Paolo not charged for that tackle, Taumalolo charged for his. Guess the fans don’t want anyone missing the GF 
First & fourth have only met once in a Grand Final under the current finals system.
In 2013 Minor Premiers Roosters beat fourth placed Manly 4-0 in the first week of the finals, before winning the Grand Final 26-18.
This is my Fear, the NRL NEED the scumbags to win a comp, went down to Southlands Saturday, usually see 1 or 2 wearing their kit, i reckon i saw 30…most of it BRAND NEW… which is a worry in itself being Panther Heartland !
Penrith x 20+
Knights x 13+
On at $9.90 
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I haven’t been following the NRLW, so I’m leaving that alone.
Have taken us head to head & 19+. Got a number of Multis where I have us giving 8.5 start, with a few different try scorers.
Week 1
| QF | Brisbane Broncos | v |  |
Melbourne Storm | |
| QF | Penrith Panthers | |
v | New Zealand Warriors | |
| EF | Newcastle Knights | |
v | Canberra Raiders | |
| EF | Cronulla Sharks | v | |
Sydney Roosters |
Week 2
| SF | Brisbane Broncos | |
v | Sydney Roosters | |
| SF | New Zealand Warriors | |
v | Newcastle Knights |
Week 3
| PF | Penrith Panthers | |
v | Brisbane Broncos | |
| PF | Melbourne Storm | : | v | |
New Zealand Warriors |
Week 4
| GF | Penrith Panthers | |
v | New Zealand Warriors |
WINNERS: Penrith Panthers
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I mostly agree with Steve’s - but think Storm will get up over the Wahs.
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I want Steve to be right, my only concern out of all teams is the Broncos, if we can avoid them, we will be unbackable.
Given the Broncos form against the Storm in recent years (about 15 losses in a row if memory serves correctly), I’m not too confident they will win this week, which could see us playing them in the prelim. If Roosters get over Sharks (which I am expecting) they would probably have the experience to get over the Broncos in a tight game.
I think the Knights might reach week 3. Also we will get revenge for 2020 over the Storm in the GF.
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Surprisingly, the Broncos have a fairly poor win rate against Top 8 teams, only winning 6 from 10 matches. I’m not sure the Broncos can live up to the hype generated around them.
I guess it’s up to them to prove me wrong. I wouldn’t be surprised if they do go out in straight sets.
| Team | Top 8 Clashes | Wins | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penrith Panthers | 11 | 10 | 90.9% |
| Melbourne Storm | 10 | 7 | 70.0% |
| Brisbane Broncos | 10 | 6 | 60.0% |
| Newcastle Knights | 8 | 4 | 50.0% |
| Cronulla Sharks | 8 | 3 | 37.5% |
| New Zealand Warriors | 11 | 4 | 36.4% |
| Canberra Raiders | 11 | 4 | 36.4% |
| Sydney Roosters | 9 | 2 | 22.2% |
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I’m not sold on the Broncos either, hence having them going out in straight sets. They have the least finals experience of any of the finals teams. The only things in their favour are that Reynolds is the player with the most finals experience, and he is in a key position, and that they will have home advantage for their next 2 games.
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Well that will do me… out of my finals tipping knockout competition on Game 1.
That would have to be close to the most inept performance from the Storm I have seen, if you hadn’t watched a Storm game before you would not be out of place thinking the players first met each other in the car park outside the stadium.
So many errors, such lazy football, and as a result of that a fair chunk of injuries.
None more notable than Ryan Papenhuyzen who if the reports are true of a compound fracture in his lower leg, may have very well played his last match of rugby league.
This make is very important to win tomorrow, the Panthers would be playing the winner of the Storm v Sharks/Roosters. A very winnable game, and a nice quick sprint to the Grand Final.
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Very unMelbourne like performance. I doubt we will see them play that bad again this year, but they could be down a few troops next week. I’d imagine Papenhuyzen is gone for the season, and possibly Coates too. Might be the Storm who go out in straight sets!!!
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One of our local pharmacists is a mad Roosters supporter. He will be enjoying their victory over Sharks more than I was last night
I was backing the Roosters anyway (not just because I hate the Sharks), and thought they were gone after Sua’ali’i failed his HIA & Teddy got binned, but to their credit they held on. Wouldn’t surprise me if we end up playing them in the prelim.
Watching a couple of the games over the weekend made me think of the ultimate nightmare for a RL fan - watching extra point with Sharks & Raiders playing, strapped to the chair without remote in reach. Neither could setup for a FG or kick one, the match would go on for weeks.
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I was surprised how close the Raiders got. Maybe some finals nerves from the Knights.
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Would much rather face the Roosters in the PF than Storm.
Either way, I hope both teams bash each other into oblivion and wear themselves out.
The Storm played pretty ordinary on Friday, so expect them to bounce back strong. On the other hand, I think the Roosters have already played their GF.
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Noticed that the NRL applied the correct rules after the Knights/Raiders game was tied by playing 2 x 5’ extra time, not immediately going to golden point.
That was what should have occurred in World Club Challenge game. There was a lot of confusion when St Helens kicked the FG in the first 5’ of extra time. St Helens invaded the field celebrating their win, but it was clear to me that Ashley Klien was expecting the game to continue until extra time was completed as he stood there looking around, seemingly confused before apparently giving up and belatedly blowing fulltime.
All finals game have 2x5’ extra time, followed by GP if required. just like on Sunday.
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