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Parramatta v Gold Coast Titans
NRLFAN
Foxsports.com.au brings you everything you need to know – and a few things you don’t – about Friday’s first semi-final final between Parramatta and Gold Coast Titans.
WHAT, WHERE & WHEN:
First semi-final, Sydney Football Stadium, Friday, 7.45pm (EST)FORM GUIDE (past five matches):
WWWLW (Eels), WWWLL (Titans)THE NEXT STEP:
Winner: Will face the Bulldogs in the preliminary final.Loser: Season over.
TALE OF THE TAPE:
After their upset win over the minor premiers in week one of the finals series, Parramatta head into the match against Gold Coast Titans as favourites. Their strong defence and the attacking prowess of Jarryd Hayne against St George Illawarra saw them regain the form that saw them storm into the finals on the back of seven consecutive wins. The Titans will be looking to bounce back after suffering back-to-back losses, including their qualifying final against Brisbane Broncos. The Queenslanders are also renowned for their poor away record, having won only five of 12 games away from home this season. The teams last clashed in round 18, when the Titans sneaked home 18-12 at Skilled Park.KEY MEN:
Jarryd Hayne (Eels): Is there anything this man can’t do? After being outshone by the defence of his teammates for nearly 80 minutes against the Dragons, the Dally M winner showed his capabilities with a brilliant solo try that sealed a famous victory. The leaky Titans defence will need to have done plenty of work during the week if they want to stop the in-form fullback.Scott Prince (Titans): He’s been all the way in the NRL competition before, with Wests Tigers in 2005, so he has the experience to lead his side from the front. But the remainder of his young side is relatively inexperienced at this level so the Titans halfback needs to step up if his side is to avoid a straight-sets exit. The Eels’ sliding defence was brilliant last week, so Prince might have to think outside the box to get across the stripe.
IS STAT RIGHT?
Parramatta have won eight of their past nine matches, but they have not beaten Gold Coast Titans in three attempts. Discarding their 37-0 loss to the Dragons in round 26, the Eels have conceeded just 72 points in their past eight matches. In comparison, the Titans have conceeded 102 points in their past three matches.MATCH ODDS:
Parramatta Eels $1.36, Gold Coast Titans $3.10 (TAB Sportsbet; 16/9)LAURIE DALEY SAYS:
“Parramatta have certainly got all the confidence and momentum given their magnificent performance against the Dragons on the weekend. But they are coming off a short turnaround having played in the heat on Sunday, and they may not have recovered as well as the Titans. They played a team that threw a great deal at them and, while they defended brilliantly, the Titans will provide a lot more variety with the ball than the Dragons did. With Scott Prince’s kicking game, I think Jarryd Hayne will be tested more than he has been in recent weeks. Parramatta’s defence was great last week, their second phase play was back, and they had the right balance between pushing the pass and being more controlled and selective. Their forwards are their keys at the moment, with Fuifui Moimoi and Nathan Cayless leading the charge and a guy like Todd Lowrie playing some great football on the back of that.“The Titans would’ve had taken a lot out of their loss on Saturday night. After giving up a 20-point lead, to storm home and only just be beaten on the bell against the team that a lot of people think can win the competition was a mighty effort. Their forwards have been criticised all year, but I think they can test Parramatta through the middle by running off Nathan Friend. I think the attacking kicking game of Scott Prince will be vital.
“It’s hard to go against the blue-and-golds, but I think it will be a lot closer than people expect. I think the Titans will look good to win at some stage in the second half, but I’m going to go for Parramatta because the momentum and self-confidence they have created will get them over the line.
PREDICTION:
Parramatta by 13 points.
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Brisbane Broncos v St George Illawarra
NRLFAN
Foxsports.com.au brings you everything you need to know – and a few things you don’t – about Saturday’s second semi-final between Brisbane Broncos and St George Illawarra.
WHAT, WHERE & WHEN:
Second semi-final, Suncorp Stadium, Saturday, 7.45pm (EST)FORM GUIDE (past five matches):
WWWWW (Broncos); LLLWL (Dragons)THE NEXT STEP:
Winner: To play Melbourne Storm in the preliminary finals.Loser: Season over.
TALE OF THE TAPE:
The Broncos have hit form at the right end of the season, winning six matches in succession, including last weekend’s qualifying final try-fest against Gold Coast Titans. St George Illawarra, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after a lacklustre performance against Parramatta and avoid becoming the first minor premiers since 1993 to bow out of the finals without winning a game. Dragons coach Wayne Bennett returns to his former home ground, where he won six premierships during a 21-year tenure at the club. But the Broncos will have the added confidence of knowing they defeated the Dragons the last time they played each other - 12-2 at WIN Stadium in round 24.KEY MEN:
Dave Taylor (Broncos): From Queensland Cup to NRL finals star. That’s the way it’s panning out for South Sydney-bound Taylor. The Dragons will have to be on full alert as they take on the athletic and skilful front-rower, something their captain, Ben Hornby, is well aware of. “He gave us problems (in round 24),” Hornby said. “It’s something we’re going to have to look at and come up with a strategy there to stop him.”Jamie Soward (Dragons): Most of the Dragons’ hopes rest on the form of Soward. He’ll be trying to make amends after Eric Grothe intercepted his pass to score in the Dragons’ shock loss to the Eels last week. With Soward misfiring against the Eels, the Dragons looked short of answers in attack. Soward is absolutely pivotal in the outcome of this match.
IS STAT RIGHT?
Before beating the Dragons in round 24, the Broncos had lost their previous eight matches against St George Illawarra. The Dragons have won their past seven matches at Suncorp Stadium, while the Broncos have never won a finals match at the Cauldron. Brisbane have won their past six matches, while the Dragons have lost four of their past five.MATCH ODDS:
Brisbane Broncos $2.00, St George Illawarra $1.80 (TAB Sportsbet; 16/9)LAURIE DALEY SAYS:
“This one is very difficult to pick. It’s going to be a difficult ask for the Broncos because the Dragons play a very controlled, very aggressive and a very simplistic game. The Dragons are the type of team that have to convert their chances because they aren’t likely to create many. If they create four or five chances in this game, they have to take them, whereas other teams chance their arm a little more and create more chances.“The Broncos still worry me because they tend to float in and out of games, even though they have been winning. That’s the only thing that worries me about them, that they have this habit of falling asleep and leaking points. If they do that against a very good team like the Dragons, I think they can be beaten.
“If the Dragons take their chances better then they did against Parramatta, I think they can win. I think the minor premiers deserve another chance and I think they’re probably capable of playing the more consistent football for a longer period than the Broncos. I think it will be a cracking game and I don’t think there will too much between them.”
PREDICTION:
Dragons by two points.
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Re-live classic NRL semi-finals
NRLFAN
Four teams do battle this weekend to continue their finals crusade. Before they do, we wander down memory lane to re-live two classic NRL semi-finals.
Melbourne Storm 16 d Brisbane Broncos 14
September 20, 2008, Suncorp StadiumIt was a game that ended in tears – for winners and losers alike.
The table-topping Storm were reeling after being knocked off their perch by the Warriors a week earlier while the Broncos went into the match high on confidence after dispatching Sydney Roosters.
The defending premiers’ season was teetering on a knife’s edge when they went to half-time trailing 12-0 after first-half tries from Broncos flyers Darius Boyd and Denan Kemp, but the final 40 minutes would ultimately bring the game alive.
Decisive blow … Storm celebrate. GettyA four-pointer from Michael Crocker shortly after the break was offset by the sin-binning of Jeff Lima for a late hit on Broncos hooker Michael Ennis. The ensuing penalty goal stretched the Broncos’ lead to 14-6.
But against all odds, the Storm managed to overcome the numerical disadvantage.
Billy Slater followed through a Cooper Cronk chip to cross and allow Cameron Smith to close the gap to two points, and then both sides were denied potential match-winners by the video referee.
The Storm’s disallowed effort was one of the more spectacular near-things seen on a rugby league field. A Smith grubber to the in-goal corner was twice batted on by players leaping into touch before finally landing in the hands of Greg Inglis. But the try was disallowed when Anthony Quinn, who had the final touch, was deemed to have been in touch.
The Storm’s title defence appeared to be over until Smith shuffled play wide in the dying seconds to exploit a stretched Brisbane defence, the ball eventually finding an unmarked Inglis who fell over the line to seal one of the greatest get-out-of-jail efforts in finals history.
North Queensland Cowboys 10 d Brisbane Broncos 0
September 18, 2004, Dairy Farmers Stadium
Myles … the only try scorer. Stewart McleanThe Cowboys had already pulled off one of the upsets of the season seven days earlier, knocking off the second-placed Bulldogs 30-22 in their maiden finals venture.
Meanwhile, Brisbane’s first-up loss to the Storm had landed them in a sudden-death semi-final against their northern neighbours, a match originally set down to played at Sydney Football Stadium.
Commonsense prevailed and the Broncos agreed for the match to be moved to Dairy Farmers Stadium, where a packed house of 25,000 fans turned out to see the perennial wooden spooners fight for a place in the preliminary final.
The game’s classic status is probably more due to the history the Cowboys overcame, and the ramifications of the result, than the actual match itself.
The Cowboys had not defeated their state rivals in 16 attempts, and the Broncos were on a premiership crusade to send captain Gorden Tallis out with a title in his final season.
The Cowboys had turned their fortunes around with a resilient defence that was ranked fourth in the NRL, and it was that brick wall that proved the difference on the night.
In his final home game for the club, local boy Nathan Fien was in the thick of the action, pulling down Broncos winger Gary Tupou and bundling him into touch as the tryline beckoned, as well as being at the centre of a biting controversy after accusations were made by Shane Webcke.
There was only one try in the match, journeyman David Myles following through a Matt Bowen grubber to score, while Josh Hannay added three goals for a 10-0 final scoreline that would go down in Cowboys folklore
The Cowboys went on to almost claim the top three scalps of 2004 but they lost a controversial grand final qualifier 19-16 to eventual runners-up Sydney Roosters.
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Pick a classic match to broadcast
NRLFAN
Fox Sports is giving you the chance to play program director, by choosing which classic NRL match you want to see in our new show: Chooseday Night Football.
Each Tuesday night, we will screen one of three great NRL games that are chosen by you voting for your favourite at foxsports.com.au.
Simply select the game you most want to see in the poll, and the match with the most votes by midnight Monday every week will go to air on Fox Sports 2 at 9.30pm (EST) the following night, Chooseday night, straight after NRL Tactics.
Each week’s selections will feature plenty of past and present stars, so get voting and tune in next Chooseday to watch one of the following memorable NRL games.
Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm
Finals week two, 2008
With 22 Origin players involved, would the scene of many memorable interstate battles produce a finals classic? Adding to the drama, the Broncos knew a loss would signal the end of the Wayne Bennett era while the defending champions knew Israel Folau was heading to Brisbane for the 2009 season.Newcastle Knights v Manly
Finals week one, 2006
A controversial round-23 match raised the stakes for this finals encounter between fierce rivals. Could former Knights hero Ben Kennedy end the season for his ex-teammates as he looked to finish his career by leading Manly to a title?St George Illawarra v Wests Tigers
Finals week three, 2005
Written off after round 15, the Tigers based their revival on attacking play and they recorded two huge wins to reach the final four. Entering the clash as red-hot favourites, could the Dragons continue their eight-game winning streak?
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The Adjudicator: NRL finals W2
NRLFAN
As a seasoned tipster, The Adjudicator knows the only certainties in life are death, taxes and the Dragons losing in the finals.
It makes you wonder, then, what made me think they’d beat Parramatta on Sunday. Maybe, like everyone else, their first-place finish and their 37-0 flogging of the Eels the previous week blinded me to their unrivalled choking ability in September.
Unfortunately, the start of the finals didn’t agree with The Adjudicator, either. Some might consider two from four acceptable at this time of year. But I’m a perfectionist and it just isn’t good enough.
So I’m putting it all on the line. With one hand in the air and the other on my Big League magazine, I promise the lovely lady wife will take my place if I don’t get a perfect two from two this weekend. Like a prop forward sitting on the sidelines, Mrs A has her nostrils flared and is raring to rip in. She’s looking more and more like Michael Weyman everyday.
So here goes: two games that could make or break me. And, as always, your thoughts and comments are more than welcome.
Eels v Titans Broncos v Dragons Parramatta v Gold Coast Titans, Friday 7.45pm (EST), Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
The Adjudicator says: You just didn’t listen, did you? No matter how many times I told you, you just didn’t listen. As the founding member and chairman of The Titans Will Choke Club (TTWCC), The Adjudicator has been spreading his message all season. With the prophecy almost realised, Gold Coast fans can begin preparations for something they’re actually good at: Schoolies Week. For the Eels, now they’ve realised that playing with 17 on 17 is more profitable than 1 v 17, they are genuine title contenders. If Mrs A does end up taking over next week, it won’t be because I get this one wrong. Eels by 14.Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you’re from.
LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Eels fan Matt from Beaumont Hills: “Hey Mr A. I was wondering if i was able to join this The Titans Will Choke Club (TTWCC)? Anyway, when we last played the Titans it was only a 6 point loss, the game was at Skilled Park (Sandtrap), the refs were obviously in the Titans favour and we were still in 14th place. Compare that to this weekend. The game is at the SFS, Parra have come off a great team performance against the Dragons and the Titans have just lost their first finals match AT HOME and will be wanting to get back up to the Gold Coast as quick as possible on Saturday morning, possibly even late Friday night depending on the score. Eels by 10. May I also add: 2009 YEAR OF THE EEL!!”Titans fan Troy says: “I hope you have a small hat my friend because being chairman of TTWCC is like being the president of Enron. As a Titans fan I’m glad they lost, that knocked Manly out, very pleased about that and now they are on the easy side of the draw. Losing on the weekend was the best thing for them, they showed lots of finesse in attack and will be so much better for the run. I think they played very well. The Dragons threw nothing at the eels, and the Titans are attack machines, that win by the eels will have taken a lot out of them and with short preparation, Be prepared to each eel soup with a side dish of hat. Adjudicator you’re a joke my friend and the titans will prove you wrong!”
Eels fan Lee of Brisbane says: “Mr A, The EELS have climbed a massive mountain since there loss to the Titans in R18, I was there that night if a couple of decisions by Moi Moi and Inu were taken differently the result may of being different. Anyway we move on 9 weeks later and the EELS are a more confident relaxed team. Titans are pushing Hayne’s wheel borrow alot this week, lets hope they just concentrate on him. Dont forgot our D has been the best in the comp for the last 2 months. And last week against the Saints it was our best defensive effort all year, our forwards totally outplayed/muscled there’s, this is where the game will be won. Close tough game, EELS BY 7.”
Eels fan Doolie of Perth says: “Mr A, you ignored me last week to your embarrasment but you appear to have learned from your mistake? I tipped all winners so just follow me if you want to succeed. Eels to win by as much as 20 points and Bronco’s by at least 12. As much as I hate the Broncos they do have a certain rep for being able to rise to big occassions.Stick with the eels and you will be on a winner all the way.”
Titans fan Brett from the Goldie says: “Once again you don’t take into account all of that facts Judi. Let’s look back and see how many times the Eels have beaten the Titans…..Zero, Nada, Nothing, NEVER!!! When the Eels went on the great run of 7 in a row, the team that beat them before that run started was none other than…THE TITANS. If the refs give us a fair go this time then we will safely hold the eels at bay. Titans by 8.”
Titans fan Scotty from Hervey Bay says: “You have to be a closet Parra fan Mr A! How can you so easily dismiss a team with the likes of Prince, Campbell, Bailey, Laffranchi, Rogers, Friend and Harrison in it? Let me ask, Who’s the more experienced halfback , Robson or Prince? Who’s the more experienced 5/8th, Mortimer or Campbell? Who’s the more experienced hooker, Keating or Friend? It takes more than a good fullback to win a premiership! Titans to gain confidence from 2nd half v Broncos and to out-muscle and manoeuvre the Eels in the forwards with Bailey and the back row on a rampage! Titans by 12! PS I look forward to you eating your words in next week’s Adjudication!”
Titans fan Josh says: “Hi Mr A, I think you have this wrong, Parra have climbed their mountain and they are about to come crashing back to earth, titans at Full strength with Presto, Zillman and Prince, causing havoc in the ruck and our lightning fast wingers scoring a brace each. The only preparation we will be making is for an all QLD Grand Final! Titans by 8.”
Ben of Brisbane says: “As yet another week passes by and the parramatta fans begin to think more and more about a possible premiership past performances must be the furtherest thing from there mind. Well should we remind them of years 1998, 2001 and 2005. They will be having flashbacks by halftime as Campbell and co. will prove to all they are no chumps. Titans by 8.”
Gaz of Lane Cove says: “Good to see your learning some lessons in tipping such as never write off the mighty Eels. The Eels are hitting that high note again and leaving would be contenders in their wake. It seems that once this team is in a do or die situation they stand up and are counted as winners. Hindy is the inspiration in defence and Hayne, Mortimer and co. are leaving opposition defences in their dust. It is a short turnaround this week for the Eels so I am a little bit concerned but still they will get the cash, especially in front of tens of thousands of their own supporters. Eels by 8.”
Eels fan Brendan of Brisbane says: “What a difference a week makes and the input of Hindmarsh and Grothe. Someone tell Bennett to take the coat hanger out of his shirt. Dragons will be out of the competition by the end of this wk, broncos will dust them up just like the mighty eels did and Dean Young to have a shocker because of “the mental scars” he will be carrying into the game. Robson is a rock 30/30 tackles on the wknd. Parra to do titans by 10, Luke Burt to have yet another screamer!!”
Parra fan David of Stanmore says: “Come Monday at 3.00pm I predict the Gold Coasters will be putting the Tan into Titan because they will be sitting on a beach soaking up the rays following a defeat at the hands of the rampant Eels. Query the justice of Parramatta getting a home game after finishing eighth but if that is what the poindexters at NRL HQ have ordered I say “Take it with both hands”. Parra can smell the grand final and I don’t think Preston Campbell is big enough to stand in their way.”
Eels fan Jason says: “Got to say Mr A that you have it right this week, the Eels are on fire at the moment and enjoying there football. They are starting to prove that they are a 17 man team, it was a bit disappointing that a 30sec part of the game (where Hayne scored his lovely try) was the only point of the game that people wanted to talk about, I think there defence was great and did well over the whole 80 minutes. The Eels are playing great 80 min football at present so Titan will need to keep up for the whole 80 on this one. Also bit upset with some people stating that Eels should not be there as they came 8th, all 8 teams play for a spot in the finals, the top four get the bonus of home ground week 1, the Eels reached top form 9 weeks ago and are by no means not worthy of taking out the Trophy. Eels by 12 on Friday.”
Eels fan (but realistic
Simon Dando of Singapore says: “Love your style Mr A, but I have to disagree with you on this one. As a lifetime member of the TEHCA club (The Eels Have Choked Again), I believe that you underestimate Parra’s ability to go one better than the Titans. One winces when remembering the preliminary final loss to the Bulldogs when they were leading 18-2 with just 11 to go, nor will PL losses in 1999 and 2000 be forgotten. The 2001 GF and the 29 zip loss to the Cowboys in 05 make tears well in my eyes. Titans by 2 in extra time after the Eels led by 12 at the 78 minute mark.”Brisbane Broncos v St George Illawarra, Saturday 7.45pm (EST), Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The Adjudicator says: The Dragons in 2009 have been a lot like former US president George W. Bush. They sat in the No.1 spot for a long time before being replaced by someone more capable and much more popular. And like Bush did nearly 10 years ago, the Dragons will undoubtedly warn the Broncos this week not to “misunderestimate” them. But I’ve had enough. With my future in this forum under threat, I can’t afford to spend anymore time offering support for a giant a waste of space. And I can’t afford to tip the Dragons, either. As Dubya himself once said: “Fool me once, shame on … shame on you. Fool me … fool me … you can’t get fooled again.” Broncos by six.Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you’re from.
LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Broncos fan Nathan of QLD says: “Some very confident Dragons fans amongst this forum. In all honesty, it is a flip of the coin as to who will win this game. Forget statistics. Forget previous form. Forget past victories. The game is DO or DIE! I expect an all out assault from both teams. Who will win? The team that starts the best, defends the best, and take their opportunities, will win this game. If the Dragons try to fatigue the Broncos they will lose. If the Broncos don’t communicate in defense they will lose. Possession and position. Broncos by 2.”Broncos Fan Morgan of Lae says: “Dragons fan Tom of Sydney, Where will you get the 22 points to beat the Broncos? The last time broncos played them in their home ground, they did NOT even score a TRY. They have a very predictable play maker whose next moves with the ball can by predicted by a kid watching on TV. For the broncos, they have many options of scoring many tries, e.g. Falou to score from the AIR which is impossible to stop, Talyor bulldozing his way to the try line via Soward and Sailor, Hodges to fend his way over via Cooper, Hunt to kick for wingers to score and even Wallace to dummy his way to the try line via a lazy Miss Weyman. Broncos by 26 points.”
Dragons fan Russell says: “The Dragons started the year with stoic defence and little attack; accused of being boring. Bennett was coaching defence only. Mid-year saw an attacking revival with their weapons let them let off the leash once defence was sorted. In trying to restore confidence in the final month Bennett is back to defence. PLEASE let them off the leash this week Wayne and don’t let your defensive coaching strategy strangle the dragons in their own noose. Sowy, Morris and Hornby will do the job if you let them.”
Rossko of Bronco Town says: “When the Broncos win it won’t only be because the Dragons are chokers – both teams at their best means a Broncos win. I think the Broncos are still yet to show their absolute best & I think they will this weekend. Hodges & Hunt started to really fire up last week against those cry baby Titans & I reckon all the boys will step up a couple of notches this week. I’ll be at the game so I hope Dell ties his drawstring up. Darren Lockyer man of the match. Broncos by 14.”
Broncos fan Matthew from Brisbane says: “Mr A, the sad reality of finals football is its conservative nature compared to the regular season. The Dragons vs. Broncos game will be nothing short of a grinding out between two good teams, taking every last penalty goal and field goal attempt on offer (the ref will be crucial). Don’t believe any of that psychological choking nonsense, because it just won’t apply. Dragons have 1 from 5, and the Broncos hate finals footy at home. The slates are basically even. Broncos by 4 on the back of a Soward intercept pass to Folau.”
Dragons fan Mick of Tasmania says: “The Dragons need to change a few things to win this week against the Broncos. The most important change in my opinion is the killer instinct. The Dragons had the Eels out on their feet in the 1st half, they recieved a penalty and kicked for goal. They did the same thing against the Raiders and got flogged. What it does is it gives the opposition confidence and a rest. Go for the juggler Dragons or perish. The more I think about this game, the more I believe the Dragons will win. Dragons by 1.”
Dragons bandwagon jumper Ben from Brisbane says: “Heck after getting 0 from 4 tips correct in week one of the finals my ultimate september nightmare has begun. But alas here comes newly shaved Dell to remind brisbane fans that they haven’t really beaten anyone on there winning streak. Oh yeah they did beat the dragons but that wasn’t at suncorp were st george love it. Brisbane fans to be blaming everyone else, because its never there fault, as the dragons win comfortably by 14.”
Brodie of Newcastle says: “At what seems to be the Dragons home away from home according to their track record, i think they will get the edge over Brisbane this week. All the stats point in the direction of the Dragons. The master coach will show Henjack why he’s the master coach. With the dragons grinding defense coupled with a bit of Morris/Soward magic, Dragons by 6.”
Andrew of Kogarah says: “1 win from 5 games. The Dragons season ends on Saturday night. Sad end to what looked like a promising year.”
Dragons fan Reno from The GC says: “Mr A, I can understand The Dragons bashing, having supported them for so long and being disappointed for the last 30 years it’s only natural to bag them when they keep on disappointing. I think they will get done by The Broncos but here is where I disagree with you, you said, and I quote: “They sat in the No.1 spot for a long time before being replaced by someone more capable and much more popular”. Much more popular, hello, The Dragons are the most popular team in The NRL. There will be more Dragons fans at Suncorp on Saturday night than there will be Broncos fans, and that’s why The Broncos fans are scared. I’m going back on my word. Dragons by 14.”
Broncos fan Simon says: “At last we agree with each other Mr. Adjudicator, the Broncos are a very different side from last year they don’t have Bennents old footy ways anymore.But the Broncos cant take the Dragons lightly if they do it will be another loss at home in the finals.But I do believe that they will win and move on to Melbourne ready to knock them out and get some old fashion revenge.Broncos by 8.”
Dragons fan Tom of Sydney says: “Now that you have finally said something negative about the Dragons (and in the process, made Phil a happy man, something his Sutherland Guppies will never be able to achieve), we might actually stand a chance of winning. After all, we hold an extremely solid track record up at Suncorp, so, who knows where this one could end up. Either way, as another die-hard amongst the ranks, DRAGONS by 22 – KEEP THE FAITH!”
Paul confessed Dragons tragic, aged 45, footy guru and lives for the game says: “The Eels go the cash on Sunday at Kogarah and deserved to win. However, we weren’t far away, we played to a strick pattern and literally tried to outfatigue the Eels defence but at crucial times didn’t move their defensive line around inside their own quarter. The Dragons will attack the Broncos a little differently. The Titans used a lot of dummy half running and varied ruck plays and worked on taking the ball about 60 per cent of the away across the field then hit back quickly at the slower lateral moving Broncos’ forwards. Nathan Fien will direct play in this area when he comes on for Dean Young who then reverts to a back row running forward ot one pass of the ruck option in attack. I also expect jamie Soward to run more and follow back rowers Ben Creagh on the left and Matt Prior on the right and hunt for inside passes against the sliding Broncos defence. Dragons by seven.”
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JT's sacking could polarise Souths
NRLFAN
Jason Taylor says he has the support of at least “90 per cent” of South Sydney’s playing group, and George Piggins fears ill feeling could undermine the Rabbits’ 2010 NRL season.
Taylor continued to fight to clear his name after being axed by the club for a drinking session two weeks ago, claiming on Sydney radio he had spoken to the vast majority of the playing group and most were supportive of him remaining as coach next season.
“Right now the relationship I have with these players is as strong as any relationship I have had with the team in my life,” Taylor told Sydney radio station 2KY.
“I had overwhelming strong support from pretty much every player.
“Right now I just feel great about where I’ve finished with those players, how they think about me and how I think about them.”
But the Souths board never considered the player power and voted unanimously to sack Taylor and install John Lang on a two-year deal – a promotion from his existing role as football director.
Former club boss Piggins believes Taylor was sacked unfairly and is concerned the player support could derail the Rabbitohs next year.
“You will probably find how much impact this has on them next year,” Piggins said.
“It does make a difference to the players. If they’ve been affected by it, it could make it very difficult next year.
“If you’ve got five or six players there that were Jason Taylor fans and think he has been badly treated and that affects their game it’s going to make the job of coaching them a lot harder and a lot more difficult.”
Piggins said Taylor should have remained head coach, but he also supports the appointment of Lang and hopes the former premiership winner with Penrith can have a successful stint at the proud club.
“I don’t think it was very fair sacking him the way they did,” he said.
“As far as the new coach, I think Johnny Lang is a pretty good coach and a pretty good fella.
“It’s a funny argument, one way I feel for Jason Taylor and another way it’s good to see Johnny Lang get a go.
“I think Johnny Lang is going to be a bloke that will put his head down and backside up and do a good job of it.”
Piggins said the best way for the club to resolve any resentment would be to pay both Taylor and sacked player David Fa’alogo their full entitlements.
Taylor refused to discuss whether he would pursue charges or a civil suit against Fa’alogo for throwing the punch that left him unconscious and ultimately cost him his $250,000-a-year job.
“I was completely concussed,” Taylor said. “I mean I was out for a number of minutes.
“I was face down on the ground, players had to tip bottles of water on my face, others checked if I was breathing. They had to work to get me to come around.
“There’s a whole other story … I just want people to understand I’ve been wronged.”
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Bennett dismisses injury worries
NRLFAN
St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett has hosed down injury concerns over representative stars Michael Weyman and Darius Boyd after both failed to complete Friday’s training session ahead of their NRL semi-final clash with Brisbane Broncos.
Weyman took no part in the session while Boyd headed for the dressing rooms about 20 minutes before the end of the session, but Bennett was adamant both would take their places in the starting line-up at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
“Weyman’s fine, he’ll play tomorrow, it’s just a bit of soreness from training on Wednesday,” Bennett said after the side’s final training run at WIN Jubilee Oval on Friday.
“He trained the whole session on Wednesday.
“Darius got a knock on his knee (against Parramatta) but he was better today than he was on Wednesday, he’ll play.
“The physio came out and thought Darius had had enough time and Michael didn’t come out at all this morning.”
The less than ideal build-up to the knock-out clash was similar to that of the Broncos, with Test centre Justin Hodges failing to complete their last training run due to a suspected hamstring injury.
But Bennett was expecting Hodges to play.
“He’s probably like our guys – he’ll play, I have no doubt about that,” he said.
The Dragons fly to Brisbane on Friday afternoon and Bennett said he didn’t expect to be heckled by fans on his return to Queensland.
The match will be Bennett’s second visit to Suncorp Stadium since leaving the Broncos, a club with which he won six premierships during a stunning 21-year reign.
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Hodges in doubt for Broncos
NRLFAN
Brisbane Broncos representative centre Justin Hodges is in doubt for Saturday night’s NRL knockout semi-final against St George Illawarra.
Hodges failed to train with the team at Red Hill on Friday morning and Broncos coach Ivan Henjak confirmed his place in Saturday night’s backline was not secure.
Henjak, however, would not elaborate on Hodges’s latest injury other than to say he was “feeling tight”.
Hodges complained of tightness, believed to be in the hamstring area, after training on Tuesday and was still stiff when the team ran on Friday morning.
If Hodges fails to come up on Saturday morning, young New Zealander Alex Glenn is expected to be promoted from the bench into the starting line-up with another youngster Josh McGuire joining the interchange.
“We could live without it, but we’ll check him tomorrow (Saturday) and hopefully he will be all right,” said Henjak, dismissing suggestions of any mind games with former Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett.
“It would be a pretty big blow if he’s out, but we’re confident that whoever plays will do a good job.
“We’ve been through enough adversity this year to get over little hurdles like this, or big hurdles like this, and it’s not definite he’s out yet.”
The Dragons trained in Sydney on Friday morning and are expected to arrive in Brisbane, where they have a 6-1 winning record, on Friday afternoon.
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Adjudicator verdict: NRL finals W2
NRLFAN
It’s elimination time, for title aspirants and The Adjudicator alike. The all-knowing tipster delivers his verdict on whose seasons have only 80 minutes remaining.
There’s been a role reversal over the past week, with Gold Coast Titans fans now throwing around the notion that their loss to Brisbane Broncos means nothing – much like Parramatta were seven days prior.
Meanwhile, it’s feeling eerily like the early 1990s in the lead-up to Saturday night’s match, not even St George Illawarra fans are sure they can reel in the Broncos juggernaut and avoid a straight-sets drop out of the finals.
But what the fans think is one thing. What The Adjudicator says is gospel – and here is The Good Oil.
Parramatta v Gold Coast Titans, Friday 7.45pm (EST), Sydney Football Stadium
Eels fan Jason says: “Got to say Mr A that you have it right this week, the Eels are on fire at the moment and enjoying there football. They are starting to prove that they are a 17 man team, it was a bit disappointing that a 30sec part of the game (where Hayne scored his lovely try) was the only point of the game that people wanted to talk about, I think there defence was great and did well over the whole 80 minutes. The Eels are playing great 80 min football at present so Titan will need to keep up for the whole 80 on this one. Also bit upset with some people stating that Eels should not be there as they came 8th, all 8 teams play for a spot in the finals, the top four get the bonus of home ground week 1, the Eels reached top form 9 weeks ago and are by no means not worthy of taking out the Trophy. Eels by 12 on Friday.”Titans fan Troy says: “I hope you have a small hat my friend because being chairman of (The Titans Will Choke Club) is like being the president of Enron. As a Titans fan I’m glad they lost, that knocked Manly out, very pleased about that and now they are on the easy side of the draw. Losing on the weekend was the best thing for them, they showed lots of finesse in attack and will be so much better for the run. I think they played very well. The Dragons threw nothing at the eels, and the Titans are attack machines, that win by the eels will have taken a lot out of them and with short preparation, Be prepared to each eel soup with a side dish of hat. Adjudicator you’re a joke my friend and the titans will prove you wrong!”
The Adjudicator says: “It is true, I have about as much time for the Titans’ finals campaign as I do for photos of Scott Prince gallivanting around the Sunset Strip in his banana hammock. I don’t care what the ramifications for other teams are, Troy: no fan should ever be glad to see their team lose, especially when an extra weekend of sunbaking would have been the reward. My opinion of Titans fans is dwindling with every passing moment. Mind you, Jason’s unwillingness to soak up the rugby league rays that continue to shine from Jarryd Hayne is almost as questionable. But there’s plenty of love for the other 16 members of the Parramatta chorus line, and that is music to my ears. For the record, my hat is wide-brimmed and completely indigestible. Eels by 14.”
Brisbane Broncos v St George Illawarra, Saturday 7.45pm (EST), Suncorp Stadium
Broncos fan Nathan of QLD says: “Some very confident Dragons fans amongst this forum. In all honesty, it is a flip of the coin as to who will win this game. Forget statistics. Forget previous form. Forget past victories. The game is DO or DIE! I expect an all out assault from both teams. Who will win? The team that starts the best, defends the best, and take their opportunities, will win this game. If the Dragons try to fatigue the Broncos they will lose. If the Broncos don’t communicate in defence they will lose. Possession and position. Broncos by 2.”Dragons fan Mick of Tasmania says: “The Dragons need to change a few things to win this week against the Broncos. The most important change in my opinion is the killer instinct. The Dragons had the Eels out on their feet in the 1st half, they received a penalty and kicked for goal. They did the same thing against the Raiders and got flogged. What it does is it gives the opposition confidence and a rest. Go for the juggler Dragons or perish. The more I think about this game, the more I believe the Dragons will win. Dragons by 1.”
The Adjudicator says: “I’m continually endeared to this new type of Broncos fan. Just like their ever-maturing football club, they seem so much nicer than the smug lot that stole the fun from rugby league in the 1990s. Nathan is a man of lofty footballing smarts; there won’t be much in this and the match-up shapes as a bigger classic than half the cliches he dropped on us. Sadly, Mick, killer instinct isn’t a change you can make – it’s something born inside of you, but that’s not to say the Dragons don’t have it lurking somewhere below. I get the feeling Dell knows a bit about it, as does the old man in the hot seat. If all of Mick’s efforts and will to believe only lead him to a one-point victory, that’s enough for me to think I had it right first time. Broncos by six.”