The Sydney Roosters have been a quality side all season, who like most successful sides in the past, built a foundation for success in defence.
Eyebrows were raised at their loss to the Gold Coast Titans in the run in to the finals, but their round 26 win against the South Sydney Rabbitohs silenced any critics.
That performance was dominant, and they continued where they left off with a tremendous defensive effort in the 4-0 defeat of Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in week one of the finals.
The win highlighted the defence of the Roosters and established them as premiership favourites.
However, they face a very different threat in the form of the dark horses: Newcastle Knights.
In successive weeks, the Knights eliminated both the 2012 grand finalists, starting with a strong defensive performance in the defeat of the Brisbane Bulldogs.
They then proved their mettle with a strong performance against the Melbourne Storm and came up winners for the first time at AAMI Park.
Under the mentorship of master coach Wayne Bennett, Newcastle’s mix of experience and youth has nothing to lose; something that will worry the Roosters.
Nonetheless, the Roosters will have faith in their forward pack led by Sonny Bill Williams, while their strong backline would look to keep the Knights at bay.
The defensive effort against Manly was incredible, and should a similar performance be produced by the Roosters, they should get the win.
But you can never underestimate the Knights, who will be determined to send club legend Danny Buderus out on a high in his last season.
Newcastle’s backline is a machine, and with origin players in Darius Boyd, Akuila Uate and James McManus, they know how to score points.
Combined with the Bennet factor, Newcastle have certainly got a chance but they will need a herculean effort to overcome the Roosters.
Tip: Knights by 4
Lemuel
Guest
Spot on. You are the real Roar Expert!
Lemuel
Guest
Jerry your comments make us PNGans look stupid. The Aussies are reading your comments. Try to spell names correctly and and stop spelling words like you are texting your girlfriend. If you want to spell Jarryd Haynes name incorrectly, I suggest you dont talk too much about PNG. We Papua New Guineans know our Rugby League well enough to know how to spell NRL Superstars names correctly. :-)
jerry tingke
Guest
if u are close by, go and kiss mic jenings boots...ahhh
bob
Guest
Everyone was saying Souths will beat Manley, which didn't happen. Now they're all saying Knights to beat Roosters. Again, that isn't going to happen. Still will be an interesting game, but with Hargreaves back the Roosters forwards will finally get a roll-on (which they have trouble with against Manley, yet still won). Once they get a roll-on in the forwards then the back-line will take advantage and it'll be an easy win. Let's not forget that the Roosters have beaten both Manly and Souths in the last 2 games. So that means they've already beaten the other grand finalist. Knights have just beaten the 2 grand finalists from last year, which is irrelevant since neither of those 2 teams were at the form they were last year. Both teams were fatigued and weren't firing.
sam
Guest
It was no mistake that Newcastle have peaked when they have. Has Wayne Bennett silenced his critic,yes. Do the Knights have the cattle,yes. Finals footy comes down to game planning, particularly time management and manly showed that last night. If the knights defend well and let the points come when the opportunity comes they will win
Lemuel
Guest
Sorry tru. :-) Knights ba winim ol 1 sait. Laikim na Gudnight.
jerry tingke
Guest
mate, if u are a knights fan, pls post ur comments on the article,.. u are intimidatin me.
Alex
Guest
Doggies arent the same team as last year, barba getting injured/ not in the same form so ho much can you really chalk up that win? Roosters beat doggies with SBW at 5/8 so thats saying something (btw i think SBW is amazing just not a 5/8) nd then knights beat a lethargic storm outfit who just looked tired of the long season they've had, Roosters on the other hand beat very balanced and solid souths line up and then backed it up with a slugfest reminiscence of yesteryear against the silvertails, my tip; the moore park boys will trundle up the middle all night setting a nice platform for one of the slickest backlines to wreak havoc roosters by 22
Lemuel
Guest
NEWCASTLE IS ALSO A NEW SOUTH WELSH TEAM. :-) HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT NSW AND NOT SUPPORT THE KNIGHTS? YOU MUST BE A VERY CONFUSED MAN. :-)
Lemuel
Guest
NEWCASTLE IS ALSO A NEW SOUTH WELSH TEAM. :-)
Laurie
Guest
Wayne Bennett hasn't been on the field in any of the 7 times he has coached the winning side, he has however been inside the players heads when they won, he is a huge factor.
Jezza
Guest
I'm thinking it could be a 97 grand final rematch....with the same result. But only time will tell. 7 more hours till kickoff. Bring it on.
Jezza
Guest
They may be combining 2 of their last 3 games prior to Melbourne. To include all 3, they could've just said the Brismatta Bulldogs.
jerry tingke
Guest
PNG FOR ROOSTERS AND NSW
Lemuel
Guest
Hayne was in the Paramatta Team that lost 54-6 to the Knights. Do you really watch the NRL in PNG?
Jon Saku
Guest
This is final footy anythings can happen I believe final footy pressure is not the same as any other round game played this time when you get to see players mistakes cause games to be lost or won only in final footy.
Thor
Guest
True, the Knights beat last year's two grand finalist. Fact - their defence were not formidable. Knights will be the 7th team Roosters will shut out this year. I say 18 - nil.
Jimbob
Guest
This game is an each way bet. Good Luck to both teams. I cannot separate them . As Oikee says Leave nothing left in the tank boys
jerry tingke
Guest
If the knights are to win, they need a standout player, like what Jerard Hayne did. O'wise, ROOSTERS will win by 12. JERRY PNG
Laurie
Guest
Newcastle have finally shown a bit of form, The Roosters have been doing that all season, have the Knights improved enough to knock over the form side in the comp? very interesting game coming up on Saturday, my pick if anyone is interested? whoever wins this game will take out the final.