The NRL finals are finally here. Canberra and the Warriors have finished the season strongly to push themselves into contention, while Brisbane and Sydney have regained the form that could see them lifting the trophy in three weeks time.
Unfortunately, two teams will bid farewell to the season at the end of the week.
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
History can be a cruel thing for the Roosters. Despite hosting this final at the Sydney Football Stadium, their opponents, Brisbane, have somewhat made it their fortress in recent years. The Broncos have not lost to the Roosters at the SFS since 2003.
In fact, Wayne Bennett’s men have not lost one game at the SFS since 2005.
If the Roosters want to take comfort from those damming statistics, it can be said that most of those losses to Brisbane came on the back of Brad Fittler’s retirement. The Roosters were very unlucky not to win their match against Brisbane this year anyway.
Sydney can take heart from the fact they are a much better team than three or so years ago. But the Broncos are the Broncos and these men know how to win tight games. If there is one thing they are renowned for, it is their ability to produce when the occasion calls for it.
Just look at what they did in 2006.
Tip: Roosters by 10
Cronulla Sharks vs Canberra Raiders
There is something about the Green Machine that the Sharks find so tasty. After all, the men from the Shire have won five of their past six matches against Canberra.
To make things worse for the Raiders, Cronulla have finally developed Toyota stadium into a fortress of sorts, winning 9 of their past 10 matches there, including the last five in succession.
But the Raiders have the finest captain and coach combination in the NRL at the moment with Alan Tongue and Neil Henry leading the team to the most unlikely of finals births.
In the last eight weeks, these two individuals have transformed the Raiders into a deadly offensive unit capable of tearing opposition to shreds.
However, the Sharks are the one side that haven’t been torn up all season by opposition and are really defending their line with pure aggression.
One things for sure: both of these sides better be on their best behaviour.
Tip: Cronulla by 13
Manly Sea Eagles vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Fortress Brookvale welcomes a new Dally M champion in Matt Orford. The Sea Eagles half has been tremendous all season and has been crowned the centenary year’s best player.
That accolade alone should give Orford enough flight to lead a Manly side who were so close to claiming this years minor premiership.
But if a seventh placed team could cause an upset any time soon, the Dragons are the team to do it.
Despite fielding the best centre pairing in the game, along with strong and gifted forwards, Nathan Brown’s men have the edge over Manly.
The Dragons have won seven of the past eight clashes between the sides and are one of the few teams that seem to startle the Sea Eagles, along with Melbourne.
For a second versus seventh battle, this game has all the makings of a thriller. And it is one that the Dragons will be quietly confident of pulling off.
If they don’t, the Red V can bid farewell to the season.
Tip: Dragons by 4
Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors
Not even saying ‘Hail Mary’ three times in the dark could match the daunting prospect of playing Melbourne at Olympic Park.
The three time Minor Premiers have won 40 out of their last 42 games in Melbourne and have been tipped by their fellow top eight opponents to make the Grand Final.
But wait.
Warriors captain Steve Price did not tip the Storm to cause such a stir.
He thinks they can be trampled on Sunday afternoon by a New Zealand side that has won eight of their past ten matches this season to squeeze into eighth spot.
That impressive run included an 8-6 victory over the Storm at Mt Smart Stadium.
Best believe the Warriors will feel right at home in the cold, wet conditions of Olympic Park.
If there was ever a side from eighth position that could claim the minor premiers in the first week of the finals, it is the Warriors.
Tip: Storm by 8
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