I won’t be writing off the Roosters yet, but I can’t see them getting past Melbourne if they do get up this week.
As for tonight’s game, I’d love to see it go into double extra time.
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We play the sharks next week
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Now that the finals are set what is everyone’s thoughts?
For me:
Raiders - talented, but inexperienced in key positions. Unfortunately I see them going out in straight sets.
Storm - busted, but you can still never underestimate them. Doubt they can go all the way without Hughes though.
Bulldogs - busted & out of form. Likely to go out in straight sets.
Broncos - looking good, but still a lottery. I think that Reynolds needs to be back for them to go all the way.
Sharks - flat track bullies. Will probably go out the back door.
Warriors - losing Metcalfe has cost them a decent shot at their first title.
Panthers - if anyone can win it from here, it’s us. Very experienced at this time of year.
Roosters - probably the form team leading into the finals. Won’t be easy from this position, but might make some waves.
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A brave prediction - a 2003 Grand final repeat
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We would be the fittest team heading into the finals. To’o and Martin are due back next week and at that point our casualty ward is virtually empty.
Our depth has proven itself this year so we are well equiped to handle disruptions.
I feel The Raiders may get a rude awakening. The finals are a different beast, and the experienced ones will bring it up a gear… I’m not sure that the Raiders have another gear. Same goes for the Sharks.
I expect that the Warriors and Sharks will with the first off the boat in week 1.
The Bulldogs look a bit rough around the edges too, their last few weeks have done nothing to goive them any confidence, a mix of injuries and lack of cohesion (post introduction of Galvin)
Rooster and Broncos have shaken off the cobwebs and got into form at the right end of the season (much like Penrith).
Melbourne have some big injury/suspension problems, but always seem to find a way to win despite that.
I feel the only teams that might be a chance are Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Storm…
so my finals go like this.
| Week 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Final 1 | Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos  |
Broncos Win |
| Qualifying Final 2 | Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs |
Storm Win |
| Elimination Final 1 | Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters |
Roosters Win |
| Elimination Final 2 | New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers |
Panthers Win |
New Zealand Warriors & Cronulla Sharks Eliminated
| Week 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semi Final 1 | Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters |
Roosters Win |
| Semi Final 2 | Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers |
Panthers Win |
Canberra Raiders & Canterbury Bulldogs Eliminated
| Week 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Final 1 | Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers |
Panthers Win |
| Preliminary Final 2 | Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters |
Storm Win |
Brisbane Broncos & Sydney Roosters Eliminated
| Week 4 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Final | Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers | ??? |
So I’m guessing its Penrith v Melbourne III: Fight for Ultimate Supremacy. Each side has one a piece… who will it be.
Not sure who wins that one… both sides on their day can beat the other. So we would have to wait and see.
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I have run the same finals predictions as you Steve, except I see the Roosters beating the Storm in the prelim.
My take on the finalists;
Raiders - could make the prelims, but the squad will get a rude awakening in the finals and are too inexperienced. Then again so were Penrith in 2003 and sort of in 2020.
Storm - have lost Hughes for the season an Paps for 2-3 weeks. Will be competitive but may be a bridge too far.
Dogs - unless Ciraldo is taking a leaf out of Clearys book and completely foxing the rest of the league, they still don’t appear to have there roster settled. Limping into the finals.
Broncos - late season resurgence, but largely running on emotion and making the cattle to complete the job.
Sharks - will loose Hynes to suspension, and struggle as usual against quality opposition.
Warriors - lost form late in the competition but will still be hard to beat at home (we did beat them at home in the regular season).
Penrith - 2 tight losses against the ladder leaders, rested the whole team, then flogged the dragons after playing a trial in the second half. We know we lift for the finals and Ivan plays the long game.
Roosters - late season surge after some thought the wouldn’t make the 8. Will go into the finals with self belief.
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For a laugh…
If Roosters wins this week, I can see them meeting Panthers in GF.
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With the same team winning.
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Can’t wait to see Yeo run down Nawaqanitawase and take him over the sideline.
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3/4 in Week one for me. The Rooster putrid effort cost me a clean sweep.
Now I’ll need to revise Week 2
| Week 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semi Final 1 | Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks |
Raiders Win |
| Semi Final 2 | Canterbury Bulldogs v Penrith Panthers |
Panthers Win |
Cronulla Sharks & Canterbury Bulldogs Eliminated
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Also got 3/4 with Roosters letting me down.
I’m leaning towards the Sharks only because of the Raiders going into Golden Point. With the shorter turnaround they could be in trouble mentally & physically.
i will be keeping a close eye on match review & injuries for the Broncos. They look like potentially being without & Walsh due to suspension, and Haas & Riki with injuries.
I’m on Panthers & Sharks for this week.
I was already leaning towards Sharks after Raiders extra time game last week. With Strange now out, I think things just got a lot harder for the Raiders.
I think our game will be a lot closer than people think, and potentially low scoring. Both teams are defence based, and I’m expecting an arm wrestle from the start. Even if he plays , Chrichton can’t be anywhere near fit, and we should be testing him from the start.
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I think that the Scumdogs are playing mind games, trying to milk the underdog status for all it’s worth; and the media is lapping it up. Who is hurt? How badly are they hurt? Who will take the field?
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Panthers sharks GF is now looking like a strong possibility.
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