This is the best opening week to the finals I've seen since I became a supporter. Don't think these 8 teams could be paired better & really looking forward to what should be a great week of footy.
On Friday, I reckon Bulldogs will cause an upset and defeat the Sea Eagles. I know their form isn't as strong as Manly's but I just see too many weaknesses in the Sea Eagles line-up and if there is one coach who can expose them, it's Hasler. Stronger front-row will give them all the dominance they need and Barba will be good for a try as well.
Melbourne to have too much class for the Rabbitohs in a close game. Rabbitohs are still a bit too patchy for my liking and can fall into a hole if things get a bit rough, Melbourne on the other hand have been coasting into the finals. Only way I can see this not working into the Storm's favour is if GI turns it on but I can see the former coach becoming a factor once again and making a point of shutting him down.
Hate to say it but I expect the Cowboys will be too strong up in Townsville. Aside from Slater, I don't know a bigger thorn in our side than Matty Bowen at present & I believe the Cows front-row will give JT & Bowen a lot of bites at the cherry. I don't think it's going to be as big a blow out as what the commentators are making but the Broncos attack is just too pedestrian to really put any pressure on the Cowboys.
Toss of the coin stuff on Sunday, tails tells me it'll be the Sharks who advance into week two. If that's the case, it'll be on the back of the Raiders pulling up stumps after making it so far with the experienced forward pack of Gallen, J. Smith, Ross, Gibbs & De Gois etc. out enthusing their talented opposites. Also expect TC to turn it off to piss his old supporters off.
