NRL 2011 finals week 2
September 15th, 2011 by Shaun · 9 Comments
The Melbourne Storm fans are a little precious. It is not David Gallop's fault that the Storm sorted the cap and were found out. And while we could debate the intricacies of the punishment he did what he had to do. The Storm had not simply paid a player or two a bit than they should have. It was a systematic attempt to dodge the cap. The Storm fans would do better to turn their ire against those that created the issue not those that had to rightly respond.
But for Gallop to make a reference to terrorists in discussing the Melbourne fans' response wasn't one of the great moments in league diplomacy. Yes he may be frustrated that many in Melbourne just don't get it but still, better words could have been chosen.
And so the saga continues.
As do the finals.
Tigers v Warriors, Friday 7:45pm, SFS
Both teams can improve on last week. The Warriors were awful against Brisbane showing no respect for possession. They will need to reign in their passion for offloads to have a chance in this game. Expect a much better game from The Beast after his shocker. Beau Ryan could end up as a speed bump if he is not careful. I'm not even a Tigers fan but I expected the worst every time Matt Utai got involved. The mystery of the Dragons' loss last week was why the didn't exploit his side of the field. But Lawrence is back from injury and the Tigers are a far better side when he plays. I rate him quite highly and he will be the key if they Tigers go all the way.
Away from home will be too much for the Warriors and their season will end on Friday.
Broncos v Dragons, Saturday 6:45pm, Suncorp
I'm not going to write off the Dragons but they will need to do a lot better than last week to win here. It is possible. Against each other the honours are even with both sides having 13 wins. The Dragons showed enough in the first half that they can do it. The question is if they have the mental strength to keep fighting when behind? And while the Broncos were impressive against the Warriors, a large factor in the Broncos win was the Warriors lack of discipline.
This will be a titanic struggle and a Lockyer field goal to decide the game would not surprise me.
Tags: NRL 2011 · Rugby League
9 responses so far ↓
Mountain Boy // Sep 16, 2011 at 12:28 am
Warriors. Not many coaches have taken their side to 4 of the last 5 finals series, and laugh if you must but I think this time round they are well placed. Dont judge a team but its last match, but by its next match
Broncos. Dragons have lost their impregnable tag, have lost their mistake-free tag, have lost their ability to milk half a dozen penalties a game tag. The Broncos have been fooling. They’re no babies
gilmae // Sep 16, 2011 at 10:02 am
Utai…*sigh* he’s no Tuiaki, is he.
Mountain Boy // Sep 16, 2011 at 9:53 pm
In soccer they penalise + yellow card you for not playing in the spirit of the game – ie. trying to milk a penalty. In our game you get praised for showing the referees to be the suckers that they are. The Tigers play great half the time and spend the other half trying not to play in the spirit of the game. Are they modelling themselves on the Dragons and what was key to their success in recent years? Dont know. Dont care. I just hope a team wins this year that doesnt need to play the Ronaldo card to win
Mountain Boy // Sep 16, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Fair dinkum. If Shayne Hayne gets another run this year – theres one guarantee. I wont be watching
Shaun // Sep 17, 2011 at 10:24 am
Hayne will get a run. No doubt about that.
Both sides copped some dubious decisions especially when it came to “stripping” the ball. I know that in contest of a tackle it may be hard to work out what is happening but too many loose carries are rewarded with penalties for stripping.
But I was 100% for the penalty against Locke for taking out the legs of a Tigers’ defender when held up in a tackle. I agree with Gus that this should be outlawed. It is dangerous and could cause a serious injury.
But an incredible win to the Warriors. Like many I thought the Tigers had the game in the bag. But Inu (who surprised me with a great game in the centres) pulled off the miracle play.
And the Warriors don’t mind playing down in Melbourne.
Shaun // Sep 17, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Fuck. That was one hell of a game. Gus was right. The Broncos would have smashed any other side but the Dragons’ defence held strong. Incredible game.
One of the best of the season.
Mountain Boy // Sep 18, 2011 at 7:30 am
I was going to claim round 28 as a perfect round, but then I re-read Shauns preemptives on the Saturday game, and reckon he probably wins the prize. Any thoughts on Lotto this week?
Mountain Boy // Sep 18, 2011 at 7:41 am
The Locke tackle was nothing, and this is not the tackle they wanted to outlaw. The one they wanted to outlaw was the Isaac Luke charge at the legs – and designed to injure. Also the won that hurt Craig Wing, where someone charges into your kidney area after being held from the front – again designed to injure. The intent is clear to see. This one meekly brought the player to the ground. I agree with the intentional ones, but the yearly rule change forum need to bloody realise, tackling is still a part of this #@$ ing game
Mountain Boy // Sep 18, 2011 at 8:02 am
..and I wonder what the survey of the fans would show if they were asked – Is it such a big deal to you if the Grand Final is spoiled once again through dubious on-field calls – just as SOO1 and 3 was? Or would you rather the combination used in SOO2, the smoothest run game of 2011 to manage the G/F?