The penultimate round of the season is upon us. But with plenty of interest as the eight is still undecided apart from Storm taking out the minor premiership and Manly finishing second. Some great matches this round so let’s get into it.
Knights v Cowboys, Friday 7:30pm Energy Australia Stadium
The Knights are in disarray and with rumours that Buderus is leaving there has got to be little left to play for this season. The Cowboys have to keep winning for any chance of a top four finish. Their differential is very poor for a side in the eight. This game should improve that somewhat.
Bulldogs v Storm, Friday 7:30pm Telstra Stadium
For all the talk about the Bulldogs’ final records, it ain’t that great. They have won a premiership but tend to bundle out before then. This will be a great clash though. The Storm aren’t he most exciting team going around but that they have works very well. This will be a good tussle bout the dourness of the Storm should get them home.
Roosters v Panthers, Saturday 5:30pm Aussie Stadium
The Panthers were quite good against the Knights and are trying to lift themselves above the spoon. This will make for an entertaining clash and the Roosters will want to end the season on a high for their newly crowned coach. I won’t write the Panthers off, especially if the Knights lose as a win will get them away from the spoon. But the Roosters are playing well and at home should have enough to get the points.
Sharks v Titans, Saturday 7:30pm Toyota Park
The Sharks haven’t had the rub of the green this year. With few golden points and close wins going their way they’d be in the hunt for the eight. The Titans’ debut season has been a good one. Not exactly setting the world on fire but laying a foundation for a strong club. This will be a close one but the Sharks deserve another win so why not?
Broncos v Raiders, Sunday 2:00pm Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos may claim they can win six straight to win the comp but it is doubtful. They are doing well with a young side but have little to offer in attack. However they should dispose of the Raiders at home who are in training for Mad Monday.
Warriors v Sea Eagles, Sunday 2:00pm Mt Smart Stadium
The Warriors are looking for a home final. The Eagles have theirs in the bag and that is why they are resting 5 players. Given the Warriors record at home and the regulars out for Manly, the Warriors will win.
Tigers v Rabbitohs, Sunday 3:00pm Leichhardt Oval
Easily the match of the round and a sell out already a Leichhardt. And how good is it that the Bunnies are in contention for the finals? Both teams need to win to have a hope for the eight. Wish Bismarck and I were going but alas, stupid leagues club not properly announcing when the reserved seating was going on sale. It is a great ground when packed to the rafters. Although one year I did witness the tragic sight of fully grown boofy blokes having to daintily sip wine from plastic cups when the beer ran out. Bunnies to win.
Dragons v Eels
While the Eels lost last week and sent me into a spiralling bout of depression, it wasn’t a bad effort in the end. The Dragons’ season is over and while they have pride, the Eels have a top 4 finish. I could be biased but the Eels have the game to get over the Dragons, cure my depression, create world peace and harmony and finish in the top 4.
6 responses so far ↓
Bismark O'Measles // Aug 24, 2007 at 11:36 am
I cannot agree fully Shaun.
1. Head = Gone.
2. Heart = Fully in control now.
The key is the Raiders. If they beat the Bronco’s then, realistically, the Bunnies AND the Tigers end up in the 8 regardless of who wins on Sunday.
As long as the Bronco’s win… one of them will go.
GO THE RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
God I love this game.
Pip Pip
Shaun // Aug 24, 2007 at 11:17 pm
So much for the supposed finals surge of the Dogs. Thanks to Melbourne’s win, Parra are back in fourth (for now).
Leinad // Aug 26, 2007 at 6:06 pm
GO BUNBUNS!!!!!!!!!!! 37-12!!!
that is all.
Shaun // Aug 26, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Jeez, JT has now got the Rabbitohs’ attack worked out. The trouble is that they will finish 7th or 8th and have a hard run in the the finals. But you never know.
And I was informed by Bismarck O’Measles (who scored a ticket) that Liechhardt ran out of beer at half time. Something of a tradition for the Souths/Tigers game as I have experienced.
One year the problem was avoided by the coat of many pockets. We got a good carton into the ground that way.
Onto the other games, I’ve got to say the refereeing is on a downhill slide. How the touchie could not miss the blatant forward pass for Manly’s first try was beyond me. And the video ref inexplicably denying the Raiders their third try changed the game. It was a 12 point turnaround as the Broncs soon scored after.
Bismark O'Measles // Aug 27, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Bloody stupid Eels.
Maths. If the bunnies lose and the Tigers win by an adjusted margin of 41, the Buns go out.
However, as long as the Eels beat Brisbane, it’s still possible for them both to get in (I think).
Go EEEEEEEEEEllllllllssssss (NOT bloody stupid next week.)
PP
Shaun // Aug 27, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Stupid bloody Eels. FFS yuse need to start winning again!