ethos
BroncoKiwi
NRL Grand Final Preview
October 3rd 2008 01:07
Category: Weekly Tips
Will it be the year of the Sea Eagles?
Manly Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm
Sunday 5:00pm (4:00pm QLD time), ANZ Stadium
Total Games 13 – Storm 8 wins, Sea Eagles 5 wins
Most Recent Meeting – Round 22 2008, Storm 16 def. Sea Eagles 10
After finishing first and second respectively, the Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles are, in my mind, deserving grand finalists. These two teams have been by far the two best and most consistent sides in the competition. As with any decider, both teams have the upmost motivation. A win to Melbourne will ensure they are remembered as a truly dominant side, while Manly will be out to erase the demons of last season’s defeat.
Expect a physical opening 20 minutes as both forward packs look to gain the early ascendancy. This is where I think Manly have the advantage. In my opinion not only is their starting pack stronger, but they should get plenty of impact off the bench. The likes of Mark Bryant and Jason King will keep rolling forward, while veteran Steven Menzies will be cool, calm and collected as always.
There’s no doubt that the loss of Cameron Smith and Ryan Hoffman has also taken some starch from the Storm. But in saying this nothing galvanises a footy team like controversy – you can be sure Bellamy will have his troops ready to fire when it counts.
The bookies have installed Manly as $1.75 favourites but you can be pretty sure this one will go right down to the wire. Like the betting agencies I’m also favouring Manly. I think their forwards will set the platform for the backline to run freely. They won’t be overawed by the occasion this time.
This game also marks the end of the NRL careers of Menzies and Storm stalwart Matt Geyer – two true legends of the game who have given so much to their respective clubs during many years of loyal service.
Players to Watch:
Michael Crocker (Storm #11)
Crocker won’t be at the Storm next year but that only means he’ll be extra determined to add a third premiership ring to his collection before he departs. One of the most physical players in the Storm pack (who can forget that shoulder charge on Brett Stewart in the 2007 decider?) the second rower will need to be at his best to counter the Sea Eagles’ forwards. Look for Crocker to play the full eighty minutes on Sunday afternoon.
Jamie Lyon (Sea Eagles #6)
For the past few seasons, the Manly five-eighth has often been regarded as the most overrated player in the game. But Lyon took massive steps to finally shedding this unwanted tag with a dominant performance last week. His running game has always been lethal but it was his kicking game that caught my eye in Manly’s thrashing of the Warriors. He produced some pinpoint grubbers that led to repeat sets and, more importantly, tries. If Manly do win, expect Jamie to go very close to claiming the Clive Churchill Medal for best on ground.
Prediction: Sea Eagles by 8
Who do you think will win? Add your comments below!
| 35 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by ethos
NRL Live
It'd be nice to see Menzies finish with a premiership but the Storm will be tough. Should be good to watch on Sunday afternoon.
Comment by ethos
NRL Live
My thoughts on grand final day will be up on the site in the coming days.
Meanwhile, congratulations to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Canberra Raiders and Wentwothville Magpies for claiming their respective premierships for the 2008 season.