Roosters poised to go all the way
The NRL finals kick off tonight. Otago Daily Times NRL correspondent Michael Minty has a look at where the smart money should go.
Roosters v Rabbitohs Sydney Cricket Ground,
tonight, 9.50 One of the fiercest rivalries hits repeat. Last week, South Sydney was tenacious, coming from a halftime deficit to spring a surprise on the Chooks.
However, the Bunnies will need to dig deep again if they are to beat the odds and the old foe two weeks on the trot. On paper, Trent Robinson’s Roosters look the safe bet to go through to the grand final qualifier with too much firepower which includes the return of Luke Keary, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Brett Morris. Watch out for Latrell Mitchell to light up the finals.
How they fare
Roosters: Meet the Storm/ Raiders in the grand final — regardless of what team they play, back them to be the first side since the Broncos 199293 era to earn backtoback premierships.
Rabbitohs: Knocked out by the Sharks in week two in somewhat of an upset. Just not quite the vintage season for the Redfern boys.
Storm v Raiders
Melbourne, tomorrow, 7.40pm
If vintage Storm turns up and the Raiders are slightly off then this could be oneway traffic for the home side but it is hard to see Melbourne having its own way.
Canberra must be respected given its previous visit here a month ago when it came from behind to upset the minor premiers.
The Storm will look to impose its usual tactics and drag the Raiders into the grind where it will back itself to outsmart and frustrate the Green Machine.
However, there could be danger signs for Melbourne if Canberra is in the mood to spread the ball and play uptempo given the chance. Joey Leilua returns from suspension and is promising not to change the way he goes about intimidating the opposition.
This could get spicier than a pack of KFC wicked wings.
One can smell an upset!
How they fare
Storm: Should the side beat the Raiders then pencil it in for a repeat GF appearance against the Chooks. If it loses then it will dispatch the Eels next week but go down in a thriller to the Chooks in the preliminary final.
Raiders: It is clear there is a bob each way here. Could make the preliminary final at worst and, providing the side can dodge the Roosters by winning this week, could make
it to the grand final. But should the side take the long road and strike the Chooks in the preliminary final, it will end there.
Sea Eagles v Sharks
Sydney, tomorrow, 9.50pm
This has got Hollywood movie theme all over it. Will it be Gal’s last game in the blue black and white? Can a depleted Manly defy the odds? Is a return for TRex on the cards?
The former Sea Eagle has been sought out by former mentor Des Hasler should the NRL give him clearance to play. He’s got big boots to fill left by the likes of Martin Taupau and Curtis Sironen.
Make no mistake this is sudden death and, while one side looks understrength, the Sharks have not been vintage and a lot could hinge on the enigmatic Shaun Johnson. His recent form helped scrape the Sharks into eighth spot.
Never write off Manly — asbestos or no asbestos, the boisterous Manly crowd will ensure a close contest but Cronulla has more firepower and should finish the better.
How they fare Manly: Gone. Sharks: Two scenarios. If the Raiders upset the Storm then it will be lights out for the Sharks in Melbourne in week two. If the Storm wins this week, then the Sharks should play the Rabbitohs where they have a fighting chance to last another week before being tipped out by the Chooks in week three.
Eels v Broncos
Sydney, Sunday, 6.05pm
Are the glory days back for the Parramatta faithful? The signs are promising as the Eels come up against the sometimes hot but mainly cold Brisbane Broncos. Despite being lathered with young talent, a finals match could prove to be the undoing for the Broncos who have shown glimpses of individual brilliance from blockbusting forwards Tevita Pangai Junior, Payne Haas and David Fifita. But it has been a lacklustre year for captain Darius Boyd who has found himself switching with Anthony Milford into the front line to help guide his side round the park.
Everything is in Paramatta’s favour here. It has simply got more points in it particularly out wide in Maika Sivo, Blake Ferguson and Waqa Blake while half Mitchell Moses has been in great form all year. A blowout win for Parra would not surprise.
How they fare
Eels: Knocked out by the loser of the clash between the Storm and Raiders clash in week two but plenty to like about season 2019.
Brisbane: Gone.