NRL Finals Preview

Now the the dregs have been sorted out we are now left to see the cream of the crop battle it out for the right to last one more round. Regardless of form, everyone knows that when the pressure is on it all changes and it is a matter of the team that steps up on the day knowing that it all lays on the line.

Bulldogs v manly

This is the game that most are tipping for the Grand Final but whoever loses this game will struggle in the next and injuries are the key. Without the luxury of resting key players it is not only a matter of winning the game but also hoping that no major injuries are suffered to key players. I am picking the Bulldogs to win this game as long as the game is allowed to be open and does not turn into an arm wrestle with little room to move if they refs do not keep control of the 10 metre line. Manly have been good but of late are not playing hard for the whole game. The only question is how the Bulldogs halves handle the pressure of the big game and more importantly how Barba stands up to finals intensity pressure. Bulldogs in a tight one.

Melbourne v Souths

Any team with Inlgis is a formidable one but Melbourne don't lack in exciting fire power either. Melbourne have the experience and should win an arm wrestle in this one. Also the home ground advantage is a bigger issue when it involves a non-sydney club.  If  Melbourne struggle to dominate in the forwards though Souths will run rampant on the fringes. Ball control is what will hurt Souths though. Everyone knows they have the ability to win, it is just a matter of the control they show to win a tight game.  Storm comfortably.

North Queensland v Brisbane

North Queenlsand deservedly get a home final and Brisbane well and truly limped into the finals. The Cowboys are a good chance to go all the way but it is always hard to discount Brisbane.  It is always hard to tip against Brisbane in finals and they have the team to do it, it is just a matter of their halves finally clicking in a way that they haven't done all season. For Brisbane to win this one they will have to win it in the forwards and allow no time or space for Thurston and Bowen.  The Cowboys though are a team that have a lot of points in them and if they get on a roll are hard to stop.  Even if it is a close game this is a team that can find length of the field tries at any time and that is the biggest difference between the teams.  It is always hard to pick a derby but on form the Cowboys should come away with a win but for some reason I have a feeling that the Broncos are up for something big. Hard to call but I am sticking with the Broncos.

Canberra v Cronulla

It didn't seem that long ago and everyone was calling for the head of the coach at the Raiders and now they are in top gear and should continue on with a win over the Sharks.  Having to travel the Sharks will struggle and everyone knows how Carney goes in high pressure games.  This game will see plenty of poor kicking from the Sharks and a few conversations between Gallen and the ref on what the rules of the game are. Raiders by a few.