Thanks to the ARLC, we once again have some delectable matchups in week one of the NRL finals. For the masses of confused souls reading this article, sweating in all the wrong places over their tips, allow me to illuminate the darkness.
Manly are the best team in the competition, playing their best football. They will defeat Canterbury, an undeniably good team playing good football – but not great.
Manly will dominate in the halves and contain Canterbury’s ballplaying giants, testing their lateral movement in defence through Brett Stewart.
Souths vs Melbourne is a nightmare to pick, I know. When one looks at talent spread across the important positions, Souths should win this game.
But that doesn’t take into account the teams working as a unit – and in this Melbourne have the finest of edges.
The Rabbitohs benefit from individuals punching holes in the opposition – Inglis, Taylor, Sutton, Luke.
The Storm have the ability to contain each of these players to a large enough extent that they can then combine to get ahead of the Bunnies at the other end.
Gareth Widdop’s ability to pull defensive attention away from the Storm’s big three will be crucial.
Melbourne in a thriller.
Canberra have the roll right now – this game is a classic contest of talent vs grit.
Grit wins. I expect Shane Flanagan to have Cronulla playing an airtight brand of football. Canberra have not been tested in an arm wrestle during this run, winning on the back of their attacking talent.
Although they’ve got two very good props who provide a strong platform, they haven’t been asked to work with a high level of discipline for eighty minutes.
This is the Sharks big winnable game in 2012. They will win away and get bumped out next week.
Finally, Broncos vs Cowboys, with Brisbane being in the unfamiliar position of underdog.
The Cowboys, as mentioned in this column several weeks ago, are the dark horse. They have fantastic power and go-forward, one of the greatest halves of all time and an excellent fullback and three-quarters.
There’s no reason why they can’t beat anyone if they choose to defend with commitment.
Brisbane’s lack of gamebreaking ability in its halves, hooker and fullback positions has been exposed. Josh Hoffmann has regressed since last season.
This is also a team that lacks hunger, playing well in spurts and being generally disinterested ther rest of the time. The Cowboys have long been the kid brother. I expect them to stand up this weekend.
So there it is – Melbourne, Manly, Cronulla, Cowboys. Gamble responsibly and buy Burbank a new car with your winnings.
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