On Friday night, we will experience what the Romans witnessed back in the times when gladiators battled for life and death as the Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles enter the arena in the top of the table clash.
These two NRL heavyweights have established a strong rivalry over the past several years, including facing off in the 2007 and 2008 grand finals.
They may well meet again and look intently at each other in the eyes as they await the national anthem to conclude and the whistle to be blown in this year’s premiership decider.
Although both are assured to play finals, Manly and Melbourne still have a great deal to play for.
Des Hasler’s men can still be crowned minor premiers if they prevail in the remaining two games (Melbourne and Brisbane), but they require the Storm to go down this week and then to Sydney the following week.
If Manly succumb to the dominant Storm side and then drop the ball against the Broncos next Sunday, they could enter the finals series in third place.
After overcoming the Dragons last week in a low scoring affair (8-6), the ladder-leading Storm venture north where they will meet the second-placed Sea Eagles in the second last round before the finals kick-off.
In round 24, Manly went head-to-head with the Bulldogs and all but shut the lid on their hope of playing finals.
However, it was a game which you could say they were fortunate to win. Canterbury had their chances but in the end class prevailed.
The Storm maintains the number one ranked defence in the league as well as having the second-best attack. Further, they have come out on top five times in the past eight matches.
The Sea Eagles’ attack is the best in the business in 2011. Their defence is third-best. And they hold a 6-3 lead when playing at Brookvale.
Oh aren’t we in for a treat this Friday night?
Every moment in the 80-minutes will count, more than ever – a slip in concentration and loss of focus and the game could be lost.
Possession will be imperative.
Manly are a win away from a perfect season at home this year, which gives them an edge playing host to the Storm. Another key factor in Friday’s night clash is the absence of Cooper Cronk, who also missed the St George match last week.
Melbourne have been performing at increasingly high levels this year. Cameron Smith will resemble General Maximus Decimus Meridiusin Gladiator in the opening scenes when he leads his soldiers to triumph over the Germanic tribes.
On Friday night, Brookvale will transform into the Colosseum and the two finest gladiators of the year will charge into battle.
You play Emperor; thumbs up for Manly or thumbs down for Melbourne?
A Melbourne Storm 16-10 victory for me.
deucer
Guest
The NRL will have to negotiate with whoever wins the next rights to show live games in non NRL states. They may have to forgo a bit of cash for the privilege, but AFL does it, and their games are shown live.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Hi Camscall, I will be supporting Collingwood untill 11-30 then switching to game on Foxtel. at 11-30.. not by choice, but at least Channel nine will get no ratings numbers from me. I recently read and reposted a comment that NRL are just as much at fault for Scheduling Storm games for Friday Night, they are aware of the way Ch 9 treats the fans, but continue to do it!. I have wrote to them on this subject but as usual, no reply!. Both Nine and Gallop must be replaced ASAP.
Jeff
Guest
Thanks for that Boom. I have posted and been deleted.. will just continue to attack. They have now put on asking for all comments to be placed on one post so they can be collatee.. hope people 'double up and fuill the page with criticism... lol. thanks again. I been after a fight for years.
Meesta Cool
Guest
hey Willy .. whoever named you got it right first time.. Go play with the yerself again. We do not need silly people making wanky comments about the most successful team in the League.. with almost 11.000 signed up members -- just maybe you can't count past 2 though.. I am expecting to get another silly reply about successful cheats... so don't bother with this response, I am merely a supporter, not a receiver of monies! Go Storm or Manly!!!!
NF
Guest
Good on those who posted too bad 9 won't budge no matter how hard everyone floods them they will create an 'excuse' not to show it yet here in QLD AFL games are shown between the Lions/Suns are shown live no matter what, where there are on the ladder, and no matter how badly they rate they keep showing them EVERY week. Personally, the Cowboys will be a great on Saturday FTA since majority of there games are on a Saturday it's only an idea. I read that went the Cowboys were in the intial years they were shown live in the local market then pay tv come along it be nice if all of QLD NRL teams were given the same treatment as the AFL ones Live FTA. The Storm deserves better I'm sure even sports fan can agree live coverage is the best coverage no matter the code all should be shown LIVE.
Boomshanka
Guest
Poor old Channel Nine can't remove these posts fast enough. Social Media working (well until the posts disappear) - maintain the rage! http://www.facebook.com/Channel9?sk=wall&filter=1 http://www.facebook.com/wideworldofsports?sk=wall&filter=1
apaway
Guest
Couldn't agree more. Smith is the gun player for the Storm and how he didn't win the Man of the Match last week against the Dragons boggles the mind. He should come close to winning the Dally M and is like a master puppeteer around the ruck.
apaway
Guest
"Over the top" sanctioning? I don't think so. The Storm got exactly what they deserved for systematically cheating the system over an extended period. That's not a case of the NRL NOT backing the Storm, it's a case of having the guts to make a tough decision. The other points do at least have a case for the NRL to answer but not the sanctions imposed on the club.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Ah interesting Cam, send us a pic from the game :) My NRL tipping has been beyond ordinary this year, so I'll take the Storm and probably give them the kiss of death.
camcallsthegame
Roar Pro
Good to hear Tristan. I will do St Kilda and Kangaroos if you want me to as I will be sitting in row b haha. Who are you tipping Tristan? Cam.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
We'll be live blogging the game too.
camcallsthegame
Roar Pro
I reside in Melbourne also. I am a very keen AFL, NRL and union follower. I can be followed on Twitter @camcallsthegame and www.camcallsthegame.com
Boomshanka
Guest
Cam In my city (ie Melbourne - the home of the Storm) its not on until 11.30pm Channel Nine, Fox Sport or IPTV so as far as I'm concerned its not on tomorrow night. Would love to be there or even watch on a slight delay. Will have to have a news / sport embargo until I've watched the game Saturday morning.
camcallsthegame
Roar Pro
@Boom - Sea Eagles v Storm Friday Aug 26 7:35pm - Brookvale Oval Check the NRL website.
Boomshanka
Guest
Cam, its not on tomorrow night. I rather hope the Storm boys put in a no show and default the game it would send the best message to Channel Nine and the NRL muppets that there is interest outside NSW and QLD.
camcallsthegame
Roar Pro
I enjoy reading the last few comments. Complaining and further complaining will only go so far and you need much more than one person to change the situation. Rather let's focus on the game. first vs second - let's enjoy the game. Sport has gone so far down the business side that we sometimes get to carried away. Enjoy the game tomorrow night.
apaway
Guest
We could get into a spirited discussion over the merits of the Sea Eagles, Oikee, but until Melbourne came along, they were the club everyone loved to hate, especially when they started winning again. Tomorrow night will be a sellout, muddy wet banks and all!
Boomshanka
Guest
I look forward to Melbourne hosting Mr Gallop and his entourage. Make him stay in Melbourne during the finals series and have him try and follow his competition.
Ben
Guest
Bad refereeing decisions, forward passes, lopsided penalty count and above all CONTROVERSIAL tries Manly have to win.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
You guys are right, this should be an absolute cracker. Just checked, 11:30pm Perth time, will definitely try and make sure I catch it.