals contest with big names producing heroics all over the park, but big game experience is well and truly favouring the Roosters. I think they’ll find a way to build a lead and have the smarts to lock Souths out in the last desperate minutes.

The Bulldogs have powered back to their best form with stirring wins over finals specialists Melbourne and Manly in successive weeks.

At the right end of the season, they are showing the desire, technique and mental toughness needed to go all the way and I think they’ll snuff out the exciting challenge mounted by the Panthers.

All of Canterbury’s big guns enter this game in top form and I think they’ll grind Penrith out of the contest with their powerhouse forwards setting the platform.

James Graham was incredible again last weekend and looms large as the key man on Saturday. (He looks a good thing to captain the team when Mick Ennis moves to Cronulla next year).

I have loved Penrith’s brilliant surge to the comp’s penultimate round but I feel their best years are ahead and that they will be overpowered by the Bulldogs on Saturday.

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This game won’t be won on sentiment or omens but those who are into stats might be interested to know that Canterbury made the grand final in 1984, 1994 and 2004. The 2014 grand final? Well, we’ll just have to wait a few days to see what eventuates. I’m predicting Canterbury by 10.

Next Monday night, the annual Dally M awards will be presented at Star City Casino. Here are my early guesses for the major awards.

Team of the Year
Jarryd Hayne, Alex Johnston, Dylan Walker, Jamie Lyon, Semi Radradra, Johnathan Thurston, Ben Hunt, Sam Burgess, Josh Jackson, Boyd Cordner, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith, James Graham.

Player of the Year – Johnathan Thurston
Rookie of the Year – Alex Johnston
Coach of the Year – Ivan Cleary

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