Some meandering thoughts on this year's finals series:
Assuming the Storm beat the Broncos this weekend (controversial I know) and the Cowboys and Manly chalk up victories, the Warriors will have to go through the Storm to get to the GF, where they would likely face Manly (although Manly would still have to beat the Cowboys or Eels).
Here's an interesting thought though, if the Warriors win and the Cowboys lose, the Bulldogs play the Eels and the Cowboys play the Warriors. The winner of the Bulldogs/Eels play Melbourne and the other winner plays Manly.
I think the Cowboys are a danger side for Manly, if the Cowboys back row can match it with the Manly superstars and their ruck defense doesn't go to sleep. Therein lies the crux of the Cowboy's finals hopes. If the Cowboys of old show up and subsequently fall asleep either side of half time, then they are shot ducks. I think that at some point their ruck defense will let them down.
Much has been said of the Bulldogs finals woes, and normally I am only too glad to add fuel to the fire. But they are playing good footy the 'dogs. They do rely too heavily on SBW and that other big idiot to steer them around the paddock and to provide the mongrel intimidation. As good as Ryan's work rate is and as talented as their back three are, I think they will bow out somewhere in the first two rounds.
Paramatta look white hot again this year, but did so a few years back before being run over like a bus over an ice cream cone (by the Cowboys to the tune of 29-blot). Can young Finchy and Tim Smith put a stamp on the finals? I don't think they have any wood over any of the other halves combinations they are likely to face, so it will be up to Timtam Tahu and Jarred Hayne to provide their brilliance. Their forwards can hold their own, if Riddell can keep his mouth shut long enough. I have them losing to the Warriors or Cowboys in the second round (not that I'm biased towards the Cowboys or anything).
Souths and the Broncos just don't have the depth to match their opponents. It’s as simple as that. Both teams have done tremendously well considering their personnel (or lack thereof due to injury) this season, and its good to see the bunnies back up towards the pointy end of the comp. Like them or loathe them, you have to admire coaches Rusty and Benny for their work; both very inspirational in entirely different ways.
Hmm, well Manly and Melbourne have been the front-runners all year, but have both looked vulnerable at times, especially Melbourne in the last few weeks. Aside from the thrashing of the hapless Titans, Melbourne have been weathering the Storm (as it were). Expect them to put on plenty of points, if Isreal Folau isn't overawed by finals footy. I wouldn't expect him to be, he's a seasoned campaigner, or so it seems after his rookie year!
Any which way you slice it I think we are going to have a Manly/Melbourne GF, perish the though of that overrated oaf Jamie Lyon getting his hands on that trophy. With any luck, (CU) Slater and co in the Melbourne back line can run right over the top of Lyon and his mob. For any Manly fans out there concerned that the rest of the country doesn't hate the silver tails anymore, rest assured, the passion is still there. Dare I say it, go the grapple!
That's How I'm Seeing It,
Mickos.