It is looking increasingly likely Billy Slater will be cleared to play fullback for Australia in Saturday’s World Cup decider against New Zealand at Old Trafford.
And if that’s the case, the Kiwis must put him under enormous pressure throughout in a bid to force a fumble or missed tackle close to the line.
Slater has been battling a knee problem since the Aussies blitzed USA in the quarters. He means a heck of a lot to the Kangaroo team and if he can be corralled or at least put off his game, more power to the Kiwis.
In the back of Billy’s mind will be the blunder he made back in the Cup final of 2008.
A wayward pass near his own goal-line was pounced on by Benji Marshall for a decisive Kiwi try.
This is the final most league fans craved and I have no doubt it is going to be a classic.
Australia have been extremely methodical – brilliant when needed in attack and miserly in defence – and it is clear they will be prepared to do anything to wrestle the trophy back from NZ.
They outmuscled and ultimately outplayed Fiji in their semi and look to be primed for a huge game.
The Kiwis can play the physical game as well. They absorbed plenty from a fired-up England in their semi-final and probed patiently for the winning break, which came 20 seconds from full time.
I loved it to bits and I’m sure Tim Sheens and his men would have noted the Kiwis’ ability to post points when they were needed most in that game.
There are many great players on show in the tournament decider and all of the ingredients are there to put on a real showpiece.
Sonny Bill Williams, crowned International Player of the Year this week, will spearhead the New Zealand charge.
He’ll be prominent in the heavy defence work early on and, as the game unfolds, I expect him to create havoc on the edge.
And then there’s Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. What a player this young man is going to be! I’m delighted he has been cleared of injury and we will all see what he can do on the biggest international stage.
For the Kangaroos, I am anticipating another rousing game from Jarryd Hayne.
He was magnificent against the Fijians and looks perfectly at home in the centres. His combination with Greg Inglis is potentially frightening but I have a hunch their Kiwi opposites, Dean Whare and Bryson Goodwin, will hand in the defensive games of their lives.
New Zealand’s tougher game leading into the final will count for a lot and I’m tipping the Kiwis to win the trophy again, six points should do the trick.
Footnote: Last week, the wily old Wizard wanted to see how alert Roar readers were and wrote Samoa – instead of Tonga – would make the final four.
You passed with flying colours. I can’t fool you guys for a second.
(Seriously, I stuffed up, I was wrong and I humbly apologise.)
But there will be no need for apologies this week. Go you mighty Kiwis!
Dave
Guest
pity the KIWI's didn't have the first thriteen then hey
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
It most certainly does Damien or should ... When a contract is signed, it should be binding, by both parties ... Except for extreme circumstances and then the contact should only be allowed to be altered at the permission of the NRL, not simply because a player decides he wants to change THE DEAL, with a pay increase, a change of heart, club or different sport ... If the contract has a behaviour policy written into it, which all should, then the player should be suspended, given professional assistance and then if the behaviour continues be suspended from playing for the remainder of the contract, without the privilege of cancelling it simply to play for another team ... No club should be permitted to seek a transfer of a player mid-season - The player should commit to their contract and so should the club ... So if the Bronco's want to talk to Cam Smith's management about him playing in 2015 that's ok, as long as Smith doesn't start playing with them until then ... Some players don't give a fig about being "a one club player", others do ... Club and rugby league fans and supporters expect better then that, always have ... I get it that money is power, but it disappoints me when money is the most important aspect of sportsman's career ... The Storm owe Smith, Slater and Cronk little, they gave them a chance of a career and they have paid it back in spades and have given back to their league community - PAID THEIR DUES ... It's obvious they feel privileged to be part of the club and it's short history, success or not ... What I'd be disappinted with is if at the end of their contracts, that RESPECT wasn't the first priority for them and the Storm ...
Damien
Roar Guru
"No sportsman or women who doesn’t commit to their respective sport or club, or use it as nothing more than a gold mine or a stepping stone, rather than a designation of passion and desire, should expect to receive the same respect or rewards as those who give back to that sport all their life" Does this mantra work the other way round ?. Like when a club uses and abuses a player then cuts them while still contracted when someone better comes on the market.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
And Dan, you're entitled to think like that and add the expletives - I hope that makes you feel a whole lot better ... Just hope SBW is worth the paper his 1 year contract is written on, and unlike most after being thrust into the spotlight and being put on the league podium, loses his crowning glory and decides it's best to be a homing pidgeon, rather than a Rooster, and takes flight back to "The Land of the Long White Cloud" before next year ends ... If Slater, Cronk or Smith does that it would disappoint me just as much ... No sportsman or women who doesn't commit to their respective sport or club, or use it as nothing more than a gold mine or a stepping stone, rather than a designation of passion and desire, should expect to receive the same respect or rewards as those who give back to that sport all their life ... That 's not saying SBW is not a talented footballer, I've never adhered to that - would he agree with my philosophy ??? Perhaps, as he seemed quite bewildered at receiving the WC award this week ... Good luck to the Roosters for 2014 ... It's a difficult task for any team to win back to back - Perhaps you and SBW will prove me wrong ??? GO THE MIGHTY STORM BOYS !!!!
Dan
Guest
Speak for yourself. As a Roosters fan I'm f###ing ecstatic with his form this season and would happily see him win all the accolades out there.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
2013 RLWC Final Off the site - Rugby League Planet Nov 30th 2.30pm Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2 (World Cup Final) Kick-off time: 2.30pm (Local Time), Sydney (Australia - New South Wales) Sunday, 1 December 2013 at 1:30:00 AM, Brisbane (Australia - Queensland) Sunday, 1 December 2013 at 12:30:00 AM, Auckland (New Zealand) Sunday, 1 December 2013 at 3:30:00 AM, New York (U.S.A. - New York) Saturday, 30 November 2013 at 9:30:00 AM, Apia (Samoa) Sunday, 1 December 2013 at 4:30:00 AM, Paris (France) Saturday, 30 November 2013 at 3:30:00 PM, Rarotonga (Cook Islands) Saturday, 30 November 2013 at 4:30:00 AM, Nukualofa (Tonga)Sunday, 1 December 2013 at 3:30:00 AM, Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) Sunday, 1 December 2013 at 12:30:00 AM, Rome (Italy) Saturday, 30 November 2013 at 3:30:00 PM
jeznez
Roar Guru
Any idea where I can watch the game in Hong Kong? Setanta showed the NRL and Origin but haven't shown any of this tournament.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Max you have 4-0 NRL champions that is pretty good. How many Origin players have you got?
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Moody Muzz ??? :-D ... I didn't lose much sleep last night, but I'm certainly channelling my excitement to the boys in England today ... So on that note:- "RAISE 'EM UP" and may "THE STARS FALL 4 U" and the boys wearing Green and Gold ...
Muzz
Guest
Sorry about the mud trooper you know i get a moody when someone gives Sonny a hard time,a bit like you and Billy.....Thanks for the KU update : ) Couldn't sleep last night,so pumped for the final....Im not a fan of Choc but all the best to him.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Muzzy - FACT - He is going to UNION in 2015 ... Please keep your shirt on mate - Sonny takes his off far too much - I'm into league, not beautiful bodies ... I'm not saying he isn't a nice fellow - I'm disappointed you have chosen to get down in the mud - Forgiving is part and parcel of moving on, not everyone is good at that - I just don't believe the players you adhered to committed a crime - Innocent until proven guilty - (I won't regress) - I don't know SONNY at all - He presents well, PERFECTION ??? A lot like Muhammad Ali - PRETTY - It was said no one layed a glove on him ... Is that because Ali was more skillful or tactful ??? SBW hasn't had enough years in League to be compared to any of the games greats or champions of the last 10 years, for my mind - HIS LEAVING CAUSED GREAT PAIN, I hope no one gives him too much credit when he does that again in twelve months ... He will never be in the Hall of Fame or an Immortal - he's admired more by women for his phsyical stature rather then his leagueability ... I'm not saying he can't play or that he isn't an athlete, it's obvious he loves lifting weights and you do have to be fit to be a professional boxer (of which he hasn't really raised the bar there either) ... Next you'll be heralding Anthony Mundiine as some great inspiration for our future league players to look up too ... GIVE ME A BREAK !!! I'm just praying that the Aussie boys - FUSE - tonight !!! On that note:- KU had his 16th #1 in the USA this week - "We Were Us" ... Now that's what I'm talkin' about !!! WIN, WIN, WIN !!! LUCKY CHARM - "ROLL THE DICE ... WE CAN'T LOSE" !!!
Muzz
Guest
Poster Boy?? are you serious?? google his sporting achievments,they are MIND BLOWING !!! show some respect as you always say : ) and who's to say he will be leaving. Would you say Storms small little tiny 4 year salary cap breach may have been using and abusing the greatest game of all??
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Exactly Mike - SBW nothing more than a POSTER BOY of World Rugby League ... 12 more months and he'll be heading to UNION ??? As a fan, that leaves me cold and angry - I want the NRL Poster Boy to be a league stalwart !!! Not a user or abuser of the Greatest Game of All ...
Mike from tari
Guest
Williams completely outplayed by Big Sammy Burgess, then wins the Player of the Year a few days later, bit of a joke really.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Here's an optimistic story for you:- 42 years ago my older brother (62) was engaged to a girl who he believed was the "love of his life" ... They parted ways and both went on to marry, have children and divorce ... Two years ago they reunited and on December 14 they will are tying the knot ... I believe in "living in the moment", "the circle of life", "the power of love", "destiny" and "having faith" ... And, if you listen closely to Keith Urban's songs, so does he - Billy Slater too I suspect ... Keith Urban's father changed the family name from Urbahn - meaning "Great Train" ... I think you and other music lovers in Oz should take a ride on it next June ... :-)
Muzz
Guest
Mr Moody : ))) I promise i'll shut up if we win....Nice song and resonates with me as i was that stupid boy allowing the love of my life to hop on a plane and fly back to Perth.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
I didn't say you where confused - Mr Moody !!! It's obvious it's those people who keep saying 'balanced team' who are confused - Me too ??? There's a whole lot of inbalance in sport and in sporting teams - coaches, fans whatever !!! If you care too, and I don't care if you don't - Youtube - Keith Urban - Stupid Boy - brillliant !!! Tickets for his Aussie concerts go on sale through Ticketek - My hubby said we can either go to Townsville 14/6 or Melbourne 25/6 (which just so happens to be ours and Keith and Nicole's wedding anniversary) - The Slater family might go too ??? Hopefully, if all the stars align, the NRL draw will fit right into those plans ... :-) Hope the stars align for you Muzz and for the Aussie's on Sunday morning too ... "Just a little piece of peace, when the mountain gets to high to steep to climb" - Digby Richards (a fav Aussie singer of mine from the 70's) ... Listening to Channel 10 news - not great for league again, apparently ...
Muzz
Guest
Im not confused at all,just sick of hearing about "Tim Sheens has picked a BALANCED team",you couldn't possibly have an unbalanced Australian team with the players that are in the squad playing any combination in their respected position....I have been listening to a bit of K U today but doubt i'll tell my mates : )
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Muzz, the confusion is based around hype - "Best Player in the World" ... "World Cup Team of the Year" ... "Golden Boot" ... "Face of the Game", "Poster Boy" not "Golden Boy" ... It confuses some - and then you add the commentators and sports journalists - why's and wherefores ... How strange that Slater, Cronk, JT and Smith for instance aren't in the WC Team and yet they are the first selected in the Australian squad along with GI, who according to the Australian coach is only the Green and Gold's fullback's deputy and DCE did not win Australia's Dally M and although he made the WC Team as Half Back, he's sits on the bench or may not even play in the WC Final, ??? Surely no one can honestly say or believe that Isaac Luke is the World's best #9 or that Brough out-plays Johnathan Thurston on any given day. JT has earned 3 Man of the Matches including the game against England and he didn't make the WC Team - Perhaps the MOM awards are jubious, regardless of what the expert opinion believes ... I can't wait for the end of 2014 and the back lash SBW gets when he returns to UNION ??? The proof will be in the pudding at the WC in 2017 ... :-/ ... The best we can do is enjoy the World Cup while we can - Who knows what tomorrow will bring ??? Breaking News - Keith Urban tours Australia in June - Sydney on June 21st (just incase you're not doing anything else that night) :-D ... Support Australian products !!!
Muzz
Guest
Could someone please explain to me what a unbalanced Australian team would look like based on any combination of players that are in the squad and are picked in positions where they have played and performed well in the past.