I’m going to make the bold prediction that it may not be the blood bath so many people are expecting.
First, racking up big scores is not what the Dragons do. Of the top eight sides, only Canberra scored less points this season than the minor premiers. The Dragons’ pole position was built on miserly defence, not trailblazing attack.
The Dragons modus operandi is to get out to a twelve point lead, and then squeeze the life out of the game, with Jamie Soward pinging the ball into the corners.
While they’ve been hurt by injuries, the week has been ideal for the Sea Eagles. No, honestly, hear me out.
Des Hasler said on Tuesday, “we won’t be adopting a siege mentality.” That told me one thing: they will be adopting a siege mentality.
The Sea Eagles will love this “no one gives us a chance” stuff. They’ll be lapping up the whole “everyone hates us, they want us to lose, poor old us, they’re just jealous” mantra, which is ingrained in the Northern Beaches psyche.
Let’s face it, any group of people who can believe that you can live in a Dee Why ant-hill apartment and have your nightspot options compromising of four different RSLs, and still believe it’s “God’s country”, are folks that can swallow a line.
I believe the crystal wristbands are also popular in the area.
Of course, I can say this because I spent my youth working out which of the RSLs to attend.
I’d be surprised if the likes of Kieran Foran and Anthony Watmough didn’t play. It might take a few needles, but they’ll get on the paddock.
What have they got to lose?
That’s what makes the Sea Eagles dangerous, and who is to say what will happen if the Dragons get behind or can’t put them away?
People by now should have worked out that predictions mean little. Remember when Parramatta were title favourites and the Warriors were specials for the wooden spoon?
Speaking of the Warriors, surely Ivan Cleary must have come very close to collecting “Coach of the Year” award at the Dally M’s. While Brian Smith was able to kickstart the Roosters with Todd Carney, Cleary had to revive his reputation relying on the little known James Maloney.
The Warriors have been the year’s quiet achievers, and came within an ace of claiming a top four spot. Cleary is probably just happy for people to have stopped writing his coaching obituary, but he deserves plenty of praise for his efforts this year.
And should Scott Prince not play the full 80 on the Gold Coast, whose to say they can’t snatch the goodies there.
berra boy
Guest
So here I am, sitting at home Strucy. Caring so little that I don't know how McIntyre works, and caring so much that I'll be at the mighty Bruce Stadium next Friday night watching the mighty Raiders kick some Tiger butt.
Mr Cool
Guest
Hey you sea Eagles fans, -- ain't it bad when your team reach the finals with a depleted side and can't score a point!!!. see ya next year!!!!!!!!.
Col the bear
Guest
Saints by 50 :-)
Philip
Guest
all the pressure is on st george to win the premiership, Manly have nothing to lose. expect fireworks when st george receive the ball. Manly to Win by 14 points.
Mr Cool
Guest
Steve, Noble failed badly at Wigan, Micheal Maguire went over to Pomland and turned the same team into championship favourites, does that tell Rusty something??.
macavity
Guest
Saints by 30-40 tbh.
Steve Kaless
Roar Guru
On another note, just got a tip Brian Noble was heading to Australia to look for an NRL job. Intriguing. Souths? Perhaps Burgess has had a word in the ear of Russell.
Fez's are cool
Guest
You have to remember the entire Dragons squad has had at least 1-2 weeks off rested in the last 5 rounds. They have been gunning for a strong run in the finals since origin ended. The minor premiership was nice, but not the goal. Wayne will have them firing on all cylinders against a depleted Manly. Its the Dragons match to lose rather than Manly's to win. St George by more than 18 points.
Fez's are cool
Guest
St George by +18.
Steve Kaless
Roar Guru
Only there to cheer on the underdog and your opponent hardly wins over the neutral. How grim are things when you have to spend a Sunday arvo cheering on the Sea Eagles. My only prediction is it will be much closer than predicted....but the Sea Eagles need Foran and Watmough. I also hope the dozen or so Eagles fans who make the trip over the Habour Bridge do have their cameras ready to record the moment.
Hutchoman
Roar Pro
I'll look forward to having you in our corner on Sunday afternoon Steve.
Ken
Guest
They've been playing pretty desperate sides over the last month though with their own position basically sown up - I think winning 4 from 5 in that situation is OK.Over Newcastle and Souths - both teams with some talent who could have stayed in the finals race by winning - they blew them away early before turning the motors off (although they did have to turn them back on again against the Knights). I think they're ready to raise their game in the finals, I'm actually a little disappointed in how weak their first round opponent is though, a chance that it could cloud their thinking - although I'm sure Bennett is prepared for that. The idea that the Dragons are poor finalists is a beat-up, there is an undeniable fact that they haven't won the premiership in 30 years but equally they have very rarely been favourites to take it out. Most years they've been more like the Raiders (this year) or Parra (last year), that come home with the afterburners on but just haven't made it.
berra boy
Guest
thanks Gareth - masters complete ;) it'll be close but if campo makes it his mission to stop Gordon the way he stopped Isreal then we'll be in a pretty good position I reckon.
Gareth
Guest
Berra Boy - The two highest placed winners get a week off, and there's no chance of us falling into that category, but the other two Week 1 winners get home finals, with the lowest ranked winner playing the highest ranked loser. So if we assume the Dragons beat Manly and Raiders beat Penrith, then we'll play whoever loses out of the Titans/Warriors game. But we have to beat the Panthers first. ;)
Gareth
Guest
One thing that stands out for me - in the last three games, the Dragons have won 2/3, but their opposition have racked up 24.6 points on average. Their "miserly defense" ensured the average points conceded remained in single figures up until Round 9 and ultimately kept the tally at 10.7 points conceded on average from their first 21 games - so where has it gone? They'll obviously consider themselves very fortunate to be facing a busted Manly team whose defense has been very unlike previous years, but I think it will come down to whether a sense of complacence can trump the usual "omigod finals" mentality the Dragons seem to adopt every September just prior to falling in a heap. Whatever happens, I'm predicting it will bear more of a resemblance to a typical Toyota Cup game than NRL Finals footy.
berra boy
Guest
i thought we (canberra) got the home final as we finished higher than Manly? I apologise profusely for not being totally across McIntyre Strucy, hope to complete my masters this year ;)
Gob Bluth
Guest
You don't to pick your opponents from the teams eliminated from the finals series. Why not just ask to play the Sharks?
Strucy
Guest
I don't understand what you want to happen? If Sea-eagles win, they get a home final and if they lose their out. Surely you understand how the McIntyre system works in the NRL, it's been the same for the last 10 years.
berra boy
Guest
please please please. Raiders beat Panthers and get a home final against a battered sea eagles... a man can dream
Mals
Roar Rookie
Steve, I hope Manly can slay the Dragons on Sunday! They will need a fast start though & a much better attitude in defence if they are to stop leaking points especially in the 2nd half. Manly should chance their arm & throw the ball around - if it works good if it doesn't at least they had a go.