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The scent of finals football is hanging in the air for many teams. So which sides will grab their chances for a place in late September?
Melbourne Storm Vs Sydney Roosters
A critical game for Brad Fittler’s men in terms of securing a home semi-final. Their attitude in defence was slack, once again, against a Parramatta side who were simply more desperate than they were. That loss could cost the Roosters dearly against a Storm side who proved their mindset heading into September is spot on. There is no question the Roosters have the personnel capable of defeating Melbourne in their own ‘graveyard’. They have enough speed in the backs and are very strong in the forwards. If they are to beat the Storm though, their attitude and discipline must be on par with that of their opponents.
Brisbane Broncos Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
The loss of QLD fullback Karmichael Hunt for the Broncos will dent Brisbane’s chances against the Dragons. He has been one of their most consistent players all season with his kamikaze charges being the key. The Dragons were disappointing against the Tigers in a match that was critical to their finals aspirations. They now sit on 24 points, with the Raiders and Knights, and could find themselves in trouble if they fail to beat Brisbane. However, Nathan Brown’s men have a terrific record against the Broncos and are one side capable of causing Wayne Bennett’s troops a lot of grief.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Cronulla Sharks
This should be a terrific clash. The Warriors boast one of the most enigmatic attacks in the game, while the Sharks have developed a wall of defence teams have struggled to break through. The fact that this game will be played at Mt Smart stadium augers well for the Warriors. Wade McKinnon’s return for the New Zealand side was positive and will give the home team the punch they need from fullback. Despite Cronulla’s defence remaining solid for the majority of the season, the Warriors have the backs and forwards to threaten in any stage of the contest. It looks to be another arm-wrestle for Ricky Stuart’s Sharks.
Nth Qld Cowboys Vs Gold Coast Titans
From what we saw earlier in the season, the Titans would have been favoured to destroy the Cowboys. But now things are different. The Cowboys have suffered a lean season in 2008 but have shown consistent effort over the last few weeks. The Titans, however, are falling over. This side won their first seven games at home to be on top of the competition ladder, yet they now find themselves fighting for a spot in the eight. Injuries to key players have ruined their cause but they should still give a good account of themselves against the Cowboys. Johnathon Thurston could be a bolter for North Queensland. If he returns from injury, the Cowboys should get two in a row.
Penrith Panthers Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Not even World War One could match the disappointments suffered by these two clubs in recent weeks. The Panthers were embarrassing against the Raiders, conceding over 70 points to leave Matthew Elliot on life support. Although his life looks more secure, the same cannot be said about Steve Folkes, who was blamed by Sonny Bill Williams as the key reason behind his departure from the Bulldogs. Both clubs have been stripped of confidence. It is more likely, however, to see Penrith redeem themselves with a big win, rather than the other way round.
Canberra Raiders Vs Newcastle Knights
The scoreboard attendant will have his hands full keeping up with these two sides. The Canberra Raiders are on cloud nine after scoring over 70 points against a Panthers side who were expected to cause some problems. In the end, the green machine showed no mercy and now await a bumper crowd to support them against the Newcastle Knights. Newcastle have been brave and clinical all season and are now receiving their just rewards. Buderus and Gidley are working in tandem to provide the Knights with enough punch to down their opponents. This contest should go the full eighty minutes and may even go to golden point. The Raiders at home might just hang on.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Manly Sea Eagles
Manly have had their wings torn by a Storm side who will forever be on their minds come September. That loss could prove to be the tonic for a horrible afternoon for the Rabbitohs. South Sydney have been average these past couple of weeks and are merely playing for pride in a year they were expected to make the eight. The Sea Eagles, however, are playing for the minor premiership and should be too strong For Jason Taylor’s men. This game could be closer than expected, though.
Parramatta Eels Vs Wests Tigers
There two proud Sydney clubs will go head-to-head after experiencing terrific wins last weekend. The Tigers were tough and brilliant against the Dragons, with Benji Marshall now starting to regain the moves that made him so popular in 2005. Meanwhile, Parramatta did what was necessary to keep their season alive. The commitment they displayed against the Roosters should be the catalyst for a late season surge. The Eels simply must win this contest at home if they are to make last week’s victory count for anything. Parramatta’s record against the Tigers is very impressive. Back the home side here.
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