NRL 2011 finals week 3
September 22nd, 2011 by Shaun · 5 Comments
Pending results this weekend, the NRL could have that supposedly terrible situation of no Sydney team in the final. What utter rubbish.
What almost excessive parochialism is what makes State of Origin, it serves not place in the overall scheme of the competition. Next weekend could see two non-Sydney teams play in the Grand Final. The only thing that concerns me that the two teams that do make it put on one hell of a game.
Sometimes it is great to watch footy without the crushing expectations of your chosen team pressing down on your enjoyment of the game.
Sea Eagles v Broncos, Friday 7:45pm, SFS
What a tough game. The two most hated sides in Sydney. For the Broncos, it is a much too early glimpse of life without Lockyer. Matt Gillett has done some good things for the Bronocs this year but to replace one of the game's greats in a preliminary final is another thing. But the loss of Lockyer could worm its way in the Manly psyche and just make them that little bit complacent.
Manly probably deserve to be favourites but the idea of doing it for Lockyer so he can play in the grand final may get the Bronocs home. And anyway, it is Manly. I just can't tip them.
The Storm v Warriors, Saturday 7:45pm, AAMI Stadium
The Storm leave me in two minds. The more positive is that Bellamy has got a well structured side that despite losing players still could bring others through to compliment the big three. The less positive is the bleating from the Storm camp that they were somehow the victims when their club rorted the salary cap. But they have won their way to a preliminary final and deserve credit for rebuilding after last season.
The Warriors have scrapped their way to one game short of the grand final. At times awful when they show no respect for possesion, the same disdain for grafting play can be breathtaking in its audacity when the passes do stick.
The Warriors seem to play their best when they visit Melbourne. The heart is in this game as I'd like the free spirits be rewarded over the admirably disciplined methods of the Storm.
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5 responses so far ↓
Mountain Boy // Sep 23, 2011 at 1:42 am
Still four different combinations of Grand Finalists possible, and all great chances. I’ve made small of the Big 3 for so long that I may as well continue. Broncos and Warriors G/F
** Praying that Hayne gets a poison dart, appendicitis, ruptured achilles, or all three before the game tomorrow – else I said I wouldnt watch. Oh great Footy god in the sky, are you there
Shaun // Sep 24, 2011 at 10:58 pm
Oh yes baby, I’m up at the front of the Warriors’ band wagon now. What a game that was. As someone commented on Twitter next Sunday will be Good v Evil.
Mountain Boy // Sep 24, 2011 at 11:22 pm
“New Zealand. I’m starting to think the 2011 team is a better unit than the Harlem Globetrotters of 2002. Grand Finalists of that year.”
Dime a dozen experts may have come up with this one, or similar, after tonight’s game or possibly as early as a week ago after the Tigers match.
So should I take this opportunity to put myself in a different class, and remind that I made this comment prior to Round 11 this year? Yes, I think I will.
Shaun // Sep 24, 2011 at 11:35 pm
Remarkable prescience MB. The Warriors played tough tonight, something I wasn’t sure they could do after the loss to the Bronocs.
Looking forward to Sunday. It will be a great game. Even better if Manly loses.
Mountain Boy // Sep 28, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Woo Hoo! No Hayne. We might see a decent Grand Final yet