And then there were six. The first week of the finals is done and dusted as are the premiership hopes of the Titans and Bulldogs.
Week two of the finals series will see the dream end for all but one Queensland team in 2016, while one of the premiership dark horses in the Raiders and Panthers will also bow out.
Season tips total: 134/196; finals week one tips: 3/4
North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos
The Cowboys went down to the Melbourne Storm in week one of the finals while the Broncos prevailed over the Titans on the back of some controversial calls.
Ethan Lowe and Kane Linnett are huge absentees for North Queensland but the cover is solid. Coen Hess will start in Lowe’s place with John Asiata coming onto the bench.
Javid Bowen has arguably out-performed Linnett this season so there are no worries with that replacement, but there is some concern regarding the fitness of Antonio Winterstein. The hot tip is that young gun Kalyn Ponga will become the first finals debutant since Ben Murdoch-Masila for the Wests Tigers in 2010.
Based on his highlights reel he will be one to watch.
The Broncos will also have a rookie on their flanks. James Roberts’ suspension will see Jordan Kahu shift to the centres and allow two-game rookie Jonus Pearson to start on the wing. Pearson has been excellent when called upon this season and should do a great job for the Broncos.
Brisbane’s best chance of winning this encounter is to take the Cowboys on in the forwards. With the likes of Sam Thaiday, Josh McGuire, Corey Parker, Adam Blair and Matt Gillett in their pack, the Broncos will back themselves to slow down the ruck in an attempt to reduce the space Johnathan Thurston can operate in.
Offloads will also be key to their chances – second phase play is the best way to bring their most damaging player, Anthony Milford, into the game.
The Cowboys have won the past four encounters with the Broncos at 1300 Smiles Stadium and hold an 11-1 record at the ground in 2016.
The last three matches between the two sides have been decided by a point each.
Tip: Cowboys 1-12
Raiders v Panthers
In a perfect Rugby League world, this match would be the 2016 grand final.
Before you get all up in arms about your team being ignored or the lack of sympathy towards the Sharks’ quest for a maiden premiership, keep in mind that I’m speaking as a neutral who is looking forward to some incredible attacking football.
I’m certain this match will produce at least 50 points.
The key for both teams, who feature a very similar playing style and roster, is to simply play their natural games. That means second phase play, ad-lib football and unpredictable moments of brilliance.
I have grave concerns for the Raiders given the likelihood that Josh Hodgson will likely be a late scratching. Kurt Baptiste is a terrific player off the bench but over 80 minutes he is essentially untested. It could result in Sam Williams being carried as a bench utility, but he may still be required to start at five-eighth if Blake Austin succumbs to a hand injury.
Clay Priest has also been ruled out for the season which could see one of three NRL stalwarts return to the squad in the form of either Paul Vaughan, Shaun Fensom or Jeff Lima. Whilst these omissions aren’t terminal to the Raiders’ premiership hopes, it certainly makes things tougher.
Things are far simpler for the Panthers.
They have named the same 17 that put the Bulldogs to the sword last week. The trip to GIO Stadium is the biggest obstacle the Panthers will face.
The Sharks were able to overcome the Canberra Viking Clap, but a 10-3 record at home suggests that, regardless of missing personnel, the Raiders will be tough to overcome.
I expect this one to be decided in extra time.
Tip: Raiders 1-12
What do you think Roarers? Who will book a place in the preliminary finals?
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