I will go out on a limb (and you can laugh if it breaks on the weekend): Melbourne Storm will beat Manly Sea Eagles on Sunday. Here’s why.
Not only are the minor premiers, in commentator-speak, in the kind of form it takes to win Grand Finals but they have fallen into some of the key situations it takes to win grand finals.
Manly may have the halfback, the fullback, the forward pack, and the outgoing legend in Steve Menzies and key situations of their own. And, yes, sometimes it does take losing one to win one.
Melbourne have at least an equal quality halfback-fullback-forward pack combination, the rage of Cameron’s Smith’s suspension (hell hath no fury like a champion team scorned) and a soon-to-be Supercoach in Craig Bellamy.
Importantly, though, they have demolished one team in the Sharks, had a good, tough confidence-boosting win against Brisbane, and they have already lost in this year’s finals series.
It is this combination that will deny the ‘Beaver’ the send-off that Glenn Lazarus, Paul Harragon (if you count the split 1997 season), Terry Lamb, Mal Meninga and Royce Simmons before him enjoyed: winning the premiership as captain in their final season.
You could argue it was their ‘time’, as players and teams.
I would argue they were champions in champion teams with many mitigating factors affecting their results.
The Storm will become the first team since Brisbane in 1997-98 (if you count the split season) to win back-to-back titles.
They will surpass the Roosters of the early 2000s and the Manly of the late 90s and mirror the Raiders’ achievement of the ’89-90-91 (Canberra having won their first two).
Fairytales come true occasionally, but reality is true more often.
Melbourne to win in league’s 100th year.
Jason Gray
Roar Rookie
Obviously I didn't! :D
TembaVJ
Guest
40-0 Manly..... Don't think anyone could of guessed that.
Jason Gray
Roar Rookie
Destiny, schmestiny! I like your arguments, though, Dean. It will be one to remember...with Melbourne coming out on top.
Dean
Guest
The two teams are evenly matched, this one will be decided on composure and motivation. Melbourne were compsoed and ready for last years gf, Manly were overawed, I can assure you they won't be this time. Manly have also had the past year to reflect on last years gf, it was a dark, dark day in their lives and they're looking to purge themselves of the humiliation and pain of that day. Full respect to Melbourne, their a great team but 2007 was their year; 2008, the centenary year belongs to the Sea Eagles, trust me, it's their destiny.
westy
Guest
I think Manly will win. Hasler got me with a ball playing lock and a half and 5/8 on the same side. Manly are not the same team as last year.
Justin
Guest
Odd are upside down IMO. Storm have won the past 3 against Manly and get J Smith back this week. Lets face it they lost in the last play of the game against their bogey team in the Warriors, otherwise they would be $1.50.
Skull
Guest
Manly may well have the momentum but like last year they had had 2 soft games in 3 weeks, whereas Melb have had 2 tough games out of 3. This concerns me greatly as they may not be battle hardened as opposed to match hardened. I would have much preferred a tough close game last week v Warriors to top off the teams preperation. If that were the case I would say Manly would be certainities, but now I think its only 50:50. Storm lose a bit without Smith but lose nothing without Hoffman. The other 2 replacements 2nd rowers are much better than Hoffman.
Jason
Guest
Or Kevin Walters, The Answer. Didn't he come back in 2001 after a stint in England after 2000's premiership?
The Link
Guest
Jason, hard to see why Manly don't have the edge in the pack. With Smith and Hoffman out, the Storm are weakened up front. I would say the Storm have the slight edge out wide though, with Slater, Izzy and Inglis. To sum up, too close to call, but Manly have the momentum. The Answer, did Baa Baa have a stint OS after '95?
The Answer
Guest
I just hope Beaver doesn't have a disastrous comeback like Terry Lamb if he gets the fairytale send off. I agree with your call, Jason. Storm it is.