You may have 90% of yourself committed to caring about the remaining weeks of the season, but I bet there’s a little part of you that was more interested in Australia’s fortunes in the cricket this week.
Still, even the most bitter rugby league fan wouldn’t be ready to dig the six stitcher out of the pile of summer sports gear in the garage just yet.
So, how do you decide who to throw your support behind when your team is gone?
Who is the neutral team in this finals series?
Do you follow the tried and tested path of backing the side your boys lost to? At least then you can say your club lost to the eventual winners, so being knocked out in week one or two of the finals series wasn’t that bad.
Perhaps you follow your pocket. I know a couple of people who’ve had some substantial money on the Collingwood/Melbourne premiership double since the pre-season. Granted that’s not entirely daring, but it’s still a pretty good reason to get behind the Storm.
Brisbane must be the sentimental favourites.
As if the Darren Lockyer retirement story wasn’t good enough we now have plates in his head and a helicopter involved!
That’s right, a helicopter. The Broncos captain was told not get on an aeroplane in his condition, so the club chartered a chopper to fly him to Sydney at low altitude. And you thought playing just days after breaking his cheekbone was going to the coolest part of his farewell party.
I imagine there wouldn’t be too many people upset at the sight of Lockyer holding up the premiership trophy at ANZ Stadium.
Manly seem quite happy to play the villain in this story. Coach Des Hasler has already revealed he’s not expecting any supporters from Sydney clubs to jump ship for the next couple of weeks.
The Warriors are an interesting one. It’s hard to dislike them, mainly because no-one really considered them a threat.
Now, who knows what they’re capable of? I don’t even think departing coach Ivan Cleary really knows what he’s going to get from his side after he sends them out onto the park.
It’s usually a case of rocks and diamonds from the Warriors and most of the time in the same match.
That leaves Melbourne. Is it a feel good story if the Storm win 12 months after being punished for trampling all over the salary cap? Or does it leave a bitter taste in your mouth?
Regardless, it has been an amazing effort from coach Craig Bellamy to build a spare parts side around Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith.
So, who are you getting behind in the next fortnight and why?
Adrien2166
Guest
i dont know sorry...i'll watch the wigan vs catalans game in a pub on sunday.
Meesta Cool
Guest
The McIntyre system works. NRL fund raiser games got rid of the 'pretenders' and 3 of the top 4 teams play off in the qualifying final!. Perfect. Manly, Storm and Brisbane deserve to be premiers, I have a soft spot for Warriors, but the did finish off the pace and did get hammered in round 1.
David Heidelberg
Guest
That is my problem, the season is effectively over.
David Heidelberg
Guest
Tradition
go warriors
Guest
good point adrien2166 that would be fantastic for rugby league. Do know where you can watch the english super league in Australia. Is there any channels that are showing it.
Adrien2166
Guest
the warriors to win the NRL and the catalans to win the ESL ! that'd be great for rugby league!
WayneO
Guest
Go the mighty Sea Eagles.........It's our year again!!!
Rugby realist
Guest
Warriors would be a real boost for league. However, I cant see them doing it. Its a shame because the likely Manly v Storm final is a real turn-off.
apaway
Guest
Look, I get that neither of them are well-liked but doesn't a possible Melbourne-Manly Grand Final throw up some interesting scenarios? I mean, the clubs clearly don't like each other and are probably champing at the bit to resume hostilities after the "Battle Of Brookvale." But in a strange way, they are united in their (perceived) hostility of David Gallop (misplaced as it is) I've got an oar in the water on this still, but wouldn't a GF between 1st and 2nd from the regular season be the best hope for "neutrals?"
kovana
Guest
Why do you want the ABs to lose?
Big Time
Guest
I am totally basing my support on what would be best for Rugby League. If Warriors win the GF right in the middle of the World Cup, it would be great for League in NZ.
Mals
Guest
Suck it up Will! ;-) Go Manly!!!
Johnno
Guest
Mārohirohi Warriors.
Will Sinclair
Guest
Agree with everything you say mate. But you're left with Champion Whingers Manly... and I can't support them. Which leaves me with nothing except to deny it's even happening.
all7days
Roar Guru
So if the 2 teams below you lose then all 3 should be eliminated? Or do you prefer a Quarter/Semi/Grand final type system? I could follow you on that.
all7days
Roar Guru
Also I'm hoping for a Warriors/Vulcans/Warriors U20 trifecta :)
peeeko
Roar Guru
I hate nz the least but can't go for them as I don't believe they deserve to win- if you come 6th and then get belted in week one of the ffinals that should be the end of you. I hate Melbourne because of past indiscrepancies and they are full of Queensland origin players and I hate the broncos as they have an unfair advantage over other teams (being the only team in a city of 2mln). I guess that leaves manly, I believe the roosters now hold the silvertails tag.
all7days
Roar Guru
Both my teams are still in. I supported the Broncos before the Warriors were around and then switched. The Broncos still have a place in my heart, so I'm going for a Warriors/Broncos final. I hate Manly because they make it so easy. I hate the Storm because they are the Warriors rival team.
Ken
Guest
I find it easiest to follow the Warriors from here too. They're fun to watch when they're playing well and unlike Brisbane, Manly and Melbourne I don't have any reason to feel dirty cheering them on. Brisbane would be probably be next because of Lockyer's retirement but I've hated them for so long I don't think I can change now. Always good to see an underdog get up too - so Warriors for the title in 2011.
Will Sinclair
Guest
None of them - they're all duds. I'll be pretending the NRL season is already over. It'll be like 2009 and 2007, when no side won the NRL.