The interesting thing about finals footy is the manner in which you team may exit the finals (winning the grand final excluded of course).
For the fan, not making the finals is tinged with disappointment but a relief that the season is over. In the case of the Rabbitohs, making the finals was reward enough for their long suffering fans. It would be nice for the fairy tale to have another chapter but that will do for year one. And the Broncos, with their injury toll, did well to make the eight but were not going to go anywhere. A fan can be satisfied with their efforts to even make the playoffs.
But of the teams left, four feature in this week’s round giving their fans hope for a grand finish but a little less satisfaction if they lose. A round that features a feud that deserves a whole book not just a chapter.
Eels v Bulldogs, Saturday 7:45pm Telstra Stadium
It has been nine years since the Eels and the Bulldogs last met in a finals match. And for Eels fans, the pain still lingers of the defeat in 1998. This is our time to turn it around. And against a full strength Bulldogs pack. It won’t be an easy game. Yet last week the Eels weathered well the large Auckland pack. The Dogs were willing against the Cowboys but while Mason does not fear the Eels, the Eels are not that worried about the Dogs. It is not complacency. Just that the Eels have been building nicely while the Dogs have no form on the board. The heart and head are as one on this game. There is no second guessing, no time for doubt. Eels to finally have their revenge and challenge Melbourne for a place in the grand final.
Cowboys v Warriors, Sunday 4:00pm Dairy Farmers Stadium
Almost forgot this game was one given the hype in Sydney for the Eels v Bulldogs clash. The Warriors will be filthy that they lost a close one. The Cowboys will be confident after holding off the Doggies. A hard game to pick but I am going to go the Warriors. The Cowboys are a little fragile. It is only the genius of Thurston and Bowen that holds them together. The humidity may be a factor but the Cowboys rarely have played daytime games in Townsville so both teams may find it a little hard going. The game will open up but with the loss of Webb, the Warriors pack should give the their backs a little more room to move. It will be razzle dazzle footy but the Warriors to meet Manly next week.
10 responses so far ↓
Mungo Amanda // Sep 14, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Good luck for tomorrow Shaun. Enjoy it!
Bismark O'Measles // Sep 15, 2007 at 9:02 am
I agree with you on the Warriors Cowboys – they’re untested during the day in these conditions + the loss of Webb will hurt.
I, for one, can’t wait for tonight – it’s going to be a great game.
Good luck and give little Kylie Jo-Maree a hug from me!
PipPip
jake // Sep 15, 2007 at 3:56 pm
I hope parra win so that they can beat melbourne cause if they do Manly will play them in the grand final because manly will flog either the cowboys or the warriors!
Go manly and brett stewart!
Shaun // Sep 15, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Well done lads. A big test next week but great win. Dogs of war no more.
Shaun // Sep 16, 2007 at 8:40 pm
While Thurston will get the wraps, you gotta give credit to the Cowboys’ forwards. They really gave it to a disappointing Warriors pack.
Can’t wait till next weekend.
wpd // Sep 17, 2007 at 8:25 am
Will Thurston be suspended? He has 93 carry-over points.
Shaun // Sep 17, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Thurston has been charged with a grade one dangerous throw. If he pleads guilty then one week and a massive betting plunge on Manly.
No word if the Cowboys are going to fight the charge.
wpd // Sep 18, 2007 at 10:26 am
Cowboys to defend with everything they have. Thurston to fly down to Sydney to front the panel. A ‘big money’ decision but I can’t see how he will escape.
Shaun // Sep 18, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Hard to say. If Thurston gets off then the argument will be that some players are protected. If he is suspended then a conspiracy to ensure a Sydney team is in the finals.
I don’t think the importance of a game, be it Origin of a finals match, should carry any importance. The penalty should be the same regardless of the time of year.
wpd // Sep 21, 2007 at 8:39 am
Apparently, Thurston couldn’t have done the lifting because his shoulder wouldn’t allow it. Must have been trick photography or the victim took a dive. Regardless it is a bad precedent.