Grand Final Preview

A brief overview of season 2010 and who I think will win on Sunday night

My honest view, 2010 hasn't been a strong year for Rugby League and the quality of Football has left a lot to be desired. The Bulldogs and Parramatta underachieved, the Storm's salary cap bombshell exploded and the Dragons are favourites to win the Grand Final playing some of the most dreadfully boring and sour football we've seen.

On a club level, I'd much prefer the Dragons winning the competition. Simply because the Roosters are the scum of the competition, but we'll leave that for another blog. On a footballing level and in terms of which team will provide a greater spectacle to win on Sunday, my preference is with the Roosters.

What the Dragons will be relying on:

• Jason Ryles to make mistakes
• Nathan Fien to get them rolling
• Michael Weyman to be fit to play to carry their forward pack, along with Jeremy Smith
• Jamie Soward's boot and his confidence. We saw last week, when the Tigers put plenty of pressure on Soward, he was virtually useless. He finally chanced his arm and threw a nice cut-out pass to Mark Gasnier who tapped it on for Jason Nightingale to make a break down the right. 1 tackle later and the Nightingale did brilliantly to backup a Dean Young inside ball to score under the posts.

What the Roosters will be relying on

• Todd Carney to step up and take control
• Both of their young halves to not get overwhelmed by the occasion
• Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to play his typically enforcing role
• Braith Anasta to continue his strong form in the backrow

Where it will be win

Todd Carney - his boot, his ball running and his ball playing.

My Tip

Sydney Roosters

Round 26 Preview

This week, the NRL farewell's a number of champion footballers, including Brett Kimmorley and Nathan Cayless


Gold Coast Titans vs Wests Tigers

The Titans will be looking to bounce back after their disappointing loss to a spirited Sharks outfit last week. The Tigers are in form and playing some great football. Robert Lui is stepping up and Benji Marshall had a sensational game last week. I expect them to carry this form in to the finals series and win tomorrow night.


My Tip - Wests Tigers

Brisbane Broncos vs Canberra Raiders

Darren Lockyer .... will he play or not ? Henjak says not.. but the Raiders should not write him off just yet. A champion of our game, the future of the Broncos in 2010 rests on his ribs. Halfback Peter Wallace is expected to play, but with Lockyer the Broncos will struggle. The Raiders are the form team of the competition, having won 7 of their last 8 games, the Green Machine are flying home behind their imposing forward pack, backed up by stars like Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker and Terry Campese. Hooker Travis Waddell has been named on their extended bench and don't be surprised if he plays tomorrow night, with Danny Galea dropping off the bench. Rumours also flying around that Justin Hodges will be a possible late inclusion for the Broncos...




My Tip - Canberra Raiders

Parramatta Eels vs New Zealand Warriors

The Eels are playing for pride now and hoping to send co-captain Nathan Cayless out on a high. The Warriors will be hopeful of carrying momentum into the finals, but I'm tipping Jarryd Hayne to have one last hurrah to send Cayless off. Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu will play their last games for the Eels, having both signed with the Warriors for next season. I'm sniffing an upset.

My Tip - Parramatta Eels



North Queensland Cowboys vs Sydney Roosters



Should be an easy win to the Roosters... don't be surprised if a few of their players are rested or come off early. The Cowboys packed up when Thurston was injured a few rounds back...



My Tip - Sydney Roosters



Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks

Penrith should be far too strong for the Sharks... although sending off Trent Barrett on a high note, might be motivation for the Sharks to step up. Tim Smith is also finishing the season strongly.

My Tip - Penrith Panthers

Melbourne vs Newcastle

Both teams are playing for pride, but I can see the Storm finishing the season strongly with a victory at home.

My Tip - Melbourne Storm

Manly vs Bulldogs

Should be a decent game. Brett Kimmorley plays his last game of professional Rugby League ever and Manly will be backing up from a dissapointing 2nd half vs Roosters last week. I can see a tight game here, but Sunday afternoon at Brookvale Oval, Manly should take this one out.

My Tip - Manly Sea Eagles

St George Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Souths need to win this game and need Canberra lose to make the top 8 and keep what has been a relatively disappointing season, alive in 2010. However St George will be looking to finish this season in strong fashion, having already the minor premiership and will look to bring momentum in the finals series. Should be an entertaining game, but I'm tipping the Dragons to get home with the points.

My Tip - Dragons

For a punt... I'd be taking Newcastle at $8.20 (Centrebet, to win against the Storm on Sunday afternoon.