Manly are a real danger side when they play football. If we end up playing them again this season, we can't afford to play with an unmoving defensive line again.
They put the effort in, but they just can't win those tight games.
On a brighter note, I love it when two teams desperate for a win to stay in the finals race go against each other. They are usually very entertaining games.
The Sea Eagles are in some kind of form. It was going to take something special for them to even make the finals, and credit to them, they've found it.
You can say what you want about the opposition, but considering the Sea Eagles lost their best prop early in the contest and were without Mason who's been a big part of their run, they had a whole new challenge and to their credit, they answered it.
Credit will go to Lyon who's regained his status as the form centre in the competition, but another difference that may get overlooked is the work of Mateo & Horo. Both looked like they were on the outer just a few weeks back, but their form has been really strong of late and made a huge difference.
Surely that's the Raiders season. Considering all the off-field issues with recruitment, you've got to hand it to them, they gave this season a red hot go and nearly got themselves into September. They should be a better side next year, but that's a small consolation when they were so close to turning it around this year.
With Canberra out of the race, that leaves Manly v St George Illawarra for the final spot.
Taking a look at both sides and their runs home...
Round 24
St George Illawarra Dragons v Penrith Panthers
Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels
Round 25
Manly Sea Eagles vs Sydney Roosters
Gold Coast Titans vs St George Illawarra Dragons
Round 26
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Wests Tigers
Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles
Must say, St George have the easier run home but a lot will depend on the wellbeing of Benji and whether he can front up.
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