NRL Preview - RD 26
September 3rd 2008 08:26
Justin Hodges could prove to be the nightmare for Newcastle
The last round of the NRL season is upon us. While the Sharks, Sea Eagles and Storm are confirmed for home finals, The Roosters, Dragons and Broncos still have a chance of clinching fourth spot. On the other side of the spectrum, The Knights will be hoping to beat Brisbane to wrap up a top eight birth while the Warriors will be eager for a Newcastle loss to keep their finals chances alive when they play the Eels.
Sydney Roosters Vs St George Illawarra Dragons
The most critical game of the round in terms of the influence it has over the final top eight placings. If the Roosters win, they secure a home final next Friday. If the Dragons win, They will hope that Newcastle can topple Brisbane to clinch fourth spot. If the Roosters lose this encounter, they could drop to as low as sixth by the end of the round and will probably play the Cronulla Sharks in the first week of the finals. The return of Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello could see the Roosters sneak home in front of a big home crowd.
Brisbane Broncos Vs Newcastle Knights
This is potentially Wayne Bennett's last game at Suncorp stadium in Qld. Even if both Brisbane and the Roosters win on Friday night, the Broncos will have to make do with fifth spot and a Friday night showdown with Sydney next week at the SFS. The Broncos were a little flat last week against the Bulldogs and will be switched on against a Knights side who never seem to give up. They did cause the upset last week against the Melbourne Storm and will be primed to secure a finals birth. Expect plenty of points in this one.
Parramatta Eels Vs New Zealand Warriors
Not all hope is lost for Eels fans. If the Knights lose against the Brisbane Broncos, Parramatta might sneak into the eight courtesy of a 96 point victory against the Warriors. Realistically though, New Zealand are the ones that deserve a finals position based on current form and will play their guts off if the Knights fall to Brisbane. Although the Eels, with nothing to play for could rack up a score, too much is at stake for the Warriors to produce a shocking performance. This match will be very close but the Warriors shocking away form this year could come back to bite them again.
Canberra Raiders Vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Regardless of what happens in this encounter, the Raiders should finish in the eight with their great points differential. In saying that, they really should look to improve it against the hapless Bulldogs who look set to finish with the wooden spoon in what has been a dreadful year for departing coach Steve Folkes. One feels though, the dogs could be primed for one last big effort for Folkes. The Raiders best be on watch for the full eighty minutes in this encounter.
Penrith Panthers Vs Manly Sea Eagles
There is nothing at stake in this game for Penrith except pride. The Sea Eagles on the other hand are playing for a minor premiership and will be desperate to stop Melbourne from claiming three successive minor premierships since 2006. It is an important game for Manly. If the Sea Eagles do finish first, it could leave them in the right mental state heading into the finals, particularly coming up against Melbourne.
Cronulla Sharks Vs Nth Qld Cowboys
If Manly and Melbourne both lose in their respective clashes, the Cronulla Sharks could emerge on top of the NRL ladder despite winning so many close games this season. They should beat the Cowboys and end what has been a hugely successful season for Ricky Stuart's men. They are one team that is ready to dethrone Melbourne come the finals. They are tough and battle hardened and should be a menace for any team that crosses their path for that elusive premiership.
Gold Coast Titans Vs Wests Tigers
The only game in the round that has no bearing on the top eight whatsoever. The Titans can blame injury for their demise in season 2008, despite starting so well earlier on. The Tigers were hot and cold throughout the year and really did not display enough consistency to put themselves in the finals. With a side containing so many exciting players, one wonders why Tim Sheen's men have not been able to replicate their 2005 form three seasons in a row. The Gold Coast at home should have too much strength.
Melbourne Storm Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Storm will win this. Dead simple. They lost last week and that will serve as a reality check for the finals. The Rabbitohs have been brave in the second half of 2008 but the loss of Craig Wing earlier on destroyed their hopes this year. South Sydney will try hard but Melbourne could win this by over 20 points at home.
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