Four Key Players For This Weekend’s NRL Finals

Week one of the NRL finals delivered everything we have come to love about rugby league. It had excitement, controversy, upsets and what has to be regarded as the game of the year, in the Roosters versus the Sea Eagles.

We also saw the Bulldogs and Cowboys leave the competition, the former quietly out the back door and the latter kicking and screaming out the front door.

Now we turn our attention to finals week two, which again sees two tough match-ups – Sea Eagles versus Sharks, and Storm versus Knights.

Each team have their own points to prove in this race to make the NRL grand final.

I have selected four key players who will have the greatest impact for their team this weekend.

Manly Sea Eagles

Manly have got experience and talent all over the park and with Brett Stewart being named at fullback you could be mistaken for thinking that’s who I would choose, but the man I’ve gone for as my x-factor for the Sea Eagles is Jamie Lyon.

The captain and centre has the ability to change the game in Manly’s favour. Lyon has played 233 games and has the big match experience, that is for sure.

Whether it’s in defence or attack, Lyon is a constant threat and if the Sharks’ left side defence faults he will most definitely make them pay.

Great passing game, good touch when kicking near the line and knowing when the big play is needed, all these star attributes make Jamie Lyon such a plus for the Manly side in this NRL finals series.

Cronulla Sharks

With Todd Carney given next to no hope of taking the field tomorrow night, the Cronulla Sharks need someone to stand up and create a bit of magic and that man is Michael Gordon.

While the team boasts multiple State of Origin and Australian representative players, it’s the fullback who could have the most impact.

His leg speed close to the line enables him to bust tackles and make breaks most people couldn’t get close to doing.

His explosive speed close to the line makes him an enormous threat to the Sea Eagles’ defence, and has the ability to change the game with his goal kicking – Jamie Lyon hasn’t kicked great this year and if it comes down to a shootout in the goal kicking department, I know who my money is on.

The scary part is I still don’t think we have seen the best of Michael Gordon, let’s hope for the Sharks’ sake Manly get to see the best of Michael Gordon.

Melbourne Storm

When you think of Melbourne Storm you think of the big three, but the master and commander, the little general who steers the ship, is without a doubt Cameron Smith.

His ability to control a game is unequalled. Whether it’s in defence or attack, Smith is the number one hooker in the NRL today.

His scoots out of dummy half make metres and keep the Storm moving forward. His ability to identify weaknesses in the defensive line and combine with Billy Slater is always a threat. His awareness of when the Storm are in trouble and take control with a deep kick makes him Melbourne’s biggest asset.

You ask any coach in the NRL today if they could buy one player right now, who would it be, and they will all tell you Cameron Smith.

There is no doubt if the Storm’s forwards lay the platform, then Cameron Smith will lead them to victory.

Newcastle Knights

The surprise packet for most people in this NRL finals series is without a doubt the Newcastle Knights.

In this 2013 season the heart and soul of the Knights, week-in and week-out, has been Jarrod Mullen.

People talk about his kicking game being one of the best in the competition, and I agree. However it’s been his defence that’s most impressed me this season.

The five-eighth is always targeted in the defence line by the big boppers of the opposition but he has not faulted. Some might say it’s been similar form to the Immortal Andrew Johns.

Off the back of great defence, Mullen has grown as a leader of the team, steering the Knights around the park and kicking them to victories.

His left to right passing game and exceptional kicking game are rated as the best in the NRL.

And while Newcastle will run out on Sunday with the likes of Willie Mason, Danny Buderus, Darius Boyd and Akuila Uate in their side, look for the little number six to produce the big plays.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man – Mullen is ready to go to the next level.

Average punter’s big tips

While I am no Peter Sterling or Phil Gould, these are my tips for NRL finals series week two.

I am going for Sea Eagles to be too strong for the Sharks. Even though Cronulla have put in a tremendous effort to finish where they have, without Carney I don’t see them being able to trouble the Manly defence too often.

Granted Manly had a massive game last week and it would have taken a lot out of them, the inclusion of Brett Stewart is a big one and I see them being two tries too good.

Sea Eagles to beat the Sharks 18-6.

I am tipping the upset of the year in the second game, Knights to beat the Storm.

Yes Melbourne are the defending champions, and yes they have Smith, Slater and Cooper Cronk. But they have also lost two of their last three games and with Gareth Widdop not playing with much confidence after coming back from injury, I believe Newcastle will be too strong.

In the last four weeks the Newcastle Knights have transformed into a team growing confidence and belief in their game plan.

With the experienced heads of Buderus, Jeremy Smith and Mullen in great form and leading from the front, and the most experienced NRL coach of all time, Wayne Bennett, at the helm, I’m going the Knights to break the hoodoo down in Melbourne.

Knights to beat the Storm 16-12.

Good luck this weekend to you and your teams.

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Manly Set to Storm Melbourne's Fortress

Manly are plotting to storm Melbourne's fortress and seize the mantle as the NRL's new super powers in Friday night's heavyweight preliminary final at AAMI Park.

The decade's most dominant forces will collide in a high-stakes encounter, the reward a shot at premiership glory and bragging rights as the NRL's most successful club.

Renewing their bitter finals rivalry, Melbourne and Manly are clashing in the playoffs for the first time since the Storm belted the Sea Eagles 40-12 in the 2009 qualifying final.

A year earlier, Manly buried the Storm 40-0 in the 2008 title mismatch at ANZ Stadium to avenge a 34-8 loss to Melbourne in the 2007 decider.

Now the Eagles are bidding to become the NRL's first triple premiers while the Storm could have been seeking their fourth title if they had not had two stripped for salary cap cheating.
Fittingly, the sides have split their past 10 matches.

But while the Eagles hold an 8-5 edge in clashes in Sydney since the Storm entered the league in 1998, conquering Melbourne on home soil has proven an altogether different proposition.
Manly have won only twice in nine matches in Melbourne and lost their only previous clash at AAMI Park - in round one last year.

"It is tougher playing them down there," admitted star five-eighth Kieran Foran.
"They always turn up. We're going to need to be at the top of our game."

Foran, 22, hasn't forgotten his finals debut in `09 - when the Storm ripped his side apart to end Manly's season before going on to win the premiership, which was later stripped for salary cap breaches.

But Sea Eagles skipper Jamie Lyon is confident of qualifying for the club's fourth grand final in six seasons - a tally to match the Storm's dream run from 2006-09 - and says they are relishing the challenge.

"We know it's going to be a tough ask going down there. It's always hard," Lyon said.
"But if you want to be the No.1 team, you've got to beat everyone and we can't wait."

While Lyon completed the entire game after being in doubt for last Friday night's 22-12 semi-final win over North Queensland, his co-captain Jason King is a new fitness concern after lasting only 27 minutes before succumbing to a shoulder injury.

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State of Origin 2012: Game III preview

The 2012 State of Origin series between Queensland and New South Wales reaches a conclusion at the cauldron of Lang Park tonight.

Queensland remains favourite for the deciding game after winning the past six Origin series but the Blues are confident of claiming the series.

Coaches Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart have only increased the tension with their barbs at each other during the past six weeks.

Tonight one of these Origin legends will bask in the glory of possibly their sweetest victory.
Maroons prop Petero Civoniceva makes his 33rd and final Origin appearance and will be hoping to go out - as Darren Lockyer did 12 months ago - a winner.

Ahead of tonight's game Grandstand previews the match and looks back at all the facts and figures since Origin began in 1980.

• State of Origin by the numbers
• Game I and II statistical analysis
• Stuart insists Blues not intimidated
• Civoniceva: It's not about me

Grandstand's broadcast on local and digital radio starts just after 7pm (AEST), or catch the live web stream of the game and follow our live blog.

QUEENSLAND		NEW SOUTH WALES
GREG INGLIS Age: 25 Origin: 17	1	BRETT STEWART Age: 27 Origin: 7
DARIUS BOYD Age: 24 Origin: 13	2	JARRYD HAYNE Age: 24 Origin: 15
DANE NIELSEN Age: 27 Origin: 2	3	MICHAEL JENNINGS Age: 24 Origin: 6
JUSTIN HODGES Age: 30 Origin: 14	4	JOSH MORRIS Age: 25 Origin: 4
BRENT TATE Age: 30 Origin: 17	5	BRETT MORRIS Age: 25 Origin: 5
JOHNATHAN THURSTON Age: 29 Origin: 23	6	TODD CARNEY Age: 26 Origin: 2
COOPER CRONK Age: 28 Origin: 8	7	MITCHELL PEARCE Age: 28 Origin: 8
MATT SCOTT Age: 26 Origin: 10	8	TIM GRANT Age: 24 Origin: 1
CAMERON SMITH (C) Age: 29 Origin: 26	9	ROBBIE FARAH Age: 28 Origin: 4
PETERO CIVONICEVA Age: 37 Origin: 32	10	JAMES TAMOU Age: 23 Origin: 2
NATE MYLES Age: 27 Origin: 19	11	BEAU SCOTT Age: 28 Origin: 4
SAM THAIDAY Age: 27 Origin: 16	12	GREG BIRD Age: 28 Origin: 10
COREY PARKER Age: 30 Origin: 7	13	PAUL GALLEN (C) Age: 30 Origin: 13
Interchange
MATT GILLETT Age: 23 Origin: 2	14	TONY WILLIAMS Age: 23 Origin: 1
BEN TE'O Age: 23 Origin: debut	15	LUKE LEWIS Age: 28 Origin: 10
BEN HANNANT Age: 27 Origin: 11	16	BEN CREAGH Age: 27 Origin: 10
DAVID SHILLINGTON Age: 29 Origin: 6	17	ANTHONY WATMOUGH Age: 28 Origin: 8

Warriors Fly Into Face of Gale-Force Storm

While the New Zealand Warriors head into the traditional Anzac Day clash with the Melbourne Storm armed with reinforcements, the NRL frontrunners ominously appear at optimum strength as they seek to continue their flawless start to 2012 with a record eighth successive victory.

Pending a final assessment at their solitary full training session today, the unbeaten Storm will carry their full complement of test stars and State of Origin hopefuls into a clash that has proved unusually problematic for the competition favourites.

The Warriors head to AAMI Park with doubts over two strike weapons – mercurial halfback Shaun Johnson and match-winning wing Manu Vatuvei – and have included Pita Godinet and Glen Fisiiahi as a precaution.

In contrast, the Storm's spine of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith all emerged unscathed from the Kangaroos 20-12 Anzac test victory at Eden Park on Friday, likewise Jesse Bromwich, who made a strong debut in the Kiwis front row.

Ryan Hoffman and Ryan Hinchcliffe should also be available after Sunday's City versus Country trial for the NSW Origin team while, in a positive for the ninth-placed Warriors, fellow second-rower Feleti Mateo was named to start tomorrow night after also getting though the match in Mudgee.
Although the Storm are warm favourites, history suggests the Warriors, despite their fluctuating form, should not be discounted.

The Storm have won only four of their last 10 matches against the Warriors and last year succumbed 18-14 in the Anzac Day fixture before being eliminated in the preliminary final by an eight-point margin. Melbourne has also proved susceptible after a long lay-off between games, four of their six losses last season followed a break of eight days or longer, though head coach Craig Bellamy has worked on remedying that deficiency, to good effect.

The Storm had a nine-day preparation between the rounds five win over Newcastle and sixth-round victims North Queensland.

This 11-day gap since edging the Bulldogs 12-6 is the longest they have encountered but Bellamy was confident he had settled on an effective formula to manage the downtime.

"We've changed a couple of things around for our longer breaks and we've had one go and it seemed to go OK," Bellamy said, referring to the 42-18 win thumping of North Queensland.

"We've got to make sure we get the rest right and this time it is different. We gave the players four days off so it will be interesting to see how they come up."

Bellamy was satisfied with the effort of his non-representative players when they returned to training on Friday but expected a more polished performance with the stars back on board today.

"We are expecting to get better, when you have a break, the first thing that gets a bit rusty is your skills."
Attention to detail at training has been a priority for the Storm and a key to their unbeaten start to the campaign.
"We don't tolerate too much dropped ball or any errors in our session," said Smith, the Kangaroos and Storm's hooker and captain.

"We try to take that into our games. So far this season it's worked out really well."
That qualifies as the understatement of the season.

The Storm equalled their best start to a season when a superb defensive effort thwarted the Bulldogs and are now attempting to be the first club to notch eight wins in a row from the opening round since the Roosters managed 10 straight in 1996.

They only conceded two line breaks against the Bulldogs and, for the fourth consecutive game, their error count was in single figures – reasons the opponents in their 11 home games have scored more than 10 points only on two occasions.

With Slater, Cronk and Smith synchronised and English five-eighth Gareth Widdop maturing, the Storm complement the NRL's stingiest defence with the most prolific attack.
The Storm have so far amassed 210 points, 36 more than North Queensland while the 85 points conceded is 11 less than Brisbane.

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New Zealanders Flock to Sydney for Grand Final

The Destination NSW New Zealand office has reported record enquiries about flights, accommodation and tickets for Sunday’s Telstra Premiership NRL Grand Final between the Vodafone New Zealand Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

There has been a significant increase in the number of interstate and international visitors attending this year’s Grand Final. Current ticket sales indicate that we may see a 40 per cent increase in the number of non-NSW visitors attending compared with last year.

Air New Zealand Group General Manger Australasia, Bruce Parton, said the airline has put on extra services to accommodate the last minute rush, with thousands of Kiwi’s keen to watch their home grown heroes play in their second NRL Grand Final match.

“We’ve added two 747 return services – one sold out in an hour on Sunday and when the other went on sale this week, it was gone in six minutes.

“We’ve also added some additional A320 services either side of game day and upgraded a number of flights to larger 777-200 aircraft in order to cater for as many fans as possible,” Mr Parton said.

Last year the Grand Final generated more than $15 million in new money for the State with over 20,000 interstate and overseas visitors coming to Sydney for the iconic Australian event. Destination NSW has worked hard to grow this opportunity with its NRL partners.

(Source: Destination NSW)

Why Has Sydney Jumped on the Warriors Bandwagon?

The big game might be taking place in Manly's backyard, but Sunday's grand final is shaping up like a home match for the all-conquering Warriors.

Thousands of Kiwis and Pacific Islanders on both sides of the Tasman have snapped up tickets for the NRL showpiece, which was yesterday declared an 82,500 sell-out.

And most Aussie supporters look ready to embrace the underdogs in the same way Aucklanders discovered a sudden affection for the Irish rugby team this month.

The Warriors' opponents are the club league fans most love to hate - "Anyone But Manly" sentiment is as strong in Sydney as anti-Wallaby feeling is in Auckland.

Yesterday the city's Daily Telegraph newspaper poked fun at the "silvertails" - named because they are from Sydney's wealthy North Shore - who remain favourites only with the bookies, and their own fans.

"Ever since we were old enough to kick with both feet we were taught there were two teams to support; our own and whoever was playing Manly," wrote columnist Paul Kent.

He suggested the Warriors should follow Russell Crowe, Crowded House, Phar Lap and pavlova as Kiwi imports Aussies claimed as their own.

"With no hint of shame I'm here to tell you that if you can't bring yourself to cheer for Manly ... then it is OK to follow the New Zealand Warriors," he said.

"Or, as I like to call them, the Sydney Warriors. Our grand final team."

In the 1970s and 80s, Manly gained a reputation as a rich club that poached other teams' best players.

NRL marketing director Paul Kind says the club from the northern beaches perpetuated the "us and them" myth.

"It's a healthy culture in many respects," he said.

And on Sunday it will benefit the Warriors, whose underdog status will also attract strong backing.

"There will be supporters of other Sydney teams who have had a long-held grudge against Manly," said Mr Kind. "They would rather back another team against Manly.

"People also love an underdog and the type of fairytale run the Warriors have had."

The NRL boss expects the grand final to have a strong Kiwi feel.

Prime Minister John Key will take his place in the cheap seats next to the Warriors' No 1 fan, Sir Peter Leitch.

And there won't be an All Black in sight; a point not lost on league bosses delighted that the Warriors are sharing the NZ limelight during the Rugby World Cup.

"The fact the Warriors have found a place in the sun during [the rugby tournament] is fantastic for rugby league in New Zealand," said Mr Kind.

NRL: Only Victory Will Satisfy Warriors' Mateo

It's not the getting there that counts.

That's the message Feleti Mateo will be drumming into his team mates this week as the Warriors prepare for the club's second NRL grand final. Mateo knows all too well the hollowness that comes with a grand final defeat, describing his last visit to Homebush on the final day of the season as a "shattering" experience.

The ball-playing Tongan captain also knows that some teams head into the big day intent on winning, while others are happy just to be there.

In 2009, Mateo's Parramatta side staged one of the great NRL surges, riding a staggering wave of form that took them from 14th on the ladder after 14 rounds all the way to a grand final showdown with Melbourne.

There are echoes of that run in the Warriors' remarkable journey this season. They lost their first three games, dropped another four in a row mid-season, and were then belted out of sight 40-10 by Brisbane in their opening finals match.

Having recovered to topple the Tigers and Storm in thrilling fashion, the Warriors might be forgiven for thinking they have already achieved plenty.

They will, however, be a long time forgiving themselves if that mentality proves their undoing.

"I had a lot of people come up to me and say 'we don't care about the GF, as long as you beat the Bulldogs'," said Mateo of 2009, when the Eels beat their arch rival in a hugely hyped Battle of Sydney grand final qualifier.

"We all wanted to win it, but I guess there was a feeling it was a good thing getting there. We have spoken about that. We don't want to be happy to be there. We think we are good enough to win it."

Coach Ivan Cleary didn't think getting his team to switch from being desperate to reach a grand final to desperate to win it would be difficult.

"I have no interest in coming second," Cleary said.

"It is not hard to work out when you get up every morning where you want to finish - that is not in the grand final, it is winning it. But we never set it out as a particular goal, we have just arrived here based on what we have been able to do.

"It is absolutely fantastic to get the opportunity to experience all this but, really, it is about having the opportunity to become champions, not a side show."

Despite a transtasman surge of support the Warriors are still firm underdogs.

"No one expected us to beat the Tigers and no one expected us to [beat the Storm]," Mateo said. "Let them keep doubting us."

Having joined the Warriors after the Eels' 2010 campaign, Mateo never doubted the move - not even after those three season-opening defeats.

"Never mate. Those first three games, we didn't win them but we played some good footy. And looking at the squad the club had, it was really promising."

The Junior Warriors and feeder club Auckland Vulcans also contesting grand finals on Sunday supports his view the club is stocked with talent.

Often described as a special player for his prodigious offloading and line-breaking ability, Mateo insists there is, in fact, nothing too special about this Warriors team.

"It's just been dirty, ugly footy. Going forward, completing sets and taking our opportunities when they come. That is what we have been doing for the last two weeks and, hopefully, we can do it again this week.

"Manly are a great team, they have got strike across the whole field. But it is just another game you have to grind out. They have some hard heads in that pack and they will get even harder with Glenn Stewart coming back.

"But if we just worry about ourselves, play our brand of footy and keep level headed, then I think we can win it."

Silence Speaks Volumes About the Pain That Drives Stewart

Few could imagine the emotion Brett Stewart carried to his comeback NRL season and now a grand final, writes Richard Hinds.

Tomorrow, it will be precisely 12 months since Manly fullback Brett Stewart heard the verdict. A year since, in a formal sense, his personal ordeal came to an end.

Back then, overwhelmed by a torrent of emotion, you can only imagine how distant, even insignificant, the thought of playing in another NRL grand final would have seemed. After the humiliation Stewart had endured, and the toll injury and a long absence from the game had taken, how far-fetched it might have been to think he would appear again, so soon, in the far more glowing public spotlight of ANZ Stadium.

You can only imagine, because, for the most part, Stewart has maintained what seems - from afar - a brooding silence. Attempts to talk to Stewart, through his agent, have been rebuffed or met with no response at all. Stewart accumulated six-figure legal bills and his story is a tradeable commodity. It might well appear elsewhere.

But, other than for potential financial gain, Stewart's reluctance to talk is hardly surprising. Tried, judged and - in his own mind, at least - persecuted by the media since the day of his arrest, it is understandable he has withdrawn into a protective cocoon. Even more so at a club that famously holds the world at arm's length.

Yet, as he prepared to feature in what should be one of the feel-good stories of the NRL grand final, the heavy, almost oppressive atmosphere that has surrounded Stewart this season seems unfortunate. In the manner in which he has returned from the harrowing ordeal of the sexual assault trial and a series of serious knee injuries, Stewart deserves to be praised beyond his Brookvale backyard. To be re-embraced by the game he once - very briefly - publicly symbolised.

Instead, there remains a note of defiance, even bitterness, about Stewart's great comeback. Manly fans cheered when the fullback ''Galloped'' after scoring his 100th first grade try in May. But what should have been a crowning moment was again dominated by old wounds and unsettled scores.

Grand final week is usually replete with tales of redemption, near-death experiences and other entertaining back stories told to whet the appetite for the contest. Stewart's tale is awkward, unorthodox and difficult to define.

No doubt, many would begrudge Stewart any form of ''heroism'' on the grounds his supposedly heroic act is merely to have been found not guilty of a serious crime. But that fails to take into account the mental anguish he must have endured between his arrest in March last year and his trial. The public humiliation, the personal doubts and the effect on family and friends.

Perhaps that lingering bitterness and resentment drives Stewart. Perhaps, if he forgave and forgot his public vilification, he would not have found the motivation to return to the top so quickly. Maybe, if he was not playing angry, he would not be playing at all. Or does the smile, concealed from the public, appear the moment he reaches the sanctuary of the sheds? You would love to ask Stewart if he had found peace inside, and outside, the white lines.

No doubt, Stewart's looming happily-ever-after owes much to his handful of confidantes, particularly coach Des Hasler. Asked earlier this year, when was he convinced of Stewart's innocence, Hasler said it was when he saw him at the police station after his arrest and looked into his eyes.

To some, no doubt, such a seemingly superficial assessment would reek of partisanship, even disrespect for the alleged victim. Given what Hasler had to gain from his superstar fullback, it might even be considered rank opportunism.

Yet, with his faith and conviction vindicated by the jury's verdict, Hasler has created an unbreakable bond. Similar to the familial bond that made it not merely understandable but purely reflexive, that Stewart came to his brother's aid as the ''third man in'' during the Battle of Brookvale.

Almost as an afterthought, there is also an old-fashioned football element to Stewart's story.

The knee injuries that forced him from the park for most of last season, and which have been a lingering concern right up until the eve of these finals.

But, if Stewart has not quite reached the peak of his try-scoring powers, he has been a reasonable facsimile. Sound at the back, a threat near the line. Back in a place that was, just 12 months ago, unimaginable. It would be nice to speak to Stewart about what that all means. Then again, on Sunday, just trotting out to play another grand final will speak for itself.

rhinds@smh.com.au

SOURCE: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/silence-speaks-volumes-about-the-pain-that-drives-stewart-20110927-1kvjo.html#ixzz1ZCuISXrv

Warriors on Verge of Making NRL History - NRL FINALS

If the Warriors win the National Rugby League grand final in Sydney on Sunday, they won't be just notching up an historic first premiership for the only non-Australian club in the competition – they will be flying in the face of pure statistics as well.

A team ranked from outside the top four, going into the playoffs, has never won the NRL since the rebranded competition began in 1998.

The Warriors are the sixth team from outside the top four to make the season's decider in that time, but the closest any non-top four team has come was in 1999, when the sixth-placed Dragons were just nudged by the Storm 20-18.

All remaining outsiders have typically been handed hidings, with the averaging losing margin for each of the other five teams being 14 points.

In 1998, a year before the McIntyre System was introduced, the ninth-ranked Bulldogs reached the grand final, which they lost to the Broncos.

You have to turn back the history books to 1995, the Warriors' foundation year, for the last time a sixth-placed team won the first-grade competition.

The then-Sydney Bulldogs beat minor premiers Manly 17-4 to win the Australian Rugby League title that year.

In a good omen for the Warriors, former captain Steve Price started in the second row for the Bulldogs that day, while, interestingly enough, former All Black John Timu played in the centres for the premiership winners.

The Warriors' 20-12 victory over the Storm last Saturday meant that for the first time since 2005, when the fourth-ranked Tigers beat the Cowboys, there will be no minor premier in the grand final.

Don't think that it is all sunshine for the Sea Eagles though, who finished the season placed second. Since the McIntyre System was introduced in 1999, second-place teams have made the grand final five times, only winning twice.

These victories came in 2004 when the Bulldogs overcame the Roosters, and in 2008 when the Sea Eagles themselves trumped the Storm.

The Junior Warriors will also be aiming to rewrite history on Sunday.

A victory against the Cowboys Under-20s in the Toyota Cup grand final would be the first back-to-back pair of premierships in the junior competition's history.

And while the Rugby World Cup has swept New Zealand throughout the past month rugby league fans will, very quietly, point out that since their inception in 1995 they have now made two finals, compared to the All Blacks' one, against South Africa in 1995.

AT A GLANCE

Warriors' run to the NRL grand final (since August):

Lost to Broncos 21-20 in Brisbane
bt Knights 20-12 in Auckland
bt Panthers 26-12 in Sydney
lost to Dragons 26-22 in Wollongong
bt Cowboys 18-6 in Auckland
lost to Broncos 40-10 in Brisbane (qualifying final)
bt Tigers 22-20 in Sydney (semifinal)
bt Storm 20-12 in Melbourne (preliminary final)

Preview: Sea Eagles v Broncos

Manly coach Des Hasler will need to be alert to signs of complacency among his players in the lead-up to Friday night's preliminary final against the Broncos now that Darren Lockyer is a confirmed non-starter.

The Sea Eagles could easily slip into a relaxed state knowing that Brisbane's match-winning champion will be watching from the grandstand and that could be fatal in a sudden-death final.

The Broncos have been in scintillating touch over the past two months and the return of Test forward Sam Thaiday from suspension will give the Queenslanders extra punch in attack, even without Lockyer calling the shots at number six. Lockyer's absence will significantly increase responsibility levels for halfback Peter Wallace but he has ample experience at representative level and in finals and should not be overawed.

It will be important for the Sea Eagles to start well but that may be difficult after a two-week lay-off. The Broncos will be primed to perform from the opening kick-off after the exhilarating performance against the Dragons last Saturday night and they will have added motivation to prove themselves without Lockyer.

The Broncos have won all three finals matches against Manly at the Sydney Football Stadium but in recent seasons, Manly have the record of five wins from their last seven games against the Broncos. One of those wins was at Suncorp Stadium in Round 12, when the Sea Eagles proved too strong for a Brisbane side missing both Lockyer and Thaiday.

Look for Brisbane to continue their run of tries as First Scoring Play but consider a Broncos/Manly outcome in the Half/Full Double.

For First Tryscorer look to Jharal Yow Yeh, Dale Copley and Alex Glenn from Brisbane or Michael Robertson or Brett Stewart for Manly.

Manly v Brisbane
Sydney Football Stadium
Friday night 7.45pm

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
1 Brett Stewart, 2 Michael Robertson, 3 Jamie Lyon [c], 4 Steve Matai, 5 Will Hopoate, 6 Kieran Foran, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans, 8 Joe Galuvao, 9 Matt Ballin, 10 Brent Kite, 11 Anthony Watmough, 12 Tony Williams, 13 Shane Rodney. Subs: 14 Tim Robinson, 15 Jamie Buhrer, 16 Vic Mauro, 17 George Rose, 18 Terence Seuseu (one to be omitted).

Brisbane Broncos
1 Gerard Beale, 2 Dale Copley, 3 Jack Reed, 4 Justin Hodges, 5 Jharal Yow Yeh, 6 Darren Lockyer [c], 7 Peter Wallace, 8 Josh McGuire, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Ben Hannant, 11 Alex Glenn, 12 Sam Thaiday, 13 Corey Parker. Subs: 14 Matt Gillett, 15 Ben Hunt, 16 Scott Anderson, 17 Ben Te'o, 18 David Hala (one to be omitted).

Main Referee: Shayne Hayne
Second Referee: Jarred Maxwell
Video Referees: Russell Smith, Steve Clark
Sideline Officials: Steve Carrall, Ricky MacFarlane

Prediction:
Matthew O'Neill: Sea Eagles by 16

OVERALL:
Total Games: 33
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles wins: 15. [Pts: 530]
Brisbane Broncos wins: 17. [Pts: 573]
Draws: 1

Biggest wins:
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: 26 pts: 1991 J J Giltinan Shield and Winfield Cup - Round 16 - [View] Sun Jul 14: Sea Eagles 26 d. Broncos 0 [Crowd: 18689]
Brisbane Broncos: 34 pts: 1988 J J Giltinan Shield and Winfield Cup - Round 1 - [View] Sun Mar 6: Broncos 44 d. Sea Eagles 10 [Crowd: 17451]

Biggest Crowd: 2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 26 - [View] Sun: Brisbane Broncos 18 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 10 [Crowd: 50589]

Last 50 games against each other form line (most recent matches at end of line):
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: LLLWLWLLWLLWLWLWWLWDWLLWLLWWWWLWL
Brisbane Broncos: WWWLWLWWLWWLWLWLLWLDLWWLWWLLLLWLW

Last 10 games:
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 26 - [View] Sun: Brisbane Broncos 18 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 10 [Crowd: 50589]
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 12 - [View] Fri: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 34 d. Brisbane Broncos 10
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 13 - [View] Sun: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 6 l. Brisbane Broncos 22 [Crowd: 11316]
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 9 - [View] Sun: Brisbane Broncos 20 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 22 [Crowd: 27527]
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 9 - [View] Sun: Brisbane Broncos 12 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 30 [Crowd: 27469]
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 21 - [View] Sun: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 21 d. Brisbane Broncos 8 [Crowd: 35784]
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 10 - [View] Mon: Brisbane Broncos 6 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 18 [Crowd: 13493]
2006 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 16 - [View] Sun: Sea Eagles 10 l. Broncos 16 [Crowd: 16084]
2006 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 10 - [View] Sat: Broncos 32 d. Sea Eagles 10 [Crowd: 24991]
2005 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 22 - [View] Sun: Sea Eagles 21 d. Broncos 20 [Crowd: 16198]

Overall record at Sydney Football Stadium, Driver Ave, Moore Park, Sydney (NSW) Stats:
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: 48 games, won 28, drawn 0, lost 20.
Last 5 games:
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Finals Week 1 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 42 d. North Queensland Cowboys 8
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 2 - [View] Sun: Sydney Roosters 16 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 27
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 25 - [View] Sun: Sydney Roosters 30 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 14
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 1 - [View] Mon: Wests Tigers 26 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 22
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 23 - [View] Sat: Sydney Roosters 12 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 44

Brisbane Broncos: 49 games, won 34, drawn 1, lost 14.
Last 5 games:
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 7 - [View] Fri: Wests Tigers 18 l. Brisbane Broncos 31
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 4 - [View] Fri: Sydney Roosters 25 d. Brisbane Broncos 6
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 5 - [View] Fri: Sydney Roosters 24 l. Brisbane Broncos 28
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Finals Week 1 - [View] Fri: Sydney Roosters 16 l. Brisbane Broncos 24
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 2 - [View] Fri: Sydney Roosters 14 l. Brisbane Broncos 20

Head to Head at Sydney Football Stadium, Driver Ave, Moore Park, Sydney (NSW) Stats:
Total Games: 3
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles wins: 0. [Pts: 18]
Brisbane Broncos wins: 3. [Pts: 64]
Draws: 0

Last 3 games:
1994 J J Giltinan Shield and Winfield Cup - Preliminary Semi-Finals - [View] Sun Sep 4: Broncos 16 d. Sea Eagles 4 [Crowd: 34891]
1993 J J Giltinan Shield and Winfield Cup - Preliminary Semi-Finals - [View] Sun Sep 5: Broncos 36 d. Sea Eagles 10 [Crowd: 38432]
1990 J J Giltinan Shield and Winfield Cup - Semi-finals - [View] Sat Sep 8: Broncos 12 d. Sea Eagles 4 [Crowd: 31424]

Overall record with Shayne Hayne Stats:
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: 39 games, won 26, drawn 0, lost 13.
Last 5 games:
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 25 - [View] Fri: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 18 d. Melbourne Storm 4
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 20 - [View] Sun: Penrith Panthers 8 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 12
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 16 - [View] Mon: St George Illawarra Dragons 24 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 6
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 13 - [View] Sat: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 4 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 38
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 8 - [View] Sat: North Queensland Cowboys 22 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 20

Brisbane Broncos: 38 games, won 24, drawn 0, lost 14.
Last 5 games:
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 24 - [View] Mon: Newcastle Knights 6 l. Brisbane Broncos 26
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 9 - [View] Sat: Brisbane Broncos 22 l. Melbourne Storm 29
2011 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 1 - [View] Fri: Brisbane Broncos 14 l. North Queensland Cowboys 16
2010 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 10 - [View] Fri: Brisbane Broncos 28 d. Gold Coast Titans 6
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Finals Week 3 - [View] Sat: Melbourne Storm 40 d. Brisbane Broncos 10

Head to Head with Shayne Hayne Stats:
Total Games: 2
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles wins: 1.
Brisbane Broncos wins: 1.
Draws: 0

Last 2 games:
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 9 - [View] Sun: Brisbane Broncos 12 l. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 30 [Crowd: 27469]
2006 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 16 - [View] Sun: Sea Eagles 10 l. Broncos 16 [Crowd: 16084]

Sydney Fast Ferries Takes You to the NRL Grand Final

2011 NRL Grand Final Cruise - 2 October 2011

Package includes:
- Manly/Circular Quay to Homebush Bay return
- Bus Transfer from Homebush Bay to
ANZ Stadium and return after game.

- Sausage Sizzle and 1 x free beer or wine
- Departure from Manly Wharf at 1.00pm and
from Circular Quay at 1.30pm.
- Return approximately 10.00pm

$120*per ticket
* does not include entry to NRL Grand Final

Ticket Sales
(02) 9818 6000
onboard ferries, Manly Ticket Booth, online at www.sydneyadventurecruises.com.au

Take the stress and hassle out of travelling with the masses of footy revelers and paying for car parking for the NRL grand final.

Sydney Fast Ferries are offering a return cruise to the NRL Grand final departing from Manly and Circular Quay. There will be a BBQ Sizzle on the top deck as your cruise to Homebush Bay for this years grand final. Enjoy a drink from our licensed bar and kick start your grand final plans with a group of friends.

Private bus transfers have been organized to get your from the wharf straight to ANZ Stadium, no waiting in massive ques to dampen your finals spirit . Take in all the game action at ANZ stadium and enjoy the same private bus transfers back to the wharf where our boats will be waiting to bring you home or drop you off in the city to keeping your celebrations going. After all it is the last long weekend before the festive season.

Sydney Fast Ferries has joined forces with Searock Bar, Circular Quay to offer you free entry and $5 drinks all night at the NRL Grand Final after party.

Call us on (02) 9818 6000 and purchase your tickets TODAY!

NRL link: http://sydneywhalewatchingadventurecruises.com.au/cruises/2011-nrl-grand-final-cruise

State of Origin – Game 2 preview

The biggest game in rugby league is entering the second instalment tonight and for the Blues yet again it is a must win as the New South Welshmen desperately try and keep the State of Origin series alive.

What happened last time?
Game one was the same old story for the most part; Queensland dominated the ruck, possession and the moments that counted.

However, the Blues can take a huge amount of belief from the defensive effort that they put up, particularly in the first 30 minutes. This shows they can stick solid when they put their minds to it.

The Blues also found some space and vulnerability on the Queensland right edge, which they were able to exploit twice.

It can be argued that the Queensland halves were quiet, but the New South Wales halves were a new pairing and took a while to find their feet, with Soward extremely quiet in the first 20-30 minutes.

Who’ll win?
Tonight it is all on the line. It is really do or die for the Blues.

If they want to try and (postpone) the Queensland claim to another series win, I believe this is the side that can keep it close.

We won’t see the same lopsided possession as we saw a few weeks ago in Queensland. The refs need to give the Blues a hand, after some shocking calls last time out.

There is a lot of talk about the difference in the forward pack sizes. There is a big difference with the Blues not having as many big men as Queensland, nor the experience of Queensland’s heavy hitters.

It is a selection risk, one that will either be a flop or a massive reward.

Every man and his dog knows the Blues will be looking for their forwards to play fast football but it’s how the forwards approach the defence that will have a huge impact on this game.

The Blues’ forwards need to match it with the Maroons’ forwards and keep them from making easy metres up the middle of the park.

With the weather set in and the track bound to be wet, despite it’s great drainage, this will play into the Blues hands.

Big men don’t turn as fast as a ballet dancer; more like the Titanic.

I expect to see the Blues move the ball around a bit, inside passes are the key, to keep the Queenslanders turning and slipping.

The Blues halves have an extremely important role to play tonight. Soward barely touched the ball first half of game one, which was not good enough for one of the best tactical and positional kickers in the game.

He grew into his role during the game which is promising.

If Soward can keep kicking early in the set, having Slater, Yow Yeh and Boyd chasing and starting sets from deep in their half.

The Blues back line looked more dangerous than the Maroons for the first time for a while last match. The men coming in look to have the potential to keep this rolling, although the Maroons have brought in Greg Inglis and have kept the faith in their line up.

This isn’t where it’ll be won – it’ll be solely decided on the forwards performance. Whoever makes the least mistakes and plays the smartest positional football will be the winner in this one.

The New South Wales Blues will send this to a Game three blockbuster.