FULL TIME SCORE: Canterbury 28-4 Melbourne
Powerful performance from the Bulldogs today, as they take a 24-point victory over the Storm. The game was well and truly won in the first half, as the Dogs put on four unanswered tries to put the game away before the 40th minute. As good as the Bulldogs were today, the Storm were just as bad, putting in one of their worst performances in a long while. They did improve in the second stanza, but certainly not up to their usual lofty standards.
Channel 9 gave the MOTM to James Graham today, and I have to agree with them there. Just a strong, workmanlike game from the English forward, and he’ll be key if they’re to beat the Sea Eagles next week.
For mine, I think the Dogs are a very real chance of knocking over the boys from Brookvale next weekend. That’s all from me today, thanks for joining me for Sunday afternoon football.
It’s NRL finals time, and we finish the weekend with a big elimination final clash between the Melbourne Storm and the Canterbury Bulldogs. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:10pm (AEST).
Melbourne booked a home final with a 10-point victory over the Broncos last weekend.
They’ve been in pretty good form, although they aren’t exactly red hot, with a loss to the in-form Roosters their only blemish over the past month.
They’ll be hoping for a big crowd on a Sunday afternoon with no AFL in Melbourne on that day.
If any team has reversed into the finals this year, it is the Bulldogs. Coming off six losses in their last eight starts, they quickly saw their top four credentials disappear as the losses piled up over the closing stages of the competition.
A trip to Melbourne could be a bridge too far for a team that lead the competition earlier this season.
Melbourne have one massive in for this weekend, with Bryan Norrie returning to the starting line up.
They have a six man bench for this clash, with Dayne Weston and Justin O’Neill added.
Cameron Smith has been under an injury cloud all week, and though it’s likely he’ll play, it’s hard to see how he will be at 100 per cent after being in a moon boot all week.
His addition, though, does add plenty of finals experience and big match temperament to the Storm, however, so it’s a no-brainer to play him, whether he’s fully fit or not.
Canterbury are bringing a seven-man bench to Melbourne, as they look to find the outfit that can pull them out of their form slump.
The hard-working Dale Finucane returns for this clash, and looks to be a key part of their 17. Harlan Alaalatoa and Pat O’Hanlon join Finucane on the extended bench.
Prediction
Two months ago this prediction would have gone the other way. As it stands, the Storm are a real chance of making another preliminary final this year, and they’ll like their chances to kick off the Finals with a good win over the Bulldogs.
Storm by 14.
Join The Roar at 4:10pm for live scores and commentary, and don’t be afraid to join in the banter.
JayBob
Guest
I think Melbourne would have beat Manly yeh, with Ballin out. Not saying Dogs will win but if they play like that can't see Manly having a chance. Might be a 'flash in the pan performance" but imo it's just a new competition, everyone brings a different game to the finals, especially the Dogs. They always have and now with Des it's probably amplified because he loves to have tricks up his sleeve, as we seen on the weekend. He just broke everyone's radar as well.
Grant Freeman
Guest
Forget the so-called disrespect apparently shown by Michael Ennis on the Australian captain... An unbelievable rant from both Gould and Ray Warren about the video ref eventually getting the correct decision to disallow a try during the game was shameful and a real gut full to handle for both my wife and I. I must add I normally enjoy their commentaries. I have since listened to the commentary from the Fox sports team and believe in this finals game, they are superior and do show a greater respect for the officials and our great Game. Why can't we have a choice?
steveng
Roar Rookie
Flash in the pan Bulldogs performance and I'm not writing them off but what do you think that the Roosters and Manly are just going to let the Cows and Bulldogs do to them what they did to the Broncos and the Storm, don't think so, next week will be great games (if the Bulldogs turn up with this kind of a performance they did against the Storm) but there is too much experience in the Roosters for them to go down back to back. But as far as Manly are concerned, take your pick.
The Barry
Guest
Whoop there it is...
Fairy fairfax
Roar Rookie
No.
Muzz
Guest
Is that a kicking tee in your pocket or are you just happy to see me ?
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
"Sound like someone you know?" almost everyone on the league forums :)
Arthur Beatsons Mum
Guest
One of the more common symptoms is their excessive suspiciousness and hostility may be expressed in overt argumentativeness, in recurrent complaining, or by quiet, apparently hostile aloofness. Sound like someone you know?
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
I heard a cospiracy that your not Artie's mum!
fiver
Guest
Can't believe how bad Melbourne was. It's not like the big 3 are their only good players either, look at the rest of that line up. On the other hand where has this Dogs team been the last 8-9 weeks?
Arthur Beatsons Mum
Guest
Conspiracy theorists are really just suffering from a paranoid personality disorder. Having said that. Its does not mean that nobody is out to get you.
Glenn Innes
Guest
I would not be at all suprised if this turns into a freakish once maybe in a lifetime event in which no team from the top four makes the Grand Final.I think a North Queenland Canterbury Grand Final is a very realistic prospect.
The spectator
Guest
I wander who's hand it is! :-)
john badseed
Guest
I'll have what you're having sunshine
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
really? there are people talking about conspiracy theories every week in the league forums and those that use logic and common sense and can see that there are no conspiracies are morons?
Renegade
Guest
I'll give you even better odds if you're willing to give away money like that!
Muzz
Guest
What are you on, john ? : ) Well done Dogs but i have to say i was really looking forward to a Storm v Manly clash. Not the best year for the big 3 banana benders.
Magic Sponge
Guest
manly for the premiership
johnnno1
Guest
Could we have an end to the childish, immature 'tin foil hat' rubbish? All that garbage was started by that craig joubert moron who puts it in nearly every comment he makes.
eagleJack
Guest
Your boys were great in the first half today TB. Turn up like that next week and you win. But the Dogs have been as hot and cold as Manly the past couple of months. So who knows. I'd given up on the NRL after Friday night. Went along to the Wallabies last night assuming the Roosters would flog the Panthers. But my interest has very much been renewed! Now I just need for Manly to remember how to play!