Rugby League’s biggest day is approaching quickly. So, who will still be alive when it comes?
This week, two of Rugby League’s strongest challengers renew their rivalry.
The 1908 Foundation Teams, Easts and Souths, square off in what is likely to be a sell-out at the last ever game at Allianz Stadium before it is knocked down.
In the other final, 2016 grand finalists Melbourne and Cronulla take each other on at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Storm vs Sharks
The Sharks have a great chance to beat a team like the Storm as they did through grit on both occasions in, the latest being in Round 22.
The Sharks are a gritty side and will outfight you to victory. There is no reason why the Sharks can’t do it again.
On top of this Cronulla also has the recent wood over Melbourne, winning five of their past seven and four of their past five – as well as winning their last two contests at AAMI Park.
The Sharks will win based on their ability to grind and control games.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Roosters vs Rabbitohs
The Roosters and Rabbitohs share Rugby League’s oldest rivalry.
In recent times though, the Roosters have been the dominant side and have won the past 20 of 27 matches at Allianz Stadium, including three of the past five.
In top eight finals football, the Roosters have the third-best winning percentage in the third week of finals, winning six of nine matches.
In all matches between the two sides, Sydney have won five of the past seven including four of the past five. Ironically, this is the same record I mentioned in the Sharks-Storm rivalry above.
The Roosters will win on the back of their strong defence – conceding an average of just above fourteen points a match.
What’s your view on how the events will turn out?
Daz
Roar Rookie
You really got that wrong, didnt you.
SR1
Roar Pro
Good reply. I agree with you; we need some kind of rivalry in the Grand Final.
SR1
Roar Pro
Those combinations will make the game more 'even.
The Barry
Roar Guru
The match ups in this semi final series have been fantastic. I thought the week one games were about as good as you could get if you tried to work out the best fixtures. Last week we had the two 1967 teams and history’s two most successful NSW clubs (taking into account the St George side of the merger). This week are classics again with a new and an old rivalry. But in some ways it’s a shame these match ups are this week as it means we’re not going to get a classic rivalry in the grand final. Roosters v Storm or Sharks don’t have any great history as far as I’m aware. The Cronk v Smith/Slater will be a pretty interesting narrative. Souths v Sharks doesn’t have a particular rivalry that I’m aware of. Neither does Souths v Storm, but they did have that cracking week 1 game. For this week I just think the week off is so important. I know teams can occasionally lose momentum but to be fresh as opposed to the Sharks and Bunnies who have had two brutal games and have players racing the clock is a pretty tidy advantage.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
We have four teams left and two of those the Sharks and the Bunnies are all shook up with injuries and fatigue. The Storm and Roosters are in great shape for the games but if the Roosters meet a fired up Bunny herd and need a try and a big hit, then their two weapons in this regard will be in the grand stand uninjured. If the Bunnies or Gummies make the GF then we face another game like last year potentially with a lamb to the slaughter situation. We need a Bunny x Shark or Storm x Chook GF.
SR1
Roar Pro
FORCED not force.
SR1
Roar Pro
For the last time in a match, as Slater would be retiring.
SR1
Roar Pro
The Dragons probably should have beaten Souths or at least force extra time.
SR1
Roar Pro
The Storm lost to a 'weak panthers side' also.
SR1
Roar Pro
The Roosters have had two weeks off also...
SR1
Roar Pro
I also have an article on expansion: https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/09/20/nrl-expansion-how-could-they-pull-it-off/
SR1
Roar Pro
Check out my article on where a new in Sydney should be built. Link: https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/09/19/the-nrl-needs-a-new-stadium-but-not-another-in-the-city/
SR1
Roar Pro
The Big Three Reunited!
SR1
Roar Pro
Okay, interesting thoughts...
Albo
Roar Rookie
Not sure I can agree with you either, Isaac ! I am not sure the recent record of the Sharks over the Storm can make up for the Storm's week off , them now having their full team available and at home, whilst the Sharks are without Graham & probably Gallen with others carrying injuries ( eg Lewis, Dugan ? ) , and their most recent form barely able to hold off an ordinary Panthers last start. Storm for mine. Whilst the Roosters have the advantage of the weeks rest , they have a massive out in Mitchell and to a lesser extent Napa. The Bunnies were flat against the Dragons and were lucky to get home in the end. But I can see the Burgi troop lift their games this week and dominate the Chooks pack and that will open up the room for Cook and the Bunnies backs to finish them off . I am seeing a Storm v Souths Grand Final too.
john
Guest
I would love to see a Cronk vs Smith & Slater grand final.
SR1
Roar Pro
So basically the exact opposite of what I'm saying?
Paul
Roar Guru
The Storm has had 2 weeks rest and the Sharks will struggle to get some of their guys even 50% ready for this one. The Storm will click and give the Sharks a touch up, mostly because the Sharks have run out of personnel. The Roosters are about due for a few Ferguson brain fades. We've already had Napa lose it as well as Mitchell, so Ferguson will join them in doing something dumb that will cost Easts the game. Souths will also be up for this one as they have little love for the Roosters. Again, I think this game will buck the trend of finals this year and Souths will win in a canter.