The Rabbitohs and Panthers have been afforded the luxury of a week off, as the Roosters, Cowboys, Sea Eagles and Bulldogs fight for the right to play them for a berth in the big one on October 5.
While we should expect some decent rugby league to be played, there are a few other things this week that are as sure as death, taxes and excessive exposure for KFC due to “decisions pending”.
Here are four things that we might expect to see in the two elimination finals this week.
Late kick-offs
The scheduled start times for this week’s matches are 7:55pm and 7:45pm, but the chances of either kickoff happening at that time are about as realistic as a 100-metre intercept try by Greg Eastwood.
Budding young fans who normally go to bed at 8:30pm will be lucky if their parents let them stay up until half time.
A Cowboys conspiracy
You know how it goes, the NRL do not want North Queensland to win the premiership – ask any Cowboy.
Seven tackles, timekeeping debacles, whatever it takes, they will make sure the team from Townsville isn’t in the decider.
The Cows have already cried foul over Tariq Sims’ lengthy suspension for his very late shoulder charge on Justin Hodges. At least we may get to see JT with a skinful telling us all how it is again.
Ennis niggle
If you’re not a Bulldogs fan, you’re among the majority who become incensed with the on-field tactics of Michael Ennis.
We all know he is going to do it, but we still act aghast every week when it happens.
The scoop is he will be up to his old tricks again this week, and there is little doubt that he will be getting as good as he is giving.
A Steve Matai injury
It is the newest sensation sweeping the nation, Steve Matai injury lotto. Try and predict in which minute the robust Kiwi centre will first need attention from the Sea Eagles trainers.
He will probably look as though it is a career-ending injury or, at the very least, as though he will take no further part in the match.
However Matai is likely to not only finish the game, but also be one of his team’s best.
What are your predictions for this week?
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Jacksyd
Guest
Look in the Roar Football section
The Barry
Guest
He is thinning on top so might be a bit sensitive. Whoops - I shouldn't have said that about the Australian captain.
MAX
Guest
Noticed that Mick's favourite referee Gerard Sutton has the game on Saturday.
MAX
Guest
Agreed 100%. It tells us more about the pitiful CH9 commentary team.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Maybe Cameron Smith is like the Fonz and doesn't like having his hair touched.
Robshots
Roar Guru
It happens every week, he is no worse than many others, he just does it in a way where it is more visible and people do not like it. Last week was no different to any other time. While we have so many other things we can improve in the game, it is not worth making much over a head pat. If not for Brett Finch firing up on TV, it may have gone unnoticed.
Robshots
Roar Guru
I'll go a step further and suggest that JWH is one.
Robshots
Roar Guru
You reckon he will be fit? I think they definitely need his direction if they are to be any hope. Will miss Watmoiugh.
davey
Guest
I'm not a Bulldogs fan and have no problem with Ennis. Is this because of the whole *shock horror* hair ruffling thing? Geez some people are sensitive.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I was actually looking forward to reading about football things but there were none.
Jacksyd
Guest
The roosters to have 2-3 placed on report and have no case to answer.
The spectator
Guest
Ballin to play feeding manly a much needed confidence boost to get up for a show down with Penrith, roosters v souths next week. Hopefully!