Can history repeat itself for the Warriors?
September 17th 2008 08:35
Although sex scandals and whinging seem to be the subjects dominating Rugby League headlines this week, it is important to know that there are two sudden death semi-final matches in the NRL. Both of these games are sell-outs and both promise to be spectacles of the highest order.
New Zealand Warriors Vs Sydney Roosters
The Warriors are the team on everyone's lips.
They have brought forth a hope to all remaining finalists, proving impossible is nothing.
The Warriors made history on the weekend defeating the Melbourne Storm and that victory was met with eleven minutes of madness across the Tasman.
Thousands of Kiwi fans flocked Mt Smart stadium to purchase 25,000 tickets to arguably the biggest Warriors finals match since the 2002 Grand final.
Ironically the team that cast the Warriors into disappointment that year was the Sydney Roosters, led by a bloodied Brad Fittler, who now finds himself as head coach of a side wearing bumps and bruises from last Friday's war against the Brisbane Broncos.
Although the trip to New Zealand was a surprise for most Roosters players, it should not faze them from the task at hand.
The Roosters have won three of the last four games played against the Warriors at Mt Smart, including a clinical 38-12 victory in round 11 this year.
In that game, Roosters forwards Mark O'Meley, Anthony Tupou and Lopini Paea laid the platform for Braith Anasta to steer the tricolours to a handsome win.
No doubt that will be the plan again.
For the Warriors, it will be about emotion for them.
Still on cloud nine after their tremendous effort against the Storm, the Warriors must focus their mental strength on a Roosters side that is anything but forlorn premiership material.
Warriors front rowers Steve Price and Ruben Wiki will lead the way in that department of New Zealand's game.
If both teams are on song, this should be a high scoring contest of the highest order and it is one the Warriors will make history in if they play to their strengths.
Tip - Warriors by 7
Brisbane Broncos Vs Melbourne Storm
One team is believed to be sexually aroused while the other can't seem to hack a loss against an opponent who was considered no chance of winning.
Although events off the field have thrown these two sides into turmoil, both the Broncos and the Storm are highly fancied to garner a Premiership in season 2008.
Many say the winner from this clash will indeed go on and claim the Grand final in League's centenary year.
Although this match looks like a toss of the coin proposition, beware the wounded Storm.
Craig Bellamy's men got a kick up the arse against the Warriors. It was a kick that put all seventeen of his superstars back on notice.
In fact, Storm captain Cameron Smith told all of his players to go home and look in the mirror after their aura sapping defeat.
This signals trouble for Brisbane, despite their disturbances off the field.
The Broncos come up against a side they have not beaten since their Grand Final win in 2006. From then on, the Storm have won their past four clashes against Brisbane.
To make things worse, Brisbane has not defeated Melbourne in an NRL finals match at Suncorp stadium. In fact, they have lost their past five finals games there.
No doubt the Broncos would wish this game was played under the old Mcintyre system ( both semi finals would have been played at the SFS).
But this is Wayne Bennett's farewell party up in Brisbane. No doubt the Broncos will try everything to ensure the proper farewell gift.
No doubt the Storm will try to crash it.
Tip - Storm by 12
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Comment by Alan
Google Images is good or Foxsports.com.au
Leaguehq is great aswell.
Comment by Adam Bailey