Week 1 of the NRL finals showed us yet again why Penrith and Melbourne are the leading contenders for the 2024 premiership. The Panthers simply blasted the Roosters off the park in the first 20 minutes with a blitzkrieg attack that was stunning to watch. It might have turned into an interesting game if that pass hadn’t even called forward as the Roosters mounted a comeback but, personally, I think Penrith had things well under control. For all the (mostly deserved) plaudits that Cleary receives, I think the key to Penrith is Isaah Yeo who is both a genuine forward as a yardage gainer and also a second five-eighth. In the first instance he makes very good ground up the middle to build momentum; in the second instance he provides the option of having Cleary on one side of the field and Luai on the other as an extra man to keep the defence guessing as to where they have to provide sufficient defence. In both ways, he is the key to providing his halves with the extra time and space they needs to wreak havoc through either his passing or kicking game.
Melbourne play a more grinding game and then run away with it in the last quarter of the match. Harry Grant is the key. When he plays well, it’s all done with more method and precision; if he’s out of sorts, it becomes a bit ugly and takes more time. Melbourne’s pack is underrated, especially their back row which had a field day against the Sharks. Again, the beneficiary is the half-back, Hughes, who can then use either Munster or kick wide to his big, strong wingers, Warbrick and Coates. It’s not as pretty as Penrith but it’s just as effective in its own way. What happens when blitzkrieg meets grind? We’ll find out in a couple of weeks.
The Cowboys maintained their good form but were a bit lucky that the pass from Ponga to Gagai went to ground. It may have been a long way back if that had stuck. In my preview, I highlighted Tom Dearden and, right on cue, he had a blinder in both defence and attack. What a competitor! The Knights went so close but rely too heavily on Ponga who was best on ground. They need more from the rest of their spine.
The Sea Eagles v Bulldogs game wasn’t pretty but it was rough and rugged. The Dogs’ pack was ferocious in defence, hunting in packs, not unlike the 80s ‘Dogs of War’ era. I’m not quite sure how Manly stayed in the game given the pummeling they received. But it’s an 80 minute game and the effort told on Canterbury in the last 15 as they lost energy and structure to allow the likes of Olakau’atu, Paseka and Lodge (his best NRL game ever, perhaps) to take control of the middle and give Manly territorial advantage. Canterbury mistakes and two well-taken tries got the Sea Eagles home. The scrum base play leading to the try by DCE was a beautiful example of simplicity and finesse. Post-match concerns about its legitimacy were fair but what happened was no different to what takes place multiple times in every single game. The other team try to Koula, an audacious fifth tackle effort, will feature in finals highlight reels for years to come.
Week 2 offers the likelihood of two more great match-ups. Tomorrow night the Sharks host the Cowboys and I can feel Prop in the Canefield shuddering over his tip! The Sharks could have/should have done better against Melbourne. In the end, they just weren’t good enough and got run over. Hynes copped a lot of the blame but he wasn’t the only one who didn’t rise to the occasion. It’s tough for a half-back to showcase his wares behind a beaten pack. Can they regroup or are they chokers? The Cowboys will come south with a fair degree of confidence. If they can get a few points on the board early on it may be enough to erode whatever confidence the Sharks have and it will be a straight sets exit for Cronulla. But you don’t finish in the top four after 27 rounds by accident. Surprisingly, I think it will be the halves, Hynes and Trindall, along with Ramien (if he plays) and Kennedy who just might get the Sharks over the line. Their pack is solid and should hold their own. That’s all they need to do to set the backs free. Although I hope the Cowboys win, I have an inkling that the Sharks will move on to the Preliminary Final.
On Saturday night the Roosters meet the Sea Eagles in the other fight for survival. The Roosters missed Walker, JWH and Radley badly. At least they get JWH back this week, and don’t be surprised if Radley is a late inclusion. Turbo is playing courtesy of needles but that’s still better than most. If it’s a battle of the packs, then Manly might just carry the day if last weekend was anything to go by. They only need to break even because DCE and Brooks can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and create havoc either through the middle or out wide. Watch Jurbo, Turbo and Burbo try to create something special in the annals of Manly history. But then there’s Teddy. I think it’s game 250 for the champion, so he won’t go down wondering. An epic contest in prospect, methinks. After a toss of the coin I’ll go for Manly.
NRLW Round 8 more or less confirmed the finalists. The Roosters are coming home with a wet sail while the Broncos showed a level of character not evident earlier in the season to snatch a win on the very last play of the game against the former front runners, the Sharks. Newcastle continued its recent surge and must now be eyeing an opportunity to repeat their 2023 success, as long as they can beat the Cowboys this weekend – which they should. The Eels have the chance to steal a late top four spot if they can down the Roosters – not likely.
Round 9 opens on Saturday with the Sharks up against the Wests Tigers. It was good to see the latter finally jag a win last weekend but I think that’s where the good news will finish. I think that the Sharks will use this game to regain some of their lost form ahead of the finals. Then the Dragons host the Broncos with form suggesting that Brisbane will be too good. The Cowboys will be at home to the Knights where I expect the visitors to come away with the chocolates. Get on the Knights.
Come Sunday and the Raiders take on the Titans. Canberra have played some decent footy at times while the Titans have possibly been the disappointment of the year. Neither will play in the finals. I’ll go for Canberra at home. The final match of the round will pit the Eels against the Roosters. Parramatta will know their fate by then but even if they’re still technically in the running for fourth place at that stage, I think the Roosters will be far too strong. Back the Roosters.
To read our library of rugby league stories click HERE.
To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.
To see the full 2024 season draw for the NRL click HERE.
To see the full 2024 season draw for the NRLW click HERE.
To see the details for State of Origin in 2024 click HERE.
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.
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.
Leave a Comment