PRE-GAME [Finals Week 1, 2025] - Broncos vs Raiders
- Thread starter Sproj
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- Jul 28, 2016
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He can always tell the team whatever is the real truth, but having Reynolds in the extended has Ricky asking questions all week.
Even if he's not playing just say that he is to **** with Ricky
LittleDavey
State of Origin Rep
- Mar 25, 2013
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Given the way the finals draw is likely to pan out, I think we REALLY want to win this one.
If we lose I think we will likely need to beat the Chooks, Storm AND Panthers on our way to the title, that's the tough road for sure:
If we win, though, we get a week rest (which could be either a help or a hindrance tbf) and will still need to take Penrith and Raiders twice but avoid Storm. This is probably the preferred path, winning this weekend might get in Raiders' heads before the GF, add in their inexperience and the fire from 2023 in our blokes and I give us a really good chance:
I'd prefer to dodge Panthers at this point as they're the only club who's full strength leading into the finals...but that requires them to lose to either Wahs or Dogs and I just can't see that happening. Warriors this weekend is probably the best opportunity to get them knocked out.
Anything could happen at this point, but we're in a pretty damn good position all things considered. If we go on to win it, it'll certainly be deserved.
Manofoneway
NRL Captain
- May 22, 2022
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I'd guarantee no team wants to play us in the finals.
Fitzy
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- Sep 10, 2018
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I don’t agree. You want to prep all week with certainty.
Big Del
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- Apr 22, 2017
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I think he is injured but probably still be okay. Makes you also wonder why Ricky wanted that extra day of rest, probably to make sure Papa will be able to play….
xilliun
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- Jul 13, 2024
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I'd rather them not have Papa. He can still turn it on in big games, even if it is for only 45 minutes. His leadership will be missed on the field. Saying that, he'll probably play but be compromised moving laterally. If he was no chance corey horsburgh wouldn't have played on the weekend.
Unless Reyno is showing signs of being fully fit I wouldn't risk it. Team is flowing, we get a 2nd go at it (albeit winning this week is also incredibly valuable). Hunt's leadership is going great, Walters is doing a job at 6 in defence and attack.
Unless Reyno is showing signs of being fully fit I wouldn't risk it. Team is flowing, we get a 2nd go at it (albeit winning this week is also incredibly valuable). Hunt's leadership is going great, Walters is doing a job at 6 in defence and attack.
Manofoneway
NRL Captain
- May 22, 2022
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Shibs comes straight back in. Mariner back to the wing and Arthars unfortunately 18th man. We are spoilt for choice with all our players in form.
Santa
State of Origin Captain
- Jun 30, 2020
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Yea I dunno. I would be finding it so hard to drop anyone from last week. Especially given Shibas defence recently.
- Jul 28, 2016
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I think a big component of the decision could be defusing of Fogarty's kicks.
Mariner can be susceptible to bombs, whereas Jesse is a bit safer.
The left centre will be up against Timoko who is very physical, so Shiba provides a good option there... but Mariner was pretty good in defence last week.
Madge could be tempted to keep Mariner... although I'm not sold that Jesse is back in form just yet.
- Jan 25, 2014
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Same backline as the one that beat Melbourne.
Gem made his bed. Now he has to suffer the consequences.
- Jan 25, 2014
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If I was playing mind games, putting him in a moon boot is exactly what I would do and I would make sure every news outlet sees it and takes photos of it.
He rolled his ankle. A few days rest, he'll be fine. Worst case scenario he has an injection on gameday.
Riki did it a couple of years back and still played on the weekend. It's not going to keep Papa out of the game.
Lockysillegitimatechild
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- Apr 10, 2015
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I was on that boat but watching the tries melbourne score i think he stops 2 of them. Not saying he makes an 8 points difference but teams will target mariner if hes there. We will also need his metres out the back against the raiders with their pack, along with mariners on the wing. Arthurs did well but mariner has been 180+ nearly every game from the wing lately.
Mightybroncs2k17
NRL Player
- Jan 15, 2017
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The big thing about this raiders team is they just find a way to win. Channel 9 was showing highlights of their season this year and the amount of games they pulled out of their ass is impressive. Its a sign of a team full of self beleife and confidence.
I think alot of people downplay the raiders because they don't have a Cleary or a Grant or someone who can grab a game and take it from you. Someone who can chase down a 14 point lead with 10 to go. I think that almost makes it harder because you just don't know where the danger is going to come from.
I wouldn't mind seeing us put some serious heat on Fogarty. Seeing him struggle in the heat of battle against Penrith makes me think you may get some joy pressuring him.
Also curious what kind of game plan we'll take to Canberra with us. They bullied us last time and everyone is expecting us to take it to them through the middle this time and fight fire with fire. I wonder if there is a temptation to throw the ball around a little and see if we can't get them backtracking and make some cheap meters out wide. Really test their outside back defence who like to show you the space then rely on their speed.
I think alot of people downplay the raiders because they don't have a Cleary or a Grant or someone who can grab a game and take it from you. Someone who can chase down a 14 point lead with 10 to go. I think that almost makes it harder because you just don't know where the danger is going to come from.
I wouldn't mind seeing us put some serious heat on Fogarty. Seeing him struggle in the heat of battle against Penrith makes me think you may get some joy pressuring him.
Also curious what kind of game plan we'll take to Canberra with us. They bullied us last time and everyone is expecting us to take it to them through the middle this time and fight fire with fire. I wonder if there is a temptation to throw the ball around a little and see if we can't get them backtracking and make some cheap meters out wide. Really test their outside back defence who like to show you the space then rely on their speed.
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