NRL
Well, that’s the minor round done and dusted. But before we leave it behind completely, here are a couple of observations. The big disappointments were the Broncos and South Sydney. Their demise this year was little short of shocking given their respective rosters and potential. Lots of off season angst to follow, one would think. One might argue that the Eels were not far behind on this measure. The biggest surprise packet were the Bulldogs who made the finals probably a year ahead of expectations. Although they finished last, the late season potential on display at the Wests Tigers plus the pending arrival of Luai make for a possible ‘feel good’ story in 2025 – but don’t expect too much too soon.
So, on to Week 1 of the finals. And what a cracker to start with as the Panthers and Roosters do battle at BlueBet Stadium tomorrow night for a direct route to a Preliminary Final. The hosts don’t lose there too often and meet a depleted Roosters side, hence the strong odds on Penrith. On the other hand, the Panthers haven’t been totally ‘on’ of late while the Chooks seem capable of some very good footy. Then again, they haven’t been able to do so against the other top sides so far this season. The Roosters will be brave but I think the Panthers have too much depth and too many scoring avenues.
Saturday afternoon sees the Storm hosting the Sharks in Melbourne for a place in the other Preliminary Final. How can you tip against Melbourne? Do so at your peril! And yet the Sharks put on quite a performance against Manly at Brookvale last weekend. And they have been known to get under Melbourne’s skin at times. I think the Storm are too strong through the middle, they have Hughes in silky form and they have Warbrick, Coates and Papenhuyzen ready to pounce on any opportunities that come their way. I’ll be on Melbourne.
The first Elimination Final on Saturday night pits the Cowboys against the Knights in Townsville. The Cowboys have been in good form of late; the Knights showed steely defence against the Dolphins and have an X factor in Ponga. But do they rely on him too much? Do they have sufficient alternative scoring avenues? The Cowboys are warm favourites but I don’t think they’ll have it all their own way. Watch for Tom Dearden to play a big hand on the back of a big, mobile forward pack. I’m happy to hitch my wagon to the Cowboys.
On Sunday, the Bulldogs meet the Sea Eagles in the other Elimination Final with both teams facing recent challenges. Prop in the Canefield identified the Bulldogs’ soft spot ages ago and the last few weeks have demonstrated his acuity. They’re a bit light on in the middle and recent opponents have exposed and exploited this weakness. Can Manly do the same? This will be a close run thing and may come down to a single play and, if so, you’d back the likes of DCE, Brooks and/or Turbo to come up with the big moment. Nevertheless, I’ll back the Bulldogs!
NRLW
Round 7 threw a bit of a spanner in the works! The Roosters didn’t just beat the Sharks, they smashed them! The Broncos made yet another slow start but chased down the more fancied Newcastle to assert their premiership credentials. The Titans continued to slip away and the Cowboys just won’t go away. All very intriguing!
Round 8 opens with an inconsequential meeting of the Wests Tigers and the Dragons, both out of contention for the finals. Can Wests Tigers finally break their duck? Surely this is their best chance. Something tells me they will so a tick for the Tigers.
On Saturday, the Broncos host the Sharks in the match of the round. Was last week an anomaly for the Sharks or did they meet all the lower sides in the early weeks of the comp? Another loss will rattle their confidence. Have the Broncos found their mojo or have they had their run against lower teams of late? I’m not too confident about this one but I’ll go with my heart and tip the Broncos. Then the Titans face a ‘must win’ situation when they take on the Knights who also need a win to almost guarantee a finals spot. On form you simply have to go with Newcastle.
On Sunday the Roosters clash with the Cowboys. The Chooks were very impressive last weekend and it’s hard to see the keen but still emerging Cowboys going with them. Get on the Roosters. In the final game, the Raiders host the Eels, a ‘must win’ for the Eels to stay in contention. Form says they’ll get the job done. Chalk this one up for the Eels.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
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