I must first apologise for that poor Apocalypse Now reference but I am just a little excited. This is the time of year that every league fan loves and this year’s finals series promises a great deal.
There are some very interesting match-ups in this week’s games.
Manly Sea Eagles versus South Sydney Rabbitohs promises to be a beauty. Most believe that South Sydney are going to win. They should start favourites with the injuries that Manly have and the fact it is effectively played at Souths’ home ground.
I feel that if Manly’s forwards, led by Brenton Lawerence and Anthony Watmough, can just compete and limit the impact of the Burgess Brothers and Issac Luke, the Manly backline may be able to guide their side to unlikely victory. Souths by 4.
Sydney Roosters versus Penrith Panthers has been billed as a match of the glamour boys versus the battlers. This game is also Anthony Minichiello’s 300th, which means he is just a game behind Luke Ricketson to achieve the most appearances for the Roosters.
Both teams have a number of players out, I don’t think that this will detract from the game. With two halfbacks in career-best form and two of the best young coaches in the NRL, this should be a fantastic game. I think the Roosters will prove to be to strong against the boys from the foot of the mountains. Roosters by 8.
North Queensland Cowboys versus Brisbane Broncos will be a Queensland derby – the little brother up against the big brother. The Cowboys are in hot form and perhaps this may be their greatest chance to end their premiership drought.
I think this game will be closer then some have predicted. The Broncos welcome back Sam Thaiday – a huge boost for the Brisbane side – though they will be without Jack Reed. Reed will be replaced by Corey Oates.
This game will be very close and may come down to one piece of brilliance. Cowboys by 4.
Melbourne Storm versus Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs will be a 2012 grand final rematch. The Bulldogs have been struggling with some very poor performances in recent times and the loss to the Titans must have dented their confidence.
The Storm enter the match with Cam Smith under an injury cloud. Even if Smith misses the game, which is unlikely given how tough he is, I think the Storm will win and win well. Storm by 12.
Jacks
Roar Guru
Thank you Max, this weekend is truly an exciting time for league fans, Lismore great part of the world
MAX
Guest
I can barely contain my excitement to witness the next 4 weeks. The Finals format has changed over the years but this is the 68th anniversary of my falling in love with Rugby League in '45. The game just gets better and better. The articles from Rookie to Expert have done the occasion proud. Best wishes to all at Lismore, a great part of Australia.
Knightblues
Roar Guru
South's will roll through Manly tonight, cant see the sea eagles providing much opposition in the second half, the South's monster pack will crush them, South's are ready for a big win and this will be it. Love to see the panthers get up, but too many injury's have cruelled their chances, and the Roosters are just way too slick, fast and tough, looking forward to this game the most of all but to see how Soward handles this. The QLD final, Cowboys over Broncos no contest here, Broncos have heart but not quick enough for the cowboys. Storm and Bulldogs will be a close affair, cant pick a clear winner, but I'm backing the dogs just because of players like Graham, he is an amazing forward. Also Des and Bellamy will have both of them revved up at their spitting against glass best, this is a truly excellent finals series to kick off with. So going with in the Prelims - Souths, Easts, Nth Qld, Canterbury.