sidelined

It has been a thrilling and eventful 25 weeks of footy. And it has seemed to go by very quickly indeed. For 7 teams, Mad Monday is just a few days away. And either the Tigers or Broncos will join them after this round.

The Storm, Manly and the Cowboys will finish in that order but there is plenty of jockeying for position. 4th spot is wide open as is eight spot. What will happen? My guess is over the fold:

Cowboys v Bulldogs, Friday 7:30pm Diary Farmers Stadium

The Bulldogs have to win this game and hope the Warriors lose to get into the top four. O’Meley is out which will hurt the Dogs. The Cowboys have turned their season around on top of the form of Bowen and Thurston. That will be the difference between the two sides. Cowboys to get the points.

Tigers v Knights, Friday 7:30pm Telstra Stadium

Do the Knights have anything left? A loss means the ignominy of the wooden spoon. A win gains some end of season pride. As for the Tigers, they have to win (and have the Eels beat the Broncos) to make the eight. This could be an open game as both teams will be going for the win. I think the Tigers are struggling but not as bad as the Knights.

Rabbitohs v Roosters, Saturday 5:30pm Telstra Stadium

The Bunnies are on the verge of making the finals. And if they get there, watch out. These two teams have a history so it will be a fiery game. But we can dare to dream a little longer and once more sing this season “Glory, glory to South Sydney!”

Panthers v Warriors, Saturday 7:30pm CUA Stadium

The Warriors have a great chance to snag fourth spot. And while their form has been irrepressible, I have one of my feelings. I may be wrong (and on past form a good bet) but I reckon the Panthers can win this. They are a better side than their position on the ladder and the desire to avoid the spoon may get them over the line.

Raiders v Sharks, Saturday 7:30pm Canberra Stadium

Not much on the line here. I reckon by the 50 minute mark players will start to think about the pub. Both teams had seasons of what ifs, maybes, couldas, and shouldas. I’ve been going with the home teams so why not stick with the trend.

Sea Eagles v Dragons, Sunday 2:00pm Brookvale

The Dragons did well against the Eels and will be looking for some more pride. Manly seem a little unsettled and even though they are guaranteed second spot, it will mean nothing for the finals. Still, Brooky is a hard ground to win at and I expect Manly to get some roll on over the Dragons.

Eels v Broncos, Sunday 3:00pm Parramatta Stadium

Bloody Eels. They have been heartbreakers for the past three weeks. My theory is that Hagan is foxing. The Eels will slip into the eight underneath the radar, no-one will rate them and then they will unleash their attack on the rest and with the Grand Final. At least that is what tell myself so I can sleep at night. For the last time in the regular season, go the Eels!

Storm v Titans, Sunday 7:00pm Olympic Park

Even though the Titans will not make the eight it has been a good debut season. They have established a good platform on which to build a successful Gold Coast franchise. Well done. But that won’t help you against the Storm none.