Prelim Finals Discussion

[Big Pete]

If we're going back as far as what people thought of them at the start of the year....

Wests Tigers in 2005. They were considered to be one of those teams on the up and up but would probably just fall short of a finals appearance. But 05 was such a crazy year that they were able to ride all the highs and lows until they got their form just right heading into the finals and were by far the best team in September. Sometimes, that's just how it works.

Penrith Panthers in 2003. Were cellar dwellers in 2002 but like the Tigers went into 2003 with a stronger roster and just got into this ridiculous rhythm that took them the whole way.

Canterbury-Bankstown in 1995. Were basically written off half-way through due to the effect Super League was having on the club and their terrible run of losses, somehow they just lifted, their forward pack just became ruthless and they had enough class they were able to turn it on at the right time of the season. Their win reminds me a lot of the Broncos in 2006.

Speaking of that, I'd throw in 2006 as an honorable mention as well as 1993. In '93 it seemed like it was Canberra's year for all money when all of a sudden Ricky suffered an injury and all bets were off. 2006 basically goes without saying since everyone knows that season inside and out.

If we're only talking about the week heading into the game, I'd say the Knights take it which is pretty odd in hindsight. Looking at both rosters, on paper the Knights had them largely beaten in all the key positions.

 

[Broncoman]

Penrith were the minor premiers in 2003 and their roster contained the leading try scorer and the would be Dally M medallist if the awards weren't called off. IIRC the Roosters were solely the favourites in that grand final because of the experience and the fact they beat Penrith the last time they had meet.

 

[Big Pete]

In the week leading up to the final sure.

But what did fans make of them in the pre-season?

 

[Broncoman]

Fair point but I was only very young back then so I can't remember much of that if any but I don't think they were given much at the start. It was a great rise from Penny though after 2 hard seasons thanks to the arrival of Preston Campbell and Johnny Lang.

 

[Morkel]

If they lose Luke (which they should, but who the **** knows) it'll be a big blow. I don't see much difference between the Souths of last year and this year. They rely on possession more than any team. Without the ball they tire very quickly and become brittle. With the ball they're unstoppable. The Roosters last night kept handing over the ball, though the Rabbits received pretty much all the 50/50 calls from about the 25th minute.

Of the 2 opponents remaining, I think it'll be the Panthers who would trouble them the most. The Bulldogs play a very similar game to Souths because of their big pack, the Rabbitohs just do it better because they have a real fullback and the Gene Freak Burgii. The Panthers have mastered the art of not only earning possession, but right when it's needed most. I think that in itself is the reason they're still here - every team knows the value of holding on to the ball, but somehow the Panthers have figured out exactly how to do it at pivotal times. Kind of like the latter day Storm, but without the wrestle or cheating, which is why it's so impressive. If they can hold out Souths for more than a set or two, then starve them of the ball, you'll quickly see them wilt. And most likely resort to stupid brain snaps, with the Burgii all having shocking hands, Te'o trying to prove his toughness via shoulder charges and cheap shots on a grounded opponent, and Reynolds brain-farting kicks out on the full.

 

[Super Freak]

I can't see Luke getting suspended.

Players have been getting off lifting tackles when the player that was lifted didn't land on their head. One example is the Falloon tackle on Chambers earlier in the year. SBW landed on his arm/elbow. Luke will get off.

 

[Alec]

Luke's tackle deserves 0 weeks at the most.

 

[Alec]

Souths were just far to good in the end and deservedly won. They are a different side to last year as the memories of the lost preliminary finals would've driven them and they've most likely learnt from the mistakes from those 2 years. Congrats to Mini on a wonderful career you will be missed. A true legend of the game and one of the best fullbacks I've ever seen.

Can't wait for the game tommorow

The Minichiello is an all time great fullback myth needs to end. He hasnt been in the top half of fullbacks since 2005.

 

[Broncoman]

His form before his injury was up there with Slater at his best. He was always busting through the line, scoring tries and reeking havoc. An Origin winner, test player and premiership winner at the age of 25.

 

[Big Pete]

Mini was a great player.

Not many can boast they played over 300 games, scored 139 tries and won at every single level.

To come back from the type of injuries and still come up with the positive contributions like he did is fantastic.

 

[Twiztid]

South Sydney marches on!

Hope you're screaming your lungs out right now Twiz.

Glory Glory to South Sydney!

I sure was. I have never felt this before and it is magical, it doesn't feel real or it won't hit me until next weekend. Maybe because I was so emotionally involved in the match itself.

I won't lie, there were tears of joy and sadness for dad. Also a lot of man/woman love with friends we have experienced the lows and highs with at every game we have attended for the last 10 years (which is a hell of a lot) as our Rabbitohs family.

Then I think back to when I worked for the club compared to now. The place must be buzzing like it was when Russell and Phac won the vote. It has been a long battle as a fan and I haven't been through half of what some fans have.

However, we are still 80 minutes from a successful year compared to just another "what could have been" year. We are there but we haven't got it in the bag by any stretch of the imagination. I was still worried last night that the Roosters could have come back at any stage there.

Either way - I will be in full voice next week with my sign "Up the Bunnies - do it for dad" hopefully being waved regularly. I don't want to jibber on so end it with, Glory Glory to South Sydney!

 

[Mr Fourex]

Mini was a great player.

Did you see what I did there...?

In his remaining years he was averaging average, interspersed with moments of brilliance as well as episodes of shitful hilarity.

He chose the right time to get out. Had a great career and shouldn't been seen as a joke.

 

[Big Pete]

I don't think anybody is arguing that he was a great player the entire way through.

Just that he achieved things only the best of the best are capable of achieving and ended up having a fairly long and productive career.

I also don't think he was as useless as people made him out to be. I don't believe the Roosters would have been a better team with RTS as the sole fullback.

 

[Alec]

So is Moylan almost officially BHQ's fav NSW player? I reckon he could be after tonight.

 

[Big Pete]

Moylan is the man.

Warriors in the box seat here in the NYC 19-6 only minutes into HT.

I reckon that's bad news for the Broncos. Would much rather play the Eels than the Warriors with Lolohea, Ki & Kata on board.

 

[Big Pete]

Eels have scored two tries in a row and came close to scoring a third before the video referee over-turned the decision.

Warriors are out on their feet.

Warriors 19
Eels 14

18 to go.

 

[Big Pete]

Tanginoa scores a great try tearing down the left fringe.

Shame he's off to the Cowboys.

Eels 20
Warriors 19

 

[Big Pete]

Grand stand finish in the NYC prelim.

Eels 26
Warriors 25

90 seconds remaining.