sidelined

At a time when the NRL should be proud to showcase the best teams of the season, off field player stupidity once again diverts attention away from the game. I have my views but I’ll save that for another post. I’m just going to turn my gaze onto the field for now. The winners and losers over the fold.

New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters, Friday 7:30pm Mt Smart Stadium

Thanks to the Warriors the finals series has come alive. They showed the way to beat the Storm and deserved their win. Their reward is packed Mt Smart stadium and a chance to get within one game of the grand final.

It won’t be easy as the only other time they had a final at home the Warriors got done. And I’m concerned whether they can back up after last week’s effort.

The Roosters blew it last week but they haven’t been a convincing footy team for over a month now. They will need a huge effort to win this one as once you get past the forwards, there really is nothing in the backline. Anasta and Pearce have really dropped off since Origin and the Rooster’s attack is suffering.

I like the Warriors’ spirit and reckon they will end the Roosters’ season.

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm, Saturday 7:30pm Suncorp Stadium

This game is tainted by drunken behaviour of the Broncos. But I shall hold my tongue and just concentrate on the game.

The Broncos underrated forward pack held firm against the Roosters’ aggression. But the Storm, stung by last week’s loss will be wanting to redeem themselves and will up the intensity. It is really hard to work out how the events of the past week will affect the Broncos. They seem to be going for a siege mentality from their public utterances. But this could just be an attempt to paper over a fragile state.

The Storm will be looking at their dream of back to back premierships and will go all out. It will be too much for the Broncos. Melbourne will win this one and Bennett will be most likely relieved that his tenure at Brisbane has come to an end.