ethos
BroncoKiwi
Finals Week 1 - Saturday Night Previews
September 12th 2008 06:00
Category: Weekly Tips
Cronulla Sharks (3rd) v Canberra Raiders (6th)
Saturday 6:30pm, Toyota Park
Total Games 50 – Sharks 27 wins, Raiders 23 wins
Most Recent Meeting – Round 16 2008, Sharks 36 def. Raiders 24
Canberra are the feel good story of the NRL. Decimated by injury, and written off before the season even started, the Green Machine have produced some brilliant attacking footy to finish at sixth on the ladder. The club also cleaned up at the Dally M Awards, with skipper Alan Tongue, centre Colin Best and coach Neil Henry all receiving top honours.
With all the fanfare surrounding the Raiders, people seem to have forgotten about the quality of the Sharks. They finished equal first and have the best defence in the competition. The night conditions will suit the Sharks style of play and the expansive game of the Raiders may see them come up with the odd error in slippery conditions. To be honest, I’d love the Raiders to win but I just can’t see it happening. Cronulla are too consistent and the pressure is on Canberra to replicate their attacking brand of footy.
Players to Watch:
Brett Kearney (Sharks)
In a Sharks side renowned for their tenacity in defence, fullback Kearney is an exception – he’s one of the more elusive ball runners in the team. Look for Kearney to really test the tiring Raiders forwards up the middle of the ruck.
Alan Tongue (Raiders)
Tongue can no longer be considered the most underrated player in the NRL. He finally gained recognition for his tireless efforts with awards for Lock of the Year and Captain of the Year at last Tuesday’s Dally Ms. After filling in at halfback last round, Tongue has been shifted back to his more favoured position of lock. He’ll be involved in all aspects of attack and defence.
Prediction: Sharks by 4
...
Manly Sea Eagles (2nd) v St. George Illawarra Dragons (7th)
Saturday 8:30pm, Brookvale Oval
Total Games 12 – Dragons 9 wins, Sea Eagles 3 wins
Most Recent Meeting – Round 11 2008, Dragons 20 def. Sea Eagles 18
St. George were beaten 10-0 by the Roosters last round, while Manly won in unconvincing fashion over the Panthers. It’s sudden death footy now for the Dragons and they should fancy their chances of causing an upset on Saturday night. They have been somewhat of a bogey team for the Sea Eagles. As per usual, the result will come down to who dominates in the forwards. An area where I think Manly has a distinct advantage.
The starting Dragons forward pack should be able to hold their own but the Manly bench is their strength. The likes of Steven Menzies, Mark Bryant and Jason King can keep the home team rolling ahead.
However, in saying that, the Dragons can definitely win. Any team with the strike power of Matt Cooper, Mark Gasnier and Ben Creagh and Lagu Setu on the fringes should be able to score some points. But overall, it’s hard to back against the Sea Eagles. They look too strong up front.
Players to Watch:
Steve Matai (Sea Eagles)
Matai will more than likely be marking opposing centre Gasnier. The Manly back loves to race out of the line to look for a big tackle but he’ll have to play it smart. If Matai misses his target, it will leave a gaping hole for Gasnier to exploit.
Mark Gasnier (Dragons)
Expect a big game from the representative centre in what could be his last game in the NRL. If the Dragons’ halves can put Gasnier in space, the Dragons could go close to securing victory.
Prediction: Sea Eagles by 2
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Comment by ethos
NRL Live
Cronulla Sharks - 36
Tries: Misi Taulapapa 3, Brett Seymour, Luke Covell, Ben Pomeroy, Brett Kearney
Goals: Luke Covell 3/7, Brett Kimmorley 1/1
defeated
Canberra Raiders - 10
Tries: Marshall Chalk, Colin Best
Goals: Terry Campese 1/2
Manly Sea Eagles - 38
Tries: Brett Stewart 2, Steve Menzies, Michael Robertson, Anthony Watmough, David Williams, Josh Perry
Goals: Matt Orford 5/7
defeated
St George Illawarra Dragons - 6
Tries: Mark Gasnier
Goals: Mark Gasnier 1/1