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The 2012 NRL finals series kicks off with a blockbuster as minor premiers the Canterbury Bulldogs host reigning premiers the Manly Sea Eagles. Join us for NRL live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEST.
After experiencing a hiccup against Canberra a fortnight ago, Canterbury returned to winning ways last week, thumping the Roosters to secure their first minor premiership in 20 years.
The minor premiership is just reward for a Bulldogs side that under coach Des Hasler, went on a 12 match winning streak that included victories over class outfits such as Melbourne, Manly, North Queensland, South Sydney, Brisbane and Cronulla.
Canterbury’s opponents however also possess winning momentum.
Manly has won its past six matches with their last loss coming ironically against the Bulldogs back in round 20.
Despite their winning run, the Sea Eagles have struggled to string two halves of football together in recent weeks and can ill-afford to lower their intensity against Canterbury tonight.
Prediction
The opening 20 minutes of tonight’s contest should be enthralling to say the least. Both teams love to blow their opposition away early, with Manly in particular possessing a strong habit of starting matches quickly.
Manly’s winning record when playing from in front is outstanding. The Sea Eagles have won 27 of their past 29 matches when they have scored the first try.
Such statistics are not surprising given that Manly possess representative class across the park. Whether it be their ball playing forwards or their electric backs, the Sea Eagles can score points from anywhere on the paddock.
For the Bulldogs to limit the Sea Eagles point scoring prowess, it is imperative that they shut down Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart and Kieran Foran.
The preceding Manly players are the most instrumental in a Sea Eagles side full of game breakers. Each possess an ability to ignite an attack from nothing with a kick, a pass or a break.
This was evident against the Titans last week, with Brett Stewart, Foran and Lyon all playing a leading hand in Manly’s four pointers.
If the Bulldogs can keep these players in check, they will go a long way to securing a preliminary final birth.
Manly on the other hand need to keep tabs on two players if they are to ensure victory against the Bulldogs.
Sam Kasiano and 2012 Dally M medallist Ben Barba are the Bulldogs most dangerous players and will tear the Sea Eagles apart if Canterbury gets a roll on up the middle.
Kasiano is incredibly strong and, along with James Graham, is the forward most likely to open up Manly’s defence with a deft offload close to Manly’s defensive line.
Barba meanwhile needs no introduction. He ranks alongside Matt Bowen and Billy Slater as the NRL’s most dangerous kick returner and will cause havoc tonight if Manly fails to produce a unified defensive line when chasing kicks.
With both teams in terrific form, predicting a winner tonight is tough.
If the Bulldogs can stick with Manly for the opening 40 minutes, Canterbury’s home ground advantage may just prove enough to get them over the line in an epic encounter.
Bulldogs by 4